Como-Pickton CISD, Yantis and Cumby ISD Elections To Be Determined May 1
Cumby Residents To Vote on $7.34M-7.941M In Bond Proposals; CP, Yantis Holding School Board Elections
Early voting in local school bond and trustees elections concluded Tuesday, with relatively low early voting turnouts reported in Como-Pickton and Yantis ISD elections, but a higher turn out for the Cumby ISD two-proposal $7.34-7.941 million bond election than the bond election conducted in 2019.
Como-Pickton CISD Trustees Election
In the Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees Election, early voting concluded with approximately 65 of the district’s 2,168 registered voters casting ballots during the early voting period. That leaves 2,103 registered voters who have yet to select their choice of candidates for our seats on the school board.
Votes in Como-Pickton CISD will have one more opportunity to cast ballots on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 1, 2021, at CPCISD, in Room 114 in front of the building, 13017 State Highway 11 east in Como.
Voters are asked to vote for up to three of the five candidates vying for a full term seat on the school board as well as the special election for one expired term seat on the school board.
Seats are at large, so the three full-term seats will go to the three candidates receiving the most votes in this election. Candidates for a full four-year term on the board include Cole Boseman, incumbent Jessica Pegues, Clif Carpenter, incumbent Shiloh Childress and Stephanie Cotton.
Unopposed on the May 1 CPCSISD trustees ballot in the special election for the two-year unexpired term on the school board is incumbent D.J. Carr.
CLICK HERE to view candidate profiles for all 6 CPCISD trustee candidates.
Cumby ISD Bond Election
A total of 129 early votes were cast during the early voting period, which spanned April 19-27. While election officials report is more than twice the early turnout for the 2019 bond election that failed, Cumby ISD has a total of 1529 registered voters, 121 registered in Hunt County and 1408 registered in Hopkins County. That leaves 1,400 registered voters within Cumby ISD who have yet to cast ballots. Voters will have one more opportunity to vote in the Cumby ISD bond election from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day, Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Cumby ISD Administration Building, which is located at 301 Donelton Street in Cumby.
Voters are asked to vote either for or against two different propositions. Proposition A would fund $7.34 million in bonds for facilities improvements at the elementary, including a cafeteria expansion and address drainage issues; construction of a new high school; conversion of the current junior high/high school building into an intermediate school; and a new metal agriculture shop. This would increase the tax rate from $1.14 to $1.45 per $100 property valuation. Proposition B is contingent on Proposition A passing. If both pass, Proposition B would allow the district to use $600,000 in bonds for a new track. This would increase the tax rate from $1.14 to $1.47 per $100 property valuation.
If either or both of the proposals pass, the increased tax rate would not change homestead exemptions for senior citizens who have one on file with the school tax office; improvements made on the homestead property over the last year could increase the appraisal value of the property, which could impact the resident’s tax bill however.
Click here for more information about the two Cumby bond proposals. Additional information is also available on the Cumby ISD website (cumbyisd.net) or by calling the Cumby ISD Administration Office during business hours Friday at (903) 994-4800, for specific voting information.
Yantis ISD Trustees Election
In the Yantis Independent School District Board of Trustees election, only 28 of the district’s 2852 registered voters took advantage of the early voting period to cast ballots. The remaining 2,824 voters still have an opportunity to cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, this Saturday, May 1, in the front lobby of Imogene Glenn Elementary. 105 West Oak in Yantis.
Voters in Yantis ISD are asked to choose up to three of the four candidates on the ballot for full three-year term seats on Yantis ISD Board of Trustees. The seats are at-large and will go to the three candidates receiving the most votes.
The candidates include Carrie Hurley, Ashly Vivion, Stacey Batchelor and incumbent Tyra Dee Gilbreath Kenemore.
CLICK HERE to read CANDIDATE PROFILES for all four candidates in the Yantis ISD Board of Trustees Election.
Be sure to check www.KSSTRadio.com and KSST 1230 AM for results of the Cumby ISD bond election, and the Como-Pickton and Yantis ISD trustees elections as they come in. Election results in all election remain unofficial until canvassed.
Vaccine Supplies Plentiful, Available Through CHRISTUS Vaccine Clinic Roll-Outs
During the Thursday April 29, 2021 Good Morning Show on KSST, CHRISTUS CEO Paul Harvey and CNO Anitha Sanderson informed listeners about plentiful vaccines in all three types, now available through Vaccine Clinics being scheduled through the hospital. Check the hospital website, CHRISTUStmf.org and stay tuned to KSST for clinic dates during May. Or you may phone Holly Ragan at 903-439-4033 to put your name on a list to receive your choice of vaccines.
As a part of their ministry, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs is pleased to announce that COVID Vaccines are available free of charge by appointment as Vaccine Roll-Outs are planned during May 2021 for local residents. So far, over the past two months, about 7500 vaccines have been given, In a vaccine clinic held on April 28, 400 vaccines were readied, while only 200 persons came to get their vaccine. As the news spreads about the Vaccine Roll-Outs, they hope that everyone in the community who wants or needs a vaccine can get theirs quickly and easily as well as free of charge. Persons who are still on a waiting list with another organization are welcome to inquire about the CHRISTUS vaccine clinics. Additionally, local pharmacies continue to offer vaccines as well.
To view the interview, click HERE
CMFH-SS Hosts May 1 Blood Drive In Response To Worst Blood Shortage In Decades
To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS® Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro/Sulphur Springs
The current blood shortage is the worst in decades – We need your help!
Carter BloodCare is hosting a blood drive in the CBC bus at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs in the front parking lot on Saturday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and again on Wednesday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call or txt (800) 366-2834 or visit their website at www.carterbloodcare.org. Type “O” donations are in high demand.
COVID Vaccines Available
Contact Holly Ragan at 903.439.4033 to schedule an appointment for a Pfizer vaccine. Second doses will be on May 19.
Hospital Visitation – *UPDATED
We continue to ensure a safe and compassionate process for families and essential support persons to visit patients, while preventing person-to-person transmission of infectious diseases in our acute care settings. All visitors will continue to be screened to make certain they do not fit a COVID-19 profile, based on CDC guidelines. To safely regulate access to patient care areas within our hospital, visitor screening stations are placed at the entrance of our facilities.
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable
- Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth
- Visitors must pass screening before entry
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- COVID Unit limited to (1) visitor (age 16 and over)
- ER and ICU limited to (2) visitors
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
Effective March 17, 2021
We will no longer restrict the number of visitors per patient, however, we strongly encourage to limit visitors to ONE (1) essential support person and for all other visitors – continue utilizing virtual communication through mobile devices to monitor your loved ones in our care.
Clinic Services
Digestive Care
We are fortunate to have care specialists dedicated to your gastrointestinal health right here, close to home. Our highly trained team provides screening, diagnosis, and advanced treatments for a wide range of complex digestive disorders including colon cancer screening, esophageal disease, stomach and intestinal conditions, large intestine and colon conditions such as ulcerative colitis, and pancreas, liver, and gallbladder conditions. To schedule an appointment, please contact the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Gastroenterology office at 903.885.1770.
Pain Management
Chronic pain can be caused by a number of disorders, affecting all aspects of your physical and psychological well-being. Pain conditions are often treatable, which is why we are committed to provide you with safe and effective pain management through the continuum of care. We offer a wide range of services that deal with both chronic and acute onset pain designed to treat many kinds of pain due to disease, aging-related issues, and other conditions. Pain conditions are often treatable through a number of different protocols; but not every approach works for everyone, which is why the expert oversight of the physicians and staff at our facilities is so critical to helping you find the right care for your pain. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our Pain Management physician, Dr. Matthew Johnson, please call 903.885.1740.
Name the Robot Contest for Kindergarten through 5th Grades
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has a new family member… the Mako robotic surgical assistant. We invited all local students from Kindergarten through 5th grades to enter a coloring sheet and come up with a name for our new robot. Students worked with their teachers to enter their submissions, and with the voting aid of the community, a decision was made. The winning name is “Kneemo”, and was selected by Kylie Harrison (4th grade) and Matthew Evans (5th grade), both members of the Sulphur Springs Elementary School Robotics Club. This past Friday, the club got to meet the robot, have a pizza party, and have their picture made with the robot and our Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Chris Meltsakos, who will be using the robotic assistant to work on patients’ knees. We are very appreciative of the help naming the Mako!
COVID-19
Don’t Delay Care
We want to be perfectly clear – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. Go to the Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 if you are urgently ill. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. To learn more about COVID-19, go to ChristusTMF.org or www.cdc.gov.
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CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
2 Men Sentenced In District Court Tuesday
Two men were sentenced this week in district court Tuesday, each after previously making open pleas, according to court reports.
Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon Hearing
Brandon Clayton Soles appeared before Judge Eddie Northcutt in the 8th Judicial District Court Tuesday morning, April 27, 2021, for a sentencing hearing on the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge for which he he previously issued an open plea.
The 20-year-old Mineola man was arrested Feb. 21, 2020, an aggravated assault warrant in connection with a shooting that left one injured at a Fuller Street apartment on Feb. 5, 2020.
SSPD investigators on Feb. 6, 2020, reported officials received calls around 6:45 p.m. the evening before from people reporting that gunshots had been fired and one person was shot. Police arrived and applied first aid to the shooting victim, who was not identified, until EMS arrived. The suspect or suspects had reportedly fled by the time officials arrived. The injured person was reported to be in stable condition from non life-threatening injuries at a Tyler hospital, the next morning. “Witnesses lead investigators to believe this crime was drug related,” a Feb. 6, 2020, SSPD release stated.
Police put out a photo Feb. 18 identifying Brandon Clayton Soles as the suspect in the shooting, and asked for the public’s help in locating him. Soles, who jail reports show is also known by Brandon Soles II, was arrested on Feb. 21, 2020, by Wood County Precinct 2 Constable on the Hopkins County aggravated assault warrant in addition to a Wood County charge. He remained in Wood County jail from Feb. 21-June 2, 2020. Soles was transferred June 2, 2020, to Hopkins County jail, where he remained until Dec. 21, 2020, on a $500,000 bond on the aggravated assault charge, according to jail reports.
During a sentencing hearing Tuesday, April 27, 2021, Soles received a 20-year sentence on the aggravated assault charge, according to Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris, who prosecuted the case.
Sexual Assault Of A Child Sentencing Hearing
Chasen Lane Beaver appeared in the 8th Judicial District Court Tuesday afternoon, April 27, 2021, for a sentencing hearing on a sexual assault of a child charge.
Beaver has remained in Hopkins County jail since police took him into custody March 16, 2021, on a warrant for insufficient bond on the sexual assault of a child charge.
The 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was originally taken into custody Sept. 2, 2020 on the sexual assault of a child charge, after he “admitted to having sexual intercourse and performing oral sex on” a 16-year-old female on or about July 15, 2020, at a Duckworth Street address, a SSPD detective alleged in Beaver’s 2020 arrest report.
He was released from jail Sept. 3, 2020, on a $25,000 bond, according to jail reports. He was indicted in February 2021 on the sexual assault charge, according to court records.
Beaver received a 5-year sentence on the sexual assault of a child charge Tuesday afternoon, April 27, 2021, in District Court, according to the district attorney’s office.
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.
4 Men Jailed in Hopkins County On Felony Charges
Four men were jailed in Hopkins County on felony charges in the last 2 days, on on a controlled substance charges, one on a felony driving while intoxicated charge and two on marijuana charges, according to arrest reports.
James Raymond Adams turned himself in just before 2 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office lobby. Deputy Nick Marney escorted the 43-year-old Dover, Delaware man into Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 2:15 a.m. for bond forfeiture on a possession of 5 pounds or more but less than 50 pounds of marijuana charge.
Adams was initially arrested on the marijuana charge on Jan. 10, 2005, then released from jail on a $10,000 charge later that day. He was jailed again in Hopkins County Dec. 3, 2010 for violating probation on the marijuana charge; he was released on a $15,000 bond on Dec. 21, 2010, according to jail reports.
The Delaware man remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, April 29, 2021. His new bond on the charge was set at $30,000, according to jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Department Special Crimes Unit Det. Sgt. Joe Scott contacted the occupants of a Toyota Camry around 4:30 p.m. April 27, 2021, for being illegally parked more than 18 inches from the curb in the 400 block of South Davis Street.
The passenger, identified in arrest reports as 23-year-old Quenten Aaron Reed, reportedly showed nervous indicators. When asked, he reportedly agreed to let officials search his pockets. Scott alleged 1-gram of suspected THC was located during the search. The 23-year-old Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody for possession of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance.
Just prior to entering the jail, another 1-gram THC vial was reportedly found in Reed’s pocket pocket, Scott alleged in arrest reports. As a result, Reed was booked into jail shortly after 5 p.m. April 27, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. Reed was released from jail April 28, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the third-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Elijah Fite stopped around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, to check on the motorist in a blue Ford Edge stopped facing on FM 1567 west. Dakota Shane Weir told the deputy that he had a flat tire. When the 31-year-old Lone Oak man tried to exit the vehicle, he stumbled, appearing heavy footed, Fite noted in arrest reports. When asked how much he’d had to drink, Weir reportedly admitted he’d consumed two beers.
When the deputy went to turn his vehicle around, Weir allegedly returned to his vehicle and dove away. Fite hit the overhead lights on his patrol vehicle. Weir allegedly continuing for half a mile on FM 1567 west, before pulling over just east of FM 3399. Fite contacted Weir from at his window. Fite reported smelling an alcohol odor emitting from the Lone Oak man, who the deputy claimed refused to get out of his vehicle. Fite reported unlocking the vehicle through the window, which was down, then removing Weir from the vehicle and placed him into handcuffs. When the 31-year-old refused to perform standard field sobriety tests as instructed, Fite transported him to the county jail for further investigation of DWI, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
Upon arrival at the jail, he was placed in an intoxilyzer room, where he refused to submit to a blood draw. Fite contacted Judge Clay Harrison, who granted a search warrant requiring the blood draw. Weir was taken to the hospital, where the blood sample was taken, then transported to jail, where he was booked around midnight on a felony DWI, third or more offense charge, according to arrest reports.
Fite was released from the county jail later Wednesday, April 28, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the third-degree felony DWI charge, according to jail records, which also show Weir spent the night March 18, 2012 on a DWI charge before being released the next day on a $1,000 bond.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Arturo Ugalde stopped a black Chevrolet Malibu around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 137 for speeding. The driver, identified in arrest reports as Vergil Wayne Wilson, allegedly claimed he was headed to Shreveport from the Dallas Fort Worth area, that he was I-30 because his GPS indicated it was the fastest route.
Aware that I-20 is a faster route and noting that Wilson showed indicators of extreme nervousness and deception, Ugalde obtained permission to search the car. The highway patrol reported finding a small bag containing marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the passenger compartment and four vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana in a suitcase in the trunk of the car. The suspected marijuana weighed 4.4 pounds including packaging, Ugalde alleged in arrest reports.
Wilson received an escort to the county jail, where the 25-year-old Shreveport resident spent the night on possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana and drug paraphernalia charges. He was released from jail on Thursday, April 29, 2021, on a $5,000 on the marijuana charge, according to jail reports.
TxDOT Calls for Safer Driving as Work Zone Traffic Deaths Rise During Pandemic
AUSTIN – Even with less traffic during the pandemic, Texas work zone fatalities increased 9% in 2020 compared to 2019. That’s why TxDOT is calling on drivers to make safety their number one priority at all times and especially when passing through active construction and maintenance work zones on the roadway.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 26–30, with safety tips to reduce work zone fatalities. Last year, there were more than 22,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones with 186 people killed, including four road workers.
“We know driving through work zones can be challenging,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “There can be extra congestion, slow-moving heavy equipment, temporary barriers, and vehicles that make sudden stops. We can’t stress enough how important it is to give driving your full attention and slow down—for your own safety and that of the people who work alongside the road.”
Drivers and their passengers account for the majority of those who have died in work zone crashes. In 2020, 147 motorists and vehicle passengers were killed in Texas work zones, along with 35 pedestrians and bicyclists and four road workers.
The Texas Mutual Insurance Company, which helps employers prevent workplace incidents and their consequences, is partnering with TxDOT to promote safe driving. The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign outlines five key steps drivers can take to safely navigate a work zone:
1. Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions. Unsafe speed is one of the main causes of crashes in work zones.
2. Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.
3. Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they wear is a vest, a hardhat and safety boots. Remember, they want to get home safe, too.
4. Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry if you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of work zone crashes.
5. Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.
Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law can also result in a $2,000 fine. State law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. 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. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
SSPD Scam Alert: Beware Of Callers Threatening Warrants Or Jail If Money, Preloaded Gift Or Debit Cards Are Not Shipped
Police Recover $26,400 Of More Than $60,000 Taken As A Result of Phone Scams
Sulphur Springs Police Department investigators warn residents to beware of callers threatening warrants or jail time if money or gift cards aren’t mailed or shipped immediately. Also, don’t send money if notified of a supposed prize award, such as a vehicle or large amount of money. Police emphasize these are scams, designed primarily to take advantage of elderly and other unsuspecting individuals.
While the concept is not new, the latest round of phone scammers are more manipulative, cunning and aggressive in their threats and methods. This week, scammers convinced one person to of the need to send approximately $60,000 to stay out of jail and conned another into sending $6,400 to claim a vehicle prize. However, thanks to savvy parcel carriers, police were able to get return the full $6,400 to one and $20,000 of the $60,000 for the other.
One of the scam victims remained on the phone all day with the cons, who pretended to be federal officers. When the elderly person attempted to hang up, the caller reportedly became verbally aggressive, threatening to arrest, even claiming the person’s door would be knocked down if the person did not send payment as ordered immediately in the manner, location and amounts as instructed. The victim reportedly stayed on the phone when the caller went to the bank to procure the money. When the bank employing cautioned about a potential scam, the victim became defense to the bank employee. Funds were then delivered to more than one shipping location to be sent to more than one address, event going so far as to order the person to a second location in a city other than the hometown.
One person was told to load the requested funding in specific amounts onto debit cards. One had the funding wrapped and placed between the pages of a magazine, which had duct tape around the edges, then put into a shoe box that also had duct tape on it. The individual then took it for overnight delivery, claiming the parcel contained important papers that had to get to the noted location within 24-hours or less — which also costs quite a bit in shipping and handling fees as well.
Police reported the parcels appeared suspicious, with signs of potential criminal activity involved. Parcel handlers, whether employees of the US Postal Service or shipping companies, are allowed to open suspicious packages without a warrant and will contact police if contraband is located. When it became apparent what was going on in the aforementioned situation, police were contacted. Police talked to one of the fraudulent callers over the phone; the individual claiming to work for law enforcement when confronted hung up on the police officers.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson and Special Crimes Unit Sgt. Joe Scott said these type of scams are becoming more prevalent, with callers becoming more aggressive bullies. Police ask community members to be alert and help protect elderly, the primary targets of these types of scams.
The use of apps which generate fake numbers and use other number masking devices makes tracing the call to the caller, who may not even be in the USA, virtually impossible too. Often, if called back, the number rings as “out of service,” only able to make calls but not receive, or was generated to show someone else’s number.
Scott noted that parcels can be intercepted while in transit, but often are sent to fraudulent address or addresses that do not belong to the caller. The cons often have someone else watch for the package or packages to arrive, then snatch them before anyone knows they were there. The funds then disappear with the person who collects the package.
Typically, these actions occurred quickly, with the victim out large sums, and once the payment has been collected at its destination and is collected, becomes almost impossible to track to the original caller, the SCU investigator noted.
Occasionally, law enforcement get lucky in that they have a full 24-hours to contact officials in the area where the money, gift card or preloaded debit card is being shipped. If the agency has staff available to assist, the agency officials wait for the package to arrive, then detain the person who collects it. That, however, may still not be the person who originated the scheme, however.
The telephone scam victims may be warned not to talk to their family or others about the situation, and if they are questioned by family, friends, business people or law enforcement are instructed exactly what to say in an effort to deflect attention from the scam in progress, Scott noted.
That’s why police urge people who have elderly relatives to check in on them regularly and talk to them about the types of telephone money scams so that they will be alert for them instead of victims. If a person who normally calls daily isn’t heard from in three days, police advise the relative to check on them to find out what’s going on.
If someone calls from a number that’s not known, especially one from a different area code, police recommend not answering the phone. They will leave a message with their name, information and contact number if they truly want to talk to you.
Know that law enforcement, from police and sheriff’s deputies to DEA agents, and government officials will not call asking for money. If a warrant is to be issued, the person will be contacted by mail, and then typically only for citations. If law enforcement plans to serve a warrant, they will do so in person, not by phone and won’t make threats of jail in lieu of payment. If an officer is calling about a warrant, the caller will likely encourage the person to turn themselves in to officials or to report to the law enforcement agency to take care of the matter.
Funds would not be requested in debit or gift cards and payment wouldn’t be due in several smaller increments to be mailed to multiple locations. Official mail from government agencies regarding issue typically will also be sent by certified mail, just as payment or documents should be mailed in appropriate parcel packaging.
If notified of a prize, that too likely will be done by mail, not over the phone. If a fee is required, it’s not free. If someone wants to send a prize, it is typically done by legitimate sources without payment. It’s only free if there’s no free. Do not send money to claim a prize. This is typically an attempt to obtain funding, and sometimes even personal information, not only costing the person dollars but also resulting in identity theft.
Do not give out personal information over the phone to someone who contacts you unsolicited, no matter what they promise or who they claim to be. Local and federal officials will not call asking for personal information over the phone: don’t give out names, addresses, ID or account numbers, officers note.
Officers remind people to keep in mind two things when dealing with unsolicited offers or requests: if it seems to good to be true, it usually is, and it’s not free if you have to pay something.
Police urge those who do have elderly relatives to keep an eye out for potential scams attempted at the older adult’s expense. Those who can are urged to set precautions, and if possible see if they will grant access to financial accounts online once a month or weekly, then monitor vigilantly for sudden changes in spending or sudden frequent withdrawals of large sums.
Anytime a resident feels like they or their family member is being scammed, the individual is urged to contact police to let them check it out. Legitimate businesses and agencies will provide information that can be verified. Those who aren’t sure how to do that may contact police or their local law enforcement office to have them do the checking for you.
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.
Meet New Director of Hopkins County Community Chest
During April 2021, Heather White stepped into the capable shoes of outgoing Director Judy Moore who had successfully led Hopkins County Community Chest for eight years. White is not a new face to Hopkins County, nor to the work that Community Chest does for local residents. Heather is originally from Saltillo and a 2002 graduate of Como-Pickton CISD, then following a 15-year career in Lowe’s management, she made a career change. Beginning as a volunteer, she learned just about every task in the daily operations. White got the nod for the Director’s seat as Moore ramped up her retirement plans earlier this year.
In addition to assisting families through the ongoing food distribution programs at the headquarters at 217 Linda Drive in Sulphur Springs, there’s also the Reach-Out program where a mobile unit travels to food distribution stations in the county on a monthly basis. Community Chest also offers bill-pay assistance as well as emergency resource services for families in need. Assistance is determined by income and application process. If you have needs or have questions about Hopkins County Community Chest, you can visit the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, or you may phone 903-885-3452.
For persons currently receiving food assistance, the ‘shopping” format is being restored in May 2021, as opposed to the bulk distribution which was utilized during the pandemic year of 2020. The food products offered in distribution program is funded by donations from sources in the local community as well as distributions from the Northeast Texas Food Bank.
Lady Cats Softball Playoff Series Has Changed, No Game Thursday Night
The Lady Cats Softball Team’s bi-district schedule versus Lufkin has changed.
The new schedule calls for two games Friday at Marshall at 6 p.m. The second game is scheduled to begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of game 1.
Game 3, if necessary, will be Saturday at noon at Whitehouse. The Lady Cats, district co-champions and the #1 seed from district 15-5A, have a season record of 22-3.
They enter the game having won 13 games in a row. The Lady Cats were 11-1 in district play.
The Lady Panthers are the #4 seed in district 16-5A. They were 4-6 in district games and their season record is 13-12.
The winner of the Lady Cats and Lufkin bi-district series will play the winner of a Joshua and Crandall bi-district series in the Area round.
Lady Cats Softball Coach Carrillo is no stranger to the playoffs. In fact, his Lady Cats have made the playoffs 13 years in a row not counting last year’s COVID-19 interruption.
Only Coach Carrillo’s first Lady Cats’ team, in 2007, did not make the playoffs and they lost a play-in game that kept them out.
Four times the Lady Cats have advanced to the Regional Quarterfinals, or 3rd round. They have also gone to the Area round seven times.
KSST sister station, KRVA-FM, 107.1, will bring you the Lady Cats and Lady Panthers bi-district series and again the schedule has changed. Game 1 and 2 will now be Friday night beginning at 6 pm from Marshall.
Game 3 if needed will take place Saturday at noon at Whitehouse.
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.
Miller Grove HS Has 3 UIL Academic Competitors Moving on to State
Miller Grove High School Academic UIL competitors showed up at the Regional contest with winning in mind.
Of the ten who advanced to Regionals from the District level, the academic team walked away with a total of five medals, three students who are moving on to the state level, and the Speech Team won overall second place.
Bailee Shipp placed fifth in poetry. Addison Stanton fared just a bit better in the prose competition, getting fourth in the event.
Jamilyn Hensley snagged second in Ready Writing, and with that top two finish Hensley will be advancing to State.
Jolee Fox had a solid outing in Persuasive Speaking, getting fifth, but it is the Lincoln Douglas Debate where Fox has shined brightest, winning the event in first place and maintains her unbeaten debate season in the event over the course of this Academic UIL season. Since Fox got gold in the Lincoln Douglas debate, she will be moving on to state as well.
Jagger Qualls finished just behind Fox in the Lincoln Douglas Debate, getting second, and as a result Qualls will be joining Hensley and Fox in advancing to the State competition.
And to round out events for Miller Grove, the Speech Team of Bailee Shipp, Addison Stanton, Kayti Brignon, Kavan Smith, Jorja Bessonett, Jolee Fox, and Jagger Qualls snagged second in the event.
Marcella Hayden, English teacher at Miller Grove HS and the UIL coach of the Ready Writer and all of the Speakers/Debate team said congratulations to the whole Miller Grove HS Academic UIL team.
