11-Mile Vehicle Pursuit On I-30 Ends With Felony Arrest
An 11-mile vehicle pursuit along Interstate 30 east early Friday morning resulted in a felony arrest and a dog bite, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams reported stopping a Chevrolet Malibu at 12:09 a.m. Jan. 21, 2022, on I-30 east at mile marker 112 for a traffic violation. The driver, 32-year-old Donquese Everett-Young of Brownwood, was determined during a records check to be wanted in Kimble County on three warrants. When Williams attempted to arrest him, Everett-Young drove off in the vehicle, the officer write in arrest reports.
Williams pursued the car along I-30 east to League Street at West Shannon Road (the 123 exit). The driver was detained and taken into custody at 1:51 a.m. with help from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Chiv and his handler. Everett-Young was reportedly treated by Hopkins County EMS for a dog bite. After refusing any additional medical treatment, Everett-Young was transported by a SSPD Officer Thad Cook to the county jail, Williams noted in arrest reports.
Everett-Young was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:18 a.m. Jan. 21, 2022, on an evading arrest with previous conviction charge as well as Kimble County warrants for:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon,
- Possession of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and
- evading arrest with previous conviction charges.
Bond on the Kimble County warrants was recommended at $25,000 on the firearm charge, $25,000 on the controlled substance charge and $10,000 on the evading arrest charge, according to arrest reports. He was issued a warning for no license plate light.
Everett-Young, who is also known by Donqese Jones, Donya Smith, Donquese Young and Donquese Taunnay Young, remained in Hopkins County jail late Friday morning, Jan. 21, 2022, awaiting arraignment and bond on the Hopkins County charge, according to jail records.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
911 Down Due To Service Disruption In Area, Numbers Given To Call For Emergencies
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County are currently having an issue with the 911 systems; 911 systems are down. According to Sulphur Springs Police Department, there is a disruption in the area, resulting in the local 911 system not receiving calls for all carriers.
Until 911 is restored, those seeking assistance should:
- Call 903-439-3719 for emergencies in Sulphur Springs, and
- Call 903-885-2768 for Hopkins County emergencies.
Gale Roberts Honored For Service With Retirement Reception
Gale Roberts was honored Wednesday for her service to the City of Sulphur Springs with a retirement reception held in her honor at city hall.
Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers said it was appropriate the reception drew a great gathering to wish her well in retirement. The service she provided to the city, staff, officials and residents has been invaluable, he noted. Her love for the city of Sulphur Springs has shown daily in her work as city secretary, work she has performed with a servant’s heart to help the community, always showing kindness and lending a helping hand where possible.
Sellers noted what a huge help she has been to him and other mayors in researching and preparing proclamations. The mayor, City Manager Marc Maxwell and Natalie Darrow (who Roberts worked with for several months before swearing her in as the new city secretary on Dec. 7, 2021) prepared a proclamation for Roberts, which Sellers read during Wednesday’s celebration.
The proclamation cited Roberts’ dediation to the City of Sulphur Springs, first working for Johnny Vance, in 1999, and continuing in that role until a brief move 5 years later. She was administered the oath of office as City Secretary on Dec. 7, 2004, a position she has held until her retirement.
During her time with the city, Roberts worked with 11 mayors and 24 different City Council members. Her duties have included preparing agendas, proclamations, and the many exhibits and other documents that go along with them. As city secretary, Roberts too served as the city’s election officer, and administered the oath of office to the new city secretary and city attorney on Dec. 7, 2021.
In addition to her regular duties, Roberts put in the 200-plus hours of schooling and attended eight 2-day seminars required to become a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk, the only university-level professional education program for city clerks and city secretaries In Texas. Roberts was recognized in 2020 at the Annual Texas Municipal Clerks Election Law Seminar in Frisco for completing the program.
When longtime City Secretary Sharon Ricketson gave 2 year’s notice of intended retirement, Maxwell said he had no doubt who he wanted to fill the position — he just had to break the new to Vance and make the official announcement. Unfortunately, Roberts moved out of town. Maxwell said he knew how good she was, so after she’d been away a brief time, he was glad to get her back, with a “lot of arm twisting.”
Gale Roberts, Maxwell noted, has the unique ability to tell someone no and make them like it, which has served her and the city well when communicating with the public. She is also a great judge of character. There aren’t many people she does not like, but when that happens, Maxwell said, he takes notice.
“It has been a joy to help people. I try to treat each person as if they could be my boss some day, and that could happen,” Gale Roberts said. “I’ve made many friends. I enjoy helping people.”
“She’s always had my back,” Maxwell said, adding directly to her, “I can’t thank you enough. I’m going to miss you.”
Roberts, after first offering thanks to her husband and son for their continued support, noted that she has had the privilege of working with many great city council members and other city servants and leaders over the years, and expressed appreciation to all of them.
Roberts too offered special thanks to Maxwell for both putting up with her over the past 17 years and helping her along the way.
“He’s a great ally. It’s great to serve with someone with excellent leadership. It has totally been my pleasure to serve each of you,” Roberts said.
She recalled two of the first tasks she was assigned early on when she began working for Johnny Vance at the city in 1999 – the United Way campaign and being on the Christmas Committee. She said she met a lot of people doing so, and made many fast friends.
She recalled working many long hours with Chris Brown and Brad Burgin, when they served in leadership roles with the city, to change zoning ordinances for the good of the city and later the work when Clay Walker served on the zoning board.
Roberts and Place 4 Councilman Freddie Taylor were both sworn in at the same time, making Taylor the longest tenured councilman serving and Sellers, with all of his years combined has had one of if not the longest stint as mayor. Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar has been a “go-to” person for information and assistance on numerous occasions over the years.
She too extended appreciation to Jim McLeroy, who retired in December after a few decades as city attorney, for his support over the years as well. When the city held the election to determine whether liquor could be sold in Sulphur Springs, more than 3,000 signatures from registered voters were required as part of the process. An attorney challenged whether each presented had been properly vetted. McLeroy jumped in, asking if she had, and when she affirmed she’d done her part, he then proceeded to strongly address the attorney on her behalf, Roberts recalled.
In addition to receiving several vases of flowers and cards, the City of Sulphur Springs presented Roberts with a gift – the specific icemaker she prefers. Maxwell said while some ogle and collect tools, Gale Roberts’ passion is the icemaker.
Guests at the lunch event for the retiring secretary included past and present City Council members, city staff, county officials and community members. A fajita lunch was served for any who attended. Dessert options included multilayered Italian cream, chocolate and strawberry cakes.
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Music Instructor Richard Shanks Introduces Students
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Music Instructor Richard Shanks introduces students in his spring semester class to a variety of musical instruments. The students, from left, are Amber Stribling, Jesilyn Kelley, Ofelia Cabrera, Brisevda Rodriquez and Andrew Simon.
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.
2 Small Children Found Deceased In Burned South Moore Street Home
Investigation Into The Blaze Ongoing
Two small children were found deceased in a South Moore Street home which burned early Thursday morning, according to Sulphur Springs Fire Chief/Marshal David James. Very few details have been released.
Chief James, in a press release issued after 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, stated that Sulphur Springs Fire Department responded at 3:52 a.m. Thursday to a reported structure fire at a South Moore Street residence. The structure was fully engulfed in flames when the units arrived.
“It was later learned that two small children were unable to escape the fire and are deceased. The investigation into the fire is ongoing,” the release from James stated.
No additional details are being released at this time, according to city authorities.
Commissioners Review Tax Abatement Policy, Approve Agricultural License Agreement
Hopkins County Commissioners Court renewed the county’s tax abatement policy. A resolution approving a 5-year updated mitigation action plan and an order authorizing the sale of fireworks for certain observances were also approved by the Commissioners Court during a special court session held Tuesday.
Tax Abatement Policy
Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Executive Director Roger Feagley explained that the legislature requires the tax abatement policy to be looked at and reviewed every 2 years. He asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving the same policy with one exception, with one exception. He recommended eliminating 7-year abatements,
“I’ve been doing this for 16-17 years and we’ve never done one for seven years,” Feagley told the Commissioners Court. “I recommend taking it out of the the chart.”
He referred to the chart listing the 5 and 10-year abatement schedules. A 5-year abatement would start with 100 percent of taxes abated, with the abatement reduced 20 percent each year. For individuals granted a 10-year abatement, the percent of tax abated reduces by 10 percent each year. He said if at some point in the future they ask for the 7-year tax investment schedule arrangements can be made to put it back in.
Tax abatements may be granted to company operations engaged in manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, research and corporate offices. The City may also grant property tax abatements to non-profit industrial funds whose sole purpose is to provide economic development assistance to the overall community.
Abatements may be given on new investment in personal and/or real property which will have in the judgement of the Hopkins County Appraisal District an economic life (depreciation schedule) of at least 10 years, and which must total $500,000 or more. Personal property with a useful life of less than ten years is not eligible for tax abatement.
Each contract must directly tie creation of a specific number of jobs to the abatement. The company applying for abatement shall agree as a condition of receiving an abatement to create at least fifteen new full time jobs which shall continue for at least 10 years.
If the company fails to provide all the jobs stipulated in the contract, the abatement for that year will be reduced by the percentage of those jobs not created. However, that number cannot fall below 15. Each year, to be given credit for that year, each job must be in place and filled for longer than 8 months of the immediately preceding 12-month period.
In special situations where an industry must significantly retool to be competitive, abatements for job retention may be considered. However, it must be demonstrated that the nature of production and/or operations have changed in the industry whereby those jobs to be retained must be in significant danger of being lost to Sulphur Springs.
By Dec. 31 of each year, the company receiving the tax abatement must submit to the EDC certification of compliance with the terms of the abatement agreement, including a Texas Workforce Commission Unemployment Insurance Quarterly Tax Report for the third quarter of the reporting year, reflecting the total employment, to show compliance with the employment requirement.
The Commissioners Court approved the tax abatement policy as recommended.
Mitigation Action Plan
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley said he and other county personnel have worked for the past year to get caught up updating the 5-year mitigation action plan. The county was behind in getting the plan updated before it expires. It has been completed with help from Ark-Tex Council of Governments personnel, sent through Texas Department of Emergency Management and now has to be approved by FEMA. Once approved by the court and the federal agency, the plan will be official.
The plan is used by the cities of Como, Cumby and Sulphur Springs as well as the county, and must jointly adopt and approve the 5-year updated mitigation action plan. The county judge and mayors for those municipalities also are charged with appointing a hazard mitigation coordinator to coordinate all aspects of the updated and revised mitigation action plan, including reviewing and maintenance of the plan for hte county and cities within it.
The plan is important when cities or the county apply for certain grants. If grants have been awarded and the plan is not approved, the entity receiving the award could be required to pay any money already distributed back, Newsom explained.
Endsley serves as the county’s hazardous mitigation coordinator. He said the plan is to begin working on the plan and updating it 1 1/2 year before the 5-year plan ends.
]The Commissioners Court approved a resolution recognizing the need for and approved the plan.
Ag Agreement
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin reported he’d paid the $2 annual fixed license fee to the City of Sulphur Springs last week for use of land to procure sand to be mixed with oil and used on county roads. Sulphur Springs City Council approved the agricultural license agreement for the old Thermo mine property, now owned by the City of Sulphur Springs, at the regular January 2022 council meeting.
County Judge Robert Newsom noted that the use of the property for that purpose is a longstanding one for the county. The mine company allowed the county to use the property for the sand when it was in operation and use as a coal mine, and the city has continued to approve the agreement annually taking ownership of the mine.
“It allows our county roads to be better than they would be. By far, we would not be able to do what we do without that sand. We appreciate the City of Sulphur Springs working with us on this,” Newsom said.
Anglin then made a motion, which was seconded by Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker, to approve the agreement. The motion received full approval of the Commissioners Court.
Fireworks
The Commissioners Court also approved an order authorizing the sale of fireworks for Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day and Memorial Day 2022 in accordance with Section 2154.202(H) of the Occupations Code. New Year’s Day and Independence Day are automatic, according to Newsom.
TAC Updates
Rita Koches, former Van Zandt County judge, with Texas Association of Counties presented commissioners and the judge with bags of information and goodies. She noted the Newsom is a member of the TAC core legislative group, a group that the legislative department calls on to notify their legislators of a pending bill, whether it’s good or bad, etc.
Koches noted that nominations are now being accepted for the county best practices award and encouraged the Commissioners Court to submit recommendations if they know of any project in the county that is unique, different or able to be duplicated in another county. She said it’s a good time to let people know about things that are going on in the county.
TAC Boards, she noted, are made up of elected officials from around the state, such as the Commissioners Court.
The TAC Board that oversees the entire operation recently determined that it is in the best interest of counties to allow the TAC print shop to open to counties for banners and brochures and things of that nature.
TAC planning calendars are also available for those who have not already obtained them.
The TAC legal department since the close of the last Legislative session, has worked on having a page on the state website where each county’s statutes can be viewed. They are population bracketed, which could be a huge time saver, Koches said.
The packets she provided also include updated TAC contacts, including who to contact in the legal department.
“I will remind you TAC has a legal department. It has 5 or 6 attorneys waiting to take your questions at any time. Take advantage of that. Your county attorney and your district attorney advises you, but occasionally you just personally question about something in your particular department of division, it’s an opportunity to get an outside opinion maybe,” Koches said.
She said TAC risk management consultants can advise on safety and issues that are available in your county. HR consultants are there to help if, for example, a county needs to issue a letter or reprimand or termination, of just to talk things out sometimes.
“I do want to tell you that regardless what you hear about Travis County being shut down in stage whatever they are in today, TAC is open for business every day. We may be spread out a little bit more than we were in the past. They are open for the business to reach somebody. The consultants, the county relations officers are out on the roads calling on counties. Business is going on as usual,” Kotches said.
She too noted several conferences coming up that provide training opportunities for county officials to get required CEUs.
Koches planned to be in other county offices, visiting with other county officials throughout the day Tuesday.
Other Business
Farmers Electric Cooperative Inc.’s request to be allowed to construct electrical power distribution facilities across County Road 3536, north of County Road 3532 in Precinct 3 was approved along with the minutes for the Jan. 10 regular court meeting and work session, as part of the Jan. 18 consent agenda. Precinct 3 Commission Wade Bartley advised he’d reviewed the FEC request and recommended approval.
A full exemption for a racial profiling report for Precinct 2 Constable John Beadle was noted and entered into the record.
The Commissioners Court then at 9:25 a.m. entered into an executive session to discuss personnel, citing Government Code 551.0274. Newsom said there would be not action taken afterward regarding the personnel matter discussed.
Both Soccer Squads Up On Thursday Game Day
Both soccer teams begin their final tournaments of their winter seasons.
Wildcats soccer have their first day of action in Terrell for the Winter classic.
Thursday, Jan. 20 has Coach Alexi Upton’s squad on the pitch at 9:30 A.M. taking on Kilgore.
Men’s soccer has two more games in the winter tournament, on Friday, Jan. 21 versus Paris at 2 P.M. and wrap up against Sunnyvale on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 12:30 P.M.
Sulphur Springs was originally slated to host Highland Park Tuesday but that match was cancelled. With that, only these three tournament matches and a Tuesday road-match remain between district play when it begins for men’s soccer next Friday.
Coach Upton’s squad looks to finish off their pre-season right by getting some wins in Terrell starting today, Jan. 20 at 9:30 A.M. against Kilgore.
Women’s soccer are also locked in for their third and final tournament, taking place in Longview at the Lady Lobo Showcase.
Thursday, Jan. 20 has Coach Javier Aguayo’s squad taking on Red Oak at 3 P.M.
Friday’s match against Nacogdoches has a similar 3 P.M. start time, while the tourney finale for women’s soccer kicks off at 5 P.M. with Kilgore.
Sulphur Springs enters their third tournament sporting a 2-4-1 record in pre-season play.
Coach Aguayo’s team was originally slated to travel to Tyler to take on the Lady Lions but that game was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.
After participating in the Lady Lobo Showcase this weekend, Lady Cats soccer is back at home for their pre-season finale on Tuesday hosting North Lamar.
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.
Donating To Veterans Memorial
This “Wall That Heals” bench was donated to the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial by Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op Wednesday afternoon. This bench was made by the SSHS Ag Mechanics class for the SSHS FFA Auction held last fall and purchased by Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op.
Pickton Man Dies From Injuries Sustained In FM 3019 Crash Tuesday
A 35-year-old Pickton man has died from injuries sustained in a crash on FM 3019, 7 miles north of Winnsboro Tuesday morning, according to crash reports.
David Rivers was reported to have been driving a 2005 Chevrolet C1500 north on FM 3019 at 8:15 a.m. Jan. 18, 2022, about seven miles north of Winnsboro, when the crash occurred, according to DPS accident reports.
“The vehicle was attempting to pass another vehicle when it lost control and rolled over multiple times. The driver was not secured with a seat belt and was ejected,” Texas Department of Public Safety Media Communications Sgt. Gregg Williams reported.
Rivers was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries, Williams reported.
The FM 3019 crash, investigated by DPS Highway Patrol Trooper Arturo Ugalde, remains under investigation, with additional details to be released when and if they become available, according to Williams.
Lady Cats Basketball Loses at Home to Mount Pleasant, 69-18
Women’s basketball had a tough time against Mount Pleasant, falling to the Lady Tigers 69-18 on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Mount Pleasant full court-pressed the Lady Cats from the opening jump and Sulphur Springs did not respond well, scoring four points in the first as Coach Delley’s squad trailed 21-4 heading in to the second quarter.
Scoring opened in the second for the women’s basketball team, putting up 11 points against the Lady Tigers.
For the second straight quarter though, Mount Pleasant scored 21 points to take a huge 42-15 lead heading in to half time. Sulphur Springs attempted to claw their way back in to the game, but could only score a three-pointer from Jasmine Taylor in the fourth quarter.
Undefeated Mount Pleasant (6-0 district) cruised to a 69-18 win over the Lady Cats in Sulphur Springs on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Freshman Trinity Jefferson lead thew way in scoring for the Lady Cats with six. Jasmine Taylor got four and both Jolee Wilson and Kaylee Carter finished the game with a three.
Addyson Wall rounded out scoring with a field goal in the second.
The loss drops the women’s basketball team’s record to 4-22 (2-5 district).
Next up, the Lady Cats are back on the road taking the trip east on I-30 to take on Texas High on Friday.
That game tips-off Friday, Jan. 21 in Texarkana at 6:15 P.M.
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.
