Commissioners Court Approves 2 Tax Incentives, Reinvestment Zone
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved 2 tax incentives and a reinvestment zone for a planned solar farm, among other items, during the regular court meeting Monday morning.
My Perfect Pet Agreement
Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving two Chapter 381 agreements.
First, Feagley told the court My Perfect Pet was requesting a 10-year Chapter 381 agreement. The gourmet dog food maker would, under the agreement, be required to pay taxes for the Sulphur Springs facility, then upon providing proof the business is meeting all terms of the agreement would be reimbursed for a total of 55 percent of the taxes for the business over the 10 years.
My Perfect Pet relocated its operations from a San Diego, California suburb to Sulphur Springs. The goal was to provide 30 new jobs to the area. However, according to Feagley, owner Karen Neola is having difficulty finding workers to fill all positions. Feagley said it was thought with the food industries in the area there would be plenty of food workers to apply to help make the USDA-quality foods, which are sent frozen for sale through distributors.
The court granted the requested 381 agreement for My Perfect Pet.
D6 Inc. Agreement
Feagley also noted the Commissioners Court was being asked to consider approving a Chapter 381 Agreement for D6 Inc., not for the entire operation but for the planned 25000 Square foot expansion at the facility.
D6 Inc. out of Portland, Oregon has purchased the building known locally as the old Coca-Cola building, but which was most recently been the location for S&S Commercial operations, where the business plans to make aluminum pie pans and Danish trays, including the plastic that goes on them. The business uses recycled aluminum and plastics. D6 Inc. also makes personal protective equipment, specifically plastic face shields.
The business plans to initially hire 30 individuals, pay taxes on the original building, but asked for a 381 agreement for the new building being constructed onsite. The business’ original plan was to hire 70 employees, but the agreement the court approved was for 30 employees. Feagley said the business is putting equipment in place in the building but isn’t fully operational yet, but has begun hiring employees. Like Neola, Feagley said D6 indicated the business is having a hard time filling positions.
Also, if all goes according to plan, D6 Inc. is planning another expansion in about 18 months, which would provide jobs for additional employees, with a goal of employing up to 90 total employees at the Sulphur Springs facility.
“They are hiring people. They are not up to 30 people yet,” Feagley noted.
The court approved the request.
Bright Arrow Solar Reinvestment Zone
During a public hearing for a request to establish a reinvestment zone for Bright Arrow Solar LLC, Feagley reported the new solar farm is planned off State Highway 11 west in Precinct 4, on three separate properties. The farm is estimated to be a $275 million project plus cost of batteries, upon approval of agreements for tax incentives, is anticipated to being construction in the second quarter of 2021 and with about 300 people working take about 18 months to construct.
Approval of a reinvestment zone will allow the hospital district at a future date consider granting a tax abatement for the solar project and allow the county in the future to approve a 381 agreement for the project as well.
“It seems as if all the solar projects will start at the same time. Do we have the work force for that?” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker asked.
Feagley said it is his understanding currently most the planned solar projects — there are currently 4 in Hopkins County — are expected to get started in the next 6-10 months. The Pine Forest Solar project could begin as early as next month. Most have indicated to Feagley plans to begin in the first or second quarter of 2021, he noted.
The EDC director explained that the companies will bring in most of a the contract labor force, and will be filling local hotels, apartments, and places where travel trailers can park. Some may “spill over to Greenville” or other surrounding areas as well.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price said it was his understanding the Bright Arrow Solar project plans to construct a road through the property off of State Highway 11 west instead of using county roads like other project. He asked Feagley if that was his understanding as well, or if the Bright Arrow agreement would, like the other projects, include a fee for use of the county roads.
Feagley affirmed that was while the other projects, due to their locations do plan to use county roads, and have agreed to pay fees to help with maintenance on those roads due to heavy truck traffic during the construction process, the plan is to build a road off SH 11 west for Bright Arrow Solar. Road fees for other projects vary by project based on a number of factors, including investment and size of the property, and nameplate capacity — how much electricity will be generated. Those funds will be paid at the beginning of the project and first year and will go into a specially designated line item within the impacted precinct’s road and bridge fund for repair of the specific road used.
Barker asked if the Bright Arrow Solar project managers had contacted NETEX (North East Texas Rural Transportation District rail line through Northeast Texas).
“If it goes straight in they’ll have to,” Feagley replied.
Price asked what recourse the county would have if the company did use county roads to get to the solar farm after or if the right-of-way crossing agreements aren’t obtained to locate the road across the railroad. Feagley suggested potential ticketing.
Employment
Judge Robert Newsom noted that Friday Hopkins County was reported to have the lowest unemployment rate in the North East Texas region. He asked Feagley to brief the court on employment in the county, information the judge and EDC director had previously.
Feagley said there are jobs available in a variety of fields that have not been filled. The trick to lowering the unemployment rate is matching labor force to needs of employers. While the county’s unemployment rate is low, it’s still above last year’s rats of 2-3 percent.
While the EDC director has spoken with numerous employers, he cannot speak for all. However, most places have openings in a wide range of fields to be filled. BEF foods, local restaurants, My Perfect Pet, D6 Inc., welding and others.
“We want to let people know the jobs are out there, good jobs,” Newsom said.
Some of the jobs, like manufacturing jobs at D6 and BEF, create additional jobs at grocery stores and restaurants where those workers spend their money.
Hicks: Preparing for Holiday Gatherings and Upcoming Programs in January
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
Five Ways to Prepare for Holiday Gatherings
The holiday season is here, along with fun, family, and or course, delicious foods. Food play a big role during the holidays as it bring traditions, comfort, and a sense of togetherness. It’s okay to enjoy your holiday foods, but keep in mind moderations is key. Aside from a well-balanced meal and eating in moderation, physical activity can also help us stay healthy during this time of year.
A few small changes can really make a big difference. Try these tips:
- Try healthier dessert options – Include healthier ingredient alternatives. Try zests or spices for more flavor instead of added sugars or salt. Reduce the fat content in recipes by using applesauce or Greek yogurt in place of butter.
- Eat well-balanced meals – Include dairy, grains, protein, vegetables, and fruits. Try to keep your eating balanced but still include those holiday favorites, as well.
- Savor holiday foods – Instead of overconsuming them, eat slowly and make sure to eat these in moderation.
- Include fun holiday activities to get moving – Get the family up and moving. Try an outdoor sport or turn on some tunes to get the dance party started.
- Visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight program – Dinner Tonight offer delicious and budget-friendly recipes that are great to include in your holiday meals.
Check out some delicious recipes at https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu
So, enjoy those traditional holiday foods and remember to get outside, stay active, and have a healthy and happy holiday season!
Two Exciting Programs in January
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension prides itself in offering quality workshops, program series, and other educational opportunities. Two exciting programs are currently open for registration, so I wanted to share these with you:
- “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” is a 4-lesson series targeted toward individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Sessions will take place on Wednesdays, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Spouses, caregivers, and family members are also welcome to participate. The series will be held virtually via Zoom, but please don’t let that keep you from participating! Anyone who wishes to participate is welcome to come to our office where I’ll be connected for the sessions. Topics and dates are:
- January 6: How Food Affects Your Blook Glucose, Alicia Fowler, PA-C, Bonham Specialty Clinic
- January 13: Eating the Right Amount of Carbs & Getting Active, Christian Graham, RDN, LD, CDES, Titus Regional Medical Center
- January 20: Medications, Alicia Fowler
- January 27: Complications & Celebrations, Sue Potts, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator, Hopkins County Health/Wellness Alliance
To register, please contact my office at 903-885-3443. Deadline to register is December 30.
- The 2021 Master Wellness Volunteer Initiative allows those who have a passion about health and wellness to share that passion with others via worksite wellness programs, community events, and more! The statewide cohort training will be presented in a hybrid manner. The first face-to-face session will be Tuesday, January 19, at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. The month of February will be individual online study. The final session will be face-to-face on Wednesday, March 3. To learn more about the Master Wellness Volunteer program, go to https://agrilife.org/mwv. Hopkins County currently has some very active Master Wellness Volunteers who have contributed over 700 hours during 2020. We would love to have you join the ranks!
Comparison is the thief of joy
Theodore roosevelt
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B W. Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
Burleson Woman Arrested Twice Nov. 22
A 52-year-old Burleson woman was arrested twice November 22, 2020 in Hopkins County, according to jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley responded just before 10 p.m. Sunday in the 200 block of College Street, where officials had received a tip of suspected narcotics on the premises.
Whaley reported seeing a woman who fit the suspect description and contacted her. Samantha Mitchell Elkins allegedly admitted to being in possession of methamphetamines. She removed from her pants a clear bag containing suspected methamphetamine and was arrested 10:08 p.m. Nov. 22 for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Jail reports show the Burleson woman arrested twice Nov. 22. She was Also booked into Hopkins County jail and released earlier Sunday on a $2,000 bond on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge.
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.
Miss UPRA Sarah Dalton, Former Winnsboro Rodeo Royalty, Appears at Finals Along with Miss Teen UPRA
18-year-old Sarah Dalton was crowned Miss UPRA in November 2019 in Hopkins County and she has proudly worn that crown during the most unusual year in UPRA history! Sarah’s competition career began a little differently than most. A brief four years ago, having never ridden a horse before or been active in rodeo interests, she expressed an interest in “queening” and was mentored by friends who were members of the Winnsboro Rodeo Club. Sarah spent a LOT of time on horseback, both daily and on weekends. She claimed the New Boston Rodeo Queen title, and brought that distinction to her bid for Miss UPRA last year. “I had about 500 flashcards which I studied over and over, which prepared me for the horsemanship portion of the contest and helped me with knowlege of the UPRA rules. I have horses now, but the horse I won with is Frost, a tall and wide gray horse who is extremely composed and capable, and has taught me so much. And made me look good, of course!”
When asked how COVID-19 affected her year as Miss Teen UPRA Jentri Haivala replied, “I was crowned in Hopkins County in Noveber 2019, and started out with great rodeos; Lubbock in January 2020 and Humble in February 2020, and then the pandemic struck. I was out at Midland, and the news was upsetting. Nobody knew what to expect and it was eerie, just shutting down like that. And as the Spring and Summer came on, instead of traveling every weekend to a rodeo, I got to appear at maybe a dozen because so many were cancelling or postponing across the circuit. I only put 2,835 miles on my truck this year instead of many, many more like in normal years. So, when I hand over my crown at the Finals, another unique situation will be that I will have no successor. There will be no UPRA Queen or Miss Teen UPRA until a new one is crowned in 2021, and that’s never happened, either. So, my reign has been one for the history books!”
Sarah is the daughter of Shonna Dalton and Leslie Dalton. Sarah currently works for Centurian Stud Farm of Como and attends North Texas Community College. She plans to continue in the equine field as a career. In addition to her parents, Sarah especially thanks Colleen Crumpton, UPRA Queen 2019 and Kim Crumpton for their help and friendship on her path to the Miss UPRA crown.
Jentri Haivala is the daughter of Rachel Murray and Clint Murray of Newton, Texas. Jentri is 16 years old and is homeschooled. She was raised by parents who both were in rodeo, and has been riding all her life. He won her first Rodeo Princess crown at age 4, at a Paris Rodeo and Horse Club event. Her motto, especially during 2020’s pandemic is, Never Give Up.
VFW To Offer Free Lunch to First Responders, Needy on Thanksgiving Day
Phillip Gabbert, Chaplain and Adjutant of VFW Post Home 8560 of Sulphur Springs and his fellow officers are spearheading a “Pay it Forward’ Thanksgiving meal for First Responders on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26, 2020. starting at 11:30am, til it’s all gone. The traditional Thanksgiving take-out plate can be picked up in a drive-thru fashion at the covered entranceway of Patriot Hall, located at 1 Veterans Drive, located along East Industrial Drive. Also, if you wish to come inside, sit down and enjoy your meal there, that is also fine. The Patriot Hall ballroom has plenty of room for social distancing. The meal is free, but if you wish to give a donation or contribution, that is fine too.
According to Gabbert, ‘local businessman Ralph Bryant originally had this idea, along with his church, to prepare and serve our first responders a Thanksgiving meal in appreciation for their services. However, Ralph’s church family was not able to assist in the effort this year, so he reached out to the VFW officers. Gabbert said, “We will have turkey and the trimmings, and each plate will go out with our thanks to the city and county law enforcement, Firefighters, EMS and others who give up their time to keep our community safe at all times. And if there’s someone who is alone on Thanksgiving, they are welcome to have a meal on us too. Also, if there is someone who does not need a meal but wishes to join our efforts with a donation or contribution, that will gladly be accepted. Because we have the facilities and because we like to help in the community, we gladly seized the opportunity this year. And we will welcome a partnership with a church to carry this out for First Responders at Thanksgiving in 2021. From the officers and members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8560, we wish everyone in our community a happy and safe Thanksgiving!”
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Nov. 23 Regular Meeting Agenda
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Regular Meeting Agenda
TIME: 9:00 A.M.
DATE: Monday, November 23, 2020
PLACE: In The Commissioners’ Courtroom On The First Floor Of The Hopkins County Courthouse Located At
118 Church St., Sulphur Springs, TX.
I. Invocation
II. Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag
A. AMERICAN FLAG:
B. TEXAS FLAG: “Honor The Texas Flag; I Pledge Allegiance To Thee, Texas, One State Under God, One And Indivisible.”The Following Items Will Be Considered By Commissioners’ Court For Discussion And/Or Action:
The Court May Go Into Executive Session To Discuss Legal And/Or Personnel Matters.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
1) The Court To Declare A Quorum.
2) Consent Agenda.
i) Approve Previous Meeting Minutes.
ii) Approval Of Utility Easements, Burial Of Telephone Cables And Construction Of Water Distribution Facilities:
a) The Court To Consider And Approve A Request From Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. To Construct Electrical Power Distribution Facilities Which Will Cross County Road 4707 Which Is Located 320 Feet East Of CR 4711 In Precinct 4.
b) The Court To Consider And Approve A Request From Brinker Water Supply Company To Set A Meter On The Right Of Way Of County Road 2377 Approximately 200 Feet Off Farm Road 3105.
3) The Court To Consider Citizens Comments.
4) Other County Business.
i) The County Extension Agent(s) To Report On The Activities Of The Agri-Life Extension Office.
ii) The Court To Consider And Approve The Appointment Of Tawlene Lampp To The Hopkins County Civic Center Board.
iii) The Court To Consider And Approve The Order To Close A Portion Of County Road 3602.
iv) The Court To Review Monthly Reports From County Offices.
5) The Court To Consider Approving Budget Amendments And Line Item Transfers.
6) The Court Will Consider And Act On Payment Of Bills, Revenues And Expenses, Payroll And Financial Statements.
7) The Court To Consider Approving Grants.
8) The Court To Consider Accepting Donations.
9) The Court To Consider Contracts.
i) The Court To Consider And Approve A Memorandum Of Understanding Between The Ark-Tex Council Of Government And Hopkins County – FY 21 COG Managed Project (CMP).
ii) The Court To Consider And Approve A Chapter 381 Agreement Between Hopkins County And My Perfect Pet Food Inc.
iii) The Court To Consider And Approve A Chapter 381 Agreement Between Hopkins County And D6 Inc.
iv) The Court To Consider And Approve The Agreement Between Hopkins County Fire Department And Fastenal Company.
v) The Court To Consider And Approve An Interlocal Agreement Between Hopkins County And Lubbock County For Participation In The Regional Public Defender For Capital Cases Program.
vi) The Court To Consider And Approve The Contract For Purchase of Juvenile Services By And Between ATCOG And Hopkins County.
vii) The Court To Consider And Approve An Interlocal Agreement Between Hopkins County And The Hospital District.
viii) The Court To Consider And Approve 2020-2021 Volunteer Fire Department Agreements With The County.
10) The Court Will Consider And Act On Personnel Matters.
11) The Court To Consider Disposal Of Asset Request.
12) The Court To Approve Resolutions And Proclamations.
i) The Court To Hold A Public Hearing On The Establishing Of The Reinvestment Zone For By And Between The Hopkins County, Texas, And Bright Arrow Solar LLC.
ii) Resolution – The Court To Consider And Approve The Reinvestment Zone With Bright Arrow Solar LLC.
13) The Court To Adjourn.
Nearly Half Of November Indictments Were For Drug, Alcohol Offenses
Approximately 100 indictments were signed during the November 2020 Grand Jury session, pushing those cases forward for prosecution. Approximately half of the November 2020 indictments were for drug, alcohol and related offenses. (Click here for the other half of the November 2020 indictments.) In some instances, individuals were accused of more than one offense.
Adam Joshua Hodges was named in nine indictments. He is accused of:
- Possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone;
- 2 Evading arrest or detention with previous conviction charges;
- Possession of 1 gram or mroe ubt less htan 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance;
- Manufacture or delivery of 4 gram so rmore but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance;
- manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone;
- Possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance with intent to deliver;
- Possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana; and
- Theft of property valued at $300,000 or more.
Hodges has been arrested on multiple occasions on controlled substance and related charges over the last year, most recently on Sept. 2. Special Crimes Unit officers alleged methamphetamine was purchased from the 36-year-old Yantis man while they were investigating him for suspected illegal distribution of controlled substances. A warrant was obtained for that charge. When officers attempted at traffic stop, he allegedly kept driving from College Street onto Morris Drive, then jumped out of the car and ran through a yard and two fences before being caught in a field behind a residence.
When officers detained Hodges on Sept. 2, he allegedly had a baggy containing what were believed to be 4.54 grans if hydrocodone pills in his pocket, and had a bag containing smaller bags that had 18.73 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 1.38 grams of suspected heroin in them. A 5-gallon bucket found in the trunk of the car reportedly contained 4.85 pounds of marijuana as well, SCU officers alleged following Hodges’ arrest Sept. 2. He was served the next day with a theft warrant and Sept. 9 with a manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone warrant related to the prior alleged undercover buys from him, according to SCU and jail reports. Hodges has remained in the county jail since his arrest Sept. 2, according to jail reports.
Joshua A. Case was indicted for prohibited substance or item in a correctional facility or civic community facility. Case was arrested Oct. 9, 2019, by Cumby police for no driver’s license. He was allegedly found while being booked into jail to have a bag with 0.75 gram of suspected methamphetamine in his booth, officers alleged in reports following Case’s arrest. The 19-year-old Cumby man was released from Hopkins County jail Oct. 18 on a $10,000 bond on the prohibited substance in a correctional facility charge, according to jail reports.
Billy Clay Kirby was indicted for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Cumby police on June 15, 2019, detained Kirby and another man, who allegedly gave travel information that didn’t make sense to the officer. A baggy with a white crystal-like substance the officers believed to be methamphetamine and a red straw were allegedly found in a white pill bottle in a small bag in the rear floorboard. A marijuana cigarette was found in a child’s toy in rear of the vehicle. The other occupant of the vehicle alleged Kirby ate illegal contraband believed to be methamphetamine as they were being pulled over and threw illegal contraband out the front passenger window. A large piece of white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine was found on Kirby’s shirt, according to arrest reports.
Kirby was released from Hopkins County jail on a $10,000 bond on the tampering with evidence charge and a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Ismael Gonzales was indicted for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Gonzales was arrested Sept. 3 by police, who reported finding a dollar bill containing a crystal-like substance officers believed was methamphetamine in his pocket during a pat down. While officers continued an investigation, the 43-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly tried to pull away from them, grabbed the money and dumped all of the suspected controlled substance in it onto the road. Gonzales remained in Hopkins County jail Nov. 21. Bond was set at $10,000 on the the tampering with evidence charge and $5,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Ray Griffith and Javier Pererz Jr. were indicted for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Among the individuals indicted on a charge of driving while intoxicated, third or more offense, were:
- Oral Weaver Anders
- Larry Tyrone Goodson
- Kenneth John Isham
- Steven Elliott Jonaitis Jr.
- Eduardo Nunez-Hernandez
- Melissa Jeannette Stephens
Also named in two indictments each were:
- Denver Jacques Fender – possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance in a drug free zone and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance;
- Larry Scott Gruss – possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance; and
- Bryer Ray Parnell – two possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges.
Also among the individuals indicted for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance were:
- Deanna Leigh Boyett
- Jose Ruben Campos-Trejo
- Kelsey Devon Carrillo
- Virginia Lynn Chapman
- Gage Micheal Cogswell
- Kyle Louis Jackson
- Clement Demount McCarty
- Ashley Justine Walker
- Sean Eric Whittle
- Bryan Lee Winstead
Others accused in the November indictments on controlled substance charges included:
- Kevin Shane Bilharz – possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance;
- Angelia Marie Gay – possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance;
- Rebekah Jayde Tittle – possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance;
- Dallas Quincy Jackson – possession of 28 grams or more but less than $200 grams of a Penalty Group 4 controlled substance; and
- Sarah Michelle Cline – possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance with intent to deliver.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
100 Indictments Signed During November 2020 Grand Jury Session
Approximately 100 indictments were signed during the November 2020 Grand Jury session, pushing those cases forward for prosecution.
Named in the indictments are more than 70 defendants, including 11 individuals accused of two offenses and five alleged to have committed multiple offenses. In some charges, more than one defendant was named for alleged involvement in offenses.
Charges ranged from aggravated robbery, sexual assault, trafficking of a child to engage in sexual conduct, felony assaults, child endangerment or abandonment to theft of firearms, credit or debit card abuse, unauthorized use of a vehicle, evading arrest with a vehicle, money laundering and forgery. More than half of the offenses were for drug, alcohol and related charges.
(HCSO jail photo)
Romany Michael Ruble was indicted on a trafficking of a child to engage in sexual conduct charge and three theft of firearm charges. The 43-year-old Sulphur Springs woman also known as Romany Cathey has remained in Hopkins County jail since her arrest Aug. 9 on the warrants. Her bonds total $165,000, according to jail reports.
She was accused one week before her arrest of transporting a runaway she had a prior acquaintance with from West Texas to her Saltillo residence, where she sexually abused him. The youth reportedly escaped. Law enforcement was contacted. Ruble was arrested on a trafficking of a person charge, sheriff’s investigators reported following Ruble’s arrest in August.
On Aug. 19, Ruble was served at the jail with three warrants accusing her of theft of three firearms. She was accused of stealing the guns from her father on Aug. 3-4, then pawning them, sheriff’s investigators reported following Ruble’s arrest.
(HCSO jail photo)
Jose Jaun Eduardo Santana was indicted during the November 2020 Grand Jury session on three sexual assault charges. The 31-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested July 23 on all three charges. He was released from Hopkins County jail on July 25. Bond on the charges totaled $150,000, $50,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
Trondamion Andrezhel Cleveland, 28, and Joseph Rashad Washington, 27, were indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The pair was accused of the “brutal assault” of a man around 12:30 p.m. Aug. 18, in the 700 block of Freeman Street. The victim was grabbed, pushed into an apartment, assaulted, then left injured, police alleged following the incident. The victim reportedly sustained blunt force trauma to the head, resulting in approximately 20 stitches, and a deep knife wound on the leg resulting in approximately 30 more stitches, according to Sulphur Springs Police Det. Sgt. Jason Reneau.
Both were arrested Aug. 26 on an aggravated assault warrant each in connection with the Aug. 18 incident. Both remained in Hopkins County jail Nov. 20. Bond was set at $50,000 each on the charge, according to jail reports.
Ronald David Bailey, 30, of Sulphur Springs was indicted for assault on a public servant. Bailey was accused on Halloween of striking a corrections officer during altercation still in custody at the county jail on an April murder charge, according to arrest and jail reports. He remained in jail Nov. 20. Bond on the assault charge was set at $25,000, according to jail reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
James Andrew Gregory was indicted for assault of a family or household member that impedes breathing or circulation, assault of a pregnant person, violation of bond/protective order two times within 12 months and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Gregory as arrested twice this year, once on June 25 on the controlled substance charge as well as a resisting arrest charge. Deputies reported finding 28-year-old Canton man, unclothed, unwrapping a rope like object from around his neck, in a pasture just before 3 a.m. June 25. “Several blue rubber handle like objects, a container he advised was lotion” and the man’s vehicle keys resting rested on a clear plastic baggie containing a crystal like substance the deputy believed to be methamphetamine under a tree near the man. After putting on his pants, Gregory allegedly became argumentative and exhibited behavior that lead the deputy to believe he was highly intoxicated on meth, the deputy alleged in arrest reports. When he attempted to run from deputies, the officer deployed their Tasers, striking Gregory, who allegedly was placed on the ground, but continued to resist officers.
Late Aug. 11, deputies located Gregory in a business, where he’d rented a room and took him into custody on warrants for assault of a pregnant person and assault impeding breathing. He was served with an additional warrant Aug. 13 for violation of bond or protective order by contacting the victim in the two assault cases, after being warned by the justice of the peace and signing an acknowledgement that he understood he was not to contact her, as terms of his bond earlier in the summer, officers alleged following Gregory’s arrest in August.
Gregory remained in Hopkins County jail Nov. 20, 2020, on the charge.
(HCSO jail photo)
Robert Earl Hawkins Jr. was indicted for assault of a family or household member with previous conviction and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. He was jailed on a controlled substance charge on Jan. 6, 2020, and on an assault charge on Aug. 26, 2020.
Also indicted for a assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation were 42-year-old Mathew James Conley of Sulphur Springs, 55-year-old John Diego Fernandes of Saltillo and Loren Lance Horner.
Conley was accused Sept. 6 of choking a female at a Sulphur Springs residence, police alleged in reports at the time of his arrest. He has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest on the charge, in lieu of a $20,000 bond, according to jail reports.
Fernandes was accused of choking his ex-wife during an argument at his U.S. Highway 67 residence on Sept. 30. Deputies were told the man became enraged during an argument with his 43-year-old ex-wife, grabbed her shirt and threw her to the ground. While on the ground, Fernandes allegedly grabbed the woman by the neck, causing her to lose consciousness and struck her multiple times on the side of her head. The woman had red marks on her throat area, deputies noted in arrest reports.
Horner was arrested on a warrant for the assault charge on Aug. 28 and released on $30,000 bond on Aug. 29. The offense, according to arrest reports, occurred on August 20, 2020.
Among those indicted for aggravated assault of a date, family or household member with a weapon were Uber Garcia and Calvin Roy Helton III.
Garcia, 25, of Sulphur Springs was accused of allegedly assaulted a woman during a rolling disturbance that started at the Sonic in Winnsboro and continued into Hopkins County late Saturday night, July 18. Afterward, the woman reportedly sought medical attention at the emergency room in Winnsboro, while the man sought a mental health evaluation, according to arrest reports.
Uber Garcia allegedly admitted to striking the woman repeatedly with a fist, deputies alleged in arrest reports. He allegedly admitted to becoming enraged and striking the victim with his fist repeatedly, but did not recall pulling out a pistol and striking the woman in the head with it. He reported helping the victim take a shower to clean up the blood on her from the assault upon returning to their Sulphur Springs residence, deputies alleged in arrest reports. Garcia was taken into custody just before 8 a.m. July 19 on the assault charge, according to arrest reports. He was released from jail on Jul 21 on a $50,000 bond on the aggravated assault charge.
Helton was arrested Sept. 1 at his Saltillo residence on a warrant for the charge. The offense, according to arrest reports, occurred on August 28 at a County Road 3432 residence. He remained in Hopkins County jail Nov. 20 in lieu of a $100,000 bond on the felony aggravated assault charge, according to jail reports.
Colby Garrett Good was indicted for burglary of a habitation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
The 29-year-old Marlin Falls man was accused of evading deputies who attempted to stop him on Jefferson Street at the overpass just after 3 a.m. Sept. 5, by traveling the wrong direction first on Shannon Road, then on Interstate 30, into oncoming traffic. Police received reports the car was spotted headed south on State Highway 154 south. About 3:25 a.m., officials were alerted a man had broken into a residence, demanded keys to a vehicle, then fled in it on FM 2297. He reportedly turned onto State Highway 154 south into Wood County, with a deputy pursuing the car. The vehicle went off the road, into a pasture, then into a pond near Quitman. The man then allegedly tried to run from officers. They deployed Tasers and took Good into custody, then transported him to a Quitman hospital to be checked out.
At 3:45 a.m. Sept. 5, officials learned a 29-year-old woman and her 30-week old infant were in the first vehicle the man was accused of driving. The car and passengers were abandoned on FM 2297, where the car was crashed into a fence near the residence Good was accused of breaking into.
Good was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on four local charges and four warrants, including a McLennan County surety off bond on injury to a child charge, a surety off bond on an assault impeding breathing charge and a Kaufman County aggravated assault charge, according to jail reports. His bond was set at $140,000, according to jail reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
Lucas Wayne Williams was indicted for aggravated robbery. The 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested Aug. 2 on a warrant for the charge. The charge stems from a July 3 incident on Van Sickle Street. Williams allegedly displayed a knife while involved in an altercation with a male family member who is hearing paired. The male family member allegedly sustained a small laceration on the arm during the disturbance. Williams also allegedly struck the other man in the head and took money from him. The family member reportedly fled the residence to get away from Williams, police alleged in August 2020 offense reports. Williams was released from Hopkins County jail Aug. 4 on a $50,000 bond on the aggravated robbery charge, according to jail reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
Joseph Wayne Owens was indicted on two aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges. The 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of ramming his 2001 Dodge 3500 dually extended cab pickup into the driver’s side front bumper of another motorist’s truck on or near County Road 4770. Then, he allegedly backed up his truck, and rammed it into the other truck a second time, causing damage to the front of the other truck and making the two occupants of the other pickup fear for their lives, deputies noted in arrest reports. The offense is alleged to have occurred on Aug. 18. Owens, who is also known by JoJo, was released from Hopkins County jail Aug. 19, on a $35,000 bond per charge, according to jail reports.
James Earl Galloway was indicted during the November 2020 Grand Jury session on possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and abandoning or endangering of a child-criminal negligence charges.
On May 23, police responded to a complaint that kids could smell a strong marijuana odor coming from an Atkins Street apartment, where Galloway was located, officers noted in arrest reports. The 25-year-old allegedly admitted to police that he had a marijuana joint in the apartment and retrieved it. A records check showed outstanding traffic warrants. He was arrested. A rock found in Galloway’s pocket upon arrival at the jail field-tested positive for crack cocaine, resulting in the controlled substance charge, officers alleged in arrest reports. He was released from jail on May 24 on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
Galloway was booked into and release from jail July 31 on a $20,000 bond on a child abandonment/endangerment-criminal negligence warrant, according to jail reports.
Also indicted for child abandonment or endangerment/criminal negligence were Katelynn Brooke Jones and Gabrielle Lee Marie Morey.
Jones was arrested in Delta County and transferred Aug. 13 to Hopkins County jail, where she was booked on a warrant for the child endangerment/abandonment charge. The 24-year-old Cooper woman was released from Hopkins County jail Aug. 19 on a $20,000 bond, according to jail reports. The offense, deputies noted in arrest reports, was alleged to have occurred on June 23.
Morey was arrested Aug. 12 at her rural residence on a warrant for child abandonment/endangerment-criminal negligence, according to arrest reports. The 21-year-old Brashear woman was released from Hopkins County jail Aug. 14, 2020 on a $20,00 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Among the individuals indicted for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle were Charles Creal and Reginald Dewayne Shackelford.
Creal was transferred from Bowie County jail to Hopkins County jail July 16 on the warrant. The offense was alleged to have occurred on July 7, 2020. The 39-year-old Flippin, Arkansas remained in Hopkins County jail until July 18; his bond was set at $30,000 on the evading arrest charge, according to jail reports.
Reginald Dewayne Shackelford was arrested Aug. 26 and booked into Hopkins County jail Aug. 27. The 54-year-old Arlington man was alleged to have been holding an open alcoholic beverage container when deputies stopped to check on him, as he was stopped on the shoulder of I-30. He handed the deputy the beverage and and took off in his vehicle, deputies noted in arrest reports. Deputies reported pursuing the man along I-30 a short distance east to the county line, where he was taken into custody, officers alleged in August arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Nov. 20, 2020 in lieu of a $10,000 bond on the evading arrest charge and a $5,000 bond on a second offense DWI with open container charge, according to jail reports.
Indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle were Jason T. Boyett, Jeremy Brannon Conley, Terrance Patrick Parkman Jr., Matthew Roy Person, Cole William Peterson, Tiera Simone Puckett, Johnnie Roper Sargent and Adam Black Smith.
Jason Todd Boyette was jailed Aug. 1 on the UUV charge and released on Aug. 2 on a $5,000 bond, according to jail reports. The 44-year-old Texarkana, Arkansas man was stopped at mile marker 110 by Cumby police in a Kia that’d been reported stolen.
Jeremy Brannon Conley was reportedly arrested June 16 on Fuller Street in Chevrolet Tahoe that’d been reported to Palestine authorities as stolen. The 38-year-old Montalba man remained in Hopkins County jail until June 20. Bond on the charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
Terrance Patrick Parkman Jr. was arrested Aug. 5 on I-30 in an Acura that’d been reported to Euless Police as stolen. The 22-year-old was released from Hopkins County jail later Aug. 5 on a $5,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Matthew Roy Person was arrested May 2 in a vehicle that’d been reported to Dallas police as stolen. The 52-year-old Illinois man allegedly gave conflicting accounts of how he came into possession of the vehicle and could not provide any rental paperwork associated with the vehicle, troopers alleged in arrest reports. He was released from Hopkins County jail May 3 on a $5,000 bond on the UUV charge.
Cole William Peterson was jailed Aug. 3 after a traffic stop revealed a UUV warrant for the 20-year-old Cumby man’s arrest, officer noted in arrest reports. The offense was alleged in arrest reports to have occurred on July 8, officers alleged in arrest reports. He was released from Hopkins County jail on a $5,000 bond on the UUV charge on Aug. 5, 2020, according to jail reports.
Tiera Simone Puckett was reportedly stopped Aug. 14 in Sulphur Springs in a Dodge Avenger that was reported to have been stolen between 1:30 and 10 p.m. Aug. 13 from an Elm Street address. She was jailed early Aug. 15 on the UUV charge. The 21-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was released from jail later that day on a $5,000 bond on the UUV charge, according to jail reports.
Johnnie Roper Sargent was arrested July 30 on Interstate 30, after being stopped in a Hyundai Santa Fe that had been reported stolen from Longview, according to arrest reports. The 51-year-old White Oak man was released from Hopkins County jail Aug. 3, 2020, on a $5,000 bond, according to jail reports.
Adam Blake Smith was arrested July 1 after allegedly parking a vehicle that had just been reported stolen from a Gilmer Street gas station about 8 blocks down the road in a home improvement business parking lot and into two businesses. The 29-year-old Hot Springs, Arkansas man was released from the county jail on July 4, 2020 on a $20,000 bond on the UUV charge, according to jail reports.
Tavris Deandre Floyd was indicted on money laundering and theft of a firearm charges. The 25-year-old Tennessee man was arrested Aug. 6 after being found in possession of bundled containing more than $60,000 as well as a handgun that a records check showed to be stolen during a traffic stop. Floyd was released from Hopkins County jail Aug. 7, 2020, on a $25,000 bond on the money laundering charge and a $5,000 bond on the theft of firearm charge, according to jail reports.
Also indicted for theft of a firearm were Jaylin Lashae Forrest, on one charge and 36-year-old William Wade Crist of Sulphur Springs, on two charges. Crist was arrested Aug. 22 on two theft of firearm charges; the offense was alleged to have occurred on Aug. 21.
Jose Manuel Galvan Jr., Jerome Sherrod Gibson, Kayla Nicole Williams were indicted for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Galvan, 27, was arrested Sept. 3 on the charge remained in Hopkins County jail Nov. 20 in lieu of $5,000 bond on the charge. Gibson, 35, was arrested July 31 and released Aug. 1 on a $10,000 bond. Williams, 41, was arrested Oct. 28 and released Oct. 29 on a $10,000 bond.
Among the individuals indicted during the November 2020 Grand Jury session for forgery of a financial instrument were 29-year-old Jose Ismael Cuevas, 37-year-old Cameron Clay Fountain and 21-year-old Christopher Lee Skeen Jr.
Cuevas and Fountain were both arrested July 7 and released July 9. Skeen was arrested June 25. Bond for all three was set at $5,000 bond, according to jail reports.
Indicted for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence was Wendell Frank Johnson Jr.
Nov. 21 COVID-19 Update: 51st COVID-19 Fatality Reported For Hopkins County
Texas Department of State Health Services at 2:25 p.m. Nov. 21 announced the 51st COVID-19 fatality for Hopkins County and the first COVID-19 death for Delta County.
That makes three fatalities announced this week and four that have been confirmed with COVID-19 as cause on death certificates for Hopkins County. The latest death is reported to have occurred on Nov. 10. Hopkins County residents are also reported to have occurred on Nov. 1, Nov. 5 and Nov. 13.
There were 28 COVID-19 deaths in October, 11 in September, 6 in August and 2 in July.
That’s a 6.55 percent fatality rate among Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, and 0.14 percent of the overall population in Hopkins County who have died from COVID-19.
Hopkins County continues to surpass all surrounding counties except Hunt and Lamar counties, in the number of COVID-19 deaths. Hopkins County has even had more COVID-19 fatalities than Wood County, which like Hunt and Lamar also has a larger population and higher cumulative case counts, according to DSHS reports.
In Hunt County, 2,601 of the county’s estimated 98,600 population have tested positive for COVID-19, and 56 of those died, giving the Hunt a 2.15 percent fatality among residents who have tested positive for the virus.
As of Nov. 21, 2,385 of Lamar County’s 49,859 residents (4.76 percent) had tested positive for COVID-19 since March; 56 of the infected residents have died (2.77 percent).
Even Wood County, which has 45,539 residents to Hopkins County’s estimated 37,100 residents, has had fewer COVID-19 deaths; 48 of the 853 Wood County residents who have tested positive since March have died. That’s a fatality rate among infected of 5.63 percent.
While Titus County has had more than twice as many COVID-19 positives as Hopkins County, 1,746 of the estimated 32,750 population (5.33 percent), there have only been 40 COVID-19 deaths, giving Titus a 2.29 percent fatality rate among positive cases.
The only county with a higher fatality rate among COVID-19 positive individuals than Hopkins County is Red River. Eighteen people of the 218 residents (1.81 percent) who have tested positive have died. That’s a 8.26 percent fatality rate among COVID-19 positive Red River County residents.
A fatality had been reported for Delta County on Saturday as well, the only COVID-19 fatality so far. That’s 1 death out of 46 cumulative cases in a county with a population a little over 5,300. That’s a positivity rate of 0.86 among all residents and a fatality rate of 2.17 percent among COVID-19 positive residents.
Franklin County has had 249 positive cases since March, 2.32 percent of the overall population. Of the 249, 10 have died from COVID-19 (4.02 percent).
Rains County’s fatality rate among the 152 positive cases is 5.26 percent (8 deaths). The positivity rate county-wide is 1.21 percent.
2 Men Transferred To Hopkins County Jail On Felony Charges
Nov 21, 2020 – Two men were reportedly transferred to Hopkins Count Hopkins County jail on felony charges Friday.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office took William Ray Grammer into custody and transported him to the Franklin-Hopkins County line, where he was released to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nick Marney at 6:11 p.m. Nov. 20.
Grammer was booked into Hopkins County jail at 6:54 p.m. Nov. 20 on warrants for theft of service and criminal mischief. The offenses were alleged to have occurred on Nov. 13 on West Industrial Drive, Marney noted in arrest reports. The 50-year-old Talco man remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday. Bond was set at $5,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Amanda Weatherford traveled to Hutchins State Jail Friday morning and took Linton Brandon Keyton into custody at 9:17 a.m. Nov. 20.
Keyton was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on an indictment for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. The 34-year-old Mount Pleasant man remained in Hopkins County jail Nov. 21. Bond on the charge was set at $50,000, according to jail reports.
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.
