Hospital District Board Approves Asbestos Mitigation Fees
Hopkins County Hospital District Took action Tuesday evening on three items toward construction of a new EMS/Hospital District Building. Hospital Board members were also sworn in and officers selected at the 6 p.m. meeting June 23.
Board Election
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors at the close of filing had only 4 candidates for 4 seats – Dr. Bill Dietze, Tim Kelty, Kristi Shultz and Chris Brown. Thus, the board was able to cancel the spring election.
Shultz, Brown and Dietze again took the oath of office Tuesday to continue serving on the board for a full term. Kelty wasn’t present at the meeting.
Dietze and Kelty have served prior terms on the board. This begins the first full term for Brown and Shultz, who were appointed in May and August of 2019 to fill vacancies created with the resignations of Dan Roper and Suzanne Bankston Thomas.
HCHD Board also at the June 2020 meeting voted for Kerry Law to continue serving as president, Dr. Dietze as vice president and Dr. David Black as secretary.
EMS Station
A contract of $37,904 was awarded to Garrett for asbestos mitigation for two houses on Airport Road. The hospital district board at a February meeting approved Garrett Demolition of Burleson for demolition of three dilapidated houses on Airport Road on district-owned property for $37,875.
After asbestos evaluation, two of the houses were found to have asbestos, which must be removed before they can be demolished.
“They bid it out internally and they sent us the lowest bid,” HCHD COO Brent Smith explained to the board.
Board member Chris Brown asked if records for all three bids had been submitted.
“We picked these guys (Garrett) and then now they’re coming back and saying, ‘OK we’re going to do the demolition but we’ve got to get the asbestos removed first,'” said HCHD Board President Kerry Law.
Brown noted that in his role as executive director of Ark-Tex Council of Government, 3 bids are required when spending public money. He asked attorney Tommy Allison if the regulations were the same for the hospital district as ATCOG.
Allison said it would be a good idea to document that there were 3 bids.
Brown made the motion to accept the bid as presented by Garrett, with proof of the other bids. Board member Bill Dietze seconded the motion, which receive unanimous approval of the board.
The board also approved a resolution appointing board members Shultz, Dietze and Brown to represent HCHD Board of Directors on a subcommittee for planning design and construction of a new EMS headquarters/HCHD building. Since HCHD Board of Directors only meets regularly every other month, authority was also granted to HCHD CEO Ron Folwell and Board President Kerry Law to execute related agreements related to those processes between board meetings.
Rees was also approved at the February meeting the HCHD Board as architect for the project, provided an agreement could be reached regarding the firm’s fees. At the June 23 meeting, HCHD board reviewed and approved Rees Architectural and Engineering Service fees, which includes consulting services, as well as cost plus 20 percent for transportation and lodging related fees.
Due to COVID-19, Smith reported a teleconference has been held with Rees representatives to discuss details of what the new EMS facility needs versus wants. Smith, who also serves as Hopkins County EMS director, said the EMS leadership team had met to discuss space and functional needs and requirements for a new EMS headquarters/facility. They have run ideas by their staff as well, and the shift crews are excited about the new building, Smith noted.
Among the topics discussed were needs for male and female locker areas and showers, living quarters and common areas to be shared by EMS and HCHD administration and need for different office spaces, the HCHD officers reported.
Smith said the area where the houses are being demolished logistically appears to be the best location for the new EMS headquarters/HCHD administrative offices.
The area by the current EMS station has also been pitched as a possible site for the new building. However, that property is in an area that frequently floods and would require a lot of dirt work to elevate it to prevent flooding and water retention. That property also has a large gas pipeline spanning across the front of the property, which would require paving over in order to build the station,
The property on which the dilapidated structures is at a higher elevation. It also already has access for utilities, the HCHD officials pointed out.
“Rees did give us a proposal. It was $12,000 to do site survey of the two different sites, $12,000 encompasses both. Where they would come in, look at the utilties, survey, those kind of things. We don’t have to do that. That’s something that if we want to do that, just tell them and it’s a $12,000 price tag. They’ll evaluate both locations and tell which is more suitable to build on,” Smith said.
“I’m happy with committee making that decision,” Law said.
Brown said with a survey and information, he feels confident the committee can make that decision.
Law said he initially supported building on the site nearest the current facility but, after learning of the large gas pipeline running across the front of the property, had concerns. The site across the street, does seems like a more suitable location,
Allison asked what the area on which the property sits is zoned by the city, and suggested verifying that the EMS station and offices fits the zoning, and if not to ascertain what if any additional steps would be needed so that it meets zoning requirements.
Bringing Art to Downtown is Vision of a Local Resident
Billie Ruth Standbridge, affectionately known as B.R, designed and built her lofty Main Street residence back in 2018 and included one retail business space within the plan. That space was soon occupied by Landers Creek Outfitters, 214 Main Street. Now, upon adjoining lots and in the final stages of completion at 218 Main stands a unique two-story residential/commercial complex with grounds, called ‘The Courtyard’.
Two residential tenants of The Courtyards apartments took occupancy early in June, and the other three spaces are under contract. In the three retail spaces, a coffee shop has been proposed and the other spaces are available. And in Summer 2020, as final touches are applied to the property, B.R. would like to turn her attention to the spacious hallways of the structure, to hopefully become host space for the work of local artists and photographers.
Standbridge explained “I would love to make that contribution to our beautiful downtown atmosphere, because this is not only my hometown, it is my chosen home now. I feel that Sulphur Springs needs to embrace it’s visual arts community and have a place to showcase these. The spaces I propose may be small, but it is a start in that direction”. As an art patron, B.R. had reached out to Winnboro, a nearby successful art mecca, and was invited for a tour of their Center for the Arts. I went along as photographer and Sydnee Gee of MAAK sushi restaurant came along to take notes of the tour.
Mary White, President of the Board of Directors of Winnsboro’s Center for the Arts, acquainted us with their historic building now providing space for exhibits and performances. It is located on Market Street, in the Bowery. “Winnsboro is one of 43 designated Cultural Arts Districts in the state of Texas, first chosen in 2009. The designation is for a decade, to provide time for growth and development of your district. Happily, ours was renewed in 2019, so we are continuing to expand our reach of the arts here. Additionally, a grant from the national Endowment for the Arts has helped a great deal towards our goal here”.
Tonia Nix, WCA Director and Brenda Buck, who plays a dual role as Winnsboro Main Street Manager and Cultural District Director, had just wrapped up a pottery lesson being held inside when we visited the WCA annex. There is also a music instruction room and large conference room in the annex, and just next door, space for a dance studio, all located on Market Street, the heart of Winnsboro’s cultural district. Artists, performers, instructors, students and volunteers are all very important to the success of the cultural district.
Another interest of B.R’s is an “art alley” for Sulphur Springs. The idea came because of a visit to Oja, Arizona, an Indian town, which attracts thousands of visitors annually who love the colorful art painted on buildings which can be enjoyed in the fresh air anytime. An art alley in downtown Sulphur Springs is among her many ideas for the future.
Miss Gee is local songwriter and musician, in addition to being among a family of restaurant owners. She stated “I think the arts are very much alive in Sulphur Springs, and need a place to be showcased. Billie Ruth’s concepts will not only bring more people downtown, but will open the doorway to increased creativity and community, which would boost the business of all the downtown merchants”.
Insurers Required To Cover Telemedicine Services At Same Rate As In-Person Visits Through September
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is extending a requirement that insurers cover telemedicine services, including mental health visits, at the same rate as in-person visits. An emergency rule in place since March helps doctors across Texas treat their patients and limit the spread of COVID-19, according to a TDI release.
“This extension will help protect patients and our state’s health-care professionals while maintaining access to care,” Insurance Commissioner Kent Sullivan was quoted in the release.
Under the emergency rule, state-regulated health insurers and health maintenance organizations must:
- Pay in-network health professionals at least the same rate for telemedicine services as for in-person services, including covered mental health services.
- Cover telemedicine services using any platform permitted by state law.
- Not require more documentation for telemedicine services than they require for in-person services.
In March, Governor Greg Abbott suspended a law limiting coverage for medical services and consultations provided by phone. The suspension remains in place and means insurers must pay for covered visits or consultations provided over the phone.
The original emergency rule took effect March 17 and was set to expire July 14. With the extension, the rule will remain in effect through September 12.
State-regulated plans, including those purchased through Healthcare.gov, cover about 15% of the Texas market. The insurance cards for state-regulated plans have either “DOI” (department of insurance) or “TDI” (Texas Department of Insurance) printed on them.
To view the 5-page TDI emergency rule document, click here.
For additional information from TDI about the emergency rule, click here.
To download the 7-page document from Texas Medical Board regarding telemedicine during Texas disaster declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.
Chamber Connection – June 25, 2020
By Lezley Brown, CEO/President Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
We had a great time spending the day outside at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce 31st Annual Golf Tournament. The Catacon team made up of Jarred Pickett, Tanner Ragan, Chuck Vititow, Cade Stone, Daniel
Roper, and Robbie Russell took home the first-place net trophy. The Interstate Body Shop team made up of Chuck Sickles, Kelly Hair, Haden, Kason Sickles, Kip Childress, and Michelle Blackmon won first place low gross. As usual, Sulphur Springs Country Club was a wonderful hosting venue that always strives to do their best job for us. Thanks again to all who sponsored, provided goody bag items, and played in the tournament. We had a great day!
The Hopkins County Adult Leadership is happy to announce that we are currently taking applications for the 2020-21 class. The Adult Leadership Class is a community leadership development program sponsored by the
Hopkins county Chamber of Commerce. The course was created in 1989 with the concept of offering leadership training and community involvement for emerging business and community leaders. Leadership Sulphur Springs is a nine-month session, with meetings held once a month. For more information and to get an application, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515.
Jettribe to host ribbon cutting celebration
Jettribe will host their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, June 24, at noon. They are located at 1120 Como Street South in Sulphur Springs. Make plans to come by and welcome Jettribe to Hopkins County! They will also be hosting a launch party on Friday, June 26, from 7-9 p.m. at Cedar Canyon. To register to attend this event, visit www.Jettribe.com .
Texas Rock Tops will host ribbon cutting
Texas Rock Tops, located at 225 E. I-30 Service Road North in Cumby, is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, July 1 st at noon. Please make plans to join us for networking and learning about this Hopkins County business!
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week.
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for June 25, Financial Solutions. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News June 23, 2020
Sulphur Springs, Texas, June 23, 2020 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Men’s Health Month
June is National Men’s Health Month: What better time than now, than to schedule annual screenings such as a physical exam with your PCP, blood test and urinalysis, colorectal health, prostate, bone, and heart health. Whether you need to see a Family Practice provider or a specialist, we have you covered! Call us today to schedule these important screening exams at
903.885.3181.
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 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
Sports Medicine
Sports Physicals
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, in conjunction with CHRISTUS Sports Medicine program is providing sports physicals for all middle school and high school students from any school district. The physicals will be held at the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Emory, on Monday July 6 through Friday, July 10 from 8:00am to 4:30pm. The cost is $25 and appointments may be
made by calling 903.473.7234.
Specialty Services
Urology
Did you know we can take care of almost all of your medical specialty needs right here in Sulphur Springs? Just one of many is our Urologist Dr. Loren Ost, and his Nurse Practitioner Leah Irving. Dr. Ost and Leah see patients who have concerns of the urinary system in both male and females, as well as the reproductive organs of the male. They are located at 113 Airport Road, Suite 300, and may be reached by calling 903.885.1770.
Awards
Primary Stroke Center
Our hospital has recently earned our Primary Stroke Center Certification by The Joint Commission. The achievement of this certification signifies to the public that the quality care our hospital provides is effectively managed to meet the specialized needs of stroke patients, and our stroke care process includes the elements that are critical to long-term success in improving
outcomes.
We want to reassure our patients that CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital continue to be a safe place to receive your care, and we encourage you to follow up with your regular healthcare needs. For any reason you cannot come into the clinic, or do not feel comfortable, virtual visits and telephone visits are available. Please contact your provider to discuss all of the many options for accessing care.
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 ContinueCARE 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 ContinueCARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Tax Rate Process, Federal Funding Discussed At June 22 SSISD Board Of Trustees Meeting
School finance is complicated on a good day. Add in changes in legislation, “golden pennies” and a pandemic and the budget process becomes even challenging. That’s exactly what school officials are up against this year. A school financial advisor and assistant superintendent discussed with Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees the complexities of shaping the tax rate this year as federal funding available to help offset funds lost when in-person classes were canceled from Mid-march through the end of the regular 2019-2020 school year.
Tax Rate Process
Lucas Janda with Live Oak Public Finance, financial advisor for Sulphur Springs Independent School district presented information about the 2020-2021 tax rate process to SSISD Board of Trustees during a special board meeting Monday evening.
He noted that House Bill 3 will impact school district’s maintenance and operations tax rates.
Janda said if the property value growth is less than 4 percent for the year, their compression rate will be known. If the property value growth is over 4 percent, the state will determine how much more the district’s tax rate will be compressed.
Senate Bill 2 will also have an impact during the 2020-21 school year, according to Janda.
No district will be allowed to increase funding by more than 2.5 percent over the prior year without a tax ratification election.
Then there’s the whole “golden penny” to be factored in. These are additional funds that districts can seek. The number of golden pennies has increased from 6 to 8 pennies. SSISD accessed 4 “golden pennies” in the 2019-2020 school year.
So what does that mean for school districts as officials work over the summer to develop budgets and tax rates?
Janda says House Bill 3 will require the M&O tax rate to be reduced from $0.97 to $0.9564 if the property value growth within the school district is below 4 percent or to $0.9664 if the 5th golden is desired.
However, if property value growth exceeds 4 percent, the compression rate will be set by TEA, although the district will be allowed to still pursue the 5th golden penny.
Janda said the question then becomes tax management. Schools will have to decide whether to focus on a steady total tax rate. If the district does, then the I&S (debt service) tax rate will increase and excess collections can be used to pay off some bonds early. It could smooth out any I&S increase, if any, needed to fund a bond election, if needed in the future.
The finance official said the value of the “5th golden penny” is estimated at $132,281, but requires unanimous approval of the school board during the 2020-21 school year. A majority vote of the school board would then be needed to seek the 5th golden penny in successive years, as currently outlines.
SSISD officials works through the summer to develop the budget and propose a tax rate to support it. A budget work session was held June 8 to update trustees on progress so far and to receive any additional direction provided by trustees. Another budget work session is slated during the regular July 13 school board meeting.
SSISD Business Manager Sherry McGraw on June 8 presented the first draft of the 2020-21 budget, which she noted are “very preliminary” based on 2019-2020 student counts, estimated 99 percent tax collections and 2020 estimated property tax values. She noted a lot had yet to be figured, including adjustments for new hires, new positions and retirements; changes in tax values; and other funding sources.
With those figures, the overall budget is expected to be pretty tight for the 2020-2021 school year. The June 8 preliminary draft projected revenues at $42,013,770 for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, including $23.9 million in state funding, $14.34 million in local funding and $3.7 million in miscellaneous revenue – TRS on behalf, tax penalties, federal funding, athletics revenue, etc., according to the information provided by McGraw.
SSISD expenses for FY 2020-21 based on the preliminary figures on june 8 were projected to be $42,217,637, including $33,834,948 allocated to payroll.
McGraw assured trustees that school officials would buckle down to tighten up finances in an effort to meet the difference.
Certified tax values won’t be reported until July 25 and the state won’t notify districts what tax rate will be until Aug. 5, according to Janda.
Schools officials, including those at SSISD, will then have the challenge of adjust budgets and present them and tax rates for approval within the allocated dates. Typically, SSISD tries approves the general operating budget and tax rate around Aug. 26 or earlier, ahead of the Sept. 1 start of the new fiscal year.
In short, increased tax values will force the tax rate to go down. The state has a formula that changes frequently, according to Janda, including updating and inputting district information into the lates template provided by the state to school districts.
CARES Funding
Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams also Monday evening informed trustees that an application has been completed for CARES Act funding.
SSISD is eligible for $891,836 in federal funding, which will be presented to the SSISD Advisory Council for review before being submitted.
This will help make up the difference in funding SSISD was expected to have received for average daily attendance by students. After in-person classes were canceled after spring break, SSISD applied for a waiver to be held “harmless” so they will continue to receive funding. The last two years’ numbers are used to figure funding to determine funding to “make us whole.
While there are many different options the funding can be applied toward, SSISD officials intend to use the CARES Act funding for utility expenses – water, sewer, electricity, etc.. That benefits the most students, are necessities for schools and are easily documented for federal reporting purposes.
Williams also reported the district also anticipates filing for additional reimbursement funding available, for March 1-May 30, due to COVID-19. That application process is expected to open in late July. He said the amount the district could potentially receive will vary depending on how many districts apply and for how much.
McGraw said with the reduction in state funding, these additional federal funding should help make up the difference.
Trustees Approved 24 Personnel Changes For SSISD
Trustees approved 24 personnel changes for SSISD during a special board meeting/work session Monday evening. Overall, 5 resignations were accepted, 14 new employees hired and five job changes approved by the Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees. Of those, 15 personnel changes directly impact the middle school campus.
Adriana Barrientos resigned as an English as a second language aide, Jennifer Morales as special education aide and Kristen Waldon as a 6th grade world history teacher at Sulphur Springs Middle School.
Approved to join the staff at SSMS were:
- Jessica Arnold as a special education aide,
- Kelcie Adams as a ESL aide,
- Jane Claypool as an at-risk aide,
- Jill Crump as a 6th grade English language arts arts and reading teacher,
- Karen Jolly as a special education ELAR teacher,
- Brynn Offutt as a special education aide,
- Alysia White as a 6th grade math teacher and
- Jennifer White as a 7th grade ELAR teacher.
Ashanti Ivery, a special education aide at SSMS, will be be switching to become a physical education and girls coach on that campus.
Ashlee Wells will continue teaching 6th grade at SSMS but, this year, instead of teaching ELAR, will teach history. Karina Perez will be transferring from Travis Primary, where she was an academic secretary, to SSMS to teach 6th grade ELAR.
Kristov Martinez and Katelyn Webster each resigned for posts as math teacher and coach. Elmer Moreno, a 6th grade math teacher, has been approved to move from SSMS to Sulphur Springs High School, to not only teach math but coach as well.
Also approved to join the SSHS faculty as a Spanish teacher and coach was Jacob Sexton.
Alexa Roush was approved to join the Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center faculty as a pre-kindergarten teacher.
Angela France was approved to join the Bowie Primary faculty as a kindergarten ELAR teacher.
Tiffany Spigner will transfer from Austin Academic Center to Sulphur Springs Elementary, where she will continue to serve as an instructional aide.
Approved to join the Special Services Department was Jennifer Spencer as a Speech Language Pathologist.
New administrative staff include Christi Hartsell as an innovative learning design specialist and Pamela Voss as a secondary ELAR/social studies coordinator.
The Edge for Boys Soccer Opens at The Prim
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton welcomed about 40 players to the first session of Wildcats Soccer Edge for Boys early Tuesday morning (June 23) at Gerald Prim Stadium. A planned session for girls was canceled Tuesday morning. Coach Upton said the boys were able to get some touches on the soccer ball while also doing skill work, and conditioning. He said he was just trying to get the guys back and moving. He noted they have been on hiatus since March due to coronavirus concerns. Coach Upton said some players looked like they did a lot of chilling and not much of anything else while he added some took care of themselves a little better during the time off. He said guidelines for reopening have loosened some so he was able to have more guys on the field at one time. Of the 40 players, Coach Upton said he was pleased that there was a group of ten players of middle school age. He said he would have liked to see a larger number of players attend and he said he hoped to see increases. Coach Upton said the Wildcats had their season ripped from them last season due to the coronavirus. However he added it was good for the players to be back, playing some soccer and having fun.
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.
Community Players ‘Parking Lot Sale’ a Good Start for Main St. Theater Repairs
Members of the Sulphur Springs Community Players invited the community to pitch in for a fundraising Parking Lot sale held to benefit Main Street Theater. The sale was held on Friday and Saturday June 19 and 20, 2020 at 1421 N. Hillcrest. Local residents brought lots of household furnishings, furniture and home decor items for the sale, and it was priced and arranged by volunteers and members. Over $2,000 was raised, but according to David Woody who spoke for Main Street Theater, it’s a good start but not enough to fund some needed repairs on the theater building.
“We have some major repairs to make to both the front and back facades of Main Street Theater which we must undertake right away. We’ll need to get creative with other fundraisers to assist toward our goal of finishing the projects, which will take a few thousand dollars, at least. We had really great support at this fundraiser, and we know by the support shown at the Parking Lot Sale that the public is behind our efforts to keep live community theater in place in downtown Sulphur Springs.” Woody commended the troupe of generous volunteers Lindy, Jessica, Grace, Cierra, Jeannie, Elizabeth, Cecilia, April, David, Barbara, Cindy, Sharon, Vincent, Corenna, Nicole, Lindsey, Doug, Matt, Will and the others who provided labor for the fundraiser.
4 County Vehicle Pursuit Ends In Camp County With Crash, 2 Arrests
A 4 county vehicle pursuit concluded with a crash in Camp County and 2 arrests. One of the women in the vehicle was found to be wanted in Tarrant County on a robbery warrant, according to arrest reports.
The pursuit started in Hunt County according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office reports. At 8:26 p.m. Hunt County Sheriff’s Investigator Kenneth Peters reportedly notified Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators that a stolen vehicle was traveling on Interstate 30 east. The black BMW, with a Hunt County unit pursuing, was located near mile marker 102.
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies were alerted. Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputies Drew Fisher, Chris Baumann and Kevin Lester responded to I-30 to attempt to assist. The deputies advised the car entered Hopkins County at a high rate of speed, and Hopkins County officers joined in the pursuit.
Steward entered the pursuit at mile marker 125 on I-30, taking the lead as the primary pursuing vehicle. The BMW exited I-30 and turned south onto FM 69. The car continued traveling south to State Highway 11 east., then turned east onto SH 11 east. The vehicle continued on Highway 11 east through Hopkins County and Winnsboro, then Wood County and Camp County, Steward alleged in arrest reports.
In Camp County, the BMW exited Highway 271 onto Loop 255. The car continued until just south of the Camp-Titus county line, eventually turning east on Loop 255 to a dead end. The BMW allegedly crashed into a fence.
Steward, Fisher and deputies from Camp County Sheriff’s Office reportedly performed a felony take-down. Both women were taken into custody at 9:14 p.m. June 22, 2020 and transported to Camp County Sheriff’s Office, where they were arraigned by a Camp County Justice of the Peace.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies transported both women to Hopkins County jail, where they remained Tuesday morning on one charge each for unauthorized use of a vehicle, according to arrest reports.
The 22-year-old driver, Cateria Mitchell of Fort Worth, also was charged with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. A records check showed Mitchell also was wanted by Tarrant County authorities on a second-degree felony robbery charge, according to arrest reports.
In addition to the UUV charge, 30-year-old Julie May Cooper of Arlington, was also charged with fraudulent use or possession of more than 5 items of identifying information, 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.
