Meal-A-Day Menu Sept. 19-23, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal-A-Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal-A-Day Menu for the week of Sept. 12-16, 2022 includes:
- Monday, Sept. 19 — Baked Beef Rigatoni, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday, Sept. 20 — King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Corn and Black Beans, Broccoli and a Roll.
- Wednesday, Sept. 21 — Ham and Potato Casserole, Brussel Sprouts and Pickled Beets.
- Thursday, Sept. 22 — Chicken Jambalaya, Sweet Potatoes and Garlic Toast.
- Friday, Sept. 23 — Cheeseburgers, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Hamburger Dill Slices and Chips.
Meal-A-Day is a non-profit organization providing 150-160 meals Monday-Friday to local senior citizens. Approximately 120 meals each day are delivered by volunteer drivers to seniors on 5 separate routes in Sulphur Springs and 1 route covering the Como-Pickton area stretching from State Highway 11 to Interstate 30. The remaining meals are available for reservation and pick-up at the Sulphur Springs Senior Center for those seniors who have transportation. Seniors currently pay $2 per meal. Call 903-885-1661 for more information about the Meal-A-Day Program, including how to volunteer as a cook or meal delivery driver.
Click here for more articles and information for Seniors and the Senior Center
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is located in the heart of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The City of Sulphur Springs has provided a place senior adults age 50 and over can go and for fun and fellowship. The Center offers a variety of activities for seniors citizens Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several senior citizens clubs also meet in the evenings and on weekends at the SCC.
Hopkins County’s Unemployment Rate Is Lowest In NET Workforce Area For 2nd Straight Month
Hopkins County’s unemployment rate continued to be the lowest in Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area for the second straight month in August, according to the latest Texas Labor Market Information report.
Overall, the number of people unemployed in Texas actually dropped from 632,432 in July 2022 to 607,1211 unemployed in August 2022, both down from August 2021 when 781,301 were unemployed across the state.
Although fewer were unemployed, the rate still went up because Texas’ labor force shrank from 14,603,777 in July 2022 to 14,541,496 in August 2022, likely due to youth going back to school. That’s still a larger Texas labor force in August 2022 than the 14,237,859 labor force of August 2021.
More people are becoming employed in Texas each month. Only 13,465,558 people across the state worked in August 2021, then 13,971,345 worked in July 2022. That number had increased to 13,934,375 employed last month across the state of Texas.
According to Texas Workforce Commission, Texas that’s because there were 16,400 nonfarm jobs added in August 2022. That’s 10 consecutive months in which the state set new employment highs. Texas has added a total of 726,900 positions since August 2021. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, an increase of 0.1 percentage points from July 2022 — the first increase in the unemployment rate since April 2020.
Hopkins is one of only three counties in NETWDA with August 2022 unemployment rates below the overall 4.2% state rate.
Hopkins County’s unemployment rate dipped slightly from the seasonably adjusted 3.4% in July to 3.3% in August 2022, which is still 1% less than in August 2021. It should be noted that the labor force within the county was 17,977, down from 18,061 in July 2022, but slightly higher than the 17,796 recorded in August of 2021. Of those, 588 people were still unemployed in August, down from 606 the month before and 761 unemployed in August 2021.
Franklin County’s unemployment rate was 3.4% in August 2022, the same as in July 2022, allowing the county to retain it’s NETWDA second place ranking. Forty-nine less people were employed in Franklin County in August 2022 than July 2022, which was still two more employed in August 2022 than one year before. Franklin County’s labor force was 5,175 , down from 5,226 in August 20212 and 5,229 in July 2022.
Delta had the third lowest unemployment rate in the Northeast Texas WDA, declining slightly from 4.2% in July to 4.1% in August 2022, down from 4.7% one year before. Delta County’s labor force rose from 2,428 in August 2021 to 2,456 in July 2022, then dipped a bit to 2,440 in August 2022.
While the overall labor force in the 9-county Northeast Texas WDA shrunk a bit from 125,006 in July 20222 to 124,556 in August 2022, not much different from the 124,468 recorded in August 2021. Unemployment too has continue to drop in NETWDA, from 6,850 in August 2021 to 5,827 in July 2022 and 5,688 in August 2022.
Although not below the 4.2 state unemployment rate, Lamar and Titus County both continued to have unemployment rates of 4.5% in August 2022, which are both below the NETWDA unemployment rate of 4.6%.
Lamar County’s labor force has continued to dip from 24,282 in August 2021 to 24,203 in July 2022 to 24,164 last month. While the number of people working fell from 23,115 in July to 23,087 in August. The number of unemployed has continued to decline from 1,236 in August 2021 to 1,088 in July 2022 and 1,076 last year. That’s a drop in unemployment from 5.1% in August 2021 to 4.5% in July and August of 2022.
Titus County’s unemployment rate dipped from 5.3% in August 2021 to 4.5% in July and August 2021. The workforce has fluctuated from 13,544 in August 2021 to 13,698 in July 2022, then 13,602 last month. The number of unemployed in Titus County has continued to dwindle from 723 in August 2021 to 623 in July 2022 and 607 in August 2022.
Bowie County’s unemployment rate continued to decline from 5.7% in August 2021 to 5% in July 2022 and 4.8% in August 2022. That’s 2,216 of the 38,871 labor force who were unemployed in August 2021; 39,227 of 1,974 unemployed in July 2022, and 1,895 of 39,148 unemployed in Bowie County in August 2022.
Cass County’s unemployment rate dipped from 6.5% in August 2021 to 5.4% in July 2022 and 5% in August 2022. That’s 795 out of a labor force of 12,286 unemployed in Cass County in August 2021, 657 of 12,269 unemployed in July and 613 of 12,187 unemployed in August 2022.
Red River County’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.3% from July to August of 2022, down from 5.6% in August 2021. Red River County added five people to the work force in August 2022, giving the county a total labor force of 5,431, leaving 289 unemployed last month. In August of 2021, Red River County reported 299 without jobs out of a labor force of 5,367. The labor force increased to 5.426 in July, with 285 unemployed.
Morris County has the highest unemployment rate in the 9-county region. In fact, unemployment rose from 7.6% in July 2022 to 7.8% last month, which was still less than the 10.2% unemployment rate in August of 2021. The number of unemployed dropped from 478 of 4,668 in August 2021 to 338 of 4,437 in July 2022, then rose to 344 of 4,433 last month.
Paris District Road Report for September 19, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Sept. 19, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
SH 56 at the SH 289 intersection in Southmayd. The intersection of SH 56 with the SH 289 exit ramps will be converted to an all-way stop on Sept. 20 when crews install stop signs along SH 56, as well as advance warning signs and pavement markings.
SH 56 (Lamar St.) at the Post Oak Creek bridge will be closed to traffic beginning Sept. 26 for contractors to perform bridge repairs. The closure is scheduled to last for nine days. During this closure, traffic will be signed to detour onto Woods Street and then take Pecan Street back to the US 75 frontage road. After the initial closure, the remaining work will be completed using lane closures.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road intersections with Center Street have been converted to an all-way stop condition. Traffic on the frontage roads is asked to pay attention to the advanced warning signs and new stop signs, and approach the intersection prepared for a stop there.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. The US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The Taylor Street intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is closed to through traffic in order to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Taylor Street is asked to use either Lamberth or Washington Streets as a detour route.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project, while the new bridge is built in phases.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from Randy Street to Walnut Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to construct sidewalks and curb ramps. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: south of Whitesboro at the railroad underpass near US 377. Watch for lane closures with signals controlling traffic while crews work to upgrade the bridge railing.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install a minimum eight-foot-wide sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect daytime lane closures while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 377, Grayson County: at the FM 901 intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 121, Grayson County: from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall as well as the approaches to the bridge.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for occasional temporary one-lane closures as workers complete the remaining items on this project.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 1752 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 2077. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews rehabilitate the roadway.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, perform bridge maintenance, and make crossover closures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: At Collegiate Drive intersection and the westbound FM 195 exit ramp. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, perform bridge maintenance, and make crossover closures.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
CR 15100, Lamar County: at a Branch of Cuthand Creek. Be aware that the road is closed while crews replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 (bridge replacement project), Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 bridge. Brush clearing and cleaning out the creek channel for rip rap work is underway. The contractor plans on working on embankment and forming the east bridge. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor is working on cleaning up and final punch-list items. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH-224, Hunt County: The contractor has placed barricades and warning signs along with the detour route. The contractor will be forming and pouring abutments and caps this week. Next week will be backwalls, wingwalls and probably cement stabilized backfill. Deck panels will be placed soon. Please be aware of the current construction, detour signage and workers in the area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor is cleaning up the area and working on final punch-list items. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor is working on the west and east tie ins and the widening of SH 34. The contractor is finishing up drainage and inlet placement for the project. Work will begin soon on sidewalks and signals. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various overlay and potholing operations. Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing base patching operations on FM 2194 and spot base repair on FM 36. Rains County crews will be working on patching and seal coat prep on FM 36. Crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Police Seek Information Regarding Dumping Of Construction Materials On Holiday Drive
Sulphur Springs Police Department is investigating a case of construction materials being dumped along a city street.
More than a dozen large filled black trash bags along with padding and carpeting materials, drink bottles, a paint cans, pieces of wood, paper plate, cup, and other trash were located late Friday morning on the side of Holiday Drive, behind Lowe’s, according to SSPD.
This occurred sometime between Sept. 12 and Sept. 15.
SSPD is requesting the public’s assistance with any information that might help identify the person who dumped the construction materials and trash
Anyone with information is asked to contact SSPD Code Enforcement Officer Jason Ames at 903-885-7602.
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.
Hopkins County Records – Sept. 17, 2022
Land Deed Transactions
The following land deed transactions were filed the week of Aug. 29-31, 2022, and posted at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office:
- BF Hicks and Nat Paul Gibbs, independent co-executors for the JP Stanley Jr. Estate, to Franklin County Historical Association
- David Russell King, Duane Hadley King indpendently and as trustee, Gwendolyn Carlisle King, Julie King trustee, Stephen King trustee, WJ Goldston Residuary Trust to King Oil & Gas of Texas LTD; tract in the James Craft survey]
- Robert Davis Mowat II and Cindy Mowat to Heather D. Fite and Michael Fite; tract in the Thomas Alders survey
- Tiffany Christine Eversole FKA Tiffany Christine Hickman to Kenneth Dean Robbins; tract in the G. Procello survey
- Caney Creek Investment Group LLC, Brian COleman and Shawn Massey to Joshua Ray McPherson and Kristen Samantha McPherson; tract in the Ruthy Matthews survey
- Susanne Spencer to Texas Resources Acquisitions LLC
- Daniel Swindell and Karen Swindell to Gala Lawrence; tract in the Forrest Hills Addition
- Kevin Tanton and Sara Tanton to Caterina Santocono
- Anthony Todd Bernhardt who is also known as Anthony Todd Hughes and Kathy Ann Bernhardt who is also known by Kathy Ann Hughes to Elijah Cornett; tract in the JH Starr survey
- Cheri Fierroz, Sara Junker and Ismael Andrew Lapiad to Gijsbert J. Debruijn and Stefanie E. Debruijn; tract in the WM Garrison survey
- Dean Edward Falls Estate, Partners in Care Trust Company ancilliary administrator, to AT Hammons LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Bryan Vaughn and Robbin Vaughn to Monica Fabiola Palomino Castro and Martin Medina; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Bryan Vaughn and Robbin Vaughn to Christian Palomino; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Danny K. Vaughn to Bryan Vaughn and Robbin Vaughn; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Rockin Rentals LLC to Jacob Alan Grayson; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Cephis Gregory to Logan Pogue and Michelle Pogue; tract in the Mathias Ward survey
- Jerry Lemon Graves to Andrew Allen and McKenzie Allen; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Joshua Colt Spigener to Blanca Magali Aguayo and Sergio Aguayo; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Joseph Clayton Edwards and Tina Renee Clayton to Gianna Montarsi and Keenan Schulz
- Rabaassal Management Company LLC to US Premium Service LLC; tract in the EP Gaines survey
- Barbara Ochoa to Tambra Elise Brock; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Renee Davidson and Scott Davidson to Christopher Earl Barksdale; tract in the John Clark survey
Applications for Marriage Licenses
The following individuals applied for marriage licenses at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office from Sept. 9-15, 2022:
- Etienne Keanu Andoh and Alexi Mechae Boyd
- James Edward Johnson and Kierra Yvette Duffey
- Matthew Wade Y’Barbo and Morgan Rae Edge
- Claudio Garcia Torres and Maria De Brena Montecillo
- Jon Chasen Folmar and Kalee Lauren Kirk
- Aaron Kyle Martinez and Daniela Sarai Guerrero
- Tyler Wayne Rhoades and Elizabeth Courtney McMahan
- Jesus Daniel Olguin and Fabiola Enriquez
- Mark Anthony Davenport and Sabrina Lee White
Traffic Stop Results In Felony Warrant Arrest
A League traffic stop Thursday afternoon resulted in one felony warrant arrest.
Sulphur Springs Police reported stopping a Honda Odyssey at 4:02 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022, on North League Street at Buford Park for a traffic violation. The driver, 18-year-old Mark Douglas Kelly, reportedly told the officer he was going to a business off of League Street to talk to his mother.
Castro pointed out he’d gone out of the way to arrive at that location, and asked if he was attempting to avoid law enforcement. Kelly said he wasn’t; he was just trying to see if someone he knew was around the park, Castro wrote in arrest reports. When Castro pointed out to Kelly his nervousness, Kelly allegedly said it was because he didn’t want to get into trouble again.
A records check using Kelly’s ID showed the Sulphur Springs teen had a warrant for his arrest. Castro asked dispatchers to confirm the warrant to be active, and had Kelly exit the van and placed him into handcuffs. When dispatch confirmed the warrant to be active, Castro took the man into custody and transported him to the county jail.
Kelly, who arrest reports show is also known by Breezy, was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:54 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022, on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for an indecency with a child by exposure charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in lieu of the $250,000 bond set on the charge, according to jail reports.
The arrest marked the third time Kelly has been jailed in Hopkins County in less than a year. He was first arrested on Dec. 15, 2021, and remained in jail until Jan. 24, 2022, on an aggravated sexual assault of a child charge. He was also jailed from March 28 to July 6, 2022, for insufficient bon on the first charge, according to jail records.
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.
Michigan Pair Caught In Stolen Jeep
Man Charged With Forgery and Escape After Taking Off Across I-30 In Handcuffs After Presenting Indiana Man’s ID With His Photo
Deputies stopped a Michigan pair traveling on I-30 west in a stolen Jeep Thursday night. The man compounded his charges by trying to pass an Indiana man’s driver’s, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was alerted a Jeep Cherokee that’d been reported to Redford, Michigan Police as stolen was possibly traveling west on the Interstate 30 corridor, presumably in Texas. Deputies staged along I-30 in Hopkins County, scoping it out from different locations to watch for the vehicle.
Deputies spotted one matching the description of the stolen Jeep, but the driver appeared to keep driving as if to blend in with the flow of traffic, using semi trucks as concealment. They did catch up to it, confirmed it matched the descriptors of the stolen Michigan vehicle and initiated a traffic stop at 11:15 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022, at mile marker 120 on I-30 west. Upon approach, deputies had the driver turn off the ignition and get out of the vehicle to prevent a possible pursuit, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Speaking with the pair, they were told Lorena Leon of Detroit and the male passenger have known each other for 5 years, are in a relationship which has resulted in one child. Deputies received information a suspect identified in connection with the Jeep theft case was Brandon Epps.
The male passenger, Davis alleged in arrest reports, presented an Indiana driver’s license with the name David Christie on it, and on inspection had “abnormalities” such as off-centered typing. Also, David Christie is a white male and the man presenting the ID card was a black male, deputies alleged. A records check showed all of Christie’s information. The license the passenger handed to them had the passenger’s image on it, Sgt. Davis, and Deputies Bobby Osornio, Deputy Michael Chang and Deputy Justin Wilkerson noted in arrest reports.
Deputies received information that Michigan authorities had issued felony warrants for suspect Epps’ arrest. Deputies placed the man they believed to be Epps into custody, cuffing his hands behind his back at 11:25 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022, according to deputies’ reports.
Shortly thereafter, deputies received confirmation the Jeep was the same one Redford Police entered as stolen, so deputies began placing driver Leon into custody at 11:33 p.m. Thursday night. While they were putting her in hand restraints, the passenger “sprinted across the westbound lanes of travel on Interstate 30, attempting to escape while in custody,” Davis noted in arrest reports. His freedom was short-lived, however. Deputies took the man into custody as he reached the center median.
The 31-year-old Detroit, Michigan woman was given multiple opportunities to be truthful about the man’s true identity, including knowledge that the ID he presented was a forged driver’s license. She did, eventually, quit being deceptive about the identity of the man, shown in arrest reports to be 32-year-old Brandon Torrel Epps of River Rouge, Michigan, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Both Leon and Epps were taken into custody and transported to Hopkins County jail, where deputies learned Michigan would not be confirming the alleged warrants for Epps arrest. The Jeep was inventoried, photographed and towed to await pickup by a responsible party for the owner.
The Michigan pair was booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:08 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. Lorena was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and hindering apprehension or prosecution while the man identified as 32-year-old Brandon Epps was booked in on escape while arrested or confined, forgery of a government or national instrument, money or security and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Epps remained in Hopkins County jail later Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in lieu of $50,000 in bonds set on the charges — $20,000 each on the escape and forgery charge and $10,000 on the stolen vehicle charge. Leon also remained in Hopkins County jail later Friday, Sept. 16, 2022; her bonds totaled $15,000 — $10,000 on the stolen car charge and $5,000 for hindering, according to Hopkins County 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.
North Hopkins ISD Inducts More Than 30 Students Into New Elementary Beta Club
North Hopkins ISD inducted more than 30 students into the district’s newest organization, the Elementary Beta Club, Thursday evening, Sept. 15, 2022.
“Junior and Senior BETA have already been running two very successful programs for years so we are expanding to offer the opportunity to students in grades 4-6. Students being inducted had to meet minimum grade requirements, have good attendance and a good discipline record,” North Hopkins Elementary Principal Kodi Wright noted.
Beta Club, an organization founded by Wofford College’s Dr. John W. Harris in 1934, is made up of more than 445,000 active members in more than 9,600 clubs nationally and internationally. Beta’s mission is to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students. Beta helps to develop a community of leaders who positively impact the world.
The Beta motto is “let us lead by serving others.” Members pledge to strive to be honest and truthful at all time to maintain creditable academic scholastic records, be of service to teachers and fellowmen, conduct themselves in an ethical and moral manner to be a credit to their school and community.
Thursday evening, students and their selected family members were given a table in the elementary cafeteria to enjoy a taco salad meal provided by the culinary students, and served by older Beta Club members. Each students’ table was personalize with their photo on it.
Danny James gave the opening prayer, then the program got under way with Junior Beta State President Major Steele from Wolfe City welcoming the NHE students into the organization and providing a little bit of information about Junior Beta.
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductees introduce the Beta Creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club Induction Ceremony – 6th grade inductee, creed 
North Hopkins Elementary Beta Club inductee Megan Rodriguez recites the Beta Pledge
The sixth grade inductees recited the Beta Creed, each offering information about the eight different character traits of Beta Club members. Aidee Cortez recited information about honesty, Easton Mathis service, Cash Phillips responsibility, Charley Weatheread humility, Jett Jordan justice, Camden Nichols cooperation, Gracelyn Schuur industriousness and Pinzley Wells charity. Recitation of the Beta Pledge was lead by Megan Rodriguez.
When each inductee’s name was called, the student signed their names into the official Beta record book, the very first group of elementary students to do so at NHISD, then received a certificate acknowledging them for meeting all qualifications which allowed each to be inducted into Beta Club.
Fourth grade members of NHE Beta Club include Lillie Burnett, Laken Callihan, Jentri Dodd, Benton Dufreene, Jadee Jennings, Gage Jordan, Caleb Matlock, Alylah Nunez and Tessa Robinson.
Fifth grade members include Fatima Banuelos, Lila Bettes, Mattie Boles, Wyatt Brantley, Kendall Erwin, Jemma Jennings, Rylan Joslin, Axell Leon, Kayden Lilley, Baileigh Marlowe, Axel Perez and Caden Wright.
Sixth grade members include Aidee Cortez, Jaycie Hale, Danny James, Jett Jordan, Easton Mathis, Cash Phillips, Megan Rodriguez, Gracelyn Schuur, Charley Weatheread and Pinzley Wells.
NHE Beta sponsors are Carmen Dufrene, Star Erwin and Kodi Wright.
Sixth grade member Jaycie Hale closed the induction ceremony with prayer.
Jeffery Sentenced To Total Of 60 Years In Prison Murder, Aggravated Assault
Robert Clevon Jeffery was sentenced Thursday afternoon, Sept. 15, 2022, to a total of 60 years in prison, 45 years for the murder of 35-year-old Damien Damon Wiley of Cooper and 15 years for the aggravated assault of 22-year-old Saquan Harrion Reynolds on Aug. 29, 2021. The two sentences, however, are to be served concurrently, officials reported Thursday afternoon. The sentence was reached after about 4 hours of deliberations by the jury, about twice as long as it took them to find him guilty on both charges.
The trial of Robert Clevon Jeffery began with jury selection in Delta County. The trial was moved to the 8th Judicial District Courtroom in Hopkins County. Assistant District Attorneys Zach Blackmon and Matt Harris are prosecuting the cases; Clay Johnson is Jeffery’s attorney.
Opening arguments began shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, followed immediately with testimony by the store clerk working when the shootings occurred. Four videos showing activity outside and at the store during and immediately following gunfire that resulted in Damien Wiley’s death and injury to Saquan Reynolds were shown.
Testimony continued Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 13 and 14, before both sides rested and asked the jury to determine guilt or innocence. The jury was reported to have reached their verdict after about 1 1/2 hour of deliberations. Jeffery opted to testify during the guilt innocence phase of his trial. He did not testify during the punishment phase.
The state rested their case in the punishment phase of the trial. Johnson called Jeffery’s nephew, 31-year-old Tommy Walker Jr. of Cooper, to the stand to testify around 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, during the punishment phase of the trial.
Walker who is also the cousin of Damien Wiley, testified that his uncle Robert Jeffery had in his opinion turned his life around. Walker said his uncle was getting his life back on track over the 8-9 months just prior to the shooting incident at Cooper Mart. “He was going from nothing to having a job, a home, two cars and gaining custody of his four children.”
Jefferies’ children, including his now 14-year-old daughter who was inside the Cooper Mart when the shooting occurred, had 8 years previously been placed in a group home in the foster care system. This placement occurred when when their mother passed away and Robert Jeffery was in jail.
Walker said he was aware of a conflict between his uncle, Wiley and Reynolds, but was never part of it and had nothing to do with any of it. In fact, he admitted under questioning by Johnson that he had asked his cousin and uncle to leave his home a week previously because he did not want their conflict resulting in an altercation in his home.
The 31-year-old Cooper man said he and his girlfriend of 11 years, who resides in the same home with their five children, tried to help Robert Jeffery in any way they could. During the 8-9 months prior to the Cooper Mart shooting they watched his four children, make sure they got to and from school, helped with school work, make sure they’ve eaten, and allowed them to stay at their home overnight.
When Robert Jeffery was arrested in 2021, Walker and his girlfriend took in his uncle’s four children. He said they will continue to raise the children and see to their wellbeing regardless of the sentence his uncle receives, just as they care for their children.
Walker takes Robert’s children to see their father for regular visitation, and the 14-year-old talks to him regularly on the phone. He said his uncle wants to be involved in their lives, shows his love by asking his children questions about their wellbeing and activities, making sure the teen daughter carries her inhaler with her in case she has an asthma attack.
Robert Jeffery’s 14-year-old has received counseling at both Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center and at her school. The high school freshman is currently “doing good,” and is an AB Honor Roll student. Thus, Walker asked that no one in the legal community talk to the high school freshman or caller to testify, because he did not want her to have to relive the experience at the gas station in 2021. Walker said he thinks of his 14-year-old cousin as if she is his own daughter. He said he’s going to make sure she and her siblings graduate from high school and go to college, if that’s the path they choose to take, just as he will with their five children.
Prosecutors and the defense had rested their cases in the punishment phase of the trial and gave closing arguments around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022.
In his closing argument, attorney Clay Johnson asked the jury to consider Robert Clevon Jeffery’s age and to recognize that the 48-year-old had been “provoked over and over and over,” causing him to snap on Aug. 29, 2021, in front of Cooper Mart. Johnson said he’s not sure why Mr. Jeffery was bullied, why 22-year-old Saquan Reynolds picked on him, why they picked at each other. He asked the jury to consider that his client snapped that day, committing an act of sudden passion.
A crime of passion verdict, according to the law, reduces the charge by one letter of the law. That would reduce the murder charge from a first-degree felony to a second-degree felony offense. However, Jeffery has a prior felony conviction, which would normally enhance a charge one letter of the law. That would enhance the minimum potential range of punishment by 10 years if the jury does not determine the murder was a crime of passion, 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt explained Thursday when instructing the jury regarding the charges and potential punishment for the charges.
Johnson further argued in his closing statement that the defendant had not gone to the station with the intent to kill Mr. Wiley, and asked the jury to “show Mr. Jeffery a little mercy and grace.” Johnson asked the jury to consider sentencing Jeffery to murder, as a crime of passion.
ADA Blackmon, however, asked the jury not to be swayed by emotion, but to consider the whole picture. He said the defendant was just as much a bully as he was bullied. He argued shooting death of Wiley was not sudden, because Jeffery had previously attained the firearm. In order for the offense to be consider a crime of passion, Blackmon said, the law requires the defense to prove the offense to have been directly caused by the person killed. He contends the there was no evidence presented to support a sudden passion defense, that the defendant himself testified that Damien Wiley never said any words to him at the gas station, only packed his pack of cigarettes against his hand, which would not render a person of ordinary temper incapable of ordinary reaction. He even noted Jeffery’s daughter even questioned his actions on Aug. 29, 2022, pointing out that they could have just driven away.
Blackmon argued that at the end of the day the murder case boils down to Robert Jeffery shooting Damien Wiley in the face over a fist fight that happened a few months before the shooting. He asked them to consider what might happened to the next person Robert Jeffery has a problem with if given a light sentence, and how that would endanger the lives of others. The ADA asked the jury to consider sentencing Jeffery to life in prison.
The jury was still deliberating punishment during the noon hour Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. If they determine the murder was a crime of passion, the possible range of punishment for Jeffery is 5 to 99 years or life in prison, and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000. If the murder is not ruled by the jury as a crime of passion, the minimum punishment would be enhanced (due to the prior felony conviction) to 15 years and the maximum 99 years or life in prison, with an option of a fine up to $10,000 for the murder of Damien Wiley. A life sentence is considered 60 year.
Based on current parole laws, the 48-year-old cooper man would be required to serve half of his sentence or 30 years, whichever is less, before becoming eligible to be considered for early parole, Judge Northcutt explained.
Crime of passion is not an issue for consideration on the aggravated assault conviction. The jury was given the option to sentence Jeffery to 5 to 99 years or life in prison, with an optional fine of up to $10,000.
The jury returned their verdict around 2:45 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022, sentencing Jeffery to 45 years in prison for shooting Damien Wiley in the head, killing him in front of Cooper Mart in Delta County, and 15 years for shooting Saquan Harrion Reynold from behind, also on Aug. 29, 2021. The judge ordered the cases to be served concurrently, so while Jeffery was sentenced to a total of 60 years in prison, the 15-year aggravated assault sentence will be served at the same time as the 45-year murder sentence, according to authorities.
2022 Northeast Texas Walk Like MADD Presented By Jay Hodge Chevrolet Slated Sept. 24
Event Raises Money and Awareness To Eliminate Drunk And Impaired Driving
Anyone looking to support a cause next weekend will want be sure to put Northeast Texas Walk Like MADD, sponsored by Jay Hodge Chevrolet on the calendar.
The walk is the signature fundraiser for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and its purpose is to raise both money and awareness to eliminate drunk and impaired driving. Similar walks will be taking place in cities across the country on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, as participants work toward a future of “No More Victims.”
Registration is still open online at www.walklikemadd.org/northeasttexas. Onsite registration will run from 8 to 8:45 a.m. next Saturday, and the walk will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the Shannon Oaks Church grounds, located at 1113 East Shannon Road in Sulphur Springs. Multiple teams are already signed up to participate and enjoy music, activities, the vendor fair and food from concessions vendors.
“This is a fun event for a serious cause,” said local walk coordinator Becky Hicks. “Tropical Sno will be there selling snow cones, and our DJ will entertain us with fun music. The Kids Zone will be open with a photo area and fall games providing fun, educational activities for kids from 8 a.m. until the walk begins, then reopen after the walk ends until 1 p.m. We’ll also have Heroes, Cops, and Kids — a Dallas-based group of officers that dress up as superheroes — there to entertain the kids and pose for photos. Petie Pop will be there making balloons for kids of all ages.”
Vendors will be onsite from Becca’s Bangles, Cheryl’s Creative Corner, Farmasi, Paradise Products, Pink Zebra, and Sugarhill Sass Boutique. Amanda’s Taqueria, Bean’s Bake Shop, Tropical Sno, and Troy’s Ice Cream will also be there, Hicks noted.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s department will be cooking hot dogs, and Sulphur Springs Fire Department, Hopkins County EMS, Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Department of State Health Services will be on site, and possibly even Air One.
“Volunteers have been working hard and getting donations for police appreciation efforts, as well as getting walkers and vendors to sign up for the walk,” Hicks stated. “A big thank you to our sponsors! We truly appreciate each and every one of you!”
