*Updated* SSPD Seeks Help Locating Missing Elderly Sulphur Springs Resident
The search is over. The missing person has been located.
Sulphur Springs Police are asking for the public’s help in locating Paul Ivan Burt, a missing elderly person who reportedly has medical issues and has been experiencing recent memory problems.
Burt left his residence in Sulphur Springs around 10 a.m. this morning, March 26, in a red 2005 Chevrolet 4-door truck, with the Texas License Plate number BR08525. Burt was last seen wearing a gray button down shirt, blue jeans, and house shoes.
If contact is made, individuals are asked to check his welfare and contact the Sulphur Springs Police Department at 903-885-7602.
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.
Local Officials Remind Residents To Lock Vehicles
Sulphur Springs police and Hopkins County Sheriff’s officers urge residents to be sure to lock their vehicles and secure personal items, to guard against theft.
Police have responded to several reports over the last few weeks of stolen vehicles and vehicle theft attempts. Most recently, one Chevrolet Silverado was reported stolen from a Jefferson Street business and another Chevrolet Silverado reported stolen in another county was recovered on West Industrial Drive, according to police reports.
While the keys weren’t in the vehicles in previous reports, the vehicles had been left unlocked. The ignitions in the vehicles were destroyed by suspects stealing or attempting to steal them, according to police.
Hopkins County sheriff’s officers responded to a complaint Tuesday of a four-wheeler and trailer theft and Wednesday to a report of an ATV missing off of a rural property, according to HCSO reports.
Investigators remind people of the need, even out in the country, to remove keys from all vehicles including ATVS and to secure them, to guard against theft.
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.
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.
Stolen Items Recovered At County Road 3502 Address
A 1-ton truck and dump trailer stolen from Garland were allegedly found on County Road 3502 and recovered by sheriff’s officers Thursday morning.
The recovery marks the third “in recent history” that the sheriff’s office has recovered stolen items from that property, Sheriff Lewis Tatum advised shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday. No arrests had been made yet in connection with the March 26 recovery. The investigation is ongoing, according to the sheriff.
Deputies reported finding in November at a County Road 3502 address at least $14,000 worth of property that had been reported to Dallas Police Department as stolen. Among the allegedly stolen items recovered at that time was a cargo trailer with items on top of it, which officials suspected was strategically placed in an effort to obscure the trailer from view of drones used by the sheriff’s office for location and recovery efforts, HCSO invetigators reported in November. Approximately $10,000 of new auto parts reported as stolen from Dallas were found as well, sheriff’s officers alleged in arrest reports. One man at the location was arrested; two others were identified as suspects in the case at that time, officials reported in November.
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.
Arkansas Woman Found On Floor At Cumby Rest Stop Accused Of Child Endangerment
A 25-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas woman allegedly admitted to being under the influence of heroin and Xanax when she and a child were found on the floor at a Cumby rest stop early Wednesday morning.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s deputies responded at 5:23 a.m. March 25 to a report of a person sleeping on the floor at Cumby rest stop with a small child. Upon arrival at the eastbound rest area, HCSO Sgt. Shea Shaw reported officers found Taylor Shawaun Pierce sitting on the floor holding her 2-year-old. Pierce allegedly had very slurred speech and trouble staying awake.
A person at the rest area reported seeing the woman asleep on top of the child on the floor; the child was only wearing pants, deputies noted in reports.
Pierce allegedly admitted to officers that she was under the influence of heroin and Xanax. Heroin drug paraphernalia was allegedly found in a bathroom at the location, where deputies reported Pierce admitted she’d ingested heroin. Drug paraphernalia was reportedly found on her as well. Pierce also admitted heroin paraphernalia and Xanax could be found in a Toyota Camry at the rest stop; paraphernalia and 1 1/2 Xanax were found in the vehicle, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Pierce was taken to jail, where she was charged with endangering a child and possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance; the child was released to Child Protective Services personnel, Sgt. Shaw and day shift deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Pierce remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning, March 26. Bond was set at $2,000 on the controlled substance charge and $10,000 on the child endangerment 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.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Child Sex Crime
A 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man, already in jail on an aggravated sexual assault charge, was served Wednesday with a warrant for an alleged child sex crime, according to sheriff’s reports.
Charles Edward Horne Jr. was charged Wednesday, March 25, on a warrant alleging sexual performance by a child, a first-degree felony charge. The charge stems from information gleaned during a previous investigation of Horne, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s officers first began investigating Horne on Monday, Jan. 13, when an outcry was made by a female connected to Horne’s family alleging aggravated sexual assault, according to sheriff’s reports.
The alleged victim of the January case reportedly spoke with investigators. The investigation team determined the elements of an aggravated sexual assault were present, officials reported following Horne’s arrest on Jan. 14.
Sheriff’s officers sought a warrant for suspect Charles Edward Horne Jr.’s arrest. A warrant was obtained around midnight. Deputies served Horne with the warrant and took him into custody at 12:23 a.m. Jan. 14 at his rural Sulphur Springs address, according to arrest reports.
During that investigation, investigators allegedly learned Horne had directed a child younger than age 14 to use his cell phone to record herself naked. A warrant was sought and obtained based on evidence presented, HCSO Investigator Michael Russell alleged in arrest reports.
The sexual performance by a child warrant was added Wednesday, March 25 to the charges Horne is jailed on. Bond on the Jan. 14 sexual assault charge was set at $100,000; bond on the March 25 charge had yet to set, 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.
Chamber Connection – March 26, 2020
I have found myself at a complete loss for words lately. I wasn’t even sure what to include in the Chamber Connection this week … what is relevant, what is important, what is changing so fast that we can’t even keep up? Then I remembered a poem I read at the Chamber banquet in February. I dug it out, reread it, and found some comfort … so I’m passing it along to you.
You be the sun,
I’ll be the moon—
Just let your light
Come shining through;
And when night comes,
Just like the moon,
I’ll shine the light
Right back to you.
Shine your light, my friends. Be kind. Be helpful. Be encouraging. Be the voice that someone needs to hear. Shine and shine and shine. Let it fill your life with goodness, for where there is light, darkness cannot be.
Restaurants: Most restaurants have moved to curbside service and some are even offering home delivery. Just call ahead and visit with your favorite restaurant, and they will bring your food out to you. You can also visit “Takeout Together” on Facebook and Instagram. This is a place where restaurants are publishing current information and items they are offering.
Banking: Alliance Bank, City National Bank, Guaranty Bank & Trust have closed their lobbies are banking by appointment. Most transactions can be handled online, and they are also available by phone.
Shopping: Most clothing stores are offering online shopping, curbside pickup, and even doorstep delivery. Please, please don’t forget about your favorite place to shop during this time. They are all fearful and need your help!
Groceries: Our grocery stores have changed their hours of operation. They are closing at nigh to disinfect and re-stock shelves. They are also limiting quantities of items that you can purchase. Hopefully, this will help distribute goods in a more effective manner.
Pharmacies: Our pharmacies are open. Some have closed their lobbies but can be reached through the drive through or curbside service.
Museums: All museums are closed to the public. Most of them still have staffers and can be reached by phone. Main St. Theatre is also closed.
Library, Senior Citizen Center: Closed indefinitely. Meal-A-Day is still making daily deliveries.
Hotels: All of our hotels are open for business and have increased their cleaning protocols.
Energy Companies: Our energy companies have closed their lobbies to visitors but can be reached by phone if needed.
Hospital: CHRISTUS has released these restrictions for hospital visitation…
- Only 1 visitor per patient, with the exception of pediatric or OB/Maternity patients, who may have 1 visitor and 1 support person.
- Visitors must be 16 years old and over.
- All visitors will be screened at the door, including a temperature taken.
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
- Only (1) entrance to the hospital, through Emergency Department 24/7
New effective 3/23/20:
- All associates will be screened each shift upon arrival to work, including a temperature taken
- Elective, non-essential surgeries, and medical and surgical procedures will be delayed until further notice.
- For primary care and specialty care, CHRISTUS is working to ensure patients may still see their provider for necessary appointments and is doing this by implementing telephonic visits and virtual visits using telemedicine.
In addition:
CHRISTUS is stocked with hand sanitizer, gloves, surgical and N95 masks, etc. – but is accepting donations. If people have them available beyond what they are using or need, and are willing to donate to the hospital, contact Holly Ragan at [email protected].
School districts in Hopkins County: All school districts in Hopkins County have moved to online learning.
SSISD: Free Meals Proviced by SSISD
As of Tuesday, March 17, SSISD Food Services is providing FREE meals for ALL SSISD students AND any community children who are between the ages of 1-18. Meals will be available for pick-up each Monday – Friday from 7:30 -11 a.m. until further notice. Students will be able to pick up one breakfast and one lunch meal at this time. Students do not have to attend any one of these campuses to participate. Pick-up areas will be curbside grab-and-go and will be held at the following locations across Sulphur Springs:
*SSES (Lee Street bus lane)
*Bowie (Mockingbird Lane student drop off/pick up lane)
*Bush (South bus lane circle to awning), and
*Douglass (Calvert Street awning).
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, Civic Center: open at this time with limited staff
Chamber of Commerce: We, unfortunately, are postponing our Book Club opening and the Lunch + Learn scheduled for March 27th. These will be rescheduled. Our lobby is closed to visitors at this time. We are at the office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily to answer questions by phone.
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for March 26, Lake Country CASA.
TAMUC To Finish Out Semester Classes Online
Graduation, Who’s Eligible For Room And Board Rebates, Free Health Services Addressed
Several COVID19 related announcements were made this week at Texas A&M University-Commerce regarding the remainder of the semester. TAMUC graduation, class format, availability of free mental and medical health resources, spring 2020 commencement exercises, and which students are eligible for room and board rebates and the process to receive them were all addressed in the TAMUC announcements.
Class Format
TAMUC announced March 12 that all face-to-face classes were suspended due to the COVID-19 situation and that the university would be transitioning to online instruction at all A&M-Commerce locations, including the RELLIS campus, starting March 16, until further notice.
Today, TAMUC President Dr. Mark Rudin confirmed that A&M Commerce and all of its location will remain in an online-only format for the rest of the semester due to the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graduation
Rudin Monday reported that the May 8-9, 2020 commencement ceremonies, like all campus activities scheduled through May 31, are being postponed.
“Currently, the Centers for Disease Control recommends canceling large-group events as they can contribute to the spread of COVID-19. We have also received guidance from The Texas A&M University System requesting that all campuses postpone events with more than 250 people, including commencement ceremonies, through May 31, 2020,” Rudin wrote in a letter addressed to “Future Lion Alumni.”
Students who have met the graduation requirements will receive their diplomas from the Registrar’s Office after final grades are posted for the Spring 2020 semester. Commencements scheduled for Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2020 will be rescheduled for December 2020, for those who wish to celebrate their achievement with family and friends.
No decisions have yet been made regarding August 2020 commencement exercises.
Any further questions regarding graduation may be directed to Linda King at [email protected].
Free Health Care
Free online medical and mental health support for common conditions that can be safely and accurately diagnosed and treated online are is also offered for students through the Campus.Health program.
For the next 12 weeks, A&M-Commerce students will be able to remotely connect with healthcare professionals via Campus.Health, which provides 24/7 medical and mental telehealth care for all students, at no cost.
“As our students are learning remotely through online classes due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), Campus.Health will complement our on-campus student health services during this stressful time,” a March 23 TAMUC news release states.
Current clients of the Counseling Center have the option to continue their therapy either in person or to utilize distance counseling. New clients wanting to initiate mental health services can call the Counseling Center at 903.886.5145 to schedule an intake appointment. Both intake and future appointments can also be done either face-to-face or by distance counseling.
Room and Board Rebates
Students who have prepaid for housing and dining costs and choose to move out will need to complete the Spring 2020 Credit Form to receive a prorated credit for unused housing and dining services between March 25, 2020 (or the date they choose to move-out if after March 25) and May 8, 2020.
TAMUC Students who receive room or board scholarships are not eligible for the rebate. Students whose room and board is paid for by the university through the Honors College, Intercollegiate Athletics, Band, Music, third-party, resident assistant, RLL staff or other are also ineligible for the rebate. Should these students choose to move before the end of the semester, any rebate would be credited back to the awarding department — not to the student’s account. These students should direct any questions they may have regarding rebates to their awarding department directly, according to a TAMUC press release.
Eligible students can choose whether to apply the credit for the unused portion of housing and dining services to the their accounts for either the Spring 2020 or Fall 2020 academic semester.
Housing students who choose a Fall 2020 academic semester credit will also be awarded a $500 university scholarship to be applied to their account in the Fall of 2020. Refunds take into account any financial aid that is received and any outstanding balance owed to the university. Students should consult the university financial aid office to see whether the credits will have an impact on financial aid eligibility.
Students should complete the Spring 2020 Credit Form online in their MyLEO Housing Portal and schedule a move-out date before the end of the semester. No prorated credits will be applied for move-outs after April 26. All students will be required to move personal belongings out of the residence halls by the close of the Spring academic semester on May 8.
Students who only have a dining contract should submit the Spring 2020 Credit Form online in their MyLEO Housing Portal, indicating they won’t be returning to campus. Those students will receive a prorated credit based on the same method, that will be applied to the Spring 2020 semester and will not be eligible for a $500 credit in the Fall 2020 semester.
To meet CDC guidelines and maintain social distancing, student move-outs will be coordinated by a scheduling system facilitated by residential life staff.
Students who still have questions after reviewing the Spring Residential Living and Learning Rebate Frequently Asked Questions may email them to [email protected].
Watch Your Catalytic Converter
KSST received a report regarding a recent surge in catalytic converter thefts in the area. This report includes an attempted theft in Greenville, TX occurring at 4 p.m. Wednesday March 25th, 2020.
The catalytic converters fitted to every car and pickup on the road since 1975 can be worth $70 or more. The cost to repair the damage caused by theft and to make the vehicle street legal again can reach $3000.
In a matter of minutes, a person with a battery powered saw can slide under a vehicle and make the 2 or more cuts required to remove a converter. Depending on the height of the vehicle, a jack may not even be required.
The demand for recycling converters increases as the price of the platinum group metals inside them increases. Regardless of the spot price of these precious metals, thieves may find these converters easy prey.
Theft Prevention
Most converters have a serial number that can be linked to the make and model of vehicle it was originally fitted to. These numbers are not unique, and do not serve the same function as a VIN. Without a workable trace system, scrap yards and recycling centers may not be able to differentiate a legal from an illegally obtained converter.
- Park in well lit areas.
- Park in areas with plenty of foot traffic.
- Take a break from work every hour or so and visit your vehicle.
- A muffler shop may be able to more firmly attach the converter to the vehicle.
- Aftermarket ‘cages’ are available for some vehicles, and may provide just enough deterrence to prevent a loss.
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 Wildcat Powerlifters Sit And Wait, Hoping For State Meet After UIL Coronavirus Suspension Is Lifted
In the second in a series, the sports topic today is Wildcats Powerlifting. Originally the Boys State Powerlifting Meet was scheduled for this Saturday, March 28 at Abilene. When the meet was postponed by the UIL due to the threat of coronavirus, two Wildcats powerlifters were impacted.
Jesse Carrillo, in the 148 pound weight class, and George Greenway, 198 pound weight class, both qualified for the State Meet at the Regional Meet in Pine Tree back on March 4.
Jesse’s brother Ryan Carrillo, in the 181-pound weight class, just missed out finishing third. An attempt at a 520 pound deadlift that would have qualified Ryan was unsuccessful. Jesse says Ryan will definitely qualify for the State Meet next year.
This season had been a good one for powerlifters. Wildcats Powerlifting Coach Casey Jeter took nine qualifying lifters to the Regional Meet.
Again the UIL indicates they are working on contingency plans to conduct state championships in each of the activities that have been suspended. The current suspension runs through May 4. Perhaps there will be a Boys Powerlifting State Meet in the offing in months ahead.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Primary Runoff Elections, Including For District 2 State Representative, Reset For July Due To COVID-19
Dates Of City, School Elections Could Change As Well
As is the case with nearly all things at the present time, primary runoff and local elections are also being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Hopkins County, one runoff election has already been rescheduled and could potentially change the dates of other local elections as well.
Party Primary Runoffs
All primary runoffs elections scheduled for May 26 in Texas have been postponed until July 14, with early voting now to start July 6. Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation on March 20 changing the primary election dates to “help fulfill his executive orders” issued to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Holding the runoff in May would cause the congregation of large gatherings of people in confined spaces and cause numerous election workers to come into close proximity with others. That, Abbott cited when ordering the postponement, could threaten the health and safety of many Texans.
Thus, all primary runoffs are on hold until July. In Hopkins County, Republicans will be asked to decide between incumbent Dan Flynn and challenger Bryan Slaton for District 2 state Representative.
Flynn finished ahead of his two challengers in the March 3 Republican Primary, receiving 12,246 votes or 44.76 percent of the overall votes 27,358 vote cast in the District 2 Rep. Election. Slaton finished in second place with 9,889 voters or 26.15 percent and Dwayne “Doc” Collins received 5,223 votes or 19.09 percent of the overall ballots cast, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Slaton and Flynn will now face each other for the party nomination on July 14. The winner will face Bill Brannon in the General Election in November.
Municipal, School Elections
Governor Greg Abbott March 18 issued a proclamation suspending provisions of the Texas Election Code to allow political subdivisions to postpone their 2020 local elections. This means local governments now have the ability to postpone their May 2, 2020 elections until November 3, 2020.
“I strongly encourage local election officials to take advantage of these waivers and postpone their elections until November,” said Governor Abbott. “Right now, the state’s focus is responding to COVID-19 — including social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. By delaying this election, our local election officials can assist in that effort.”
At least two school districts and two cities are considering the option of moving their elections back as well. All four elections are scheduled for May 2, with early voting slated to begin April 20.
With the uncertainty of when COVID-19 measures will be lifted, officials at schools and municipalities have the job of determining whether to try to go ahead with the elections with the hope that the health measures will be lifted by then and a plan how to proceed if they aren’t, or to push them back until the General Election in November.
Cumby ISD Bond
Cumby ISD trustees in February called for a special bond election on May 2. If approved, the bond would provide $6.2 million for much-needed improvements and renovation at the elementary campus, and associated construction and renovations.
At the school board meeting Tuesday night, March 24, however, Cumby ISD trustees voted to postpone the bond election. Cumby ISD’s election officer reported Wednesday morning that the board felt it would not be a good time to plan to go forward in the unsure times we are living in.
Sulphur Springs City Council
The Sulphur Springs City Council is expected at the next meeting (scheduled April 7) to be presented with the option to move the council election back to November or to go ahead and try to have it on May 2 as scheduled.
“The Governor said ok to move to November. Normally, we don’t like to do that, but we may not have choice. We may be in shelter in place mode in May. We just don’t know. Hopefully, in the next 10 days we’ll have a better idea,” said Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell. “We’ll put it on the Council Agenda, and see if they want to do it. “We’ll put it on the Council Agenda and see if they want to do it.”
The City of Sulphur Springs elections officer earlier this week reported no decision has yet been made on whether or not to postpone the May 2 City Council Election. She and city officials are looking into the matter and will discuss it before a decision is made.
Six council seats are to be determined in the Sulphur Springs City Council Election called for May 2, Places 1-3 and Place 5 are for the unexpired terms of council members who resigned in December. Places 6-7 are for regular full terms on the council. Places 2, 3, 6 and 7 are unopposed.
The election for the regular term seats 6-7 was canceled; Doug Moore will be elected to a full term for Place 6 and John Sellers will be reelected to another term in Place 7. However, all names will appear on the special election ballot. For Place 1 candidates are Jay W. Julian, Mark Bradley, Vanessa Diosdado, and Justin M. Brown. Place 5 candidates are Ricardo Chavarria and Gary Spraggins.
Unopposed candidates for unexpired seats on Sulphur Springs City Council are Harold Nash Sr. for Place 2 and Oscar Aguilar for Place 3.
Cumby City Council
Cumby City staff Wednesday said no decisions had been made regarding the May 2 Special Election for Places 1 and 2 Alderman seats on Cumby City Council.
Two candidates have filed for each position: Wayne Mobley and Sheryl Lackey for Place 1 and Amber Hardy and Audri Mayo for place 2.
Yantis ISD Board of Trustees
Yantis ISD’s elections official anticipates the election will have to be moved to November. However, no official decision has been made regarding the election for two trustees seats on YISD Board of Trustees. The school board is expected in the near future to hold a special meeting, during which they will be asked to make a decision regarding the date for the election.
Candidates for the two at-large full term seats on the school board include incumbents Jennifer McKeever and Melissa Stephens, and challengers Teresa Starrett and Jennifer Larkin.
