Methamphetamine Found In Fast Food Cup
More than 7 grams of methamphetamine was reportedly found in a fast food cup during an traffic stop late Monday night along I-30 in Hopkins County, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies reported stopping the driver of a white Ford F250 at 11:15 p.m. Sept. 12, 2022, on the south Interstate 30 service road at mile marker 135 for failure to maintain a single lane of traffic.
Deputy Drew Fisher, in arrest reports, noted that John Adam McGinn continued to exhibit nervous behaviors, after being told he was receiving only a verbal warning for the traffic violation. Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward‘s suspicions, leading the sheriff’s officer to ask the Mount Vernon man for permission to search the pickup.
When McGinn refused, Fisher deployed his narcotics detection canine around the truck. The police K-9 alerted on the pickup, resulting in a probable cause search by deputies, Fisher noted in arrest reports. Discovered in a McDonald’s cup full of Coke was a tin container with two baggies with a crystal-like substance in each, Fisher alleged in arrest reports. Believing the substance in the baggies to be methamphetamine, the deputies took 40-year-old John Adam McGinn into custody at 11:20 p.m. Sept. 12, and transported him to Hopkins County jail. The suspected meth found in the fast food cup field-tested positive for meth and weighed 7.247 grams, the deputies alleged in arrest reports.
As a result, McGinn was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:06 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, according to arrest and jail reports. The Mount Vernon man remained in Hopkins County jail later Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in lieu of the $50,000 bond set on the felony controlled substance 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.
Shots Fired Call Results In Pursuit, At Least 3 Arrests
A call reporting shots fired on Calvert Street in Sulphur Springs resulted in a pursuit and at least three arrests — a Malakoff woman on a felony charge, and Sulphur Springs and Commerce men on misdemeanor charges, according to arrest reports and officials.
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Robble Acosta responded at 7:19 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, in the 700 block of Carter Street, where dispatchers were told shots had been fired. When Acosta attempted to contact the individuals in a gray Honda Accord, the driver failed to stop.
Acosta advised he was pursuing the car, which continued driving away from the address after he activated the lights and sirens on his patrol vehicle to indicate the car should immediately stop.
SSPD Officers Cameron Robinson and Stephen Lail, and Cpl. Silas Whaley; along with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Isaac Foley, Drew Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward had joined the pursuit. At 7:25 p.m. Sept. 12, 2022, officials responded on Calvert Street and Carter Street, according to police and sheriff’s reports. Upon stopping, the occupants allegedly jumped out of the car and attempted to elude officers by running, police alleged in arrest reports.
A 22-year-old Commerce man, one of the passengers from the car, was arrested at 7:45 p.m. within the 700 block of Calvert Street at 7:45 p.m. by Cpl. Whaley. A 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man, another of the passengers from the Accord, was located at 7:45 p.m. and taken into custody at 8:19 p.m. Monday at a nearby Calvert Street address by Cpl. Whaley and Officer Lail. Brookelyn Robyn Purser, the 19-year-old reported to have been driving the car, was detained in the 400 block of Carter Street and taken into custody at 7:48 p.m. Sept. 12, 2022, by Acosta and Robinson.
The 19-year-old Malakoff woman was booked into Hopkins County jail at 9:01 p.m. Monday on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge. The Sulphur Springs man was booked into the county jail at 9:07 p.m. Sept. 12 and the Commerce man at 9:28 p.m., each on a Class A misdemeanor evading arrest or detention charge. The Commerce man was also found to have three warrants for not taking care of three speeding tickets and one ticket for driving on the wrong side of the road.; fees owed on the traffic charges exceeded $726.50, according to arrest reports.
The Commerce man remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in lieu of the $10,000 bond set on the charge, according to jail reports, Monday was the second time he’s been booked into the county jail; he also spent Jan. 10-13, 2022, in custody for bond forfeiture on a misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge, according to jail records.
The Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, after securing the $10,000 bond set on the misdemeanor evading arrest charge, according to jails reports. Monday was also the second time the Sulphur Springs man has been booked into the county jail this year; he also spent May 4-Aug. 4, 2022, in jail for violation of probation on a Dec. 3, 2020 assault of family or household member that impeded breathing charge, according to jail records.
Purser also was released from Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, after securing the $25,000 bond set on the felony evading arrest or detention in a vehicle charge, according to arrest reports.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
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.
Information from the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
Charle Fox, right, secretary at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus, helps new student Destiny Dee Carver of Sulphur Springs prepare to begin her first semester of college.
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.
2022 NETBIO Seventh Annual Cattleman’s Classic And Ribeye Round Up
Texas Heritage National Bank is proud to be the title sponsor for the 2022 Cattleman’s Classic And Ribeye Roundup (CCRR) to be held October 1, on Celebration Plaza. Thirty cooking teams are expected to be competing. With $7,200 in prize money, plus bragging rights, the competition is expected to be intense.
Brandon Bell with Potts Feed Store out of Emory, states, “Every year the teams get better and the scores improve. We have many returning teams, as well as a few new entries this year. A new twist for this year is the creation of the Junior Championship Steak Cookoff, where there will be two divisions of youth competing in a separate event. There will also be a hors d’oeuvre competition.”
Sponsors of the event are also showing a lot of excitement with Medium Rare returning sponsors including Sulphur Springs Livestock Auctions; Jay Hodge Chevrolet; Brookshire’s and Lone Star Ag-Credit. Medium Sponsors for 2022 include Corner Grub House Restaurant and Texas Farm Credit.
Without our sponsors we would not be able to continue this event. We want to thank all of these and the many other sponsors that enable us to showcase area ranchers and promote the beef industry. This industry has a tremendous impact on the Northeast Texas area. The NETBIO participating ranches market 40,000 to 50,000 head of quality feeder calves through 8 sales annually.
Dr. Mario Villarino encouraged everyone to, “Come to the Plaza Saturday afternoon, to go through The Cattle Trail, which will include several informational stations across the plaza with interesting facts and presentations from local Ranchers and Agribusiness representatives. We have some great prizes for children and adults that complete the trail on Saturday afternoon. The cooking teams will also have hors d’oeuvre samplers available throughout the afternoon for visitors completing the Cattle Trail.”
Evening activities include announcement of the winners of the competition, followed by live entertainment provided by Walker Ryder and a Ribeye Steak Dinner for $35.
Micah Newton states, “Tickets may be purchased from Texas Heritage National Bank as long as supplies last. After dinner the crowd will be treated to a concert by Bobby Irwin. Bobby is the winner of the 2021 National FFA Talent Contest and is from Quitman. Bobby is a great entertainer and is a rising star that we are lucky enough to catch on the way up.”
Come learn more about the beef industry. Cheer on your favorite team; have a great ribeye dinner cooked by one of the teams, with sides provided by Lyndsay Palmer. Then, kick back for some great entertainment!
— Submitted on behalf of NETBIO
Trial Of Cooper Man Accused Of 2021 Shooting At Delta County Gas Station Under Way
The trial of a 48-year-old Cooper man accused of a 2021 shooting at a Delta County gas station is under way in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom in Hopkins County just after 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, Sept. 13, 2022.
A jury panel was selected Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, in Delta County in the case, but the decision was made to move the trial to the Hopkins County courtroom.
Robert Clevon Jeffery is accused of the murder of 35-year-old Damien Damon Wiley of Cooper, and causing bodily injury to 21-year-old Saquan Harrion Reynolds on Aug. 29, 2021, at Cooper Mart on West Dallas Street in Cooper, TX. Jeffrey entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday morning, Sept. 13, 2022.
Assistant District Attorney Zachary Blackmon in his opening statements told the jury he anticipates testimony will show that the defendant shot Wiley one time in the head, causing him to fall to the ground and die. Testimony and evidence will also show that Jeffery fired two shots toward Wiley. Blackmon anticipates the jury will see and hear testimony and evidence that Reynolds attempted to flee with Jeffery pursuing him. During the pursuit, Jeffrey fired three additional shots, including one that struck Reynolds below his buttocks. When Jeffery returned to the gas station, the store clerk is standing over Wiley’s body outside the store. The clerk saw him eject a round from the weapon, drop it and the firearm and seek out his daughter inside the store.
The clerk attempted several calls to 911, but the lines were down. Officers arrived and took Jeffery into custody without any resistance or issues, Blackman noted in his opening arguments. Reynolds was flown to a Plano hospital for treatment of his injury.
“This was obviously not a random killing. These guys had a beef for the past few years so it was thought a fight might break out, but no one thought this would happen,” Blackmon said. “You will see on video from an number of angles in the store.”
Blackmon called the store clerk as the state’s first witness, and anticipated calling others who were present at the gas station at the time of the alleged shooting. A Texas Ranger is expected to testify regarding a lab report, cartridges fired from the gun Jeffery is alleged to have used, as well as 3D renderings from the crime scene. The autopsy specialist is expected to be called as well during Jeffery’s trial, which is expected to span more than one day this week.
Defense attorney Clay Johnson in his opening statements to the jury asked the jurors to withhold judgement until all evidence has been admitted and to follow the law and only consider what they see and hear from the witness box.
Johnson said there was a longstanding feud between Robert Jeffery, known by many as Little Robert. The defendant was familiar with the people who were at and worked at the store that day. Jeffery had his 12-year-old with him. She had gone into the store because she wanted a soda. He said Wiley was at the store waiting inside until 10 a.m. because it was a Sunday and he could not purchase beer until that time.
Johnson said he believes the evidence will show Wiley stared at Jeffery as he entered the store. As he turned, Wiley was shot in the face. Jeffery chased Reynolds down. Reynolds was plugged two times. The prosecution alleges six shots were fire, but officials found only four casings, defense attorney Johnson alleged. He said although the store had high definition cameras with audio, what’s said on video is a little muddled, and it’s hard to hear anything after screaming and crying begin.
“I believe the evidence will show they had a feud with one another. Robert Jeffery was not guilty. It was self defense and/or protection of another — Mr. Jeffery’s daughter,” Johnson said.
Carrie Johnson, the clerk working at the store when the alleged shooting occurred, testified she knew all of the parties involved, that both Jeffery and Wiley were like family to her, and that she had no problems with either.
However, when both arrived at the store at the same time, Carrie Johnson (who is also known by her maiden name Booth) anticipated a fight might occur. She said she had heard about issues between Jeffery and Wiley but had never witnessed a confrontation between them.
The clerk recalled being busy helping a customer when she heard a gunshot ring out just before 10 a.m. Aug. 29, 2021. She looked up to see Wiley fall back, then heard two more gunshots fired. She said she observed Saquan Reynolds and Jeffery take off running. She heard Jeffery’s daughter scream and then escorted her behind the counter as a protective measure. She testified she then went out, saw Wiley on the ground and went back into the store to get the phone and attempted to call 911 but the call didn’t go through.
Carrie Johnson said she went to check on Damien Wiley, to see if he was alive and what was going on. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see “Little Robert” Jeffery. He yelled out something about his daughter, and was bouncing back and forth, waving a gun, the clerk testified. She said she asked him why he had to shoot Damien, why he had to kill him. She testified that Jeffery said he was going to do something to his daughter or something about his daughter, then seemed to snap back to a normal state.
The clerk testified Jeffery took a bullet out of the chamber of the gun, dropped the bullet and gun. She told him to just go, that officers would be there soon. He refused, then went into the store, where his daughter had remained.
ADA Blackmon then played four videos reportedly taken from store surveillance cameras during the incident that resulted in Wiley’s death and the 21-year-old being injured. He asked Carrie Johnson various questions about the videos, including to identify the various people pictured and heard on it.
The man on the video identified as defendant Jeffery can be seen with a female behind the counter in the store, identified as his daughter by the clerk. She cried and yelled, very upset at her daddy. He could be seen grabbing the girl and stating “Nothing’s going to hurt you.” The youth then tell him amid tears that he’s going to be in big trouble and she won’t be able to have him anymore, then asked, “Why would he hurt me.” She also asked him why he did it, that he wouldn’t be able to see him again until she is older. She appeared distraught, crying, and yelling on the video.
On one video, he’s heard telling someone to go down to momma’s house, to hurry up. He appears to be talking on a phone to someone and tells them he’s at the store but tells them not to come to the store. It sounds as if he says “Someone is coming to take you.”
The man is taken into custody on video by an officer.
Defense attorney Clay Johnson asked the clerk if she heard Jeffery say “he ran up to my daughter.” Carrie Johnson testified that she did not see any confrontation or the other man run up to Jeffery’s daughter. She said she had no prior fear of Jeffery, nor knowledge of him doing harm to anyone except Wiley and Reynolds, from her observations of them.
Eighth Judicial Judge Eddie Northcutt called a brief recess at about 10:30 a.m. Sept. 13, 2022, and excused the jurors, to allow some matters to be taken up outside their presence, but anticipated resuming the trial very shortly afterward.
Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris is working with Blackmon in prosecution of the case.
Republicans Rally Around Stump Speakers
Republicans rallied around stump speakers while enjoying homemade ice cream, popcorn and hot dogs Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Hopkins County Civic Center. The prevailing message carried throughout the 2nd Old Time Political Rally hosted by Hopkins County Republican Party was the need to make a big push to get everyone possible to
Hopkins County Republican Party Chairman Donnie Wisenbaker opened the nearly 2 3/4 hour event recognizing elected officials and honored guests, and introducing Dr. Troy Jackson, whose lively prayer got the crowd fired up.
Wisenbaker further spurred the room offering his takeaway from the latest presidential speech he’d watched recently, and encouraging all to not only vote but impressing upon all the need to get as many as possible out to vote in the Nov. 8 election. All are needed to turn the tide if the Party wants to gain control of state and national offices.
“If you don’t get behind it, we’re going to lose the state of Texas as we know it,” Wisenbaker said.
Bowie County Republican Chairman Gary Singleton led the sea of red-clad individuals in an impassioned pledge to the USA and Texas flags.
Hopkins County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings sang the National Anthem and “God Bless The USA,” encouraging all who knew the words to sing along with him.
“I hope in November you get more out to vote than last November,” Texas District 2 Rep Bryan Slaton said. “We have to show up and vote and offset the craziness.”
He encouraged everyone present on Nov. 8 to get at least one person who is not their spouse to vote in this election, then to keep increasing that number each election. He said Republicans should encourage all to fight for the values they grew up with and maintain by getting them to vote Republican.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum said the number one thing he’s focused on this year, especially since May, has been school security. He said all local schools now have ballistics shields, which are expensive; the HCSO patrol sergeants also have one. His office has been working hard with the schools to better secure them in order to protect the children they serve. If a threat is made against a school, his office is to be made aware of it so that the matter can be addressed immediately, taking it to the individual wherever they may be, regardless of the time of day or night.
“It’s better to taken it to them on their home than on the school grounds,” Tatum said.
Also important, according to Tatum, is to shut down the Texas-Mexico border, to slow the drug, human trafficking and other illegal activities brought across when individual cross it illegally. He said he’d been down to El Rio with other members of the state sheriff’s association, and described it as being like a third world country. Tatum said things have changed so much since he was on patrol with HCSO, methamphetamine so prevalent not only are people not having to cook up a batch in labs, the cost of meth has decreased from $100 a gram to $10. Several kilos of cocaine or meth can easily be obtained from dealers in Hopkins County.
He said those who live in Hopkins County are quite fortunate in the cooperative effort among all county officials and agencies. Through some of the programs in place, Hopkins County has been able to lower taxes and give employees raises other counties aren’t able to do. That, he said, is something that’s been needed for a long time. He asked all to continue to pray for Hopkins County and Texas, and their leaders.
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer stressed the importance of voting in the Nov. 8 elections.
“When we look at November, what can happen — our values are on the line. We have to be ready to go and fight for what we believe in, what we want. If the battle is to be won, it’s going to have to be us,” Teer said. “We need to be ready, educated and ready to fight. If we don’t stand up and fight all of our rights will be gone and we will be living in a communist state and nation. Go vote. Get educated. Take someone to vote.”
Erik Simien, Constituent Services Representative for District 4 Congressman Pat Fallon, said the US’s founding fathers had great wisdom and foresight. Benjamin Franklin, at the time of the Constitutional Convention, said ancient governments that no longer exist up to governments in more modern states in Europe were viewed, but non was suitable to the situation in the US. He called for prayer at the beginning of each day of the session and clergy to officiate. Afterward, those prayers were answered. Divided, we are like the people of Babble, divided by partial local interest.
Rhonda Anderson, director of grassroots engagement for Texans for Abbott, asked those present to sign up to be part of the official effort to contact and get more people to vote in this year’s Nov. 8 elections. Anderson moved from Ohio to Longview, Texas during Obama’s second term in office. Over five years, she’s helped knock on 35,000 doors. No she helps organize teams to help win elections by “defunding tyranny.”
She noted the Republican Party has it’s work cut out for if they plan to match or best the Democratic Party, which is hiring over 1,000 more people to assist with their campaign mail and field efforts to reach additional voters. They are receiving money from more groups, are organized and united when out every weekend knocking doors and greeting constituents.
Anderson said East and West Texas are the bookends of voting. A high number of votes are essential in East and West Texas in order to overcome the laws of election. She asked all present to to consider committing to knocking on 25 doors in the area, with a goal of persuading independent and soft Democratic or swing votes in favor of Republican votes. People can register to take part on GreggAbbott.com. Times are typically from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and 2-6 Sundays.
She also reminds that Oct. 11 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 8, 2022, election and to become a deputy registrar.
Gary Singleton, Bowie County Republican chair, noted a 3-hour election training session will be hosted in his county for any interested. Dr. Troy Jackson will be an instructor at the event. The founding fathers sacrificed to give us the freedoms and rights we enjoy in the USA. He encouraged those present to not let others with opposing views take them away, but to instead go to the polls and take others with them, to get out and get to know others, share their conservative values and get others to vote for candidates who share like goals and values to ensure those freedoms and rights endure.
Hopkins County Court-At-Law Judge Clay Harrison encouraged voters to vote as soon as they can, to be informed and protect the freedoms and conservative values they enjoy.
County Judge Robert Newsom recalls a time when he and wife Robbie were out walking streets, knocking on doors asking people to vote for him. He saw a house with an opponent’s sign in the front yard, but decided to go up and try to talk to the resident anyway. Not only did she talk to him, after he left, Robbie observed her go out and pull up his opponent’s sign and put it in the garage. That’s a vote he won because he made the effort to share his goals with her.
“It’s possible this could turn around and we lose our freedoms,” Newsom said. “We must win. It’s serious business.”
The first election he recalls was in 1971. Each election since he’s felt is more important than the last, with more on the lien. This time is no exception, Newsom said.
“This is the most important election of our lives. Can we change some minds, make a difference? He expressed a desire for more young people, those for whom social media is first nature, to be involved in election campaigns and voter recruitment.
Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt noted the importance in voting in all elections, especially local and state, and those for judiciary seats. He gave an example of one election ultimately being decided by one vote. When Frank Long decided not to seek another term as district attorney, Martin Braddy and Heath Hyde both ran. At the conclusion of the election on election night, Braddy finished just ahead of Hyde with 11 votes. Hyde called for a recount. In the recount, Hyde picked up three extra votes in Delta County, reducing Braddy’s lead to 8 votes. Hyde picked up another four votes in Franklin County, cutting the lead to four, then picked up three more in Hopkins County. When all was said, Braddy won the election by just 1 vote, Northcutt said. Had some of the people who’d confided on Election Day they still hadn’t voted cast a ballot in the race before the race was over, Hyde could have potentially overcome Braddy for the seat, or more firmly secured Braddy’s win.
Northcutt also noted another big election won by a pretty slim margin, when Lindon B. Johnson ran for Senate. Voter turnout was horrific that year. No one won by a 50% margin. Johnson won by 87 votes, an election some say was the most consequentially election in the last century, the judge noted.
He encourages staff in his offices on election day to stop and go vote if they haven’t already. He urged them to vote for judicial candidates who will return East Texas conservative values to the courthouse. He encouraged all present at the Republican Rally to go down and select all candidates with a Republican R by their name.
Texas House District 5 Representative Cole Hefner said he grew up in Pittsburg, Texas, and unlike many of his classmates did not want to leave the area upon graduation. Why should he, he asked, when “we live in the best part of the best state, in the best country in the world.”
Hefner said he makes it a point to go to local restaurants, where he knows someone who works there. Likewise, he makes a point to get to know his constituents.
He said it is as vitally important to vote in local elections as in state elections, which affect you the most. He noted a lot has been accomplished in the last few sessions, especially the special sessions Abbott has called.
Keynote speaker Stephen Willeford encouraged those present to rally and protect their Second Amendment right to arm yourself for your protection as well as that of others. He said he always had small town values — appreciation for God, country and family, and those who serve. On Nov. 5, 2017, he had reinforced to him the need to have arms, to be your own first responder until the traditional first responders (law enforcement, fire department and EMS services) arrive; that he said means an obligation to protect self and loved ones, which he described doing with her firearm.
He described his actions in 2017 to stop a man in a black tactical vest and protective head gear seen shooting up the door to the church. His daughter called 911. He ran across from his home to the nearby church, barefoot holding an AR15. He determined his community couldn’t wait for law enforcement to arrive for help. He yell out about half there. The shooter, Willeford recounted, had just shot a woman in the chest and a church leader in the back, causing him to fall and was standing over him with a firearm.
The shooter dropped his rifle and ran from the church, shooting at Willeford with a pistol as he did so. Willeford reported taking cover as best he could and firing fired six round toward the man, who appeared to be wearing class 3 body armor and protective head gear. The man ran to a vehicle left in the middle of the street with the driver’s side door open. As the man turned sideways, Willeford said he fired one shot high between the plates and another at the man’s lower leg. The man did not stop. Additional shots were fired.
As the fleeing car topped the hill, Willeford said he told a man in a pickup that a guy had just shot up the Baptist Church and they had to stop him. He got in the truck and off they went, Willeford’s driver already on the phone with dispatchers. They pursued the car at a high rate of speed, following it as it slowed, pulled into a ditch, took out a road sign, then continued for less than a mile. The vehicle went off the road, through a fence and into a field. Willeford said he got out with his rifle on the hood, yelling for the man to get out. He acted, Willeford said.
Another 5-7 minutes passed before authorities to arrive, which was 19 minutes since the first shots were reported until they heard the first siren, Willeford reported. Overall, 26 people that’d been at Sutherland Springs Baptist Church that day died, 20 others were injured and only 3 escaped without bullet wounds, Willeford noted.
He said he was able to act because of his Second Amendment right to own a gun, an AR15, which some want to bar citizens from owning, along with AK47s and other high powered firearms. After that, Willeford said he became very involved with Gun Owners of America, helping to write legislation allowing Constitutional carry of firearms in Texas, which he says makes the state a “Second Amendment Sanctuary State.”
Willeford is now a national spokesperson for Gun Owners of America and emphasizes in his talks the importance of the Second Amendment, which allows you to be your own first responder until professionals arrive, if necessary, in order to protect yourself and others. He said he speaks and helps people in other states fight against proposed legislation which would limit their 2nd Amendment rights. He said he fights in order to protect his family, wife, grown children and four grandchildren, to fight for their rights.
“He stood up for what needs to be done. it’s time you do what needs to be done. You vote and get others to vote. We want to be able to have meetings like this and for our grandkids too. The only way to accomplish that is if you get out and vote,” Wisenbaker said, concluding the rally.
Hopkins County Republican Party hosted an Old Time Political Rally at Hopkins County Civic Center on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 
Veteran standing for the National Anthem and God Bless the USA 
Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance 
Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance 
Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance 
Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance 
Presentation by Director of Grassroots Engagement for Texans for Abbott Rhonda Anderson 
Rhonda Anderson presentation 
Rhonda Anderson presentation 
Rhonda Anderson presentation
Wildcat Football Continues Two-Game Road-Stand Friday
Sulphur Springs last Friday hit the road for the first time this season, traveling to Hallsville to take on the Bobcats.
Friday, Sept. 9 did not go as planned as the Wildcats fell in Hallsville 34-21.
Sulphur Springs had a much better second half, much like their first scrimmage at home versus Lindale, but could not overcome a shaky start on both sides of the ball.
The Bobcats came screaming out of the gate, reeling off three touchdowns in as many drives to head into the second quarter leading 21-7. A Hallsville field goal before time expired on the first half saw the Bobcats leading 24-7 heading into halftime.
Coach Brandon Faircloth and his squad had the right gameplan coming out of the locker room: keep Hallsville’s offense on the sideline.
It worked very well, as Sulphur Springs outscored the Bobcats 14-10 the rest of the way.
In their opening drive of the third quarter, the Wildcat offense took almost six whole minutes, driving the length of the field and capping it off with a receiving TD.
Even with that touchdown, and another one later in the game, the victory was out-of-hand for Sulphur Springs as they fell in Hallsville 34-21.
Friday’s road loss to the Bobcats is the first on the season, bringing their record to 2-1.
Sulphur Springs hits the road again Friday, this time heading to Van Alstyne.
The duel with the Panthers kids off in Van Alstyne Friday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 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.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News — Sept. 12, 2022
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, September 12, 2022 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Register Now for Free Mammogram
If you are an uninsured woman over the age of 40, you can register now for a FREE mammogram at the Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center, a part of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs. We are partnering with the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation (HCHCF) to provide a limited number of free mammograms reserved on a first- come, first-served basis. In addition to the $10,000 raised through the third annual Designer Handbag Bingo held in August, CMF–SS President Paul Harvey announced at the bingo event that the hospital would match the $10,000 pledged by the Foundation. In addition, Bingo players generously donated to help with this popular outreach program- another $2,168! The clinic will
run for two Saturdays, October 15 and October 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eligible women wishing to be included in the free mammogram clinic should call 903-438-4325 to make an appointment.
New Orthopedic Hand Surgeon
We are excited to welcome to our CHRISTUS family, Dr. Christian Douthit. Dr. Douthit graduated from medical school and did an internship in General Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He performed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Texas Tech University Health Science Center before completing a Fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at the Hand Center of San Antonio. Dr. Douthit cares for patients of all ages and is particularly interested in hand-to-shoulder problems, peripheral nerve surgery, orthopedic trauma, and sports injuries. Dr. Douthit will see patients at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, located at 103 Medical Circle, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482. For more information, please
call 903.885.6688.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
We want to publicly congratulate the final two winners of the Cardio/Pulmonary “Beat the Heat” challenge: Janice Thompson and Wanda Moore. CHRISTUS is proud of our patients’ dedication
to their health. Way to go!
Free Student Athlete Injury Clinic Continues
CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of Sulphur Springs continues to offer a FREE Saturday Athletic Injury Clinic for student athletes. The clinic is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 am. through November 12. Student athletes from 7th grade to college age will be able to get a free exam and x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury. The clinic will be held at our CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedics, Medical Building 5, at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call 903.885.6688.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
Net Health COVID Vaccine clinic will continue to offer Adult and Pediatric vaccines and boosters at our clinic on 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs every 3 weeks on the following dates: September 19 – 23, and October 17 – 21. You may walk in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. No appointment is necessary.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long- term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Dike Resident Submits Attorney’s Response To Judge’s Letter Regarding Incorporation Petition
Dike resident Kirk Reams Monday morning submitted to Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom during the public forum portion of the regular Hopkins County Commissioners Court meeting an attorney’s response letter in response to the judge’s letter regarding the incorporation petition submitted to him at a previous meeting. Michele Barnes, another Dike resident, also during public forum at the Sept. 12, 2022, Commissioners Court meeting addressed statements made during the prior court session regarding the community’s outreach efforts regarding the proposed incorporation of the small community of Dike.
Legal Response Letters
Reams said he’d contacted the County Judge’s Office Thursday afternoon to ask to have the issue officially put on the court agenda but, after being put on hold, was told it would need to be handled during the public comments portion the Sept. 12, 2022, Commissioners Court meeting.
“It is my taxpayer’s right and my citizen’s right to be on the agenda of the court,” Reams said. “I had the right to be on the agenda, just for the record.”
The Dike resident said, in summary, the letter to Newsom from Charles Zech of DNRBZ (Denton Navarro Rocha Bernal & Zech, PC, attorneys and counselors at law) contends that the documentation submitted to the judge does fully comply with and legally meet specifics for this set by the state in Texas Local Government Code 5.901 and Section 41.002. The judge’s letter specified additional documentation that was needed before an incorporation election is called, Reams noted.
“Everything I turned in is what you requested here; this is a stall tactic,” Reams alleged. “Put that on the records, this is a stall tactic to keep the citizens of Dike from incorporating.
“The second thing, I was offended. Everyone over here was offended, because you challenged our will to do this. You’re trying to stall,” Reams accused. ” It’s not your right to stall. If we turn stuff in legally, from what the State of Texas requires us to turn in, you have no choice but to issue an election over incorporation of Dike. You have no choice. That is in the law.”
Thus, Reams said, the response to the Judge’s letter, mailed Aug. 22, 2022, is from the incorporation lawyer representing the Dike residents who seek incorporation. He handed the letter to Newsom, as well as a copy to each of the four commissioners, noting he was “so upset” his hands shook as he did so.
Reams also noted that the letter from attorney Zech also addresses costs of an election, referenced in Newsom’s letter to Reams for the Dike community.
"Regardless the costs, there is no legal basis, or any statutory authority, for the County to assess the costs of the election against the Petitioners. In fact, the law is clear that costs are to be borne by the County. Elections under Local Government Code Chapter 8 are governed by the Texas Elections Code. Texas Elections Code 32.093 provides: The compensation of election judges and clerks shall be fixed by the following authority: (1) for an election ordered by the governor or a county authority, the commissioners Court," the letter from Zech to Newsom stated.
Reams argued that state law does not require the citizens of Dike to pay for the requested election.
“The State of Texas says that if an election is issued by a county judge, it is to be paid for by the Commissioners Court,” Reams said. “So, once again, I feel insulted that you insult our intelligence. This is our letter from our lawyer. I suggest you read it and read it good, because the very bottom, if you don’t respond the way you should, the County Judge, not nothing personal that you don’t want to do this, it’s your responsibility as the County Judge to let us have an election and to let the citizens decide whether we want to be incorporated or not, not you. That’s not your job. Your job is to issue the election.”
In the letter to Newsom, Zech contends it is the county judge’s “ministerial duty to order an election for incorporation and initial election of officers.” If Newsom does not call for the Dike incorporation election, he will be “subject to a mandamus suit in District Court requiring you to order the election.”
When Reams concluded speaking, Newsom asked Reams if he had a moment after court so he could visit with him about the matter.
“You’ve never asked me until now. Now, you’ve got a lawyer in play and now you want to talk to me,” Reams replied.
Newsom asked where Reams’ lawyer was located. Reams affirmed Zech is located in Austin. Newsom noted the lawyer who represents the Commissioners Court and County is also located in Austin, but if Reams had time to visit for a moment after court he’d be glad to visit with him. Reams agreed.
Newsom and Reams afterward each indicated each wants everything regarding an incorporation election to be done by the law, which each believes he has done the other has not. The judge’s request to speak with Reams was to discuss role of legal counsel in the matter.
Reams, the judge and his administrative assistant, two county commissioners, a sheriff’s deputy and a few other Dike residents all met in the assistant’s area of the judge’s offices after court. At least one raised voice could be heard coming from the office before the group dispersed Monday morning.
Background On Dike Incorporation Request
Residents and property owners in Dike community began researching the matter out of a desire to control what goes on in their community after they learned the Commissioners Court had approved tax incentives for a solar project planned in the Dike community.
When speaking up in Commissioners Court and a community meeting hosted by Engie and Hopkins County failed to achieve the goal of residents seeking to stop the solar project from coming to Dike, an attempt to get an injunction and other legal action also was sought. The Dike residents opposed to the solar company leasing private land and installing a solar facility in their community organized.
Initially, the Dike residents voices a hope to incorporate before construction of the solar project began, but were not able to do so. Michael Pickens, spokesperson for Save Dike from Solar, advised the Commissioners Court and County Judge in previous meetings recently that the residents in opposition to the solar facility were working on the requirements to make Dike an incorporate area, so that Dike residents have a say in decision-making that impacts their community.
During the public forum portion of the Aug. 15, 2022 Commissioners Court meeting, Reams read a letter drafted to Newsom, asking him to order an incorporation election, and appoint two election judges, and publish or post notice of the election as required, in accordance with Chapter 8 of Texas Government Code Chapter. He then presented the letter, along with a signed petition, and a map of the proposed area of Dike to be incorporated to the county judge.
Newsom mailed a response letter dated Aug. 22, 2022, to Reams regarding the incorporation election petition. The letter signed by the judge requested additional documentation for verification of petition requirements.
The judge indicated the letter, addressed to Kirk Reams who presented the petition Aug. 15 during Commissioners Court, was drafted and mailed based on recommendations from legal council.
In the letter, Newsom advises Reams that “additional documentation” is required to provide “satisfactory proof that the petition meets the statutory requirements” for a Type C General-Law Municipality” as proposed. He said the petition failed to provide detailed documentation establishing the number of inhabitants and territorial requirements for incorporation as outlined in Chapter 8 of Texas Local Government Code.
The letter calls for a detailed map or adequate descriptions are needed to tailor ballots for the registered voters within the proposed boundaries. The map submitted, according to Newsom’s letter to Reams, fails to provide adequate details in order for the Hopkins County Clerk to identify the registered voters within the proposed boundaries.
Once satisfied with documentation, Newsom said that would be used to research the cost of holding a special incorporation election and notify him of the cost estimate. Funds would have to be paid in advance to prepare for the election, and a draft order calling for an election would be needed as well.
Additional Public Forum Comments
Dike resident Michele Barnes also spoke during the public forum comments portion of the Sept. 12, 2022 Commissioners Court meeting, addressing comments made and questions posed at the Aug. 22 Commissioners Court meeting by Dike residents Kevin Lester and Richard Greer in relation to the proposed incorporation election and actions taken by Dike citizens in relation to the solar facility being constructed in their community.
Lester on Aug. 22, 2022 said he is opposed to the proposed incorporation because no one has spoken to him about it. No one has come to his door to tell him about it. His neighbors and to mother-in-law, who also lives near his residence, were contacted. He said his mother-in-law was asked to sign the petition for incorporation but received no information as to why she was being asked to do so. No flyers have been left at his home, on his door or in his mailbox regarding incorporation of Dike.
Barnes held up papers, which she said was sampling of the flyers that were mailed on a weekly basis over the last year to Dike residents’ Post Office boxes. She said the intent was to inform residents of the community meetings held at 2 p.m. most Sundays at the community center to let them know what’s going on in Dike. She said a brochure too was sent out listing the pros and cons for what will be happening in regard to the solar facility and incorporations efforts.
Richard Greer on Aug. 22 said his residence is located within the proposed incorporation map, but no one has tried to contact him nor, to his knowledge, has anyone tried to contact his mother-in-law, who lives next door to him.
“As far as the petition is concerned, we went out. We went to every house. If you weren’t home, we did not go back. Once we got the required signatures for the petition, we did not go back. So, if we did not see them at their home, we’re sorry about that,” Barnes said.
Greer also on Aug. 22, said his concerns were that, as is typically the case, incorporation will mean another tax implemented, which will affect the people who live there by taxing them more, and during a recession, which will put them further into a recession.
He asked who would be enforcing ordinances for the City of Dike if the community becomes incorporated? He pointed out that the sheriff’s office does not have the authority to enforce city ordinances; a city would need it’s own police department, which would have to be funded. He questioned where the funding for a police department to enforce city ordinances would come from? He asked if taxes collected from residents within the proposed 1.7 mile area to be incorporated would fund a police department. He said it was doubtful the people wanting the incorporation, the ones who don’t want the solar facility near them, would accept funding from the business, so that’d be quite a bit the citizens would have to come up with.
Greer asked who would maintain the county roads that, upon incorporation would be in Dike City limits, and where the funding for the materials, labor and equipment to do so would come from, the residents?
“I want to make a comment to their comment that there would be no services provided by the county if we incorporate. Well, if our property taxes go to the county government, then, in my eyes, I believe they are supposed to provide the services,” Barnes said. “If they don’t provide the services, then that county tax should be going to Dike and so that they can provide the services. So I don’t understand that, but I will do a little research on that because I want to understand that.”
Barnes also offered respect for Bo Potts, who also spoke on Aug. 22, for doing his own research, not just talking to local elected official and Engie, but attending the Save Dike From Solar meeting and seeking out additional information regarding solar facilities and incorporation before making a person decision.
She noted a group in Dike who are keeping to themselves, while seeking and researching professional information on incorporation and imparting that to the citizens of Dike, even though they do not choose to attend the Save Dike from solar meetings.
“Not only do we have an ethical obligation to stay informed but also have a voluntary responsibility to do so as a citizen,” Barnes said.
Lady Cats Volleyball Continues Chugging Along to District Play
Coach Bailey Dorner and her squad continue to roll through their fall season, as they have just three games to play before volleyball begins their district season.
They play both two home and road games over the next 12 days, alternating between home and the road until Saturday, Sept. 20.
But before we can look ahead to district play, Sulphur Springs first finishes a three-game home-stand Tuesday.
The Lady Cats host Melissa on Tuesday, Sept. 13.
Coach Dorner’s team hosted Redwater on Friday in game two of the home-stand, defeating the Dragons in four sets.
The Lady Cats fell in set one in a tight one 25-20, battling back and winning the next two sets to take a 2-1 lead (25-21, 25-20) before cruising by Redwater 25-13 in set four to win the match.
Friday’s win over the Dragons snapped a four-game losing skid for volleyball, which includes a loss in the home-stand opener to Texas High, bringing their season record now to 12-11. Also with that win, they will look to make it two straight Tuesday, giving themselves plenty of momentum headed into their final two non-district contests.
Three games stand between Sulphur Springs and volleyball district play:
- Tuesday, Sept. 13 vs Melissa (5:30 PM)
- Friday, Sept. 16 at Clarksville (4:30 PM)
- Tuesday, Sept. 20 vs PTAA (5:30 PM)
Before heading on the road on Saturday, Sept. 24 to take on Paris in the Lady Cats’ district openers.
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.
