Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission Auctioneer Sells 4,000 Head of Cattle at the NETBIO December Sale.
Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission
NETBIO December 2020 Sale
Public Information Services
Producers sold 4,281 head of pre-conditioned cattle at the December Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization’s (NETBIO) Pre-conditioned Calf and Yearling Sale held Wednesday (Dec. 16) at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission.
A total of 166 producer/members consigned cattle to the special sale. Despite the chilly weather the cattle held up good and the market was good on light cattle, according to David Fowlers, co-owner of the livestock commission and a NETBIO director.
Fowler said the weather and Covid-19 caused quite a bit of activity on the Internet. “Some of our regular wbuyers stayed at home and purchased over the Internet.”
“The buyers who purchase NETBIO pre-conditioned cattle look for quality, and it was again evident that our producers offered the quality cattle they were looking for,” Fowler said. “We even had a good amount of bidding and buying activity over the Internet.”
When the sale was over, a total of 25 buyers had paid an average of $775.16 per head for the cattle.
The NETBIO Pre-Conditioned Stocker and Feeder Calf Sale gives producers a market to offer their pre-conditioned calves and yearlings in load lot quantities. NETBIO holds eight pre-conditioned calf sales per year, which is the marketing arm for members of the organization.
Starting in January 2021, all the NETBIO sales will be held on Fridays. And cattle consigned to the sales will be required to be weaned for 60 days.
The next sale will be held at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission on Friday, January 15, 2021. The weaning deadline for the cattle selling in that sale will be Nov. 15 and the boosting shot deadline is Dec. 15.
Bryant Sentenced In Connection With January Burglary Case
Stephen Joel Bryant received a 25-year prison sentence on a burglary of a habitation charge.
The 33-year-old Winnsboro man was indicted on an engaging in organized criminal activity charge, but during a previous court hearing entered an open plea of guilty to the court to the lesser-included offense of burglary of a habitation. Bryant was also indicted on two unauthorized use of motor vehicle charges, which were dismissed as part of a 12.45 agreement, according to Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris.
This refers to Section 12.45 of Texas Penal Code which allows a defendant to admit during the sentencing hearing to guilt of one or more unadjudicated offenses and request the court to take each into account in determining sentence for the offense or offenses of which the defendant stands adjudged guilty.
Bryant was among five individuals arrested in January after an investigation into a burglary cleared cases in Franklin and Hopkins counties; resulted in recovery of 10 stolen weapons, two stolen vehicles and multiple tools; and discovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to sheriff’s officers and arrest reports following Bryant’s arrest.
Sheriff’s investigators were in en route from a County Road 2390 residence where one stolen weapon was found to another location in connection with the burglary investigation when they spotted Bryant on the side of the road working on a vehicle. Just down the road, sheriff’s officials located two vehicles that had been reported stolen from Franklin County. At that time, Bryant allegedly admitted involvement in the unauthorized use of both vehicles and to taking multiple stolen weapons to the residence where the officers had been earlier.
Upon their return to the CR 2390 residence, the two men there escorted investigators into the woods, where eight stolen weapons were hidden under fallen timber, brush and leaves.
All five of the individuals were escorted to the sheriff’s office, where they were interviewed and all admitted to involvement in either the burglary or the concealment, possession or sale of property taken during the burglary.
Bryant and the three individuals originally contacted at the CR 2390 residence were arrested on an engaging in organized criminal activity charge for their involvement in the burglary of a habitation. The other man was charged with tampering with evidence.
In addition to 10 stolen weapons, two stolen vehicles and multiple tools, a box containing more than 4 grams of methamphetamine, syringes, scales and other drug paraphernalia was also reportedly found hidden in a culvert and recovered.
According to arrest reports, Jan. 18, 2020 was the second time this year Bryant was arrested. He was jailed Jan. 1 for possession of drug paraphernalia and on warrants for not taking care of traffic fines; he was released the next day on those charges.
Bryant remained in Hopkins County jail from Jan. 18 to April 29, 2020, on the engaging in organized criminal activity charge and a Franklin County warrant in connection with one stolen car case. He was released on a $75,000 bond on the criminal activity charge and $5,000 on the Franklin County charge.
On June 1, Bryant was again booked into Hopkins County jail on for an unauthorized use of a vehicle charge. He was released the next day on a $20,000 bond on the charge. On Aug. 4 he was jailed for bond revocation on the criminal activity charge and surety off bond on the UUV charge. Bryant has remained in Hopkins County jail ever since; his new bond was set at $500,000 on the criminal activity offense and $20,000 on the other.
Bryant, who is also known by Joe Bryant and Joey Bryant, was sentenced Dec. 16 to 25 years in the institutional division of Texas Department of Criminal Justice on a burglary of a habitation offense, according the ADA.
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.
Contributions For Tira Food Pantry Always Appreciated
By Jan Vaughn, Tira News Correspondent
We received generous cash donations from Von Honzell and Ed Oetting for the Tira Food Pantry. We always appreciate the contributions.
Linda Ellen Vaughn of Dallas spent the weekend with Chip, Grace, and me. She and Chip worked around the place trimming and burning brush. I did some Christmas shopping in Paris on Saturday.
I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas! I look forward to being able to report about holiday activities in our community. Stay safe!
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Dec. 16 COVID-19 Update: 2 Recoveries, 10 New Molecular Cases, 22 Probable Cases
Texas Department of State Health Services’ Dec. 16 COVID-19 dashboards and Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management’s Dec. 16 COVID-19 update showed two additional Hopkins County residents have recovered from COVID-19 and the patient count in the hospital COVID unit decreased for the second day in a row. However, the new COVID-19 case counts (confirmed and probable cases) for Hopkins County on Wednesday were more than double the 14 reported Tuesday, causing the active case count to rise as well.
Dec. 16 COVID-19 Case Counts
DSHS reported 10 Hopkins County residents received positive COVID-19 results from molecular testing Wednesday, eight more on either Monday or Tuesday. That makes 14 new confirmed novel coronavirus 2019 cases this week, 152 new cases this month – more new cases than any other month except October when 323 new cases were confirmed by molecular testing. The 10 new cases reported Dec. 16 increases the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases for Hopkins County since March to 984, according to the DSHS Dec. 16 COVID-19 Texas Case Counts dashboard
More than twice as many new probable cases as confirmed cases were reported Wednesday as well. The 22 new cases increase the number of new probable cases reported in the last five days (DSHS has only been providing daily probable case counts since Dec. 11) to 52. The Dec. 11 probable count showed 40 more cases than on the Dec. 7 weekly total. Based on the weekly probable case total reported to HC/SSEM on Nov. 30, that’s at least 192 new probable cases reported for Hopkins County. Cumulatively since June 23, when the state began tracking the data, there have been 1,015 probable COVID-19 cases as well.
Two additional Hopkins County residents had recovered from COVID-19 on Wednesday, making 188 who have improved sufficient to be considered “recovered” this week and 1,114 recoveries this month. It should be noted that 810 of the recoveries were added on Dec. 11 when DSHS began tracking all recoveries, including not just hose from molecular testing but also adding in recoveries from probable cases as well. Cumulatively, there have been 1,808 COVID-19 recoveries reported for Hopkins County.
Since there were not enough recoveries to balance the new cases, the active case count (for molecular and probable cases) in Hopkins County rose from 99 to 129 on Dec. 16.
Testing Data
As of Tuesday, 13,919,586 COVID-19 tests had been conducted in Texas, including 12,395 Hopkins County cases. That’s 92,385 additional COVID-19 tests conducted across the state on Dec. 15, including 120 additional tests reported Dec. 15 for Hopkins County.
The DSHS Dec. 16 COVID-19 Test and Hospital Data dashboard shows a total of 10,375 molecular tests, 935 antigen tests and 1,087 antibody tests have been conducted in Hopkins County.
HC/SSEM in the Dec. 16 COVID-19 update reported 103 COVID-19 tests were conducted at the free testing center in Sulphur Springs on Dec. 15. That makes 617 molecular tests conducted at 128-A Jefferson Street in the last seven days, 285 of them in the last 2 days. Overall, that’s 1,199 free oral swab tests conducted inside the Red Cross building so far this month and 5,730 since the building was put into service on Sept. 25 as a testing center.
Free testing will continue at 128-A Jefferson St. (the old Fidelity Express building) weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays during December. Online registration at www.GoGetTested.com is required for the free testing at the site. Anyone can be tested at the site, but children must be accompanied by and registered by an adult who is authorized to sign the consent form. While registration asks if a person has been exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual, neither exposure nor symptoms are required for testing.
Those testing are asked to refrain from drinking, eating or using tobacco products for a minimum of 15-20 minutes before testing. The Local Health Authority Nurse recommends refraining for an hour prior to test for a more accurate result.
Hospital Reports
HC/SSEM in the Dec. 16 update reported 19 patients in the COVID-19 Unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. Wednesday is the first time since Nov. 25 that the patient count has dropped below 20. Dec. 16 is also the second consecutive day the patient count has declined, especially good news since the case count spiked on Monday to 26, the most reported so far by HC/SSEM.
While the COVID case count at CMFH-SS decreased, the overall number of COVID-19 cases in Trauma Service Area F, which includes nearly all of Northeast Texas including CMFH-SS, increased Wednesday, according to the DSHS also in the Dec. 16 COVID-19 Test and Hospital dashboard.
There were two more COVID-19 hospitalizations in TSA F on Dec. 16 than the 146 reported Tuesday. That’s 13.9 percent of the total hospital capacity in TSA F.
Overall, there were 1,065 staffed hospital beds and 974 staffed hospital beds in TSA F on Dec. 16, that 6 fewer staffed hospital beds and 8 fewer inpatient beds than on Tuesday.
Eleven ICU beds were available in TSA F on Dec. 16, three more than on Dec. 15, and also the first time in at least 12 days that this total has been a double digit number.
Also available across TSA F were 70 ventilators, up from 66 on Dec. 15, and 360 beds, 13 less than on Dec. 15.
Temporary Waiver Of Vehicle, Registration Requirements Ends April 14, 2021
AUSTIN, Texas – December 15, 2020 – If you’re overdue, it’s time to renew! The temporary waiver of certain vehicle title and registration requirements, announced by Governor Greg Abbott on March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will end on April 14, 2021.
If you have not renewed your expired vehicle registration, you should make plans to renew by that date. It is not necessary to wait until the deadline to complete any overdue transactions as motorists have several renewal options.
“I commend Governor Abbott for balancing the safety of Texans with the need to continue vital state services by offering the waivers to registration and titling requirements during the pandemic. Fortunately, many Texans are already in compliance with these requirements,” said Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) Executive Director Whitney Brewster. “We continued to offer registration renewal and other important services throughout the waiver period.”
Three ways to renew your vehicle registration:
- Online: Visit http://www.TxDMV.gov or www.Texas.gov. This is the quickest and least expensive way to renew. Save $1 if you renew online. Online renewal is available up to nine months past your registration expiration date.
- Mail: Return the bottom portion of your registration renewal form, payment and other required information to your county tax assessor-collector.
- In Person: Visit the office of your county tax assessor-collector. In many counties, in-person renewal is also available at other locations, such as certain grocery stores. Contact your county tax office to check hours and locations.
Reminder: Before renewing registration, Texans will need to obtain a passing vehicle inspection at the state vehicle inspection station of their choice, unless their vehicle is exempt from inspection requirements.
The expiring temporary waiver covers the following services:
- Initial vehicle registration.
- Vehicle registration renewal.
- Vehicle titling.
- Renewal of permanent disabled parking placards.
- 30-day temporary permits.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue driver licenses or state ID cards. Texans should contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) at www.dps.texas.gov/driverlicense/ for these services.
TWC: Reimbursing Employers Payment Deadlines for 2020 Extended to March 1, 2021
AUSTIN –The Texas Workforce Commission today extended payment deadlines for the first, second and third quarters of 2020, to March 1, 2021, to match the fourth quarter 2020 bills for designated reimbursing employers that are required to pay a share of unemployment benefits.
Designated reimbursing employers include non-profits, local governments, school districts, and other qualifying employers who reimburse TWC for the full amount of unemployment benefits to be paid to eligible former employees.
Reimbursing employers have begun receiving their eligible 50% credit payments for their bills under the Federal CARES Act legislation, which TWC began implementing in October. Employers will be receiving additional information regarding their reimbursements and account information later this month.
Although this deadline extension does not alter an employer’s obligation to pay its bill, interest and penalty charges corresponding to the extension period for the year 2020 will be not be assessed during that time period. Any tax, penalty, or interest owed prior to the year 2020 is not subject to this extension and will not be waived. Instead, it provides more time for these employers to secure resources to meet these and other liabilities while they deal with the implications of COVID-19. This extension also does not delay or prevent Texans who qualify for unemployment benefits from receiving benefits.
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The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.
Hospital District Board To Discuss Potential Sale Of Interest In CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors Thursday are slated to consider a number of items during the regular December meeting including the sale of the district’s interest in CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance.
The last item on the Dec. 14 agenda calls for an executive session to “discuss the potential sale of the District’s interest in a joint venture known as CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance.” Afterward, they are to return to open session to consider approving “a Letter of Intent with CHRISTUS regarding the potential sale of the District’s interest in a joint venture known as CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance and associated release of information.”
CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance is the name announced in 2016 for the corporate partnership created between CHRISTUS Health and Hopkins County Hospital District, with controlling interest in and management of Hopkins County Memorial Hospital going to CHRISTUS and the remaining 49 percent ownership held by the Hospital District. Hopkins County Memorial Hospital was renamed CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs and the clinics became CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic-Sulphur Springs and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic-Emory.
CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance, composed of those appointed by the local hospital and those appointed by CHRISTUS, was to be responsible for hospital budget oversight, reviewing credential of doctors locally, and strategic planning. The Hospital District Board, under the 2016 agreement, then is responsible for ensuring the hospital district is viable, indigent care is viable, and continue their oversight of nursing homes affiliated with the hospital. The hospital district board has no responsibility toward the running of the hospital and clinic.
During the open portion of the regular December meeting of Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors meetings, which begins at noon Dec. 17 at Clarion Point Hotel, the board is slated to consider a tax abatement for D6, Inc., and a request from Solemio LLC, the proposed solar project in Arbala, to extend the time to complete the project.
Workers compensation, and property and casualty are to be reviewed and renewal are also on the agenda for the hospital district board to consider Thursday.
To be presented for approval are two capital requests, two cardiac monitors and an ambulance stretcher; funding for both were budgeted for fiscal year 2021, according to the Dec. 17 agenda.
Preliminary financial statements for September 2020, EMS and construction update for a new EMS station are also on the agenda, along with nursing home reports, and an update from Ministry President and Chief Executive Officer, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Sulphur Springs Paul Harvey on CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance also are to be presented Thursday.
Email Request To Validate Profile Information With TDLR Is A Phishing Scam
AUSTIN – An unknown number of people appear to have been targeted with an email that asks them to validate their profile information with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. TDLR did not send the email, and the agency urges anyone who received it to delete the email without clicking on the link or confirming or providing any personal information.
A TDLR licensee alerted the agency to the scam email. TDLR notified the Texas Department of Information Resources, and the TDLR Information Security team is investigating.
The email appears to come from TDLR but has a return email address that does not belong to the agency. Recipients are falsely told that TDLR is requiring all licensees to validate their information no later than Dec. 24, 2020, or their next license renewal could be delayed. TDLR sent no such email.
If someone clicked on the link in the email, TDLR is advising them to reset their password on their TDLR account – and any other accounts they may have that use the same password.
It appears that the link in question is no longer active, but everyone is reminded to protect their personal information while they’re online:
- Never disclose your password to anyone, even a customer service representative from TDLR.
- If you are providing personal information to a state agency – or any company – make sure the site is encrypted before providing any personal information. Look for a key or lock on your screen. But do not assume this is safe, be sure you are connected to Texas.gov
- Use unique passwords when setting up an account. Don’t re-use passwords and avoid using your date of birth, Social Security number, or simple words as a password. Use a password manager to assist in creating and tracking secure passwords.
- Avoid sending personal information via email unless the security method used is specifically outlined and the data is encrypted.
- Use a secure browser.
About TDLR
TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 39 business and occupational licensing programs with more than 1,000,000 licensees across the state.
Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
1 Arrested For Assault, 2 Others Jailed On Assault Related Warrant
One man was arrested for assault and two others were jailed on one assault related warrant each, according to arrest and jail report.
Assault Warrant Served At Jail
A 34-year-old Sulphur Springs woman jailed Monday for disorderly conduct was held Tuesday on a felony assault warrant.
Sulphur Springs Police Special Crimes Unit Sgt. Joe Scott arrested Eva Maria Vargas at 2:54 p.m. December 14, 2020 on W.A. Street for disorderly conduct because of her continued use of obscene language after being warned to cease the profanity. She was reported for causing a disturbance by incessantly yelling and cussing at a female across the street from her.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Elijah Fite served Vargas, who was still in custody at the county jail on the misdemeanor charge at 9:27 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, with a warrant for violating probation on an assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing charge.
She was arrested on on June 18, 2020, on a warrant for the felony assault charge and remained in custody until her release on June 22, 2020, on a $10,000 bond on the charge.
She remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Dec. 15 on the violation of probation warrant.
Helm Lane Assault Arrest
A 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested at 3:51 p.m. Dec. 15 for allegedly assaulting his younger sister.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Tyler Francis responded at a Helm Lane apartment, where a disturbance was reported. Upon arrival, Francis was advised the 25-year-old had returned home and was destroying things. He allegedly admitted to throwing a black tablet at his sister. The sister had a large red mark across one side of her face, allegedly from being struck.
Consequently, the 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested on a Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury to a family member charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning on the charge.
South Broadway Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Matt Glenn stopped a white Chevrolet pickup at 11:39 p.m. Dec. 15 for a defective brake light and speeding in the 1700 block of South Broadway Street.
A records check showed the driver, 38-year-old Chase Craig Hudson of Sulphur Springs was wanted for violation of parole, which he was for injury to an elderly person. Consequently, Hudson was jailed on the parole warrant.
According to jail reports, he was arrested Aug. 6, 2014, on two injury to an elderly person (his grandparents) charges, then, received a 20-year sentence in August 2015 on one injury to an elderly charge. He was released on parole; the warrant alleges he violated his parole on the charge.
Hudson has been booked into Hopkins County jail more than 25 times since 2001, on a variety of charges, starting with falsely identifying himself as a police officer in 2001; and including impersonating a public servant in 2003 and 2006; DWI in 2003 and 2004; evading arrest or detention with a vehicle in 2007; resisting arrest in 2008; public intoxication in 2009; interference with an emergency call in August of 2014; silent or abusive call or electronic communication in November of 2014; and on a Franklin County aggravated perjury warrant on March 9, 2020.
Jail records also show that Hudson violated probation on the impersonating of a public servant charge in January and August of 2004, on the false ID of a police charge in August 2006. He too was sentenced to serve two years in Texas Department of Criminal Justice for impersonating an officer and two years for violation probation on an impersonating an officer charge in 2008.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
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.
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.
2021 Chamber Of Commerce Banquet Postponed
Chamber Connection — Dec. 17, 2020
By Lezley Brown, CEO/ president, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber Board of Directors has decided to postpone the Chamber of Commerce Banquet in 2021.
Typically, we celebrate in mid-February, but that is a bit too soon to host a group of that size indoors. We will announce when the new date is soon, and we will announce the call for nominations as well. It’s a crazy time,
you guys. What a lesson in patience this year has been. We’re going to hang in there and find a way! For now, stay tuned for more details, and enjoy Christmas!
I’m excited to let you know that we have begun work on the 2021 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. I’m proud to produce this book telling all about the place we love. I hope you will join me in the journey!
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for December 17, C-n-C Pro AV. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
