Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – Aug. 9-15, 2021
The Winnsboro Police Department’s weekly media report for Aug. 9-16, 2021, included the following:
Arrests
- No Arrests
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 116 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 26 citations and 33 warnings during this reporting period.
SUV Stopped In Intersection Contained Suspected Meth, Sulphur Springs Trio
August 16, 2021 – Deputies found an SUV stopped in the intersection with suspected methamphetamine and a Sulphur Springs trio inside of it early Monday morning, according to arrest reports.
As Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Aaron Chaney was clearing a call of a suspicious vehicle in the area of County Road 4786 at 2:13 a.m. Aug. 16, 2021, noticed a Dodge Durango stationary in the middle of the intersection of County Road 4784 at State Highway 11 west, which deputies report seemed suspicious activity at that hour of the morning.
So, Chaney approached the vehicle with the emergency lights on his patrol unit lit and walked up to find two men and a woman inside the SUV. The trio further aroused his suspicion of something amiss after noting the three inside the vehicle were sweating, attempted to avoid eye contact with him and could not give a legitimate reason for being in the area after 2 a.m. Monday. The trio said none of them lived in the area.
When asked for their IDs, the driver revealed what appeared to be a used hypodermic syringe when he lifted the console to retrieve his wallet. The deputy then had the three exit the vehicle, one at a time, starting with front seat passenger, Jordan William McKay of Sulphur Springs, who was detained in handcuffs. As the rear passenger got out, identified in arrest reports as 43-year-old Margaret Ellene Caldwell of Sulphur Springs, Chaney alleged seeing a baggy containing what he suspected to be methamphetamine fall to the ground. She too was placed into custody. Chaney then had driver Christopher Huddleston step out. As the 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man did, The deputy alleged seeing a pipe of the kind used to smoke marijuana fall to the ground. Huddleston too was placed into handcuffs.
At that point HCSO Deputy Justin Wilkerson and Sgt. Scott Davis arrived to assist Chaney. The deputy found additional drug paraphernalia, including a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke meth in the floorboard behind the driver’s seat, an additional used hypodermic syringe, an open unused bag of syringes, rolling papers commonly used to smoke marijuana.
Al three denied ownership of the contraband, but the driver allegedly admitted that they were in the area smoking meth prior to contact with the officer. All three were arrested at 2:56 a.m. for possession of a controlled substance. Sgt. Davis stayed with the vehicle until it was impounded by a towing service, while Wilkerson and Chaney transported the trio to Hopkins County jail, where the suspected meth was determined to weight 1.1 gram, including packaging.
Caldwell, 42, was released from Hopkins County jail later Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
Huddleston remained in jail in lieu of the $10,000 bond set on the charge according to jail reports. Monday is the second time in the last month that Huddleston, who jail reports show is also known by “Hi C,” has been booked into Hopkins County jail. Huddleston was also arrested around 12:30 a.m. July 21 for public intoxication; police were asked to issue a criminal trespass warning to Huddleston, who was reported by the homeowner to have been drinking alcohol prior to police arrival. The trespass warning was issued for the Pollard Street residence; the man was reported to be intoxicated to the point he was a danger to himself and others, so he was taken to jail instead of being escort from the grounds, police alleged in the July 21, 2021, arrest and jail report.
McKay also remained in custody at Hopkins County jail Monday evening in lieu of the $10,000 bond set on the controlled substance charge. The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was also arrested July 9, 2021, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and theft of a firearm charges, and a warrant for not taking care of a public intoxication fine. On July 9, McKay walked up to deputies at a CR 2301 address where a disturbance was reported and was patted down after it was determined he had been previously involved in the incident. A pistol with the serial number defaced was found; a records check showed the gun had been reported to Greenville authorities as stolen. When the HCSO Chief Investigator found a bag of substance that later field-tested positive for methamphetamine was found in his pocket. More suspected meth was found in a hidden compartment in a lighter. The suspected meth weighed 0.779 gram, resulting in McKay being charged July 9, 2021, with theft of firearm and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges.
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.
Disturbance Complaint Results In Vehicle Pursuit On Loop 301, 2 Arrests
A County Road 4708 disturbance complaint resulted in a brief, high speed vehicle pursuit on Loop 301 around Sulphur Springs and eventually two arrests, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Communications Operators advised deputies they had received a call about a disturbance in which a male claimed he was in possession of a firearm on CR 4708 at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. While en route, deputies were further advised the man with the gun had left as a passenger in a white Ford Escape. Upon being advised the name of the man, deputies recognized him as one with outstanding warrants for his arrest.
Deputies Justin Wilkerson and Bobby Osornio, and Sgt. Richard Greer reported seeing traveling on FM 2285 a vehicle matching the one Robert Earl Hawkins Jr. had left in, and attempted a traffic stop. The passenger appeared to be Hawkins as well.
The SUV failed to stop on FM 2285, but one deputy did report seeing a small bag with a white substance go out the passenger’s side window just north of Hillcrest Drive. The vehicle continued to disregard the emergency lights and sirens on deputies’ patrol vehicles. The deputies pursued the white vehicle. The car ran through the blinking red light on Hillcrest Drive at Airport Road and continued forward as the road changed from FM 2285 to Airport Road. The vehicle reportedly continued east on Airport Road until it reached Church Street, then turned north onto Church to Loop 301. The pursuit then continued south onto Loop 301 at speed up to 100 miles per hour before reaching the end of Loop 301 at Jefferson Street. Deputies initiated a “high risk stop” with assistance of Texas Department of Pubic Safety and Sulphur Springs Police Department.
Once stopped, officers took both driver Narce Dalia Garcia and Hawkins into custody and transported to jail. The SUV was impounded by a wrecker service and a deputy returned to FM 2285 near Hillcrest Drive to retrieve the item thrown out the SUV window. The officer located a baggy he believed to be the item discarded from the SUV; it contained a crystal-like substance the deputies suspected to be methamphetamine. The pair, however, denied discarding the suspected meth from the vehicle. The substance weighed 0.77 grams, including packaging and field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Both Garcia and Hawkins were arrested on possession of less than1 gram of a Penalty Group controlled substance and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair charges. The 34-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was also charged with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. The 36-year-old Sulphur Springs man was also found to be wanted for bond forfeiture on three charges: possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone, burglary of a habitation and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Narce Garcia remained in Hopkins County jail Monday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2021, in lieu of $200,000 in bonds set on the cases – $100,000 bond on the evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge, and $50,000 bond each on the tampering and controlled substance charges.
Hawkins too remained in the County jail Monday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2021, in lieu of $360,000 in bonds, including $100,000 bond each on the new tampering with physical evidence and controlled substance charges, and the burglary warrant; $20,000 bond on one controlled substance warrant; and $40,000 on the other.
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.
Texas Pedestrian And Bicyclist Deaths Continue To Climb
By TxDOT Media Relations
Despite a decrease in traffic crashes in 2020, Texas saw a dramatic rise in the number of people killed walking and biking on our roadways. Last year, 731 people died in pedestrian-related crashes, an increase of 9% from 2019. Crashes involving bicyclists claimed the lives of 82 people, up from 68 deaths the previous year. These numbers reflect an alarming trend of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities increasing over the last five years.
Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths account for one in five of all traffic fatalities in the state. Safety officials attribute this growing concern to people’s widespread failure to follow state laws designed to protect pedestrians and bicyclists. To that end, the Texas Department of Transportation is kicking off a public awareness campaign this month that urges all Texans to walk smart, bike smart and drive smart.
“More than 800 people lost their lives last year while walking and biking on Texas roads. Even one death is too many,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot or riding a bicycle, we’re reminding all Texans that they need to be safe and smart, and that starts with paying attention to driving and obeying traffic laws.”
As Texans head out this summer to enjoy their favorite activities, TxDOT wants them to know the laws for safe walking, biking and driving—and to follow them. Drivers are required to take specific steps to protect pedestrians and bicyclists, who are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when involved in a crash with a motor vehicle. State laws mandate stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists when turning, and passing bicyclists at a safe distance and giving them room to ride.
Like drivers, bicyclists are required to obey all traffic signs and signals, including stopping at red lights and stop signs. State laws also dictate that those who ride bicycles must use hand signals when turning or stopping, ride with traffic, use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb, and when riding at night, make sure their bikes have a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
Pedestrians must cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks, obey all traffic and crosswalk signals and always use sidewalks. If there isn’t a sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the street or road, facing oncoming traffic.
Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists can expect to see these safety reminders on TV, billboards, gas pumps, buses and social media, as TxDOT reminds Texans to do their part to prevent pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign and pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative are key components of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
Weekly Announcements August 16-22, 2021
Hopkins County Community Chest and Food Bank has announced it will temporarily suspend the weekly food distributions through August 31, due to COVID precautions. Families who receive food distributions are asked to be patient and await further information from the Hopkins County Community Chest and Food Bank.
According to Tammy Reardon, organizer of Terrific Tuesdays, beginning August 17, 2021, the weekly respite program will be on pause for the time being, due to Covid concerns. The safety and health of the members of the Terrific Tuesdays Club is the #1 priority of the program.
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society proudly announces that their website is back up and running. Following updates, the site hcgstx.org is now ready, and apologies are extended for inconveniences while the site was down. When you visit, you will notice a Members Only section, which requires a password to access.
Parents of SSISD students are being notified that meals will be offered on all SSISD campuses this school year at no cost, under the Seamless Summer Option. USDA guidelines allow the free meals for every student this school year. Only Middle and High School students need submit an online application, which can be found at Meal App Now. Parents of Pre-K through 5th grade SSISD students need not make application for meals during the 2021/2022 school year.
SSISD HeadStart and Pre-K students can meet their teachers on Monday August 16 from 4-6pm.
Sulphur Springs ISD first day of school is Wednesday August 18, 2021.
SSHS students can pick up schedules through Tuesday August 17 during morning or afternoon time frames. Sulphur Springs High School students have Meet the Teacher on the afternoon of Tuesday August 17.
SS Elementary students have a Back to School Bash and Parent Orientation on Monday August 23. Primary campus students have a Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday August 24, 2021.
Saltillo students start class on Monday August 16.
Yantis ISD plans an Outdoor Parent/Teacher meeting on Tuesday August 17 from 6-7:30pm. First day of school at Yantis ISD is August 19.
North Hopkins ISD Elementary and Secondary students have Meet the Teacher on Monday August 16 from 5-6:30pm. First day of school at North Hopkins ISD is Wednesday August 18, 2021.
Cumby, Miller Grove, Como-Pickton and Sulphur Bluff ISD classes have already gotten underway for the Fall semester.
On Wednesday August 18, the Carter Bloodcare Bus will on the front lot of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs to receive donations of the gift of life. Blood donations are greatly needed now. To donate blood, make a reservation by calling 903-438-4380.
A free COVID-19 clinic is being held each Friday morning in the lobby of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs, from 9-11am. All 3 types of vaccines are in plentiful supply.
The 4-H Achievement Banquet will be held on Saturday August 21, 2021 at the Hopkins County Civic Center, The banquet will recognize the accomplishments of 4-H members. Families are invited. Tickets are $2 person, Reserve your tickets by Wednesday August 18 by calling 903-885-3443
Wildcats Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Football Scrimmages All On Deck This Week
Even with school starting Wednesday, Aug. 18, teams here in Sulphur Springs are slowly but surely ramping up for their regular and district seasons.
The first team up on Tuesday, Aug. 17 is Wildcat team tennis, who will be traveling out to Tyler to play Tyler High at 3 P.M.
Last week Team Tennis, coached by Tony Martinez, played three different schools, in Mesquite Poteet last Monday, followed by Bullard (Tyler) High School on Wednesday and Greenville on Thursday.
Volleyball, like team tennis, has been busy since August began. Coached by Bailey Dorner, her Lady Cats participated in a tri-match between Sulphur Springs, Sherman and North Lamar last Tuesday. The volleyball team left the season-opening tri-match on Aug. 10 with a 1-1 record.
Not only that, Coach Dorner’s squad took part in the Garland Tournament on Friday and Saturday. The volleyball team went 2-1 on Friday in Rowlett, losing to (Richardson) JJ Pearce before turning it around to beat Forney and South Garland.
On day two on Saturday, held at Sachse High School, the Lady Cats were originally slated to play their first game at 8 A.M. before Ranchview had to pull out of the tournament due to the coronavirus, giving Coach Dorner’s squad an automatic win in the tournament and allowing them to move on to the next round.
Sulphur Springs then fell to Tatum at 11 A.M. on Saturday, two sets to three, thus eliminating them from the tournament. The Lady Cats head in to their match with Greenville on Tuesday sporting a 4-3 overall record.
Cross country held an intra-squad meet last Saturday, Aug. at the SSISD Athletic Complex. They will be practicing this week before taking place in their first meet of the year at the Commerce Tiger Invitational, held at Commerce High School.
Football also participated in their first scrimmage of the fall season. On Friday, Aug. 13, the Wildcats travelled to Texarkana to play Liberty Eylau. In what is to be expected in the first scrimmage of the year for both teams, LE and Sulphur Springs struggled to punch the ball in the end-zone early.
However, Coach Owens’ and his staff and players took advantage of a number of plays and showcased some impressive abilities as they pulled ahead of the Leopards 9-7 and never looked back, winning their first scrimmage of the season.
This week the Wildcats will take place in their last scrimmage before regular-season play when they host Pleasant Grove this Thursday, Aug. 19 at Gerald Prim Stadium.
That game is scheduled to kick-off at 7 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.
Tira News – Aug. 16, 2021: Write-In Candidacy For Tira City Council Accepted Through Aug. 20
By Jan Vaughn
Declarations for Write-In Candidacy for a place on the Tira City Council are being accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. For more information contact Jan Vaughn, Tira City Secretary, at 903-438-6688.
Faculty and staff returned to work at North Hopkins School last week and students return on Wednesday, August 18. First Baptist Church hosted a lunch for the area school employees on Tuesday, August 10, at the ROC in Sulphur Springs and Peerless Baptist Church provided lunch for North Hopkins ISD employees on Thursday, August 12. We enjoyed the food and fellowship and appreciate the support of these churches.
Yvonne Weir recently returned from her trip to South Dakota. She reports, “I had a wonderful time visiting family and friends. We played lots of Mexican Train.”
Dakota Weir won free tickets to Hawaiian Falls water park and took Lucas, Levi, Dustin, Natalie, and Everly on Sunday, August 7. Yvonne commented, “The kids loved it!”
Yvonne and Wesley Weir went to Greenville Friday night with Brenda Allen and Elizabeth Wallace for supper and a Motown concert at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium. Yvonne added, “It was an excellent show.”
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Filing For 3 Places On Cumby City Council Ends Aug. 16
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Calls For Nov. 2 Constitutional Election, Voting Center Relocation
Texas voters, including those residing in Hopkins County, will be asked Nov. 2 to consider proposals which would amend the state Constitution. Cumby voters could also be asked to vote for their choices for three places on Cumby City Council on Nov. 2, 2021.
Cumby City Council Election
Filing for Cumby City Council opened on July 17 and will conclude at 5 p.m. today (Aug. 16) for Place 3, Place 4 and Place 5. These are for regular two-year term seats on the council. Those interested in serving on the Cumby City Council must get their completed applications filed at the City of Cumby Municipal Building, 100 East Main St.,today. Betty Jo Hardman, city secretary, is serving as as filing election officer.
Serving in the seats whose terms expire in November 2021 have been Wayne Mobley, Place 3; Betty McCarter, Place 4; and Ryan Horne, Place 5.
Constitutional Amendments
Hopkins County Commissioners Court on Friday, called for an election of Nov. 2, 2021. The Constitutional Amendments Election and Cumby City Council are the only 2 elections that County Clerk Tracy Smith, who also serves as the county’s election administrator, is aware of that will be on Hopkins County ballots.
“We have to go ahead and set that election,” County Judge Robert Newsom said. “A lot of people don’t know this but Hopkins County Court actually sets the election or we don’t have an election. I’m always amazed. We have a lot of responsibilities here in Hopkins County, to make sure everything works. The first thing I want to present to you is a change of location for Precinct 2A voting center.”
The Commissioners Court agreed for voting for Box 2A to be moved from Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church to the newly constructed HW Grays Building, located at 413 Beckham Street in Pacific Park.
Newsom said he contacted Harold Nash, pastor of Morning Chapel MBC who as also a Sulphur Springs City Council member about the voting center relocation, as well as Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell to ensure the building would be available and could be reserved for the national election, and potentially to serve as a voting center in future elections as well if things go well as the location. The proposal was made after Newsom received affirmation from both Nash and Maxwell for the move.
All of the other voting centers will remain the same as in the past for the Nov. 2, 2021, Constitutional Amendment Election, according to Newsom.
Early voting this year will be conducted in the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Courtroom in the Courthouse Annex on Jefferson Street. Newsom noted that The ROC, where early voting has been conducted the last couple of elections, would not be available for use this year during the election.
Work is planned to officially separate the County Tax Assessor/Collector and Justices of the Peace Offices, so that no one will be standing in the hallway in front of the tax assessor’s office. The modification will provide one opening straight into the courtroom, Newsom noted. Work is expected to begin on the project this week. However, that will depend on whether the glass needed arrives on schedule.
“We all know with COVID we’ve had some delays, but we don’t want to start that over there until we have the product in,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price noted.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also issued a proclamation at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, ordering a general election to be held throughout the State of Texas on November 2,2021, for eight constitutional amendments.
Click here to view the proposed amendments to the Constitution.
For more information and resources for voting in Texas, visit VoteTexas.gov.
Tira City Council
According to Jan Vaughn, City Secretary, Declarations for Write-In Candidacy for a place on the Tira City Council will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. For more information contact Jan Vaughn, Tira City Secretary, at 903-438-6688.
North Hopkins ISD
Sign-up forms for the November North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees’ elections are available in both the Administration building and the Secondary School offices. Forms for this election are also due by the close of business today (August 16, 2021). Filing is for two board members to serve three-year intervals.
Meal A Day Menu For August 16-20, 2021
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for Aug. 16-20, 2021, includes:
- Monday –Chicken Spaghetti, Green Beans and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Ham and Broccoli Oven Omelet, Blueberry Muffins, Mandarin Oranges and Fresh Tomato Wedges .
- Wednesday – Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole, Pinto Beans and Corn.
- Thursday –Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, Candied Carrots and Stewed Squash.
- Friday – Corn Dogs, Sweet Potato Fries and Cole Slaw.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Additional Fall Semester Aid to Paris Junior College Students
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
Public Information Services
PJC able to provide $1000/$500 in pandemic aid to fall students
Thanks to pandemic aid funding from the federal government, Paris Junior College will make available $1,000 to full-time students and $500 for part-time students enrolled in fall 2021 classes who meet eligibility requirements.
“PJC is always ready to assist our students,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President. “We are pleased to pass along additional funds to help them meet challenges caused by the pandemic.”
Fall classes start August 30, so students need to register as soon as possible to ensure they get the courses they need.
The additional aid is made possible by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) and will be awarded until it runs out. HEERF III funds may be used to assist with tuition, fees and other expenses directly related to education. The funding will be distributed no later than mid-semester. Students may apply the funds to a past due or current balance with PJC.
PJC’s in-district tuition for 15 semester credit hours is $2,460, eighth best among all Texas public community colleges, according to information from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. PJC tuition is also lower than nearly all nearby colleges and well below the state average of $3,018.
To provide more options to students wanting to register in-person, PJC will be open Saturday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at all locations. The College will also be open until 6 p.m. on weekdays from August 23 to Sept. 2 to assist students. For more information go to www.parisjc.edu, or call 903-782-0425 in Paris, 903-454-9333 in Greenville, or 903-885-1232 in Sulphur Springs.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
