A&M-Commerce’s Pearson Honored With TAMUS Veteran Support Award
COMMERCE, TX—A Texas A&M University-Commerce staff member was recently honored with an award celebrating his commitment to serving student veterans.
Dustin Pearson, veteran services manager at A&M-Commerce, received the 2022-23 Faculty/Staff Veteran Support Excellence Award from The Texas A&M University System.
The award is presented each year to an A&M System employee who directs the growth of student veterans, serves as an advocate for student veterans or veteran issues, and develops, implements or supports programs that enhance student veteran success.
In the Spring 2023 semester, more than 400 veterans were enrolled at A&M-Commerce. The total number of military-affiliated students—meaning veterans, active duty military, reservists, national guard, spouses and dependents—was 771.
A Hunt County native, Pearson served in the United States Army from 2003 to 2008. He originally served with the 2nd battalion, 9th infantry regiment in South Korea before joining the 101st Airborne/327th infantry regiment as an 11 Bravo Infantryman.
He served in Iraq, where he was wounded in combat in 2005. The recovery from his injuries lasted about six months. During his military service, he earned a Purple Heart, Air Assault Wings and Expert Infantry Badge.
Pearson initially struggled to find work after leaving the Army.
“At the time, there weren’t a lot of jobs for people coming out of the Army, especially infantrymen,” Pearson said. “I decided to apply myself academically and utilize my G.I. Bill to attend A&M-Commerce.”
He graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2012. After working a few jobs in the short term, he was hired at A&M-Commerce in 2015. He was drawn to the opportunity to help student veterans navigate college life.
“For me personally, there were some struggles as a student,” Pearson said. “It was not ideal to be a 30-year-old veteran when most of your classmates are traditional students right out of high school. There isn’t a whole lot in common to help you connect.”
He continued: “But I found camaraderie with other veterans at the university, and after graduating I found that I really wanted to be in a position to help veterans succeed in a university setting.”
While working at A&M-Commerce, Pearson also earned his Master of Social Work degree from the university in 2019.
Pearson stated that he was surprised, honored and humbled to be chosen for the A&M System award.
“It’s very humbling to be honored in such a way because I know there are a lot of people working in the A&M System that do a great service for veterans,” Pearson said. “I just have to say that I couldn’t do what I do to support our students without assistance from many other people on campus. It is a team effort.”
All recipients of this A&M System award receive a certificate and plaque, along with a $250 donation to the recipient’s local student veteran association or campus veteran services office to support a student veteran program or event.
Learn more about Veterans and Military Services at A&M-Commerce.
Solar Power Proves Useful Amid Intense Heat Waves Across The State
As Texas is subjected to another sweltering heat wave, people have nervously watched the state’s power grid, in hopes it will hold up as tripe-digit days continue on. Under the blazing sun, the state has produced significant amounts of electricity from solar panels to help avoid shortfalls.
The heat has pushed demands for power to new records,, topping 81,000 megawatts on Tuesday, but the state’s grid operator as only requested that residents lower their power use one day during the heat wave, when electricity from wind and power plants that use coal, nuclear or natural gas fell short of their past output.
Solar power provided nearly 20% of the Texas power needs on Tuesday before demand reached a new high.
A so-called “heat dome” has settled over the state, meaning an area of high pressure sits above while the area bakes, Houston-based meteorologist Matt Lanza said. This means June hasn’t been very windy.
Some 16,800 megawatts of solar power could be produced on the state grid as of the end of May, compared with 2,600 in 2019, according to data from the grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.
Aaron Zubaty, chief executive officer of clean energy investment company Eolian, said solar power correlates with Texas’ hot, sunny days. But like any power source, solar has limits, it can’t produce power 24 hours a day.
The time with the most energy consumption is when people get home from work, turn their air conditioner up, turn on the tv, do laundry or cook. Most of these occurring as the sun is setting and solar power production drops.
Texas Rising Solar Infrastructure
Experts have predicted that Texas will add more large-scale solar power plants in the coming years than any other state. A recent Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie report forecasts that Texas will install enough infrastructure to produce nearly twice as much new solar power as California between 2024 and 2028.
This growth could catapult Texas closer to challenging California’s rank as the nation’s top solar producer. Texas is currently second.
Seven Tips To Stay Safe During The Summer Heat
AUSTIN— The dog days of summer have certainly arrived, and with the soaring temperatures Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans enjoy time outdoors safely. Last year, 47 state parks reported 141 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Since January 1, 77 heat-related incidents have already been reported, compared to 64 reported by this time last year.
Here are the top seven heat hacks recommended for park visitors:
Hydrate– It’s important to drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour in the heat to replenish your body and prevent dehydration. Don’t forget to bring enough for your four-legged family members too.
Block the Rays– Apply a generous amount of sunscreen or sunblock before heading outdoors. Be sure to reapply every couple of hours, and after swimming or sweating.
Dress Smart– Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing; a hat, correct shoes, sunscreen and wet bandanas to keep you cool while in the sun. For pets, protect paws against blistering by hitting the trails during cooler times of the day when the ground isn’t hot or by putting booties on pets to help shield paws from the hot ground. Touch the pavement or ground with the back of your hand. If you cannot hold it there for five seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Stay Salty– Food helps keep up energy and replace salt lost from sweating. Eating snacks such as jerky, granola, trail mix, tuna and dried fruit is a fantastic way to nourish your body while on the trails.
Buddy System– Two brains are better than one. It’s beneficial to have someone with you in hot conditions so you can look after each other on the trail. With high temperatures hitting Texas, heat-related illnesses are common and having a friend around to help recognize the early symptoms can save you from getting sick.
Plan Ahead– Study the map and have it with you, avoid relying on your phone for maps since service may be unavailable in back-country areas. Average hikers move at 2 miles per hour, so allow yourself plenty of time to avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Make sure to rest in a cool or shaded area to recover from the heat if necessary. It is also a good idea to let someone know your plan before you hit the trails and what time you should be back. That way, if you become lost, people know where to look.
Pup-Safety– Dogs are as susceptible to heat as their humans are, so it is good practice to ensure that you bring enough water and snacks for four-legged hiking buddies to last the entirety of the trip.
Additionally, visitors should heed notices posted at trailheads about site specific conditions before setting out for the day. Park staff are also a valuable resource for folks wanting to know about trail and forecasted conditions before starting their walk.
For more information about heat safety, visit the TPWD website.
Texas State Park reservations can be made by calling the Texas State Park Reservation Center at 512-389-8900 on weekdays during normal business hours. You can also reserve a campsite or day pass anytime online. Overnight reservations can be made up to five months in advance, and day passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. If your plans change, please modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow someone else to enjoy the park as we do expect parks to reach capacity limits.
Find a park in your area at http://texasstateparks.org/.
For infographics, visit the TPWD Flickr page.
Yantis Woman Caught With Fake Military ID and Drugs
June 28, 2023 – This week, a Hopkins County Deputy noticed an older Chevrolet Suburban displaying expired registration. A traffic stop was performed in a business’ parking lot on south Broadway in Sulphur Springs.
When deputies contacted the sole occupant, they noticed she was crying. They saw both open and sealed alcohol beverage containers within reach of the driver. When asked why she was crying, she stated it was for something other than being stopped.
DANIELLE NICHOLE AARON, 36 years-old, was asked to exit the vehicle and she complied. She exhibited nervous behavior and was visibly shaking. A probable cause search was began. Several forms of drug paraphernalia were located including syringes, spoons with suspected meth residue and baggies containing suspected meth residue. A prescription bottle containing liquid morphine was also found. It was not prescribed to Aaron.
A military id, with Aaron’s picture and false personal information was also located. Aaron professed she was not in the military and had knowledge of the ID.
EMS was called to the scene. Aaron, who lists herself as unemployed, advised law enforcement she might be having a seizure.
Once EMS cleared her, Aaron was arrested and transported without incident to the Hopkins County Jail. The Suburban was impounded. Her bond totals $10,000. Aaron is charged with:
1 481.115(B) POSS CS PG 1/1-B <1G
1 32.51(C)(1) FRAUD USE/POSS IDENTIFYING INFO # OF ITEMS <5If 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.
AAA Predicts Record-Breaking Travel Volumes For July 4th Weekend
June 28, 2023- AAA has projected an estimated 50.7 million Americans to be traveling 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day weekend, setting a new record for this holiday. Domestic travel over the long weekend will increase by 2.1 million people compared to 2022. This year’s projection surpasses the previous July 4th weekend record set in 2019 of 49 million travelers.
Air travel is also expected to set a record breaking number during this July fourth weekend. AAA has projected an estimated 4.17 million Americans will fly to their destination Independence Day weekend, an increase of 11.2% over 2022 and 6.6% over 2019. The previous July 4th weekend air travel record of 3.91 million travelers was set in 2019.
Other modes of transportation are also on the rise this year. AAA expects 3.36 million people will travel by bus, cruise, or train over the long weekend, an increase of 24% over last year. While more travelers are turning to these modes this year, the number is not expected to surpass 2019’s total of 3.54 million.
Road Rage Lands Arkansas Man in Jail
June 28, 2023 – A call from a passenger traveling eastbound on I-30 was received Tuesday by Hopkins County Authorities. The caller reported another motorist had brandished a firearm during a road rage incident.
While Hopkins County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched and attempted to locate the white Ford F-150, the caller continued to give location updates and descriptions of the occupants of the Ford.
Eventually deputies caught up with both vehicles and initiated a traffic stop. MARIO REMONDE URQUHART was asked to exit the vehicle and he complied. A handgun was located inside the Ford. It matched the description given by the caller. URQUHART, who lists himself as an employee of a marijuana dispensary in Arkansas, had several outstanding warrants.
URQUHART was arrested and transported to the Hopkins County Jail; without incident. The pickup was turned over to the passenger. Bond was set at $30,000. URQUHART is charged with:
1 22.02(A)(2) AGG ASSLT W/DEADLY WEAPON
06B1327 1 FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
06B1326 1 DISPLAY EXPIRED MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
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.
Uhaul Parked at Boat Ramp Causes Suspicion
June 28, 2023 – A call to law enforcement about a Uhaul van parked at a boat ramp ended with a Cumby, TX man in jail.
Around 3pm Tuesday, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested at a FM 2285 boat ramp on Lake Sulphur Springs. The caller thought it was suspicious that the vehicle was a Uhaul van.
Deputies made contact with the sole occupant, 54 year-old Christopher Grady Greaves. Greaves, who reports himself as unemployed, spoke with accelerated speech and was confused about his destination and his departure point.
Greaves gave permission for the vehicle to be searched. Deputies searched his person as well, and found a glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. The pipe had a crystalline residue inside it. Methamphetamine was found inside the van, along with additional drug paraphernalia
Greaves was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. The Ford was impounded.
He is charged with:
1 481.115(C) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=1G<4G
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.
Golden Back in Hopkins County Jail After Criminal Trespass
June 26, 2023 – LA’QUANTA CELISSE GOLDEN, age 38, was arrested by Sulphur Springs Police this week after she visited a Downtown Sulphur Springs business.
Golden, formerly of Sulphur Springs but now lists herself as homeless, had previously been served a criminal trespass warning for the business. When she returned this week, that business called police.
Law enforcement can issue a Criminal Trespass Notice with cooperation from any business. Proper notice of the CTN (to the trespasser) must be conducted. CTN’s are good for 1 year.
A records check revealed Golden to have an outstanding warrant for a parole violation.
Golden voluntarily released all her personal property to a friend on scene. Golden was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. He current bond totals $21,000.
Golden was arrested earlier this year after she caused a disturbance at a local care facility. See that story here.
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.
Chamber Connection – June 28 By Butch Burney
Business After Hours
Join us for a fun and interactive Business After Hours next month at Red River Credit Union from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20.
Business After Hours is a great way to interact and network with other business professionals and members of the community. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend and there is no cost.
Red River Credit Union is located at 822 Gilmer St.
Leadership Sulphur Springs
Even if you think you know Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, you are sure to learn a lot through Leadership Sulphur Springs, which is back on this year, with applications online! The leadership class is for Hopkins County men and women who want to learn and become more invested in their local community. It’s an intensive nine-month program that immerses the participants in the business and government of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The tentative dates for this year’s program are attached to the application, which can be accessed at HopkinsChamber.org.
The registration fee is $500 and that covers the cost of the food, drinks, transportation, etc. for the year.
Meet District 2 Candidates
The public is invited to eat homemade ice cream and meet the candidates for District 2 State Representative, who will be running in a special election Nov. 7 to replace Bryan Slaton. The ice cream social, hosted by the local Republican Women’s club, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, at the pavilion at Buford Park.
Hopkins County Law Enforcement
The Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association will have a Golf Tournament fundraiser at the Sulphur Springs Country Club on Aug. 21. The four-person teams will tee off at 10 a.m. For sponsor or player information, call Michael Russell at 903-438-4040 or email [email protected].
Wedding Expo
The DIY Wedding Expo is coming back to the Civic Center from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 23. For more information on sponsorships or vendor spaces, contact Tracey Treadway at 214-683-7669 or [email protected].
Ribbon Cutting
On the Block Beef hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, June 23, at their facility on 312 South Davis St. The grand opening of their meat market was welcomed by a large crowd.
Designs by Vivian hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, June 21, at the shop in Shannon Square to showcase her design and alteration services.
A ribbon cutting and dedication of the new pavilion at Pacific Park is scheduled for noon Friday, July 7. Please join us for that event.
Work Mates Arrested During Morning Drive
June 27, 2023 – At around 11:30 AM Monday, Sulphur Springs Police noticed a Dodge Caravan traveling southbound on Highway 11. The white minivan displayed expired registration. A traffic stop was initiated about 1 mile south of I-30.
The driver, 36 year-old Nathan Allen Martin of Sulphur Springs, showed signs of nervousness and deception. A record check showed Martin to have an outstanding warrant for parole violation. When asked why he was nervous, Martin indicated there was multiple marijuana ‘roaches’ inside the minivan. Martin was then detained.
The passenger, 45 year-old Jack Daniel Ross of Lone Oak, was asked to exit the vehicle. While he was doing so, officers noticed he was holding something behind his back. When asked what he was hiding, Ross allegedly threw a bag into the ditch. The bag contained methamphetamine. Ross was then detained.
A probable cause search was then conducted on the vehicle. A stash of methamphetamine was found hidden inside the steering wheel cover. Under the passenger’s seat, inside a metal magnetic key box, drug paraphernalia was found.
Martin’s bond was set at $25,000. He was charged with:
1 PAROLE VIOLATION
1 481.115(B) POSS CS PG 1/1-B <1G
Ross’s bond was set at $10,000. He was charged with:
1 481.115(C) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=1G<4G
Martin and Ross, who reported working for the same employer, were both arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. The minivan was released to it’s owner.
This is not the first time Martin has been in Hopkins County Jail. In 2018 he was arrested and charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. See that story here.
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.
