Emory Man Arrested In Hopkins County On Controlled Substance Charge
A 38-year-old Emory man allegedly admitted to using illegal substances and having drug paraphernalia, which were then found during a vehicle search Tuesday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Chaney was stationary on the side of State Highway 19 when he first noticed a Chevrolet Impala backfire as it passed his patrol vehicle. Chaney took action to catch up to the car. As he did, the red car turned onto County Road 1116, then into the driveway for the Precinct 1 barn and continued onto the property, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
Chaney reportedly continued on CR 1116 until he found a driveway to turn around in, then headed back toward SH 19 south. He reported seeing the car traveling north on SH 19, just north of CR 1116. Chaney said he continued north as well. As he got closer to the car, he noted the driver turned into a driveway on the east side of the road. Chaney said he continued north, then turned around on CR 1174. At the intersection of CR 1174 and SH 19, he no longer saw the car. After turning south, he noticed red car at FM 1567 west, where it turned, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
Chaney reported a computer check using the car’s license plate showed no insurance for the vehicle. Chaney initiated a traffic stop based on the unconfirmed insurance and his suspicion that the driver’s actions were an effort to potentially cover criminal behavior, the deputy noted in arrest reports. The car reportedly stopped on FM 1567 west at FM 3389.
The deputy had the male and female occupants exit the car and, after obtaining consent, patted the 38-year-old man down, but found no contraband on him, according to arrest reports. When asked if there was any contraband in the car, the man identified in arrest reports as John Scott Thompson II allegedly admitted there was a bag of syringes on the front seat under the center console and that he actively uses illegal substances, according to arrest reports.
HCSO Deputy Mike Cleveland and Sgt. Shea Shaw arrived. Cleveland reportedly remained with the people that’d been in the car while Shaw and Chaney conducted a probable cause search of it.
Deputies allegedly located not only the bag of syringes but also other drug paraphernalia with a residue suspected to be methamphetamine on them. Both Thompson and the female passenger were reportedly placed into handcuffs while deputies continued their search of the Impala. A clear baggy inside of a satchel allegedly contained a white, crystal-like substance the deputies suspected was methamphetamine.
When deputies asked who the satchel and suspected methamphetamine belonged to, Thompson allegedly claimed both, resulting in Thompson’s arrest at 4:39 p.m. March 17. The female passenger was released; Shaw gave her a courtesy transport to a Sulphur Springs business, according to arrest reports.
Shaw and Cleveland inventoried the car, and, after it was towed, transported Thompson to Hopkins County jail. The suspected methamphetamine weighed 0.4 gram, including packaging, and tested positive for methamphetamine on a field test, resulting in Thompson being booked into jail for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
Thompson was released from Hopkins County jail Wednesday. His bond on the controlled substance charge was set at $5,000 according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
NHISD Meal Program Rolled Out; Students Can Still Get On List To Receive School Meals
Elementary Principal Engages Students With Daily Book Read, Challenge
North Hopkins ISD rolled out the meal program for students today.
NHISD teachers and staff began contacting students’ homes March 16 to try to assess their nutritional needs and instructional capabilities. The information was used for meal preparation and will be utilized for instructional plans in the near future.
“Our team worked hard to contact everyone and lists were double checked,” NHISD official reported.
Meal deliveries for all students who have confirmed with a teacher or campus team member their desire to have this nutritional service are being made between 10 and 11:30 a.m.
Those who have confirmed for pick up may do so behind the cafeteria at 10:15 a.m.
If any NHISD students’ parents/guardians were not contacted, and they would like to receive meals, they are asked to send NHISD officials an email at: [email protected].
And, elementary students are encouraged to enjoy the book read by Principal Kodi Wright and her challenge to them. Those who missed the first three can catch up on the NHISD Facebook page, where they are posted each afternoon.
SSISD Suspends Normal Operations Through April 10
Trustees Pass Resolution Approving Wage Payments For SSISD Employees During Emergency Closure
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees Wednesday evening made an important decision for their employees and announced a decision regarding regular school operations as well.
The school board “approved a resolution for wage payments for SSISD employees during emergency school closing for the period of closure associated with the District’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Following the meeting, SSISD officials reported the district will also “extend the suspension of normal district operations through Friday, April, 10 in an effort to support our nation’s need to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. We are coordinating with other school districts in the county and will announce any decisions on whether there is a need to extend suspension further by April 9.”
Earlier today, SSISD assured that “students will not have to retake classes or lose any credit during the time we are out of school. Our staff is currently working on solutions for teachers and students to stay in contact and work while we are away from our campuses. We plan on rolling out our academic plan on Monday.”
Additional information will be provided as it become available regarding that plan, school officials reported.
Those who have questions related to the impact of COVID-19 to the SSISD community may submit them online to school staff through the link on their website.
Uncharted Territory: Our Civic Leaders Make A Tough Decision
March 18th, 2020 By: Chad Young
KSST applauds our civic leaders for the unprecedented move to place restrictions on “social gatherings” inside Hopkins County. The tough decision rested on our County Judge, Robert Newsom, who issued the declaration on March 18th, limiting social gatherings to 10. Newsom, as the most senior official in our county, issued the declaration after consulting with city, county, state and emergency management officials. There is no doubt that it was an agonizing decision for all of those officials involved, but will prove to be the best decision to protect the health of all of our citizens. As the declaration, in it’s original form, lasts only a week it most certainly will be extended as more information comes in, day by day.
So much is not known about Coronavirus (COVID-19), but the information that is known is very scary. As I write this, the Italian government, confirmed over 4,200 new cases and 475 new deaths linked to this virus in the last 24 hours. The small country of Italy, which is half the land area of Texas, has only 60 million population, which is less than one-fifth the population of the United States. Also in the last 24 hours, the United States added over 2,400 new confirmed cases and 41 new deaths. The unfortunate news is that we are several weeks behind Italy in testing availablity, and community spread. All of these numbers are certain to go up, and as we see the rest of our state, nation, and the entire world screeching to a halt, we would be naive to think that it won’t happen here.
So, painful as it may be, and certainly with an abundance of caution, our civic leaders make the tough decision to limit people getting together. Several hours after they do, Dallas County mandates the same limits on social gatherings. If we follow their example or they follow ours, it is only smart for us to put the health of our citizens above all else. Yes, the economic impact will be devastating, in fact it already has been. Grocery stores are selling out of all essential products as fast as they can stock them, but other retailers and restaurants are feeling the pain of our citizens already limiting their activities in public. Hopefully this will all end sooner rather than later, but no matter how long it takes, our community has to band together in different ways. We must find new ways to support our small businesses, to help them weather the storm. If you can order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite restaurant, we encourage you to do so, and we encourage you to find any way to support the other small businesses that are the backbone of our community. Whether clothing stores, flower shops, or other small retailers, they all need help. We all need to do what we can to help in this trying time, for this step and the next one, whatever it may be.
This big step imposed by our civic and county leaders is not only what everyone else in the world is coming to realize is what’s best for their communities, it’s what’s best for OUR community.
Hopkins County Issues Emergency Declaration For Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 18th, 2020
Robert Newsom, Hopkins County Judge, issues an emergency declaration for the citizens of Hopkins County. This Declaration issues a State Of Disaster for the county. This will last for seven days unless extended, as it will be evaluated by county commissioners as soon as Monday, March 23rd. Events in Hopkins County will now be limited to have no more than 10 people in a social gathering. This undoubtedly will affect a large number of events in Hopkins County. KSST News will continue to update this page as we get more information.
Dining rooms in restaurants are not restricted at this time, unless they have larger parties considered “social gatherings”. Restaurants may utilize their dining rooms with no tables seated for more than ten and all occupied tables more than six to ten feet apart. As many restaurants go to curbside pick-up and delivery, most have already made these arrangements.
School Board, county meetings, and city meetings can still go on as they are not considered “social gatherings” Plans are being developed to help attendees of these meetings achieve social distancing. All Civic Center events for the next two weeks are cancelled according to Civic Center general manager, Lonnie Fox. Future events beyond that will be evaluated weekly as the health scare continues.
Although the emergency declaration comes from the County Judge, input was received from city, county, state, and emergency officals. Jason Ricketson spoke as to the reasoning of putting this plan in place. He said, “As we see the numbers of positive test results rise in other parts of the state, we think distancing is important as to not overwhelm our local medical resources.” Again, no positive tests for coronavirus has been returned from any patient in Hopkins County. Ricketson also stressed the importance of the younger generation to heed these warning to protect the older generations.
This will affect all churches but retail stores will be able to limit their total customers as they see fit. Social distancing between customers should be offered at these establishments, but the total amount of customers at one time will be controlled by the each individual store.
Judge Newsom ugred citizens to band together to get through this crisis.
Continue to refresh this story for the latest information.
Signs Are Up For Takeout Together – Curbside Pick Up From Sulphur Springs Restaurants
The launch of “Takeout Together” was announced Tuesday. This will allow local restaurants in Sulphur Springs to continue to serve patrons curbside until the coronavirus concern has passed.
“We will be designating certain parking spaces, specifically downtown where they have shared parking, for that purpose and no other purpose. So people can show up, the restaurant staff will bring their food and they can take off,” City Manager Marc Maxwell said Tuesday.
A number of local food establishments are already offering curbside pick up. Additional information, including a list or restaurants participating, and a video are expected to be posted by end of week about it social media sites.
Maxwell said for people to start watching for the Takeout Together signs. This effort will help curtail potential spread of germs and viruses and help local businesses stay open. Many, he said, are already impacted by the measures being taken in communities across the country in an effort to reduce potential spread of COVID-19.
While more people are remaining in their homes as recommended, that means less business for local restaurants and businesses. This will allow patrons to continue supporting local businesses while still taking precautions, according to the city manager. Look for Takeout Together on Facebook for information about your favorite restaurant or call for information.
So far, Maxwell said, no confirmed cases have been recorded in Sulphur Springs, but that could change as the number of people across the state confirmed to have the virus increases.
The City of Sulphur Springs did order the Senior Citizens Center closed starting March 16, and Sulphur Springs Public Library will close tonight at 6 p.m. They will remain closed indefinitely, until the coronoavirus concern has passed.
Other city offices and operations remain open. City officials are encouraging those who can to pay their water bills online as a precaution for their health as well as city staff. They understand some are unable to do so. Thus, city offices remain open for people to pay water bills and municipal court tickets. All trials in the municipal court have been postponed until further notice, however.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson said city staff like other officials continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 and are taking appropriate precautions where possible. Emergency personnel have been equipped with protective gear for their safety while responding to calls in the field.
SSISD Tax Office Closed; Other Payment Options Available
Sulphur Springs ISD Tax Office is closed at this time due to the COVID-19 concerns. However, there are other options for taxpayers who need to make a payment. See the SSISD post below:
Tira News for March 18, 2020
Tira Community Center Closed, Food Pantry Stocked
By Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council met at the Community Center on Monday, March 16. The group discussed upkeep of the building and grounds. The Council considered adding storage for pantry items and will be discussing this more at the next quarterly meeting on June 1. Janie Lewis gave a report on the Community Center rentals. As of March 18, 2020, the Community Center is closed for gatherings through April. This closure could be extended, if necessary.
The Tira Food Pantry will continue to be stocked. The Council is asking that
those in need take what is they require, but leave some for others.
Joyce Dodd expressed a concern that the Tira Food Pantry demands may exceed the supply. Amie Davidson, a teacher at North Hopkins School, brought some bags of food for the pantry on Monday. We want to express our appreciation for the donation. If you would like to help out, please contact Joyce Dodd at 903-348-8754 or Tami Joslin at 903-268-2496.
Yvonne Weir reported that Dacy, Eli, and Elise visited on Sunday, March 7.
They went to Justa’s flea market, fished, and then had supper at Tejano’s in Cooper. Dustin, Everly and Maria visited that Monday. Daci and Dustin are Robert and Yvonne’s daughter and son.
Robert, Yvonne, and Wesley spent three nights in Hot Springs, Arkansas during Spring Break. They enjoyed the Mid-America Science Museum, flea markets, and strolling downtown.
Nicole Klemptner would like to let you know that her boys are doing yard work again this year. She says, “It is called DJK Lawn Service and they can contact me at (430) 252-4603 or Dalton at 1 (430) 252-4594. They are very hard workers and do a wonderful job at anything they are asked to do!”
We spent most of Spring Break at home, but we did go to the Dallas Arboretum on Thursday. We had lunch at Razoo’s Cajun Café in Mesquite, and then picked up Chip’s sister Linda Ellen after she got back from working that morning. The flowers and grounds were gorgeous! It was a little warm, but there was a nice breeze, which made for
a wonderful day.
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].
Miller Grove ISD Will Be Closed Through March 27; Schedule Pick Up Is Saturday
Parents Need To complete Home Technology Survey on MGISD Website ASAP
Miller Grove ISD will be closed another week, through March 27, with online learning beginning Monday, March 23. The situation will be evaluated every two weeks after that, school officials announced on the school website Wednesday evening.
Updates from the Centers from Disease Control, local and state officials were cited as factors in the decision.
“We believe that it is in the best interest of public health to support social distancing by closing schools for traditional instruction. As you may have seen, many of our fellow school districts are facing this same situation. We will notify you of any changes as soon as we have the information,” the MGISD release states.
Saturday, March 21, has been designated for materials pickup at the school. From 9 a.m. to noon, students can pick up items that are in their locker/classroom as well as electronic devices supplied by the school and hotspots provided by the school, if needed, and any other supplies they may need.
Elementary parents should pull their vehicle into the elementary parking lot, the same as they would for drop off and pick up. Junior high and high school parents/students should pull up to the front door of the school.
All are asked to please remain in their vehicles; school employees will deliver the items to the car.
Miller Grove FFA advisor also noted that due to the extended school break, the Community Clean-Up Day planned for March 21 will have to be rescheduled after students return to school. All FFA events and contests scheduled through Aprils, like all other school events and competitions have been canceled at this time as well.
Redneck Bar & Grill Faces Health Crisis Head-On
Redneck is now offering and encouraging curbside pick-up as well as delivery options. Zane Darling, owner of Redneck Bar & Grill on Main St in downtown Sulphur Springs, is never one to shy away from a challenge. He freely admits though that the current health crisis is worrisome not only to his employees, but his customers as well, many that eat at his establishment several times a week. “We think of our employees and customers as family, and want to make sure everyone remains healthy.”, Zane stated. He added, “we take pride in the cleanliness of our restaurant but will take extra precautions when sanitizing/disinfecting all areas of the building, as well as monitoring our employees every morning when they come into work.”
Redneck has been in business since 2013 and opened on Main Street back in 2015. They have been a fixture in the downtown dining area ever since. With coronavirus at the top of everyone’s mind, the restaurant is encouraging curbside pick-up right outside their front door in parking spaces blocked off by the city, as well as offering delivery options by calling 903-885-1600. Zane Darling told KSST News, “we want to continue to serve our loyal customer base, but still want to follow guidelines of social distancing and understand those that want to limit their interactions with larger group sizes.” Although take-out has always been available at the restaurant, picking up curbside has now been made available through the city blocking off the parking spaces. They now want to offer delivery to meet the demand they are seeing from their customers.
