Reserve A Seat For the 49th Christmas Joys Holiday Program Before They Are All Gone
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Family and Community Health Extension Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
The month of October is knocking on the door, which means the annual Extension holiday program, “Christmas Joys” is not far behind! Formerly known as Christmas Show and Tell, this program was started by my predecessor, Janie Crump, and I have continued the legend. It is a highlight of the year for many people. Not only is it an entertaining program, but for me personally, it kicks off the holiday season!
The 49th annual “Christmas Joys” program is on the calendar, and we are currently accepting reservations. Below are the details:
- When: Monday, November 7
- Where: Southwest Dairy Museum
- Time: 1:30 p.m., repeated at 5:30 p.m. (select one time – both programs are identical)
- Cost: $5 payable at the door, children under 10 are admitted free
- To reserve a seat, call 903-88-53443. We MUST have a name and phone number for each seat reserved, so please don’t call and ask to reserve 15 seats without having a name and phone number for each person.
Because we need to follow the fire code for the facility, we will cap reservations at 80 per session, which includes children. However, we will start a waiting list in case someone has to cancel.
For those who have attended in the past, you will see some of the same familiar faces. I will serve as emcee and presenter. Popular Master Wellness Volunteers Susie Faltesek and Joan Brennan are returning to present some fabulous ideas for crafting and decorating. Some new faces this year are Master Wellness Volunteers Pat Connally and Wendy Johnson who will present a new twist on holiday foods for adults and children. Wrapping up the speaker line-up is Miachel Herrera who will do a presentation on charcuterie boards and entertaining. Staff members from the Southwest Dairy Museum will conclude with information about their products, and you will have the opportunity to sample many of their cheeses, spreads, and dip mixes.
As of this writing, the 1:30 p.m. session is over half full, and the 5:30 p.m. session is almost half full, so don’t delay in reserving your spot! Each attendee will receive a swag bag and a booklet containing the recipes and directions of items presented during the program.
National 4-H Week
Each year, 4-H members, leaders, and parents recognize National 4-H Week. The 2022 celebration will take place October 2-8. As part of the celebration, Hopkins County 4-H’ers will be collecting items for the Sulphur Springs Middle School Communities in Schools. Items may be dropped off at the Hopkins County Extension Office. Contact our office at 903-885-3443 for a list of things we will accept.
Another feature of National 4-H week is the 4-H Project Show. 4-H members are encouraged to enter this year’s contest. Entry categories are: Art, baked goods, crafts, clothing, decorated clothing/ accessories, food preservation, general sewing, holiday, horticulture, jewelry, leather work, metal work, needlework, photography, poetry, scrapbooks, or woodworking. Items will be accepted from October 3 through 6, judged on Friday, October 7, and on display to the public October 10-14 at the Extension Office. 4-H members may enter the same items in the Fall Festival Creative Arts contest. Just be sure to let us know so we can label them accordingly.
Closing Thought
Prayer should be our first response – not our last resort.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; at 903-885-3443; or by email at [email protected].
HCSO: 2nd Suspect In Tuesday Night Pursuit Identified, But Yet To Be Apprehended
Vehicle, 20 Others Reportedly Stolen From Ennis Dealership
The second suspect who fled on foot into a wooded area following a vehicle pursuit Tuesday night in Sulphur Springs has been identified. The vehicle used in the incident was one of more than 20 reported to have been stolen from an Ennis dealership, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office reports.
Because one suspect from the chase remained at large, Sulphur Springs ISD notified parents and staff Wednesday morning that district campuses were in lock-down mode as a precaution.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were made aware Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, a Dodge Challenger displaying a license plate that came back to a Kia Soul was traveling on I-30 east headed toward Sulphur Springs. The white car was also determined to have been stolen as well, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Deputies spotted the car as it took Exit 127 off I-30 onto Jefferson Street. A traffic stop was initiated on the 2022 model Dodge Challenger on Jefferson Street near Weaver Drive Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, HCSO Deputy Joshua Davis noted in arrest reports. The driver allegedly fled from law enforcement in the vehicle, continuing to attempt to evade officials. The car traveled onto Ramsey Street, and ended up in a back yard between College and Putman Streets, where Davis reported seeing two black males exit the car and take off running.
Davis chased the passenger, calling out for the man to stop. The deputy reported catching up to Eddie Lamar Ringo Jr. at 10:18 p.m. Tuesday; the 24-year-old Pine Bluff, Arkansas man had reportedly run into “a thick wooded area” on College Street at Ramsey. When asked for the driver’s information, Ringo allegedly told the deputy he had never met the driver before, and claimed the driver had picked him up at a gas station in Arkansas.
Ringo was transported to HCSO jail, where he was interviewed by the arresting deputy about the incident. The Arkansas man reportedly initially told police he did not know the man who had been driving the Challenger, and had never met him before. When the deputy told Ringo he believed he was lying, the 24-year-old allegedly claimed he had only seen the man around but did not know his name, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Ringo was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:14 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, on a misdemeanor evading arrest or detention charge and a third-degree felony hindering apprehension of a felon charge, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Meanwhile, additional officers from around the city converged in the area of the stolen car as well as last known direction the driver was observed running toward. The suspect Tuesday night was reported to have been last seen wearing a red shirt and green pants. He was reported to have lost his shower slides and at least one sock while fleeing authorities. He was reported to have last been seen heading south, then southwest into a nearby thicket to the west, near where the passenger was taken into custody on College at Ramsey Street, according to sheriff’s reports.
A perimeter was established in the area, with officers methodically searching within the area. Officials’ efforts, including that of a trained police canine, were reportedly hampered by the thick copse of trees in the area. Around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, a thermal imager was being utilized in the area to try to detect the suspect’s heat signature in the dark, wooded area.
Authorities around 11:40 p.m. responded to what were thought to be the sound of gunshots southwest in the area where the pair had run. At midnight authorities were still searching the area, including south on College Street, back to Putman and Ardis Streets. Deputies checked out a report of someone with a flashlight on Beckham Street headed toward Maxwell Street. Officers, at one point, were contacted about someone knocking or banging on a wall and window in the Caldwell Street area, then dispatchers reported receiving more than one call reporting windows and doors being hit or knocked on in the area of Ardis and WA Streets, just off MLK, east of Oak Avenue. One witness reported seeing a man in a red hoodie around 11 p.m. Tuesday at an Gilmer Street car lot.
Officials were still searching for the man after midnight. The driver of the Dodge Challenger, a car thought to possibly be a new car taken from a dealership or car lot, remained at large late Wednesday morning.
Sulphur Springs ISD sent alerts to students’ parents and guardians around 11 a.m. Wednesday, and notified staff that the district would be in lock-down mode as a precaution due to the suspect remaining at large.
By midday Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, HCSO reported “We were later able to identify the driver as Markevus Taggart BM 08/10/2002. Both are from the Pinebluff Arkansas area.” The second suspect was last seen in a red hooded shirt, green shorts and thought to just have one sock on, according to HCSO.
“Warrants will be issued for the offenses that occurred in our area in relation to the fleeing and use of the stolen vehicle. Based on the information we have, we believe the suspect is no longer in the area,” the Sept. 21, 2022, HCSO press release stated regarding the second suspect.
The Dodge Challenger also was determined to have been “stolen along with 20 other cars from a dealership in Ennis. The entering agency will continue the investigation into the stolen vehicles.”
The passenger in the chase, Eddie Lamar Ringo Jr. who is also shown in jail reports to be known by “MTF Mista,” remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. His bond was set at $30,000 on the hindering apprehension charge and $5,000 on the evading arrest or detention 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.
2 SSHS Seniors Among 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students
Sulphur Springs High School Principal Josh Williams announced today that Lausen Ost and Alexis C. McCoy have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their
pursuit of academic success.”
Congratulations to Alexis McCoy and Lausen Ost on this outstanding academic achievement.
Options Abound in Second Fall Eight-Week Term at Paris Junior College Classes Begin October 24
Paris Junior College
Public Information Services
Options abound in second fall eight-week term at PJC
Classes begin Oct. 24
Paris Junior College continues to transition the majority of courses to eight-weeks and the second eight-week term of fall semester starts Oct. 24. The large number of classes offer both in-person or online and day or evening options to fit busy schedules.
“With the emphasis on eight-week courses,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President, “students don’t have to wait for the beginning of fall or spring semesters to begin their college education. The ability to start mid-semester offers greater flexibility to students with more choices available.”
In-person courses offered in Paris include business computer applications, networking, and cybersecurity; biology, including anatomy & physiology; construction management; introductions to mass communications, computing, or sociology; criminal justice courses; blueprint reading and sketching and computer-aided design; economics; electronics and mechatronics; emergency medical services; English composition; federal or Texas government; U.S. history; horology (watchmaking) and jewelry technology; mathematics, including algebra and statistics; music appreciation; psychology; sociology; Spanish; and multiple welding courses.
The PJC-Greenville Center will offer in-person courses on biology, including anatomy & physiology; chemistry; introductions to mass communications or to sociology; criminal justice courses; economics; electronics and mechatronics; English composition; federal government; U.S. history; mathematics, including algebra and statistics; music appreciation; psychology; sociology; Spanish; and multiple welding courses.
The PJC-Sulphur Springs Center has in-person courses including business computer applications; biology, including anatomy & physiology; introduction to mass communications or to computing; blueprint reading and sketching and computer-aided design; English composition; federal or Texas government; U.S. history; mathematics, including calculus and statistics; music appreciation; psychology; Spanish; and multiple welding courses.
Online courses in the second eight-week term include agricultural economics; art appreciation; biology courses; financial literacy; introductions to mass communications, computing, sociology, spreadsheets, or to the teaching profession; computer programming; criminal justice; theater appreciation; economics; English composition, technical writing, and world literature; federal or Texas government; U.S. history; mathematics including algebra and calculus; marketing, music appreciation, solar system, elementary physics, business communications; psychology, and public speaking.
New students need to apply for admission to PJC, take care of any required testing, meet with a Student Success Coach and set up a degree plan, then register for classes and apply for financial assistance. Scholarships for the current year are available.
Prospective students may email [email protected] or fill out an online application at www.parisjc.edu/apply. For questions, call or stop by any PJC location:
Paris Junior College: 903-782-0425, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX.
PJC-Greenville Center: 903-454-9333, 6500 Monty Stratton Parkway, Greenville, TX.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center: 903-885-1232, 1137 Loop 301 East, Sulphur Springs, TX.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
HCUW To Continue History Of Helping Others With 2022-2023 Campaign To Raise $150,000
Hopkins County United Way volunteers kicked off the 2022-2023 campaign to raise $150,000 Wednesday, with a workers luncheon. The organization has “A History of Helping” others which continues this year with the fundraiser which will benefit 18 local agencies serving county residents of all ages and segments of the community by helping meet critical needs and providing enrichment activities.
Deanna Landers, whose involvement with HCUW includes having served as a past campaign chair and president, offered a prayer to open the kickoff luncheon. Landers’ legacy of service over the last few years has continued by her daughter Kristy Landers Moseley, who headed the 2021-2022 campaign and currently serves as HCUW president. Mosely introduce this year’s Campaign Chair Emily Glass.
The HCUW officer offered thanks to:
- Southwest Dairy Center for use of the family for the workers’ luncheon,
- the 40 or so volunteers who donate their time to distribute packets to local businesses and collect donations,
- Edward Jones Financial -Chris Voorheese for sponsoring the meal,
- Sandy Wallace and staff at Plain ‘n’ Fancy for providing the meal,
- Mike Horne (former campaign chair and president) and Latson’s for the time and attention he and staff put in to the printing of all HCUW campaign materials,
- Dinh Tran with VOSH Graphics for all of the time leant to filming and editing a video which shows and explains how the campaign helps local organizations,
- the HCUW Budget and Allocations Committee for spending 2 days listening to presentations, and determining based on information gleaned during that time how to best maximize the campaign funds raised,
- Board of Directors
- Moseley for her leadership and making the process easy, and
- Executive Secretary Susan Berning, who is the “heartbeat of United Way.”
“We are all here for one reason to make the Hopkins County campaign successful. Thank you for agreeing to help,” Glass said to the campaign workers present at the Sept. 21, 2022, kickoff.
HCUW has a village mentality of helping others locally, by supporting organizations that help and/or enrich lives, by choosing to serve as a campaign worker or donating. Focusing on the community as a whole is very important to HCCUW. Funding raised by HCUW annually stays local to improve the quality of life for individuals in all walks of life, with the exception of 1% designated for membership in to United Way Worldwide, a cooperative effort which makes the local effort more viable.
Berning asked that cards within the packets be filled out completely and returned with donation packets with the business and worker’s names and contact information, and intended follow-up date to collect packets.
She noted that in addition to flat donations from companies or individuals, businesses also have the option of offering payroll deductions. This would allow their employees to commit to a set contribution goal, then determined how much of it to take out of each paycheck, which then is turned in to HCUW.
Moseley and Glass are available to answer questions or if a business or group wishes to speak to employees or members about the HCUW campaign.
The HCUW officers said they anticipate another great year blessing others because of the work of the volunteers and those who give generously to the campaign.
HCUW 2022-2023 campaign allocations include:
- Bright Star Baseball, $1,500
- CANHelp, $18,250
- Circle Ten Council of Boy Scouts of America, $1,000
- Community Players, Inc., $1,500
- East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (ETCADA), $1,500
- Heritage Christian Counseling Center, $8,000
- Hopkins County 4-H, $2,750
- Hopkins County Christian Alliance on behalf of Community Cupboard
- Hopkins County Community Chest, $40,000
- Lake CASA, $10,000
- Lakes Regional Community Center on behalf of Our Place, $4,500
- Meal-A-Day, $8,000
- Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, Inc. (NETCAC), $3,500
- Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas (SAFE-T), $5,000
- Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center, 4,000
- Sulphur Springs Symphony League, $1,000
- Teen Court, $2,500
- The Dinner Bell, $5,000
- United Way Worldwide, $1,500
- Administrative Expenses, $23,500
Any new business who has not been contacted that would like more information about or already want to participate in the United Way campaign should call 903-243-4066. Donations may also be made in honor or memory of others. Those who are retired or otherwise not associated with a business or organization involved with HWUC may mail personal donations to the HCUW Campaign Headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483, or call the number listed above. Additional information about HCUW, including an option to contribute via PayPal is also available at www.hcuw.org and on the group’s Facebook page.
HCUW will honor the lead donors to the 2021-2022 campaign next week at a special luncheon hosted in their honor.
Report meetings will take place at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office on Houston Street beginning at 9 a.m. on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Oct. 4
- Tuesday, Oct. 11
- Tuesday, Oct. 18
- Tuesday, Oct. 25
- Tuesday, Nov. 1
- Wednesday, Nov. 9
Update: Pair Charged In Connection With Hughes Springs Burglary Remains In Hopkins County Jail
Bonds for 19-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzy” Gail Coleman of Jefferson and 24-year-old William Tyler Vick of Linden, the pair found Tuesday morning during a traffic stop to be in possession of stolen firearms and a controlled substance, were set at $50,000 per charge for each on two theft of firearm and one controlled substance charge. The firearms and bottles of prescription medication reported stolen Saturday night from a Cass County residence, methamphetamine and marijuana were among the items found in the vehicle the pair was driving, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Justin Wilkerson reported stopping a vehicle being driven in east in the westbound lane on the south Interstate 30 service road in the area of mile markers 131-132 at 12 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. Vick was reported to be driving and Coleman was a passenger in the vehicle. He had Vick step out and talk to him. A records check, Wilkerson reported, showed Vick was being deceptive about his criminal history; the 24-year-old is a convicted felon.
When Wilkerson walked back to the vehicle to give Coleman her ID back, he detected a marijuana odor emitting from the inside the auto. When he asked Vick about the odor, the Linden man allegedly admitted he had smoked marijuana in the vehicle. The deputy then had Coleman exit the vehicle. Vick at that point allegedly admitted there was a firearm in the vehicle. Because Vick is prohibited from having a firearm as a convicted felon, Wilkerson placed Vick into handcuffs while he searched the vehicle.
Wilkerson reported finding burnt marijuana cigarettes and a revolver in the center cupholder, and suspected marijuana, and a clear container and a baggy with a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine elsewhere in the vehicle. Vick and Coleman were placed into custody at 12:21 a.m. Sept. 20, 2022.
HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis and Deputy Joshua Davis arrived at that time to assist Wilkerson. Their perusal of the vehicle revealed a number of items, including a large amount of medicine bottles —most of which were prescribed to a Hughes Springs resident, not Vick or Coleman — as well as two revolver pistols thought to be stolen.
Deputies contacted the sheriff’s office in Cass County, within which Hughes Springs is located. They were told the resident named on the medications had numerous items stolen from her residence two days before during a burglary. HCSO deputies contacted the woman who’d reported her property taken during the Hughes Springs burglary and had her travel to Sulphur Springs to meet with officers regarding the property. The Hughes Springs woman identified two of the three pistols as well as a number of other items as being among those taken from her residence Saturday. After photographing the property ID as belonging to the Hughes Springs woman, her property was released to her.
The rest of the evidence seized during search was seized from the vehicle. The crystal-like substance field tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 0.44 gram, including packaging.
Vick and Coleman were booked into HCSO jail Tuesday morning on two theft of firearm charges and one possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge each; Vick was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (UPFF), due to a 2017 felony conviction and his arrest in May 2022 for UPFF; his bonds totaled $200,000 — $50,000 per 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.
Team Tennis Wins Big, Continues Home Stand Next Week
Team tennis continues to pick up impressive wins as they continue the push towards the postseason.
Coach Tony Martinez and his squads hosted their second straight contest on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Tennis Center.
Sulphur Springs cruised Tuesday to a 17-8 win. In doubles, team tennis crushed HSAA, six matches to two.
Brody Emmert (No. 4) and Malachi Negrete (No. 5 Tuesday) shrugged off their competition, with the two Wildcats crushing their opponents 8-1. James McCoy won a tight one 8-6 versus the No. 6 player for HSAA.
Singles proved more challenging for Coach Martinez’s squads, as they did win fairly comfortably, but at a closer margin of 11-6 in favor of Sulphur Springs.
Trynity Luckett, returning from an injury the Lady Cat suffered in Wills Point picked up one of two 8-2 wins Tuesday. No. 1 for the Wildcats Ian Westlund did not have the return he had hoped for, as he fell to the top player at HSAA eight sets to three.
Stori Schropshire, the No. 6 girl for Sulphur Springs, like Luckett won 8-2.
Two tight ones that ended in favor of the Lady Cats, Kierstan McDonald’s and Coral Perez’s singles matches, had Sulphur Springs winning like McCoy’s singles match 8-6.
Lady Cat tennis had two matches that were almost as tight as the previous two mentioned, yet still ended in 8-5 wins:
- Ella Sant (No. 2)
- and No. 3 player Jessie Lee
A solid win for team tennis makes it two straight now for Coach Tony Martinez’s squad.
Next up, Sulphur Springs continues their four game home stand Tuesday, Sept. 27 when they host Liberty Eylau.
The second district match, and third straight home contest for team tennis, begins at the Tennis Center that Tuesday at 4 P.M.
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.
1 Arrested, 1 At Large Following Pursuit And Search In Sulphur Springs Tuesday Night
Sulphur Springs ISD Campuses Reportedly In Lock-Down Mode Wednesday As Precaution
One Pine Bluff, Arkansas man was arrested and another man remained at large Wednesday morning, Sept. 21, 2022, following first a vehicle pursuit, then a foot chase and manhunt Tuesday night in Sulphur Springs.
Because one suspect from the chase remained at large, Sulphur Springs ISD notified parents and staff Wednesday morning that district campuses were in lock-down mode as a precaution.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were made aware Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, a Dodge Challenger with a license plate thought to have been stolen from a Kia SUV was traveling on I-30 east headed toward Sulphur Springs. The white car was also determined to have been stolen as well, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
A traffic stop was initiated on the 2022 model Dodge Challenger on Jefferson Street at 10:05 p.m. Tuesday, HCSO Deputy Joshua Davis noted in arrest reports. The driver allegedly fled from law enforcement in the vehicle, continuing to attempt to evade officials. The car stopped in the back yard of a College Street residence, where Davis reported seeing two black males exit the crashed car and flee on foot.
Davis chased the passenger, calling out for the man to stop. The deputy reported catching up to Eddie Lamar Ringo Jr. at 10:18 p.m. Tuesday; the 24-year-old Pine Bluff, Arkansas man had reportedly run into “a thick wooded area on College Street at Ramsey. When asked for the driver’s information, Ringo allegedly told the deputy he had never met the driver before, and claimed the driver had picked him up at a gas station in Arkansas.
Ringo was transported to HCSO jail, where he was interviewed by the arresting deputy about the incident. The Arkansas man reportedly initially told police he did not know the man who had been driving the Challenger, and had never met him before. When the deputy told him he believed Ringo to be lying, the 24-year-old allegedly claimed he had only seen the man around but did not know his name.
The Pine Bluff man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:14 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, on a misdemeanor evading arrest or detention charge and a third-degree felony hindering apprehension of a felon, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Meanwhile, additional officers from around the city converged in the area of the stolen car as well as last known direction the driver was observed running toward. The suspect Tuesday night was reported to have been last seen wearing a red shirt and green pants. He was reported to have lost his shower slides and at least one sock while fleeing authorities. He was reported to have last been seen heading south, then southwest into a nearby thicket to the west, near where the passenger was taken into custody on College at Ramsey street.
A perimeter was established in the area, with officer methodically searching within the area. Officials’ efforts, including that of a trained police canine, were reportedly hampered by the thick copse of trees in the area. Around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, a thermal imager was being utilized in the area to try to detect the suspect’s heat signature in the dark, wooded area.
Authorities around 11:40 p.m. responded to what were thought to be the sound of gunshots southwest in the area where the pair had run. At midnight authorities were still searching the area, including south on College Street, back to Putman and Ardis Streets. Deputies checked out a report of someone with a flashlight on Beckham Street headed toward Maxwell Street. Officers, at one point, were contacted about someone knocking or banging on a wall and window in the Caldwell Street area, then dispatchers reported receiving more than one call reporting windows and doors being hit or knocked on in the area of Ardis and WA Streets, just off MLK, east of Oak Avenue. One witness reported seeing a man in a red hoodie around 11 p.m. Tuesday at an Gilmer Street car lot.
Officials were still searching for the man after midnight. The driver of the Dodge Challenger, a car thought to possibly be a new car taken from a dealership or car lot, remained at large late Wednesday morning.
Sulphur Springs ISD sent alerts to students’ parents and guardians and notified staff via Blackboard system that the district would be in lock-down mode as a precaution due to the suspect remaining at large.
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.
Scholarships For EMS Education And Training Available From DSHS
The Texas Department of State Health Services is providing Emergency Medical Service scholarships to help interested Texans complete education and training to begin careers in the EMS field. The Texas Legislature provided $21 million to fund the scholarships for students using approved EMS education programs and licensed EMS providers, with special attention given to rural and other underserved areas of Texas.
Full-time, part-time and volunteer opportunities abound in Texas as the demand for EMS professionals increases across the state. Texas currently lacks sufficient EMS personnel working in ambulances, especially in rural areas. These parts of the state face other challenges as EMS personnel are often older, with an average age of 50, and age can have an effect in these physically demanding positions. Other challenges to rural EMS coverage include a lack of available candidates, difficult work conditions and geographic obstacles.
EMS careers offer competitive salaries and benefits, and people can begin working in as little as 15 weeks. Whether working as an emergency medical technician, advanced EMT or paramedic, the EMS field offers people the chance to help others in their communities while advancing their careers in health care.
“Every 10 seconds, a Texan needs help,” said DSHS State EMS Director Joseph Schmider. “If you want to help your neighbor, we are looking for you. And if you’re looking for an exciting career or volunteer opportunity, consider Emergency Medical Services.”
Texas Regional Advisory Councils manage EMS and trauma services, and those interested in pursuing a career in EMS should contact their RAC for information about scholarships, jobs and volunteer opportunities in their area.
Roughly 72,000 certified EMS personnel operate on over 5,000 ambulances, but many more are needed, especially in rural areas. In addition to recruiting Texans to the EMS workforce, DSHS is also taking measures to increase retention among existing personnel. A federally funded public awareness campaign designed to grow and retain the EMS workforce in Texas will launch soon on radio, television, print, online and social media.
More information about career opportunities in EMS and scholarships for education and training can be found at dshs.texas.gov/team-texas-ems.
2022 Homecoming Week In Full Swing In Sulphur Springs
The 2022 Homecoming Week is in full swing in Sulphur Springs, kicking off Monday with many Sulphur Springs ISD students and staff donning the designated attire to correspond with the fun dress up days, and the announcement of the 2022 Homecoming Nominees at SSHS.
Each campus has adopted different daily dress up themes, to allow all students and staff to display their school pride and Wildcat spirit during the 2022 Homecoming Week..
SSHS
This week’s dress up themes at Sulphur Springs High School are primarily focused around movies, movie themes or actors. Monday, students and staff were encouraged to dress as characters from High School Musical Day. Tuesday was Top Gun Day. Wednesday is Napoleon Dynamite Day and Thursday will be Adam Sandler Day. On Friday, everyone at SSHS is encouraged to wear their brightest gold Wildcat gear for Gold Out Day.
This year’s SSHS Homecoming Nominees include:
- Addisyn Wall, daughter of Jessica Hogan and Geoffrey Wall
- Tia Nash, daughter of Elvria Dial and Nate Mingo
- Jadyn Harper, daughter of Shaniqua Harper and Bam Jackson,
- Miley Fisher, daughter of Stan and Brandy Fisher
- Olivia Worth, daughter of Jessica and Chris Worth
- Ja’Yden Holly, daughter of Christopher Holly and Sonja Rush
- Jayla Abron, daughter of Talea and Brian Kelly
- Justice Jones, daughter of Chanta Givens and Anson Jones
- Martha Gonzalez, daughter of Laura and Gerardo Gonzalez
- Angeles Cruz, daughter of Celia Cruz
(View KSST’s video interviews with the Homecoming nominees on the KSST Radio 1230 YouTube Channel)
One of these young ladies will be crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen during the pre-game Homecoming festivities, which are scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, at Gerald Prim Stadium, just before the SSHS Wildcats take on the Liberty-Eylau Leopards in varsity play. Those unable to attend Friday’s Homecoming game can tune into KSST Radio 1230 AM (or steam the broadcast from the KSSTRadio.com website) or catch it streaming live on the KSST Radio YouTube channel.
To get students in the proper mood for Homecoming, a pep rally will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, in SSHS Gym.
Homecoming nominees will practice on the field beside the SSHS Band hall at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Those who will be involved in the pre-game activities Friday are to arrive at the field at 6 p.m. to take some pre-game and pre-Homecoming photos.
SSHS students will also have the opportunity to attend a Homecoming Dance, planned from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in the SSHS cafeteria.
SSMS
SSMS is observing Spirit Week Sept. 19-23 with designated theme days. Monday SSMS students and staff were encouraged to wear all things patriotic to observe ‘Merica Monday. Tuesday they showed support for the home team by wearing Game Day attire. Wednesday has been dubbed Wacky Wednesday, a time to wear lots of accessories. Thursday will be Tropical Thursday, when SSMS students and staff are encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts, flower leis, sunglasses and shorts. Friday is 6th graders are to wear yellow, 7th graders blue and 8th graders gold for Show Your School Pride Day.
Middle School also will hold a Homecoming Dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in the SSMS Gym. Students planning to attend should plan to purchase tickets for $10 each during their lunch period all week at school; tickets will not be available for purchase Saturday at the door. The established attire is casual dress; a cut shirt, jeans or skirt for instance. Dance clothing must adhere to the SSMS dress code.
SSES, Primary, Douglass ECLC Campuses
Sulphur Springs Elementary, Douglass ECLC and the four primary campuses are observing spirit week with dress up days all week as well.
Monday they were encouraged to wear patriotic attire for ‘Merica Monday. Tuesday students donned Hawaiian shirts, flower leis, sunglasses and shorts for Tropical Tuesday. Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday, a day those on the campuses serving elementary aged students are encouraged to wear lots of accessories. Thursday will be I ‘Mustache’ You to Have School Spirit Day; all are encouraged to wear a mustache to illustrate this theme. Friday students are to wear their favorite sports team jersey or attire, or favorite Wildcat Gear for Game Day.
The PTO at these campuses will provide opportunities to help students get in the Wildcat Spirit. At least one campus is offering Spirit Shop before classes, allowing students to purchase Wildcat gear such as blue footballs, blue and gold pompoms, bracelets and gold hand clackers to show their wildcat spirit. At SSES, the PTO is hosting Homecoming Fun Friday, offering face painting, Wildcat decals, Smencils, Wildcat beads and more for $1-2 each during students’ recess time.
Homecoming Parade
Also planned this week will be the SSISD Homecoming Parade, a tradition revived by Dial Study Club and presented by Triple Crown Roofing.
Sponsorships from local businesses also make the event parade possible. Any proceeds will go back to the community, according to Glass.
Those planning to participate in or watch the parade will want to note the designated parade route, which will depart from Connally Street at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22, 2022, from Buford City Park, and proceed down Connally Street along the parade route until the first conveyance reaches North Davis Street. Then, in order to avoid further congesting downtown, the parade will turn onto North Davis Street, continuing to Houston Street. The Homecoming Parade procession will then turn onto Houston Street and head back to Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot.
According to Dial Study Club spokesperson, the parade will include 35 floats, composed by SSISD student organizations and teams from all grade levels who will throw candy and greet parade bystanders throughout the parade route.
Glass said there is always room for more participants and sponsors; direct questions to Emily Glass at 903-243-6222. Those participating in the parade may begin lining up at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022.
