Hopkins County Bar Association, Judges Observe Law Day 2021
Hopkins County Bar Association hosted a small gathering of members, judges and community members at the courthouse Friday in celebration of Law Day 2021. While Law Day is actually May 1, it falls on Saturday this year, so HCBA hosted a recognition event Friday, joined by the county and county-court-at-law judges, in proclaiming Saturday, May 1, 2021 as Law Day 2021.
Hopkins County Bar Assocation President Bryan White, of Roper and White Attorneys At Law, Friday noted that until he joined the local association he was unaware of the day or its significance. Law Day, however, has been observed for more than 60 years, is actually a national day, and serves an important function, the attorney said.
Law Day was established in 1957 the American Bar Assocation started the concept of Law Day to celebrate the American legal system. In1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower establed Law Day a national daydedicated to the principles of government and law. Congress then in 1961 designated May 1 as the official date for celebrating the rule of law with the purpose of reminding us all that we the people share the responsibility to promote the rule of law, defend liberty, and pursue justice, White explained.
The 2021 Law Day theme is “Advancing the Rule of Law Now,” the HCBA president noted.
“The purpose specifially is to remind all of that we the people share the esponsibility to promote the Rule of Law and liberty in the pursuit of justice,” White noted. “It provides an opportunity for us to understand the law and how the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share.”
The Declaration of Independence and Constitution, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said, are the bedrock of America.
“If we ever lose our constitutional protections, America is in trouble. So today, Law Day is appropriate,” Newsom said. This Rule of Law, he added, is “a fundamental concept undergirding justice, freedom and representative government,” designed ot expand rather htan limit freedoms.
The Rule of Law is built around the idea that no one is so important as to be above the law, meaning there must be limits on governemnt officials, who must be held accountable for their actions. Conversely, no one is so insignificant to be beneath the rule of law. Separation of the three branches of government preserve the rule of law, making an independent judiciary essential to a free society and administration of laws, the county judge noted.
“A viable democracy requires understanding of the nature and basis of our freedoms and recognition of the individual responsibilities which those freedoms impose,” Newsom read from a proclamation officially designating May 1, 2021 as Law Day in Hopkins County. “The Rule of Law requires an educated citizenry that understands our history, our laws, and demonstrates engaged citizenship.”
Newsom urges “everyone to observe this day by deepening their understanding of the Rule of Law and dedicating themselves to advancing the Rule of Law now to strengthen our democracy, defend libery, and pursue justice.”
“The lawyers of our comunity uphold this concept of Constitutional law and whether we realize it or not, in every case we have, our Constitution shines, wakes up. So we want our Constitution to be what stands as the bedrock of our constitutional republic,” Newsom added.
The county judge asked the judges and attorneys present to join him for a photo to officially mark their stand for Law Day and the Rule of Law.
The Law Day 2021 observance was hosted by Hopkins County Bar Association, a group of local attorneys in Hopkins County that get together from all types of law practice areas to do various things in the community. Attorneys here are invested in this community and to promoting law specifically.
North Hopkins Baseball Team Stages Big Rally to Win Slugfest Over Cumby Friday
The North Hopkins Panthers Baseball Team looked to be in big trouble after 4 innings of their game against Cumby on the road Friday (April 30).
The Panthers trailed the Trojans, 12-1. The Panthers then scored 5 runs in the fifth, a dozen more in the sixth and three in the seventh as they held on to win the slugfest 21-15.
The Panthers outhit the Trojans 11 to 7. North Hopkins had 3 errors and Cumby had 10.
For the Panthers, Carson Mathis, their third pitcher of the day, benefited from the run support to get the win and tossed the last 2 innings allowing 2 hits, 3 runs with only 1 of them earned, while striking out 5 and walking 3.
Karson Jenkins had a huge game for the Panthers at the plate going 4 for 6 with 5 RBI’s, 4 runs scored and with a home run and a stolen base.
Mathis was 1 for 3 with 2 RBI’s, 2 runs scored with 2 stolen bases and 2 walks. Landry Breckeen had 2 RBI’s and 2 runs scored with a walk. Robert Perry was 1 for 4 with 2 RBI’s, 3 runs scored and a walk.
Dakota Smith was 1 for 2 with an RBI, 2 runs scored and with a triple and a stolen base. Smith was also hit by a pitch three times.
Aaron Nguyen was 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Gavin Buccieri had an RBI, a run scored and a walk. Tate Myers was 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored, 2 stolen bases and 2 walks. Santos Hernandez scored a run. Braydon Nguyen scored a run and walked.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of May 3, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of May 3, 2021. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91 as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar Streets (SH 56) is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit ramp. The northbound North Travis Street exit ramp (FM 131) is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit. The southbound Houston Street / Lamar Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Beginning on Wednesday, May 5, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road near West Staples Street and transition back to existing mainlanes near West Cherry Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Center Street. Once the traffic switch is completed, US 75 northbound frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane, while northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will still maintain two travel lanes. Both northbound mainlane and northbound frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers. Beginning on Thursday, May 6, the southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road for this same area. This traffic configuration will remain in place for approximatively 14 months.
Prior to the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch, all east- and westbound lanes of Center Street under US 75 will be closed to traffic beginning at 7 a.m. on May 5. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Center Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Park Avenue, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Houston Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Center Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyVQ6rYNhM
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Center Street closure at US 75: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIMoHaqAFGg
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. This exit ramp is expected to be closed through July 2021. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (#643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct the second portion of the new Sand Creek bridge and the approaches to the bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 697, Grayson County: from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to perform base repairs on the roadway.
FM 120, Grayson County: from SH 289 in Pottsboro west to the end of State maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to perform base repairs on the roadway.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 69/US 75, Grayson County: at the Red River bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to upgrade and replace the existing bridge railing on the bridge and guardrail approaches on the northbound and southbound bridges at the Red River. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have shifted traffic to provide room for construction.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to a portion of the new concrete pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the daytime.
US 82, Grayson County: at Deaver Creek. Watch for temporary daytime lane and shoulder closures for both the eastbound and westbound travel lanes as workers complete maintenance repairs to the bridge.
SH 289, Grayson County: at the SH 56 intersection. Watch for temporary daytime lane and shoulder closures for both the northbound and southbound travel lanes as workers complete maintenance repairs to the bridge.
US 69, Grayson County: between FM 120 and US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement for the entirety of the project from the Lamar County line to SH 121. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while crews work on the inside lane to build crossovers and turn lanes and overlay the future left lane. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 2077 in Dodd City to US 82 in Honeygrove. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
I-30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
SH 154, Hopkins County: From 0.315 miles north of FM 1567 to 0.195 miles south of CR 1104. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews begin work on rehabilitation of the roadway.
SH 19, Hopkins County: From Loop 301 to Delta County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffics delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
FM 71, Hopkins County: From FM 3236 to Sulphur Bluff. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews work on rehabilitating the roadway.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement, upgrade bridge rail, and place new hot mix.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). Watch for daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing roadway.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures while crews place final hot mix surface.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has placed project barricades and is prepping and clearing the right-of-way. Preliminary embankment and bridge work has begun with the first of several drill shafts being placed. This work should not affect existing traffic on SH 34 or SH 276.
FM 499, Hunt County: at Lynn Creek. Road closures have been removed and the contractor has begun final clean-up in the area, The contractor is placing final seeding and addressing punch list items.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has begun reworking the flexbase, placing geogrid and compacting areas for roadway rehabilitation and widening. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor has begun roadwork and is placing flexbase and compacting in the proposed turn lane widening section. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing pothole repairs, mowing and metal beam guard fence repairs around the county, and removing debris from I-30 this week. Maintenance crews will sweep US 69 between Greenville and Lone Oak. Crews will be performing overlay and edge repair on FM 779 and FM 1563 at various locations. Contracted crews will be working on FM 1570 from IH-30 to SH 66 on full depth base repair. Maintenance crews plan to continue repairing potholes at various locations in Hunt county. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing various sign installations, potholing and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing patching on US 69 from FM 2795 to Wood Co Line and on FM 779 from wood Co. Line to FM 515. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Lady Cats Softball Moves on to Area Round of Playoffs
The Lady Cats softball team won both games of their double-header in Marshall versus Lufkin on Friday, Apr. 30 to win the best-of-three series to move on to the area round of playoffs.
Sulphur Springs came out with a vengeance in Game 1, scoring 5 runs in the first two innings to quickly take a 5-0 lead over the Lady Pack.
Bryant pitched a perfect game, pitching a complete 5 inning game while striking out 13 Lady Pack batters. Bryant did not allow a single run nor walked a Lufkin batter in Game 1. The dynamite ace was also solid behind the plate, knocking a two-out, 2 RBI double to make the score 2-0 in the bottom of the first.
CF Jadyn Harper also crushed a three-run home run to make the score 5-0 in the second. 1B Nylah Lindley got a two-run home run of her own which made the score 7-0. A few batters later Grace Magnuson joined the RBI party, making it 8-0 over Lufkin after four full innings.
The game was called after 5 with Sulphur Springs shutting out Lufkin 10-0 in Game 1 of Friday’s double header.
All the Lady Cats had to do now was win Game 2 of the double-header and they would be in the next round of playoffs.
Game 2, however, would not be as easy for Sulphur Springs as Game 1 of the double-header was, and the second game was closer than the 9-2 final score indicated.
The Lady Cats again jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but Lufkin got their first run of the day in the bottom of the second to make it a one run, 2-1 lead for Sulphur Springs.
Coach David Carrillo and his squad answered with 4 more runs of their own, as the Lady Cats imposed their momentum at 6-1 in the top of the third.
The Lady Pack fought back, realizing their season was in danger of coming to a close, but Sulphur Springs never let up, proceeding to score 3 of the final 4 runs en route to a 9-2 victory in Game 2.
SS Parris Pickett got the scoring started for Sulphur Springs in the bottom of the second when she crushed a line drive to center field to get both her and DP Addison DeSmet home to make it an early 2-0 lead over Lufkin.
Even though the Lady Pack got a run of their own, 3B Addison Caddell would not let Lufkin gain momentum when she sent a 2 RBI double to left field to extend the Lady Cats lead to three at 4-1. The Lady Cats scored 11 runs on 9 hits but committed four errors as a team.
Sulphur Springs outscored Lufkin 19-2 in the Bi-District round series on Friday.
Not only that, but in the 12 innings played in total, in six of the innings the Lady Cats scored 2+ runs. To say Coach Carrillo’s team was offensively efficient would be generous.
The 10-0 shutout victory in Game 1 and 9-2 win in Game 2 gave the Lady Cats a quick 2-0 sweep over the Lufkin Lady Pack in the Bi-District round of playoffs.
Perhaps most importantly, Sulphur Springs, by winning both games in Marshall on Friday avoided a Game 3, winner-take-all scenario, which would have taken place at noon tomorrow in Whitehouse.
Instead, the Co-District Champion and #1 seeded Lady Cats move on to the Area round of playoffs. The pair of wins from the double-header increase the softball team’s season record to 24-3 overall (11-1 district). The two wins versus Lufkin on Friday, Apr. 30 also gave Coach Carrillo’s squad their 15th straight win.
Next up, the Lady Cats softball team will be participating in the Area round of playoffs.
Sulphur Springs will be taking on familiar foe Crandall with the dates and times of those games yet to be determined.
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.
Fundraiser Slated To Help Rebuild Sulphur Bluff VFD Station, Community Center
A May 1 fundraiser if planned to help rebuild the Sulphur Bluff Volunteer Fire Department Station and Cpmmunity Center. The facility was destroyed Thursday, April 1, by a fire. In addition to the structure, SBVFD lost all of the equipment and three trucks, as well as tables, chairs and appliances which were inside the building when it burned.
Fire departments from Hopkins, Franklin and Delta counties responded on April 1 to asist their fellow firefighters in their time of need. One SBVFD member was able to get one brush truck out of the building. The county fire marshal was able to determine area of origin for the blaze,but not to definitively determine the cause.
Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau Board members voted to give a donation to the Sulphur Bluff Volunteer Fire Department to help them start the process of rebuilding a crucial service to our community, and recently presented them with a check.
A fish fry fundraiser with all the trimings is scheduled to be held Saturday, May 1, starting at 5 p.m., with donations going to help rebuilding the community building and department.The event was scheduled to be held behind the remains of the old station/community building, however, because of the rain earlier this week and possible Saturday, the benefit has been moved to the Sulphur Bluff ISD oldgym, according to SBVFD Chief. Those note sure where that’s at should look for the signs once the get in the area.
Tickets are available for $5 each or 6 for $20 now and will be available at the event for chances at an AR-15 and Ruger 10/22, donated by a community member to help raise rebuilding funds. The winner does not have to be present at the time of the drawing to receive the prize.
An auction of numerous donated items will also be held Saturday as part of the fundraiser. Bidding will start at 6:30. Many businesses, individuals, SBVFD members and family, community members, school organizations and at least one other volunteer fire department have donated items for the auction. There’s a little bit of everything. If you know someone who has a birthday coming up or just need a few items for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping, there will be plenty of suitable items availble to bid on Saturday during the auction; all funds will go to help the department rebuild the station and community center.
Items pledged for auction include an autographed baseball and cap donated by the Texas Rangers, chainsaws, fishing kayak, gift card basket from Soulman’s BBQ, ammunition, a gate or $1,200 credit on an Art Gate build, a two-person glider, home decor signs, weed killer, handmade quilt, fishing pole and tackle box, tools and tool kits, smoked pork, smoked brisket, Web Riders Swing, two-man hog hunt, 16 yard dumpster haul off, 250 pounds of feed, 4 hours of dozer work, Blackstone Griddle, Car care kits, a picnic table, Livestock Pour On insecticide, one-day guided fishing trip, Bath and Body Works gift basket, 10 yards of select fill dirt, 10 yards of washout, beef and pork box, five meals, 15 pounds of live crawfish, seasoning and one dozen boudin balls, 12 cases of water, angle glider, watch, dutch oven rifle scope, camping gear, coolers, commercial weed eater, bird bath and a mini fire pit.
Photos and lists of donated items that will be available can be viewed on Chris Bassham’s Facebook page, for those who what a gander at the goodies before the fundraiser begins.
Those unable to attend the fund raiser or who wish to make a donation to help with rebuilding may mail donations to Sulphur Bluff VFD, PO Box 35, Sulphur Bluff, TX 75481. The Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau will also accept donations at their office for SBVFD and make sure they get to the fire department.
HHSC: Texas Decreases Use Of Antipsychotic Drugs In Nursing Facilities
Statewide Effort Improves Long-Term Care Residents’ Well-Being, According To State Officials
AUSTIN – Texas has decreased its use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing facilities by 58 percent – more than any other state, according to a report from the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes.
“Reducing the use of these medications directly improves the quality of residents’ life in nursing facilities, and we are proud of this result,” said Stephanie Stephens, state Medicaid director at Texas HHSC. “We have worked closely with providers to educate them on the use of these medications and on alternative strategies to address behavioral issues with residents, particularly those with dementia.”
Texas now ranks 11th in the nation in terms of reducing prevalence of antipsychotic drug use for long-term-care residents. A key measure of nursing facility quality — and one tracked closely by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — is the use of antipsychotic medications for residents, particularly those with dementia.
In 2011, Texas was ranked 51st in the nation for highest use of antipsychotic medications, with 28.8 percent of nursing facility residents receiving antipsychotic medications.
Since that time HHSC launched several initiatives to reduce the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing facility residents, including implementing specialized training programs focusing on dementia care for nursing facility providers and staff, creating an online toolkit for licensed vocational nurses, and establishing the Center for Excellence in Aging Services and Long-Term Care, a collaboration between HHSC and The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing that provides web-based training and resources for best practices in geriatrics and disabilities.
The collaboration between HHSC, providers, advocacy groups, industry groups and many others has resulted in a significant, sustained reduction in the use of antipsychotic medications. At the same time, starting in 2015 HHSC identified an increase in new diagnoses of schizophrenia in Texas nursing facility residents. HHSC convened a workgroup of stakeholders and partners to address this and discuss the state’s shared commitment to working collaboratively to ensure accurate diagnoses and quality of care.
The Texas HHS Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman also educated residents on the use of antipsychotics. The program published an educational brochure for residents, family members, and facility staff to ensure residents were only getting prescribed these powerful drugs with an appropriate diagnosis.
“Texans deserve to be supported in the care planning process, and we have worked closely with residents and families all over the state to ask questions about the purpose of a new prescription, help residents communicate any side effects of a drug, and support residents with seeking alternatives to antipsychotic drugs when possible,” said State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Patty Ducayet.
Other efforts to decrease antipsychotic use in Texas have included the implementation of the Music and Memory program, which provides MP3 players to seniors with dementia to help them reconnect with the world through music-triggered memories, which can improve quality of life and quality of care. The program was launched in 2015 as a pilot program in nursing facilities and at HHSC’s state supported living centers and Austin State Hospital in 2016. Since then, more than 1,000 nursing homes across Texas have taken part in the HHSC Music & Memory program. For more information on the Music and Memory program, visit the HHS website.
More information is available at hhs.texas.gov. Texas residents can dial 2-1-1 to learn about programs and services.
Additional Charges Added For Man Accused Of Stalking
Additional charges were added to the list of offenses the 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man accused of stalking earlier in the week is beind held on, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Department Special Crimes Unit Lt. Mark Estes at 2:10 p.m. Thursday, April 29, served Christopher James Timmons at the county jail with a felony warrant for criminal mischief resulting in damages in the amount of $2,500 to $30,000.
The charge stems from the incident alleged to have occurred around 2 p.m. Monday, April 26, at the home of a woman he’d previously dated. Timmons is accused of ramming the Kia Rio he was driving into the side of a Hyundai Elantra parked 10 yards off the street and continued forward. A Ford F150 pickup parked in the woman’s driveway reportedly sustained more than $1,200 worth of damage and the Elantra was expected to be totaled, according to police reports.
Timmons reportedly left the Kia running and left the location on foot before police arrived. He was not immediately located in the area.
However, at approximately 5:30 p.m. April 26, police responded on College Street, where a man was reportedly standing in the middle of the road with a knife. Upon contact with the man, identified as Timmons, police alleged the 41-year-old showed signs of intoxication and admitted to consuming Xanax and alcohol. When the officer attempted to place Timmons into custody for public intoxication, he allegedly became combative. After getting him into custody, Timmons requested medical attention. After being cleared with no injuries, he was transported to jail for PI.
SCU served Timmons Tuesday, April 27, with a warrant for stalking for allegedly following his ex-girlfriend from her place of work to her residence, the address where he reportedly crashed the Kia into the two other vehicles. Police were aware of at least three prior instances in which Timmons walked back and forth in front of the woman’s residence, after being warned by law enforcement to discontinue doing so and not to trespass on the property, according to arrest reports. He was served with the criminal mischief warrant on Thursday, according to arrest and jail reports.
Timmons remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, April 30, 2021. Bond on the stalking charge was set at $100,000, according to jail reports.
Archer Named State Champion In Latino History, 3 Additional SSHS Students Among Top 5 In Essay Contests
Sulphur Springs High School students brought home four awards, including a state title, following UIL’s announced April 30 of winners for UIL Essay contests.
Junior Harley Archer was named the 2021 State Champion in the Latino History Essay Competition with her essay entitled “Bea Salazar: Changing Lives One Sandwich at a Time.” Archer’s win marks the second consecutive year a SSHS student has captured the Latino History Essay competition title. Rachel Bramlett won the championship in 2020 with her essay “Fingerprints of Success: Rick Garcia’s Impact on Texas.”
Padraig Flanary, a senior, placed 4th in the Latino History Essay competition with a paper about Maria Luisa “Lulu” Flores while and Alexis Villarino, a freshman, placed 5th with an essay about the Chicano Mural Movement’s impact on Texas.
The theme of the 2020-2021 Latino History Essay competition was “historical and cultural legacies of Latinos in Texas history.” Essays were to be focused on a prominent or relatively unknown Latino individual, organization or movement in Texas histor and how the subject has significantly influenced today’s Latino communities.
Archer and Paige Daniels were also named as finalists, with their essays about Harley Archer and Rowena Johnson, while junior Emily Dick finished fourth place in the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition with her essay about Vicki Meek.
Students were tasked with exploring the contributions of African Americans to Texas history in their essays, while honoring the legacy of its namesake, Barbara Jordan in this contest. The theme of the 2020-2021 competition was “African Americans in Texas: Past and Present.”
Over 300 papers were read in the two competitions and 12 finalists were named in each of the state essay competitions. SSHS had 3 papers in each event that qualified as finalists. The papers of each finalist are added to the historical record of the State of Texas at the University of Texas in Austin.
“Congratulations to these students and to their coach, Gail Herman,” said Sulphur Springs High School UIL Campus Coordinator Gerald Grafton Friday afternoon. “Tomorrow, May 1, the UlL Academics Team travels to Commerce to compete for State Championships in Copy Editing, Headline Writing, Social Studies and Literary Criticism. Best Wishes to our teams.”
To view the virtual 2021 Essay Competition Awards or more information about either contest, Click Here.
Hopkins County Records – April 30, 2021
Land Deed Transactions
- TTT Limited to Gene Burton and Julie Burton; tract in the Country Club Estates
- TTT Limited to Saywer Sinclair; tract in the Country Club Estates
- Gary Lewis and Rachel H. Lewis to Nicole Lynn Zamora and Ryan Michael Zamora; tract in the Agaton Caro survey
- Larry G. Newton and Sharon K. Newton to Jeffrey Gene Newton
- Katelyn Beech to Andrew Dansby; tract in the E. Melton survey
- 100 MPH+ Property Management LLC to Andre James Simon and Ronna Denise Simon; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Andreas Rubalcav,a who is also known as Andres Rubalcava, and Juoliet Rubalcava to Olga Rubalcava and Roman Rubalcava; tract in the Benjamin Anderson survey
- Don R. Santorufo independently and as trustee for the Don R. Santorufo Trust U/T/A DTD, to Kelli Leigh Geraci and Troy Geraci; tract in the John Polk survey
- Marilyn Kay Dunlap Estate, Marshall E. Dunlap independent executor, to Connie Mae Dunlap and Marshall E. Dunlap; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Mary Joanne Rully known as Mary Joanne Britton, to Charles Ray Rollins and Jeni Denise Rollins; tract in the Jose Zunega survey
- City Cemetery Society Sulphur Springs to Danny Cavanaugh; tract in Sunset South
- David Pittenger to E3 Land & Minerals LLC; tract in the NB Westerman survey
- ECT GS 12 Trust, EKT GS 12 Trust, Carol Jeanne Davis Troute and Emily Trout-Ellenberger independent co-trustees, James Howard Trout Jr. Estate, Eric Carl Trout and Emily Trout-Ellenberger to HJT Partners LP
- Arthur Glenn Banks and Virginia Ann Banks to Curtis L. Maddux and Paula Maddux; tract int he Nathaniel Hamilton survey
- Joy Nell Willingtham to Candace Ashmore and Layne Ashmore; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- B. Sloan and Roddy Sloan to Florinda Guzman Solis and Jose Efrain Solis; tract in the Daniel Halbrooks survey
- Jillian Marie Smith to Abigail Stiltner and Neville Ray Stiltner; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Misty Brock and Robert C. Brock to \Tarra Askew and Nathan Smith; tract in the Lincoln Heights Addition
- Betty Hawkins and Frankie J. Hawkins to McIlrath Properties LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- The Queens Place Inc. to Wood Investment Group LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Calvin Earp and Sonia Earp to Andrew Garcia and Rachael Garcia
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Clifford Dell Huie and Carol Sue Jones
- Colten James Holguin and Megan Alicia Belz
- Wiepie Jongsma and Jennifer Leigh Sandlin
- Edgar Dow Clements Jr. and Theresa A. Parrish-Herron
- Cameron Scott Matthew and Hannah Desiree Evans
- Robert Randall Hill and Lisa Katherine Mansfield
- Kolby Lee Clayton and Brittany Magan Fletcher
SSHS Pole Vaulting Coach Clark Cipoletta Discusses Lady Cat Claire Bybee Who is Heading To State
Sulphur Springs High School Pole Vaulting Coach Clark Cipoletta says he is just a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to coaching Lady Cats’ pole vaulter Claire Bybee, who qualified for the State Track Meet May 7-8 at UT Austin at the Region II Track Meet on April 24 at UTA.
Coach Cipoletta says Bybee also gets good instruction from a private coach and from her father, who was a vaulter in college.
He says Bybee is a hard worker and pole vaults year round. Coach Cipoletta says she is reaping the benefits of all that.
He says Bybee just missed going to state by a couple of inches as a freshman and then did not get a chance to go due to COVID-19 last year.
Coach Cipoletta says Bybee vaulted a personal best of 12′ 3” earlier this track season.
Then she soared to 12′ 9” at the regional meet to take first place. Coach Cipoletta says there are several keys to Bybee’s success including her competitiveness, her toughness and the way she handles pressure.
He adds she has great technique, gets vertical on the pole and gets her hands up early. He says Bybee has some background with gymnastics that also helps.
Plus Coach Cip says Bybee’s speed creates power for her jump and he says she is also long and tall, which is also a benefit.
Coach Cipoletta says Bybee will enter the state meet with the top jump in the field. He says she will still have to go and perform on her big day at state.
He says Bybee seems to get better and better every week.
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.
