Group to Protest on Celebration Plaza
Here is a story with updated information.
KSST was contacted Friday morning, June 5th, 2020 regarding a proposed protest in Downtown Sulphur Springs, TX. On the phone, the organizer was unable to provide details about the event, and stated this was due to the event being in a planning stage. Additional details of the protest became clearer after KSST contacted Sulphur Springs Police.
A spokesman for the Police Department stated, “The protest will be from 10 AM until 6 PM, Saturday June 6th”. The Police discussed with the organizers ways to keep the protest peaceful, and notified the organizer of rules and regulations concerning assemblies.
KSST has reached out to protest organizers, but have not received a call back.
The march planned for the same day is not associated with the scheduled protest.
March, Speakers and Voter Registration Saturday June 6th, 2020
A peaceful march through Sulphur Springs will start at 11:00 AM Saturday June 6th, 2020. March organizers Reiko Alexander and Brittany Abron told KSST that the event will be peaceful, and help bring all people together.
Before the march, several events will take place. At 10 AM, voter registration will be held at Pacific Park. Local ministers and regional officials will also be speaking. Several speeches will take place, not only at Pacific Park, but also during the march route and at Celebration Plaza.
Sulphur Springs Police will be providing an escort during the march. A SS Police spokesman stated, “Public safety is our priority, we want to make sure everyone is safe.” SSPD will be providing traffic control.
The parade will form on Martin Luther King Drive at Pacific Park. It will then head west to Gilmer and head north to Main Street. Speeches and an 8 minute pause will be observed. Then the march will head south on Oak Avenue and return to Pacific Park via MLK.
Wylie Man Arrested On Grand Larceny Warrant
A 39-year-old Wylie man was arrested on an out-of-town grand larceny warrant Thursday night.
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Josh Shufeldt conducted a traffic stop on a blue Lexus GS June 4, 2020 on Shannon Road at Bill Bradford Road. A records check reportedly revealed one occupant of the vehicle to be wanted by Love County officials (the state was not noted in arrest reports).
Consequently, Shufeldt arrested Phu Phong Nguyen at arrested at 9:13 p.m. June 4 on the outstanding grand larceny warrant. The car was impounded. Nguyen remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning June 5 on the warrant; bond was set at $10,000 on the charge, according to arrest and 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.
Welfare Check At RV Park Results In Controlled Substance Arrest
A request for a welfare check resulted in a controlled substance arrest and search of a camp trailer Thursday June 4th, 2020.
At 10:06 a.m. June 4, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators received a request for a welfare check on a man at an RV park. HCSO Deputies Alvin Jordan and Aaron Chaney were dispatched to the location, according to sheriff’s reports.
Deputies contacted the park manager upon arrival at the State Highway 19 south RV park. The manager reported the 64-year-old resident’s family members expressed concern for the resident when their attempts to reach him on his cell phone were unsuccessful. The manager reported the man, identified in arrest reports as Larry Scott Gruss, did not seem like himself, but instead seemed “incoherent and agitated,” the HCSO deputies alleged in arrest reports.
When the deputies knocked at the door of Gruss’ camper trailer, they reportedly received permission to enter the residence. They found Gruss in his underwear on a couch/bed in the living room area. Gruss claimed he couldn’t answer his phone because it was in his truck, and gave the manager permission to enter his truck to retrieve the lunch box where he thought he had left the phone, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
While talking with Gruss, deputies noticed a bag containing a white powder-like residue and a cut straw containing white powdery residue on a counter top near the front door, according to arrest reports. Initially, Gruss claimed not to know what the suspected contraband was. Later, Gruss told officer it might be cocaine residue, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
As Chaney opened the container to retrieve the phone, Chaney alleged seeing a bag containing more suspected contraband. Jordan instructed Gruss to get up and put clothes on. While they waited for Gruss to dress, deputies alleged seeing a bag with a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine and a clear orange case containing more suspected contraband on the kitchen table. Jordan reportedly handed the contraband to Chaney to secure.
While Chaney stepped out of the camper trailer and was speaking with the manager, Jordan remained inside waiting for the man to dress so he could place him into custody, according to arrest reports. Chaney reported hearing a commotion inside the trailer and returned to find Gruss actively resisting arrest, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
After deputies secured the man in handcuffs and placed him in custody at 10:32 a.m. June 4, Chaney reportedly walked him to Joran’s patrol vehicle. Jordan also exited the now secure trailer. Jordan transported Gruss to jail while Chaney remained on the grounds, waiting while a search warrant was being sought for the address.
Officials sought and executed a search warrant for Gruss’ address. A search of the camper trailer by HCSO investigators allegedly revealed additional contraband. The substance found in the lunch container and similar substance found in the orange container by deputies allegedly weighed 11.49 grams and field tested positive for heroin. An additional bag in the orange container allegedly field-tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 1.68 grams. The two bags of suspected methamphetamine found during the trailer search allegedly weighed 0.94 gram, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, Gruss was booked into Hopkins County jail for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. The 64-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, June 5, 2020, on all three 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.
6 Men Jailed On Felony Warrants
At least 6 men were jailed in Hopkins County on felony warrants from June 1-3, 2020. Among them were two men with aggravated assault warrants, including a 19-year-old identified as the suspect in a Freeman Street shooting; a man accused of vehicle theft; two on controlled substance offenses; and one for credit or debit card abuse. For three men, it was at least the second time this year they have been in custody at Hopkins County jail.
Stephen Joel Bryant was arrested at 3:57 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2020 on an unauthorized use of a vehicle warrant.
Winnsboro Police Officer J. Beck arrested Stephen Joel Bryant. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Lavender was headed to jail with another person in custody when Beck asked him to transport Bryant to jail on the Hopkins County charge, so Beck could return to patrol in Winnsboro.
The offense, according to arrest reports, was alleged to have occurred on January 5, 2020. Bryant was released from Hopkins County jail on January 2, on a $20,000 bond on the UUMV charge, according to jail reports.
Bryant’s arrest marked the second time this year he has been jailed in Hopkins County on a UUMV warrant. The 33-year-old Canton man also spent January 18-April 29 in jail for engaging in organized criminal activity as well as on a Franklin County UUMV charge; and January 1-2 in Hopkins County jail on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge, and warrants for not taking care of unsafe speed and failure to maintain financial responsibility charges.
Hopkins County Sheriff Office Deputy Elijah Fite traveled June 3, 2020 to Kyle, Texas, where Jordan Lee Chaney, was being held at Kyle Unit.
Fite transported Chaney to Hopkins County jail, where the 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was held on a bench warrant for violation of probation. His probation was for a 2018 manufacture or delivery of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance offense. Chaney remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, June 4.
Kerry Renaldore Duffey Jr., 28, of Sulphur Springs was arrested at 10:59 a.m. June 2, 2020 at his residence. Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman arrested him on a possession of less than 1 gram of a controlled substance charge and a warrant for theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions.
Duffey was allegedly seen standing outside of his address. Hoffman, aware of the warrant for Duffey’s arrest, first requested confirmation it was still active, before initiating the arrest.
While there, Hoffman alleged seeing a partially exposed suspected marijuana joint in Duffey’s front watch pocket. Duffey reportedly agreed to let the officer search him. Hoffman allegedly removed joint and a bag containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine from the same pocket.
Duffey was arrested on both the warrant and a new controlled substance charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, June 4, 2020. Bond was set at $5,000 on the controlled substance charge and $10,000 on the warrant.
The arrest marked the second time this year and third time in less 8 months that Duffey has been booked into Hopkins County jail. He was arrested and released October 26, 2019 on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. He also spent January 26-February 7 on the theft with previous conviction charge, according to jail reports.
Randall Keith Reynolds
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Cpl. Todd Evans took Randall Keith Reynolds into custody at 12:30 p.m. June 1, outside the hospital in Sulphur Springs on three warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to arrest reports. The 63-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, June 4, 2020. Bond was set at $50,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
Brandon Clayton Soles, 19, of Mineola was transported by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Fite from Wood County jail to Hopkins County jail on an aggravated assault warrant, in connection with a February 5, 2020 shooting on Freeman Street in Sulphur Springs.
The teen was identified February 18 by Sulphur Springs Police Department investigators as the suspect in a shooting that left one injured at Spring Valley Apartments on Freeman Street. Police investigators February 6, 2020 reported the shooting was believed to be drug-related.
According to an SSPD press release, officials received calls around 6:45 p.m. February 5, 2020 that gunshots had been fired and one person was hit. Police arrived and applied first aid to the unidentified shooting victim until EMS arrived. The suspect or suspects had reportedly fled by the time officials arrived. Police put out a photo February 18 identifying Soles as the suspect in the shooting, and asked for the public’s help in locating him.
Soles was arrested February 21 in Wood County on the Hopkins County charge, according to police and jail reports.
The 19-year-old Mineola resident remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, June 4, 2020. Bond on the aggravated assault charge was set at $500,000, according to jail reports.
Brandon Grady Teague of Sulphur Springs was taken into custody at his Sulphur Springs residence 9:30 a.m. June 1, 2020. Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman reported finding Teague sitting in the garage at his residence and served him with a credit or debit card abuse-elderly warrant. Teague spent the night in jail and was released June 2 on a $10,000 bond on the third-degree felony charge.
Teague had been out of jail less than a month at the time of his arrest; in fact, June 1 marked the third time this year that the 33-year-old has been booked into Hopkins County jail. He also spent January 18-19, 2020 in custody on an evading arrest or detention with a previous conviction and theft; and February 3-May 4, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone, 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.
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.
City To Charge For Use Of Council Chambers
If you had your eye on the City Council Chambers inside the Sulphur Springs Municipal Building (City Hall) for an event or meeting, there will be a fee for new bookings moving forward.
The City of Sulphur Springs currently allows the Council Chambers inside City Hall to be used for events, classes, meetings and other gatherings at no cost, City Finance Director Lesa Smith noted.
The other city facilities available for use — the Grays Building in Pacific Park, Buford Park Pavilion and Senior Citizens Center — currently are rented for a $25-75 day use fee for, with amount varied by facility. A deposit is also required for the Grays Building and pavilion use; there is a set hourly use fee for the pavilion in Buford Park as well.
A rental fee, city staff told the City Council at the regular June council meeting this week, would help cover the cost of employee time spent setting up and resetting the room (estimated at 1 1/2 hours each), providing utilities and other associated costs, Smith said. This would cover general wear and tear and the city staff recommended including a deposit, which would be returned if the facility is left in good condition.
With the extra precautions that are currently having to be taken at the recommendation of state and health officials due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a $65 cleaning fee was proposed for all rentals as well. This fee would cover the cost of an outside contractor sanitizing the room, kitchen and bathrooms after each rental. This could be an optional fee added as long as need for appropriate precautions, Smith aid
City staff proposed three different fee options for use of the Council Chambers in City Hall. All three options include the $100 refundable deposit, plus the optional $65 cleaning and sanitizing fee.
Option 1 would set fees by day and hours of use. a fee of $75 was proposed for use of the facility for up to 6 hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; a $150 fee for up to 6 hours after 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, on weekends and holidays; and a $25 hourly rate for continued use over six hours.
Option 2 proposed a $200 daily rental fee while Options 3 proposed a $25 hourly rate.
Emily Glass approached the council, asking them to consider a few points before they decide whether or not to charge a fee for use the Council Chambers.
Glass, a former city council member, pointed out two sides for consideration regarding the issue of charging a rental fee: the cost to the city for events to be hosted in the facility — including cost of utilities that wouldn’t otherwise be used if the private event weren’t being held at the facility, and staff time of approximately 3 hours setting up and breaking down the area for the private events. She noted that the Grays Building is currently available for public use as an alternate location.
But to start charging, Glass contended, “would put city government in the venue and event business,” and in direct competition with local businesses.
Another point Glass asked the council to consider is the “potential liability of renting the facility” as well as the wear and tear on the building.
She asked the City Council to consider another option for the “beautiful,” if not overly large, space available inside of City Hall.
“I think a great compromise to not be in direct competition with businesses in our community would be to allow this space to be available for nonprofits, for those meetings that they need to take place, to have a place for those to actually occur,” Glass said.
City Manager Marc Maxwell said the city moved back into the newly renovated building in 2014, on the heels of finishing up the downtown renovations.
“When we designed it, we had it in mind that this room ought to be available to the public. In a time when we finished construction, we figured it ought to be worth $350 to rent it,” Maxwell said. “At the same time we wanted people to come downtown so we figured if we have an event here, they’ll spill out and go downtown.”
Maxwell said while the facility was considered worth $350, they offered to make it available free if the event was catered by a downtown business, to help support local business. After downtown had established itself, the was made available at no charge if the event were catered by any city business.
“Some did really well with that. Some showed up with a plate of cookies from a business in town. I think we’ve gotten to the point now where we can and probably ought to charge a fee. As I look at the three, I happen to like option 2 because it gets us closest to that $350,” Maxwell said. “I think it’s time that we do it.”
Maxwell said city staff had surveyed other venues regarding cost for usage of their facilities. Council members were provided with a chart. Charges range from $1,500 to $180. Some require a deposit, while a couple of private venues charge hourly rates.
Smith pointed out that some of those facilities, however, also provide event staff, linens and other services of that nature as part of their services. The city does not.
Mayor John Sellers asked if a daily rate were set, would that still apply to nonprofits that spend about an hour in the rental space.
“There’s been some usage of a brief hour or so in the afternoon,” Sellers said of nonprofit groups. “That’s a little different from having a class reunion for four hours.”
Smith said one option would be giving the city manager authority to decide in those instances for usage and fee.
City Attorney Jim McLeroy said another thing to consider was whether or not those individuals or entities who have already reserved the Council Chambers for a future date would have to pay a fee or if their prior arrangement would still be effective, if the council approved a fee.
One way to allow those who have already booked City Hall to continue at no fee would be to adopt it “scheduled as of the date it was approved or later ,” McLeroy said.
“I do think they have notified people who are on the calendar that there could be some changes, especially $65 should be acceptable,” Smith siad.
“Yes, and I think that’s something we could do because of the situation right now with COVID and the needing of sanitation. I think that would be an extraordinary thing that would be understood,” Sellers said, asking the rest of the Council for their thoughts on the matter.
Councilman Doug Moore asked if the upstairs offices would be blocked off to the rental party. Maxwell said the building was designed so that it could.
Aguilar recommended the daily fee plus deposit to cover costs of wear and tear to flooring and extra use.
Moore asked if any security is provide for an event held at City Hall.
Maxwell said if the council agreed to the fee, city staff could work up a policy that would cover things like use by nonprofits, security and long term versus hourly usage. That policy could then be brought back to the council at their next council meeting.
The Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday approved Option 2, which includes the deposit and rental fee, plus the $65 cleaning fee, for any events scheduled after Tuesday night; and the $65 sanitation fee for all events to be held from June 2 moving forward in the Council Chambers.
Paris Junior College Students Named to President and Dean’s List
Paris Junior College is pleased to announce that over 160 students were named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement during the spring 2020 semester.
To be eligible for the President’s List, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average, (straight A’s) on a minimum of 15 semester hours. Those on the dean’s list must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average for at least 15 semester hours, and have no grade lower than a “C.” Both lists are compiled exclusive of developmental hours.
Students on the PJC President’s List from the area include:
Brashear: Rene Aguilar
Campbell: Jennifer Stephenson
Cooper: Harley Briggs, Joseph Manners, Brayden Watkins
Dike: Valeria Duran
Saltillo: Cayce Parris
Sulphur Springs: Angela Bautista, Jaqueline Espinoza, Brittani McClure, Amanda Yancey
Students on the Dean’s List from the area include:
Campbell: Matthew Morris
Commerce: Ryan Watkins
Cooper: Laura McMenamy
Ladonia: Caleb Killian
Mount Vernon: Jennifer Hess
Point: Kimber Grant
Saltillo: Destiny Welch
Sulphur Springs: Clayton Brandenburgh, Cassidy Davis, Brittany Elder, Arian Jaboneta, Sarah Leano, Christopher Ledezma, Aide Lopez, Caleb Wyatt
Wolfe City: Maria Davila; Meagan Leigh-Manuell
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Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Tira News — June 3, 2020
By Jan Vaughn
Mick Petty reported that Rex Hargrave, formerly of Tira, passed away. I don’t have any details, yet. We want to express our sympathy to the family. Please remember his wife, Beth, and the rest of the family in prayer.
The Tira City Council met at the Community Center on Sunday afternoon. The group agreed to keep the Center closed through the month of June. Also, they discussed some needed projects and repairs and hope to get these taken care of during the closure.
At the end of the meeting, council members Tami Joslin, Yvonne Weir, Evelyn Horne, Joyce Dodd and Janie Lewis, and Mayor Allen Joslin gathered around the flag pole to dedicate a plaque in memory of former Mayor John Hadley. He served in the position from May 1999 until June 2009.
The Tira Volunteer firefighters gathered at the fire station for training activities Sunday afternoon, also.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Sulphur Springs City Council Approves Purchase Of Sewer Truck
Sulphur Springs City Council approved purchase of a sewer truck during the regular council meeting conducted this week.
Utilities Director James Jordan explained to the council that collection and distribution division of the utility department a 2009 truck to clean and unstop sewer main, vacuuming out manholes in which debris have collected. It was purchased in 2009 for $220,000.
“Since then we have put that truck through the test,” Jordan said. “The truck doesn’t sound that old, but the chassis and the motor on this vehicle that we have now has reached the end of its life, its useful life as far as the city goes.”
The truck has experienced major mechanical problems, which have required considerable city funds to replace the engine and other expensive repairs. The truck has a little over 8,400 service hours on it.
“It’s just not justifiable to use any more funds on this truck,” Jordan said.
Jordan asked the council to consider allowing the purchase of another used 2009 sewer truck of a different make with the same equipment combination on it from the Highland Village. The truck that city staff were asking to purchase has only 1,700 service hours. Highland Village has other equipment that the City of Sulphur Springs does not have. Those units are used in Highland Village to do some of the some of the jobs Sulphur Springs does with just one truck.
“Our truck is on the road throughout our town a whole lot more than this one. This unit has been kept in a covered storage facility, very well maintained, with documentation to prove it, maintained by their fleet management. I think this is a very beneficial financial justification for this unit,” Jordan said.
A new truck would cost around $400,000. The truck that Jordan proposed purchasing was offered at $125,000, according to Jordan.
“From a management perspective, we’ve lived without one of these before. It was not a good experience. This is what keeps all the mains clean,” Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell said.
The city manager said while most cities simply use them to unstop sewer mains, Sulphur Springs’ unit is used preventatively on 50,000-80,000 feet of sewer main each month.
While the model isn’t the same as the current truck, it could be used for parts if the new used truck needed certain repairs. The current truck has an $18,000 blower piece of equipment on it that could easily be used on the new unit if needed, according to Jordan.
“I’d like to keep this truck as a back up. I think it could benefit us in the long run,” Jordan said.
The 2009 model truck currently owned by the city, if sold at auction, would likely sell for $25,000 to $50,000, brokers and vendors in the market have told Jordan.
The council agreed to the purchase of the used 2009 model sewer truck for $125,000.
70-Year-Old Man Jailed Following A Truck Stop Disturbance
A 70-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed on an aggravated assault with deadly weapon charge, following a truck stop disturbance late Wednesday morning, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police officers responded at 10:38 a.m. June 3 at Love’s truck stop, where a disturbance was reported to have become physical. Upon arrival, officers spoke with both men reported to have been involved in the altercation.
The 70-year-old allegedly admitted to getting a large toolbar and threatening to hit another male. The other male involved, a 54-year-old Commerce man, alleged the older man raised the bar, but never swung it at him. The 54-year-old said if the suspect had swung it, he would have run to avoid being struck in the head, SSPD Sgt. Brandon Mayes and Officer Robble Acosta alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, 70-year-old William John Allen of Sulphur Springs was taken into custody at 11:58 a.m. June 3 on South Hillcrest Drive and transported to jail, where he was booked on an aggravated assault with deadly weapon charge, according to arrest reports. Allen remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning, June 4; bond was set at $30,000 on the 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.
