Five People Arrested By DPS Following 2 Traffic Stops
Five people were arrested by DPS troopers following 2 traffic stops in Hopkins County overnight Saturday, including one that resulted in a vehicle crash, according to arrest reports.
State Highway 19 Arrests
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper reported stopping a white Chrysler 300 around 8:30 p.m. Sept. 19. He observed the vehicle driving on the improved shoulder of State Highway 19.
As the trooper approached the car, he reported smelling a marijuana odor. Sheriff’s deputies reportedly asked the driver, a 23-year-old Sulphur Springs man, and passengers to exit the car. Marijuana was allegedly found inside the car.
The driver and all occupants, including a 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man and 22-year-old Cumby woman, were arrested for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana. The woman admitted some of the marijuana found in the car was hers, but did not acknowledge who the rest of the marijuana belonged to. The Sulphur Springs passenger allegedly admitted to having marijuana inside of his sock.
All three were released from jail Sept. 20, 2020 on a $1,000 bond each on the misdemeanor possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana charge, according to jail reports. The driver was also reportedly issued a citation for driving without a driver’s license, according to arrest reports.
FM 1537 Arrests
The same DPS trooper attempted to stop a 17-year-old Campbell resident at 12 a.m. Sept. 20 for failing to drive a silver Chrysler 200 in a single lane on FM 1537. When the highway patrol trooper turned on the lights on his patrol vehicle, the vehicle collided with the back of another vehicle.
The Campbell teen allegedly admitted to the trooper that he had been drinking and smoking marijuana at a party. He was found to be intoxicated by administration of standard field sobriety tests and arrested for driving while intoxicated. He was taken to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital for a voluntary blood draw, then transported to jail. He was booked in on a driving while intoxicated charge.
A passenger in the silver car, a 19-year-old who gave an Ohio address for his place of residence, allegedly had a bag of marijuana in a bag between his feet in plain view. He too also allegedly admitted to drinking at a party; a bottle of alcohol was also reportedly found between two backseat passengers. The 19-year-old was arrested at 12:45 a.m. Sunday for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly assisted at the crash site, according to arrest reports.
The 19-year-old was released from Hopkins County jail later Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, on a $1,000 bond on the misdemeanor marijuana charge. The 17-year-old was also released on the misdemeanor DWI 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.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
Cumby Man Accused Of FM 1537 Church Burglary
A 20-year-old Cumby man was accused Sunday of a FM 1537 church burglary, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators dispatched Sgt. Tanner Steward, and Deputies Chris Baumann, Kevin Lester and Alvin Jordan at 5:48 a.m. Sept. 20 to FM 1537 at County Road 3509, to check the welfare of a male reportedly lying in the middle of the road, according to sheriff’s reports.
Upon arrival, deputies reported finding Cole William Peterson lying in the ditch, with part of his body in the roadway. Following investigation, Peterson was taken into custody for public intoxication, according to deputies’ and other sheriff’s office reports.
At 9:56 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, the sheriff’s office was contacted regarding a building burglary. A church told officials it appeared someone had busted out a back window at the church, located on FM 1537 at County Road 3511. Deputy Zack Horne and Sgt. Shea Shaw responded.
Upon arrival, the deputies reported the church was surveyed to see if anything was missing. A small pack of bottled water, a blanket, papers and a fire extinguisher were reported to be missing. They looked around and found evidence in the church aisle and on a pew that a person had been inside, according to sheriff’s reports.
Sheriff’s officers reported finding among Peterson’s belongings at the time of his arrest items matching the description of those reportedly stolen from the church
Consequently, the 20-year-old Cumby man was charged later Sunday with burglary of a building in connection with the FM 1537 church burglary, according to sheriff’s reports. Peterson remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Sept. 21, according to jail reports.
Sunday was the second time in two months that Peterson has been booked into Hopkins County jail on a felony charge. He was also arrested Aug. 3, 2020, on a warrant for unauthorized use of a vehicle, according to jail reports. Peterson was released from Hopkins County jail Aug. 5, on a $5,000 bond on that UUV charge, according to jail reports.
Sunday was also not the first time Peterson has been jailed locally on a burglary of a building charge. The Cumby man also spent Nov. 5, 2017 through Jan. 3, 2018, in custody at Hopkins County jail on burglary of a building, theft of a firearm and burglary of a vehicle warrants, 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.
October is Child Health Awareness Month, and Hopkins County Fall Festival, Christmas Joys Quickly Approaching
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
In October, celebrate Child Health Awareness Month by becoming more aware of children’s health issues and evidence-based strategies to prevent them.
This unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way children are interacting with their peers, participating in activities, and receiving education. By staying connected with their pediatrician, kids can fight against health disparities, strengthen their immune system and mental well-being.
- Most Texas schools are conducting distance learning, so staying active will help children to learn better and reduce their stress levels.
- Physical activity and play are still important parts of the curriculum.
- Parents also play a vital role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for their child.
- At home, parents are encouraged to implement sitting less and moving more, along with discussing the benefits of healthy eating.
- Physical activity and healthy eating can be combined during virtual learning to provide education, movement, and fun! Studies show that incorporating movement into learning can assist a child in gaining and retaining knowledge.
- While any activity has benefits, walking is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay healthy. Another way to help form a sustained habit of walking/activity is by participating in any of Extension’s Walk Across Texas programs. Walk Across Texas is a free, 8-week program designed to help Texans establish the habit of regular physical activity. A new on-line feature, Walk Through Texas History, is a four-week program designed to help Texans establish the habit of regular physical activity while learning the rich history of Texas. Watch for start-up dates coming soon!
2020 Hopkins County Fall Festival Happenings
The 2020 Hopkins County Fall Festival is offering lots of opportunities! The Arts & Crafts Show, scheduled for October 23 and 24, provides shopping for those one-of-a-kind hand-made, hand-crafted items. So far, a great variety of items will be on display and I plan to do some serious shopping! Spaces are still available for anyone who would like to be a vendor. The Mothers’ Culture Club will provide a concession stand during the two-day event.
Another great opportunity is the Creative Arts Contest. Hopkins County residents are encouraged to enter items for judging. Categories include art, clothing, creative crafts, food preservation, holiday corner, photography, horticulture, woodworking, handiwork, and more. We have an age division for all ages.
For more information on both of these events, contact the Extension office at 903-885-3443 or go to http://hopkins.agrilife.org. Click on ‘publications.’ Also, check out the Hay Bale Contest, petting zoo, and more – lots of fun in store!
2020 Christmas Joys
Even though the event will look a little different this year, the annual Extension Christmas Joys will take place! The date is Monday, November 9, at the ROC (Recreation Outreach Center), 115 Putman, Sulphur Springs. Three sessions are being offered to allow for social distancing: 10:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:30 pm. Sessions will fill quickly, so don’t procrastinate! Call the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat. We must have a name and phone number for each seat reserved. Please note that it is best to call rather than send a message on social media. The cost is $5, which will cover a booklet of all the ideas and recipes demonstrated, goody bag, door prizes, and refreshments. We ask that you wear a face covering, if possible.
Closing Thought
I have found that a lot of people want to focus on the darkest day in their life instead of all the good that there is. – Terri Roberts
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]
Hospital District 2021 Tax Rate, Budget Approved
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors approved the 2021 budget and tax rate as proposed and, following an executive session, approved the hiring of an additional staff member for the hospital district.
Tax Rate
Ron Folwell, hospital district CEO and CFO, recommended no change to the tax rate. Based on the tax formula outlined by the comptroller’s office, the hospital district received $5,526,478 in tax revenue last year from a $2.298 billion tax base. The tax rate was 25-cents per $100 property value.
This year’s adjusted tax base is expected to be $2.256 billion. Based on the tax formula, the effective rate would be $0.246061 per $100 property valuation, which would generate $5.55 million. The rollback rate, the highest possible rate the district could set the tax rate at without having to hold an election, is $0.265745.
The HCHD Board unanimously agreed for the tax rate to remain 25-cents per $100 property value for the 2020-21 tax year.
Budget
Also approved as presented was a HCHD/HC EMS 2021 budget. This is includes four pieces, revenues, operating expenses, nursing home operations and non-operating income and expenses.
Overall, in the consolidated 2021 budget HCHD anticipates receiving $5.572 in rent income, $11.88 million in EMS patient revenue from all four counties Hopkins County EMS services, and $361,425 in deployment revenues. Factoring in communications center costs, which does not bring in revenue, a 55 percent contractual allowance and 10 percent bad debt expenses, Hopkins County EMS expects to have $2.795 million in the revenue, Delta County $455,030, Franklin County $567,635 and Rains County EMS $701,800. That’s a 2.87 percent revenue increase overall, according to a budget summary provided by Folwell.
Smith noted that one factor that will impact the Franklin County EMS budget is the restructuring of the EMS agreement with Franklin County. The current agreement ends in December, which is the first quarter of the new budget year. The new contract is for 5 years. Smith said financially EMS is performing a lot better in Franklin County than in the previous year.
In January, EMS will be moving into a new station in Franklin County that is currently being constructed on property that backs up to the railroad tracks and shares a parking lot with the sheriff’s department. HCHD/EMS has no costs associated with that, Smith noted.
Operating expenditures are expected to be $7.1 million, a 4.16 percent increase.
Nursing home expenses in the consolidated 2021 budget are expected to be $52.8 million, and revenues projected at $54 million.
The non-operating fund within the consolidated 2020 budget incorporates $4.5 million for uncompensated care, $1.5 million in interest expense, $5.9 million in tax revenue, $336,000 in interest income and $120,000 in other income. That would leave $336,458 overall in the non-operating fund.
Included in the capitol budget, according to Smith, are funds needed to replace and upgrade all cardiac monitors over a certain age. This meets FDA guidelines established in 2015 by the Legislature, which requires the obsolete devices to be upgraded and replaced by February 2021, according to Smith.
Executive Session
HCHD Board, following a closed session, approved the addition of a controller or accountant to assist Folwell and the two administrative personnel with finances. Promotion and compensation was approved for Heather Smith and Angie Waller as well, according to the HCHD CEO.
EMP Credits, Off-System Bridge And Chapter 381 ED Programs On Commissioners Court Agenda
Hopkins County Commissioners Court will hold a special court session Monday morning, Sept. 21, to consider items related to equivalent match projects, certain permits, a Chapter 381 agreement, longevity pay schedule and a grant contract.
The commissioners will be asked to consider approving a resolution to perform authorized equivalent match projects, known as EMPs, and to receive excess EMP credit from Rains County and Hunt County for authorized EMP projects.
Also expected to be presented for court approval is a “general form of draft advance funding agreements” with Texas Department of Transportation for off-system bridge replacement in Hopkins County.
The Commissioners Court too will be asked to consider an increase for on-site sewer facility (OSSF) permits for Hopkins County.
A Chapter 381 economic development program and agreement are also on the Sept. 21 agenda.
Submitted for court approval is a SAVNS Maintenance Grant contract. The Statewide Victim Notification System (SAVNS) is “an automated method of providing victims of crime with access to information and notification about changes in offender status and court events twenty-four hours a day. SAVNS provides crime victims with this information via a toll-free number and website. The system operates by networking status information from participating county and state contractors into a central database operated by a private vendor.
Resources are allocated to the Office of the Attorney General by Texas Legislature to provide assistance in establishing contracts between county/state entities and the central database company, according to the OAG’s office.
The special meeting of Hopkins County Commissioners Court will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, in the Commissioners Courtroom on the first floor of Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St., in Sulphur Springs.
A work session will immediately follow the adjournment of the regular court session. The court is scheduled to meet with representatives from the sheriff’s office and fire department to discuss operations, review revenue and expenditures, and discuss any proposed improvements or repairs.
Sept. 21-25, 2020 Meal A Day Menu
Although the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center remains closed due to COVID-19, volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. The Sept. 21-25, 2020 Meal A Day Menu includes:
Monday — Shepherds Pie, Broccoli and a Roll
Tuesday — Sweet and Sour Chicken and Rice, Egg Rolls and Oriental Vegetables
Wednesday — Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Thursday — Rope Sausage, Black-Eyed Peas, Corn Bread and Green Tomato Relish
Friday — Cheeseburger with Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles and Onion, and Chips
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Wins Pair Of Matches On Saturday To Even Season Record At 2-2
At the beginning of the day Saturday, September 19, the Lady Cats Volleyball Team had an 0-2 season record. By the end of Saturday, the Lady Cats were 2-2. They had a good Saturday.
They began in Pittsburg facing the Lady Pirates. The Lady Cats were hot from the start and soon led 19-7. The Lady Cats ended up winning the first set, 25-16. Sadie Washburn led the way with 7 kills in the first set. In the second set, both teams started by trading points. Pittsburg actually led 9-8 at one point. Then, Brooklyn Burnside began to lift her team. She had three quick kills and two solid blocks. By then the Lady Cats were up 17-10. Washburn had 4 kills late in the set and the Lady Cats took set two 25-12. In the third set, with Laney Hurst serving, the Lady Cats jumped out to a 5-0 lead. They led throughout the third set winning it and the match, 25-17. Bre’Asia Ivery had a good match making digs. Nylah Lindley also had some good moments at the net picking up kills.
Several hours later, in their home gym, the Lady Cats took on ancient rival – Paris. It was the home opener for the Lady Cats. The first set was a wild one.
Coming out of the gate, the Lady Cats were red hot and raced out to a 17-5 led. Paris staged a major comeback and were able to tie the match at 23-23. Down the stretch, the Lady Cats were able to overcome two set points and Paris evaded three. The fourth one got them and the Lady Cats escaped with a 30-28 win.
Paris got the quick start in set two going up 5-1. Soon, the Lady Cats tied the score, 6-6. In mid match, the Lady Cats were able to change a 12-10 lead into 17-10 and they held on to win set two, 25-17.
The two teams opened set three by trading points. At one point the set was tied at 15-15. A 6-point Lady Cat run increased the lead to 21-15 and the Lady cats were able to close out the set and the match, 25-20.
Lady Cats Coach Bailey Dorner said Washburn led the team in kills with 27, while Burnside had 8. Coach Dorner said she was real proud of her middle blockers as Burnside had 5 blocks and Lindley 4. Athletic libero Parris Picket had 15 digs. Lady Cats servers had 10 service aces.
Next week the Lady Cats have a series of matches before district play gears up the following week. On Tuesday, the Lady Cats host Commerce on Senior Night. Friday night the Lady Cats travel to Princeton. Next Saturday, the Lady Cats go to Wylie East to play the host school and Forney.
District play begins on September 29, as Mount Pleasant comes to the Main Gym at SSHS.
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 Swept by Frisco Heritage Coyotes, 3-0
By Ross LaBenske
The Frisco Heritage Coyotes swept the Sulphur Springs Lady Cats 3-0 in a game that involved no shortages of drama late Friday afternoon, September 18, in Frisco.
The Lady Cats fell behind early, due to a number of errors, and could not regain lost ground. The Coyotes ended up running away with the first set by a score of 25-13.
The second set, however, was a different story as it began. The Lady Cats started ahead, at one point with a 0-3 lead and later 4-6, but later fell behind, with the Coyotes at one point taking a 22-15 lead. The Lady Cats fought back, but it was not enough, losing the second set by a score of 25-23.
The Lady Cats, staring at the brink of defeat, played with a sense of urgency throughout the entire third set. The Coyotes started off the match set hot, taking a 5-1 lead, but the Lady Cats once again fought back, tying the third set at 9 each.
Swiftly thereafter, though, the third set went the same way as the first, with the Coyotes completing the sweep of the Lady Cats with a resounding 25-15 win in set three.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner said she was disappointed in how the team played.
“I wasn’t really disappointed that we lost,” Coach Dorner said, but rather that she was “disappointed in how we played.”
Coach Dorner said that the team committed over 40 errors over the coarse of the game.
“We really just gave them the game,” Coach Dorner said.
The Lady Cats Volleyball Coach said the team really struggled to finish a play.
The Lady Cats are now 0-2 to start the season. It will be a quick turnaround for them, as they next play two games on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020.
Virtual Hearings Slated For Rezoning Of Mine, Spence Street Properties
Special Use Permit Sought for West Industrial Drive Communication Tower
The City of Sulphur Springs’ Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct public hearings for 2 rezoning proposals and 1 special use permit request.
One hearing will focus on the proposed rezoning of a 10.84-acre tract of property generally located at the corner of Spence and Fisher Streets from heavy commercial to single family attached.
Another hearing will be for the proposed rezoning of city-owned former Luminant/Thermo mine property, located between State Highway 11 east and FM 1870, which was previously annexed into the city. The 4,857-acre property, identified in Ordinance 2763, is proposed to be zoned as heavy industrial.
In related activity, Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski presented on first reading aththe Sulphur Springs City Council meeting a proposed ordinance which established the 4,857-acre coal mine property as a commercial-industrial reinvestment zone. Establishing a reinvestment district would allow the city to issue time-limited tax abatements on properties within the district if substantial enhancements or upgrades are made to the property in the area that help promote economic development in the city. This would serve as placeholder help initiate investment potential. Approving the reinvestment zone would not, however, guarantee issuance of a tax abatement; it would simply give the city the ability to grant one if desired in the future, city officials noted at the Sept. 1 meeting.
The third public hearing scheduled during the Sept. 21 P&Z Commission meeting is for a request for a special use permit to allow a 150-foot self-supported wireless communications tower to be constructed at 1212 West Industrial Drive (683 Gossett Lane).
The P&Z Commission meeting will be conducted virtually. Information on how the public can participate in the public hearings will be announced during the meeting, which is slated to begin at 6 p.m. Monday.
The public link to watch the meeting on the City of Sulphur Springs Meetings YouTube page is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8CxjG8pt3Cn8DDMgg0xr8g
Deputies Arrest 2 On Felony Warrants
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 2 on felony warrants Friday, according to arrest reports.
Deputy Alvin Jordan took Ricky Leon Flatt into custody at 1:15 p.m. Sept. 18 following a State Highway 11 west at County Road 4738, according to sheriff’s reports.
The 55-year-old Texarkana, Arkansas man was booked into Hopkins County jail on an Arkansas violation of parole warrant, according to arrest reports.
Deputy Elijah Fite took 31-year-old Dora Castillo-Rodriguez of Pittsburg into custody at 8:20 a.m. Sept. 18 at Camp County jail and transported her to Hopkins County jail.
Castillo-Rodriguez was booked on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for third or more driving while intoxicated offense, according to arrest reports.
Jail reports show that Castillo-Rodriguez was jailed in Hopkins County on Nov. 17, 2013 for DWI, third or more offense. She spent May 23-June 2, 2014, in custody on the charge, then served a 120-day state jail sentence from Feb. 23-Aug. 15, 20108 for violation of probation on a DWI, third or more 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.
