Tips Lead To 3 Arrests, Discovery Of Controlled Substances At 2 Locations
Tips lead to three arrests after controlled substances were found at two different rural addresses Wednesday morning, according to sheriff’s investigators.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office investigators, after receiving information of suspected narcotic activity in the Saltillo area, launched an investigation in to the alleged sale and use of controlled substances. That took the investigators to two different addresses, HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford and Investigators Wade Sheets and Michael Russell noted in arrest reports.
Investigators contacted occupant Ryan Albert Shores around 8:40 a.m. at a County Road 3531 address. Shores allegedly agreed to allowed the investigators to search the residence.
The HCSO investigators allegedly found used syringes and a metal spoon containing suspected methamphetamine on it. Shores admitted the substance belonged to him and was taken into custody around 9:20 a.m. for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, Sheets alleged in arrest reports
Shores remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, May 21; bond on the controlled substance charge was set at $20,000, according to jail reports.
Investigators also contacted occupants at a County Road 3604 location Wednesday morning. One reportedly invited the officers into the residence, then, walked them Ray Griffith’s bedroom, and advised the cops were there to search.
Investigators reported seeing 66-year-old Ray Griffith throw a plastic wrapper and a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine into a trash can.
Griffith agreed to let officers search his room, Russell alleged in arrest reports. Sheriff’s investigators retrieved the pipe and wrapper that had 0.036 gram of methamphetamine inside of it from the trash can beside the bed. A shotgun located on the bed beside Griffith was confirmed to have been stolen, the investigator noted in the report.
Investigators reported finding additional suspected methamphetamine elsewhere in the residence. Consequently, both Griffith and 55-year-old Robert Earl Smith were taken into custody just after 9:33 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, at the CR 3604 residence.
Griffith was booked into Hopkins County jail for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone, tampering with evidence and theft of a firearm, according to arrest reports. Griffith too was found to be wanted in Franklin County on a theft by check warrant; he remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, May 21, according to jail reports.
Smith was booked into Hopkins County jail on possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone, according to arrest reports.
Smith remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, May 21; bond on the felony controlled substance charge was set at $10,000, 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.
2 New COVID-19 Cases, 1 Additional Recovery In Hopkins County On May 21
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team reported 2 new COVID-19 cases and 1 additional patient has recovered from COVID-19 in Hopkins County as of May 21.
Of the total 15 cases reported in Hopkins County since mid-March, 6 people have recovered and 9 cases are still active, according to County Judge Robert Newsom.
“The Local Health Authority has been in contact with these patients to see if they have any other needs. They were in isolated at that point and are being treated,” Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley said. “These two cases did not come from drive through last Friday. We are still awaiting results of testing from that.”
The county judge noted that testing of patients and employees at local nursing home is ongoing, with all to be completed by Monday. No results from those tests have been reported yet either. He anticipated having more information about the May 15 mobile test collection results and the nursing home testing by the middle of next week.
Newsom said with 11 new patients diagnosed this month, including 7 reported this week, some individuals have expressed concern to him whether the local hospital would be able handle a surge in COVID-19 cases.
“I checked on it today. Our hospital is in good shape to handle anything that comes along from this crisis and are getting busy with elective surgeries,” Newsom said.
COVID-19 Testing Required At 23 Psychiatric Hospitals, Living Centers
COVID-19 testing is required at 23 psychiatric hospitals and living centers now too. Texas Governor Greg Abbott May 21 directed Texas Health and Human Services Commission to test all patients, residents and staff at the 23 state-operated inpatient psychiatric hospitals and living centers throughout Texas.
HHSC operates 13 state supported living centers (SSLCs) that provide 24-hour residential care, medical services, and vocational training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The agency also operates 10 state hospitals that provide acute inpatient psychiatric care for adults, children and adolescents.
Abbott said requiring testing at these facilities will better equip the state “to identify and mitigate these potential hot spots and protect our most vulnerable populations.” It will also “further assess the scope and extent of possible infections at facilities statewide.”
“Many patients and residents in our care are medically fragile and rely on our frontline healthcare heroes for the important care they receive. By expanding testing to everyone in our facilities, we will increase our ability to further protect everyone who lives and works in our facilities and prevent the spread of the virus throughout our system,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Phil Wilson.
Previously, residents and patients were tested only if they displayed symptoms or had possible exposure to the virus. This testing is to include individuals with no signs of COVID-19 and those who haven’t been tested within the last 30 days, according to a press release from the Governor’s Office.
HHSC and Texas Department of State Health Services are to work together to test the 4,700 patients and residents, and 18,000 employees at these facilities. Testing kits are already making their way to the facilities and several local health departments have offered their assistance, according to the news release from the Governor’s Office.
As of May 20, a total of 161 patients and residents had tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, 107 individuals had recovered from the virus and fewer than 10 had died, according to the release.
All facilities are to continue following the strict CDC guidelines in place. All staff are required to wear masks and be trained in infection control procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment and social distancing measures. Visitor restrictions remain in place. All employees will continue to be screened for fever and respiratory illness prior to entering its facilities. Any person with a fever or unexplained signs of respiratory illness will not be allowed in HHSC facilities, according to the Governor’s directive.
Clayton Sulphur Springs Closed For 2nd Time After Employee Tests COVID-19 Positive
The Clayton Sulphur Springs Building Facility closed Wednesday, after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, Clayton Media Relations Manager Caitlyn Crosby confirmed Thursday afternoon. The employee is the second employee from the Sulphur Springs facility to test positive for COVID-19 and May 20 marked the second time the Sulphur Springs plant has temporarily closed recently, the media official clarified later Thursday afternoon.
Over a week ago, the facility closed for deep cleaning and sanitizing after a team member tested positive for coronavirus. The business remained closed for one day during the cleaning process at the facility at that time, Crosby said.
“The health and safety of our team members and their families is extremely important to our company. A Clayton team member at our Clayton Sulphur Springs home building facility in Texas has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). We are committed to supporting this team member as well as protecting their privacy,” Crosby said Thursday of the most recent notification.
Clayton notified team members and closed the facility May 20, until further notice, to perform a deep cleaning and sanitization after the second employee tested positive, according to Crosby.
The facility had already taken several precautions, including establishing a task force that has been monitoring COVID-19, as well as implementing increased sanitization procedures and policies, social distancing, daily temperature screenings and requiring face coverings to help protect the health of team members, according to the media relations manager.
The facility is in the process of being cleaned, and the company as yet has not determined a date for the facility to reopen.
Clayton is providing free testing for all team members before reopening the facility. The business has also provided team members with additional paid time-off that may be used during this temporary closure, according to Crosby.
The home building industry was designated an essential business by the Department of Homeland Security, which allowed the business to continue operating as a “critical for public health, public safety, economic security or national security” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were also called upon by many government leaders at the state level to continue providing affordable housing during these uncertain times and we are doing so with the utmost caution for the safety and health of our team members, their families and communities,” Crosby said.
Company officials wish the team members affected a quick recovery, according to the media relations director, and plan to keep the team informed as they learn more about the current case and make decisions regarding operations.
Clayton Sulphur Springs Building Facility Closed Temporarily After Employee Tests COVID-19 Positive
The Clayton Sulphur Springs Building Facility temporarily closed Wednesday for deep cleaning and sanitizing, after a company employee tested positive for COVID-19, Clayton Media Relations Manager Caitlyn Crosby confirmed Thursday.
“The health and safety of our team members and their families is extremely important to our company. A Clayton team member at our Clayton Sulphur Springs home building facility in Texas has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). We are committed to supporting this team member as well as protecting their privacy,” Crosby said.
Clayton notified team members and temporarily closed the facility May 20 until further notice to perform a deep cleaning and sanitization, according to Crosby.
Clayton had already taken several precautions, including establishing a task force that has been monitoring COVID-19, as well as implementing increased sanitization procedures and policies, social distancing, daily temperature screenings and requiring face coverings to help protect the health of team members, according to the media relations manager.
Clayton is providing free testing for all team members before reopening the facility. The business has provided team members with additional paid time-off that may be used during this temporary closure, according to Crosby.
The home building industry was designated an essential business by the Department of Homeland Security, which allowed the business to continue operating as a “critical for public health, public safety, economic security or national security” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were also called upon by many government leaders at the state level to continue providing affordable housing during these uncertain times and we are doing so with the utmost caution for the safety and health of our team members, their families and communities,” Crosby said.
“We wish the team member a quick recovery. We will continue to keep our team informed as we learn more about the current case and make decisions regarding operations,” Crosby said.
The Independence Concert, Fireworks Set on Celebration Plaza Saturday September 5!
The news is out and it’s flag-waving news! The annual Independence Concert and Fireworks, put on by the Sulphur Springs Symphony League, will be held in 2020. The will be staged in the usual grand style on Celebration Plaza on Saturday September 5, 2020 during the Labor Day weekend. First cancelled by COVID-19 restrictions from it’s initial June 27 date, League representatives came out with the exciting news during a KSST Good Morning Show interview on Thursday May 21, 2020. League President Linda Galligher made the announcement along with Sharla Campbell, 2020 League Treasurer. Attendees can expect a quality symphony performance by professional musicians and conductor Douglas Bakenhus, and an impressive fireworks display at the conclusion of the concert.
Linda stated, “after twenty-eight years of annual concerts to celebrate our nation’s birthday, it was disheartening to have to cancel it’s summer date. But after a period of contemplation and prayer, an alternate date came up that members of the League feel will be safe as well as worthy of the event. Saturday September 5, 2020 is the new date where we will honor Veterans, promote the arts and provide a wholesome upbuilding experience for the whole community. Of course, this is a free event for everyone!” During the on-air interview which broke the news to the public, Sharla explained, “this is 2020, the year that America has learned to adapt. So it seems only fitting that the Sulphur Springs Symphony League adapt as well, to host the concert and fireworks display downtown on the Labor Day weekend. We want our Veterans to know that we are grateful and honor you always. And the Symphony League board wants to thank our sponsors who are supporting this change. We look forward to celebrating this country and this community together again, on September 5!”
Both wished to extend special thanks to Joey Baker of the City of Sulphur Springs, who logistically assisted in helping both the Independence Concert and the previously-scheduled event, Red, White and Brews, to share the day. The concert will take place on Celebration Plaza to begin at 7pm, while the Red, White and Brews event will be held on the Tesla parking area on Main Street through the day until 7pm.
Hodges, Tippit Honored As Top Seniors At Saltillo High
Madison Hodges and Joe Tippit are recognized as this year’s top seniors at Saltillo High School.
Madison (Graycie) Hodges, daughter of Jamie Watts and Charles Hodges, earned valedictorian honors with a 3.74 grade point average.
She has been active in UIL One-Act Play competition, earning Best Actress honors at District in 2019 and All Star Cast honors at District in 2020.
Hodges participated in several school organizations, and held leadership positions in some as well. She served as vice president of competitions of the school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Chapter her senior year. She also served as class treasurer in both her junior and senior years at SHS. She was a member of the Beta Club, FFA, choir and yearbook staff.
When not engaged in school activities, Hodges hobbies and interests include reading, painting and spending time with her family.
Hodges has earned a Dell Scholarship to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where she plans to complete her prerequisite courses, then go on to pharmacy college.
Saltillo High School Class of 2020 salutatorian Joseph Tippit, son of John Tippit and Tammy Tippit, graduates with a 3.72 grade point average.
He too has been involved in school activities. He’s a member of the Beta Club and FCCLA. He also was in the choir and earned Best Tech honors in One-Act Play. He also served as co-treasurer.
Tippit’s hobbies include gaming, writing short stories, building computers and photography. He plans to apply those skills to his future career.
The 2020 Saltillo High School salutatorian plans to go to college, then work for a gaming company building computers and writing the story for video games.
A baccalaureate service has been set for at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at Weaver Baptist Church. A graduation ceremony will be held on its original date, May 29, at Saltillo ISD, the school announced.
All students and guests will be required to follow social distancing guidelines, safety and security protocols, and other health measures at graduation. In order to do so, Saltillo ISD graduation ceremonies will move outdoors to the main parking lot of our school. A full list of protocols and guidelines provided by Texas Education Agency for schools regarding graduation celebrations held during the COVID-19 pandemic can be downloaded from the TEA website.
Saltillo ISD will provide additional information for students and guests.
Relay For Life Format Will Be Modified To Honor, Keep Survivors Safe This Year
This year’s Relay For Life format is being adapted in order to both honor and protect survivors as the community and world continues to employ health safety practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are so sorry for the many changes this year, but we are trying to adapt to the situation while still honoring our survivors. We appreciate your understanding,” said Gina Giguere on behalf of the Relay For Life -Tri-County, TX /Hopkins, Franklin, & Wood Counties Leadership Team.
The annual fundraiser, awareness campaign and survivors dinner for Hopkins, Franklin and Wood Counties was planned for May 8 but had to be postponed due COVID-19. With June 12 quickly approaching, the RFL Tri-County Tx Leadership Team made the difficult decision to host an event on that day to honor survivors, while still taking COVID-19 precautions, instead of again pushing the event back even further or cancelling.
“While I am sad that we will not have our normal event this year, I am excited that the city is allowing us to still honor our cancer survivors in the community!” Giguere said.
Instead of the normal survivors lap and booths, RFL this year will feature a survivor “parade” lap, luminaries and a chance for teams and community members to show support for survivors.
While plans are still being fine tuned, the RFL Leadership Team anticipates having all cancer survivors line up at Buford Park around 7 p.m. Then, at 7:30, the lap/parade will start. Survivors, in their personal vehicles, will head down Connally Street toward the downtown area. The parade will turn left on Church Street at the corner of Church and Jefferson Street, and end in the area of the shared banks parking area and First United Methodist Church.
While RFL was not able to get survivor shirts this year, given the situation at hand over the last few months, but luminary bags are still available for $5 each.
Luminary bags will line Connally Street in the downtown area and in front of Alliance Bank. Pictures of all luminary bags will be taken to create a slideshow which RFL Tri-County Tx leaders anticipate sharing on Facebook a week following the event.
“We are asking our community to come together to make this special for our area cancer survivors. We would love Relay teams and members of the community to make signs/noise makers, wear purple and line Connally Street to cheer on our survivors! We’d like to have the streets as full as possible while still maintaining social distancing,” said Giguere.
In lieu of team fundraising booths, a silent auction will be held online this year.
“If you have an item or gift card(s) that you would like to donate for our silent auction, we would be thrilled! Please contact me, Gina Giguere, directly at 903-573-2064, if you have a silent auction item to donate or if you’d like to purchase luminary bags.
Missing Sulphur Springs Teen
*Update* This missing person has been found and is safe. See Related Story
Sulphur Springs Police Department is asking anyone with information about the whereabouts of missing 15-year-old Camri Leigh Propes to contact the SSPD at 903-885-7602 or Crimestoppers at 903-885-2020.
Camri is approximately five feet-four inches tall and weighs about 100 pounds. She has long brown hair and brown eyes.
She was reported to have been missing since May 12. She was reportedly last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black leggings and a cheetah print backpack.
Deputy Arrested A Sulphur Springs Man On A Warrant
A deputy arrested a Sulphur Springs man on a warrant Tuesday afternoon.
Hopkins County Sheriff Office Cpl. Todd Evans located Chaisen Jadran Chamness of Sulphur Springs at his Main Street address. He was taken into custody at 3:24 p.m. May 19.
Chamness was booked into Hopkins County jail for insufficient bond on a December 2019, third or more driving while intoxicated, charge.
The arrest, according to jail records, marks the third time in less than a year that Chamness has spent time in Hopkins County jail.
He had an overnight stay on Aug. 28, 2019, a one-day commitment for a no driver’s license charge. Chamness was booked Dec. 14 on a third or more driving while intoxicated charge and released the next day on a $10,000 bond, jail records state.
Chamness remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, May 20. His new bond was set at $100,000, 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.
