Louisiana Man Arrested After Truck Crash On County Road 4712
A 40-year-old Oberlin, Louisiana man was arrested after a truck crash on County Road 4712 Friday morning.
A county commissioner reported finding a vehicle on its side just off County Road 4712 partially in the ditch and tree line just before 7 a.m. Friday, April 24. A male was located inside of the truck. Hopkins County firefighters and sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the location, according to sheriff’s reports.
Upon arrival, Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Jason Lavender contacted the man who’d reportedly been driving the truck when it crashed on CR 4712. The driver was identified by a Louisiana driver’s license as Thomas Michael Powers of Oberlin, Louisiana, according to arrest reports.
After receiving Powers’ consent to search his backpack, Lavender alleged finding a small amount of marijuana in it. Lavender placed Powers into custody while he continued searching the black Chevrolet Colorado. After finding marijuana pipes and two small jars of raw marijuana, Lavender placed Powers under arrest at 8:18 and transported him to jail, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
Upon arrival at the county jail, an on-duty jailer searched Powers’ backpack more thoroughly. The jailer allegedly found a small bag containing a crystal-like substance wrapped in a 10-dollar bill inside a drawstring bag. Powers was charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
The 40-year-old Louisiana man remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning on the felony controlled substance charge, 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.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report For April 14-21, 2020
Tuesday, April 14
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Highway 37 near Quitman; at approximately 2:29 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- At 5:22 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4845 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:01 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 87, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 1:21 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:48 p.m., in reference to harassment on FM 2966 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:10 p.m., in reference to possible identity theft on Broadway Street in Alba. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3163 near Quitman, at approximately 7:19 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole money from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Goode Street in Quitman; at approximately 7:43 p.m. McKenna Wiler, 18, of Mount Vernon, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:53 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat on CR 2306 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 8:07 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2176 near Quitman, at approximately 9:42 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK. - Deputies were dispatched to CR 4700 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:48 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2697 near Mineola, at approximately 10:39 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Wednesday April 15
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 1:35 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- At 9:37 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4200 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:29 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Aaron Hayes, 22, of Winnsboro, was arrested for Aggravated Assault of a Date, Family of Household member with Weapon.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4537 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:47 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actor.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:13 p.m., in reference to harassment on FM 2088 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4730 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:38 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 7532 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:59j p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Airport Road in Winnsboro; at approximately 7:22 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1226 near Quitman, at approximately 7:28 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies located the individuals, and determined they were shooting pellet guns in a safe direction.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4626 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:43 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1483 near Yantis, at approximately 10:28 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Thursday, April 16
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 69 near Alba, at approximately 12:48 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 7981 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:18 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 12:14 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3582 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:29 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident. - At 1:36 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1643 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6394 near Alba, at approximately 3:22 p.m., in reference to an alarm. - Deputies made contact with the homeowner and determined it was an accident.
- At 4:33 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 49 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:48 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2270 near Alba; at approximately 8:35 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:13 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the individuals and advised them to lower the volume of the music.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4200 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:49 p.m., in reference to a structural fire. Winnsboro Fire Department extinguished the fire and the incident was cleared.
Friday, April 17
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Highway 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 8:48 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2306 near Mineola, at approximately 11:39 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat. Deputies were unable to locate the individual to issue the Criminal Trespass Warning. This case is active.
- At 1:39 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 80 near Mineola.
- At 2:48 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1413 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2164 near Quitman, at approximately 4:28 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3420 Hawkins; at approximately 4:54 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched o CR 2275 near Mineola, at approximately 6:24 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 7:05 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2503 near Mineola, at approximately 7:47 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Highway 11 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:15 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Saturday, April 18
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2503 near Mineola, at approximately 12:43 a.m., in reference to a disturbance where an assault occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2697 near Mineola; at approximately 12:50 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:55 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat on Highway 37 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Alba Golden ISD, at approximately 10:26 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3960 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:27 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4730 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:39 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1900 near Yantis, at approximately 3:01 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2174 near Quitman, at approximately 3:47 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:06 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1828 near Yantis, at approximately 4:29 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4860 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:41 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- At 9:16 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4150 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 80 near Mineola, at approximately 9:19 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- At 9:43 p.m., cows were reported out on Loop 564 near Mineola.
Sunday, April 19
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4854 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:12 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the individuals and advised them to lower the volume of the music.
- At 12:30 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4854 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:56 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4591 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:43 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the day.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:21 p.m., in reference to shots fired on FM 515 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Price Street in Hawkins, at approximately 6:47 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Monday, April 20
- At 2:42 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 69 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2176 near Quitman, at approximately 6:22 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- At 9:12 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:39 a.m., in reference to a scam on FM 2422 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:03 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into and stole several items from the reporting party’s building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4870 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:10 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- At 3:55 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2378 near Mineola.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 49 near Mineola; at approximately 6:58 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5881 near Yantis, at approximately 7:12 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3689 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:43 p.m., in reference to shots fired. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Winnsboro Street in Quitman; at approximately 9:16 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Comanche near Quitman; at approximately 11:46 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Tuesday, April 21
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 154 near Yantis, at approximately 12:43 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to Walnut Street in Yantis, at approximately 1:33 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2724 near Mineola; at approximately 3:47 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:54 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief on CR 4560 near Winnsboro. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1900 near Yantis, at approximately 7:25 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Hainsville, at approximately 9:39 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:52 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass on CR 1859 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:24 a.m., in reference to a possible burglary. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 12:42 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1 p.m., in reference to theft.
- Actors, or actors unknown, stole a four wheeler from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 515 near Yantis; at approximately 2:52 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to Bent Horseshoe near Hawkins, at approximately 4:23 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4365 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:04 p.m., in reference to a disturbance where an assault occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 6:48 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2482 near Mineola, at approximately 6:54 p.m., in reference to a disturbance where an assault occurred. This case is active.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804 near Mineola, at approximately 8:50 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4440 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Wendy Applewhite, 43, of Winnsboro, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Agency Assists
Between the dates of April 14 and April 21, 2020, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: White Oak Police Department, Hawkins Police Department, Quitman Police
Department, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services.
Jail Report
Total Jail Count – 118 inmates: 102 males and 16 females.
Reminders from Sheriff Castloo
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763- CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
Four Arrested On Intoxication Charges
Four were arrested on intoxication charges in just over 12 hours. A Richardson man allegedly tested more than twice the legal limit on breath tests after being contacted by officials for vehicle problems on Interstate 30 Thursday afternoon. A Commerce woman and Sulphur Springs man contacted following early morning disturbances Friday, and a Sulphur Springs man found unconscious behind the wheel of an improperly parked vehicle were all charged with public intoxication, according to arrest reports.
DWI Arrest
A 39-year-old Richardson man ended up in Hopkins County jail Thursday afternoon, following a vehicle issues.
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched about 1:40 p.m. April 23 to mile marker 13 on I-30 east where a vehicle appeared to be disabled in the middle of the highway. A deputy reported finding a Nissan Sentra on the shoulder of the left lane facing the east on I-30. A trooper arrived as well. The deputy provided traffic control for the trooper, who went to talk to the man in the silver car.
As the trooper cleared the scene to go to another priority call, he advised the man had run out of gas. On on-call wrecker was dispatched to provide fuel for the motorist. The deputy opted to remain at the site to provide traffic control until the wrecker service arrived.
However, prior to the service’s arrival, the man got the car started and began traveling east on I-30 again. The deputy reported traveling behind the car to make sure the driver was able to get it to an area with a gas station. The car allegedly swerved several times between the right shoulder and center of the highway, before appearing to run out of gas and stopping on the shoulder of I-30 near mile marker 141. The deputy stopped to lend assistance.
Upon contact, the deputy reported difficulty communicating with the man, who didn’t speak English. Using Google Translate to communicate the deputy reported receiving verbal permission to search the car. The man allegedly displayed nervous behavior during the interaction, and wouldn’t speak in the officer’s direction. The man also allegedly swayed while standing, had slight difficulty walking and an alcohol odor emitted from him, the deputy noted in arrest reports.
The deputy reported that, when asked, the man initially indicated he had not consumed any alcoholic beverages, but later admitted he had consumed two alcoholic beverages, according to arrest reports.
Using Google Translate, the deputy conducted horizontal gaze nystagmus tests on the man. The man showed six out of six clues of intoxication, resulting in the 40-year-old being taken into custody at 2:22 p.m. for suspicion of DWI, a deputy alleged in a arrest reports.
Upon arrival at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, a jailer assisted in translating during a field interview. The Richardson man allegedly exhibited multiple clues of intoxication during standard field sobriety tests. The patrol lieutenant administered an intoxilyzer test. The Richardson man allegedly tested 0.218 and 0.198, more than twice the legal 0.08 limit on breath tests.
Consequently, the 40-year-old was escorted into Hopkins County jail on a DWI charge, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, April 24, 2020. Bond was set at $1,000 on the Class B misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
Behind The Wheel
A 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man was allegedly found unconscious behind the steering wheel of a Ford Ranger parked across two parking spaces at a South Broadway Street convenience store around 1:15 a.m. Friday.
Upon contacting the man, Sulphur Springs police alleged he exhibited signs and indicators of intoxication on substances other than alcohol. He allegedly spoke with slurred speech, was very unsteady on his feet, requiring support to stand. The Sulphur Springs man allegedly failed horizontal gaze nystagmus tests and other tests.
Believing the man to represent a danger to himself and others, police took the man into custody just before 1:30 a.m. April 24, for public intoxication, according to arrest reports. He was released from the county jail later Friday, according to jail reports.
The arrest marked the second time this year and third time in the last 8 months he has been in Hopkins County jail. He spent Aug. 14-15, 2019 and Jan. 6-8, 2020 in custody on possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana charges, according to jail reports.
PI Disturbances
Two people were arrested by police for public intoxication following two separate disturbance reports early Friday morning, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs responded first to a complaint of a disturbance just before 2 a.m. April 24. A policeman located a 35-year-old Commerce woman walking south in the 600 block of South Davis Street.
Officers, in arrest reports, alleged she “was speaking ‘out of her head’ and very rapidly.” The Commerce woman also exhibited signs and indicators of intoxication of substances other than alcohol, police reports allege. The woman allegedly admitted to using methamphetamine during the night.
Based on those findings, the officer believed the woman to present a potential danger to herself. Thus, they took her into custody at 2:19 a.m. April 24 and escorted her to Hopkins County jail, where the 35-year-old was booked on a public intoxication charge, according to arrest reports.
The Commerce woman remained in Hopkins County jail later Friday on the PI charge, according to jail reports.
The second disturbance was reported after 2 a.m. April 24 at a residence.
The occupants of the house alleged a 20-year-old Sulphur Springs man, who did not live at the address, was “under the influence of an unknown substance and he was out of his mind,” Sulphur Springs police alleged in arrest reports. The individual was alleged to have run barefooted from the house.
Sulphur Springs police searched the area, finding a 22-year-old on Gilmer Street at Linda Drive at 2:20 a.m. Friday. On contact, police alleged the man “was not making sense when answering questions.” He also failed horitalzontal gaze nystagmus tests, officers alleged in arrest reports.
Believing the 20-year-old to be a potential danger to himself or others, officers took him to jail for public intoxication, according to arrest reports.
He was released from the county jail later April 24. The arrest marked the fourth time he’s been booked into Hopkins County jail for PI, 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.
Sulphur Springs Public Library to Start Summer Reading Program Early
Summer Reading Program is a long awaited event for our families here in
Hopkins County!
The excitement leading up to and during summer reading program is
invaluable as it provides incentive and encouragement to children to keep reading over the summer. Our goal is to instill a love of reading for pleasure and strengthen families through time spent together.
With the sudden changes to our community and schools, the library feels it important to begin the Summer Reading Program early this year and offer online access to the reading logs.
Sulphur Springs Public Library is pleased to launch our online reading program app on May 4, 2020. Please watch our Facebook page for the most up to date information and app information. Participants can log minutes, online with the app or by picking up a paper form at the front desk. Prizes can be redeemed on or after their opening dates at the front desk or curbside delivery (depending on whether the library is open at that time).
Since the program is longer than usual, our challenge to the students is to
log 1000 minutes of reading between May 1 and July 30. There are exciting prizes awarded at 7 stages along the way. There will also be fun Missions to be completed for additional points: including checking out our STEM kits for fun science based projects. The library staff is happy to be here for you, and can help at every step of the way!
Right now, the library is staffed, answering the telephone, and delivering
books curbside Monday through Friday 9-6. Sulphur Springs Public Library, 903-885-4926, www.sslibrary.org
Commerce Man Jailed On A Controlled Substance Charge
A 41-year-old Commerce man was jailed on a controlled substance charge following an early morning traffic stop Thursday.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s deputies reportedly initiated a traffic stop on a GMC pickup at 3:50 a.m. April 23 on FM 499 after noticing the truck’s right tail light was out. The deputies, in arrest reports, noted the truck traveled “farther than normal” after the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights were turned on.
Upon contact with the driver, deputies reported the man displayed altered speech and furtive movements. When asked to search the pickup, the man allegedly refused consent. The man was instructed to exit the truck and a police canine was requested.
Upon arrival, the police canine conducted a free air sniff around the vehicle. The dog alerted for contraband, resulting in a probable cause search of the vehicle, HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Justin Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports. The sheriff’s officers allegedly located a bag containing suspected methamphetamine in a plastic cup holder
Consequently, deputies placed the man in the truck, 42-year-old Gary Wayne Arrington of Commerce, into custody at 4:34 a.m. April 23. Arrington was transported to jail, the truck was impounded. The contraband at the jail weighed 0.63 gram and field-tested positive for methamphetamine, resulting in Arrington being charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Arrington was released from Hopkins County jail later April 23 on the felony charge. Bond 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.
Como-Pickton High School Names Top 10 Seniors
This year’s top 10 Como-Pickton High School seniors were announced Friday afternoon, April 24.
Makayla Teer earned valedictorian honors and Sarah Tran salutatorian honors. Also making the top 10 are seniors Jake Anderson, Ruby (Gema) Mercado, Carol Nabors, Mya Lewis, Andrew Rasgado, Nolan Brown, Ruben Preciado and Diana Gallegos.
Two Sulphur Springs Subdivisions Considerations Addressed By City Boards
Variance revisions and final plat requests for two Sulphur Springs subdivisions received approval from city boards this week, moving each a step further in the development process. Jonathan Kennedy asked for a variance revision to subdivide land for a subdivision on Loop 301 and County Road 3503 from the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Pat Chase sought approval on a final plat request for a six lot subdivision at the corner of Connally at Easy Street.
Loop 301 Variance Revision
Jonathan Kennedy asked the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals to allow a revised variance to subdivide a tract of land and seek a variance to create a subdivision at Loop 301 at CR 3503, without extending utlities.
The project was originally to divide 120 acres of land into four tracts: 18.3, 22.3, 28.7 and 50.7 acre lots. That was given approval. Kennedy has applied to revise that plan to instead divide the 120 acres into five lots as follows: 60.857, 12.312, 15.394, 13.46 and 17.952 acres. The property is within Sulphur Springs’ extra territorial jurisdiction, requiring plat procedures meet the city’s subdivision standards regarding such things as road, sewer, water, drainage and fire protection.
At the recommendation of city staff, Jonathan Kennedy’s variance revision requestion was approved by the ZBA April 21. It will not be required to go to the City Council for final approval since there are no public utilities being extended to serve those lots.
Connally, Easy Street Final Plat
The Planning and Zoning Commission on April 20 considered a final plat request for Connally Corner Addition, a six lot subdivision with optional garage apartments behind the primary structures, located just off the square at the corner of Connally and Easy Street.
Pat Chase and Carrie Nuckolls last month approached the ZBA in March, asking for variances to create 6 single-family lots along with a dedicated
alley providing access to rear garages with option for an accessory dwelling unit above the garage.
The Connally Corner Addition would create a development that is walkable to downtown; offers an option for income-producing property to offset living expenses; and is more financially sustainable to city’s financial
sustainability.
The city staff at that time sent out 22 letters and received no written responses. One property owner did, however, express to city staff concerns with the development turning into rental property and affecting property values.
After the applicant met with city staff, several recommendations were made, including not having property lines extend into the street or alleyway; and establishing a building envelop to show building placement to ensure uniform development patter.
Additional concerns were voiced at the March ZBA meeting, including that the development fit in with the the other residences on Connally Street, and that the owner live in at one of the two structures, either the primary residence or the garage apartment.
The ZBA at the March meeting recommended approving the variances, provided the following conditions are met:
- At least one of the dwelling units must be owner occupied, either the accessory unit or the principle residence.
- The accessory dwelling unit matches the character and materials of
the principle residence. - The layout of the plat be based on the 3-13-2020 set of plans.
- All engineering for the proposed development be accepted by the
City Engineer prior to submitting the Final Plat.
This month, the applicant submitted the final plat, which included the conditions from the ZBA, to have their civil engineering for the site to work. The final plat proposal with conditions received recommendation from Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday, April 20. Because the final plat involves public utility extensions it will be presented to Sulphur Springs City Council at their next meeting.
Both the Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals Meetings were conducted via Zoom meeting conferencing.
2020 SSHS Graduation Plans Announced
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Friday announce plan for the 2020 Sulphur Springs High School Graduation. In order to observe COVID-19 guidelines in place, the 2020 SSHS Graduation will be a different kind of commencement exercise, with individual celebrations combined to create one big overall video instead of a large community event held in the stadium or Civic Center arena, according to the news release issued around 11 a.m. April 24.
“We have collaborated with SSISD staff members, parents, community members, and students to provide the best possible graduation ceremony for our seniors. After carefully weighing ALL options for our 2020 Commencement, we have determined that the richest and most inclusive option for our seniors is to create individual graduation experiences, with family members in attendance, with an all-inclusive graduation video to follow,” the SSISD press release stated.
May 1-15 individual graduation experiences will be created for every graduating senior in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Each senior’s “individual graduation” will be filmed.
“We know that our ceremony will not be exactly the same as in normal times, but we intend to create as many of the experiences (sights, sounds, hugs, pictures, and memorable moments) as possible for every senior…together as the Class of 2020,” the SSHS press release stated.
Students and families can expect to cross the stage in graduation dress and receive their diploma cover, with up to 10 family members attending to cheer, take pictures, and share experience with their graduate.
After crossing the stage, graduates and family members can take more pictures in a photo area. Professional graduation picture packages will still be available for purchase. SSISD will also purchase one complimentary 8 x10 inch graduation photo for every graduate. Seniors and family members will receive a graduation program.
Also filmed will be traditional parts of the commencement exercise, including the presentation of the colors, National Anthem, invocation, valedictorian and salutatorian speeches, and school song. These will be combined with the individual celebrations to produce a full graduation “ceremony” featuring the entire senior class, which will air online on May 22.
2020 Bright Star Scholars Announced
The 2020 Bright Star Scholars recipients were announced this week for 11 Hopkins County seniors. Five recipients were selected from rural Hopkins County schools and six from Sulphur Springs ISD.
North Hopkins senior Eastan Lewis, Saltillo senior Jocelyn Ochoa, Sulphur Bluff senior Ryan Vance, and Como-Pickton seniors Diana Gallegos and Mya Lewis were selected from among applicants from county schools for a Bright Star Scholarship.
The 2020 Bright Star Scholarship recipients from Sulphur Springs High School include Allie Thurman, Grayson McClure, Isaac Gutierres, Mattie Thurman, Thomas Owen and Zach Tiemeyer.
The program, funded by the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation, provides $4,000 per semester, renewable for up to eight semesters, to pay for undergraduate studies. Students who complete their undergraduate studies in less than 8 semesters after high school may apply the remaining grant funding at a rate of $4,000 per semester toward graduate studies up to 8 semesters.
The Bright Stars scholarships are open each year to all graduating seniors from the seven school districts in Hopkins County: Como-Pickton, Cumby, Miller Grove, North Hopkins, Saltillo, Sulphur Bluff and Sulphur Springs.
The Gillis Foundation was developed and is supported by John and Deborah Gillis and will be managed by former teacher and educational consultant Robin Shrode. All three are Sulphur Springs High School graduates.
John Gillis, chairman/CEO of Gillis Holdings, Inc., is a fifth-generation Hopkins County native. Both are graduates of East Texas State University. The couple, when announcing the creation of the foundation, noted they have been blessed and felt compelled to give back. They opted to do so by providing funding to enable economically disadvantaged Hopkins County students to pursue higher education.
The scholarship program is the second platform of the Gillis Foundation’s commitment to local education. The foundation also awards grants to local schools for innovative programs in their schools.
The purpose of the Bright Stars Grants To Schools program is to support schools as they prepare students who graduate from high school to be college and career ready whatever their life goals may be.
Additional information about the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation, can be found online at jdgillisfoundation.org
ZBA Grants Special Use Permits For Main Street Boutique, Cargo Container
Two special use permits approved this week will allow a new boutique to offer cosmetic tattooing on Main Street and allow a cargo container to remain at 1400 College St.
Both permits were presented April 20 to the Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Commission, which then recommended both to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals. The ZBA approved both at the April 21 meeting. Both meetings were conducted via Zoom conferencing due to COVID-19 precautions.
Cosmetic Tattoo Permit
Susie Dunn asked both groups for permission to allow her to perform cosmetic tattoos at a new store, Susie Q’s Boutique and Permanent Cosmetics, to be located at 213 Main St. on the downtown square.
Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski reported 38 letters had been sent to property owners within 200 feet of the property. They received three responses back. One was in opposition to the proposed permit and two would allow the permit, one was specifically in favor of permitting Dunn to provide cosmetic tattoos to cover scars and blemishes after a surgery.
Niewiadomski said of the three other businesses that have requested special use permits for tattooing to operate in the city, two were granted permission and one was declined over the last two years. The denial was for what would be a full tattoo parlor.
Dunn explained that this would not be a “tattoo parlor.” She noted she is a registered nurse and has also received the skills training and certification to help people who have cancer and to remove tattoos for people joining the military. For instance, Dunn uses her skill to help a breast cancer survivor whose had a mastectomy and reconstruction have what appears to be a normal areola. She can also help those experiencing alopecia by creating eyebrows and the like.
Dunn says she’s already providing this service and currently has people waiting her to be allowed to resume operations following the COVID-19 measures.
Susie Dunn’s husband told the ZBA members that his wife is “one of the two best in the country at what she does.” He explained that doctors call her and refer their patients to her for medical issues. She helps breast cancer survivors look as natural as possible. She has people not just from the area and Dallas, but people who come from as far away as California and New York for her services.
Robert Cote, who was in November was granted permission to open a tattoo studio on Houston Street, said he supports Dunn and thinks what she does is amazing. However, he asked, from a legal standpoint, for clarification regarding what would be allowed with the permit and any potential broader impact from granting the permit.
Niewiadomski said the request is for cosmetic tattooing only. Any tattooing outside of that would violate the terms of the special use permit for cosmetic only tattooing.
“Everything I do is for the public. I do not and will not do body tattoos,” she told the Zoning Board of Adjustments Tuesday night.
Dunn emphasized she will not have anyone else in her shop performing tattoos either.
“I don’t tattoo at all. It’s permanent makeup,” Dunn said.
The state classifies all tattooing, whether regular art tattooing or cosmetic tattooing, the same. A tattoo breaks the skin and inserts ink under the skin, it was pointed out.
After a couple of different motions that failed to receive full approval, the motion was finally approved by the ZBA to grant a special use permit to Susie Dunn for cosmetic tattooing specific to the terms the applicant requested.
Cargo Container Permit
Texas Animal Health Commission asked the city to consider renewing the special use permit allowing a cargo/shipping container to remain in place at 1400 College St.
The container, located at the southwest corner of the nearly 4-acre site, is used for secure storage of product for TAHC. It is off the edge of the parking lot in an open area near a tree lined/screened area, behind an auto repair shop on Shannon Road.
According to Niewiadomski, the container has been at that location for the last year, and in that time city staff have received no inquires about it. Ten letters were sent to property owners within 200 feet of the property notifying them of the permit request, and offering a chance to weigh in either for, again or undecided. City staff received no responses.
TAHC owns the container. The commission indicated a desire to remain at that location indefinitely.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday approved the request and forwarded it to the ZBA with a recommendation that the special use permit be approved for TAHC for three years.
The commission’s request for a special use permit to keep the container on site was approved as recommended Tuesday.
