Drunk and Impaired Driving Involved in Nearly One Quarter of all Holiday Traffic Deaths
DRUNK AND IMPAIRED DRIVING INVOLVED IN NEARLY ONE QUARTER OF ALL HOLIDAY TRAFFIC DEATHS
TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign urges Texans to celebrate the holidays without driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Dec. 20, 2021
AUSTIN– A night of drinking at a friend’s house for Richie Griffin in Austin led to the holidays spent in the court system after he crashed into a home when he got behind the wheel drunk. This is just one of many stories that highlight the costly and tragic consequences of driving under the influence. This holiday season, TxDOT wants to remind Texans to always find a sober ride.
Throughout December, TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign will host events across the state featuring video testimonials of Texans like Griffin who deal with the daily consequences of drunk driving, either as an offender or survivor. These powerful stories and drunk driving facts can be found at SoberRides.org.
“It is our hope that these moving, first-hand accounts will encourage all of us to make the right choice and not ever drive after drinking or doing anything that can alter our judgment,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. ”We don’t want to turn a happy time of year into one that could be marked by tragic loss caused by someone’s poor decision to drink and drive.”
There were 2,462 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes in Texas during the holiday season of December 1, 2020 through January 1, 2021. Those crashes killed 93 people and seriously injured another 215.
Drinking and driving is 100% preventable and can have serious physical, emotional and financial consequences that can last for years. A DWI can hurt or kill someone, devastating the lives of victims and survivors forever. It can also cause significant and expensive legal issues, create difficulty finding or keeping a job and bring a lifetime of regret.
There are many sober ride options available. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, use a rideshare service, stay put, call a friend or family member, or use mass transit to ensure you don’t drive impaired.
The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Oct. 22, 2021.
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Lady Cats Basketball Loses in Marshall, 56-19
The women’s basketball team lost their third district game in Marshall 56-19 on Monday, Dec. 20.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad could not keep up with the high-flying Lady Mavs.
Marshall outscored Sulphur Springs 30-10 in the first half.
With the game and victory on the line, the Lady Cats were only able to put in two baskets in the third quarter.
Marshall took control from there as they led 45-14 heading in to the fourth.
Sulphur Springs fought until the final whistle, as even though the game was already out of reach the Lady Cats were only outscored only by six in the fourth.
The loss drops the women’s basketball team’s season record to 0-17.
With Monday’s loss Sulphur Springs dropped their third straight district contest, now sitting at 0-3 after the first quarter of the district season.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad takes the rest of the week off before taking part in their final tournament next week in Kaufman.
The third and final tourney for Sulphur Springs takes place the Monday and Tuesday following Christmas on Dec. 27-28.
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.
A Year In Review: 2021 Livestock And Forage
By Dr. Mario Villarino, CEA-Ag/NR, [email protected]
Relevance
Livestock and forage production are a 3.96 billion dollars industry in the Central Region. Livestock and forage enterprises are affected by climate and market variability. Hopkins County currently has more than 100,000 head of cattle with 27,000 head of dairy cattle. Due to environmental requirements of federal and state authorities, Hopkins County dairy operators must maintain environmental requirements for operation.
Response
This plan collaborated with dairy (Dairy Farmers of America, Southwest Dairy Museum) and beef organizations (NETBIO) to determine and conduct educational efforts needed for the successful operation of livestock farms and ranches. This plan had the goal of providing educational experiences to 350 beef producers, 150 private applicators, 60 dairy producers and 60 landowner seeking private applicator accreditation.
The plan included the following activities:
- Hopkins-Rains Hay Show (with Soil Conservation Board).
- Saltillo Hay Show (with Saltillo FFA).
- Field Day for Producers and Grasslands Managers (20 Participants).
- 4 New Pesticide Applicators Trainings (quarterly).
- Cattle Trail in Beef Day (76 Participants).
- Dairy Outreach Fall Conference (13 Participants).
- Pesticide Private Applicator CEU (82 Participants).
- 34 Press releases (digital and printed media).
- Result Demonstration in pre-conditioning of beef cattle.
- 1,255 Telephone consultations.
- 357 Site visits.
Evaluation Strategy
Retrospective post evaluation surveys were utilized to measure knowledge gain and adoptions of best practices for the evaluated programs.
- 100% (13/13) participants completed the evaluation for the Dairy Outreach Fall Conference.
- 95% (19/20) participants completed the evaluation survey for Field Day for Producers and Grasslands Managers.
- 85% (70/82) participants completed the evaluation survey for Pesticide Private Applicator CEU.
Results
- 2021 Field Day for Producers and Grasslands Managers
- 95% (18/19) indicated an economic benefit of managing grasslands.
- 90% (17/19) learned the role of pastures for upland birds.
- 79% (15/19) indicated an environmental benefit for managing grasslands.
- 74% (14/19) Indicated increase learning in rotational grazing.
- 72% (13/19) learned proper water management in grasslands.
- 72% (13/19) learned new methods of grass utilization.
- 2021 Cattle Trail
- 99% (75/76) have a better understanding of the value of beef ranchers in their daily life.
- 97% (74/76) have a better understanding of the path beef takes to get to the consumer’s plate.
- 2021 Dairy Outreach Fall Conference
- 92% (12/13) indicated an increase in understanding on at least one program item.
- 85% (11/13) indicated an increase in understanding of fly control in manure.
- 85% (11/13) indicated an increased in understanding the importance of beef on dairy to improve value of calves.
- 69% (9/13) indicated an increase in understanding of manure management technology.
- 78% (7/9) indicated intention to adopt fly control strategies in dairy systems.
- 73% (8/11) indicated intention to adopt practices to improve the value of calves.
- 67% (6/9) indicated intention to adopt environmental stewardship practices.
- 62% (8/11) indicated intention to adopt manure management strategies.
- 2021 Pesticide Private Applicator CEU
- 87% (52/70) learned the biology and control of armyworms (38% knowledge increase).
- 85% (51/70) learned better ways to calibrate a sprayer (40% knowledge increase).
- 82% (50/70) learned the impact of soil fertility in herbicide treatment programs (38% knowledge increase).
- 80% (49/70) learned the history of integrated pest management (36% knowledge increase).
- 70% (42/70) learned new laws and regulations (28% knowledge increase).
For more information, contact Dr. Mario Villarino, CEA Ag/NR, Hopkins County, at 903-885-3443 or [email protected].
Extension programs of Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas.
Tuesday Game Day Has Wildcats Basketball and Soccer in Action
Tuesday game day on Dec. 21, 2021 has Wildcats basketball in their district-opener at home and men’s soccer in the DFW metroplex taking on McKinney North.
Men’s basketball are all too ready to get their first district game under their belts as they host an always tough Marshall squad in the SSHS Main Gym.
Coach Shaver and his team come in to Tuesday’s home district-opener with a 14-5 record and hope to win against Marshall and continue their dominance at home before their final tournament on the season next week in Allen.
The men’s basketball team is 4-0 at home in the SSHS Main Gym.
Tuesday’s match-up with the Mavericks is a mid-afternoon one at 3:30 P.M. Freshmen and JV precede Coach Shaver’s varsity team at 1 P.M. and 2:15 P.M. respectively.
Tuesday’s district opener with Marshall will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM.
If given permission we will also livestream the game on to KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
Moving over to soccer, the Wildcats are in the DFW metroplex taking on McKinney North.
Coach Alexi Upton’s squad are all too ready to get back on the pitch after having a week off.
Sulphur Springs was originally scheduled to travel to Carrolton’s RL Turner last Friday, but a cancellation last week meant the Wildcats were without an opponent, taking the forfeit win over RL Turner.
Now, the men’s soccer team are 4-0-1 with the forfeit win, and look to get a fifth win in six games of scrimmage play if they can beat a tough McKinney North team.
Unlike men’s basketball, Wildcats soccer have a regular start time of 7:15 P.M.
JV and freshmen kick-off at 4 and 5:30 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.
Zoning Change For West Industrial Drive Property Recommended
A zoning change for a West Industrial Drive property is being recommended by the City of Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Commission. The request, made by owner John Heilman, to change the parcel from heavy commercial to light industrial so that it can be sold for potential development received approval of the P&Z Commission Monday evening and must now be approved by Sulphur Springs City Council.
The 0.97-acre parcel at 1381 West Industrial is next to another parcel Heilman owns, but is zoned differently. Heilman said he’s been approached by a few business people interested in purchasing the land for different uses, including for a QuikTrip travel center and a water park like the one in Canton. Both parcels would be needed for potential projects. He filed the appropriate application to request the change of the smaller property from heavy commercial to light industrial so that it can be platted for sale.
Two letters were sent to the property owners within 200 feet of the property, with a 200 feet radius as required. Heilman, who owns the adjoining 7.4 acres which is already zoned light industrial, was the only property owner to submit a response to the certified letter.
The property in question is surrounded by property zoned heavy commercial to the north, light commercial to the east and Texas Department of Transportation right-of-way to the south and west. Light industrial zoning would be consistent with the existing zoning designations at that interchange, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski said.
The land use plan references both commercial and industrial development in the same section along the Interstate 30 frontage road in that area. The land use plan allows several commercial uses within the light industrial zoning district, Niewiadomski said.
Heilman said if it’s developed by QuikTrip, the representative he spoke with indicated while a travel center at the location would sell fuel to 18-wheelers, it would not have overnight truck parking.
Niewiadomski said city staff after reviewing the request recommended approving the request. P&Z Commission member Craig English made the motion to approve the request as recommended by city staff, with member Pat Chase seconding the motion, and Chuck Sickles and Tommy Harrison also giving approval. The request is being recommended to the City Council; the zoning request is anticipated to be on the Jan. 4, 2022, Sulphur Springs City Council agenda for consideration..
Also during the meeting, Niewiadomski officially introduced the Nate Smith to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Smith was administered the oath of office as City Attorney during the Dec. 7, 2021 City Council meeting,
Give Blood Dec. 22, Receive Amazon E-Gift Card, Fleece Blanket, And Enter Car Giveaway
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Give the Gift of Blood Donation
The next few weeks are very critical to the blood bank, as blood donations tend to decrease around the holidays. Not only is blood needed for patients who receive blood regularly, but to also prepare for the trauma cases that will present to the ER in the next couple of weeks.
Carter BloodCare Bus will be on site in the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs parking lot on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Every donor will receive a $10 Amazon e-gift card, a fleece blanket, and will be entered into a car giveaway.
Flu Shots: Do not Delay, Get Yours Today!
Flu shots are available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 105 Medical Plaza. We welcome walk-ins or by appointment; to schedule call 903.885.3181.
Holiday Closings
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinics will be closed December 24 and December 31.
CHRISTUS Trinity Urgent Care will be closed on December 23, 24, and 31.
COVID Vaccine Clinics:
There will be NO COVID Vaccine Clinic on December 24 or 31, due to the holidays.
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.
- Minor-age visitors must be accompanied by an adult, 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)
- Types of Visitors:
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It is an honor and a privilege to serve this community. We look forward to 2022 and continuing our mission of ‘extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
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
Several Youth Participate in the “Wreaths Across America” Local Project to ‘Remember, Honor and Teach’ December 18 in City Cemetery, 8 Others
The wet and windy morning did not deter participation in the annual Wreaths Across America commemoration event in Sulphur Springs City Cemetery and Mel Haven Cemetery on Saturday December 18, 2021. In fact, more than 800 hundred wreaths were placed by volunteers upon the marked graves of veterans within the vast cemetery in an amazingly short period of time. Other Hopkins County cemeteries which held observances were Black Oak, Gaffords Chapel, Shooks Chapel, Pickton, Winterfield, Greenview and Union Cemeteries plus Old Saltillo Cemetery.
2021 is the fourth year of Hopkins County participation in the nationwide Wreaths Across America at City Cemetery, and the first year that the event was begun indoors. Due to weather, participants gathered inside the Myra Wilson Chapel for the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer and explanation of the “Remember, Honor and Teach” mission. Following the placing of wreaths onto stands representing each branch of the military including the most newly-added branch, participants moved outdoors. The identical live fir wreaths, each with a brilliant red bow, had been stacked in stations around the cemetery, and volunteers simply took armfuls and went in search of the flags marking the graves of veterans. At each grave, a solemn moment was observed. Setting their burden down, one wreath was selected, placed lovingly onto the grave marker and the soldier’s name spoken aloud, adding ‘thank you for your service’ or other meaningful honor. Families with children had the opportunity to teach by guiding their young ones in the process, and answering questions about the meaning of the day of remembrance in the local cemetery. Also, several children and youth served roles during the public ceremony held indoors.
who was also an early business leader in Sulphur Springs was honored with a wreath at his grave marker in City Cemetery, along with hundreds of other veteran gravesites
The 11am ceremony was opened with a prayer led by local veteran Gordon Payne, the Pledge of Allegiance led by young Heidi Northcutt, the National Anthem sung by Alina Tatum, and a Welcome given by Hon. Eddie Northcutt, 8th Judicial District Judge of Hopkins County. Next was the placing of wreaths representing various branches of service. Jakson Medelline of SSHS band closed the ceremony with taps.
You can view the Chan 18TV video of the event on KSST Youtube. From organizer Dena Loyd, a thank you is sent out to all the donors and volunteers who support Wreaths Across America at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery. To donate or make contact, please go online to wreathsacrossamerica.org/TX0613. The TX0613 is essential to direct donations to the local fund. Or contact Dena Loyd at [email protected] for additional information.
Corps League Detachment joined the attendees
Information From the Welding Program Testing at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
WELDING TEST
Dallas Edwards, right, a night structural student in the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding program, is completing his 3G SMAW welding test. His work is being inspected by Certified Welding Inspector Danny Rejda.
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.
It’s Cedar Fever Season In Texas
Cedar fever season is upon us once again, complete with runny noses, itchy eyes and general misery. But what exactly is cedar fever, and why is it so insufferable this time of year?
For starters, cedar fever isn’t a flu or a virus – it is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by mountain cedar trees. In Texas, the predominant species of mountain cedar is the Ashe juniper.
“Cedar fever is the worst west of I-35, where you have primarily juniper mixed in with oaks and some other species,” said Jonathan Motsinger, Texas A&M Forest Service Central Texas Operations Department Head. “And because all of those junipers are producing pollen at the same time, you’re going to get a higher concentration of pollen in the air.”
This is one of the primary factors contributing to cedar fever – the sheer quantity and density of Ashe junipers in central Texas. According to Karl Flocke, a woodland ecologist for Texas A&M Forest Service, the pollen from Ashe junipers isn’t particularly allergenic or harmful – it’s just so concentrated that, even if you aren’t generally susceptible to allergies, it could still affect you.
“There are millions of junipers out there all releasing pollen at the same time,” said Flocke, “you can’t help but breathe it in, and when you do, your body reacts as it would to any perceived threat – it tries to fight it.”
Since the pollen is spread by the wind, cedar fever can affect individuals far removed from areas with a high concentration of juniper trees. And the source isn’t limited to Ashe junipers: in more eastern parts of the state, there are also eastern redcedars that pollinate around the same time and can induce a similar response from people’s auto-immune systems.
Besides the sheer quantity of pollen released, cedar fever is mostly problematic because of when the pollen is released. Most trees pollinate in the spring when many are expecting to have allergies. Ragweed pollen and mold spores can contribute to allergies in the fall, but very few plants pollinate during the winter. Juniper trees are the exception.
These trees typically begin producing pollen in mid-December, often triggered by colder weather or the passage of a Texas cold front. Pollen production reaches its peak in mid-January, before slowly tapering off toward the beginning of March, just in time for oak pollen and other spring allergens to start up.
“Immediately before and after a cold front it gets very dry and windy and the pressure changes very rapidly,” said Flocke. “This triggers the opening of pollen cones and the release of the pollen grains. When you see the pollen billowing off a tree that has just ‘popped,’ or opened its cones, it looks very similar to smoke coming from a wildfire.”
While this creates for some fascinating imagery, it can also lead to some serious misery. For people new to the central Texas region, or unfamiliar with cedar fever as a whole, it can also lead to confusion since the pollination period of mountain cedar trees is smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season – or a global pandemic. It’s not uncommon for people experiencing cedar fever to mistake their symptoms as a cold or the seasonal flu, especially given the variety of symptoms triggered by cedar fever. These include fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, partial loss of smell and – believe it or not – some people actually do run a slight fever. However, if your fever is higher than 101.5°F, then pollen likely isn’t the cause.
There are a few symptoms of cedar fever that are not linked to coronavirus or the flu though, like itchy, watery eyes, blocked nasal passages and sneezing. But there is one symptom that, according to Flocke, should steer you clear.
“Typically, mucous from allergies is clear and runny while other infections lead to thicker colored mucous,” Flocke said.
You can treat cedar fever by taking allergy medications and antihistamines, but you should consult with your physician or health care professional before taking new medications. You can also try and anticipate the pollen by tuning in to your local news station, many of which will give you the pollen count and can predict when it’s going to be a particular pollen heavy day. On those days, it’s smart to keep windows and doors closed, to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors and to change air conditioning filters in your car and in your home.
Removing juniper trees from your property isn’t recommended primarily because the pollen is airborne and—since they often wait to release their pollen until it’s cold, dry and windy—that pollen can blow for miles. It’s also important to note that only male juniper trees release pollen.
“The male trees have pollen cones, and the female trees have berry-like cones, which are very inconspicuous, but that’s what is pollenated from the male trees,” said Motsinger.
While junipers are notorious for releasing their fever-inducing allergens, they also have immense health benefits. Their berries, for instance, are used to make medicines and oils that can treat a variety of ailments, from an upset stomach to a snake bite. They are also high in nutrition and vitamins, providing a sustainable source of food for wildlife and soil enrichment, and they grow in a terrain that isn’t particularly hospitable to other species of tree. Most importantly, though, they provide the mental, physical and environmental health benefits of trees and forests everywhere.
Ultimately, mountain cedars are really only singled out for the unusual time of year in which they pollinate.
“Many trees rely on airborne pollination,” explained Flocke. “In other parts of the country folks suffer from pine or elm allergies. Here in the springtime, there is so much oak pollen collecting on surfaces that I have to wash my car’s windshield daily just to see out of it.”
While cedar fever might sound and seem particularly hostile, Ashe junipers are really just a species like any other, feeling out the conditions and waiting for the perfect moment to release their pollen in order to set their offspring up for success come springtime.
For more information about how to identify Ashe junipers and/or eastern redcedars in your own backyard, check out the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Texas Tree ID webpage or the My Tree ID mobile app. You can also see the distribution of junipers across the state via our Forest Distribution App, which can identify the distribution of native tree species across the state of Texas.
Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:
Karl Flocke, Woodland Ecologist, [email protected], (512) 339-7807
Jonathan Motsinger, Central Texas Operations Department Head, [email protected], (512) 339-6548
Communications Office, [email protected], (979) 458-6649
Editors’ note: This article was adapted from Cedar Fever Explained written by Stephen O’Shea. Visit https://bit.ly/3cjGHyD for more.
Altercation Between Brothers Concludes With One Shooting The Other
A County Road 1176 altercation between brothers concluded with one shooting the other in the leg Sunday night, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators dispatched deputies at 7:19 p.m. Dec. 19, 2021, to what was reported as a shooting on 1176. Sgt. Scott Davis, and Deputies Justin Wilkerson, Isaac Foley, Zach Steward and Thomas Patterson responded.
Upon arrival, the deputies contracted one brother, identified as Samuel James Wright, inside and found the other on his bedroom floor. The second brother was in a pool of blood with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his left leg. Deputies applied tourniquets to staunch the bleeding until EMS arrived to take over medical care of the injured brother. The injured man was reportedly transported to an area trauma center for treatment.
Meanwhile, the injured man’s 59-year-old brother, was detained for further investigation. Samuel James Wright reported a verbal altercation escalated with his brother hitting him in the nose. Wright told deputies he then told his brother he was going to shoot him, retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun from his bedroom, followed his brother down the hall from the living room to the brother’s bedroom. He aimed the firearm at his brother, who was sitting on the edge of his bed, and discharged it. Wright said he then hid the shotgun under the living room couch, where he sat waiting until deputies arrived.
Deputies transported Samuel James Wright to the county jail, where he spoke with investigators. He allegedly openly admitted to shooting his brother with the shotgun in the the brother’s bedroom. Evidence collected at the CR 1176 residence was consistent with the man’s account of the incident.
Consequently, Samuel Wright was booked into Hopkins County jail at 10:50 p.m. Dec. 19, 2021, on a first degree felony aggravated assault of a family or household member with a weapon. Wright, who is also known by the aliases Samuel Lee Perry, Samuel Lee Wright, Adolph P. Walters and Tiger Wright, remained in the county jail Monday morning, Dec. 20, 2021 on the charge.
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.
