Wood County Sheriff’s Report For April 22-27, 2020
Wednesday, April 22
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 7547 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:33 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:51 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4560 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:54 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2232 near Mineola, at approximately 11:18 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 5:48 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:44 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- At 8:25 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3250 near Quitman.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Pacific St. in Mineola; at approximately 8:40 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 9:46 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 11:38 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Thursday April 23
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2766 near Mineola, at approximately 3:16 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5518 near Alba, at approximately 4:13 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the homeowner and everything was OK.
- At 7:42 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2958 near Alba, at approximately 11:20 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 11:45 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
- At 12:59 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2958 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Yantis, at approximately 1:58 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3582 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:57 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. All parties were separated for the day.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1452 near Quitman, at approximately 4:35 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2425 near Mineola, at approximately 6:39 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:44 p.m., in reference to a possible theft on CR 2131 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6645 near Mineola, at approximately 11:29 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies made contact with the individuals and advised them to lower the volume of the music.
Friday, April 24
- At 1:35 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 1:58 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4730 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:28 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and they separated for the night.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Como, at approximately 9:06 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2292 near Mineola, at approximately 9:29 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, used the reporting party’s credit card without authorization.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2345 near Mineola, at approximately 10:07 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4531 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:19 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:32 p.m., in reference to a scam on CR 2590 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3486 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:53 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1602 near Alba, at approximately 6:22 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook point, at approximately 8:04 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2150 near Quitman, at approximately 8:36 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1823 near Yantis; at approximately 8:40 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Winnsboro boat ramp; at approximately 10:21 p.m. Charles Newman, 38, of Como, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:34 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1560 near Alba, at approximately 11:03 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Saturday, April 25
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2906 near Mineola, at approximately 1:15 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4165 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:23 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to Loop 564 near Mineola, at approximately 9:44 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2950 near Alba, at approximately 2:57 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1559 near Alba, at approximately 3:02 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 3:35 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4751 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Yantis, at approximately 3:48 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately 5:27 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4890 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:51 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies made contact with the individuals driving a four-wheeler and advised them to not drive on the roads.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Lake Hawkins point, at approximately 7:25 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at the Mineola Nature Preserve; at approximately 8:44 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2482 near Mineola, at approximately 9:23 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies made contact with the individuals and advised them to lower the volume of the music.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Yantis, at approximately 9:52 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies made contact with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1590 near Alba, at approximately 10:30 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2966 near Quitman; at approximately 10:43 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:46 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Sunday, April 26
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 1:06 a.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 5:31 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Newsome St. in Mineola; at approximately 8:50 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Pine St. in Winnsboro; at approximately 10:06 a.m. Haiden Black, 17, of Winnsboro, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2121 near Quitman, at approximately 10:06 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies made contact with the individuals and cleared the incident.
- At 10:56 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Yantis.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:04 p.m., in reference to theft on CR 2841 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Como, at approximately 1:29 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies made contact with the individuals and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:40 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, parties were separated.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 7:49 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a lawn mower from the reporting party’s property.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:04 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1799 near Mineola, at approximately 8:33 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 8:58 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4691 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:54 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the four-wheeler.
Monday, April 27
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 7:42 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1575 near Alba, at approximately 10:37 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies made contact with the reporting party and gave them advice.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 10:50 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 1:23 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 1:24 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- At 1:53 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Como.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Cumbie St. in Hawkins; at approximately 1:57 p.m. Donnell Garner, 31, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1612 near Alba, at approximately 5:34 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 7:05 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1822 near Yantis, at approximately 7:44 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- At 10:21 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 49 near Mineola.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 11:24 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Agency Assists
Between the dates of April 22 and April 27, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Hawkins Police Department, Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, Quitman Police Department, Department of Public Safety, Mineola Police Department.
Jail Report
Total Jail Count – 120 inmates: 104 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.
May 1, 2020 Re-opening Guidelines for the Sulphur Springs Public Library
HOURS FOR MAY
Monday through Friday 10-6
Regular opening MTWF 9-6, Thursdays 11-8 and Saturday 9-1 will
resume in June
RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE
If you feel sick or are sneezing or coughing, for the consideration,
comfort and safety of all, please stay home.
BOOKS
Curbside Service is extended through May
Limit of 10 books per card at checkout (or 20 per family)
Books must be returned at the book drop on the side of the building
COMPUTERS
8 computer stations will be available for 1 hour per person per day.
Please check in at front desk
NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE
Not available at this time
5th COVID-19 Case Reported In Hopkins County
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team Friday afternoon reported Hopkins County has another positive case of coronavirus confirmed by the state, marking the fifth case of COVID-19 reported in Hopkins County.
This is the first notification of a new case since April 4. The four other individuals who were confirmed by lab testing through the state to have COVID-19 have already recovered. The case they were notified about Friday is the only lab-confirmed active case known to the state and local officials in Hopkins County at this time.
“The good news is that it’s May 1. We made it through what I believed would be the hardest times of this crisis. We just received word we have a new confirmed case. We have no details about it yet,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said around 2:20 p.m. Friday, May 1.
Newsom said a nurse working under Dr. I.L. Balkcom should be helpful in getting more background information.
The news comes as many retailers and restaurants opened back up today with 50 percent occupancy, as allowed by the state for counties with 5 or fewer cases. Any additional cases would mean businesses would have to reduce occupancy to 25 percent.
“We are excited on that side of it for businesses, but are sad at the news of the new case. The four we have had have already recovered. It’s been good. Hopkins County has done extremely well,” Newsom said.
The new case is reported to be one of the 181 tests reported earlier this week. It is one of the three test results that were pending.
“That’s about 96 percent of cases tested have come back negative. This one was probably tested a week ago or more, we’ve been waiting 7-10 days,” Newsom reported.
At the mobile test collection site hosted Thursday at the Civic Center more than 80 tests were collected. The coordinators reported they were prepared for at least 100, and didn’t fill all the slots with first responders and people who had symptoms testing, the emergency officials reported.
When asked, with a sharp rise in a Paris nursing home last week, whether additional measures were needed or if there was concern for local nursing homes, Sulphur Springs Fire Chief David James reported our nursing and assisted care facilities were a week ahead of the official shutdown by local officials in Hopkins County.
The officials reported our facilities are closed not only to visitors but to all outside agencies. They are limited to only staff from the facility, with no traveling nurses. Any staff who have days off are screened carefully when returning to work. They report “owners of our local nursing homes are very, very cautious.”
To assist local restaurants and retailers in meeting guidelines regarding the maximum of 50 percent capacity rule and social distancing, the city and county fire marshals visited restaurants this week to help them figure out distancing. While capacity is important, the social distancing component is even more so. They are restricting people to no more than six per table, and keeping them 6 feet apart, James noted.
The HCEMT reported our local “restaurant do a fantastic job sanitizing and sterilizing.” They remind customers to newly reopened businesses the keep social distancing in mind as much as they can, and if they feel comfortable doing so in public, wearing a mask is their option.
TAMUC Alumni On The Front Lines Of COVID-19 Pandemic
COMMERCE, TEXAS— While the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic in many different ways, former Texas A&M University-Commerce public health students are helping their communities on the front lines and gaining first-hand experience in their fields.
Edward Monroy is a 2019 graduate from Fort Worth, Texas, who received his degree in public health at A&M-Commerce. He began his graduate studies at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, but the onset of the current pandemic has caused him to use his skills in an additional capacity.
“The Tarrant County Health Department approached our graduate program seeking any volunteer help we could give,” Monroy said. “I agreed to volunteer in the fight against this pandemic.”
Now, Monroy devotes at least 20 hours per week with his home county health department as a contact investigator in the county’s epidemiology department. This means that when someone in the county tests positive for COVID-19, he is called into action to investigate where this person might have contracted the virus, where they have been since and who else they have been in contact with, among other things.
“The main goal is to find out when and where they got the virus so we can determine who else is at risk or may have been infected to help slow the spread,” Monroy said. “We can also connect patients with vital resources they may need.”
He and about 60 other students from UNT’s Health Science Center are volunteering their time to Tarrant County, which has been no small task. According to the most recent data on April 30, more than 2,000 positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in the county.
Monroy says that while the current situation is challenging, the education he received at A&M-Commerce prepared him well.
“I feel like anyone who received a public health degree at A&M-Commerce is capable of handling what I do and more,” Monroy said. “I feel like I am well prepared to help this community.”
He adds that working on such a personal level with patients has taught him to be more empathetic. “This pandemic has really tapped into the human element of why we do what we do,” he said.
Another alumnus is also making waves in her community more than 1,700 miles from Commerce. Betzy Mundo is a 2019 public health graduate from A&M-Commerce. The Garland, Texas, native started her career as program coordinator with the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Oakland, California, less than a month ago, right as the pandemic was causing mass closures across the world.
“There have been some struggles so far,” Mundo said. “Half of our team is working from home, and we are missing a lot of the volunteer effort that the food bank is used to having.”
Alameda County is also feeling the effects of COVID-19, with more than 1,500 confirmed cases as of April 30. In response, Mundo and her team have made changes to their operations to meet residents’ needs.
“We have set up a drive-thru distribution system that limits the amount of contact between people,” Mundo said. “It helps us continue to give in a safer manner because the need is still so great.”
She added that from the first to second week of the new system, use of the drive-thru increased ten-fold.
Mundo says that her education at A&M-Commerce taught her to go past what is taught in a classroom and be proactive.
“My education as a public health student at A&M-Commerce taught me to go beyond the textbook,” Mundo said. “This school gives you many great opportunities if you are willing to take them.”
Dr. Elizabeth Wachira, assistant professor and director of the public health program at A&M-Commerce, stated that the current pandemic is a learning experience for students.
“The best way to learn about public health is to simply do and be public health. Our alums during their studies have the opportunity to make an impact in and outside our campus community to promote public health,” Wachira said. “It is exciting, though not surprising, that they have ‘boots on the ground’ to serve and use their knowledge to meet the demands at this time.”
4 Sentenced On Felony Charges In District Court
In Zoom streamed court hearings, 4 were sentenced on felony charges Thursday afternoon in the 8th Judicial District Court. Three men were assessed jail time and a woman’s probation was modified, as a result of plea agreements.
For each, the judge was located in the district court building on Rosemont Street, which is now open with COVID-19 measures in place for visitors to view proceedings in accordance with guidelines established for court systems.
The defendants were in custody at the location jail, where they were located during the Zoom proceedings. In some instance, defense attorneys joined their clients and in others they streamed in live from other locations. Prosecutors also streamed in from other locations as well. The district court reporter also was logged into the Zoom meeting. Proceedings were also streamed live on the 8th Judicial District Court YouTube feed.
David Glenn Self pled guilty to a May 2019 possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, and accepted a sentence of 5 years in the Institutional Division of Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Also as part of the plea agreement, another May 2019 controlled substance charge was dismissed, pursuant to 12.45 of the Texas Penal Code.
Hopkins County jail reports show the 39-year-old Longview man was booked into and has remained in Hopkins County jail since May 30, 2019 on both controlled substance charges, and also had a violation of parole warrant.
While serving the Self with the warrant, Hopkins County Sheriff‘s deputies alleged finding multiple clear plastic bags containing suspected methamphetamine, mirrors with what was believed to be meth residue on them, THC oil vials with a cigarette and other drug paraphernalia in the Broadway Street motel room where he was found. Self claimed the substances and was arrested May 30 on both the warrant and two controlled substance charges, HCSO deputies noted in Self’s 2019 arrest report.
Steven Lamar Johnson pled guilt to violation of probation, which he was on community supervision for a burglary of habitation charge. The 30-year-old was sentenced to 7 years, with credit for back time served in jail from the time of his arrest in January 2019 through April 20, as well as any other time he was jailed on these charges.
He will be assessed court costs, fees and attorney fees. This sentence is to be served concurrently with a sentence for a conviction in another county. A misdemeanor theft charge will be dismissed as part of the deal.
Johnson was first arrested on Aug. 21, 2013 on a warrant for a burglary of a habitation charge. He was released from the county jail on Sept. 25, 2013, and had been serving time on probation on the charge. He was booked into Hopkins County jail on Jan. 22, 2020 on a warrant for violation of probation on the burglary charge as well as bond forfeiture on a misdemeanor theft charge, according to jail reports. The latter charge was dropped as part of the plea agreement
Rodney Edward Petrea, Jr. plead guilty to the minimum sentence on a possession of a controlled substance charge, which had previously been enhanced to make it a drug-free zone violation. As part of the plea agreement, a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge will be dismissed, but the 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man will be required to pay $1,264.45 restitution. He also owes $180 for lab tests, a fine and court fees.
By pleading guilty agreement, Petrea is to serve the state minimum of 2 years in prison, with credit for any time served on the charge. Because the charge has the added drug-free zone enhancement, Petrea will be required to serve the entire two-year sentence, day-for-day, with no possibility of parole.
Petrea has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest on New Year’s Day for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and criminal mischief.
The 28-year-old and another man were arrested Jan. 1, 2020, at a Calvert Street residence. Officers had gone to the location to serve a warrant and found the pair. Petrea was allegedly sitting in a chair beside a dresser, holding narcotics paraphernalia in his hand. Suspected narcotics were allegedly observed by police to be in plain view on a dresser, police alleged in arrest reports.
Shawna Jean Clay’s probation was modified, requiring her go to a commitment in a long-term residential drug rehabilitation facility.
The 34-year-old Winnsboro woman, as part of the deal, waived indictment and allowed officials to file a new case against her by information, for a Jan. 18 engaging in organized criminal activity, for her involvement in a residential burglary. In that case, she received 10 years of deferred adjudication probation and must also complete the drug rehabilitation program as a condition of her probation. She will also be required to testify if the criminal activity case involving codefendants goes to trail.
Another condition of her probation stipulates that she pay full restitution to the victim of the burglary. If Clay fails to successfully complete these requirements or any other probation conditions, she faces a term of 5-99 years, or life, in the penitentiary with aggravated parole rules, according to Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris.
Clay was among five arrested following a Jan. 17 burglary investigation conduct which lead HCSO officers and investigators to a County Road 2390 address. Overall, the arrests cleared cases in two counties; resulted in recovery of 10 stolen weapons, two stolen vehicles and multiple tools; and discovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to the January sheriff’s and arrest reports.
The Winnsboro woman has remained in Hopkins County jail since her arrest in January.
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.
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.
COVID-19 Mobile Test Collection Sites In Texas
COVID-19 mobile test collection was conducted free Thursday at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center as well as at Cooper Elementary School.
Anyone who registered either online or by phone could drive up to have a sample taken by swab. Thursday at 12:30 p.m. the mobile test collection site had 42 specimens for those registered, and 42 in queue ready for the afternoon, according to Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief of Media and Communications Chief Seth Christensen.
The samples, once collected, are then sent to designated public health and university health labs. The person tested receive notification of the results, which currently have an expected turnaround time of 72 hours, although that time frame varies depending on labs and turn around time. Any tests not used at one site that are still viable will be used at another location, to ensure tests aren’t wasted, according to Christensen.
The mobile test collection is a collaborative effort of multiple agencies, including onsite testing coordinated by local doctors and Texas Department of State Health Services, in conjunction with local officials, and conducted on-site by the National Guard.
TDEM partners with the military, DSHS and Texas AgriLife to offer the free mobile clinics in areas where people may not have had an opportunity to be tested yet and areas with vulnerable populations. Regional TDEM officials are in direct contact with county and other local officials to determine needs for their area.
Data from the testing sites will be used “to help provide surveillance around the state so that our officials can make informed decisions in reference to getting our communities and economy open again.”
Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Parks and Wildlife in some instances support the effort as well, by helping get the specimen collected at the mobile collection sites to the lab quickly. This can include using helicopters to expediently transport specimens.
Information about known testing sites, mobile, drive-thru and others in Texas is available online or the link on @TDEM on Twitter. Mobile test collection does not require the person tested to reside in the city or county where the mobile test collection is being conducted. For instance, if a Hopkins County or Delta County resident was not tested at the mobile test collection in Sulphur Springs Thursday, the individual could go online to covidtest.tedem.texas.gov, check the online map for the next nearest site, then click for additional information (including times, address and directions).
Only registered individuals will be tested. Register by calling the number provided for the site or register online for an appointment.
Callers will be asked will be asked some questions about any COVID symptoms they may have. Those who work in the fields of healthcare, public safety or critical infrastructure were automatically accepted for the testing, even if they had no symptoms.
The designated light green mobile test collection icon is for currently active sites. Sulphur Springs and Cooper were green on the testing map Thursday. The orange “scheduled” icon denotes sites to be operational very soon. Hunt County and Mineola each have mobile test collection scheduled May 1.
Mobile test collection sites are free. Lists for drive-thru and walk-in testing at labs and public facilities are also listed on the state testing map. Individuals would need to check with each for their cost and availability.
What’s In A Name: Heirloom, Hybrids And GMOs?
By Phyllis Kitten, Hopkins County Master Gardener
When it comes to understanding and distinguishing the difference between heirloom plants, the lines may be a bit blurry to the home gardener.
Heirloom Plants
If you’re part of the baby boomer generation, your grandparents, and probably your parents grew heirloom vegetables almost exclusively. Most heirloom seeds have been handed down from generation to generation — most regions of the country. They were hand-picked by gardeners for a special trait — perhaps the specific taste of a tomato, or the hardiness of a squash plant. Some may have been developed by a university when commercial breeding of vegetables was just beginning — at least a half century ago. Some heirloom varieties are centuries old.
The most descriptive aspect of heirloom plants is that they are all open pollinated, which means they are pollinated by wind or insects and no human intervention is needed. Also, the characteristics of heirlooms tend to remain stable from one year to the next.
There seems to be general agreement among gardeners that heirloom varieties taste better than hybrids or GMOs. However, heirlooms are known for certain inconsistencies. The harvest time may be unpredictable, and the size of the fruit can vary widely.
Some heirloom fruits and vegetables include lemon cucumbers, Mexican Sour gherkin cucumber, Pink Accordion tomato, Lebanese Bunching eggplant, green nutmeg melon, Romanesco broccoli and Chiogga beet.
Hybrids
Since heirlooms were generally used for home consumption, gardeners grew them for flavor. However, with increasing U.S. population after World War II, commercial growers began looking for consistencies in harvest time, size, amount of production, ship ability and color of vegetables and other plants.
(Park Seed Photo)
Plant breeders create hybrids when they intentionally cross-pollinate two different varieties of a plant, hoping to create a new hybrid variety that contains the best traits of both parent varieties. Although hybrids are often confused with genetically modified organisms, there is a significant difference.
Of course, cross-pollination takes place naturally as well but when hybridizing, growers carefully control the pollination to make sure that the traits they are looking for occur with the offspring. Traits they may be looking for are resistance to disease, insect or fungal infections, and bigger or more uniform size. Creating the right hybrid takes many long years of experimentation and recording of traits.
The Juliet (Roma) tomato is an example of a hybrid tomato. So is Sun Gold, a yellow cherry tomato.
Some of the good traits of hybrids are: dependability in size and color, uniformity in color and flavor, better disease resistance, higher yield and less care required.
Hybrids include carrots, cucumbers, melons, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and squash.
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)
These are plants (or animals) whose genes have been changed using genetic engineering processes. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to produce medicines and foods.
In plants, scientists have been transferring genes for years now. Genes have been transferred within the same species, a cross species and even across kingdoms. GMOs are also being used in the research and production of pharmaceutical drugs, experimental medicine and, of course, in plants.
There are many GMO crops and many GMO seeds available. Some of the commercial vegetables and food we eat have been genetically modified. The idea behind GMO engineering is to produce a trait in a plant that does not occur naturally in the species.
In plants, GMO species are bred to create resistance to pests, diseases, environmental conditions. It can also help in reducing the amount of large amounts of the food product spoiling that occurs during long transportation. Genetic engineering of plants can also make them resistant to herbicides.
GMOs are not restricted to plant species. Many foodstuffs contain GMOs: baking powder, citric acid, condensed milk, glucose, glycerin, lecithin, maltodextrin, protein isolate starch, sugar, vegetable fat, and vitamins B12 and E. If you object to consuming GMOs, buy certified organic and look for the non-GMO label.
Some already common GMO crops include some rice varieties, vaccine-producing bananas and blue roses. Most cotton and soybeans crops are also genetically modified. Other examples of genetically modified commercial crops include canola, alfalfa, sugar beets and corn, to name a few.
Heirloom plants are not hybrids and hybrids are not genetically modified organisms. Hybrids and heirlooms are not genetically manipulated in labs. They don’t contain foreign DNA from a species that is very different.
GMOs however, cannot exist without laboratory manipulation. When choosing what types of plants to use in your garden, it might be best to stick with the tried and true — the heirlooms and hybrids. Although there has been a big push by large agricultural corporations such as Monsanto to advance the science of GMOs, there has been a strong resistance from independent farmers to use GMO seed, with many questioning the efficacy of genetic manipulation.
SSHS Seniors, Parents Receive Graduation Update
Sulphur Springs High School Principal Derek Driver and sponsor Mylissa Bailey Wednesday night held a Facebook live event on the SSHS Student Council Facebook Page to provide additional information for seniors and parents regarding graduation and end of the year information. While an honors breakfast and awards program are not possible this year, SSHS seniors will receive scholarship and honors recognition at graduation.
Each of the 292 seniors will have the opportunity walk the stage at a different designated arrival time, to be filmed, with the entirety to be compiled for one full “graduation ceremony” to be played on the school website, the videographer’s site, KSST’s Channel 18 and potentially other media outlets, at 8 pm. May 22.
Students are to arrive 15 minutes ahead of their designated time, with family members or others who will attend the graduation. Due to recent orders from the governor, seniors will be allowed to have up to 15 people with them. All should arrive together. They will park in the student parking lot and check in with the SSISD Police officer on site. They will direct the graduation party to the Civic Center.
The graduates, if they choose to purchase graduation photos, will bring the envelope they received with their camp and gown, with exact change in it for their package and their name on the outside of the envelope, to hand over at the designated spot prior to taking the stage. The school will provide for each senior free of charge, one 8×10 photo, as well as a DVD if desired.
If the student is an honor student, a blood donor or other distinction that would be denoted with a cord or stole, such as Student Council officer, the student will receive it at that time. Instead of an honors breakfast, the student will receive the honors designation, then receive a small gift following their graduation.
Also, students who have received scholarships or are military-bound are encouraged to get that information to the principal at [email protected]; that information, if possible, will scroll at the bottom of the video, as the student takes his/her walk on the stage to received a diploma certificate.
The teacher each honors graduate would have recognized at the honors breakfast is also invited to attend the graduation ceremony with that honor student’s family; the teacher does not count in the student’s 15 people. The student is responsible for contacting and making sure that teacher is ready with their family.
The family will go to a designated area to cheer their graduate as their name is called and witness them walk the stage. They will have about 10 minutes afterward in the ballroom at the Civic Center to take photos against a backdrop. Overall, each graduate has been allotted a total of 15 minutes for graduation.
In families with more than one student graduating, arrangements will be made on a case by case basis to allow each graduate to attend the other sibling’s ceremony, according to Bailey.
Any SSHS seniors who have yet picked up the caps and gowns may do from 9-11 a.m. during the week. Any senior who does not have a cap and gown should contact Principal Driver by email, [email protected], to make sure you get one.
Diplomas won’t be in until about May 26, depending on regulations and other factors related to state and COVID-19 regulations.
Families should have received information via their Skyward account regarding purchasing professional photos.
Any additional questions seniors and their families may have should be directed to Driver at SSHS at 903-885-2158 or [email protected].
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed On Child Sex Charge
A 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed on a child sex charge early Thursday morning.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Thomas Patterson took Shalik Dayron Reed into custody at 12:50 a.m. April 30 in the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office lobby and escorted him into Hopkins County jail. Reed was booked on a warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child. The offense, investigated by Sulphur Springs Police, was alleged to have occurred on March 26, according to arrest reports.
The 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail late Thursday morning. Bond on the first degree felony charge 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.
Kindness Matters: Vender Wright Sings to Residents of Carriage House Manor
Vender is not only the talented Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic 2019, she is a loving and gifted singer who volunteers regularly at Carriage House Manor Nursing Home in Sulphur Springs. “Though she doesn’t have a family member in residence here, she likes to come out to cheer people up and lift their spirits, and the residents love her!” stated Melissa Harris, Activities Director at Carriage House. During March and April, COVID-19 restrictions had put a hold on Vender’s indoor appearances, but on Thursday April 30, 2020, she could stand it no longer. Vender let us know at KSST that she had been given permission to sing outside the breezeway at 10:30am, and that the residents were going to be brought out to hear her. Wearing their protective masks and a light covering or shawl, twenty or so residents relaxed in wheelchairs while listening to the acapella gospel program. Some clapped along to give rhythm to songs like “I’ll Fly Away” and “Jesus Loves Me” and many reacted to the verses of “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Say Amen”. It was a happy half-hour on a beautiful Spring morning, and an uplifting time in the day of the residents of Carriage House.
Activities Director Harris shared, “Teamwork has been what’s most impressive about the last month or two at Carriage House. For the safety of our patients, our team has grown really close during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that closeness has become a source of joy, and has even crossed over to the families as well! Our residents are happy here!” Frequent activities that Harris includes is Facetime on the phone for residents who have family whom they hadn’t been able to see during the rainy early weeks of the pandemic. And now she helps them with Window Visits too. “Window Visits are a social-distancing activity we can hold during a 15 or 20 minute period, where they can see their family members in person. The resident is wheeled to the Sunroom, a large room facing the front parking lot where roses bloom among plantings under the windows. Seated inside near a window with the windows kept closed, the resident can talk by phone to their family seated outside. Regular visits like this from their family and friends is a big boost for our residents. The grandkids have even visited outside the window to show artwork or how much they’ve grown. The Window Visits are bringing joy through this time of seclusion, and are so much looked forward to. The visits may be brief, but for some residents, 15 minutes is about all they can handle, and almost always, they leave the Sunroom with a smile. I have worked here for about 7 years total, and this COVID-19 pandemic has been a most challenging time for care facilities, but out of it has come some of the most rewarding moments of my career here at Carriage House Manor”.
