2 Traffic Stops Net Suspected Methamphetamine, 2 Arrests
November 20, 2020 – Two rural traffic stops netted suspected methamphetamine and two arrests Thursday.
State Highway 19 North Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward reported stopping Carol Denise Brumley around 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 on State Highway 19 north at FM 1536 for driving a Toyota Camry 70 miles per hour in a 65 mph speed zone. Upon contact with the driver, Steward noted the 39-year-old Sulphur Springs woman displayed signs of nervousness and bruxism.
When asked if she’d previously been in trouble, Brumley “stated something about a stolen TV,” Steward alleged in arrest reports. After obtaining permission to search the car, Steward had Brumley step out to wait. She did, taking a purse and wallet with her. Steward then reportedly agreed to a search of those items. When asked if she had anything illegal in the purse, she allegedly hesitated in her response but admitted “possibly methamphetamine,” Steward alleged in arrest reports.
Steward reported finding two glass pipes of the kind commonly used to smoke meth, two small baggies containing a crystal-like substance which field-tested positive for meth and other miscellaneous items of drug paraphernalia inside a sunglasses case. Consequently, Brumley was taken into custody and jailed for possession of 1.5 grams of the suspected Penalty Group 1 substance and packaging. Deputy Drew Fisher arrived at the stop site to assist with the vehicle, which was impounded by a towing service.
Brumley remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, November 20, 2020 Bond on the third-degree felony controlled substance charge was set at $10,000.
FM 2297 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Fite reported stopping a silver Buick at 9:30 p.m. Nov. 19 on FM 2297 at County Road 1176 because the rear license plate wasn’t visible.
The driver and passenger reportedly failed to make eye contact with the officer and showed signs of nervousness when spoken to. The drier allegedly admitted to narcotics use in the past. The deputy obtained permission to search the car.
Fite alleged finding a sewing kit with a baggy of a crystal-like substance, suspected methamphetamine, in a purse where Doris Rosamarie Russell had been sitting. The 31-year-old Sulphur Springs woman reportedly denied ownership of the purse, but the deputy reported seeing Russell retrieve her driver’s license from the purse prior to exiting the vehicle. Other identifying information with the woman’s name on it was also reportedly located in the purse. Consequently, Russell was arrested at 9:44 p.m. Nov. 19 for possession of a controlled substance.
While Russell was being booked into jail. During intake, jail staff reported finding additional clear baggies containing a crystal-like substance which field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The contraband weighed 0.63 gram, including packaging.. Russell was booked into jail for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Russell remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Nov. 20. Bond was set at $5,000 on the felony controlled substance charge.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Nov. 19 COVID-19 Update: 50th Fatality, 6 New Cases Reported For Hopkins County
The six new positive COVID-19 cases, reported by Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials in the Nov. 19 COVID-19 update, set a new active case count high for November. Texas Department of State Health Services also on Nov. 19 reported a 50th COVID-19 death has been confirmed for Hopkins County.
HC/SSEM Nov. 19 COVID-19 Update
So far this week, 24 Hopkins County residents have received positive molecular COVID-19 results. That makes 91 Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 this month and 775 who have received lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 results since March. That’s 2.09 percent of the estimated population of Hopkins County who have received lab-confirmed positive COIVD-19 results since March, according to HC/SSEM updates.
The month started out well with 19 residents recovering from COVID-19 on Nov. 2, 21 on Nov. 6 and 42 on Nov. 9. That made 82 recoveries and only 45 new cases, reducing the overall active case count to 107 on Nov. 9; that’s the least number of residents who actively had COVID-19 in the last 28 days. The case count continued to rise from 100 active cases on Oct. 13 to 236 on Oct. 28, then started a downward trend Oct. 29-Nov. 2, increased by 11 cases from Nov. 3–5, then dropped again Nov. 6-9.
Unfortunately, there have been no reports from HC/SSEM of additional residents recovering from COVID-19 in 10 days. That means only 622 of the 775 residents who have tested positive have recovered and, with no recoveries to offset the 46 new cases reported from Nov. 10 to Nov. 19, the active case count has also continued to rise as well. As of 1 p.m. Thursday, the active case county was 153, just passing the 152 active cases reported on Nov. 5, for a new November high.
HC/SSEM also in the Nov. 19 COVID-19 update reported 3,755 people have utilized the free COVID-19 testing offered at 128-A Jefferson St. since the site opened on Sept. 25. In fact, 102 tests were performed at the site on Wednesday, Nov. 18. So far, 303 tests have been performed this week and 1,362 this month.
Molecular testing will continue to be offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays in November. Register online at www.GoGetTested.com for the oral swab test.
Hospital Reports
While the patient count in the COVID Unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs did not increase on Thursday, it also didn’t decrease. There were again 17 patients in the COVID-19 unit, according to the Nov. 19 COVID-19 update.
That’s the fourth time this month and only the fifth time since HC/SSEM officials began reporting patient counts for the COVID-19 unit at the hospital in August. There were also 17 in the COVID unit on Nov. 10, Nov. 16, and Sept. 28.
The patient count has continued to be a double digit since Oct. 26. The fewest number of patients in the COVID unit this month was 13 on Nov. 4.
| Trauma Service Area F Categories | Nov. 17, 2020 Counts | Nov. 18, 2020 Counts | Nov. 19, 2020 Counts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population Estimate 2020 | 273,329 | 273,329 | 273,329 |
| Total Staffed Hospital Beds | 1,057 | 1,075 | 1,110 |
| Available Hospital Beds | 364 | 364 | 375 |
| Available ICU Beds | 11 | 9 | 9 |
| Available Ventilators | 75 | 74 | 75 |
| Lab-Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in Hospital | 139 | 138 | 149 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 602 | 620 | 149 |
| Total Staffed Inpatient Beds | 966 | 984 | 1,019 |
DSHS Fatality & Case Reports
Texas Department of State Health Services’ COVID-19 dashboard showed 50 COVID-19 fatalities for Hopkins County on Nov. 19. That means one additional Hopkins County resident has been confirmed by death certificate to have died from COVID-19.
That makes 3 Hopkins County residents who have died this month from COVID-19, one each on Nov. 1, Nov. 5 and Nov. 13. More than half of the deaths occurred in October. Two Hopkins County residents died from COVID-19 in July, six in August and 11 in September. That’s a death rate of 6.36 percent among residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, and 0.13 percent of the overall estimated population of 37, 084 in Hopkins County who have died from COVID-19, according to DSHS case and fatality reports.
Only two other counties in the 8 immediately surrounding Hopkins have had more confirmed COVID-19 deaths, but both have also have a higher population and have had more cumulative cases as well.
In Lamar County, 2,385 of the 49,859 residents (4.78 percent) have tested positive for COVID-19 since March; 65 of the 2,385 COVID-19 positive residents died from the virus. That’s a fatality rate of 2.73 percent among positive cases and 0.13 percent of the total Lamar County population.
In Hunt County, 2,515 residents (2.55 percent) out of an estimated population of 32,750, have tested positive for COVID-19, including 55 residents who died from the novel coronavirus. That’s a fatality rate of 2.19 percent among COVID infected residents and 0.06 percent of the the total population, according to the Nov. 19 DSHS data.
Only neighboring county with a higher fatality percentage among positive cases that Hopkins County as of Nov. 19. Red River County’s fatality rate is 8.37 percent. That’s 18 of the 215 positive cases that have result that resulted in death due to COVID-19. That’s a 1.79 percent positivity rate from among the total estimated population of 12,023 and 0.15 percent fatality rate from the total population in Red River County, which includes Clarksville.
Wood County, which has a population of 45,539 and a positivity rate of 1.84 percent (839 cases), has had 47 COVID fatalities, for a 0.1 fatality rate among the entire population and 5.6 percent among positive cases, according to the DSHS Nov. 19 data.
Delta County had had only 0.84 percent of the estimated population of 5,331 who have tested positive for COVID-19, and no fatalities as of Nov. 19. In fact, all except 5 of the 45 residents who have tested positive since March have recovered from COVID-19, according to the DSHS COVID-19 Case Counts dashboards.
NETBIO Celebrates 22 Years at its November 18th Sale
The Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) marked the completion its 22nd year of operation Wednesday with a barbecue luncheon and pre-conditioned calf and yearling sale.
NETBIO is a group of independent cow/calf producers and agribusiness representatives – numbering over 800 members – who work together to enhance the beef industry in Northeast Texas. The organization is recognized across the State of Texas and the Southeastern United States as the leader in its reputable offering of pre-conditioned cattle.
The anniversary sale and celebration kicked off with a barbecue meal that was enjoyed by producers, buyers, and friends. Following the lunch, auctioneer Joe Don Pogue gaveled the sale of 5,615 head of cattle into action.
“It was a very good anniversary sale for the organization and offered a lot of good cattle,” Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission co-owner and NETBIO board member David Fowler said. “The NETBIO producers sold some of the best cattle we have had at our sales.”
Fowler said a total of 240 producers consigned cattle to the sale and did their usual great job of pre-conditioning their cattle and getting them ready for the sale.
Demand was good, and the cattle sold to 34 buyers for an average of $792.98 per head. A total of 208 head were sold to buyers over the Internet.
Those who missed this anniversary sale have an opportunity to attend another NETBIO sale at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission in December.
Due to the increased demand, NETBIO officials have added a December 16, 2020 pre-conditioned calf and yearling sale to close out the year. NETBIO member-producers have already consigned more than 3,000 head of cattle to the sale. The sale, like all others, will begin at 1 p.m.
NETBIO has announced a new sale day and new weaning requirements for cattle entered into the pre-conditioned calf and yearling sale.
Beginning in 2021, NETBIO sales will have a new sale day and new weaning requirements. Board members have decided to change the sale days from the third Wednesdays to the third Fridays of the months that they hold sales. It has also been decided that all cattle entered into the sale must be weaned for 60 days instead of 45 days.
NETBIO CEO Dwyatt Bell and board members announced that these changes will start with the January 15, 2021 sale. “We feel these changes will be the best way for us to handle and market NETBIO producer/member cattle as we move into the 23rd year of producing quality pre-conditioned cattle” Joe Don Pogue said.
TALKING IT OVER
Joe Don Pogue, left, co-owner and auctioneer of the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission, and cattleman and buyer Charlie Sellers discuss the cattle business prior to the NETBIO 22nd anniversary sale that was held Wednesday.
Updated Volleyball Story: Lady Cats Win Warm Up Game Over Greenville, 3-2 Tuesday Evening
KSST Sports is providing this Lady Cats Volleyball update on Tuesday (November 17) night’s warm up game against Greenville at Sulphur Springs Middle School. KSST confirmed late Wednesday that the Lady Cats did win that match, 3-2. Score was 25-19, 8-25, 28-26, 18-25 and 15-11. KSST had reported it the other way Wednesday morning after what can best be described as an accidental misstatement. With the win, the Lady Cats improved their season record to 14-7. The Lady Cats, district champs of District 15-5A, enter bi-district play Friday at 6:30 p.m. against Tyler in Grand Saline. Tyler is the number 4 seed in District 16-5A. The winner of Friday’s game will face the winner of a Joshua and North Forney game in an Area contest next 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.
Crandall Coach Kyle Hardin Says He is Proud of His Team During This Pandemic Impacted Season
Between a leap from Class 4A to 5A and a pandemic, it’s been an interesting season for the Crandall Pirates, under first year Head Coach Kyle Hardin. Coach Hardin says he is proud of his kids for the way they have handled circumstances this season not knowing if games would be played from one day to the next. He said Pirates’ players have had positive attitudes and some have been pushed into different roles due to coronavirus. On the field, Coach Hardin says the Pirates have been up and down. That’s reflected in their 3-3 season mark. They finished zone play at 1-2, good enough for the zone’s #3 seed. That matches them with the #3 seed in the district’s other zone, Sulphur Springs, Friday night at Crandall. Coach Hardin likes the Pirates’ senior leadership with some talented youth around as well. Coach Hardin says he believes there may be no bigger jump than from Class 4A to 5A. Plus he says they landed in a very talented and tradition laden District 8-5A. Coach Hardin says the Wildcats are well coached and have talent. He adds the Wildcats play hard. Crandall offensive standouts include sophomore H back and slot receiver Sammy Omosigho, sophomore running back Chris Abron, sophomore wide receiver Luke Moffitt and junior quarter Jamonte Gordon-West. Coach Hardin says he has a lot of senior leadership on defense. Defensive standouts include senior defensive back Jeremiah Contreras, senior defensive back Mason Daugherty, senior inside linebacker Preston Chambless, senior defensive tackle David Omosigho and senior defensive end Tommy Crockett. Coach Hardin says the game Friday will feature two teams hungry for a victory.
Virtual Training Session to Help Prepare Businesses for Online Sales
Paris SBDC and Hopkins Chamber of Commerce to hold Virtual Retail Training
The majority of shopping for Black Friday and ShopSmall Saturday will be done online this year, and virtual retail training is available from the Paris Small Business Development Center and the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce to help prepare business for holiday e-commerce. The virtual retail training from Marc Willson is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
“Online sales and order fulfillment extend the storefront,” said SBDC Jennifer Johnston. “Retail expert Marc Willson will take you through the tips, tricks and science behind it all. Join us for strategies to market products, branding, and extend the customer experience online by registering for this meeting on Paris SBDC Facebook event link.”
Gone are the days that a brick and mortar store could stand alone because of the experience offered to customers was unparalleled. That experience is great, but is no longer enough during the pandemic to allow businesses to survive/thrive.
“You must take your offer online and reach people who are not comfortable enough yet to shop in public,” said Willson. “A robust digital shopping website is critical to success. On top of being busy in the store, you must now become a fulfillment center for your exploding online sales.”
Willson is a published keynote speaker, bringing 40 years of experience helping retail, restaurant and tourism-related small businesses refine and promote their concepts to the public. In 1975, Willson started his retail career as co-owner of the largest distributor of Earth Shoes in North America. He has since held executive positions with retailers such as Britches of Georgetowne, Crown Books, Wilson’s Leather, Circuit City, The Bicycle Exchange, Ecampus.com and Storetrax, Inc. Most recently, he traveled to Dallas, Texas to open the world’s first energy efficiency store for Current Energy, LLC, a company funded by Ross Perot, Jr.
The Willson Company was re-established in 2009 as a Small Business Strategy consulting group, and that year the Virginia SBDC contracted with Willson as a Retail and Restaurant Industry Strategist developing into a small business revivalist. He has traveled throughout the country delivering over 500 seminars and assisting over 3,000 retailers, restaurants and hospitality businesses.
To sign up for the virtual retail training, go to the Paris SBDC Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1006143893200979/.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Jailed Teen Charged With Additional Theft Of Firearm Offense
A jailed teen was charged with an additional theft of firearm offense Wednesday.
Rene Perea-Saldana was one of two teens jailed over the weekend on burglary of vehicles and theft of firearms charges. One of the suspects was reportedly captured on a residential surveillance video Nov. 14, 2020 entering a vehicle parked at a Hopkins County subdivision near Sulphur Springs. A vehicle burglary had already been reported.
Both allegedly admitted to involvement in the vehicle burglaries and theft; the other defendant helped officers locate two guns and a purse reported stolen during the vehicle burglaries.
Perea-Saldana and 18-year-old Daishawn Jerome Godbolt have remained in Hopkins County jail since Nov. 14, 2020 in lieu of $25,000 bond for the burglary and firearm charges.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Drew Fisher Wednesday reported being informed about another firearm allegedly stolen on Nov. 14 from a location from which the other items were allegedly taken. Fisher interviewed Perea-Saldana about the additional information; the 17-year-old provide information resulting in location of the additional firearm. Perea-Saldana was also charged Nov. 18 on an additional theft of firearm charge.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
$113 Million Settlement Reached Over Apple iPhone Throttling
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a coalition of over 30 other attorneys general in a $113 million settlement with Apple, Inc. regarding Apple’s 2016 decision to throttle customers’ iPhone speeds in order to address unexpected shutdowns in some iPhones.
After a multistate investigation, during which Texas served on an executive committee with Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Louisiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, the attorneys general allege that Apple discovered battery issues led to unexpected shutdowns in iPhones. Rather than disclosing these issues or replacing batteries, Apple concealed the issues and reduced iPhone performance. Apple’s concealment of the battery issues and decision to throttle caused Apple to profit from selling additional phones to customers whose phone performance had decreased, according to a press release from Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office.
“I am pleased to announce that Apple is being held accountable for their deceitfulness with consumers and secretive decision not to inform consumers of known issues,” said Paxton. “This settlement is a victory for honest business and customers and a stern warning to any companies who attempt to cover their mistakes at the expense of consumer choice.”
Texas will receive just over $7.5 million in monetary payment. In addition to the monetary payment, Apple must also provide truthful information to consumers about iPhone battery health, performance and power management on their website, update installation notes, and in the iPhone user interface itself, the AG’s Office reported Thursday afternoon, Nov. 19.
Assistant Attorneys General Beth Chun, Paul Singer, and Rick Berlin represented the State of Texas.
Apple also recently entered into a proposed settlement of class action litigation regarding the same conduct and upon finalization will pay out up to $500 million in consumer restitution, Paxton’s office reports.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Wellness Volunteers Recognized For Over 760 Hours Of Service
A group of dedicated local individuals were recognized Thursday for their service and impact as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Wellness Volunteers.
The MWV program allows individuals who have a passion about health and wellness to share that passion with others via worksite wellness programs community events and other means.
Collectively, had donated more than 760 hours to help Extension by the end of October, and have continued to add to those hours by assisting with preparation, hosting and assisting during Extension programs this month.
The volunteers, in addition to be being recognized on Thursday, also were happy to talk about the various Extension programs, featured in displays at the Extension Office, during a Leadership Advisory Board recognition reception. The reception replaced the annual banquet due to COVID-19.
Among the Master Wellness Volunteers recognized with certificates of achievement for their invaluable hours of service this year are:
- Patsy Neal – 290 volunteer hours
- Pat Connally – 168.25 volunteer hours
- Joan Brennan – 85.5 volunteer hours
- Marjean Allen – 68.5 volunteer hours
- Susie Faltesek- 65.25 volunteer hours
- Wendy Johnson- 56.5 volunteer hours
- LaTarra Giles-20.5 volunteer hours
- Sylvia Millsap-6.5 volunteer hours
- Nell Shipp-2.5 volunteer hours
“These hours are as of Oct. 31. Many more hours of volunteer service have been contributed in November,” said Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County.
Each Master Wellness volunteer commits to 40 hours of training to obtain knowledge and skills to live a healthier lifestyle and encourage others to do the same. Upon successful completion of the training, Master Wellness Volunteers then commit to giving back 40 hours of service to Extension.
Not all have gotten in their 40 hours yet, due in part to COVID-19 precautions, shutdowns and restrictions, but Hicks said, there are still some events coming up later this month and next month that will offer plenty of volunteer opportunities.
Other projects the Master Wellness Volunteers have assisted with include 4-H Food project kits, diabetes series, back-to-school drive-through fair, Christmas Joys holiday program, many hours of mask-making and many other tasks.
“I tell you, COVID had not stopped my volunteers one bit. Actually, I think some of them have worked even harder, preparing project kits, holiday program stuff, and other stuff. For that, I am truly grateful,” Hicks said.
Hicks said a lot of the hours put in by the MWV went to mask-making. Others, like Giles managed to put in over 20 hours, even with 2 small girls in the home. Neal has been involved in many programs, including working in the 100 degree temperature for several hours during the back to school fair.
Some of the Master Wellness Volunteers have been with the program several years, others are new to the program. Veteran MWV Shipp especially enjoys helping with the TwoGether in Texas marriage education workshop, typically held a 2-4 times a year depending on interest and scheduling. Shipp helps set up for the luncheon hosted in conjunction with the session and enjoys talking with the couples attending,, Hicks noted.
“I love to come and help,” said Shipp. “I don’t drive anymore so somebody has to come and get me, but I love to stay busy.”
Marjean Allen said she took loves volunteering her time as a Master Wellness Volunteer. She says she too enjoys staying busy with MWV program.
“I just want to thank you ladies so much from the bottom of my heart, because without y’all we could not have the impact that we have here in the county. Not only are your volunteers, but I consider you my friends. I think we’ve developed some pretty close relationships. I even went on a quilting cruise with a couple of my volunteers that I consider friends. I do thank you very much,” Hicks said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Each MWV received a certificate of appreciation denoting her volunteer hours.
The Extension Supporter of the Year is scheduled to be recognized during the 9 a.m. meeting of Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday, Nov. 23.
The next Master Wellness Volunteer training session will begin in January. Registration is open at http://agrilife.org/mwv through Jan. 14, 2020 Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first session will be Jan. 19 and the final session on March 3, with an online study in February. There is a $75 registration fee, reduced to $25 for college students.
For more information about the local Master Wellness Volunteer program and upcoming training or any other Extension program, contact the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension office, 903-885-3443, 1200-B West Houston Street. MWV applications are also available at the Hopkins County Extension Office. Additional information about the state program can be found online at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu
Wood County Sheriff’s Report Nov. 11-17, 2020
Wood County Sheriff’s Office provided the following activity report for Nov. 11-17, 2020:
- Abandoned Vehicle: 2
- Alarm: 8
- Animal Complaint: 8
- Arrest/Warrant Service: 5
- Assault: 4
- Burglary: 3
- Criminal Mischief: 4
- Criminal Trespass: 3
- Disorderly Conduct: 1
- Disturbances/Disputes: 6
- Fire Structure: 1
- Fraud: 5
- Livestock at Large: 8
- Missing Person: 2
- Motorist Assist: 3
- Reckless Driver: 2
- Shots Fired: 2
- Suspicious Activity: 21
- Theft: 7
- Traffic Hazard: 2
- Unauthorized Use of Vehicle: 1
- Welfare Check: 11
