Annual 55+ Health Fair Planned April 11, 2023 At The ROC
Those age 55 and older will want to be sure to mark April 11 on their calendars. That’s the day the annual 55+ Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at First Baptist Church Sulphur Springs’ Recreational Outreach Center (The ROC), 115 Putman St.
This will follow the same format as in the past, with Hopkins County marketers getting together to host a health fair. Altogether, about 50 vendors provide tons of information about health related topics.
Among the free health screenings offered will be blood pressure and blood sugar checks. Individuals can learn about hospice, home health, pre-need counseling, durable medical equipment, deaf and hearing equipment, assisted living, Medicare and Medicaid, physical therapy and insurance information and related topics.
And to sweeten the day, each vendor is asked to bring a $25 door prize to be given away as a door prize during the health fair. Those who will be providing bags for seniors to put the goodies and information they receive in are asked to bring them on April 11 and place them on the table in the foyer for senior citizens to grab.
Tables are free for vendors, but those planning to set up a table or booth are asked to contact Karon Weatherman at 903-243-3255 to reserve their space. All provided tables will be round, unless the marketer provides one of their own; those planning to do so are asked to let the coordinator know that as well. If an electrical outlet will be needed, that too should be relayed to the coordinator, so the table can be located next to a wall outlet.
Do Garden Vegetable Seeds Expire?
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
Seeds do expire (germination rate goes through the floor), but several factors influence “when,” and even then, that so-called expiration date is a guesstimate.
Many people mistakenly think a date written on the seed packet backside and is an expiration date. Seeds are alive and able to be stored for several years while retaining their germination viability if kept under the right conditions.
Seed storage methods are a major factor in seed life expectancy. The biggest influences are temperature and storage container. To retain viability the longest, store seeds in a refrigerator or freezer. Never, however, store tree seeds in a freezer. The seed paper packets are fine in a refrigerator, but packets should be put is a sealed contained (plastic bag or closed jar) if not refrigerated. Closed jars prevent insect, bird, or animal destruction.
Without regard to refrigeration and/or sealant, there are some generalized germination expiration dates. Seeds lasting one year include onions, parsley, spinach and parsnips, while peas, corn, okra, chives, and beans should be good for two years. Rutabagas, asparagus, carrots, turnips, and leeks should last three years, while peppers, artichokes, basil, watermelons, squash, pumpkins, and chard should be good up to four years. Finally, lettuce, celery, cucumbers, beets, brassicas, eggplant, tomatoes, and muskmelons should be good up to 5 years. Again, these are estimates.
If concerned, do a germination test like you did in HS science class. Wet a paper towel, put 10 seeds on it, roll it up and keep wet (not soaking). After several days, open the towel to see your germination rate. If germination rate is low, you can still counter this. For example, if the germination rate is 50% the expected rate, plant twice as many seeds.
Before using the seeds, let the container warm to room temperature before opening.
| Seed Type | Seed Germination Expiration Dates |
|---|---|
| Onions | 1 Year |
| Parsley | 1 Year |
| Spinach | 1 Year |
| Parsnips | 1 Year |
| Peas | 2 Years |
| Okra | 2 Years |
| Chives | 2 Years |
| Beans | 2 Years |
| Rutabagas | 3 Years |
| Asparagus | 3 Years |
| Carrots | 3 Years |
| Turnips | 3 Years |
| Leeks | 3 Years |
| Peppers | 4 Years |
| Artichokes | 4 Years |
| Basil | 4 Years |
| Watermelons | 4 Years |
| Squash | 4 Years |
| Pumpkins | 4 Years |
| Chard | 4 Years |
| Lettuce | 5 Years |
| Celery | 5 Years |
| Cucumbers | 5 Years |
| Beets | 5 Years |
| Brassicas | 5 Years |
| Eggplant | 5 Years |
| Tomatoes | 5 Years |
| Muskmelons | 5 Years |
Meal A Day Menu And Senior Citizens Center Calendar for Dec. 26-30, 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 Dec. 26-30, 2022 includes:
- MONDAY, Dec. 26 — Smothered Beef Patties, Brown Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
- TUESDAY, Dec. 27 — Ham & Broccoli Quiche, Hashbrowns, Fruit Salad and a Biscuit
- WEDNESDAY, Dec. 28 — Beef Goolash, Baked Beans and Broccoli
- THURSDAY, Dec. 29 — King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Black Beans & Corn Salad
- FRIDAY, Dec. 30 — Rope Sausage, Black-Eyed Peas, Sauerkraut and Cornbread
Meal-A-Day program coordinators noted that the Dec. 23, 2022 meal which included a special dessert of New York cheesecake and the stocking full of apples, oranges, and candy (delivered Wednesday) to program recipients who received meals at their homes were sponsored by Hopkins Energy, a solar project of Engie. The coordinators offer thanks to the business for sponsoring the Christmas dinner on Friday.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Paris District Road Report for December 26, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Dec. 26, 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.
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 southbound lanes for SH 91 have been reopened to traffic at the US 75 underpass. These lanes will be closed to through traffic again on January 3, 2023, in order for crews to complete the bridge work at this location. Motorists traveling southbound on SH 91 will be detoured along the northbound US 75 frontage road to Taylor Street where they will make a left on Taylor Street and another left on the southbound frontage road.
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 lane 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 West Cypress Grove Road intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is closed to through traffic to allow crews to work on paving at the intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Cypress Grove Road is asked to use Mimosa Drive and Redbud Trail as a detour route. Mainlane traffic has been switched to the new concrete section between Lamberth Street and SH 56. The Lamberth Street intersection on the west side of FM 1417 has been reopened to through traffic. The intersection of Washington Street on the west side of FM 1417 is scheduled to be closed to traffic on Jan. 4, 2023, in order for crews to complete the reconstruction of this intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Washington Street is asked to use Taylor Street and Little Lane as a detour route. The Washington Street closure is expected to last three weeks, weather permitting.
US 82, Grayson County: at the Old Southmayd Road intersection. Work is expected to begin Jan. 9, 2023, on the safety improvement project to lengthen the existing left turn lanes on US 82 at the Old Southmayd Road intersection and add right turn lanes. Motorists should expect occasional daytime lane closures while crews perform the work to widen the roadway.
SH 56 (Main Street), Grayson County: in Whitesboro from Union Street to Collinsville Street. Work is expected to begin Jan. 9, 2023, on the rehabilitation project to remove and replace the sidewalks and parking areas along the square. The contractor will work on one side at a time, with work beginning on the north side initially. During construction, the front entrances to the buildings will be temporarily closed and customers are asked to enter from the rear entrances. Occasional road closures will be required with a detour route in place to guide motorists around the project. The detour route will guide traffic along Union Street, Thode Street, and Collinsville Street to get around the project.
Roland Road at the South Branch of Big Mineral Creek is closed to traffic in order for crews to replace the bridge structure and approaches. During the closure, traffic is requested to use either US 377 or County Line Road as a detour.
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.
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 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 Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 69, Grayson County: from SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 120, Grayson County: from US 69 to Carpenter’s Bluff Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75, Grayson County: in Sherman from Loy Lake Road to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform concrete repairs on the roadway.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from SH 5 to Main Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform concrete repairs on the roadway.
SH 56, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. 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 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
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 place pavement markings on 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.
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 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, make crossover closures, and place bonded concrete surfacing.
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.
BU 271 (North Main Street), Lamar County: from Santa Fe Street to one-quarter mile north of Stone Avenue. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install sidewalk.
FM 411, FM 1159, FM 1699, FM 2283, US 82 and US 37, Red River County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove debris from recent storm damage.
FM 1499, FM 906, FM 2820, FM 79, FM 1510, US 271 North, and FM 197, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove debris from recent storm damage.
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. The contractor has removed the existing CR 2132 bridge. The proposed drill shafts, abutments and west bridge deck have been constructed. The bridge deck curing is in progress and the contractor is waiting to start the roadway flex base. 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. Beams have been set and the contractor has begun pouring the bridge deck. The contractor worked on removing access road and rebuilding slopes the first part of the week. No work on project the rest of the week due holidays. Work will resume next week, weather permitting, with road work beginning after the holidays. Please be aware of this construction, detour route and workers in the area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor worked on laying profile tracks and RPMs and placing the final safety end treatments on the driveway culverts. The contractor performed hand work on the SH 19 intersection. The contractor is cleaning up the area and working on signage 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 will be milling and overlaying the SH 276 and SH 34 intersection soon. The contractor plans to place permanent stripe on SH 34 after the milling operation is complete along with signal and signing work. Work has begun on the project sidewalks. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 38 & I-30 Bridges: The contractor has completed all repairs on the west bound side of I-30, including mow strip, cement stabilized backfill, asphalt rubber joint sealant, and header expansion joint sealant. The east bound side of I-30 is almost complete. The eight foot cement guard rail repair was completed, and the asphalt rubber joint sealant repair has also been finished. The contractor is sealing the last header expansion joints and will finish soon.
SH 66, Hunt County: SH 66 at FM 1570, SH 34 at FM 1570. The contractor completed placing the B-mix on the widening at SH 34 and FM 1570. The widening was not completed. Contractor stated they could not receive more mix from the plant supplier this week.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both crews have pretreated roadways and prepped equipment for potential winter conditions. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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10 Jailed In Hopkins County On Outstanding Felony Charges Over The Past 5 Days
Over the past 5 days (Dec. 19-23), 10 people were jailed in Hopkins County on outstanding felony charges, according to jail reports.
- Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis and Brennan Murray, and Sgt. Scott Davis reported stopping Francisco Valentin Sanchez (who is also known by Velenta Sanchez), around 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 120 for a traffic offense committed with a Dodge Ram pickup. A records check showed the 30-year-old Dundalk, Maryland man to be wanted by authorities in Baltimore County, Maryland on rape—strong-arm warrant. Sanchez remained in the county jail Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports.
- HCSO Deputy Zach Steward took Christopher Lynn Baldwin into custody at 2:52 p.m. Dec. 22, 2022, at his State Highway 11 east residence on a warrant and transported the 45-year-old Sulphur Springs man to the sheriff’s office for an interview with Investigator Corley Weatherford. Baldwin was then escorted into the county jail, where he was booked in at 3:20 p.m. Thursday, on an indecency with a child charge. Bond was recommended at $100,000 on the second degree felony charge; Baldwin was released from jail Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, according to arrest reports. Steward also noted the charge was alleged to have occurred on or about Aug. 8, 2022.
- HCSO Deputy Philip Ryan took Joseph Andrew Carpenter into custody early Thursday morning, Dec. 22, 2022, at Rutherford County jail in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and transported him to Hopkins County jail. The 32-year-old Smyrna, Tennessee man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:28 p.m. Dec. 22, 2023, on a felony warrant for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Bond on the charge was denied, so he remained in the county jail Christmas Eve, according to arrest and jail records.
- Julia Monica Gutierrez was taken into custody at the Adult Probation Office at 10:27 a.m. Dec. 22, 2022, and transported by Deputy Zachary Steward to Hopkins County jail, where the 40-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was booked in at 10:47 a.m. Thursday on three warrants, one each for violation of probation on a burglary of a building, fraudulent use of possession of information belonging to an elderly person and burglary of a habitation charges. Bond on the charges was recommended at $150,000 per charge. She remained in the county jail Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. The offenses, according to arrest reports, were alleged to have occurred occurred on Dec. 15, 2022.
- Deputy Terry Thompson transported Eric Paul Stephens from Hunt County jail to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 9:31 a.m. Dec. 22, 2022, on a third or more offense driving while intoxicated offense warrant. The 45-year-old Winnsboro man remained in the county jail Christmas Eve; bond was denied on the charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
- HCSO Deputies Ryan Reed and Justin Wilkerson took Morgan Lane Brown into custody at 8:52 p.m. Dec. 21, 2022, at his County Road 4769 residence and transported him to Hopkins County jail. The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked in at 9:24 p.m. Wednesday, on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a cruelty to non-livestock animals charges. His bond was recommended at $35,000 per charge. Brown was released two days later, according to jail records. The offense was alleged in arrest reports to have occurred on Dec. 18, 2022, the deputies alleged in arrest reports.
- Andrew Christian McLemore was stopped around 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, on State Highway 11 east, just west of FM 1870 by Deputy Brennan Murray and Sgt. Scott Davis. A records check showed the 31-year-old to be wanted in Wood County on three charges. The Winnsboro man was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 9:49 p.m. Dec. 21, and remained until Dec. 23, 2022, on an obstruction or retaliation charge, a misdemeanor violation of court orders charge and a misdemeanor terroristic threat of a family or household member charge. His bond was recommended to be set at $30,000 on the third-degree felony charge, and at $10,000 per charge on the two Class A misdemeanors, according to arrest reports.
- Donald Wayne Dowling was booked into the county jail Dec. 20, 2022, for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair. Dowling was also wanted on McClennan County warrants for possession of a controlled substance, and surety off bond on a driving while intoxicated and reckless driving charges. The Hopkins County charge, Deputy Isaac Foley noted in arrest reports, is alleged to have occurred on Aug. 28, 2022. Dowling is also known by Don, Donnie Wayne and Jim, according to arrest reports. He remained in the county jail Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. The 67-year-old Jerrell, Texas man’s bonds were set at $10,000 on the tampering with evidence charge, $3,500 on the controlled substance charge, and $1,000 each on the two misdemeanor charges according to Hopkins County jail reports.
- Deputy Drew Fisher served Oscar Gutierrez-Brione Dec. 20, 2022, with a felony warrant for bail jumping and failure to appear on a felony charge; the offense is alleged to have occurred on Oct. 4, 2022. He also is held on outstanding charges for bond forfeiture on fraud and possession of a controlled substance charges, as no driver’s license. The 30-year-old Dallas man’s bond on the bail jumping/failure to appear charge was recommended to be set at $25,000; his new bonds on the fraud and controlled substance charges were set at $10,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
- Deputy Terry Thompson took Marcus Dewayne Poole into custody at 10 a.m. Dec. 19, 2022, and transported him from Union Parish Detention Center in Farmerville, Louisiana, to Hopkins County jail. The 45-year-old Bossier City, Louisiana man was booked in at 2:51 p.m. Dec. 19, 2022, on a warrant for violation of probation on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports. Poole was held in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, according to jail records. The offense, Thompson noted in arrest reports, was alleged to have occurred on July 27, 2021.
HCSO: Woman Caught With 5 Grams Of Methamphetamine
A 40-year-old Sulphur Spring woman was jailed early Christmas Eve 2022 after being caught with 5 grams of methamphetamine.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Drew Fisher and Isaac Foley reported stopping a Dodge Challenger at 1:21 a.m. Dec. 24, on Church Street at Loop 301 for defective license plate lights. During the traffic stop, Deputy Fisher asked and was refused consent to search the black car.
Fisher deployed his certified narcotics detection canine around the vehicle. During an open air olfactory sniff, K-9 Axe alerted to the odor of narcotics inside the vehicle. At that point, Amber Diane Landers admitted to having narcotics inside the 2013 Dodge, Fisher noted in arrest reports.
The 40-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was placed into custody, then, deputies retrieved three clear baggies with a panda print on them and a crystal-like substance they believed based on their training to be methamphetamine, Fisher alleged in arrest reports.
Landers and the substance were transported to the county jail, where the contraband field-tested positive for meth, deputies reported. The car was impounded. The three bags of substance, together weighed 5.152 grams. As a result, Landers was booked into jail on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Grupo 1/1-B controlled substance charge, according to arrest 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.
Fallon: SAFER Act Introduced As A Policy Solution To Situation On Texas’ Southern Border
Texas District 4 Congressman Pat Fallon led 17 of his colleagues in the introduction of the American Safety and Fairness Through Expedited Removal Act, known as the SAFER Act. This legislation would provide Customs and Border Patrol another tool to counter border policy crisis by restoring expedited removal of illegal immigrants.
Fallon, in a newsletter Friday evening, stated that the millions of illegal aliens who have crossed the southern border since Joe Biden took office includes many who were released without even an immigration court date, and with the current backlog, those who are given a date end up waiting potentially years without a court appearance.
“Against this backdrop, now is the time to restore expedited removal to its original state as Congress intended,” Fallon sated in the Dec. 23, 2022 release. “Last week, I introduced legislation to do just that. The American Safety and Fairness through Expedited Removal (SAFER) Act would provide Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) a vital tool to counter Biden’s border policy crisis by reinstating expedited removal.”
The bill, if passed, would do four things:
- Rescind the rule that establishes the 100-mile-air-14-day limitation;
- Restrict the Department of Homeland Security from implementing any more rules with distance limitations;
- Require all illegal aliens – anywhere in the country – who procured admission through fraud or misrepresentation or did not obtain valid entry documents, and have been present fewer than two years, be processed through expedited removal; and
- Grant future administrations discretion to expand expedited removal further if circumstances call for it.
“As CBP braces for the end of Title 42, Congress must act to counter the disaster at our southern border. The American SAFER Act will no longer allow illegal aliens to receive a “get out of jail free” card from the expedited removal process. It’s time to restore order at our southern border,” the release from Fallon’s office stated.
Click here to learn more about the SAFER Act
Enrollment on Arrival | U.S. Customs
Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) is a Customs and Border Patrol program that allows Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved to complete their interviews upon arrival into the United States. This eliminates the need for a Global Entry applicant to schedule an interview at an enrollment center to complete the application process.
When landing in an international terminal follow the signage directing you to CBP officers who can complete your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection. If you require assistance for your Global Entry interview because of a disability, immediately inform the interviewing CBP officer of your need for a reasonable modification or auxiliary aid or service to participate in the interview. For your planning purposes, please understand that if you use EoA and are requesting a modification, aid, or service at that time and an effective modification, aid, or service is not readily available, the interview may be scheduled for a later date.
To complete the interview via EoA, you must be in possession of the following documents:
- A valid passport. If you travel using more than one passport, please bring them all to the interview so that the information can be added to your file. This provides you with the ability to use multiple passports at the Global Entry kiosk.
- Documents providing evidence of residency. Examples are: driver’s license (if the address is current), mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. This is not required for minors.
- A permanent resident card (if applicable).
If you are a conditionally-approved Global Entry applicant, you could save time by participating in Enrollment on Arrival.
Click here for a list of participating EoA airports.
STEP Program
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, offered through the Bureau of Consular Affairs, is a free service that allows U.S. Citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest US. Embassy or Consulate.
Click here for more information on the STEP Program.
IRS Information
The IRS just announced they would be providing broad-based penalty relief for certain 2019 and 2020 returns due to the pandemic. The relief applies to the failure to file penalty.
Click here to read Notice 2022-36: Penalty Relief for Certain Taxpayers Filing Returns for Taxable Years 2019 and 2020
Congressman Fallon Applauds the Final Passage of FY23 NDAA
Last week, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY23. Congressman Pat Fallon and his colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee have worked tirelessly on this legislation; Fallon had 20 initiatives included in the bill. To learn more about those provisions, click her
Those provisions include:
- HMMWV ABS/ESC Authorization – $193 million. An increase of $183 million over the President’s request. This will fuel jobs at Red River Army Depot and save countless lives.
- Rescinding COVID-19 vaccine mandates and ending separations for failure to comply.
- Fully funding National Guard Operations and Maintenance account to support border deployments.
- Prohibiting the closure of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the transfer of terrorists to the United States.
- Accelerating the transition to 5G information and communications technology within the military departments.
- Modifying the annual report on the military capabilities of Iran and related activities.
Fallon issued the following statement on the final passage of the FY23 NDAA: “This year’s National Defense Authorization Act provides our armed services with the necessary resources to defend our interests around the world. Within the bill were 20 provisions I fought for that will strengthen our national security and support the state of Texas. I am proud to have worked with colleagues to successfully pass our nation’s defense bill for the 62nd consecutive year. As long as I am in Congress, I will continue support policies that ensure a strong national defense.”
2 Travis Faculty Members Recognized as Gomez & Gomez 2022 Dual Language Exemplary Teachers
Two members of the faculty at Travis Primary have been recognized as Gomez & Gomez 2022 Dual Language Exemplary Teachers, Sulphur Springs ISD ESL Director Craig Toney announced at the December school board meeting.
Both Lidia Mejia and Ana Karen Miranda received the distinguished honor after a recent evaluation of the program, which uses the research-based Gomez and Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model. The DLE program teaches students to become literate in Spanish and English through language arts and reading instruction of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum. Students are also taught science and social studies in Spanish and mathematics in English. Families must prepare for a minimum six-year commitment to the program.
The program was created by Richard Gomez, who along with an associate spends two days on the campus evaluating school’s implementation of the program at all schools using the Gomez and Gomez Model across 38 states. The evaluation included walk-throughs which test students’ proficiency, and the fidelity and strength of the program — how kids, staff and campuses are doing.
“He gives out Exemplary Teacher Awards for teachers that earn it, and it is very, very difficult to earn an Exemplary Teacher in a dual language program. He walks in with a clipboard with a checklist on this side and a checklist on that side,” Toney said. “You don’t get Exemplary Teacher unless everything is there — classroom components, writing samples that are done in every subject every days, their whole following hte lesson plans cycle — just hte fidelity of the program. So to get an honor to where you are recognized as an Exemplary Teacher when he comes to visit is a major accomplishment. This year as a dual language program we are so happy to have two teachers who hit it for the first time this year. That is definitely worth celebrating so we are very excited for these two ladies,” Toney explained.
Lidia Mejia and Ana Karen Miranda were recognized at the Dec. 12, 2022 SSISD Board meeting with certificates, presented by SSISD Board Of Trustees President Craig Roberts for attaining Exemplary Teacher honors from Gomez.
Students’ writing and teachers’ efforts helping them through the writing process was what captured the evaluators’ attention most, said Toney
Mejia is a kindergarten teacher who “does a fantastic job” setting students up for success, better enabling them to write 1/3-1/2 a page each, in both English and Spanish, according to Toney. The amazing writing by the students was cited in Mejia’s evaluation, Toney noted.
Karen Miranda has the challenge of teaching third grade, which includes preparing students for STAAR testing.
“She continues to not just help our kids perform academically — that’s the challenge of a dual language program is we’re not just trying to get these kids to be successfully academically, but they are also learning a second language throughout the whole process. For her to be able to do all of that and be an Exemplary Teacher in our Dual Language Program ,” Toney noted.
Toney said the ladies’ achievement would not be possible without their campus leadership, and recognized Principal Michelle Wallace. He also noted that Miranda was previously the student of one of the teachers present, making Miranda a Sulphur Springs graduate who is “representing Sulphur Springs very well.”
“These ladies are doing fantastic work,” Toney added. “Major accomplishments. I cannot emphasize that enough. These two ladies are amazing. They’ve done a great job.”
Blood Drive Rescheduled Due To Weather
Due to record low temperatures, the Carter BloodCare had to cancel the blood drive slated at the hospital Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. The bus was unable to maintain the correct temperature range needed to collect the blood donations to help bolster area blood supplies through the holidays.. The blood drive has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, December 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Carter BloodCare has been holding on strong to maintain a safe supply entering the holiday season. However, with high schools out and donors traveling, it will be difficult to maintain the supply if donors do not give blood over these next couple of weeks. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs asks those in Sulphur Springs on Dec. 28 who are able to please consider stopping by the Carter BloodCare bus to donate blood in the front hospital parking lot to ensure area medical facilities have the blood supplies needed.
To schedule an appointment, call 800-366-2834 or go to https://ww2.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/136519, or stop by during the drive.
Kansas Pair Jailed On Controlled Substance Charge
Campbell Man Arrested In Court On Controlled Substance Warrant
A Kansas pair was jailed this week on one controlled substance charge each, after deputies found approximately 12 grams of the substance in their vehicle during a traffic stop. That same day, a Campbell, Texas man was arrested in court on a controlled substance warrant.
South Broadway Street Traffic Stop
At 4:40 a.m. Dec. 20, 2022, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Drew Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward responded to a complaint of a reckless driver in the area of South Broadway Street at Industrial Drive. Fisher reported seeing a blue PT Cruiser speeding; it also matched the description of the vehicle reported as being driven recklessly. Fisher initiate at traffic stop in a parking lot just north of the South Broadway Street overpass.
As he approached the Chrysler to make contact with the driver, Fisher reported a strong marijuana odor emitted from the car. He had both the driver, identified in arrest reports as Zachary Lee Kirkland, and the passenger, Andria Maysen Bailey, exit the car so he could search it. The 29-year-old Garnett, Kansas man allegedly had a marijuana cigarette tucked inside his jacket sleeve.
During the vehicle search, Fisher reported finding an additional marijuana cigarette and a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. The glove box of the car was reported to be locked and deputies were unable to find a key, so they forced entry, Fisher noted in arrest reports. In the glove box, they found a a plastic sandwich bag with a crystal-like substance the deputies suspected was methamphetamine and another bag with a green, leafy substance they believed to be marijuana.
As a result, both Kirkland and the 19-year-old Garnett, Kansas woman were arrested at 5:07 a.m. Tuesday and transported to Hopkins County jail. There, they learned Kirkland had the key to the glovebox on him. The crystal-like substance field-tested [positive for methamphetamine and weighed 11.988 grams, Fisher and Steward alleged in arrest reports. Both Kirkland and Andria Maysen Bailey were booked into Hopkins County jail around 6:37 a.m. Dec. 20, 2020, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Both remained in the county jail Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, in lieu of $30,000 each on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Courthouse Arrest
HCSO Deputy Isaac Foley took Bobby Dwane Tice into custody at 4:32 p.m. Dec. 20, 2022, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom and escorted him to the county jail. Tice was booked in at 11:07 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. The offense is alleged to have occurred Friday, March 25, 2022, the deputies noted in arrest reports.
The 60-year-old Campbell man remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, on the charge. Bond amount was not specified in arrest 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.
