Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Choking, Assaulting, Pulling Gun On Girlfriend
A 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of choking, pulling a gun on and assaulting his girlfriend with a belt Tuesday night.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received a complaint at 11:49 p.m. March 24 alleging that a Sulphur Springs man hit, choked, bit and pulled a gun on his girlfriend at his County Road 3507 address. The suspect, 29-year-old Courtney Devon Maxie of Sulphur Springs, was reported to have left the location in a purple extended cab pickup with temporary tags, and was possibly headed to Dallas, according to sheriff’s and arrest reports.
Upon arrival, HCSO Deputy Bobby Osornio was reportedly told Maxie and his girlfriend had argued. The argument allegedly escalated, with Maxie choking the woman several times, causing her to lose her breath. Maxie too was accused of assaulting the girlfriend with a belt and pointing a pistol at her. He reportedly took the girlfriend’s phone from her during the argument, rendering her unable to call for assistance.
Meanwhile, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis and Cumby Police Sgt. Ray Embro located a purple pickup on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 109 and initiated a traffic stop. Davis reportedly identified the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado as suspect Courtney Maxie. A records check showed the man to be wanted on three Dallas warrants, the sheriff’s deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Maxie was taken into custody at 12:40 a.m. March 25 on the Dallas warrants for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, possession of 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance and manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
The 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man was then transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was also booked on an assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing charge for the alleged choking assault of the girlfriend, an aggravated family violence assault with a deadly weapon charge for the alleged use of the gun during the assault and an interference with an emergency request for assistance charge for taking the phone from the girlfriend.
Maxie remained in Hopkins County jail late Wednesday morning, March 25, 2020. Bonds on the Hopkins County charges total $102,500: $75,000 on the aggravated assault charge, $25,000 on the assault impeding breath charge and $2,500 on the interference charge. He was held on all three of the Dallas County charges, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Tira News – March 24, 2020
By Jan Vaughn
Council Member Joyce Dodd shared:
“The Tira City Council would like to extend our appreciation to all of those who have so generously given to support our food pantry. We would like to encourage anyone who might have items that are hard to find during this coronavirus outbreak, such as paper goods, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, etc. to feel free to just drop them in the pantry if they are passing by. We understand that distancing ourselves from others is so important, and by doing it this way it will help each of us stay a little safer. At this time we still have enough canned vegetables, but canned meats, powdered milk, cereal, and canned fruits are always in need. Even though we can’t interact with our neighbors, we can still show we care for them. We pray everyone will stay safe and well during this very trying time. We encourage people to take what they need and please leave what you can. We are praying for you all.”
Janie Lewis adds, “Some nice person left some eggs for the pantry.” We want to express our thanks for their willingness to share. We need to remind everyone that our pantry is not set up for perishable items.
Robert and Yvonne Weir enjoyed a visit from their daughter, Destri, and her family on Friday night and Saturday. Yvonne said, “Destri painted my nightstands. We enjoyed Nico and his sisters.” Destri and her husband, Eben, are both working from home now.
Chip and I went to Malvern, Arkansas on Friday and picked up our daughter Tiffany, granddaughter Jaidyn, and son-in-law Perry. We went to the Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, which we had reserved before the COVID-19 situation was a problem.
We knew that we would be doing outdoor activities, away from people, so we kept our plans to spend some time with them during Tiffany and Jaidyn’s spring break. We were able to pick up our keys from a lock box and our unit was the only one occupied in our section. We spent our time sightseeing from the car and doing some hiking and playing games inside our condo. Also, we prepared our meals while there.
Linda Ellen Vaughn, Chip’s sister, stayed with Chip’s mother, Grace, through the weekend.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
DSHS Accelerates COVID-19 Reporting, Including All Cases Reported To Local Health Departments
Texas COVID-19 impact as of March 24, 2020: 13,235 tests taken, 715 positive results, 65 of 254 counties have a positive case, 11 deaths reported
The Texas Department of State Health Services this evening announced it is updating its method of reporting COVID-19 cases in Texas. In order to provide more timely information, the DSHS daily case count now includes all cases reported publicly by local health departments around the state. With the change, Texas is now reporting 715 cases of COVID-19, according to the DSHS release.
“We want to make sure the public and local leaders have the best possible information in one place as they make decisions about COVID-19,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “This new method allows us to share case counts faster.”
DSHS previously received its case information from official case reports provided by local jurisdictions and validated each case before adding it to the online count. That process allowed DSHS to confirm case details but led to slower reporting, the state agency reported Tuesday evening.
Tuesday, March 23, DSHS reported 13,235 tests have been sent to labs, 1,758 to public, 11,477 to private labs. Of the 715 positive cases so far, 11 people have died.
Only 65 of the 254 counties in Texas have received confirmation of at least one positive COVID-19 case, including Hopkins County. Dallas County leads with 131 positive cases reported so far, followed by Travis County with 79 patients, Bexar and Tarrant Counties 57 each, and Harris 54.
Quite a few other North and East Texas counties, aside from Dallas and Tarrant, had received reports of positive COVID-19 cases by Tuesday as well.
Counties showing positive coronavirus case reports in North and East Texas include:
- Smith County 14;
- Collin County 34;
- Denton County 30;
- Ellis County 7;
- Johnson County 3;
- Kaufman and Rusk Counties 2 each ; and
- Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Van Zandt, Fannin, Bowie, Cass, Upshur, Morris, Grayson and Gregg Counties, 1 each.
Counties in the North and East Texas area with no positive COVID-19 reports according to the March 24 DSHS report included Delta, Titus, Franklin, Wood, Rains, Camp, Rockwall, Red River, Panola, Marion and Harrison.
The updated case counts are available in a new interactive map linked at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.
COVID-19: Visitor Restrict By CHRISTUS
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs medical professionals and associates daily exercise numerous health and safety practices for patients, workers and visitors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional measures have been put in place.
Effective Monday, March 23, the following were implemented:
- 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 by implementing telephonic visits and virtual visits using telemedicine.
Anyone planning to visit the hospital should also take note of the visitor restrictions.
Current hospital restrictions for visitors are as follows:
- 1 visitor per patient —
- Exception is pediatric patients may have 1 visitor + 1 support person
- Exception is OB/Maternity may have 1 visitor + 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
While there’s no immediate shortage of personal protective supplies, there are ways those who want to help can.
“We are stocked with hand sanitizer, gloves, surgical and N95 masks, etc. – but we are accepting donations if people have them available beyond what they are using or need,” Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CMFH – Winnsboro | Sulphur Springs, reported Tuesday afternoon, March 24.
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance To Texas Small Businesses Economically Impacted by COVID-19
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Texas small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today.
SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Greg Abbott on March 17, 2020.
The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of Texas and the neighboring counties and parishes below.
- Neighboring Arkansas counties: Little River and Miller;
Neighboring Louisiana parishes: Beauregard, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, De Soto, Sabine and Vernon; - Neighboring New Mexico counties: Curry, Dona Ana, Eddy, Lea, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt and Union;
- Neighboring Oklahoma counties: Beaver, Beckham, Bryan, Choctaw, Cimarron, Cotton, Ellis, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Texas and Tillman.
“SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist Texas small businesses with federal disaster loans. We will be swift in our efforts to help these
small businesses recover from the financial impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19),” said Administrator Carranza.
SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.
“Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Carranza.
“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Carranza added.
Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep
payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call
(800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21, 2020.
For more information about Coronavirus, please visit: Coronavirus.gov.
For more information about available SBA resources and services, please visit: SBA.gov/coronavirus.
Lady Cats Powerlifting Suspended Right Before Girls State Meet (First in a Series)
This begins a series of stories on Wildcats and Lady Cats’ sports team and where they were in their seasons when all high school sports were suspended by the University Interscholastic League or UIL due to concerns about coronavirus. The suspension is in place until May 4. Today’s story is on Lady Cats Powerlifting. That’s something we have only had in Sulphur Springs for only the past two seasons. Addison Lamb was the first Lady Cats’ powerlifter at the beginning of the season last season. She was soon joined by Sable Erdmier. This year a third Lady Cat, Rori Young, has joined the team. Both Lamb and Erdmier qualified for the Regional Powerlifting Meet at Pine Tree back on March 5. At the Regional Meet, Erdmier qualified for the State Meet. It was supposed to take place last Saturday, March 21 in Waco. Erdmier planned on getting a medal at state. The State Meet was postponed, as were all high school activities on March 16, due to the UIL suspension. The UIL Executive Director, in a recent statement, said the UIL is working diligently on contingency plans to conduct state championships in each of the activities that have been suspended. Perhaps there will still be a Girls Powerlifting State Meet in the months ahead. Tomorrow’s story will deal with the Wildcats Powerlifting Team.
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.
Online, Other Options Offered While Hopkins County Offices Are Closed To Walk-Ins
With all Hopkins County offices closed to all visitors without an appointment, many will have to find other means to take care of business with the county — including online, by mail, email and in some cases drop boxes.
KSST talked to some of the district and county officials to see what services are offered as an alternative to face-to-face interactions at various county offices. Below are some of the options available for county residents.
District Court
Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt Friday and the courts administrator sent out notices March 13 to those involved in the court system in Hopkins County notifying them measures are being implemented, at the recommendation of the Office of Court Administration, as a precautions due to the spread of coronavirus across the state, country and globe.
All non-essential proceedings are being rescheduled as needed. To avoid large groups of people, as state and federal officials are recommending, non-essential in-person court proceedings will be avoided through
Click here to see the order regarding local district court.
8th Judicial Distirct Courtroom 
District Clerk’s Office
District Clerk
The District Clerk’s Office typically sees more people seeking passports. People can go to the US Department of State website and select the best options to renew or apply for a passport. Current expectations are for a 6-8 week late. Due to the COVID-19, expedited service has been suspended and routine service may be delayed. Additional local information regarding is available in the passport option under the district clerk tab on the Hopkins County website.
Attorneys are able to do electronic filing, and pro se litigants can e-filed as well. Any other public court costs may be sent through the mail.
Dockets are being reset to a later date. They may be found at on the county website as well.
Justices of the Peace
Click here to see the temporary standing order passed by the JP courts regarding this matter.
Tickets in the Justice of the Peace Courts may be paid online at Texasonlinerecords.com, by mail or put in the drop box outside of the front doors at Hopkins County Courthouse Annex, where the Justices of the Peace Offices are located.
To pay online, simply log onto Texasonlinerecords.com, then select Hopkins County and either Precinct 1 Judge BJ Teer or Precinct 2 Judge Brad Cummings. Records can be accessed by either ticket number or your name and date of birth, then follow the prompts.
Just about any paperwork that would need to be utilized in the Justice of the Peace Court — small claims paperwork, occupational driver’s license applications, petitions — can be found at on the JP Forms and Fees link on the Hopkins County website.
“They can email to us. It’s a misconception that all things need to be done hand-to-hand. We have the means and are capable of doing petitions electronically. They just have to indicate on petition that it’s ok to email you,” Cummings said.
Questions may be directed to Judge Teer at [email protected] or
903-438-4026 and to Judge Cummings at [email protected] or 903-438-4036.
Tax Assessor/Collector
Anyone needing to pay taxes may do so online at Texasonlinerecord.com by selecting Hopkins County, then following the prompts; they may be mailed to PO Box 481, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; or deposited in the drop located near the front glass doors at the Hopkins County Annex, 128 Jefferson St., Suite D, in Sulphur Springs. The drop box, Tax Assessor Collector Debbie Pogue Mitchell reported.
The state has waived for 60 days fees for vehicle registrations, titles and handicap placards. Those who wish to take care of those items may do so by mailing the proper payments and information to the address provided, online n the DMV site as directed in the letters they received for renewals. Questions related to these topics may be directed to 903-438-4063.
Hopkins County Clerk
Many records filed and housed at the County Clerk’s Office can also be accessed online.
Applications for copies of birth and death certificates, requests for a copy of military discharge can be found under the vital forms tab under the County Clerk option. These items may be returned by mail, or email. Those who need a birth certificate quicker than mail would allow may contact the clerk’s office for additional details.
To file for a new marriage license, the couple must be present; contact the county clerk’s office at 903-438-4074 At least one member of the couple must reside in Hopkins County, and they will need to contact the county clerk by phone or email to arrange an appointment. Marriage licenses are good for 90 days, but must be obtained at least 72 hours before the ceremony unless special conditions apply. Thus, the clerk’s office is asking those who do not plan to wed before the end of April to consider waiting until the COVID-19 measures have been lifted to file their application.
Dockets may also be checked online and property records may be found at Texasonlinerecords.com. A login is required, but there is no fee to search real property from 1967-the present and public records.
Those who have idocket.com accounts will be able to login and view accounts there.
County Attorney
The County Attorney’s office doesn’t offer online payments. Payments made to the county attorney’s office would need to be mailed as a money order or would have to be made at the office. Call 903-438-4017 for more information or to schedule an appointment for necessary business.
Large court dockets are on hold due to COVID-19 concerns and precautions. Those involved should be notified by May regarding their cases which are to be rescheduled Essential hearings for matters that must be addressed quickly will still be addressed, however.
The County Attorney’s Office may be reached by calling 903-438-4017.
Treasurer/Veterans Services
Most of the functions of the treasurer’s office are handled in-house.
The Veterans Service Officer said he able to assist with some things over the phone. He’s able to fill in and submit forms electronically for them, or to make them electronically and make calls on their behalf. However, he is currently limited in what he is able to do due to the measures being taken by COVID-19 across the state, including closing of offices.
The Treasurer/Veterans Service Office may be reached at 903-438-4003 or [email protected]
County Court-At-Law
The court schedule and polices can be found on the County Court At law page on the Hopkins County website.
“Courts across Texas are flexing to be able to safely continue our work. In the Hopkins County Court at Law, our business primarily consists of family law cases, criminal misdemeanors, and mental health hearings. Going forward and until we receive different guidance from Governor Abbott, 99% of our cases will be heard remotely. We’re encouraging every attorney, witness, and court visitor to download a free teleconference app called Zoom which will allow them to observe or participate from home or another safe place. For folks who are not tech-savvy, we are working on other solutions so they can still have their day in court while not putting anyone at risk,” Hopkins County Court-at-Law Judge Clay Harrison stated Friday regarding the court’s temporary policies.
Click here to see temporary polices in the County Court at Law.
Contact the County Court-At-Law at 903-438-4004.
Civic Center
The Civic Center was already closed to the public when the decision regarding closing of offices except by appointment was made Monday. Civic Center staff are rescheduling events when possible, but some are seasonal and can’t be rescheduled. That means cancelations. With no definitive date for reopening due to the uncertain and changing COVID-19 situation across the globe, it’s hard to rescheduled.
To contact the Civic Center call 903-885-8071 or send an email to [email protected]
Hopkins County Regional Civic Center 
Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center
Sheriff’s Office/Jail
Hopkins County Jail has taken measures to protect staff and inmates. On-site visitation was discontinued on March 13, in response to Governor Abbots order.
NCIC, the video visitation contractor for the jail, will provide two free offsite visits. For more information contact the jail by phone.
AgriLife Extension
The Hopkins County Texas AgriLife Extension Office staff are taking turns manning the Houston Street office. Any Extension programs scheduled, including a diabetes program and septic system class, have been canceled until further notice. Jessica Taylor works the first part of the week. Barbara Sanders will continue on her normal schedule. Johanna Hicks and Mario Villarino will work Wednesday and Thursday.
Villarino told the Commissioners Court Monday that Etension Service agents are making efforts to share important information about COVID-19 provided by the CDC. NETBIO is trying to make a decision regarding their sale, whether to hold it with the auction online or otherwise.
Extension provides an online meeting resource that other county offices can utilize to communicate and share information.
College Station is trying to work out a system to potentially offer a pesticide class online.
Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
First Case of COVID-19 Positive Reported In Hopkins County
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team just after 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, reported they’d just been notified by state health officials of one positive result for COVID-19 in Hopkins County.
The individual who tested positive has been told to “self isolate” (shelter in place.) When a positive occurs the state health department takes over moving forward, the emergency management officials said.
Judge Robert Newsom reminds people to be alert for symptoms (fever cough, shortness of breath) and contact their medical provider if experiencing them. They will refer patients to the appropriate health authorities as needed.
The officials said the county has a medical system in place and would respond according to the plan.
Newsom ordered the county offices to be closed except by appointment Monday afternoon. He said there were no plans at this time to enact additional preventive measures, but encouraged residents to continue to take precautions per CDC guidelines to protect their health: including observing the recommended distances, large gatherings, handwashing and staying at home when possible.
2 Men Jailed In Hopkins County On Child Sex Charges
Hopkins County sheriff’s officers Monday arrested two men on child sex charges, a 28-year-old Yantis man on an indecency with a child by sexual contact warrant and a 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man on a sexual assault of a child charge.
Jquilen Lamar Gasaway was contacted his Sulphur Springs residence and asked him to go to speak to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Investigator Michael Russell at the sheriff’s office about allegations of alleged sexual involvement with a child. After being read his rights, Gasaway allegedly confessed to the offense, but claimed not to have known the age of the child.
The investigation was launched after a parent reported confronting a child about information received alleging a sexual relationship between the child and an adult male. The child allegedly admitted to the relationship. The parent contacted the sheriff’s office. The child, during an interview at Northeast Texas child Advocacy Center, allegedly admitted to being involved with an adult male estimated to be in his early 20s, with whom she’d communicated online, according to investigators.
Gasaway was identified as the suspect in the case. The 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed for sexual assault of a child, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning on the charge, according to jail reports.
The arrest marked the second time this month Gasaway has been booked into the county jail and the fourth time since February 2019 he’s been arrested locally. Gasaway as in custody at Hopkins County jail March 8-9 for possession of less than 1 gram of marijuana; Sept. 18-19, 2019 for possession of less than 2 grams of marijuana in a drug-free zone; and Feb. 28-March 3, 2019 for engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest or detention, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s deputies were dispatched around 7:15 a.m. March 23 to a County Road 1441 address, where a 28-year-old Yantis man was reported to have been warned to stay away. Upon arrival, they determined Jacob Wyatt Burgess was indeed on the property for which records show he’d been previously issued a criminal trespass warning. Burgess was taken into custody by HCSO Sgt. Shea Shaw and Deputy Aaron Chaney on a criminal trespassing charge, according to arrest reports.
Officials were investigating a report of an alleged sex crime by the defendant. After interviews, investigators received and served him with a second-degree felony warrant alleging indecency with a child by sexual contact.
Burgess also remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, March 24. Bond was set at $1,000 on the criminal trespass charge and $50,000 on the indecency charge, according to arrest jail reports.
The 28-year-old Yantis man’s arrest marked the second time in less than a year he’s been booked into Hopkins County jail. Burgess also spent April 19-June 27, 2019 in custody for possession of a dangerous drug. Since 2015, he’s been arrested on four possessing drug paraphernalia charges, two assault assault charges and a warrant, 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.
