More Hopkins County COVID-19 Cases Reported During The Last 2 Weeks Than June and July Combined
Another Hopkins County Resident Confirmed To Have Died From Coronavirus
Coronavirus cases continue to surge, with more new COVID-19 cases reported among Hopkins County residents during the last 2 weeks than during June and July combined. Two of the 461 Hopkins County residents who’ve had COVID during the last 2 weeks were confirmed by death certificate to have died as a result of the virus; the most recent COVID death was one of new 400 Texas COVID fatalities reported Friday by Texas Department of State Health Services.
The two most recent COVID deaths occurred on Monday, Aug. 30, a day in which only one new lab-confirmed COVID case and three recoveries were reported, and on Wednesday, Sept. 1, a day in which 60 new COVID cases and 17 recoveries were reported. This followed 11 additional COVID deaths earlier in the month of August, after two months with no COVID deaths and only 385 new cases reported. In fact, the 461 new COVID cases recorded from Aug. 29-Sept. 11 are more than March, April, May and June combine; only 402 new cases were reported in Hopkins County residents from March 1 to June 30, 2021.
To give perspective on the number of cases, there were only 461 COVID-19 cases total from March 21 to Oct. 14, 2020, 7 months; so far this month, 386 new cases were reported, and 449 in the last 2 weeks (Aug. 29-Sept. 110), and, there were 479 active COVID-19 cases as of 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. At the beginning of August, 108 Hopkins County residents had the virus. On Sept. 1, there were 368 active cases, and that number had climbed to 403 on Sept. 3, reached 412 on Sept. 7, 433 active cases on Sept. 8, 444 on Thursday, 461 Friday and 479 Saturday. Overall, that’s an average of 385 active COVID cases daily in Hopkins County last week and 431 this week.
Last week, 161 new lab-confirmed cases were reported. That number grew by 131 this week, including 14 new molecular cases on Saturday, for a total of 292 lab-confirmed cases of the virus over the last 2 weeks, 231 during the first 11 days of September 2021.
Cumulatively, there have been 1,581 lab-confirmed COVID cases among Hopkins County residents in 2021, and 2,660 since March 21, 2020, when Hopkins County Emergency Management officials were first notified county residents had been screened for the virus and were awaiting their test results. The first Hopkins County case was reported on March 27, 2020.
An additional 169 Hopkins County residents have been reported as “probable” COVID-19 cases in the past 2 weeks, 60 last week and 96 this week, including 20 new probable cases on Saturday. That’s a total of 2,082 probable COVID cases reported since the state began tracking them last fall, including 965 in 2021, 156 of them so far this month.
Combined, that’s 461 new cases of COVID-19 reported for Hopkins County in the past 2 weeks, 386 since Sept. 1 and 34 new cases on Saturday, and 4,742 COVID cases since the pandemic began. By comparison, 290 Hopkins County residents have recovered from the virus in the last 2 weeks, 230 of them since Sept. 1, including 56 on Friday and 16 on Saturday. Cumulatively, there have been 2,083 virus recoveries in 2021, and 4,126 since the pandemic began.
That means, September could be the worst month yet as far a new and active virus case counts go. September is on track to surpass August, when a total of 571 new COVID-19 cases were reported, and as many as 324 active cases at the end of the month.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of September 13, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Sept. 13, 2021. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road near West Staples Street and transitions back to the existing mainlanes near West Cherry Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Center Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Center Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. To detour, eastbound Center Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Park Avenue, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Houston Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Center Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyVQ6rYNhM
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Center Street closure at US 75: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIMoHaqAFGg
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing main lanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between North Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews perform bridge construction. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on bridge construction and construction of new frontage road lanes.
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (# 643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct the new roadway pavement. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform striping work and temporary widening of the pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 131, Grayson County: in Sherman at the Northcreek Drive intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
US 69, Grayson County: in Bells at the FM 1897 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876), Grayson County: Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876) is closed to through traffic at the branch of Pilot Grove Creek so that construction crews can remove and replace the bridge. Local traffic will need to use an alternate roadway such as Brewer Road or County Road 534.
US 69/US 75, Grayson County: at the Red River bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to upgrade and replace the existing bridge railing on the bridge and guardrail approaches on the northbound and southbound bridges at the Red River. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have shifted traffic to provide room for construction.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to a portion of the new concrete pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 902, Grayson County: from the Cooke County line to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 902, Grayson County: from SH 5 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from SH 56 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
Business US 377C, Grayson County: in Collinsville. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
Business US 377D, Grayson County: in Tioga. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement for the entirety of the project from the Lamar County line to SH 121. Eastbound traffic between SH 121 and the Lamar County line has been opened to two lanes. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 68, Fannin County: from SH 78 to SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade perform base repairs on the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
FM 71, Hopkins County: From FM 3236 to Sulphur Bluff. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform striping operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
US 271 at Loop 286 interchange, Lamar County: Watch for lane and ramp closures while final work is being performed.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has been forming and pouring concrete drainage structures on FM 1564. The contractor is working on culverts and safety end treatments on FM 1564 and will be placing chevrons on FM 1570, FM 751 and FM 36.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared the right-of-way. Preliminary embankment, excavation, and bridge work has begun with all shafts being completed. This work should not affect existing traffic on SH 34 or SH 276. Roadway construction affecting closures on Spur 264 has begun, this work will affect through-traffic between Meyers Avenue to County Road 2304. Weekend work is to be expected. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has begun mile five of this seven-mile project and is currently reworking the subgrade and bringing in flex base, placing geogrid and compacting areas for roadway rehabilitation and widening. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor has finished placing project striping and will begin working on final punch list items. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay on SH 66 from FM 1579 to Caddo Mills and sweeping the roadway for the Cotton Patch Bike Race. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on I-30 and guard rail repair at various locations around Hunt County.
Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing patching work on SH 276 from US 69 to 2-Mile Bridge and sweeping the roadway for the Cotton Patch Bike Race. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operation on various roadways. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Local Officers Made A Dozen Controlled Substance And Related Arrests The Week of Sept. 4-10, 2021
Local law enforcement officers made a dozen controlled substance and related arrests the week of Sept. 4-10, 2021, including an Arkansas man found sleeping in his car, music blaring, with suspected controlled substances, a large sum of cash and at least one fake $100-bill; and several instances in which more than one person was taken into custody following contact with officers, according to sheriff’s office and police reports.
South Davis Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Joe Scott and Lt. Mark Estes reported stopping a blue Lexus in the 1100 bock of South Davis Street at 4:49 p.m. Sept. 9, 2021, after the driver failed to signal 100 feet prior to a turn. Upon contact with driver Steven Derek Hanson, the officers noted both he and the passenger showed signs of nervousness.
Hanson allegedly admitted to having methamphetamine in the sedan. A search revealed the 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man had told the truth: they found about 2.7 grams of methamphetamine in the car, along with syringes and a scale. Hanson was taken into custody and transported to the county jail, where he was charged with possession of gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. A drug-free zone enhancement was added to the charge, as the arrest occurred less than 1,000 feet from a child care facility.
He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday evening, Sept. 10, 2021. His bond was set at $10,000 on the controlled substance charge. He also was held on without bond for violation of parole.
Hopkins County jail records show Sept. 9, 2021, was the second time Hanson has been charged with violation of parole, and third time he’s been booked into Hopkins County jail on a controlled substance charge. He was jailed Oct. 18, 2015, then released later that day on a $20,000 bond on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. He was booked into jail again on Nov. 10, 2015, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. While in jail until May 5, 2016, Hanson was charged with violation of parole and sentenced 5 years in Texas Department of Criminal Justice on the 1-4 gram charge.
Calvert Street Arrests
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies J. Davis and Drew Fisher traveled to Calvert Street address at late Wednesday night, in an attempt to serve a warrant and ended up taking two men into custody.
Fisher stopped a Honda Accord at 11:45 p.m. Sept. 8, on Carter Street at Calvert Street for a traffic violation. A records check showed the passenger, Clifford Alan Plant, to be wanted for violation of parole. The 62-year-old Winnsboro man was taken into custody and booked into the county jail at 2:04 a.m. Sept. 9, 2021, on the warrant, acording to arrest reports. Clifford was held without bond on the charge Friday evening, Sept. 10, 2021.
While in the area to serve an arrest warrant, the sheriff’s officers obtained permission by a resident to enter a Carter Street residence and search it. While doing so, they found Phillip Ryan Gibson in possession of a baggy containing a crystal-like substance that later weighed 0.24 grams and field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Thus, Gibson was arrested at 12:09 a.m. Sept. 9, 2021. He was transported to the county jail, where he was placed into a v-cell after advising he was suicidal.
The 23-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into Hopkins County jail on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. A drug-free zone enhancement was added due to the Carter Street address’ proximity to a school.
Gibson was released from Hopkins County jail later Sept. 9, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
US Highway 67 East Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Bauman and Sgt. Scott Davis stopped a Honda SUV, after driver Jimmy Ray English failed to signal a turn from FM 900 north onto U.S. Highway 67 east in Saltillo at 3:24 a.m. Sept. 7, 2021, and ended up taking two people to jail.
The 49-year-old Dallas man pulled into a driveway. When contacted, he admitted he didn’t have a valid driver’s license.
Deputies asked driver English and passenger Joshua Luke Deal pf Mount Vernon to step out of the SUV. When the deputy asked to search the car, English reportedly explained it wasn’t his vehicle, but did call the owner and got permission.
Deputies found a can with small plastic baggies containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine. Both English and 45-year-old Deal were placed into handcuffs. Both were asked individually if the contraband was theirs. Neither claimed it so both were advised they were being taken into custody for possessing the contraband.
Arrangements were made with the registered vehicle owner for another person to take possession of the SUV. While waiting, deputies discovered a pill bottle directly under the front bumper of his patrol unit, where Deal was standing. The bottle contained another baggy of suspected meth, and more clear baggies.
At that point, passenger Deal told officials he was having blood sugar issues. EMS was called to the location, then transported Deal to the hospital for treatment of high blood sugar. Sgt. Davis followed the ambulance EMS to the hospital and stayed there as the passenger was considered to still be in custody.
Baumann transported English to the county jail and released him to jail staff. The deputy then field-tested the crystal-like substance in the two small baggies; the substance tested positive for meth and weighed 1.49 grams. The substance in the pill bottle also field tested positive for meth and weighed 5.2 grams.
English was booked into Hopkins County jail on a charge of possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, for the two baggies of substance found in the can in the SUV. A drug-free zone enhancement was added due to the proximity of the stop to a school facility.
English, who is also known by Christopher English, remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in lieu of the $10,000 bond set on the controlled substance charge.
Deal was booked into Hopkins County jail around 9 a.m. Sept. 7, 2021, on charges of manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence, for the alleged meth found in the pill bottle under the vehicle, and on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, for the suspected meth found in the vehicle they had been traveling in. Drug-free charge enhancements were added to the controlled substance offenses Deal was accused of as well.
The 45-year-old Mount Vernon man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in lieu of $85,000 bond – $45,000 bond on the manufacture or delivery charge and $20,000 bond each on the two other charges.
South Broadway Street Warrant Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Matt Glenn Stopped a Ford Ranger pickup at 10:34 p.m. Sept. 7, 2021, in the 1700 block of South Broadway Street for speeding.
A records check using driver Kyle Daniel Goggans’ ID information revealed a Wise County warrant for the 36-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest.
Goggans was taken into custody and transported to jail on the outstanding charge of violation of probation, which he was on for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
The 36-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, with bond denied on the violation of probation charge.
Frisco Street Traffic Stop
HCSO Deputy Aaron Chaney reported stopping Brian Winston Johnson at 3:43 a.m. Sept. 7, 2021, on Frisco Street at First Street in Cumby after noticing that the Honda Accord he was driving had a defective license plate light.
While talking with the 39-year-old Cumby man,Chaney noted his hands were slightly shaky and noticed a grocery bag on the floorboard between the driver’s feet. A set of digital scales were visible in the bag.
When asked about the scales and if he had any contraband in the vehicle, Johnson denied having illegal contraband. He also was alleged to initially agree to allow the deputy to search the car, but quickly recanted. Chaney reportedly told Johnson to step out of the car and called for a police canine to be brought to the location.
According to deputies, the 39-year-old Cumby man became argumentative, and didn’t immediately comply with the order to get out of the vehicle. Johnson then allegedly grabbed at his left thigh, in what the deputy claimed appeared to him to an attempt by Johnson to conceal something. Chaney said he grabbed Johnson’s hand in an attempt to remove whatever item he held.
Johnson allegedly resisted Chaney’s attempts to gain control of the item, but the deputy was able to secure Johnson’s left hand in a restraint. Chaney reported using the handcuff to get Johnson out of the car, then tried to get the item Johnson had in his hand, which at that point he could see was a glass pipe of hte kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine wrapped in a paper towel. Before he could get the other handcuff on Johnson, Chaney alleged the Cumby man threw the pipe to the ground, shattering a portion of it. Deputy Justin Wilkerson soon arrived to assist Chaney.
Chaney reported finding no contraband on Johnson during a pat down, but did find several small clear plastic baggies containing a small amount of suspected marijuana, several cut straws and other items of drug paraphernalia were found in the car. In a cigarette package in the driver’s side door Chaney reported finding two baggies containing suspected methamphetamine. The contraband was seized and Johnson’s girlfriend was called to retrieve the vehicle. A records check upon her arrival showed the 37-year-old woman had several active warrants out of Delta County, so she too was placed into custody. A family member of one of the arrested pair then arrived and took possession of the car.
Both Johnson and his girlfriend were transported to Hopkins County jail. Wilkerson took custody of the woman and transported her to the Hopkins-Delta County line, where a deputy from that department had agreed to meet. The Delta County deputy then drove the woman to the jail from their county.
The contraband field-tested positive for meth and weighed 0.84 grams including packaging. As a result, Johnson was booked into Hopkins county jail at 6:43 a.m. Sept. 7, 2021, on tampering with evidence and possession of less than 1 gram of a controlled substance charges.
Johnson remained in they county jail Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in lieu of $10,000 bond on the tampering with evidence charge and a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge. He too was discovered to have an outstanding Delta County warrant for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana; bond on that charge was set at $1,000.
East Shannon Road Arrests
Sulphur Springs Police received a tip from Crime Stoppers stating a wanted person, Chaddrick Ladale Smith, was in the area of an East Shannon Road motel. Police Officer Sean Hoffman, Lt. Mark Estes and Sgt. Joe Scott went to the address, where gained confirmation that the 39-year-old Sulphur Springs man had been seen in a specific room at the motel on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021.
Following up on that tip, the police officers located Chaddrick Ladale Smith in the room with a woman police identified in arrest reports as his girlfriend. Police asked Smith to step outside the room with them.
While Scott and Hoffman talked with Smith, Estes observed Brooke Lanee McSparrin trying to conceal a zippered pouch behind the trash can next to where she was sitting. Estes retrieved the bag which allegedly contained a crystal-like substance the officer believed based on his training and experience in the field to be methamphetamine. As a result, the 34-year-old Commerce woman was arrested at 1:35 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2021, Hoffman noted in the woman’s Sept. 7 arrest report.
McSparrin was charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in lieu of $5,000 bond on the charge.
Smith, who is also known by Chad Smith and Shaddrick Ladale Smith, too remained in Hopkins County jail Friday night, Sept. 10, 2021, in lieu of the $150,000 bond set on the burglary of habitation charge.
Suspicious Vehicle At Brashear Post Office
HCSO Deputies Bobby Osornio and Dan Turrentine responded Tuesday morning, Sept. 7, 2021, to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the employee parking lot at Brashear Post Office on FM 2653. The complainant told dispatchers loud music could be heard coming from the vehicle and the man in the vehicle wasn’t responding to prompts to try to get his attention.
Upon arrival at 8:08 a.m., the deputies observed a black Lexus with Arkansas license plates occupying two parking spaces in the employee parking lot. Deputies could indeed see a male in the driver’s seat with all the windows rolled up and the car engine turned off. Deputies were more successful in waking the man, who was identified as David Brian Holcomb. The 53-year-old Benton, Arkansas resident reportedly told deputies he was taking a nap because he was fatigued.
The sheriff’s officer asked Holcomb to step out of the vehicle. As deputies began patting him down to check for weapons, the Arkansas resident admitted to having an OC can in his front pocket. As the can was removed from his pocket, a small baggy containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be meth was found in his watch pocket. Holcomb was placed into custody and the car searched.
Deputies alleged finding a THC cartridge, marijuana grinder, multiple jars containing suspected marijuana, a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke meth that had a residue on it as well as a large amount of US currency in the center console. Multiple small, glass jars containing suspected marijuana were also found in the trunk of the car in a small black bag. All contraband and currency were secured as evidence.
When asked about the suspected meth found in his pocket, Holcomb allegedly claimed to be unaware it was in his pocket. He then refused to speak further with deputies, so deputies were unable to determine how the money was acquired. The car was impounded and Holcomb was transported to Hopkins County jail.
The deputies weighed the contraband. The baggy of suspected meth weighed 0.31 gram and the THC cartridge weighed 11.93 grams including packaging. Once counted, the deputies determined cash totaled approximately $48,000; a counterfeit 100-dollar bill was also located by deputies as the currency was counted.
Holcomb was charged at 8:43 p.m. Sept. 7, 2021, on possession of less than 1 gram of a penalty Group 1 controlled substance for the suspected meth, possession of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance (the THC cartridge), money laundering and forgery of a financial instrument for having the fake $100.
The 43-year-old Arkansas man. who is also known by the alias Christopher Michael Smith, spent two nights in Hopkins County jail, then was released on Wednesday on a a$20,000 bond n the money laundering charge, and $5,000 each on the three other charges.
SH 11 East Traffic Stop
Shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, HCSO Deputy Jason Lavender was dispatched to check out a report of a suspected drunk driver traveling east on State Highway 11 toward Como. Lavender spotted what he believed to be the suspect’s vehicle, a black Chevrolet Equinox with the specified license plate, crossing the over the center strip on SH 11 east and initiated a traffic stop in a gas station parking lot in Como.
Lavender noticed the front passenger in the SUV, later identified as Justin Lee Smith, lean back in his seat and make movements as if he was trying to hid something in his pants. He had Smith step out of the vehicle and searched his pockets. A bag containing suspected black tar heroin and a second bag of suspected powdered heroin were found in the 30-year-old Grand Saline man’s front coin pocket.
Smith was taken into custody and transported by Deputy Drew Fisher to jail, where Smith allegedly admitted to being in possession of heroin. The substance weighed 0.81 gram and field tested positive for heroin. Smith was arrested for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
The 30-year-old Grand Saline man was released from Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
Warrant Arrest
On Sept. 4, 2021, Deputy Lavender reported being asked, while booking another person into jail, to execute a warrant on Kristie Leah Crumpton.
Lavender complied, executing the warrant at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, and booking the 35-year-old Greenville woman into Hopkins County jail on the warrant or violation of probation, which she was on for a possession of less than gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance conviction.
Crumpton remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, night Sept. 10, 2021, held without bond.
Last Saturday was the second time Crumpton has been jailed for violating probation on charge; she also spent Aug. 13-Sept. 25, 2019 in the county jail for violating probation on a controlled substance charge, according to Hopkins County jail records.
Kyle Street Pedestrian Stop
SSPD Officer Sean Hoffman spotted Creston Leon Weatherall walking on Kyle Street at 7:53 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, and asked dispatchers to conduct a records check. They reported the 31-year-old Sulphur Springs man was wanted on four traffic warrants.
Hoffman patted Weatherall down prior to taking him into custody. A cigar package in his pocket contained suspected meth. He was arrested for possession of less than a gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, as well as two expired registration warrants, one warrant each for no driver’s license warrant and failure to maintain financial responsibility.
He remained in the county jail Friday night. Bond was set at $10,000 on the controlled substance 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.
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.
Lady Cats Volleyball Sweeps Mount Pleasant Friday For First District Win
The Lady Cats volleyball team traveled out to Mt. Pleasant last night and left having swept the Tigers 3-0 in their first district contest of their fall 2021 season.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad has not only won their last three straight games, they have also won four of their last five as district play officially gets underway.
Now the volleyball team’s season record is 15-10.
That momentum propelled them all the way to their first district win of their season.
Next up, the Lady Cats volleyball team will be back in action at home next Tuesday for their second district contest, this time against Texas High.
The Lady Cats-Lady Tigers match-up is set to begin next Tuesday starting with freshman and JV squads at 5 P.M. followed by the varsity teams at 6 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.
Wildcats Football Falls Just Short of Victory in Kaufman
The Wildcats football team did everything they could to claim victory versus a talented Kaufman Lions team, but ultimately fell just short of a victory in a 34-32 defeat in Kaufman.
Both sides of the ball looked hungry for their first win of the fall 2021 season, and it showed throughout the entirety of the game.
Coach Kurt McCain’s defense were able to hold the Lions offense to just 54 total yards in the first quarter.
The second was when the scoring began, starting with the first play of the quarter as Lions QB Derek Clamon connected on a 47-yard pass to WR Julian Prox.
QB Matthew Mitchell and the Wildcats offense went on a drive of their own, stretching 13 plays long and resulting with a touchdown pass to Weston Fields.
After Kaufman failed to convert on a 4th & 7 in Wildcats territory, Sulphur Springs ran all the way to the house to take the lead 14-7 over the Lions just over halfway through the second.
It was the first time the Wildcats had taken the lead all season long.
Both teams traded turnovers, with senior Riley Hammons snagging an interception, but QB Matt Mitchell fumbled on a blind side hit on the ensuing drive.
Kaufman seized the opportunity, cashing in on a two-yard rush from RB Braxton Garmon for his first touchdown on the night to tie the game up at 14-14.
He would wind up with over 200 yards on the ground, while also racking up two more TD’s in the second half.
The Wildcats came out of the locker room at the half with their eyes set on the end zone, doing everything to put their best foot forward coming out of halftime.
Sulphur Springs went on a 17-play, seven minute drive that made it all the way to the Lions 15 yard line before an incomplete pass on third and long forced the Wildcats to settle for a field goal while still retaking the lead at 17-14.
Kaufman retook the lead on the second rushing TD on the night for Garmon, and after a Wildcats punt, the Lions scored 14 in the third quarter to lead Sulphur Springs 28-17.
Another Kaufman TD with just under five minutes left in the game would prove to be the nail in the coffin as even though Matthew Mitchell connected with Weston Fields for a 60-yard bomb to pull the Wildcats within three, Sulphur Springs would still have to go on a game-winning drive and kick a field goal if they wished to get their first victory on the fall 2021 season.
The game would end on a tough note, as even though the Wildcats would convert on a fourth down to move the chains, it would be a fourth down that would be their undoing; Carson Fenton caught the ball and made an athletic move attempting to get the yardage-to-gain, but the line judge ruled him short once the play was blown dead, and with that Sulphur Springs turned the ball over and Kaufman ran out the clock in another nail-biting, 34-32 Lion victory.
Both sides of the ball hung in there, with the offense continuing to develop into a formidable unit.
Matthew Mitchell finished with two touchdowns and over 200 yards combined through the ground and air. The Wildcats combined for over 200 yards in the defeat.
The defense was able to force a number of timely stops to keep the Wildcats in striking distance of Kaufman, but ultimately it was the Lions defense getting the pivotal fourth down stop that sealed the victory on Homecoming for Kaufman.
The loss drops Wildcats football’s season record to 0-3.
Next up, Coach Owens and his program will be back at home when they host the Crandall Pirates next Friday on Homecoming.
That game is set to kick off at 7:30 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.
Texarkana Man Jailed In Hopkins County On Bowie County Warrant
A 32-year-old Texarkana man was jailed in Hopkins County on a Bowie County warrant, according to arrest and jail reports.
Cumby Police Lt. Paul Robertson conducted a traffic stop on an eastbound Volkswagen Passat at 2 p.m. Sept. 9, 2021, on the south Interstate 30 service road. A records check by dispatch using driver Brian Jesse Minniefield’s ID information revealed a Bowie County warrant for the 32-year-old Texarkana, Texas man’s arrest, Cumby Police Officer Christopher K. Hall noted in arrest reports.
After the warrant was confirmed, the Texarkana man was arrested on the Bowie County warrant for deadly conduct, specifically discharging a firearm. CPD Officer Hall responded at the location, took Minniefield into custody, and transported him to Hopkins county Criminal Justice Center, where he was booked 4:25 p.m. Thursday on the on the Bowie County warrant, according to arrest and jail reports.
Minniefield was held without bond in Hopkins County jail Friday evening, Sept. 10, 2021, on the third-degree felony Bowie County warrant, according to jail reports.
Bowie County jail records show Minniefield to have been arrested and jailed in the Bi-State Detention Center more than a dozen times in the past 14 years, mostly on unpaid traffic charges. He most recently spent the night March 29, 2021, in the BSDC on a Bowie County “jail sanction/deadly conduct charge.”
The Texarkana man was first arrested on Aug. 9, 2019, for deadly conduct-discharge of a weapon. He was arrested by Texarkana Police on Nov. 27, 2020, for failure to appear in court as ordered on the deadly conduct charge. On June 15, 2021, an order was filed to modify the conditions of his bond on the charge. A request to revoke his bond on the charge and calling for his arrest was made on July 26, and a warrant was issued Aug. 2, 2021, for Minniefield’s arrest on the deadly conduct charge. The 32-year-old Texarkana man was arrested on march 30, 2021, on a jail sanction related to the charge, according to the Bowie County Court and Jail records.
Hopkins County Records – Sept. 10, 2021
Land Deed Transfers
- Adrian Lopez Martin to Two Brother’s Houses LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Dan H. McKinney to City Cemetery Society of Sulphur Springs
- Hugo Diaz and Valentina Diaz, who is also known by Velentina Diaz, to Selvin Oswaldo Arreaga; tract in the Randolph Yarberry survey
- Anthony Champagne and Golden Petunia LLC to Felecia Lewis and Tommy Lewis; tract in the W. Hooser survey
- Anthony Champagne and Golden Petunia LLC to Joshua Caleb Lewis and Kristen Lewis; tract in the W. Hooser survey
- Sulphur Springs Bancshares Inc. to Robin Leah Steed; tract in the Mark Peugh Addition
- Lorenzo R. Rivera to Tiffany Marrs and Travis D. Marrs; tract in the JG Procello survey
- Landon Nabers to Nancy Walker and Randall Walker; tract in the WJ McGill survey
- Kenneth Ingram to Thomas Ingram; tract in the DP Jordan survey
- Daniel L. Martin, who is the same person as Daniel W. Martin, and Valerie Ann McCullin to Christin Aguilar Yanez and Juan Yanez; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Kimberly G. Ferrell, independently and as independent executor for the Lanny R. Ferrell Estate, to Tiffany Jan Cross; tract in the Ulysses Aiguier survey
- Johnny Ray Gibson and Shonda Ann Gibson to Tommie Cherie White-Reeves; tract in the GC Wetmore survey
- Alfonso Diosdado to Ivan Diosdado; tract in the Jasper County School Land
- Regena Diane Wubben to Logan Caddell; tract in the Helena Nelson survey
- Daniel Lopez to Javier Estrada Lopez; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Kristine Pauline Brewer and Stephen Wayne Brewer to Johnathon R. Weber; tract in the William Hooser survey
- Mitzy Baylus and Ronald Scott Baylus to Catherine D. Stroud and Paul Robert Stroud; tract in the Robert Lee Sr. survey
- Kelli Geraci, Troy Geraci, Amberly Klika and Landis Klika to Janet D. Slagle and Ronnie Glen Slagle
- Michael Jean Rawson who is in fact Tommy Rawson and Velma Winnie Mosley Rawson to Alyssa Niewiadomski and Tory Niewiadomski; tract in the Levi P. Dikes survey
- Susan A. Stearns to Delores Davis; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- H. Keith Hunt to Alysha D. Ansley and Timothy J. Ansley; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Brown Trout Development II LLC to Jew RE Holdings LLC
- Denise Dyanne Henson to Elton Dan Brown and Paula Renshaw Brown; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Basilia Romero and Jose Leopoldo Romero to Rancho LBR LLC; tract in the James Webb survey
- Debra S. Huffman and Gary N. Huffman to Virginia Kaye Blakes; tract in the Spring Creek Subdivision
- Kevin Erickson and Susan Erickson to Stephanie Tarlton Revocable Trust, Stephanie Tarlton trustee; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- F1 Energy LLC to Robert Allen Colaizzi Jr
- Daniel Martin and Valerie McCullin to David Martin; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Cindy Aguayo Gallo and Luciano Gallo to Elidia Macedo and Laurentino Macedo; tract in the Winney Jewell survey
- Ralph E. Hobaugh to Selena J. Hobaugh
- J Baker and Linda L. Baker to XR4 Innovations LLC; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey
- Sandra L. Drayton to Jan Dodd; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Virginia Ann Massey to Kaci Johnson and Kaci Kennedy; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Gail Brewer and David Brewer to Kristine P. Brewer and Stephen W. Brewer; tract in the M. Ballanova survey
- Ricky Steward and Teresa Steward to Shane Looney; tract in the RC Graves survey
- Everett Jennings to Ernst Jennings; tract in the F. Carroll survey
- OCTXLP LLC to Subba Reddy Kondu; tract in the Charles Zanco survey
- Delta O8LLC, Joseph P. Dewoody co-trustees, Dewoody Living Trust, Sierra Whiskey LLC to Buckhead Energy LLC
- Kennedy Family Trust, Joe Dan Kennedy independently and as trustee, to Jonathan Kennedy and Jennifer Massey; tract in the H. Nelson survey
- Jennifer Massey to Jonathan Kennedy; tract in the H. Nelson survey
- Bobby Metcalf and Lakan Metcalf to Brady Busby and Kinde Busby; tract in the Thomas Stewart survey
- Sammie Nell Hedges, Nona Beth Highfield, Carolyn Sue Johnson, Mazie Ann Norman and Betty Kay Sanders to Diana Ortega and Ronald Ortega; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Allison Jones and Lanny C. Jones to Peter Karl Smidt and Terri Lynn Schmidt; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Bluestone Partners LLC, Kyle Booth and Sapphire Group LLC – Series 5 to Summit Bridge Inc.
- Helen Fisher to Angela L. Dunn and Richard D. Philips; tract in the LJ Crook survey
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Frank Jessup Mangrum and Chrystal Michel Bramblett
- Fidel Ortiz and Melissa Delacruz
- Michael Odell Givens and Gwenith Nichole Pounders
- Leonard Lee Trammell and Shelly Elaine Gore
- Seth Allen Roberts and Karli Leanne Emmons
- Colton Patrick Miles and Yvonna Lou-Jean Hines
TAMUC Hosting Annual Viewing of Manhattan Short Film Festival
COMMERCE, TX—The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Literature and Languages will restart its yearly tradition of hosting a viewing of the Manhattan Short Film Festival on Sept. 29.
The festival is unique in that, instead of a touring event that travels to various venues, it is hosted simultaneously by theatres, schools, municipalities and more worldwide. At each viewing, attendees are given voting cards to choose their top film out of the selection. All votes worldwide are tabulated and the film with the most votes wins.
The festival came from humble beginnings. Founder Nick Mason hosted the first edition by projecting the films onto the side of a truck trailer in New York City’s Little Italy neighborhood.
“It was not for money; it was a love project,” Mason said.
But the small festival gained a lot of attention in a short time. It moved to Union Square Park and began to feature celebrity guest judges, more closely resembling a traditional film festival format. But the events of September 11, 2001, affected many, including Mason.
“September 11 happened 10 days before the 2001 festival, but even then, the city asked us to go ahead with our event,” Mason said. “It got a lot of press attention. I got many calls from people saying ‘We saw your festival on television.’”
He adds: “I was deeply affected by the events of 9/11 and the sheer hatred that followed, but films helped to teach me about love.”
In Mason’s eyes, short filmmakers often encapsulate cultural attitudes and emotions on topics that are very relevant to their time period, and their work can be enjoyed by a wide range of people in many different locations. This is what gave him the idea to create Manhattan Short’s current format.
“When I was watching the films back then, I thought ‘Why don’t we show these same films, not just in New York, but in Boston, New Hampshire or anywhere?’” Mason said. “We do it all at the same time and let the public judge it.”
Now, the festival is screened in more than 500 venues on every continent except Antarctica. While the festival receives upwards of 1,500 film submissions each year, only 10 are chosen to be shown and voted on by audiences, a selection process which has proved to be a difficult task as the festival grows in popularity.
“it’s difficult to choose a group of films that has the right blend,” Mason added. “We ideally want to choose films that can resonate with a demographic of anywhere between 15 and 85 years old, and anywhere from Sydney, Australia, to Siberia.”
Filmgoers in Hunt County have been enjoying the event for half a decade, as A&M-Commerce has hosted its own screening of the festival for several years now. Hunter Hayes, Ph.D., associate professor and head of the Department of Literature and Languages at A&M-Commerce, believes that this event is a strong indicator of the types of opportunities offered by the university.
“The event is one that I believe aligns superbly with our institutional goals,” Hayes says. “For one week, people worldwide engage in a common purpose and experience by watching a collection of international short films and then voting for best film and actor. Participation can have a direct experience on the outcome.”
A&M-Commerce’s viewing of the festival is one of only five venues in Texas. It will be held on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Talbot Hall of Languages, room 203. The event is free, open to the public and light snacks will be served.
Learn more about the Manhattan Short Film Festival.
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About Texas A&M University-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce serves rural and metropolitan East Texas with a dedicated mission to Educate. Discover. Achieve. With an enrollment of 11,624 students, the university is the third-largest member of The Texas A&M University System. The 2,100-acre Commerce campus provides many opportunities for students to learn and grow. The university offers more than 130 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A vibrant student experience includes 14 NCAA Division II athletic teams, a thriving Greek system and more than 120 student-led organizations. Classes are delivered on-site in Commerce, Corsicana, Dallas, McKinney, Frisco and Mesquite. In November 2021, the university will open A&M-Commerce at Dallas, located at 8750 North Central Expressway.
Contact: Michael Johnson
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
903.886.5128
Klondike Volunteer Fire Department to Host Fish Fry and Silent Auction September 25th, 2021
Klondike Volunteer Fire Department is a full volunteer department, run solely off any money made from their 2-3 Fundraisers per year. There will be a Fish Fry and Silent Auction September 25th, 2021. They are looking for donations for silent auction items and/or sponsors for the Fish Fry. Fish fry tickets are available $10.00 each!
KVFD is a 501c(3), all donations are tax deductible. A tax donation receipt is available.
Please contact Belinda (903) 307-9107 for more information or if you and/or your business would like to make a monetary or item donation for our silent auction.
20 Years Later, Hopkins County Remembers Emergency Service Personnel Killed In 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
For the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, local emergency responders held a service to honor the emergency responders who were killed Sept. 11, 2001, while responding to offer aid to those in the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs Fire Departments, Hopkins County Emergency Medical Services personnel, Fire In Texas recruits, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Sulphur Springs Police Department, Hopkins County elected officials and community members were among those attending the fourth annual remembrance service, hosted has become tradition at the Hopkins County Intermodal facility, which houses HCFD’s Station 20 and a HCEMS ambulance crew.
Rodney Caudle with Fire in Texas gave the opening comments, denoting the annual event to honors the firefighters, medical and law enforcement personnel who ran toward the Twin Towers, while everyone else was running away after the airplanes crashed into them on Sept. 11, 2001. He noted that many present were not born or not old enough to remember where they were or what they were doing that day, others were just beginning or still early in their careers as first responders.
“Take a moment to reflect on why we wanted to serve in the capacity we serve. Times are changing. People are changing. Let us remember, life is short and there’s no time for hate. Let us remember we can overcome any endeavor or feat by looking to God for help. Let us remember ‘they word is a lamp unto my feet and a light until my path.’ Let us stay focused and restore unity where evil has prevailed,” Caudle said
Pastor Joel Tiemeyer said a prayer of thanks for the freedom of gathering and open worship afforded in this country, and asked the Lord to be with the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty responding 20 years ago to the terror attacks. He then offered thanks and asked for protection for those who continue to serve and give of themselves daily. He prayed for the county and city to have God go “before use” and to become a Matthew 5:14 city, a city on a hill where the Lord’s light cannot be hidden, and asked for peace and grace.
Joel Tiemeyer, Rodney Caudle 
In remembrance 
Lary Fowler
Fire In Texas academy recruits marched in formation to accompaniment of bagpipes played by South Texas bagpiper and Fort Worth Bagpiper Lary Fowler to the flags on the front lawn of HCFD. The academy color guard raised proceeded to the flag poles in front of Station 20 while the rest of the class filed along the approach. The color guard posted the American and Texas flags on the three poles in front of the station. The recruits saluted the flag. All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the USA flag. The flags then were lowered in honor of the 412 first responders killed in the 9/11/01 attacks.
Central dispatch broadcast across the radio a call for all first responders to stop what they were doing and take a moment to bow their heads in a moment of silence and prayer for those killed in the line of duty. Thanks was offered for all the emergency responders do daily serving others. Fowler played Amazing Grace on bagpipes.
Hopkins County EMS Director Brent Smith over the radio recalled those responders lost on Sept. 11, 2001, ordinary men and women running that horrific morning toward the danger as emergency responders do.
“Greater love hath no man that this: that a man lay down his life for a friend. Twenty years ago 412 emergency responders, including 343 New York city firefighters, 60 police officers, eight emergency medical technicians and paramedics or private EMS services, one patrolman from the New York Fire Patrol ran towards danger and did not make it home to their families. Today we honor their courage, commitment and sacrifice with a long standing tradition in the fire service with the tolling of the bells,” Smith said.
Firefighters rang three sets of five tolls of a bell on a fire engine to signal those first responders who did not return home after responding on Sept. 11, 2001.
After additional playing of bagpipes by Fowler, Caudle directed the attention of those responding to a fire truck park across the approach, a 1993 Seagrave pumper. While currently in service as Engine 2 in Como, on Sept. 11, 2021, the truck, in service as Lanchmont, New York Engine 33, responded at the World Trade Center.
Tiemeyer then offered thanks to all who serve on a daily basis, giving their lives to keep the rest of us safe, for their service. He then offered a closing prayer for the protection and safety for all those present at the remembrance service as well as those who put their lives on the line across the nation. He concluded the prayer asking the Lord to bless the US once again.
The recruits then filed out, concluding the service with a selection of patriotic music by Fowler. The annual remembrance is typically held on Sept. 11, however, because the event will be on a Saturday, not a traditional work day, it was held one day early in 2021.
The tribute also featured an American flag against a flag backdrop, with firefighting gear, complete with coat with FDNY on it, pants and boots, an air cylinder and coat to present the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. SSFD too draped a large US flag from the ladder on Tower 1 in remembrance of those killed in the terror attacks.
Cumby Volunteer Fire Department will hold a 343 Memorial Walk Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in honor of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11/01. The 3.43 mile walk/run will begin at 7:46 a.m., the time the first of the World Trade Center twin towers fell. Departing from Cumby YSA Field. the walk will continue east on FM 499 to the I-30 service road, then turn and eventually conclude at Cumby VFD station at 101 East Main Street in downtown Cumby. All are welcome to join the walk or line the route to show support and togetherness in remembering. Call Ryan Horne at 936-645-5475 or Jimmy Helfferich at 903-335-1619 for additional information.
