Moseley Announced As HCUW Campaign Chair
Hopkins County United Way began Wednesday’s Board meeting by announcing Kristy Moseley as the 2021-22 HCUW Campaign Chair, and recognized the four new incoming board members. Mike Horne served as 2020-21 campaign chair and will now serve as 2021-22 HCUW Board president. Susan Berning continues to serve as executive director of the organization.
Wade Bartley, Lezley Brown, Dinh Tran and Hillary Young were announced as the new HCUW Board members. Returning members Larry Crowson, Markeda Fisher, Charlotte Henderson, Moseley, Sherry McGraw, Beverley Owens, Bill Owens, Chuck Askins and Debra Evans complete the HCUW Board.
The Budget and Allocations Committee included Fisher, Henderson, Horne, Moseley, Tran and Bill Zahn. HCUW Campaign Chair Moseley noted that Zahn has been a great asset and provided a lot of good input during the process.
Moseley said she’s always heard that one doesn’t fully know what United Way is and does unless you’ve served on the Budget and Allocations Committee. Moseley, who joined HCUW last year, said serving on the board you see where the funds go and how they are used, how tough it can be making difficult funding choices and what those requesting funding are up against.
She announced the dates for the 2021-22 HCUW kickoff luncheons. The HCUW Workers Luncheon is scheduled for Sept. 22, and the Lead Donor Luncheon will follow at noon Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Sulphur Springs Country Club. The location for the workers lunch will be announced after details are firmed up.
The annual campaign theme, goal and allocations are typically announced during the kickoffs.
Trooper Received Conflicting Stories Regarding SH 11 Vehicle Crash, Arrested One
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper received conflicting stories regarding SH 11 vehicle crash, arrested one man and plans to file charges against a woman who was also in the crashed vehicle, according to arrest reports.
State Trooper Arturo Ugalde responded at 8:12 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, to what was reported as a one-vehicle crash on State Highway 11.
A man, identified as a male passenger in the sport vehicle, reportedly told the trooper that Roy Lee Wilburn and a woman were in possession of methamphetamine. Wilburn was alleged to have been driving at the time of the crash, then immediately after reached under the Nissan, grabbed a magnetic box and threw it into the nearby brush. Wilburn and the woman then allegedly fabricated a story in which the woman would claim to be driving the vehicle when it crashed.
The woman and Wilburn had been transported to the hospital to be checked out, so Ugalde went to the hospital to contact them. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies remained at the SH 11 vehicle crash scene to look for the contraband allegedly tossed prior to officers’ arrival.
Ugalde talked to the woman, who told the trooper she had been driving the vehicle, and that Wilburn was the front passenger. The woman, however, was bleeding from her right arm and Ugalde noted that blood had been visible on the passenger’s side door panel, which would be more consistent with the woman being the passenger. When presented with the information, she reportedly denied it.
At that point HCSO Deputy Jason Lavender contacted Ugalde to advise him a magnetic box was located in the area where the man claimed Wilburn had thrown it. The box contained two Ziploc baggies containing suspected methamphetamine and another baggy containing hydromorphone (a pain reliever prescribed as Dilaudid that is 2-8x more potent than morphine but with a shorter duration and is a greater sedation). When he relayed to the woman that the box had been found, she refused to discuss it further.
When he went to talk to Wilburn, the trooper learned the 45-year-old Ladonia man had already left the hospital. Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Brandon Mayes reported finding Wilburn walking south on Jackson Street. The trooper then contacted Wilburn, who he noted had mud marks on his knees, consistent with the male passenger’s account that Wilburn kneeled down and grabbed the magnetic box.
Wilburn also told officials that he had been the passenger and the woman was driver of the Nissan. When updated on facts of the case, he claimed that was not the actual truth. Wilburn was taken into custody for possession a controlled substance found in the box. When presented with what they believed to be evidence, Wilburn allegedly admitted he had been driving the Nissan, but refused to snitch about the box.
“My crash investigation showed Wilburn was traveling at an unsafe speed, resulting in the crash,” Ugalde noted in arrest reports, adding that his bond had been revoked on other charges.
Wilburn was arrested at 10:30 a.m. June 8 on two charges of possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, for the suspected methamphetamine and hydromorphone found in the magnetic box, as well as driving while license invalid with previous convictions and unsafe speed.
When Ugalde went back to talk to the woman a second time, he reported she had already left the hospital. He anticipates filing charges against her at large.. The Nissan involved was towed.
Wilburn, who is also known by Leroy Wilburn, remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, June 9, 2021, in lieu of $50,000 bond each on the controlled substance charges, $1,000 bond on the driving while license invalid charge.
He also was charged with bond forfeiture on two Oct. 7, 2020, possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges. He new bond on the two previous charges was set at $70,000, which is twice the original amount of bond set for the controlled substance charges, according to jail reports. He was indicted in December 2020 on the Oct. 7, 2020, controlled substance charges and released from jail Jan. 28, 2021, on them.
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.
Chamber Connection – June 9: Stewstock 2021, Chorale Showcase, And Much More!
By Butch Burney, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
The logo contest for the 52nd World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest on Oct. 23 is open until Friday, July 2, and we have already received our first entries.
The official logo will go on posters, T-shirts and promotional materials for the stew contest.
The theme for this year’s stew is Stewstock, borrowing from the Woodstock festival idea.
All logo entries should be original and include the theme in some manner. The winner of the logo contest will receive five T-shirts and five stew tickets, plus a coveted parking pass.
Entries should be in jpg format and emailed to me at [email protected] by Friday, July 2.
No late entries will be accepted. The winner will be chosen on July 8.
If you have any questions, call me at 903-885-6515 or use the email above. The Chamber is planning to host a full stew this year, using both the north and south sides of Buford Park.
We will include the Friday night appetizer contest and a concert after the Wildcats’ home football game. We are hoping for great weather to have one of the biggest stew contests ever.
Chamber Showcase
The Third Annual Chamber Showcase is still open for vendors. The Showcase is set for Thursday, Aug. 5, at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Booths are available for $60 each and vendors are asked to being a $25 gift or gift card to be given away at random drawings.
This is a fantastic networking event and a way for you, as a business owner or representative, to get your name and services out to the public.
Only Chamber members can reserve booths for display (the public is invited to attend free of charge), so contact us at the Chamber to find out how your affordable annual membership not only allows you to rent a booth at the Showcase but gives you advantages and opportunities all year long.
Come by or call the Chamber office at 903-885-6515 for more information. A registration link is on our website, hopkinschamber.org.
Lunch and Learn
State Sen. Bob Hall and State Rep. Bryan Slaton will be in town for a Lunch and Learn from 11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. Wednesday, Sept. 15. Registration forms will soon be on our website, so be ready to sign up to learn how laws passed (and not passed) by the Texas Legislature will affect your business.
Choral Society
The Northeast Texas Choral Society is performing “I’ll Fly Away” this weekend at the SSHS Auditorium at the Hopkins County Civic center. Performances are 7 P.M. Saturday, June 12, and 2 P.M. Sunday, June 13. Tickets may be purchased at singerscount.org. Veterans/active military get in free, along with first responders, with proper ID.
Faire on the Square
A Faire on the Square to help defray medical and travel costs for Kris Cobb is planned for 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. Saturday, June 12. There will be plenty of activities for kids and adults, plus a day full of musical guests. There will also be ample opportunities to donate to the Kris Cobb fund.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for May 10, Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Ribbon Cuttings
The City of Sulphur Springs will be hosting a ribbon cutting for the HW Grays Building in Pacific Park at noon Friday, June 18. You won’t want to miss the opening of the new meeting center at the park.
There will be a ribbon cutting at noon Friday, June 25, at Merle Norman Cosmetics at 212 North Davis St. Please join us for this special moment.
A ribbon cutting is also scheduled for noon Tuesday, June 29, for Nextlink Internet at 249 Heritage Parkway. Please mark that on your calendar to attend.
Rep. Slaton To Speak During June 12 Hopkins County Republican Party Meeting
Hopkins County Republican Party will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 12, for a covered dish breakfast at Pioneer Café, located at 307 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. Party members can expect meetings to resume monthly, now that the threat of COVID-19 has lessened due to vaccinations.
This month’s speaker will be State House District 2 Representative Bryan Slayton. Rep. Slayton will give an update on what he believes was and was not accomplished in the 87th session of the State House.
Also to be discussed will be an upcoming Old Time Political Rally slated to be held in September.
“If you are interested in being part of the solution, come join us and enjoy the fellowship, food and the update on the affairs of Texas,” invites Hopkins County GOP Chairman Donnie Wisenbaker.
Additional information about the Hopkins County Republican Party may be found on the organization website, www.HopkinsCountyGOP.org and Facebook page.
Hicks: Walk Thru Texas History and 4-H Project Tour Day
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
Walk Thru Texas History
Three teams (24 individuals) recently participated in “Walk Through Texas History”, as part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s healthy lifestyle initiative.
Walk Through Texas History (WTTH) is a 4-week, 416-mile trek through historic places in Texas History, starting with Gonzales, and continuing with Lavaca River, Navadad River, Bunham’s Crossing on the Colorado River, Beason’s Ford, San Felipe de Austin, Mill Creek, Camp West of Brazos, Groce’s Plantation, Donoho’s Plantation, McCarley’s Home, Burnett’s Place on Cypress Creek, Head of Little Bayou, Harrisburg, Buffalo Bayou, San Jacinto, and ending at Huntsville.
Of course, participants didn’t actually walk to those places, but they kept track of miles and with each historic marker, they were able to read about actual events which took place.
Each week, participants received a recipe and encouragement to keep walking. Teams for the 2021 spring event were the Sassy Sneakers, logging 491.98 miles; TRTA3 logging 491.82 miles; and Texas Walkers, logging 526.1 miles. (Miles are reported as of press time, so most current mileage was not available.)
Each team surpassed the 416 miles goal, so they are to be commended! Top walkers were Linda Hodge, Miles Hoover, Marilyn Powers, Jacquelyn, Patsy Neal and Leticia Burnside. Congratulations to each of these participants!
We will be offering the 8-week, 832 mile, Walk Across Texas version beginning in August. Anyone who is interested is asked to contact the Hopkins County Extension Office, 903-885-3443. Teams of up to 8 people can participate, so gather your families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors and let’s get walking!
4-H Project Tour Day
Twelve members and leaders recently participated in the annual Hopkins County 4-H Project Tour Day. The purpose of this event is to introduce various projects to the youth.
Our stops for 2021 included the Planetarium for the showing of Astronaut and Space Nebula at Texas A&M Commerce (STEM project), Equine Center and Beef Farm (Livestock project), lunch and County Council meeting at the new Chick-Fil-A at TAMU-C (Leadership project), and a visit to Fox County Quilts in Commerce (Fashion and Interior Design Project).
Participants enjoyed each stop and indicated learning something new.
The 4-H Achievement Banquet will take place in August and 4-H members are reminded to submit awards applications and record books to the Extension Office on or before June 25. Information concerning 4-H registration for the 2021/2022 4-H year will be available soon.
Closing thought
A wise person seeks wisdom on a daily basis.
Get Motivated speaker
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B W. Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
40 Year Sentence in Fraudulent Digital Marketing Investment Scheme
Co-defendant, A Former Pastor, Previously Sentenced To 68 Years In State Prison
On June 8, 2021, Richard Gregory Tilford, from Arlington, TX, was sentenced to serve 40 years in state prison for engaging in a fraudulent digital marketing investment scheme. He was also sentenced to serve 10 years in prison for each of six counts of selling unregistered securities and 10 years in prison for each of six counts of acting as an unregistered dealer. The sentences will run concurrently.
StaMedia was an internet advertising company. Investors were told the investments in StaMedia were backed by a digital media patent supposedly valued at up to $85 million. They were promised a guaranteed nine percent return on their investments, but StaMedia never generated any revenue and investor funds were to pay for personal expenses.
Tilford was indicted in Collin County in 2018. Former pastor Timothy Lloyd Booth, a co-defendant, was previously indicted and convicted of theft and securities fraud in connection with the StaMedia scheme. He was sentenced to serve 68 years in state prison.
Bobby Guess, a co-defendant, is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for his role in the scheme. Guess was a local radio personality and author of “Robbed With a Pen Again,” a book that purported to provide advice to investors to help protect assets from fraud.
“Our agency will continue to vigorously pursue justice for white collar crime victims,” said Securities Commissioner Travis J. Iles. “We work closely with local prosecutors, assisting their offices to ensure the successful prosecution of perpetrators of complex securities schemes.”
The case was prosecuted by the Collin County District Attorney’s Office. Attorneys from the Texas State Securities Board, acting as appointed special prosecutors, assisted the office in securing the conviction. Dale Barron, Tina Lawrence, Rachael Luna and Matthew Wise served as the appointed special prosecutors, and Steve Goodman and Suzanne Steinmetz from the Texas State Securities Board testified in support of the prosecution.
Parade of Pageant Contestants; Meet Nancy, Sharon and Wilma
Out of nine contestants for the crown of Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic, we met the first three during the KSST Good Morning Show on Tuesday. All three ladies are making their first Pageant appearance on Saturday June 12, 2021
Wilma Thompson loves to travel, although she also loves being at home in Hopkins County where she was born and raised. Her youth was spent on a farm where she learned the value of hard work and good neighbors. During the Winter Storm of 2021, Wilma was happy to care for her 100-year-old housebound neighbor when treacherous weather prevented the neighbor’s loved ones from reaching her. Wilma enjoys volunteering and even playing roles at Main Street Theater, calling Bingo at the Seniors Center and helping out when she can at the local hospital. This Christmas she plans to treat herself to one of her favorite things, a cruise. At age 87, and with 2 children, 2 grandchildren and one great-grandbaby, Wilma has many stories to tell and plans to do Storytelling as her talent at the Pageant.
Nancy Roy lives in the southernmost edge of Hopkins County, having moved there with her husband Chuck about seven years ago. Nancy is Business Manager of the family business, the Community Chronicle newspaper. She also stays involved with the Lake Fork Chamber of Commerce and select non-profit organizations. She and Chuck live on a ‘gentleman’s farm’, which she says means they name their livestock and treat them like pets! Nancy does all kinds of sewing and quilting but has a special passion for hand-done fine embroidery, having once earned credit for embroidery done as part of study of the classic “The Scarlet Letter”. Nancy is the 69-year-old mom of three and grandmother of four. Her talent presentation will be a song and dance routine to “You Don’t Own Me”.
Sharon Baker is new to the Pageant and new to Hopkins County. Having left the stress and traffic of the Metroplex behind three years ago, she now enjoys the slower pace and having her three cousins nearby to do things with. Sharon loves to sing and has been a singer since her childhood in church. She spent several years singing in a Gospel group and operating the sound board for groups and events. She’s recently gotten involved with Main Street Theater and Community Players presentations. Hobbies include cooking and painting, and Sharon plans to sing “At Last” for her talent presentation at the Pageant.
The Pageant will be held on Saturday June 12, 2021 at 6pm in the Convention Hall of the Hopkins County Civic Center. Admission to attend is free. As current Ms. Hopkins County Senior titleholder Vender Wright gives up her crown, the winner of the 2021 title will be eligible to advance to the Ms. Texas Sr. Classic Pageant to be held in Tyler in September.
Woman Claimed She Was Left Holding A Bag Of Pills For Someone Else; Man Caught With Cocaine, Rifle
Local officers arrested two people on controlled substance charges: a Sulphur Springs woman who purported to be simply holding a bag containing several baggies of pills and a Rosenberg man allegedly caught with cocaine and a rifle, according to arrest reports.
Left Holding A Bag
A Sulphur Springs police officer reported seeing a 55-year-old convenience store clerk at 7:11 p.m. June 5, standing in a College Street parking lot with another person known to the officer as one who has been distributed narcotic. Upon contact with the woman, the officer alleged she displayed several signs of narcotics use.
The woman told the policeman that she was an employee at the business and the person she was talking to had asked her to hold a bag for him. The woman retrieved the bag from behind the counter. Inside it the policeman saw several baggies containing white pills. She claimed not to know what was in the bag, but admitted to being in possession of the pills, which she was waiting for the other person to come back and retrieve.
Consequently, the 55-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was taken into custody at 7:27 p.m. June 5 for possession of less than 28 grams of a penalty Group 3 controlled substance, according to arrest reports. She remained in Hopkins County jail June 8; bond on the Class A misdemeanor charge was set at $2,000.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
I-30 Cocaine Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Thomas Patterson reported stopping a Dodge Charger at 10:34 p.m. June 7, 2021, on Interstate 30 near the 112 mile marker after the driver disregarded an official traffic control device.
Patterson alleged smelling a strong alcohol odor coming from the interior of the car during the traffic stop. Several open Corona bottles were also visible in the floorboard. A probable cause search of the car allegedly revealed a zippered bag containing suspected cocaine, a loaded .22-caliber long rifle pistol and copious amounts of narcotic paraphernalia.
As a result, 31-year-old Jacinto Jonathan Sosa of Rosenberg was arrested and transported to jail, and the car was towed. The substance field-tested positive as cocaine and weighed 2.1 grams. Sosa was booked into Hopkins County jail Tuesday, June 8, at 1:46 a.m. for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Sosa remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday evening, June 8, 2021. His bond was set at $10,000 on the felony controlled substance charge and $2,0000 on the weapon 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.
Seven North Hopkins Panthers Make All-District Baseball Team
North Hopkins Baseball Coach Tim Henderson announced Panthers All-District Baseball selections Tuesday (June 8).
Making First Team All-District is infielder Karson Jenkins.
Second Team All-District choices include catcher Carson Mathis, utility player Tate Myers, infielder Aaron Nguyen and outfielder Chris Cruz.
Honorable Mention selections are Landry Breckeen and Braydon Nguyen.
New Wildcats Football Defensive Coordinator Kurt McCain Shares Some Thoughts on Defense
New Wildcats Football Defensive Coordinator Kurt McCain says he may not be as aggressive on defense as his predecessors Alex Guerra and Triston Abron.
He says his plan is to try and play more base defense so that when he brings the blitz, it will be more effective. Coach McCain says he suspects that Wildcats’ fans should not notice a big difference.
Coach McCain, a longtime Wildcats Assistant Defensive Coach, was promoted to Defensive Coordinator after Coach Guerra left to become the Head Football Coach at Edgewood.
Coach McCain says he has become a big fan of the 3-4 defensive front. Coach McCain says the 3-4 seems more multiple and will allow him to get more athletes on the field.
He says 9 defensive starters graduated after last season leaving only 2 returning starters.
However Coach McCain says several other Wildcats got quite a bit of playing time last year.
He says he expects a lot from his veteran safeties, third year varsity starter Korderrian “Bull” Turner and converted cornerback Dominique Sims.
Coach McCain likes to rotate in a lot of players but he’s not sure he will be able to do that as much this season with his lack of experience and depth right now. He expects kids to step up and he adds he is excited about some of the athletic players he has.
He says he looks forward to his new challenge and he adds the new situation is why you get into the coaching business. Coach McCain is beginning his 15th season in Sulphur Springs under Head Coach Greg Owens.
He says after his first year coaching both sides of the ball as a freshman coach, he has been a Wildcats varsity defensive secondary coach for the past 13 years.
Coach McCain is a native of the Como-Pickton area and a graduate of Cooper High School and Texas A&M-Commerce. He says his first football job was at Nevada Community.
Then after a three year stint as the Head Baseball Coach at Como-Pickton, he came to Sulphur Springs in 2007.
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.
