Police Asking For Help Identifying ‘Persons Of Interest’ In Super Handy Burglary
Sulphur Springs Police Department investigators are seeking assistance from the public in identifying two people considered “persons of interest” in a burglary that occurred on Jan. 13, 2021 at the Super Handy at 1401 College St. Detective Brian Shurtleff posted images captured from video of the pair he is hoping to identify and locate in connection with the Super Handy burglary.
The burglary of the College Street Super Handy is believed to have occurred overnight, after midnight but before dawn. The burglary is the second reported in less than a week at the business. A window was damaged at the convenience store on Jan. 9 and less than $100 worth of coins were reported to have been stolen.
Also on Jan. 13, a Dodge Ram pickup and gooseneck flat bed trailer were reported to have been stolen after 1 a.m. from a rental business in the 1400 block of East Shannon Road.
One of the individuals pictured in the images posted on SSPD’s Facebook page show what appear to be a male with dark hair, reddish orange, white and gray shirt and a bag. The other depicts a person with what appears to be dark hair wearing a blue shirt or jacket over a white shirt, blue or gray jeans or pants and white shoes, a blue and white facemask and what looks like a backpack.
Anyone who has interest regarding the identity of the “persons of interest” sought in connection with the Jan. 13 Super Handy burglary are asked to contact SSPD Detective Brian Shurtleff at 903.885.7602 or Crime Stoppers at 903.885.2020. Tips to Crime Stoppers are handled in such a way that the caller’s identity remains confidential, but could result in a monetary reward if the information leads to an arrest and/or conviction in the burglary case.
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.
Jan. 14 COVID-19 Update: 1 Fatality, 15 New Cases, 26 Recoveries, 227 Active Cases
Ten more recoveries than new COVID-19 cases were reported on Thursday, reducing the active case count for Hopkins County for the first time since Jan. 2, when the active case count dropped from 138 to 133. Unfortunately, one additional Hopkins County fatality was also confirmed and the Sulphur Springs patient count in the hospital COVID unit increased on Jan. 14, according to Texas Department of State Health Services and Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Jan. 14 COVID-19 reports.
Case Counts
The new confirmed COVID-19 case count on Thursday was more than double the number reported on Jan. 13. Six Hopkins County residents tested COVID-19 positive on Jan. 13 and 13 tested positive on Jan. 14, the same as on Jan. 11 and one more than on Jan. 10 and Jan. 12. That makes 56 new molecular COVID-19 cases reported for Hopkins County so far this week, increasing the total number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases this month to 151. Cumulatively, 1,273 Hopkins County residents have received positive molecular COVID-19 results since March, according to the DSHS Jan. 14 COVID-19 Texas Case Counts dashboards.
Conversely, only two new probable COVID-19 cases were reported on Thursday, nine less than on Wednesday and the same as on Jan. 11. So far this week, 16 new probable cases have been reported for Hopkins County. This month, 83 probable cases were reported, increasing the cumulative total number of probable COVID-19 cases to 1,200.
Twenty-six additional Hopkins County residents had recovered from COVID-19 on Jan. 14, increasing the total this week to 56 and this month to 110. Cumulatively, that makes 2,163 of the 2,473 Hopkins County residents reported to have COVID-19 since March 2020 who have recovered from the virus.
One additional Hopkins County resident has been confirmed to have died from COVID-19. That makes four additional deaths confirmed this week. The latest death occurred on Dec. 29, the second reported on that day. Overall, that increases the total number of COVID-19 deaths confirmed so far for Hopkins County to 83, all except four occurred in 2020.
Taking into account the new cases, additional fatality and recovery, that leaves 227 active COVID-19 cases among Hopkins County residents as of Thursday afternoon, Jan. 14, the first time the daily active case count has decreased since Jan. 2.
Hospital and Testing Reports
HC/SSEM, in the Jan. 14 COVID-19 update, reported 7,990 COVID-19 tests had been conducted at the free testing center at 128-A Jefferson Street in Sulphur Springs, including 56 on Jan. 13. This week 206 molecular tests were conducted at the testing center.
Free oral swab (molecular) COVID-19 testing will continue to be offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays in January inside the Red Cross (old Fidelity Express Building) in Sulphur Springs. Free testing is open to anyone regardless of age or address. Registration is required online at www.GoGetTested.com in order to be tested at 128-A Jefferson Street in Sulphur Springs.
HC/SSEM also reported 28 patients in the COVID unit on Jan. 14, four more than on Jan. 13, six more than on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12, but four less than were reported on Jan. 7 and 8, according to the DSHS Jan. 14 COVID-19 Test and Hospital Data dashboard
In Trauma Service Area F, 232 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients were in the hospital on Jan. 13, one more than on Jan. 12, but still nine less than on Jan. 10.
Twenty-nine more hospital beds were staffed in TSA-F on Wednesday than on Tuesday, 14 less than on Jan. 8, but 37 less than on Jan. 5, 44 less than on Jan. 1 and 84 less than on Dec. 31.
A total of 959 inpatient beds were staffed throughout TSA-F, 29 more than on Jan. 12, but fourteen less than on Jan. 8, 22 less than on Jan. 6, 44 less than on Jan. 1, and 84 less than on Dec. 31.
There were 649 total hospitalizations on Jan. 13, 34 more than on Jan. 12, but seven less than on Jan. 7, 21 less than on Jan. 5 and 68 less than on New Year’s Eve.
COVID-19 hospitalizations made up 22.07 percent of the overall hospital capacity in TSA-F, down slightly from the 22. 60 percent reported on Jan. 12 and 23.42 percent on Jan. 11. TSA-F has continued to have high hospitalizations since Dec. 26 and has remained under tighter COVID-19 capacity restrictions since Jan. 2.
COVID-19 Vaccines
As of 11:59 p.m. Jan. 13, a total of 1,010 vaccines were administered in Hopkins County, 29 more than on Jan. 12. Sixteen people had received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 13 and another 994 have received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine, according to the DSHS Jan. 14 COVID-19 Vaccine dashboard. Of those, 628 women and 379 men had been vaccinated in Hopkins County.
The Wildcats Soccer Team Gets Third Straight Win Taking Their First Game In A Wylie Tournament
For the first time this season the Wildcats Soccer Team has a winning record.
At the Wylie ISD Men’s Soccer Showcase on Thursday, January 14, the Wildcats defeated Princeton, 3-1. It was the Wildcats third straight win and gives them a season record of 3-2-1.
It wasn’t easy. The Wildcats fell behind the Panthers 1-0 and stayed behind until almost halftime. Wildcat David Moreno scored on a penalty kick to even things up. Wildcats Coach Alexi Upton said, then, the Wildcats came out and dominated the second half. Omar Hernandez put the Wildcats ahead scoring on a free kick. Edgar Salazar scored the third goal assisted by Alan Hernandez. Coach Upton said he was proud of the Wildcats for their comeback.
The Wildcats face Mesquite Horn Friday at 1 p.m. and they go against Wylie East Saturday at 10 a.m. Their games are being played at Wylie ISD Stadium at Wylie High School.
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.
Lady Cats Soccer Team Opens Princeton Tourney With 0-0 Tie With Sherman
For the second straight tournament, the Lady Cats Soccer Team opened play with a tie.
Playing bright and early Thursday morning, January 14, in a Princeton tournament, the Lady Cats ended up 0-0 with the Sherman Lady Bearcats.
Lady Cats Coach Javier Aguayo said the Lady Cats had the ball more than Sherman and had plenty of chances but could not score. He said it was frustrating because the Lady Cats played well. The Lady Cats are having to battle the injury bug.
The Lady Cats are now 3-2-2 for the season. Friday the Lady Cats play Garland Naaman Forest at 3:45 p.m. The Lady Cats wrap up play in the tournament against Little Elm Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
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.
Lady Cats Basketball Team Loses On The Road At Mount Pleasant Tuesday, 44-37
Tuesday evening, January 12, at Mount Pleasant, the Lady Cats Basketball Team seemed to play from behind all night and despite several impressive rallies they ended up on the short end of a 44-37 district game against the Lady Tigers.
The Lady Cats got off to a slow start with the Lady Tigers getting out to a good early lead. By the third quarter, the Lady Cats got to within one point. The Lady Tigers got back out to a 12 point lead in the fourth period. Again, the Lady Cats rallied late but could not come all the way back.
With the loss, the Lady Cats go to 4-3 in district play and 10-7 for the season. Next the Lady Cats return home Friday to play host to the Texas High Lady Tigers. During the first round, the Lady Cats lost to Texas High, 48-35 in Texarkana on December 15.
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.
Welding Program at the Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs
WELDING
New welding student John Musa of Sulphur Springs is working on a project during a class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Campus Welding Shop. For information about the welding program or other workforce opportunities and scholarships, call 903-885-1232.
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.
Georgetown Woman Arrested in Hopkins County On Palo Pinto Controlled Substance Warrant
A 22-year-old Georgetown woman arrested in Hopkins County on a Palo Pinto controlled substance warrant reportedly had THC oil and a vape device, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Lavender just after 10:20 a.m. stopped the woman for driving a Audi A6 west at 72 miles per hour in the 55 mph speed zone on State Highway 11 east as it passed FM 269. Upon contact with Paytin Chanari Kerr, Lavender alleged he could smell a marijuana odor coming from inside the car. Kerr allegedly admitted to having a THC vape pen in the door pocket.
A records check showed Kerr to be wanted in Palo Pinto County on a warrant for manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. The Georgetown woman was arrested on the warrant.
A probable cause search of the car revealed a vape device containing a cartridge with suspected THC oil The device and oil weighed 26.14 grams. The oil tested positive for THC, resulting in Kerr being charged with possession of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Kerr remained in Hopkins County jail at noon Thursday morning, Jan. 14, on a $5,000 bond on the Hopkins County possession charge and $30,005 on the Palo Pinto County warrant, 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.
CR 4711 Disturbance Involving A Firearm Results In Two Arrests
A County Road 4711 disturbance involving a firearm results in the arrest of two men from the Denton area, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded just before 5:15 p.m. to a report of a disturbance involving a firearm on County Road 4711. A caller told dispatchers that shots had been fired from a weapon. Upon arrival at the location, officers were told the suspects had fled, one on foot and one in a Ford pickup. Deputy Drew Fisher recalled seeing a truck matching that description on State Highway 11 at the end of CR 4711. Deputies detained 43-year-old Chun Zachary Lambert of The Colony on SH 11 at CR 4711 by the truck, and found 38-year-old Nader Tokleh of Flower Mound just down CR 4711, and detained him as well.
Deputies were told both men traveled together in the truck to the CR 4711 residence to pick up another vehicle and a disturbance occurred. During the disturbance, the driver of the truck allegedly brandished, pointed and later fired a firearm. Both men allegedly fled the scene.
Lambert agreed to let deputies search the truck. Deputies reported finding 5.938 grams of suspected methamphetamine in the vehicle both Lambert and Tokleh were reported to have arrived at the location in. When neither admitted to possessing the substance, both Lambert and Tokleh were charged with possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Lambert was also accused of driving the pickup through a metal pipe gate, causing property damage, deputies noted in arrest reports. Deputies observed a pistol holder in the driveway near the gate; they believe the firearm was thrown from the vehicle as Lambert departed from it, Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward alleged in arrest reports.
When asked for ID, Lambert reportedly told deputies his wallet was in his back pocket. Deputies later learned he was in possession of someone else’s wallet which contained 13 items of identifying information.
Consequently, Lambert was booked into Hopkins County jail on two of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges, on fraudulent use or possession of identifying information charge, one possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge and failure to identify as a fugitive for justice, as well as violation of parole and a warrant for theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 charge, according to arrest and jail reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail just before noon Thursday, Jan. 14, in lieu of $25,000 bond each on the aggravated assault, fraud and controlled substance charges, according to jail reports.
Tokleh was booked into Hopkins County jail, where he remained just before lunch Thursday, Jan. 14. Bond was set at $30,000 on the possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, 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.
Mount Vernon Man Accused Of Retaliation Or Obstruction
A 60-year-old Mount Vernon man is accused of retaliation or obstruction. The man was arrested at his residence by Texas Ranger Greg Wilson and Hopkins County officials on a warrant for the charge.
According to Texas Penal Code, Title 8, Chapter 36.06, a person commits obstruction or retaliation if “the person intentionally or knowingly harms or threatens to harm another by an unlawful act in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of another as a public servant, witness, prospective witness, or informant, or person who has reported or who the actor knows intends to report the occurrence of a crime or prevent or delay the service of another as a public servant, witness, prospective witness, or informant or person who has reported or who the actor knows intends to report the occurrence of a crime. A person may also commit the offense of obstruction or retaliation if the person posts on a publicly accessible website the residence address or telephone number of an individual the actor knows is a public servant or a member of a public servant’s family or household with the intent to cause harm or a threat of harm to the individual or a member of the individual’s family or household in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of the individual as a public servant.”
The offense is alleged in arrest reports to have occurred in Franklin County on Jan. 11. The investigation was conducted by Texas Ranger Greg Wilson, who obtained a warrant for Robby Gerald Jones’ arrest on Jan. 12. On Jan. 13, assisted by Hopkins County authorities, a search warrant was executed at Jones’ residence in Mount Vernon. Jones was taken into custody at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at his residence by Ranger Wilson and transported by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alvin Jordan to Hopkins County jail.
Jones, who jail reports show is also known by the aliases Ronald Davis, Kevin Jackson, Lawrence Johnson, Ronald Johnson, Ronald Jones, Michael McKnight and James Wilson, remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning, Jan. 14, awaiting arraignment on the felony obstruction or retaliation 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.
Meters, Grants, Protective Gear Among Topics Discussed By Cumby City Council
Cumby City Council members discussed a number of topics, including water meters, grant opportunities, safety equipment and gear for city employees. The meeting was conducted at the municipal building, with room for 10 in-person attendees only, but made available to others via Zoom videoconferencing.
Water Meters
Mayor Doug Simmerman, during the Tuesday night meeting, asked the Cumby City Council to consider potentially replacing the RG3 water meters currently used with new Master Meters. The readers are designed to pick up the water usage amount digitally from nearby, with no manual reading. Some don’t work properly and the city is unable to tell how much water was used. When that occurs, the city has to average the bill or bill at base rate. The Master Meter would enable the meter reader, if the device doesn’t get a read on the meter, to stop and get a manual reading from the meter. This would provide an accurate reading, whether the in-vehicle shows a reading system or not.
Simmerman noted the packet presented to the council members included three quotes from Underground Utility Supply, a distributor that priced meters in different purchase increments so that not all meters would have to be purchased at one time, but could be bought in increments.
Another council member suggested checking to see if there are grants that the city could potentially apply for to help cover cost of replacement meters. No action was taken regarding the recommended purchase Tuesday night.
Grants
The contract for the new lift station was awarded. A preconstruction meeting is scheduled on the 21st. Timing of the project is expected to be among discussion. No start date has yet to be announced. The project requires ordering of three water pumps. Officials have been told it typically takes 3 months to get those in. A grant is helping to fund the project.
Jake McAdams with Public Management spoke with the city officials about potentially helping them prepare an application for a Community Development Block Grant Program Community Development Fund Grant. Amounts of $50,0000 to $350,000 can be requested to help fund water and sewer, drainage, gas system, road and street improvements or solid waste disposal/landfills to improve public facilities to meet basic needs or eliminate hazardous conditions. The city would only be responsible for
McAdams noted the scoring system for the grants has changed in the last year, but the City of Cumby might still have a competitive change at an infrastructure grant. If approved, the city could potentially receive funding in the fall of 2022. A 5 percent match would be required. Public Management would help coordinate engineering and any other requirements for the grant. The city would be out the cost to publish three public notices up front. If approved, Public Management would receive a payment from the grant funding. Major components of the scoring of grant applications include whether or not the city has received a grant in the last 5 years and match percentage; median household income is another factor that can be considered. If the city goes out for a grant, the application would be presented for approval in the spring.
Other Items
The City Council discussed possible action on property at 204 Mill St. The structure had been condemned, one city official reported. One owner was thought to have died. Additional research is needed to be able to contact the subsequent owner so something can be done about the unsightly health/safety issue.
Place 1 Alderman Sheryl Lackey recommended a committee be formed to review policies and procedures and positions in the personnel policy and employee handbook to include updated language and legal requirements not specified to put the city in a better position to protect citizens and employees. A subcommittee including Lackey, Place 4 Alderman Betty McCarter and the City Attorney Leigh Thompson was formed.
Lackey also asked that the city begin looking for potential grants for safety equipment and personal protective equipment to better protect city public works employees. She said she met with them and asked what can be done to better help them do their jobs. Some issues were brought up as safety issues. She said they do not meet OSHA standards. It was pointed out that those employee regulations fall under the Health & Safety code.
The City Secretary was designated to attend public funds investment act training.
The City Attorney was authorized to create or approve an employment contract for police department employees.
A request for the small section of Cumby city limits in Hunt County to be included in a proposed Emergency Service District was also discussed.
No action has been taken regarding possibly having ag students involved in creating a book exchange or repairs to Park restrooms, as the other parties that were to be involved in both projects were impacted by COVID-19.
