4 Men Jailed In 4 Days On Controlled Substance Charges
At least 4 men were jailed in 4 days on controlled substance charges, according to arrest reports.
Posey Lane Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Isaac Foley stopped a Ford pickup at 8:02 p.m. Nov. 26, 2021, on Posey Lane at Hines Street after observing the truck run a stop sign by failing to come to a complete stop at the intersection, according to arrest reports.
While talking to the man, Steward noticed the 39-year-old man in the red extended cab Ford wouldn’t make eye contact with him and appeared to be in hurry. When asked, he reportedly refused to let the officer search the truck. The deputies requested a police canine be brought to the location.
Ernesto Arellano Martinez complied when asked to exit hte vehicle. He retrieved his wallet as requested and, when asked permission to search it, the Sulphur Springs man admitted he had methamphetamine in his wallet in a folded dollar bill. Martinez was taken into custody and the vehicle search. No additional contraband was located during a search.
The substance field tested positive for meth and weighed 0.007 grams, the deputies noted in arrest reports. Martinez was booked into the county jail, where he remained Saturday afternoon, Nov. 27, 2021, in lieu of the $5,000 bond set on the possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, according to jail reports.
Nov. 26 was the third time Martinez was booked into Hopkins County jail in 2021.
He also was jailed Aug. 21, 2021, on manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana; he was released from jail the next day on a $20,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and a $1,000 bond on the marijuana charge, jail records showed.
On Oct. 26, 2021, Martinez was jailed on a warrant for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone, manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance, and two for insufficient bond on both Aug. 21, 2021 charges. He was released from jail on Nov. 1, 2021, on $255,000 in bonds – $100,000 on the manufacture or delivery charge, $75,000 on the Penalty Group 1-B charge, and $40,000 each on the two other charges, acording to jail records.
State Highway 19 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Davis stopped a GMC Sierra at 9:15 p.m. Nov. 26, 2021, on State Highway 19 at the service road for failing to signal the required distance prior to turning. The passenger and owner of the pickup, Cody Earl Lee, allegedly admitted during the traffic stop that there was methamphetamine in the truck.
A handgun was found in the passenger’s side door. A glass pipe with a crystal-like substance the deputy believed to be meth was found under the passenger’s seat where Lee had been sitting. Stuffed in the stem of the pipe was a baggy containing more suspected meth. The 23-year-old was placed into custody and transported to jail at 9:55 p.m. Nov. 26, 2021, according to arrest reports.
The substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 1.3 grams total including packaging. A review of his criminal history showed a 2019 felony convictions. Lee was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:32 a.m. Nov. 27, 2021, for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. He remained in Hopkins County jail on both charges. Bonds totaled $20,000, $10,000 per charge, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Friday was the third time this year Lee was booked into Hopkins County jail. He was arrested Jan. 2, 2021, on a burglary of vehicles charge and bond defective on a possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana warrant. He spent the night in jail, then was released on a $5,000 bond per charge. Lee also was arrested Oct. 3, 2021, for theft of property and resisting arrest, search or transport; he was released from jail Nov. 1, 2021, on $2,000 bond per charge, according to jail reports.
Main Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman stopped a Ford F-150 at 12:53 p.m. Nov. 24, 2021, in the 1600 block of Main Street. Upon contact, the driver displayed signs of nervousness, including excessive shaking of hands, elevated breathing and the carotid artery in his neck was pulsating rapidly. When asked about his nervousness and if he had anything illegal in his vehicle, Dustin Michael Caldwell admitted to having THC in the truck and a device he used to smoke it, Hoffman alleged in arrest reports.
Hoffman detained the 40-year-old Rowlett man in handcuffs and began searching the pickup. He reported finding a container with THC stored inside of it on the passenger’s side of the truck and a device used to smoke the THC in the front passenger’s seat, Hoffman noted in arrest reports. The car was towed and Caldwell was transported to jail and booked in at 3:29 p.m. Nov. 24, 2021, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. He was released July 25, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Nov. 24 was Caldwell’s second time to be booked into Hopkins County jail this year. He was also arrested July 25, 2021, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone, then released later in the day on a $10,000 bond, according to jail reports.
SH 11 Traffic Stop
HCSO Deputy J. Davis stopped a Honda Odyssey with defective license plate and brake lights at 8:15 p.m. Nov. 13, 2021, on State Highway 11 at County Road 4725. Upon contact, the driver displayed signs of nervous behavior.
(HCSO jail photo)
When driver Daniel Hernandez Gonzales refused to let the deputy search his vehicle, Davis called for a police canine to respond at the location. The police dog arrived and gave a positive alert to the odor of contraband inside the vehicle. A search revealed a toiletry bag with several items of drug paraphernalia and baggy with a crystal-like substance which Davis believed to be methamphetamine, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
As he was being taken into custody at 8:49 p.m. Nov. 23, the 53-year-old Commerce man allegedly admitted the contraband was his. Gonzales was transported to jail, where the substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed approximately 2.8 grams, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Gonzales remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Bond on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance. Bond was set at $10,000 on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of November 29, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Nov. 29, 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.
FM 131, Grayson County: in Sherman from US 75 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then pave a new riding surface.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is expected to begin Nov. 29 on this new-location roadway. The new roadway will be a two-lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections with flaggers present to control traffic.
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. 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 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 and Wednesday during the nighttime.
FM 898, Grayson County: in Whitewright from US 69 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 996, Grayson County: in Pottsboro from FM 120 to FM 1417. 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.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
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 level 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.
SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
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.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for work zones as crews perform tree trimming and removal work, and drainage structure improvements.
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.
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.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures.
FM 79, Lamar County: from 0.6 miles Northeast of State Loop 286 to 0.8 miles Northeast of State Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews complete cross structure work.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Wolfe City, Texas, location. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations: Hunt County, SH 34 at Crockett Street to SH 34 at FM 816 in Wolfe City. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514 The contractor has set barricades and plans to begin preparing the right-of-way soon. The contractor has reworked base material and widened subgrade from Lake Fork Creek to the north for 1 mile, graded out and prepared for new flex base, and will began hauling base material on Nov. 19. The contractor began demolition on the bridge and will continue with cleanup operations in preparation for installation of drilled shafts. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has completed all construction activities and is working on final items and cleanup.
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 is completing mile six 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.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing seal coat preparation on FM 512 north of I-30 at various locations. 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 seal coat prep work on SH 34 from SH 276 to the Kaufman County line. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations 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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Man Arrested On Felony DWI Charge After Allegedly Colliding With EMS Vehicle
A 67-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested on a felony DWI charge after reportedly colliding with an EMS vehicle Thanksgiving night, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley and Sgt. Matt Glenn were reportedly in the 400 block of Atkins Street at 10:09 p.m. Nov. 25, 2021, for a medical call, when they saw a blue Lincoln MKZ collide with an EMS vehicle. Police noted the driver, identified in arrest reports as Terry Wayne Person, had urinated in his pants, smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage, had glassy blood shot eyes and slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet.
Officers attempted to conduct standard field sobriety testing on the man, but he refused to perform the tests, The officers made a probable cause determination that he had operated a vehicle in a public place while intoxicated based on the earlier mentioned and other signs of intoxication. He was placed into custody for suspicion of drunk driving.
Person agreed to having a blood sample taken for examination. The 67-year-old Sulphur Springs man was transported to the county jail, where he was booked for third or more DWI offense.
Jail records show Person was booked into Hopkins County jail on May 12, 1996, and was released May 12, 1996 on a $1,000 bond on a DWI charge. He also was assessed a 180-day commitment for DWI, and spent Sept. 8-Oct. 18, 1999 in the county jail on the charge, according to jail records.
The Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday evening, Nov. 26, 2021, in lieu of the $10,000 bond set on the third or more offense DWI charge, according to jail reports.
Christmas In Heritage Park Offered Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, 2021
Hopkins County Historical Society will once again host Christmas in Heritage Park Saturdays, Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
A $3 fee is asked for everyone age 7 and older, but children ages 6 or younger will be admitted free to enjoy the old fashioned Christmas in the Park with their families at Heritage Park, 416 North Jackson St.
Lots of door prizes will be awarded, and free hot cocoa and old fashioned cider, coffee and cookies will be free to enjoy.
The lighted trees are up, the buildings are decorated. Hopkins County Historical Society members invited all to come out and help celebrate this special time of the year at Christmas in the Park.
In addition to light displays and music while strolling the grounds, Santa will be available to visit with the young and young at heart. Marshmallows can be roasted over an open fire, roasted peanuts and popcorn are also available for a fee. The Country Store has been turned into a Christmas store. Hundreds of Christmas items are for sale. All proceeds from Christmas In Heritage Park will go toward maintenance and preservation of Heritage Park.
No Teams In Action Today, But Wildcat Basketball At Home Tomorrow For Mid-Afternoon Contest
While there are no games today on Friday, Nov. 26, the Wildcats basketball team will be back at home tomorrow, on Saturday, Nov. 27.
Coach Brandon Shaver and his squad will be hosting Henderson at 1:30 P.M.
The Wildcats come in to tomorrow’s game 4-0 on the season, having gotten a close win versus Paris in their home-opener as well as three blowouts to boot.
Their most recent one came in their previous match on Monday, Nov. 22 when they travelled north of the DFW metroplex to take on Sherman.
Coach Brandon Shaver got even and high scoring from his team en route to a huge 87-51 win in Sherman against the Bearcats on Monday.
Kordrick Turner lead the way with 18 points, and two more Sulphur Springs players, Justin Haire and Malachi Myles, ended up with 16 in the win in Sherman (3-1). Three more Wildcats ended in double figures;
- Branson Lynn and Caleb Alexander both finished the game with 11 points
- Jackson Darrow added 10 in the win
Cason Arrington scored five versus Sherman.
The win gave Sulphur Springs a 4-0 record to start their season, and now they have the chance to make it 5-0 tomorrow when they host Henderson at the SSHS Main Gym on Saturday, Nov. 27.
That contest tomorrow is set to begin starting with junior varsity at noon, followed by the varsity teams at 1:30 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.
Northeast Texas Workforce Board Among 5 Recognized For Future Excellence In Innovation
AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded five individual Texas Workforce Development Boards for future excellence in innovation during the 24th annual Texas Workforce Conference in Houston. Northeast Texas, South Texas, Gulf Coast, East Texas and North Texas Workforce Development Boards each received a $200,000 award. These funds will allow each board to create permanent programs, building upon some best innovative practices initiated and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These awards recognize the importance of providing excellent customer service at a time when Texans needed our services the most,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The spirit of innovation our boards display every day helps to strengthen the Texas economy.”
The Texas Workforce Board System consists of 28 boards appointed by local officials and charged with planning and oversight responsibilities for workforce programs and services in their area. These boards allow for localized strategies to develop the workforce of Texas.
“Texans rely on our workforce development centers for jobs services and training,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “We continue to see creative solutions to help Texans impacted return to work quickly. These five boards are leaders in creating innovative solutions to leverage the technology of tomorrow to help the workers of today.”
All of the state’s workforce development boards faced certain challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of shutdowns, social distancing and the need to operate virtually, workforce boards across the state developed innovative approaches to adapt to the pandemic. The awards recognize that while all boards did amazing work, in terms of innovation, some exceptional programs were worthy of recognition.
“Texas employers are bouncing back and a large part of that success is attributed to our local level Workforce Solutions teams who have never stopped working for Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “I want to thank all 28 Workforce Development Boards — and congratulate these five in particular — on their outstanding and cutting-edge efforts to keep Texas’ economy strong.”
Awardees and their projects include:
- Workforce Solutions for South Texas planned and designed a customized, unique workforce virtual station equipped with a state-of-the-art study carrel, a personal computer, camera, microphone, printer, scanner, headphone, and telephone. The station also included auxiliary aids and services specifically for individuals with disabilities.
- Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas contracted with a video production company during the pandemic to create and provide virtual workshops for the public. Due to the success of this venture, the board now plans to use these funds to purchase the equipment and software necessary to create high quality videos, including live videos, to focus on various aspects of workforce development. These videos will be created on an ongoing basis and are anticipated to increase the scope and geographical areas that can deliver workforce services to the public.
- Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast will utilize TWC funds to develop a weekly 30-minute informational talk-show called, Your Career, Your Choice. This talk show is in addition to the already robust digital and multimedia platforms currently used by the board and will consist of in-studio interviews, on-location interactions, and pre-recorded snippets that share advice, and which will help an individual in their job search.
- Workforce Solutions East Texas will launch a program, Rural, Set, Go!, to engage community and business leaders, as well as the broader community in candid conversations about the factors that influence their local workforce and economic development needs, particularly in demand skills as identified by employers.
- Workforce Solutions North Texas will use these funds in a two-pronged approach to expand their service delivery area to rural communities. The board will place workforce stations in local libraries with video capabilities to help workers participate in virtual interviews. The board will also assist child care centers with obtaining updated technology to increase their ability to move into a more efficient business model, which will further translate into better quality care for the children in those centers.
North Pole Of Texas Will Offer Free Train Rides Beginning This Weekend
For the 23rd year, the North Pole of Texas will offer free train rides each weekend leading up to Christmas. Santa’s helpers have been very busy all year making sure the wonderland of lights and sights are just right and the trains are in good working order and ready to roll.
Extra work is put in during the fall, with final touches added on Thanksgiving eve to ensure all of the treat bags are ready, one for each visitor, and Kim’s chocolate factory is fully stocked and ready for the annual community project, manned exclusively by Alan and Kim Screws family and their friends and neighbors in the surrounding Pickton-Pine Forest community – volunteer firefighters, school and church groups too.
The night is designed as a fun, family outing, down to the number and color of jelly beans in the bags train riders receive when they pass through Santa’s Toy Shop; North Pole of Texas founder Alan Screws’ mom, Maw-Maw, has packaged or overseen packaging of each bag of treats. They and the lighted “Happy Birthday, Jesus” bridge clearly state the true purpose behind the annual event, to bless others in an expression of love and celebration of Christ’s birth.
“This year, as you visit The North Pole of Texas, we pray that you’re blessed by each detail that goes into your experience – from each twinkling light that surrounds you, to being given the candy bag that simply states our mission, ‘Happy Birthday Jesus!'” the family and volunteers stated in the 2021 North Pole of Texas schedule announcement.
In 2021, the North Pole of Texas will be open from 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26 and 27, Dec. 3 and 4, Dec. 10 and 11, and Dec. 17-19. If the schedule changes for any reason, typically only preempted by inclement weather, an update will be posted promptly on the North Pole of Texas’ Facebook page. Unfortunately, The North Pole won’t be able to offer train rides during the day for school groups this year, but welcomes all to drive out any night the train runs, including individuals, school, church or other groups or classes.
“This past year held uncertainty and unrest at times, but we can look forward with hope knowing that God is in control and His love is greater than we could ever imagine. It’s our greatest joy to brighten your Christmas season, and we’re excited to continue doing our part in providing your family an enjoyable evening celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” the founder noted.
Located off FM 269 in the heart of Pine Forest, The Screws family The North Pole of Texas is designed to offer a fun family experience, the best cup of hot chocolate around, a warm feeling in your heart.
“Our team works all year long to offer this as a blessing to our community; from dreaming up new ideas to enhance your experience, preparing an endless supply of hot chocolate mix, and checking to make sure that every twinkling light is in place are just a few things that we do to ensure ‘the Christmas train in Pickton‘ is a bright spot in your holiday season. We hope to see you this year as we celebrate another year of The North Pole of Texas!” Screws stated.
If you’ve never been, the North Pole of Texas is located at 227 County Road 3378, Pickton, TX 75471. Once you get to Pickton/Pine Forest, just look foor the signs and follow them until you see the glow that’d make Clark W. Griswold proud. Then, park as directed and prepare to enjoy the lights and sights as the little ones anticipate their ride; it’s also a great opportunity explain the significance of Bethlehem and reinforce the reason to exchange gifts and do for others, especially this time of the year.
Although the ride is free, those who feel led may make a donation in the designated container to help offset costs of maintaining the operation or to bless others through the designated Christian charity of the North Pole of Texas.
Thanksgiving Came Early For Some Local Residents, Courtesy Of 3 Local Families
Thanksgiving came early for some local residents, courtesy of three local families, who worked together Nov. 20-21 to prepare 200 Thanksgiving meals which they then distributed free to anyone who showed up Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, at Potato House to receive them.
The families a few days before noted they would offer to-go boxes ready to be taken home home. Those interested in the Thanksgiving meal only had to drive up or walk up outside the Connally Street restaurant to be helped.
According to Shery Cotten with Potato house, the families began cooking the day before, worked overnight and Sunday morning to have the food cooked and packaged out to be distributed fresh and hot starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 21, just outside the business.
The families decided to come together to offer the meals as a way of giving back to their community during the holiday season, to make the Thanksgiving week a little happier and easier for those in need, whether elderly who are unable to prepare their own full meals or those who need a little help to have a full meal. There were no requirements, nor questions asked. They had only to show up and receive the warm meals made from the heart by all of the families – which included adults and children, who helped deliver the boxed meals from the kitchen to the front door Sunday.
Some arrived and were waiting on the sidewalk, having walked up to receive a meal at 11, and others drove up in a steady stream of cars. The family members took turns delivering them to community members and wishing the thankful recipients a happy Thanksgiving.
Sulphur Bluff Volleyball Falls in 1A State Semifinal to Fayetteville
The Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears had an incredible run in the 2021 volleyball season, but fell just short of a state final, losing in the 1A state semifinals to Fayetteville.
The Lady Bears lost to the Lady Lions 3-0 in Garland, TX last Wednesday, Nov. 17.
Fayetteville came out on a tear in set one, taking 21 of the first 28 points en route to a dominant 25-13 set one win.
Set two was more of the same for coach Lacie Jessup’s Lady Bears, as the Lady Lions roared to a closer, yet tough 25-16 set two loss to put Sulphur Bluff behind in sets 2-0 heading in to the third.
Even with their season on the line, the clock hit midnight for the Lady Bears’ Cinderella story as Fayetteville got an even more impressive 25-10 blowout to allow Fayetteville to move on to the 1A state final volleyball game.
The loss ends the Lady Bears’ season at 26-10.
#8 Skylar Stanley wrapped up the loss to Fayetteville with eight kills. #14 Tori Raine wracked up six kills and two more Lady Bears, #7 Lydia Drummond and #11 Dacee Howse got one in the 1A state semifinal loss.
#1 Kaitlyn Brock got an astonishing 13 aces against the Lady Lions.
And while a tough loss for Sulphur Bluff, they will have to retool the roster next season in fall of 2022 as Coach Jessup is losing six key seniors.
2 Arrested Tuesday on Felony Warrants
A 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested Tuesday for the second time this month, while a 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed Tuesday for the third time this year, both on felony charges.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Isaac Foley and Zack Horne were made aware of an active warrant for Hadden Dewayne Moreland’s arrest. The sheriff’s officer followed up on information received that the 22-year-old could potentially be at a County Road 3502 address. They did indeed locate Moreland and took him into custody at 10:21 p.m. Nov. 23, 2021, at the location.
Mooreland was booked into Hopkins County jail around midnight for insufficient bond on an assault on a family or household member that impeded breathing charge. He was originally arrested Nov. 1 on the assault impeding breathing warrant as well as a traffic warrant, then released on a $25,000 bond on the felony charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday night, Nov. 24, 2021, in lieu of the new $50,000 bond set on the felony assault charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Aaron Chaney and Investigator Dennis Findley were made aware that Jordan William McKay was at a Houston Street location to turn himself in for bond forfeiture on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
The sheriff’s officers placed him into custody at 3:50 p.m., confirmed the warrant, arrested Tuesday and transported him in a patrol vehicle to the county jail nearby, according to jail reports.
McKay was arrested Aug. 16, 2021, on the controlled substance charge. Bond was set at $10,000 on the charge; he was released from custody on Nov. 20, 2021.
He had arranged to appear in court earlier that Nov. 23 to plead guilty on the controlled substance charge as part of a plea agreement. However, 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man failed to make the court appearance as scheduled, so his bond was forfeited, and the case was reset and the warrant issued, according to court and jail reports.
McKay remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday night, Nov. 24, 2021, in lieu of the new $20,000 bond set on the charge.
Tuesday was the third time this year that McKay has been jailed in Hopkins County; he also was arrested July 9, 2021, on possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and theft of firearm charges, as well as a warrant for not paying a March 10, 2020, public intoxication charge, according to jail reports.
