36 Indictments Signed During September Grand Jury Session
Oct 6, 2020 – At least 36 indictments were signed during the September Grand Jury session in Hopkins County, pushing those cases forward for prosecution. At least 24 people were named in the charges, which ranged from burglary, theft, controlled substance and marijuana offenses to sexual abuse, evading arrest and assault offense. At least eight people were named in two or more indictments, according to records released by the District Clerk’s Office.
Kenneth Charles Smith was indicted for continuous sexual abuse of a child. He has remained in custody at Hopkins County jail since his arrest Sept. 4, 2019, after a 15-year-old who does not reside in Sulphur Springs reportedly made an outcry and Sulphur Springs police were contacted. The teen alleged she was sexually molested at a Sulphur Springs address when she was 11 years old, police investigators reported following Smith’s arrest on the charge.
Jonathan Jones Carlock. 37, of DeSoto was indicted for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. He’s remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest June 15, 2020. He was a passenger in a vehicle stopped on Interstate 30 for a traffic violation. Deputies reported finding three small brown vials containing a liquid substance known as PCP inside a white plastic bag in the passenger side door compartment. He reportedly claimed the substance and was arrested, according to the June arrest reports.
Dakota Paul Carroll, 23, of Greenville was indicted for burglary of a habitation and theft of a firearm. The offenses are alleged to have occurred on June 17, according to arrest reports. He was arrested in New York and held in Onondaga County jail in Syracuse, New York on the Hopkins County warrants in July. Deputies flew to New York and transported Carroll to Hopkins County jail on March 30. He was released from custody on Aug. 1 on a $20,000 bond on the burglary charge and a $5,000 bond on the theft charge, according to jail reports.
Christopher Levell Cooksey, 28, of Texarkana was indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle. He was arrested on June 19, after being stopped on Interstate 30 in a vehicle that’d been reported to Texarkana Arkansas Police Department as stolen. Cooksey, at the time of his arrest, told sheriff’s deputies he was returning the vehicle back to it’s owner. Texarkana Police, however, advised local authorities the owner of the vehicle had reported it was taken by force one day prior, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Julie May Cooper, 30, of Arlington and Cateria Shanta Mitchell, were both indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle. Cooper was also indicted for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, and Mitchell for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Both women have remained in Hopkins County jail since June 23, following a four county vehicle pursuit of a stolen BMW that concluded with the stolen vehicle crashing into a fence in Camp County the night before, deputies alleged in arrest reports. Cooper also allegedly had more than 5 items of identifying information when arrested. Mitchell was charge with evading arrest with the vehicle, according to arrest reports.
Shaina Cheyanne Fields was indicted for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She has been in jail since her arrest June 20 that charge as well as a violation of parole warrant.
Qieshon Odell Flecker and Keaton Pierce Wilkerson were indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle, stemming from the same incident. Wilkerson was also indicted on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge. The pair was accused on May 7 of a brief pursuit from College Street at Helm Lane onto the downtown square, where the vehicle crashed into a light pole, low brick wall and hedges at the College Street-Oak Avenue intersection. Wilkerson also allegedly attempted to run from officer on foot, but was taken to the ground, police reports alleged following the pair’s arrest. The vehicle was reportedly stolen from a Sulphur Springs residence early Sept. 7.
Demondre Deshawn Holiness, 23, of Dallas was indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest June 29, following a vehicle pursuit.
Holiness had allegedly been driving a stolen BMW when an officer attempted to stop him I-30 near Cumby. He was accused of nearly striking a deputy in his effort to avoid striking spike sticks near the 117 mile marker. Holiness ended up on the south service road and took Business Highway 67 east, according to deputies. The vehicle was reportedly recovered in the 1200 block of Kendal Lane after citizens contacted dispatchers about it. Holiness allegedly exited the car on foot and was identified by witnesses as the driver of the stolen vehicle. The 23-year-old Dallas man’s cell phone was also allegedly still connected to the stolen vehicle’s Bluetooth radio system, further linking him to the vehicle, officers noted in the June reports.
Indicted for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance was Curtis Wayne Knighten. The 38-year-old Missouri man was arrested Dec. 31, 2019, in Hopkins County after troopers located suspected methamphetamine in the truck he was driving on New Year’s Eve, the DPS officers alleged in arrest reports.
Tyler Gerald Maloney was indicted in September for theft of a firearm. The Sulphur Springs man was arrested May 19 on the charge. Hopkins County Sheriff’s officers received information pointing Maloney as the suspect in a firearm theft from a residential property in that area, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigator Wade Sheets reported following Maloney’s arrest. Based on evidence gathered, investigators sought and obtained a warrant for Maloney’s arrest, according to sheriff’s reports.
Bryer Ray Parnell also wa indicted for theft of a firearm. Parnell was arrested his Como residence May 20 on a felony warrant for theft of firearm. The offense is alleged to have occurred on April 6, according to arrest reports.
Kristofferson McKinney was indicted for theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with 2 or more previous convictions. He was arrested May 29, after allegedly passing all points of sale and leaving Walmart with over $200 worth of merchandise he had not paid for. When police attempted to contact the man, he took off running, but was soon caught and jailed on the charge, police alleged in arrest reports.
Indicted for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance was Pedro Antonio Fuentes Reyes. The 37-year-old California man was stopped Jan. 9 on Interstate 30 by troopers; 1.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine was found in his backpack, DPS alleged in arrest reports.
Autumn Rose Rodgers was indicted for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Deputies reported finding Rodgers in a vehicle parked at 1 a.m. April 17 on FM 69 south in Como. Rodgers appeared to be asleep. Deputies took her into custody after allegedly finding alcohol, drug paraphernalia and a small amount of a green, leafy substance suspected to be marijuana in the SUV.
Upon arrival at the county jail, Rodgers reportedly was non-compliant with corrections officers and was placed into a V-cell. While being booked into the cell, Rodgers was allegedly found in possession of an additional small amount of marijuana as well as a clear baggy containing small pills that tested positive for MDMA (Ecstasy) and weighed 7.12 grams, officers noted in arrest reports.
Jessica Lee Smith, 31, was indicted for possession of possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She has two recent prior arrests, one on May 7 and another on June 15, according to jail and arrest reports.
Elzie Antwain Sneed was indicted on one count of manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance; 2 counts of manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, and one county of possession of 1 less than one gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
SCU investigators reported purchasing large quantities of suspected methamphetamine from 33-year-old Elzie Antwain Sneed of Sulphur Springs. The buys occurred on several occasions during their investigation. The SCU officers then obtained two first-degree felony warrants for Sneed’s arrested for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and one second-degree felony warrant for manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Sneed’s vehicle was stopped on July 1 and Sneed was taken into custody, according to SCU reports. The SCU officers alleged seeing MDMA (known commonly as Ecstasy) in plain view in the front passenger’s seat. The substance field-tested positive for MDMA, resulting in the additional possession charge, according to arrest reports.
Indicted for assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing was Garrett Chase Spigner. The 35-year-old Pickton man was arrested on June 23 at his residence. The offense, according to arrest reports, is alleged to have occurred on June 11 at his residence. He was released from jail June 28 on a $10,000 bond, according to jail reports.
Joshua Ahkeem Stevenson was indicted on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and an unauthorized use of a vehicle charges. The 20-year-old Olive Branch, Mississippi man was arrested on both charges June 5, after a 10-mile pursuit along I-30 from the Cumby area to a Sulphur Springs convenience store. The pursuit allegedly began when the Cumby Police chief attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle was reported stolen in Tennessee, officers alleged in arrest reports.
Also among the individuals indicted during the September grand jury session were:
- Russell Lynn Crayton — unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon;
- Anthony Omal Dixon — evading arrest or detention with a vehicle;
- Lisa Marie Escamilla — possession of 400 grams or more of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of 5 pounds or more but less than 2,000 pounds of marijuana;
- Lacy Renee Steele — theft of less than $2,500 worth of property with 2 or more previous convictions; and
- Kevin Dwayne Turner — possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Wildcats Football Defensive Coordinator Discusses Lovejoy Loss and Upcoming Hallsville
On Tuesday KSST met up with Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra to discuss last week’s game against Lucas Lovejoy.
While the outcome may not have gone as hoped for the varsity squad, the defensive-minded coach for the Wildcats football team thought there were positives and negatives to take away from Friday night’s 48-13 loss to the Lucas Lovejoy Leopards.
Coach Guerra thought his unit’s performance against the Leopards was “Good and bad.”
The Wildcats held Lovejoy to 115 yards rushing, Coach Guerra said, but also gave up 323 yards through the air.
“For the second week in a row [the Wildcats are] getting beat deep,” Coach Guerra said, but said that could be mostly due to communication errors by defensive-backs.
The Wildcats (0-2) will continue to attempt to find a good mix in the secondary that works, Coach Guerra said.
The defensive coordinator for the Wildcats said that three guys in the secondary have never played defensive back before, but there is one player not mentioned in the three that has started in the defensive back field.
Field position was a strong element in the loss to Lovejoy, as the Leopards set up shop many times near mid-field. But Coach Guerra said no matter what occasion, the team has to play hard.
“We play defense,” Coach Guerra said, adding that it’s “what we do, no matter where the ball is given.”
Coach Guerra said his defensive unit has to be ready to play, and play hard. The coach has noticed improvements, though.
“I think overall we’ve seen some improvements,” Coach Guerra said, and in spite the talk of deep balls, “there was a lot of things that I think we did positive.”
Coach Guerra believed tackling was one of the improvements made.
The team will have to keep improving if they hope to gain their first win of the season this week as the Hallsville Bobcats come to town Friday to play the Wildcats at Gerald Prim stadium at 7:30 P.M.
Last Friday Hallsville lost to Frisco Memorial 24-34 as their comeback fell short of 10-points. The Bobcats scored 14 in the 3rd quarter in last week’s game against Frisco Memorial, so the Wildcats will have to be ready for a second-half comeback, no matter the scenario.
The game against Hallsville (0-2) Friday will be the second straight game for the varsity squad held at home, with both teams hoping to avoid leaving the game 0-3.
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.
3-D Mammography Now Available at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs
Business News — Oct. 6, 2020
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, Oct. 6, 2020 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Hospital Visitation
For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
- 1 Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
- 1 Visitor per patient
- Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7am to 7pm (subject to change)
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
Local Services
Orthopedics | Sports Medicine
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs is excited to welcome Dr. Chris Meltsakos, our new Orthopedic Surgeon with fellowship training in Sports Medicine. Dr. Meltsakos is accepting new patients at 103B Medical Circle.
FREE Saturday Walk-In Clinic for school athletes is back! Our Saturday sports clinic will be held every Saturday from 9am to 11am, through November 14. Athletes will get an exam and free x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury. The location will be the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedic Office at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call our office at 903.885.6688.
Women’s Health
We are prepared to support each woman’s healthcare needs at any stage of life. Whether you come in for a routine gynecological exam, preparing to give birth, or need treatment for a disorder, we offer an outstanding breadth of services and treatments. Our provider team includes Darryl Doughtie, MD; Martin Fielder, MD; and Certified Nurse Midwife Deb Logan. To schedule an appointment, please contact their office at 903.439.4917.
Planning to deliver your baby at our hospital? We want to help you prepare every step of the way. From our virtual Childbirth and Breastfeeding classes each month to breastfeeding support, education opportunities are endless. Additionally, nitrous oxide is available for pain control during labor. Finally, once your new bundle arrives, we will to present you with a special meal, and dress your baby in their very own CHRISTUS onesie. Want to see our Women’s Birthing Center? Schedule a tour today! For more information on classes and tours, please call 903.439.4091.
3-D Mammography: Now Scheduling
We are excited to announce the soft opening of our Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. Using our new Hologic Genius 3D Mammography with biopsy equipment purchased with funds raised by the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation, we are now performing 3-D mammograms right here in Sulphur Springs. There are plans to host a grand opening of the new addition very soon. For more information, call 903.439.4325.
COVID-19
Experiencing Symptoms? If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, chills, muscle pain or headache, or diarrhea, please call your provider for either a face-to-face appointment or a telemedicine consultation. If your provider determines you need to have a COVID-19 test, they will send you to the appropriate outpatient location for testing. If you are experiencing an emergency, please present to the Emergency Room. At this time, we are preserving our Emergency Room COVID-19 tests for those who are experiencing an emergency. Otherwise, we would ask that you follow the steps above. If you do not have a healthcare provider, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic welcomes new patients. Please call 903.885.3181 to talk to one of our associates about setting up an appointment.
Don’t Delay Care: We want to be perfectly clear – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. Go to the Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 if you are urgently ill. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. To learn more about COVID-19, go to ChristusTMF.org or www.cdc.gov.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro
and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother
Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-
term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties.
For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Cumby Man Jailed On Indecency With A Child Charge
A 60-year-old Cumby man was jailed on an indecency with a child charge, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was contacted after a child made an outcry of indecency by sexual contact and authorities were contacted. The offense is alleged to have occurred in 2018. A forensic interview was scheduled for the child. An outcry was also made at that time, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigator Michael Russell.
Warrants were obtained for Ricky Roger Rincon’s arrest. HCSO Deputy Dan Turrentine contacted the 60-year-old Cumby man at his residence and took him into custody at 12:45 p.m. Oct. 5 on the indecency with a child by sexual contact warrant. Rincon remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020 on the second-degree felony 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.
Lady Cats District Volleyball Highlights Tuesday Game Day
There is Lady Cats district volleyball on this game day Tuesday, October 6. The Lady Cats Volleyball Team will be hosting Marshall in the Main Gym on the campus of Sulphur Springs High School. The schedule calls for a JV Gold game at 4:30 p.m. with a JV Blue game at 5:30 p.m. and with the Lady Cats Varsity contest with the Lady Mavs at 6:30 p.m.
The Lady Mavericks are 0-1 in district play after a home loss to Pine Tree last Friday. Marshall is 2-4 for the season according to Max Preps.
The Lady Cats are also 0-1 in district play after they lost Friday in Texarkana to Texas High. The Lady Cats are 3-6 for the season. They hope to end a four match losing streak. The Lady Cats scheduled district game a week ago at home against Mount Pleasant was postponed due to illness on the Lady Tigers varsity team. That match will be made up Friday as part of a home doubleheader for the Lady Cats.
KSST will have the Lady Cats Volleyball against Marshall beginning at around 6:30 p.m.
In one more game day note, the scheduled Wildcats Team Tennis non-district match at Pleasant Grove for Tuesday has been canceled due to illness. The Wildcats Saturday match at Van was also canceled due to illness.
Wildcats Team Tennis is scheduled to return to district play next Tuesday with a home match against Hallsville.
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.
Two October Events at Central Baptist Church
Central Baptist Church plans two family-friendly events for youngsters this month. A free Pumpkin Patch will be open on the field behind the church on Saturday October 17, 2020 from 11am til 1pm. Then on Saturday October 31, Treat Street will begin at 6pm with games, candy and fun. Central Baptist Church is located at 840 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs.
Hopkins County United Way Campaign Off To Great Start After 1st Report Meeting
Hopkins County United Way’s 2020-2021 campaign is off to a “great start,” according to Campaign Chair Mike Horne. At the conclusion of the first report meeting Tuesday morning, Horne announced $20,156.18 of the $150,000 campaign goal had been raised. Additional donations came in shortly thereafter, raising the total to $20,406.18.
Several businesses and a few local elected officers were recognized for making contributions to this year’s campaign. No individual amounts donated were announced, nor whether the goal set for each was met this year. HCUW officers this year also made the decision that they will not post a “100% Club” this year either.
The HCUW officers this year also noted an upcoming “give back” event at Panda Express on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Guests need to present a copy of the flyer (see below) or show a digital version of the flyer when ordering. A code must be entered for all online orders.
“We are grateful for the opportunity they have given us to raise money for Hopkins County United Way!” HCUW chair Susan Berning said.
Hopkins County campaign report meetings will be conducted at Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office, at 9 a.m.:
- Tuesday, Oct. 13
- Tuesday, Oct. 20
- Tuesday, Oct. 27
- Wednesday, Nov. 4
- Tuesday, Nov. 10
Sexual Assault Trial Begins Tuesday Morning In District Court
The trial of 29-year-old Denzel Dredon Jackson got under way Tuesday morning, Oct. 6, at Hopkins County Civic Center, which is serving as the 8th Judicial District Courtroom to allow room for social distancing.
Jackson is accused of aggravated sexual assault of his girlfriend, who is also the mother of two of his children. District Attorney Will Ramsay, assisted by Zach Blackmon, is the prosecutor in the case. Gabriel Ogueri, assisted by Petus Nwoke, is the attorney for the defense. The offense is alleged to have occurred on May 24, 2019.
Jackson has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest on Friday, June 27, 2019, on the aggravated sexual assault charge, according to jail reports.
A jury panel, which includes 2 alternates, was selected Monday, Oct. 5, at the Civic Center. The trial began Tuesday morning, Oct. 6, with opening statements, and is expect to continue through Thursday.
Ramsay, in his opening remarks, said he expects testimony and evidence to show a history of violence between Jackson and his girlfriend, with whom he had lived more than once during their 6-year relationship. Ramsay said he expects the jury to hear about passion, violence, sex and manipulation.
Ogueri in his opening statements said while the jury may hear stories of things reported to have happened in 2013, 2018 through today. The trial in progress is for the offense alleged to have occurred in Hopkins County only, not offenses alleged to have occurred in Dallas or elsewhere on a prior date, Ogueri told the jury. He said he expects the evidence will show “he did not make her do something she was not predisposed to do.”
The defendant’s longtime girlfriend testified Tuesday. Ramsay asked her about her relationship with Jackson. She testified to violence within a month of the defendant moving in with her at her Dallas residence in 2013, and other arguments involving physical altercations because of finances and her not wanting to have sex with him since then. She was still testifying just before 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Take “Prescription Nature” at Our Texas State Parks!
“Prescription Nature – How Cooper Lake State Park and Other Texas State Parks can Help Make You Happier and Healthier”
by Steve Killian, Cooper Lake State Park Complex Superintendent
As I wander through the post oak canopied forest on my four-mile Coyote Run Trail hike at Cooper Lake State Park, I’m taken with a sense of well-being and a release from my daily worries. The multiple hues of green, the chattering of a gray squirrel, the foraging of the nine-banded armadillo in the leaf litter, the white-tailed doe and her two fawns that cross the trail in front of me, the multiple species of song birds singing a chorus in the trees, plus my physical exertion all intertwine and set the backdrop for this most satisfying experience. Is this a normal / natural occurrence for those experiencing nature? Well, yes, developing research says this actually is a common reaction to immersion in nature. Let’s explore what scientists are discovering through research on the topic and what poets and philosophers have known for eons about these personal experiences in natural wild places – they touch the soul and uplift the spirit!
We all strive to be our best and we are always looking for that magic pill to help us lose weight, feel better, be happier, be more productive, and live longer. What if I told you that you could begin to see changes in these positive directions by beginning a journey into nature? Could it be that simple? Many scientists are beginning to say YES! After reading the book, The Nature Fix by Florence Williams, I began my deep dive into this fascinating life changing subject. So let’s get started and explore the science.
We Americans are spending many more hours trapped indoors, in our vehicles more than ever before. A recent review of data from a smartphone app called Mappiness showed this unsettling fact with only 7% of our time spent outside of our confinements. American and British children spend 50% less time outdoors than their parents. We humans have developed over the eons spending 99.9% of our time outside. We are wired for nature and not a sterile indoor environment. There is an epidemic of chronic ailments such as obesity, diabetes, ADHD, depression, myopia, and vitamin D deficiency mitigated conditions just to name a few. Our lack of access to the outdoors has dramatically reduced our health. For the first time since the modern era of medicine, we are actually seeing a decrease in life expectancy even with all the “miracles of medicine.” We are moving less and getting less natural light which has serious health consequences for the brain and body.
What can a walk in the woods do for you? Research has shown that we need at least 30 minutes of daily walking that elevates the heart rate to begin to see positive health benefits, especially cardiovascular. Dr. Art Kramer, neuroscientist from the University of Illinois, has shown that exercise protects the brain from cognitive decline associated with aging. Are all walks / exercise equal? Studies have shown that those walking in nature result in a significant reduction in circular negative thoughts as opposed to a walk in a built landscape. Dr. Miyazaki, Chiba University, a Japanese scientist, in a research paper in 2011, concluded that walking on a forest trail can reduce stress in the body. In addition, Dr. Rachel Kaplan from the University of Michigan, has shown individuals who walk in nature show less anxiety and clearer thinking. Nature makes us humans happier and smarter! Liisa Tyrvainen, Natural Resources Institute of Finland, through her research has concluded that positive mood and a reduction in depression is accrued with a minimum of five hours per month in a natural place. She has also found that the relationship seems to be dose dependent with ten hours a month showing even better neurological benefits. A few doctors are now even beginning to prescribe “a walk in nature” as opposed to Xanax or other mood-altering drugs as a course of action for motivated patients. Positive biological pathways are in place that seem to become active when we are hiking a trail by regulating our autonomic nervous system to settle to a calming state of being. Nature immersion also works indirectly to facilitate meaningful moments of sharing between friends hiking a trail and even encouraging you to continue to exercise longer than in an indoor exercise facility.
Nature has additional benefits even if you are not being physically active at every moment when you’re in a park. When is the last time you stopped and watched a beautiful sunset or sunrise across a lake, stood on the edge of a cliff, gazed at a waterfall, watched waves crashing on the beach, observed twin fawns suckling their mom, viewed the heavens where the night sky were awash with hundreds of thousands of stars…? These magical, amazing, goose-bump generating experiences are what we call AWE. Awe is a concept of experiencing something immense and outside what is commonplace. The presence of something vast that challenges our understanding of the world. We feel transcended and part of something bigger with awe. Awe is a powerful positive emotion like love, joy, contentment, and amusement that we don’t get enough of, especially with our indoor sedentary lives. Awe is maybe the most misunderstood positive emotion. Awe from nature has an amazing ability to lower stress, make us more cooperative, giving, happier, and improve our overall feeling of well-being. Our 89 Texas State Parks are all amazing in their own special ways with awe-inspiring landscapes!
I have just touched on a fraction of the benefits of hiking and walking in a Texas State Park, National Park, or natural county or city park can offer. Specifically, how can you get started where you are? Cooper Lake State Park has a vast number of trails through the forest. We have trails for all fitness levels. The Cedar Creek Trail at our Doctors Creek Unit is short and flat with very little vertical relief. These trails are perfect for those just getting into the natural fitness experience. The Coyote Run Trail at the South Sulphur Unit is longer and more physically challenging than the Cedar Creek Trail. The Coyote Run Trail is probably my favorite trail with just enough distance at 4.6 miles and vertical relief to be moderately challenging. Our equestrian trails at the South Sulphur Unit are vast with about 15 miles of winding, relief rich, tree canopied goodness. If you plan on hiking most of these trails in a day, this would be considered the most challenging trail experience we offer. The key here is consistency. Make it a point to schedule your time weekly to get outside into the natural landscape found at Cooper Lake State Park. Both the South Sulphur and Doctors Creek Units at Cooper Lake State Park can be your core workout location while mixing in other local Texas State Parks, natural county and city parks, plus other trails such as the Northeast Texas Trail that runs from Farmersville to New Boston with multiple amazing segments to experience. Exercising in nature can make you happier, healthier, smarter, and more creative! Now it is up to you to begin you own personal journey of health and discovery. Enjoy your hike!
Several Texas State Parks in the region ready to host your physical exploration!
- Atlanta State Park
- Caddo Lake State Park
- Cooper Lake State Park
- Daingerfield State Park
- Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
- Cedar Hill State Park
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park
- Martin Creek Lake State Park
- Purtis Creek State Park
- Lake Tawakoni State Park
- Tyler State Park
3rd Annual Jake Wilson Memorial Lake Fork Bass Tournament is October 10
All ages are welcome at this one-day Open amateur bass tournament to begin at 7am on Saturday October 10, 2020 at The Minnow Bucket Marina on Lake Fork. Prizes? There are 11 payouts, including the Biggest Bass prize of $500. Events for the kids? Yes! The free Kidfish is from 10am til 12 noon. A food trailer will be on site if you get the hungries. And because you love to fish, it’s good to know that at this tournament, you’re fishing for a good cause. Proceeds benefit scholarships for area Senior high school student members of school fishing teams, and to various Christian organizations for children. And, if you’re not fishing that day but would like to watch the excitement, feel free to drop in! For more information, check out our Facebook page and our website jakecwilson.com and find out about the Jake C. Wilson Memorial Foundation Inc. And feel free to phone organizer Diane Wilson at 972-567-5215. From Diane, thank you to the many sponsors and this year’s tournament partner, Applied Consultants. Come spend Saturday October 10 with us on beautiful Lake Fork! To help keep everyone safe, we will have sanitizers for all visitors on the grounds and at tournament headquarters!
The Jake Wilson Memorial Bass Tournament was organized to celebrate the life and legacy of Jake Charles Wilson. Jake passed from this life to the next on August 30th, 2017. He loved the Lord and cherished his children. Jake had a passion for fishing, hunting and singing. He served the Lord with all his heart. In his 34 short years he served as a Children’s Pastor, worked in the Prison Ministry, and led Praise and worship on Sundays. Jake was well respected in the Gas Pipeline Industry, making many friends he came to consider family. We thank the Lord for the relationship we had with Jake and the lasting impact he made in our lives. Until we are reunited in Heaven let us lift others up and choose to speak words of life daily!
