Come Play Bingo for a Good Cause
Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter Fundraiser
[Dateline: WINNSBORO, TEXAS, August 11] — The Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter will be welcoming supporters to their annual Family Bingo Night Fundraiser. The event will be held at the Winnsboro City Civic Auditorium on Saturday, August 19, 2023, with doors opening at 5 pm and gameplay beginning at 6 pm. The City Civic Center is at 915 Wheeler Drive inside the City Park.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite, members of the FWAS, or can be purchased at the door night of the event. Adult tickets are $30, and under kids under 16 are only $10. Ticket price includes your game card, food, and drink. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners.
The Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with all profits going to help the Winnsboro Animal Shelter and it’s animals. The funds help to cover medications for Heartworms, Fleas/Ticks and Parasites; Vaccinations for the deadly Parvo Virus to keep disease out of our shelter; Veterinary care and surgeries.
For more information about the Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter check out the website at www.winnsborotxanimalshelter.org and their Facebook page. You can also contact them at 903-767-0227 for more information.
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Mexican National Sentenced for Child Exploitation
Hopkins County Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation Violations
PLANO, Texas – A Sulphur Springs, Texas man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Hugo Enrique Menchaca, 42, pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography and misuse of a Social Security number and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on August 10, 2023.
According to information presented in court, Menchaca came to the attention of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office in August 2020, when a social media company reported that a user had been uploading child pornography onto their platform. HCSO initiated an investigation, which ultimately lead to Menchaca. Hundreds of files of child pornography were found on three digital devices Menchaca owned, as well as two different online platforms. Menchaca admitted in court that he traded child pornography with others and that he did so in order to receive additional, and new child pornography. He also admitted that the child pornography depicted prepubescent minors, as well as sadistic or masochistic conduct, or other depictions of violence.
During HCSO’s investigation, it was determined that Menchaca did not have legal status in the United States and that he was using the Social Security number that had been assigned to another individual. Menchaca used the SSN in order to obtain employment, credit, and some services, knowing that the SSN had not been assigned to him and that he was not entitled to use it.
In addition to his prison sentence, Menchaca was also ordered to pay restitution resulting from his misuse of the Social Security number. Following the completion of his sentence, Menchaca will face immigration hearings related to his status in the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and the Social Security
Administration – Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney
Marisa J. Miller.
Saturn App Targets School Children – Seems Innocent Enough But It’s Really Social Media With Dubious Privacy
August 11, 2023 – Concerned parents around the country are pointing fingers at the latest social media app named Saturn. It’s is posing as a ‘Social Calendar’ and a replacement for a paper calendar, but it provides who more information to users, and does not effectively prevent non-students from creating accounts and accessing other’s information.
By itself the class information, school sports rosters, pictures, classrooms and student names should be harmless. But this information could be used to stalk a student or through a fake social media account, convince a student that a confederate was actually a classmate.
“Each student’s profile allows them to upload a photo, a description of themselves (which some did) and add links to their Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Venmo, or any website they choose. I was able to click the student’s links and watch some reels right there in the Saturn app- thus gaining more information about them. There is also a Direct Message feature available for private discussions, which is unlocked once you verify yourself using a school email address. So, anyone who has logged in, can now DM your student. Taking this a step further, I realized I could change my profile name, even if it matched another student in the app. What would stop me from cyber-bullying using another student’s name?”
Currently it appears to be an iPhone only app. The App Store says it’s ranked #2 in social networking.
Wildfires Affect America’s Farms and Ranches by Mario Villarino
Wildfires affect America’s farms and ranches, damaging and destroying homes, barns, agriculture production facilities, crops and livestock. By the time this article gets to your hands, twelve wildfires are occurring in Texas at different stages of development. Much of this damage can be avoided, or at least minimized, if a few precautions are taken to minimize the risk and spread of wildfires.
I. BEFORE
Precautions should be taken long before a fire threatens your property in order to minimize costly damages after a fire. All farm and ranch family members and farm workers should be able to identify potential fire hazards and understand the basic fire response techniques to eliminate or minimize personal and property damage.
Basic measures include:
- Install and maintain smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should be installed in barns and buildings and checked at least once per month. Batteries should be changed at least once per year.
- Develop an escape or evacuation plan, and practice it. The evacuation plan should also include how to transport animals and livestock that may be in danger.
- Post emergency numbers in a central location, including the fire department, police department, local emergency response coordinator, and others who provide rural emergency assistance.
- Place fire extinguishers in all barns, vehicles, and tractors. Check extinguishers periodically for charge. Discard damaged or used fire extinguishers.
- Store fuels, pesticides, medicines and other chemicals in a fire-retardant enclosure or secure location away from heat sources and combustible materials. In the event of a wildfire, these substances should be removed from the premises.
- Keep barns and buildings clean of trash and other combustible materials such as hay, lumber, logs, and empty feed sacks.
Practice farm-specific fire safety:
- Always avoid fire hazards in the initial construction.
- Make sure your farm has adequate water supply, such as an irrigation ditch, a water tank, a cistern, or a pond.
- Keep irrigation sources clear of combustible material.
- Keep areas clear of grass, weeds, and other debris.
- Park tractors and implements away from combustible materials such as hay stacks and fuel storage containers.
- Obtain fire insurance for livestock, buildings, and equipment.
- Conduct random, but regular inspections and fire drills. Invite the fire department for these drills to minimize confusion during an actual occurrence.
- Keep above ground fuel storage tanks at least 40 feet from buildings.
II. DURING
If a wildfire threatens your farm or ranch, always remember that human life must be the first priority; property comes second. Keep in mind, however, that when firefighters arrive, they may ask which to save first, second, third, etc, so determine beforehand the order of importance: livestock, machinery, or feed.
If you become trapped in a burning barn or building, practice basic fire safety:
- Get out quickly, but safely.
- Stay low, since smoke rises, and cover your mouth with a clean cloth to avoid inhaling smoke and gasses.
- Close doors after escaping rooms to slow the spread of fire.
- If smoke is pouring in the room at the bottom of the door, and the door feels hot, keep it closed.
- Open a window to escape or for fresh air while waiting to be rescued.
- If no smoke is coming in under the door and it is not hot, open it slowly to escape.
If you do have time to evacuate animals, proceed with caution. Some animals may refuse to leave, and some may even run back into a burning barn or building. Make sure to close gates prohibiting access to dangerous areas. When evacuating animals, do not lead them where they will become trapped or to a dead end.
III. AFTER
The aftermath of a wildfire can be hazardous.
A few precautions must be taken after a wildfire takes place on your property:
- Stay out of damaged barns buildings and return to your property only when authorities permit you to.
- Notify proper authorities if you believe that hazardous materials were released in the fire or during fire fighting. Place warning signs on contaminated areas.
- When disposing of some materials, such as those potentially contaminated with chemicals, check on state and local requirements for disposal procedures.
- Consult someone from the Local Emergency Planning Committee or the state Division of Emergency Management for legal clean-up procedures if needed.
- Keep livestock away from contaminated feed and water.
- Wear protective gear when entering contaminated areas including steel-toed boots, a hard hat, respiratory protection, gloves and other protective clothing when in damaged barns and buildings.
- Before entering a barn or building, asses the true integrity of the structure. Always turn off the electrical power and other utilities until a thorough safety inspection is made.
- If the decision is made to demolish a building, hire a professional. Professionals will be able to do the job more efficiently and safely.
- Check with your insurance provider so you know what is covered by wildfires. Take pictures of all damage, and inventory all damaged structures, supplies, equipment and machinery. Save receipts for expenses relating to fire loss.
ANIMALS
Animals are especially susceptible to wildfires, especially those that are confined to small pastures. After a wildfire, examine all animals exposed to wildfire smoke, heat, or burns. You may need to spray animals with water in order to cool them down.
Grifter Arrested in Hopkins County
August 11, 2023 – JOEL HINTON DOWNS was arrested this week in Hopkins County Texas. He is currently charged with two counts of:
31.03(E)(4)(A) THEFT PROP >=$2,500<$30K
Downs has been arrested several time in recent years and charged with numerous crimes.
In February 2021 he was arrested in Hunt County and charged with:
- THEFT PROP >=$750<$2,500
- PROBATION VIOL/THEFT PROP >=$2,500<$30K
- THEFT PROP >=$2,500<$30K
- THEFT PROP >=$2,500<$30K
In March 2019, Downs reportedly advertised as Flying J Building Systems, bid the cost of the construction of a metal building on a resident’s property. Downs took a $10,000 payment upfront and never returned to start the job. See that story here.
In Van Zandt County on 5/12/2018 he was charged with felony theft of service greater than $30,000 but less than $150,000.
In June of 2017, Downs was arrested and charged with THEFT PROP $2500<$30k in Franklin County.
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.
Leave Her Alone
August 11, 2023 – If your home is like ours, we have had a good crop of spiders this year. My personal favorite is the Orb Weaving Spiders who decorate their web with a vertical stabilimentum. This zipper like structure may serve as a warning to birds, as an attractant to insects, or camouflage for the spider as she rests in the middle.
It’s a safe bet that a spider of this size is female, as the male is tiny in comparison, and usually gets eaten after his job is done.
We always leave the spiders alone, garden around them and water plants carefully as they are truly beneficial.
Orb weaver spiders are not poisonous. They may contain mild venom, but it isn’t harmful to humans or even large animals. The orb weaver’s bite is like a bee sting in pain but has a more negligible effect.
They create egg sacks that are commonly seen hanging from the eaves or other protected places. The sacks are about an inch in diameter, and tan in color. If you can muster it, leave them place for the next year’s hatch.
Seattle Investor Arrested on Warrant
August 11, 2023 – Akeem Lamar D. Bailey-Rich, age 29 years-old, was arrested on a warrant this week in Sulphur Springs.
Sulphur Springs Police performed a traffic stop on Bailey-Rich’s Pontiac around 1AM. The stop took place on the east loop near Interstate 30. A records check showed an outstanding warrant for:
1 46.04(E) UNL POSS FIREARM BY FELON
A search of court records shows the felony offence occurred on January 11, 2021. His bond is set at $10,000. His car was impounded.
Bailey-Rich, who lists himself as an investor who lives in Seattle WA, was arrested by Woodland, WA police officers in 2017 on suspicion of second-degree theft and driving while intoxicated.
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.
Construction Work Begins At Old Fairfield Lake State Park
August 11, 2023 – After a tumultuous year for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Park in Freestone County, work has now begun on turning the old State Park into a residential development. A gated golf course community is planned for the land, after the previous owner sold the property to Todd Interests from Dallas.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department voted in June to allow the agency to condemn the 5,000-acre property and seize it through eminent domain after negotiations stalled for TPWD to buy the property that the State of Texas had been leasing for many years. Currently the agency has not filed the necessary paperwork to initiate the condemnation in court.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lost access to the park back in February of 2023 and has fought to try and purchase the park at a time when the 88th Texas Legislature has committed more funding to expand the park system. The TPWD has indicated that they offered “fair market value” for the land, but the developer is adamant of pushing forward with the construction of the residential project.
Eminent domain allows the State of Texas to seize the land for public purpose, but the State would still have to purchase the land. If the State of Texas moves forward with condemnation of the land through eminent domain proceedings, the final price could be left up to a judge as Todd Interests has said they have no intentions to sell. The state Legislature appropriated $125 million earlier this year to the TPWD for park acquisition statewide.
Freudiger May Avoid Additional Jail Time
August 11, 2023 – Michelle Denise Freudiger, who shot her husband in the face after an argument, may be able to avoid additional jail time.
Michelle Denise Freudiger was arrested in April after Wood County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call about a woman shooting a man in the face. Freudiger’s husband survived the shooting.
Freudiger, charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, entered a guilty plea in Judge Brad McCampbell’s court on Thursday in exchange for 10 years deferred adjudication. No additional details of her probation were released.
Houston Street Getting Ready for School
August 11, 2023 – Houston Street along Gerald Prim Stadium, The SW Dairy Museum, the Civic Center and the student entrance to the SSISD High School is being resurfaced this week.
Teachers and Staff are already working at all SSISD locations to get ready for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.
Forms of asphalt recycling date back to 1915, becoming increasingly popular in the 1970s with the development of the modern milling machine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Highway Administration estimate that we recycle more than 80 percent of the 90 million tons of asphalt pavement reclaimed each year in the US.
The top layer of asphalt has been milled away as of Friday morning. It should not take long to bring in recycled and renewed asphalt and roll it down. Traffic should be allowed to flow in both directions ie the street should not need to be closed.
Avoiding Houston from Hillcrest (Highway 19) to League st might be a good idea for the next few weeks. Once school starts on Tuesday August 22, the school zone will go back in effect and there will be more drivers navigating the student entrance.
