Part-Time Employee Approved To Assist Judge’s Office With Extra Duties Due to COVID, Indigent Defense
A part-time employee was approved to assist the 8th Judicial District Judge’s office with extra duties due to COVID-19 and indigent defense. Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved the request to be allowed to employee additional staff and a budget amendment to cover the cost.
Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook presented the request on behalf of 8th Judicial District Eddie Northcutt, who was unable to attend because he was overseeing jury selection for a trial slated to begin Tuesday at Hopkins County Civic Center.
Indigent defense costs and additional work required for COVID-19 measures required for court operations were cited as reasons for he request.
Coordinating indigent defense attorneys, scheduling and coordinating Zoom meetings with attorneys, defendants and the court have become necessary as fewer people are allowed to be in the district courtroom at a given time due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Previously, the court could set a heavy docket, then work all day and sometimes into the evening with a full courtroom to get through all of the cases. Now, due to COVID-19 restrictions and the size of the can be scheduled on a docket at a time, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted during the Nov. 9 Commissioners Court session.
The extra work has been especially taxing on Northcutt’s court coordinator, who Aulsbrook noted for the last 3 weeks has still been at work when she left at 6 p.m.
She said e-filing has added additional work for the court as well. There are more documents the court coordinators is having to scan and upload into the system that she previously has not been responsible for.
Newsom said Northcutt requested funding to help with the increased work load, then for the court to consider potential long term funding for the position in the summer during the next budget cycle. Giving the district judge a part-time person should help move dockets more quickly, which in turn would help out at the jail.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum noted that there are 40-50 inmates in custody waiting for a court date on motions to revoke probation. These defendants cannot be released on personal recognizance or probation, but are required to go before a judge for disposition. An extra person who could help with the work in the judge’s office could allow more people to come before the judge quicker.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked if there was any CARES funding currently available to help with costs related to the extra work due to COVID-19.
Aulsbook said funding for the position will need to come out of general or contingency funds. However, there is a possibility that the county could receive some reimbursement for some of that amount from an indigent defense grant the county is applying for. The county paid out over $100,000 last year for indigent defense, and received $32,000 from the grant, officials noted. Aulsbrook said when she was filling out the application, it did ask questions that could result in additional funding due to COVID.
Currently, the CARES Act funding the county has qualified for is already spoke for. However, if any additional federal funding related to COVID-19 becomes available which the county and court are eligible to apply for, the funding would be sought.
Newsom proposed, on a temporary basis, the hiring of an additional employee for the 8th Judicial District Judge’s Office, for up to 30 hours a week. That would mean the individual would only be part-time and so the individual would not be eligible to apply for certain county benefits afforded to full-time employees.
The Commissioners Court, comprised of Newsom, Bartley and Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin as Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker and Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price were both absent for the meeting, approved the additional part-time employee as proposed.
Endsley Appointed County Fire Marshal, Homeland Security Director
Dec. 1 Is Deadline for Volunteer Fire Departments To Return Agreements To The County
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved a number of items during the regular 9 a.m. session Monday. A deadline for volunteer fire departments to return signed contracts, appointed a county fire marshal and homeland security director, an agreement with the hospital for reimbursement of the Local Health Authority Nurse’s pay and an increase in indigent cremation fees were also approved at the Nov. 9 meeting.
The court proceeded with just 3 members on Monday, as both Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker and Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price were both out. The county judge also noted that his administrative assistant has been out for the last week as well.
Indigent Cremation
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom proposed increasing the amount paid to a local business that performs cremation for the county.
Newsom explained that for many years, dating back longer than his time as county judge, the county has paid $500 to the business for cremation when a Hopkins County resident dies in the county and has left no resources for burial, and who either have no family or whose family is unable to afford the cost to bury the deceased.
Typically, the business charges individuals and families who seek the crematory services far more. The business asked for an increase in the amount the county pay to reimburse their fees.
“This is a necessity, one of the things we do as a county,” Newsom said, when making the motion that the amount paid to the business be increased from $500 to $700. The motion was seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin. Wade Bartley also voted in favor of the increase, passing the matter unanimously by the three court officials present.
Fire Department Changes
The Commissioners Court approved requests for Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley to be appointed as County Fire Marshal, Emergency Management Coordinator and director of Homeland Security for Hopkins County.
Endsley explained that when HCFD was established 21 years ago, the department started not with a chief but a fire administrator. That carried over into the second top HCFD official’s time in office, then was changed to fire chief. At that time, the department had a part-time fire marshal, a position most recently held by Mike Matthews, who was officially appointed fire marshal in a full time capacity in June.
Endsley said county officials previously thought the fire marshal had to be triple certified, in firefighting, emergency medical services and law enforcement. However, it was learned that does not necessarily have to be the case.
After study of administrative laws, Endsley reported, having him appointed as fire marshal would actually be beneficially to the county. The marshal would just need to be appointed and bonded. He said he would still be doing the same jobs he’s been doing. Having the titles will fit better with the administrative code and laws.
Newsom noted the Hopkins is one of only about 5 counties in the state that have a county fire department. Most of the rest of the state rely on city and volunteer departments. Instead of requesting a change or exception to the statutes, the county opted to make the change to better fit current statutes. While the county judge typically is the emergency management officials, Newsom appointed Endsley to serve as coordinator and director of homeland security for the county.
The oath of office as county marshal was issued to Endsley, who heads the fire department, which oversees all three operations. He signed the required paperwork after the meeting as well.
The court then approved Matthews’ appointment as assistant fire marshal, assistant emergency management coordinator and homeland security marshal for Hopkins County. Matthews was not present for the meeting, but the judge noted, but would not be required to we re-sworn in and thus, did not have to be at the meeting.
VFD Contracts
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked that the court set Dec. 1, 2020 as the deadline for volunteer fire departments to sign and return agreements with the county for the 2020-21 operating year. Bartley noted that while some have gotten their agreements in promptly in the past others have lagged in the length of time before returning the annual agreements.
Having those in by a certain day will help with recordkeeping and other business purposes. For instance, if a department does not have an agreement with the county they could be denied insurance, or if the VFD doesn’t have one and tries to file an insurance claim, it could be denied due to lack of contract with the county for services.
The court approved Dec. 1, 2020 as the deadline for department to get their agreements with the county in. This allows the VFDs as contractors under the county to be dispatched and respond to calls and receive benefits such reimbursement for vehicle insurance and fuel costs, providing workers compensation if a VFD member is injured on a call and monthly stipends.
Newsom said so far he has received only 1 contract that has been signed and submitted for court approval. Dike VFD’s agreement was approved during Nov. 9 session as well.
Budget Amendment
Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook asked the court to consider approving a budget amendment which would put $20,976.50 into Precinct 2’s road building fund. The amount was received from the City of Como as reimbursement for repairs made by a Precinct 2 crew on McBride Street. The court approved the budget amendment.
CHRISTUS Agreement
The court was asked to approve an interlocal agreement with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital.
Essentially, Endsley explained, the agreement allows for reimbursement of all or part of the salary for the Local Health Authority nurse, who was brought on in the spring to assist Dr. IL Balkcum with contact tracing, answering questions from county officials and residents related to COVID-19, and obtaining information that is needed that only they have access to due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
The LHA nurse was already in the payroll system at CMFHSS, so the hospital has been paying her check. This would allow for some reimbursement of of pay as the LHA nurse, Endsley noted.
“They can’t pay her without this. It needs to be retroactive,” Aulsbrook noted.
The agreement received approval of the three members of the court present at the Nov. 9 meeting.
Volleyball District 15 Standings With 2 Games Left
Wildcats Football Head coach and Athletic Director Greg Owens sent KSST radio 5A Region II District 15 volleyball standings as of Monday, Nov. 9, 2020:
| District 15-5A Volleyball Standings 2020 | ||
| SCHOOL | WINS | LOSSES |
| Sulphur Springs | 9 | 1 |
| Texarkana | 8 | 3 |
| Hallsville | 7 | 4 |
| Longview | 6 | 4 |
| Pine Tree | 3 | 7 |
| Marshall | 3 | 7 |
| Mt. Pleasant | 0 | 10 |
The Lady Cats volleyball team still has two games left to play in the regular season; Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Hallsville (7-4 district, 10-6 overall according to Maxpreps.com) and the season finale will take place Friday, Nov. 13 vs Longview (6-4 district, 8-10 overall) in the Main Gym.
The Lady Cats have won nine straight, sitting at 12-6 now, after opening the season 3-6.
TxDOT Urges Drivers to Take Simple Safety Precaution
NEWS RELEASE — PARIS DISTRICT
Tim McAlavy (903) 737-9213 [email protected]
AUSTIN – With health and safety a top priority for millions of Texans, TxDOT reminds motorists of one of the simplest and easiest precautions everyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones: buckling up.
Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying by 45% for people in the front seat of passenger cars. For those in pickups, seat belts reduce the risk of dying by 60% since pickups are more likely to roll over than passenger vehicles.
“Our annual Click It or Ticket campaign is about saving lives,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “While almost 91% of Texans have gotten into the habit of using seat belts, there are still far too many motorists who are taking unnecessary chances by not buckling up. Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, wearing a seat belt—day and night—is the single most effective way to protect yourself from serious injury or death in a crash.”
In addition, a 2019 Texas A&M Transportation Institute survey noted that drivers and passengers in 18 Texas cities buckle up less at night (between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.) than during the day. In Texas last year, of crashes in which an unbuckled driver or passenger was killed, 59% happened during nighttime hours (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.). Seat belt use among pickup drivers and passengers also continues to lag behind that of other motorists. Almost 46% of the 499 pickup drivers killed in crashes last year weren’t buckled up.
From November 16 to November 29, as we approach and celebrate Thanksgiving and more drivers take to the road, state troopers, police officers and sheriffs’ deputies statewide will step up enforcement of the state’s seat belt and child car seat laws. Texas law requires everyone in a vehicle to be properly secured in the front or back seat or face fines and fees up to $200. Children younger than 8 years must be restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. If a child isn’t secured, the driver faces fines of up to $250.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Click It or Ticket initiative in Texas is estimated to have saved more than 6,234 lives, prevented more than 100,000 serious injuries, and resulted in $23.6 billion in economic savings since the campaign began in 2002.
The Click It or Ticket campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Assault Of A Pregnant Woman
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kevin Lester arrested a 20-year-old Sulphur Springs man accused of assault of a pregnant woman Saturday, according to arrest reports.
Deputy Lester responded to a reported disturbance in progress at a rural Sulphur Springs address at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. Upon arrival, Lester spoke with a woman, who claimed to have been pushed down by her daughter’s father, who reportedly took their daughter from her. When she attempted to call 911, the man — identified in reports as Layton Wes Keller — allegedly attempted to take the phone from her twice, and struck her in the mouth while doing so.
Keller then reportedly exited the residence with their daughter and tried to leave in his truck. She admitted to blocking him so he walked toward his relative’s residence next door.
Lester reported Keller and the child were found at the relative’s residence. Keller was transported to the scene but the child was released to a grandparent.
Based on investigation, Keller was taken into custody at 1:17 p.m. Nov. 7 for assault of his child’s mother. Lester wrote in arrest reports that he was then informed the woman is 2 months pregnant. Consequently, Keller was jailed for assault of a pregnant person and interference with an emergency request for assistance.
Keller remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Nov. 9. Bond was set at $15,000 on the third-degree felony assault of pregnant person charge and $2,000 on the Class A misdemeanor interference 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.
Sulphur Springs Man Sentenced On Indecency With A Child Charge
A 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man has been sentenced on an indecency with a child by sexual contact case.
Shawn Michael Matheny was scheduled to appear in court November 4, 2020 for a sentencing hearing. He received a 10-year sentence on the charge, according to the district attorney’s office.
Matheny has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest Thursday, Feb. 27, on the indecency with a child by sexual contact charge.
Sulphur Springs Police, in following Matheny’s arrest on Feb. 27, reported being alerted at the beginning of that week. An interview was scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center with the alleged 10-year-old victim. Based on information gleaned, SSPD Sgt. Detective David Gilmore sought a warrant for Matheny’s arrest. Police served Matheny and took him to jail in February.
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.
Como-Pickton FFA Members Win Paris LDE, Advance to Area, Set Events for 2021
Como-Pickton FFA Chapter members competed in the Paris District Leadership Development Events contest on November 6, 2020.
Results are as follows:
Job Interview – Presley Cummins 1st and advancing to Area
Ag Advocacy – 1st & Advancing to Area: Katie Morgan, Cindy Munoz, Chloe Romero, Maci Wright
Public Relations – 3rd and Advancing to Area: Kara Tifft, Leslie Galvan, Maliyah Diaz
Greenhand Quiz Team – 4th Place team: Sanay Diaz, Anna Kate Richardson, Bella Romero, Maggie Brown, Stephanie Galvan
Senior Quiz Team: Camryn Courson, Cindy Munoz, Leslie Galvan, Presley Cummins
Congratulations to all of the members on an awesome day! And here’s more Como-Pickton FFA Chapter news!
Nov. 9-13 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 Nov. 9-13 Meal A Day Menu includes:
Monday — Beef Lasagna, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Sticks
Tuesday — Chicken Spectacular, Carrots and Pickled Beets
Wednesday — Ham and Potato Casserole, Pinto Beans and Sanoma Vegetables
Thursday — Chicken and Dumplings, Crackers and Tossed Salad
Friday — Steak Fingers, Mashed Potatoes and Pepper Gravy, Green Beans and a Roll
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.
Wills Point Woman Jailed Nov. 6 On Felony Warrant
November 7, 2020 – A Wills Point woman was jailed November 6 in Hopkins County on a felony warrant.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was notified that Jeri Lynn Kempf was in custody at Hunt County jail on a Hopkins County charge. Deputy Dan Turrentine traveled to Hunt County and took custody of the 36-year-old Wills Point woman at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 2020.
Kempf, who is also known by Jerri Lynn Wyrick Kemp, Jeri Lynn Kemph, Jeri Lynn Kemps, Jerri Dunman, Jeri Lynn Jones, Jerri Lynn Jones, Jerri Lynn Wyrick Kemps, Stormy Thompson, and Jerri or Jeri Lynn Wyrick, was jailed Nov. 6 on a prohibited substance in correctional facility warrant. She also has an outstanding Hunt County charge for violation of probation-prohibited substance in a correctional facility, as well. Bond on the Hopkins County charge was set at $50,000.
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.
Garland Man Stopped On I-30 In Stolen Car
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Garland man stopped on I-30 in a stolen car, according to arrest reports.
Hunt County Investigator Kenneth Peters notified Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office that a stolen vehicle had passed the license plate reader at mile marker 83 and was headed east on Interstate 30 around Friday evening November 6, 2020.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Lester set up at mile marker 128 on I-30 east to watch for the silver Hyundai Elantra to pass him. Lester entered traffic to catch up to the car. After confirming the license plate of the stolen car, Lester initiated a traffic stop at 5 p.m. Nov. 6 between the 130 and 131 mile marker on I-30 east.
Upon contact, Lester asked the driver to step out of the car, then placed him into handcuffs and advised him the car had been reported stolen. The driver, identified in arrest reports as 21-year-old Romance Julius Murphy of Garland, claimed he bought the car for $250.
Lester placed Murphy into custody in his patrol car while he investigated the matter further. Additional units arrived to assist, including HCSO Sgt. Richard Greer.
Lester then talked to the passenger. When told the car had been reported to Mesquite police as stolen, the woman told Greer the driver told her he “got the car from a homeboy,” Lester alleged in arrest reports.
Upon confirming with Mesquite Police Department that the car indeed was listed with the agency as stolen, Lester transported Murphy to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on an unauthorized use of vehicle charge. The passenger and her child were given a ride to HCSO to wait for somebody to pick them up and the 2006 car was impounded.
Murphy remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Nov. 7; bond on the UUV charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
