Intoxicated Man Accused of Assault on a Peace Officer
An intoxicated 36-year-old man was accused of assault on a peace officer late Sunday night.
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Chris Rosamond was dispatched at 11:20 p.m. Aug. 30, to Pilot Travel Center, to a report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, Rosamond reported EMS was already at the Hillcrest Drive location. When medics contacted the man, he allegedly swung at them and became aggressive and belligerent. The man allegedly continued to be uncooperative with emergency officials.
Police reported the 36-year-old also displayed signs of intoxication, including having slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and an alcoholic beverage odor was smelled on his breath. When he stood, he was reportedly “unstable” on his feet. Thus, he was taken into custody for public intoxication and transported to jail.
Upon arrival at the jail, however, the man became combative and aggressive toward other inmates in view. He was reportedly uncooperative and tried to stomp on Cpl. Rosamond’s foot and pulled away from physical contact. He was escorted into a V-cell and placed prone on the ground so officers could remove his handcuffs.
As he was getting up, he allegedly kicked Rosamond in the leg and “began to take on an aggressive posture,” Rosamond noted in arrest reports. The officers reportedly struck the man and again restrained him on the ground. After both got up, the 36-year-old allegedly again assumed an aggressive posture toward the officer. When Rosamond and Officer Silas Whaley, who had assisted on the call and arrest, both pointed Tasers toward the man and backed out, leaving him in the cell, according to the officers alleged in arrest reports.
As a result, 36-year-old Joseph Ambrose King was charged with public intoxication and assault on a peace officer, according to arrest reports. King remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Aug. 31. Bond on the assault charge was set at $30,000, according to jail reports.
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.
Commerce Pair Allegedly Unknowingly Contacted Sheriff In Attempt To Sell Pills
A Commerce pair’s attempt to sell pills for some quick cash didn’t go quite as planned. The pair unknowingly contacted the Hopkins County sheriff in their attempt to sell pills late Sunday night, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum alerted deputies about the contact by someone offering to sell hydrocodone pills for $5 each. The deputies and sheriff arranged to meet them on State Highway 11 west at FM 275, and were advised what vehicle to look for. When the vehicle arrived as arranged, the deputies initiated a felony takedown, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Two men were reportedly removed from a white Ford F150 pickup and detained. On the passenger’s side floorboard a plastic bundle, wrapped in a typical fashion of illegal substances, was located. By touch, authorities ascertained the bundle contained pills; once opened, the bundle was found to have what appeared to be over-the-counter ibuprofen, not prescription pills.
After being read their rights, the two Commerce men reportedly agreed to talk to authorities. The passenger, identified in arrest reports as 29-year-old Evan Chapin, allegedly admitted he was knowingly trying to pass off the pills as false narcotics. The driver, identified in arrest reports as 42-year-old Stephen Anthony Braumuller, allegedly agreed to give Chapin a ride to the meeting spot in exchange for a share of the profit.
Davis and Deputy Aaron Chaney took both Commerce men into custody at 11:51 p.m. August 30 on a charge of manufacture or delivery of a simulated controlled substance or representing a substance as a controlled substance. A records check showed Braumuller also had 3 active Dallas County warrants.
Both remained in Hopkins County jail late Monday morning, August 31, on the simulated controlled substance charge; bond was set at $5,000 each. Braumuller also was held on the Dallas County warrants for violation of probation or parole on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, fraudulent use or possession of identifying items and manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges, 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.
Mesquite Man Allegedly Crashed Stolen Vehicle, Then Ran From Police
A 42-year-old Mesquite man allegedly crashed a stolen vehicle, then ran from police Saturday evening.
Sulphur Springs Police responded at 6:03 p.m. August 29 to a disturbance report; a man allegedly stole a Cadillac CTS that was crashed into a tree on Dena Drive, according to police reports.
The suspect allegedly fled on foot toward East Loop 301. A person fitting the suspect description was reportedly found at a trucking business on Loop 301. Police were reportedly directed toward a semi, which the suspect had climbed on top of. Additional officers arrived and tried to get the man to get off the truck, according to arrest reports.
The suspect allegedly complied, but jumped down off the opposite side of the truck from police and crawled under another vehicle. Police reportedly surrounded him. He was alleged to be uncooperative, shouting obscenities, but was taken into custody, according to police reports.
Officers went back to the scene where the vehicle was reported to have been wrecked and, based on information gleaned, confirmed the man in custody was the suspect who took the vehicle without permission.
Clinton-Lee Hobdy (who is also known by Lee Clinton Hobdy), 42, of Mesquite was jailed August 29, 2020, on an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge. SSPD Officers Cameron Robinson, Silas Whaley and Cpl. Chris Rosamond were credited for involvement in the arrest.
Hobdy was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, Aug. 30, on $5,000 bond on the felony UUMV charge, according to jail reports.
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.
Meredith Caddell New ‘Patient Experience Program Manager’at CHRISTUS Sulphur Springs
As August 2020 ended, Meredith Caddell was wrapping up her duties as CEO of the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation and transitioning over to a very customer-oriented position in Patient Experience. When asked about the move, she replied “I have loved my job at the Healthcare Foundation; we have put on several very successful Galas and other fundraising events to fund new equipment and technology needed at the hospital. And now, I’m looking forward to working with the patients as well as the staff of CHRISTUS in Sulphur Springs.
My entire career, even before I came back to Sulphur Springs, has revolved around customer service. So my communication skills will be put to good use. At CHRISTUS, we want to make sure that each patient’s experience while in our facility is the absolute best we can provide”.
She praised long-time employee Sherry Moore, who’s performed in a number of roles during her career, including Patient Experience. “Sherry is still with us on a part-time basis, and will prove a great resource for me as I get more acquainted with the job. I’ll also be available to help out the nursing staff when needed. Let’s say, if the ER gets crowded, I can assist by informing about delays, as well as helping provide and relay useful information, and acting as a go-to person for any department that needs extra assistance. My strengths are talking with people, problem solving and finding out where needs exist so they can be addressed. Another major aspect of my new job is Patient Survey. These satisfaction surveys are used to improve and refine the many ways that care is dispensed at CHRISTUS. My goal is to make sure we are rated with a top notch performance. I look forward to recognizing associates when they excel, also coaching when there’s a need in particular areas. Our staff is truly compassionate, as is CHRISTUS’ mission of carrying out the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. I am looking forward with pleasure to working with everyone who comes to our hospital, and want them to feel they’re treated like royalty when they are under our care”.
California Man Accused Of Violating Protective Order
Hopkins County – August 28, 2020 – A 60-year-old San Diego, California man was accused of violating a protective order Friday night.
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Chris Rosamond reported stopping Warren Dell Shaw around 10:25 p.m. August 28 on Interstate 30 on mile marker 127 for speeding in a rented Ford Edge.
A records check showed Shaw to be wanted by San Diego authorities for corporal injury to spouse and an active protective order on file restricting him from being in contact with an individual. When the other vehicle occupants were identified, the back seat passenger was determined to be the person named in the protective order, according to arrest reports.
Consequently, Shaw was arrested at 10:46 p.m. August 28 on both the assault warrant as well as for violation of a protective order. He remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, August 31. Bond for violating the protective order was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
‘Jenny V. Glasscock of Bright Star’ Role Portrayal Enjoyed at Historical/Genealogical Event
Socially distanced inside the Winnifred Building at the Hopkins County Historical Park on August 27, 2020, a sizeable crowd was treated to an entertaining role portrayal of a leading citizen of Hopkins County’s past. Paula Altenbaumer presented the colorful and ambitious Jenny V. Glasscock, costumed as she might have been as an 1860’s hotel owner. Jenny’s husband Thomas J. Glasscock pioneered the tourism trade once he settled in the growing town he had chosen.
“Back when my husband was first attracted to Texas, he kept hearing about this thriving place called the ‘Camp on the Sulphur’, so after his Civil War service and after we got married, we made our way here to ‘Bright Star’ from Jefferson. It truly was an exciting place! People were coming into town from all directions, largely due to word of mouth about the healing springs found here. We eventually built a hotel on Main Street for people to stay in, and later a bath house next to it, right above the “boiling spring”. My husband also put in a stagecoach line to provide transportation for travelers. The livery stable on this end was located near the corner of today’s Davis and Main Streets, and we owned a similar livery and office in Mineola. It was actually my mama’s money that first put my husband in business! I was in my 20’s when we married, and he was 16 years older than me!”
Actually, Thomas J. Glasscock first took over management of the El Rancho 2-story downtown hotel in 1868, and later built “The Glasscock Hotel” and furnished it elegantly. Frequent guests included traveling actors who appeared at the two opera houses in town. All guests got the hotel’s royal treatment. The Glasscock Stage Line served to boost the economy by not just transporting visitors but providing a “fast mail route”, where mail and deliveries between the two towns was received daily. The mail bags were taken to the Bright Star Post Office, then located where the “standpipe” was on Main Street. Dr. Davis could be heard shouting, welcoming passengers as they stepped off the stage, across from today’s Pioneer Cafe. As the decade ended, the town which would become Sulphur Springs was thriving!
Paula Altenbaumer portrays Jenny V. Glasscock, wife of early business leader and tourism pioneer T.J. Glasscock
“During this time, however, the Northern Army had a presence here, headquartered at a garrison constructed near downtown, bordered by Connally and Main Streets, and my lane, JV Alley. The Yankee soldiers did not enjoy the same warm welcome from us citizens as the visitors and tourists did! The soldiers finally left in 1870 but Yankees who heard about our town kept crowding in, visiting the bath houses and some actually settling here”. Altenbaumer concluded, “my husband was Mayor and a leading citizen. Our daughter Cora Belle was our pride and joy, and grew into an accomplished young lady. In 1877, she won the Equestrian Award during the Agricultural and Engineering Fair held here. A few years later, Cora got the measles, then died from pneumonia. I didn’t live much longer myself; I got sick in 1890 and passed away a year later at the age of 48. My husband remarried soon afterward but passed away in 1898, with our family fortune divided between various nieces and nephews.”
Chase reads from a reference work about transportation in early Sulphur Springs
An interesting aspect of the story was added by genealogist Pat Chase. He explained the importance of horses during the era, and how stage travel was governed by the physical capabilities of horses. As the Glasscock Stage Line left Bright Star at 7am from downtown, and the four-horse hitch sped to a location near Reilly Springs. There the stage acquired a fresh team and sped on south to Stormville, Texas. Meantime, another stage had left Mineola at 7am and headed northward to Quitman for a change of horses before traveling on to the rendezvous point at Stormville. (According to a clarifying comment by W.G. White, Stormville was a community located along what is now CR 2225, near where FM 515 and State Highway 154 intersect today). At the rendezvous point, passengers switched coaches, and the drivers turned and went back the way they came, stopping again for fresh teams to finish out the daily journey. Some photos show a 6-horse hitch which a coach might require when roads were muddy or boggy. Altenbaumer added colorful details to the account, saying that ‘late in the day, when the incoming stage topped “Fisher Hill”, the hill that is in front of Brookshire’s today, a bugle was loudly blown to signal that the stage was coming in, so the stable boys downtown would be ready to unhitch and care for the horses’.
Altenbaumer shows a map of Davis, Main and Connolly Streets downtown where the Garrison, the Glasscock and other early businesses were located
Host for the annual meeting was Rick Wilson, President of the Hopkins County Historical Society’s Park and Museum. Emceeing the event was John Sellers, President of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society. Altenbaumer, a member of both societies, began doing role portrayals of historical figures a few years ago, following a pattern set by a fellow member, the late Lavyn Cisco. The audience included members of both societies and their guests.
Genealogical Society President John Sellers and members of the Genealogical Society were guests of the Historical Society at August’s annual meeting
Even During A Pandemic, Extension Agents Find Ways To Assist, Educate, Connect With Texans
Hopkins County Extension Agents have found ways to continue to assist, educate and connect with Texas, even during a pandemic. While face-to-face events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, Extension Agents Dr. Mario Villarino and Johanna Hicks and Assistant Agent Jessica Taylor have risen to the challenge of continuing to offer educational programs and continue 4-H programming.
COVID-19 Response
The agents have alternated days for staff to be at the office in an effort to observe social distancing. The office has maintained essential duties returning and doing some business by phone, Internet, limited face-to-face interaction and crop reports.
Dr. Villarino and Hicks have continued to provide weekly written releases, such as the columns posted by local media including at KSSTRadio.com on relevant topics, and to promote and disseminate Extension programming via social media.
Hicks last month was recognized by Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences as Extension Educator of the Year and received a Communications Written News Awards as well for her continued educational efforts. She is slated to be recognized this fall by the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences as as Extension Educator of the Year for the Southern Region, which includes 15 states.
Taylor participates with other agents in hosting the weekly North East Texas A&M AgriLife Extension- Live in the Field Facebook series featuring videos of relevant Extension topics. The page itself had 717 likes and 757 followers as of her report, given earlier this month to Hopkins County Commissioners Court.
Taylor’s “Pond Algae and Weed Control” video has been well received with 4,400 views earlier this week. Her “Cattle Vaccinations” video had received 1,100 views.
Villarino reported Extension staff also have helped support food drives at the Civic Center and COVID-19 testing events held at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
He too has participated in a social diversity and racial understanding state-wide Extension support group.
The agents collaborate with Hopkins County Emergency Operations Center. Agents provide CARES Act support activities, including collaborating with Hopkins County officials and cities to help identify, access and procure funding for COVID-19 related expenses; and farmers and ranchers on COVID-19 support activities through USDA.
Hicks reports that the agents participate frequently in trainings and updates on COVID-19 issues, such as contact trace training, sharing announcements about COVID-19 testing on social media and visiting with Nathan Carroll, Texas Department of Emergency Management representative for Hopkins County.
Agency-wide COVID-19 response has included distribution of personal protective equipment to local day care centers and this week to County Clerk Tracy Smith for distribution to polling places for upcoming elections.
Hicks, Extension Agent for family and community health, has completed over the last quarter or is in the process of completing five FEMA trainings.
Educational Outreach
When COVID-19 restrictions went into effect in March, effectively ending face-to-face meeting, she was in the middle of Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes education session. The session had to be canceled.
However, Hicks is collaborating with a Fannin County Extension Agent to host a “Do Well, Be Well With Diabetes” class from 3 to 5 p.m. each Wednesday in September, not at an Extension Office, but via Zoom conferencing. Participants can call Hicks at 903-885-3443 to enroll. A link to the Zoom session will be emailed to the participant. The class can have a maximum of 50 participants, as that’s the limit for Zoom.
Hicks said while she prefers face-to-face interaction but Zoom is a safer way to reach as many as possible during this time of COVID-19 restrictions.
“This is the best method for high risk individuals,” Hicks said, noting that those who have been diagnosed with diabetes are considered at high risk of contracting COVID-19. “This will helps take care of them by not exposing them unnecessarily.”
Hicks says if anyone not confident in their Internet or Zooming skills can request for the session material mailed to them weekly, which would allow them to have a paper copy, but also allow them to look over and become familiar with the material during the meeting.
COVID-19 restrictions also meant the popular Kids Camp had to be canceled this year. instead, she worked with Sulphur Springs ISD to offer weekly programs to about 15 kids attending the school’s Summer Camp program.
Hopkins County Extension Office this summer, instead of having volunteers teach various skills to students in person, transitioned to offer five project kits to 14 older students who would normally have the opportunity to attend popular Skills Camp. Hicks reported this to be very successful with good feedback from participants who have already returned their surveys.
Hicks has also been notified she will be recognized at the National Extension Association FCS virtual convention with the Southern Region Community Partnership Award for Kids’ Camp and Skills Camp.
She plans to use the same format from Skills Camp to offer a Fall 4-H Food Project that will include five components. They would include kits with instructions and some ingredients and supplies. Topics covered would include setting the table and reading labels, calories, using various utensils and learning proper measuring techniques, herbs and spices, and a slow cooker contest featuring one provided ingredient, then come up with a recipe and cook it.
Master Wellness Volunteers from June through August have also helped reach 500 people during the 202 hours they put in, according to Hicks.
4-H Activities
The Extension Agents reported that 4-H enrollment for the 2020-21 year has begun. Taylor reports that the 4-H program continues to thrive, in spite of COVID-19.
This year, 5 clubs have chartered in Hopkins County: Infinity 4-H, Miller Grove 4-H, PAWS 4-H, Hopkins County 4-H and Vet Science. Additional students are enrolling daily. Taylor anticipates increased enrollment in 4-H this year, especially from older youth, who would normally show livestock through FFA or other programs. Students were or will be able to show through 4-H since they are home with distance learning or home-schooling instead of face-to-face at school.
Participation of 4-H members in livestock raising and showing has not slowed down, Taylor reported.
Local 4-H members are entered in several major livestock shows, including West Texas State Fair, State Fair of Texas in Dallas and 4-States Fair in Texarkana, Arkansas. Some shows are being conducted differently as precaution due to COVID-19, but are proceeding on schedule. Public speaking events at these shows will be by video, submitted by a deadline.
Students are getting involved in local jackpot showcases. Already students had successes in these types of events. On Aug. 15 local 4-H members were participated in the Detroit FFA Jackpot show in Paris, which drew over 700 entries. Hopkins County youth had four class winners in Prospect Steers and one earned Second in Class with a Red Angus Heifer. Hopkins County youth also participated in an event at Hooks, with at least one Second in Class winner.
The NETLA Board at this time is continuing planning the annual livestock show as usual, but have a back up plan just in case. Entry fees have been lowered to help with financial strain on families. As of Aug. 24, local youth have entered 7 heifers and 25 steers, according to Taylor.
Meal A Day Menu For Aug. 31-Sept. 4
Although the Senior Citizens Center continues to be closed due to COVID-19, Meal A Day volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. The Meal A Day menu for Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2020 includes:
Monday – Beef Spaghetti, Squash and Garlic Toast
Tuesday – Rope Sausage, Sauerkraut, Black-Eyed Peas and Cornbread
Wednesday– Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli and a Roll
Thursday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Friday – King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Corn and Pinto Beans
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center is located in the heart of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The City of Sulphur Springs has provided a place senior adults age 50 and over can go to for fun and fellowship. The Center offers a variety of activities for seniors citizens Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Activity Center can be found at 301 Oak Ave in Sulphur Springs.
Law Enforcement Seeking Information About CR 4131 Trailer Theft
Hopkins County law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help in locating a stolen trailer with 2 center gates from County Road 4131 just south of Cumby. The trailer was reported stolen “around midnight” Aug 28-29.
The stolen trailer is a red 2012 TexLine 24-foot trailer, with the Texas license plate number DZHH04, and the VIN: 5HNCA2420C1000101
Tips to Lake Country Crime Stoppers about this or any other felony crime could be worth up to $1,000. Call Lake Country Crime Stoppers (903) 885-2020 or Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office (903) 438-4040 if you have information about this trailer theft.
MGISD Hires Contractor For MultiPurpose Center
Miller Grove ISD Board of Trustees took another step forward in their bond project. The school board this week chose a contractor for the MGISD multipurpose center, to be paid for with the $2 million in bond approved by the voters on May 4, 2019.
“We did the competitive sealed proposals. We got 6 bids out of 10 packets that went out. One was way high. The other 5 were pretty close. They were good competitive bids,” MGISD Superintendent Steve Johnson said earlier this week. “We know, because the bids listed, who their subs were going to be. We rated the bids using criteria score sheets.”
The contract was awarded to JBJ Construction of Quitman, whose bid to construct the new multipurpose facility came in lower than expected, Johnson said.
The new building will include two courts, a stage, storage, restrooms, concessions and space for classrooms, Johnson said.
The new Multipurpose Center will be constructed in place of the old gymnasium, which was used primarily for elementary physical education classes and Little Dribblers.
The MGISD multipurpose center should “address the safety of our students, compliance with accessibility, and other physical facility aspects.”
The center would be utilized primarily by the elementary PE classes, but would also include a stage for the drama department to use to prepare for competitions and community performances, and could even potentially serve as a site for graduations and other community events, school officials reported last spring.
