Arrest Made in Sulphur Springs School Bomb Threat
Sulphur Springs Police identified a suspect very quickly in the case of a bomb threat at Sulphur Springs Elementary School on January 18th. Sulphur Springs police then issued a warrant for Morgan Rechelle Durrett of Dallas, located the suspect and arrested her. It is not known at this time what connection, if any, that Durrett has with any student, teacher or staff member at SSES. The bomb threat was called in to the main office of the campus around 7:55am Wednesday morning, which sent teachers, staff, and police into an evacuation protocol with all students quickly and safely evacuated out of the buildings and evcntually across League Street to the League Street Church of Christ which provided a safe haven for those affected. Parents were notified via Skyward about the threat and that the remainder of the class day would be cancelled, and insturcting parents to come pick up their children in the church parking lot.
Sulphur Springs Police, Sulphur Springs Fire, and Hopkins County EMS personnel all continued on the scene for several hours as they continued the search of the building for any explosive devices. Special canines were brought in to assist in the search. The investigation into who made the call was an ongoing event simulataneous with the bomb search and eventually yielded the suspect.
SSISD administration praised all of the first responders that assisted in the event on the campus, as well as the investigative team who quickly identified a suspect.
Wildcats Basketball Has First Home District Contest Friday
Coach Brandon Shaver’s team makes a long-awaited return home Friday, Jan. 20 when they host North Lamar.
Sulphur Springs hopes to keep their momentum going as they are already 2-0 in district play after shellacking Liberty Eylau on Tuesday 72-47.
The Wildcats got off to a fast start and never looked back, leading big at the half 42-22. Sulphur Springs scoring that many points in the first half was only five points less than the Leopards scored in the entirety of Tuesday’s home loss to the Wildcats.
Tuesday’s victory in Texarkana was never in question for men’s basketball as they led early 19-13 after one.
If that wasn’t enough, the Wildcats raced past that point total, scoring 23 points as the game was effectively over at the half.
Halfway into the third Coach Shaver pulled his starters as his team lead by 30, 58-28. From there the men’s basketball team cruised to a demolishing win over L.E. 72-47.
Parker Whisenhunt and Kordrick Turner both had huge games in the beatdown of the Leopards, scoring 18 on Tuesday.
The only other player to end in double figures was another senior, Malachi Myles, who put up 12 in the victory.
From there it was Branson Lynn (eight), Theo Mckelvey (five), with Gavin White and DJ Wilkerson scoring four in the win. Rounding out scoring in the big night for the Wildcats was Cole Theofiledes with a three-pointer made in the first.
The win on Tuesday, Jan. 17 brings Sulphur Springs season record to 20-7 overall (2-0 district). Remaining undefeated after the win at Liberty Eylau, men’s basketball stays at least tied for first in 15-4A.
But after starting their district season with two games on the road Coach Shaver and his team next host North Lamar. Friday’s home game versus the Panthers is the first home district contest for the men’s basketball team.
That game tips off on Friday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 P.M.
Friday’s home district match-up with North Lamar will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM. That game will also be live-streamed onto KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
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.
Law, Sellers Sign Up For Place 6 and Place 7 Sulphur Springs City Council
Tyler Law has signed up for Place 6 Sulphur Springs City Council. This seat is currently occupied by Doug Moore.
John A. Sellers has just filed an application for his seat which is Place 7 of the Sulphur Springs City Council. Sellers has previously served the city as mayor.
Wildcats Soccer Beats Henderson, Plays in Final Tourney This Weekend
Coach Alexi Upton was all too happy to come up with a win on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Sulphur Springs got back in the win column on Tuesday, beating Henderson 1-0.
“I don’t think we’re the greatest offensive team,” Coach Upton said, “but we’re good at defending, being organized… defense wins championships, kind of philosophy [is] what we’re going for this year.”
Their stifling defense has been a big part of the Wildcats’ story this season.
Through nine games after Tuesday’s win, men’s soccer has given up two goals in a game thrice, giving up only one goal in the other six contests.
The mantras for this team according to the soccer coach is to be smart, don’t make mistakes and just grind out wins, something Coach Upton believes this team has improved greatly upon.
The Sulphur Springs coach said his team is continuing to get better. He said his team started off their scrimmage season shaky because they were not as organized as they perhaps should have been. Men’s soccer went 3-5 in the preseason. But that was December, and this team has won or tied six of their 10 games to start the regular season.
Aubrey Camacho scored the lone goal in the 1-0 victory, assisted by Eric Rodriguez. Sulphur Springs had chances to score four or five on Henderson, but could not capitalize on the opportunities.
The win on Tuesday brings the Wildcats’ season record to 5-4-1.
Next up, Sulphur Springs heads to Terrell for their final tournament. The opening game has Coach Upton’s team taking on host Terrell, who should offer a good challenge according to the men’s soccer coach. That game kicks off Thursday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 P.M.
Friday brings a game against Sunnyvale, now 5A, at 12:30 P.M.
Saturday, Jan. 21 brings one contest, against Waxahachie Life at 9:30 A.M.
If Sulphur Springs plays well enough throughout the three-day tournament they could find themselves playing for third place or higher.
Coach Upton believes his team stacks up well with their competition this weekend, citing a lack of overly explosive players & teams that ultimately benefits a defense-oriented squad like men’s soccer.
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.
Lady Cats Basketball Falls in OT Thriller, 49-48
Coach Bryan Jones and his team played a thrilling ballgame on Tuesday, Jan. 17 hosting Liberty Eylau.
Sulphur Springs kept neck-and-neck with the visiting Lady Leopards, with both teams refusing to give up momentum. However, a strong overtime saw L.E. push past the Lady Cats for good, 49-48.
Knotted after one, tied at seven, Liberty Eylau went on a 7-0 run that saw them leading 15-8, but Kenzie Willis willed her team back into the fight, going 4/4 from the line with a three to tie it up at 15. Another strong run from the visiting Lady Leopards allowed them to go into the half leading by six, 25-19.
L.E. made four shots from downtown in the quarter to propel themselves past Sulphur Springs.
While the lead ballooned to 11 at several points, Coach Jones’s team stayed in the fight and never quit. They saved their best for the fourth quarter, as the Lady Cats scored their highest quarter total (16) to send the game to overtime.
Making it to an extra period would not have been possible were it not for the heroics of the other senior on this team, Addisyn Wall, who hit one of her three free throws to tie it up, sending the game to OT.
From there though L.E. kept a slight advantage over the Lady Cats. A shot from Willis pulled Sulphur Springs back within one, but time expired on a courageous comeback as they fell at home 49-48. Coach Jones saw his team have a much-improved effort over their Friday home loss to Paris. The Lady Cats combined for 12 points over the middle two quarters, whereas on Tuesday Sulphur Springs put up 12 points in the second quarter alone.
Willis lead the way with 17 points in the loss. Codee Roland was the only other Lady Cat in double figures in the overtime loss at 11. The sophomore fouled out in the fourth quarter.
Addisyn Wall scored seven, followed closely by Trinity Jefferson (five), Kaylee Carter (three), and finally Kyra Carter and Rainey Johnson (both at two points).
Tuesday’s loss is the second straight for women’s basketball, now 19-6 overall (2-2 district). The loss to the Lady Leopards is both the second straight loss and second straight loss at home. Entering Tuesday Sulphur Springs was tied for second at 2-1, but have now slipped down to third.
They hit the road for a big duel at North Lamar on Friday.
That game tips off in Paris on Friday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 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.
2 Arrested on Possession Charges
January 18, 2023 – Two individuals were arrested on possession charges, a Dallas man and a woman were found to be in possession of marijuana. They tried to conceal the contraband from the arresting officer during a routine traffic stop, according to the arrest report.
I-30 East Traffic Stop
Cumby Police Officer Tally reported stopping a Dodge Charger at 2:58 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at mile marker 111 on interstate 30 east for a missing front license plate. The driver was identified as 27-year-old Lacheshia Brown of Dallas, Texas and the passenger was identified as Jquan Wilson of Dallas, Texas.
Officer Tally reported initiating the stop and identifying the car as belonging to Lacheshia Brown. Brown was found to have an outstanding warrant. Ms. Brown was subsequently taken into custody. While speaking with the pair, Talley reported smelling a strong marijuana odor emitting from the car. Officer Tally then conducted a probable cause search, finding drug paraphernalia within Mr. Wilson’s immediate reach leading to his arrest. Mr. Wilson’s photo not available.
The pair was transported to Hopkin County jail without incident. Mr. Wilson was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia And Ms. Brown was booked on possession of drugs. While in jail Ms. Wilson was found to be in possession of a green plant like substance believed to be marijuana.
***Updated*** SSES Evacuated Due to a Bomb Threat
SSES classes cancelled for the rest of day. Parents are picking up students at League Street Church of Christ
January 18, 2023 – All students, teachers and staff were evacuated from SSES early Wednesday morning in response to a bomb threat made regrading that campus.
Everyone was taken across League street to the League Street Church of Christ. All students are safe and the building continues to be checked by law enforcement.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Is Looking For Volunteers
The local AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is looking for compassionate and friendly people to join our volunteer team. Many older taxpayers with low to moderate incomes miss out on credits and deductions they’ve earned because they can’t afford a tax preparation service.
With the help of people like you, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax-filing help to those who need it most. We’ll provide the training and support to help you learn new skills, and you’ll get a great feeling from helping those in need. The program is looking for individuals to volunteer in person in several roles to provide help to taxpayers. Our volunteers come from a variety of industries and span from retirees to college students.
About AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax preparation help for anyone free of charge. Tax-Aide volunteers help taxpayers in-person or virtually. The program has over 25,000 volunteers nationwide. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide serves millions of individuals each year. AARP membership is not required, and taxpayers of any age can take advantage of this service. Tax-Aide has helped more than 77 million people since it launched in 1968.
It’s the nation’s largest free volunteer tax program, offered in conjunction with the IRS.
Volunteers fill a variety of roles: Locally we need more counselors. Counselors work with taxpayers directly by filling out tax returns. If you have no previous experience, you’ll get the training you need and will also receive IRS certification.
Technology Coordinators manage computer equipment, ensure taxpayer data is secure, and provide technical assistance to volunteers.
Leadership and Administrative volunteers make sure program operations run smoothly, manage volunteers, and maintain quality control.
Communications Coordinators promote the program to prospective volunteers and taxpayers. Speak a second language? We have a big demand for bilingual speakers in all roles, especially dedicated interpreters who can assist other volunteers.
To volunteer go to aarpfoundation.org/TaxaideVolunteer or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669). If you have questions and want to talk to someone locally, call 903-485-4151 or 903-885-8932.
— Submitted by Mary Lou Foster, Local Coordinator
Cumby Men Jailed On Controlled Substance and Tampering With Evidence Charges
Two Cumby men were jailed on controlled substance and tampering with evidence charges early Tuesday morning, sheriff’s deputies and Cumby police alleged in arrest reports.
(HCSO 2016 jail photo)
Officers reported stopping the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado at 1:13 a.m. Jan. 17, 2023, on County Road 1130 at County Road 1126 for failure to signal a turn. The passenger was seen from the patrol vehicle’s headlights making furtive movements inside the truck, officers alleged in arrest reports.
Upon contact with the driver, a deputy reported seeing a shotgun in the passenger’s seat of the pickup. Learning the gun was loaded and that the river has another weapon in a side holster, he had the man step out of the truck. He complied. He then had the passenger step out too, deputies wrote in arrest reports.
After talking to the man, officers reported being granted permission to search the truck. The officers reported finding a torn bag containing a crystal-like substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine in a glass of tea in the center cup holder in the truck. Both Cumby men were detained. When both denied knowledge of the contraband at 1:28 a.m. Tuesday, both were arrested. The firearms and contraband were collected, the truck was impounded and the pair was transported to the county jail, deputies and police alleged in arrest reports.
Michael Lyle Gall, 36, and Christopher Evan Lewis, 46, were booked into the county jail at 3:46 a.m. Jan. 17, 2023, on possession of 0.5 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence charges. Lewis was also charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, according to arrest reports.
Gall was released later Jan. 17, 2023, on $5,000 per charge. Lewis remained in the county jail Tuesday afternoon in lieu of the $5,000 bond set on the controlled substance charge, $5,000 bond on the tampering with evidence charge and $2,000 bond set on the weapon charge, according to Hopkins County jail records.
Among the officers credited with the traffic stop and arrests were Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Brennan Murray, Drew Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward; and Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley.
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.
Commission Recommends Approval Of Final Plat For Ladera RV Resort, Denial Of 2 Rezoning Requests
Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Commission Monday evening approved the final plat request submitted for Ladera RV Resort, pushing it forward with a recommendation that the City Council approve it at the regular February meeting. The city board is recommending the two rezoning requests be denied, however.
Ladera RV Resort Final Plat
Cole Heitman requested a final plat which will combine multiple lots into one 48.11-acre property off Loop 301 and wrapping around behind the Paris-Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center to Jefferson Street where Ladera RV Resort is planned. Heitman has already received the special use permit to construct the RV Resort, which was previously approved for up to 128 RV sites at 1229 Loop 301.
The plat as proposed will include a new public water line through the property to provide required fire protection and domestic water service. A private sewer line is also proposed to provide sewer service for the development. The public water line installation will require a community facilities contract authorization as a mechanism to dedicate the water line to the public. Installation costs will be the responsibility of the developer, however, the City will take ownership of the water line and future maintenance after it is approved. An easement will have to be granted for fire suppression purposes, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told the Planning & Zoning Commission during the regular meeting Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.
Niewiadomski noted city staff had reviewed it and recommended the plat be approved and the city manager authorized to execute a community facilities contract.
P&Z Commissioner Pat Chase said he thinks City staff has done an excellent job on this project and made a motion to approve the final plat for Ladera RV Resort. Commissioner Twila Gill seconded the motion. With Both Chase, Gill and Matthew Mattison (the only three able to attend Monday’s meeting) voting in favor of the final plat as approved, the motion passed.
Main Street Rezoning Request
Wayne Cooper of C&C Guardian LLC asked for 10-acres of vacant property, consisting of 2 lots, in the 2100 block of Main Street be rezoned from light commercial to light industrial.
Niewiadomski reminded the P&Z Commission that they’d reviewed a request during summer 2022 for the site to be used for a manufactured housing business. C&C indicated a desire to have more flexibility in options for marketing the property, which is located 2 properties west of Lovers Lane along State Highway 313 (Main Street) for development.
Property to the north of the area is zoned single family (SF-6) but contains single family residences; to the east is zoned light commercial but also single family use; the south of 2113 Main Street is zoned single family-6 and light industrial, but use is for single family or vacant; and to the west is light commercial but used for professional offices.
The land use plan identifies this area along Main Street as commercial frontage. It is intended that in the future, this area will be commercially developed towards the east and more industrial towards the west where it is already zoned industrial.
Of the 14 letters to property owners within 200 feet of 2113 Main, one was opposed and one was undecided. The letter in opposition stated that hte area is 95% residential, thus, heavy industrial activity would put a strain on residents, Niewiadomski said, noting that city staff recommended denying the zoning change request.
Barbara Williams, who submitted the undecided response letter, told Niewiadomski after hearing the information presented, she is appreciative to the city staff for recommending the the request be denied, and as of Monday night agreed with the recommendation.
Elise Douglas said she and Ginger Brooks operate a counseling business in the 2100 block of Main Street. She expressed concerns that the zoning change was requested without a specific plan as to how the property would be used. She said it is important that her clients be able to feel comfortable in a quiet environment. Industrial could mean manufacturing and heavy traffic, which she said is “enough as it is” from the existing businesses further down in the area. Already, she noted people miss turns and end up in the ditch in front of their property, nearly striking their sign.
Tenny Tanton, speaking for her parents who have lived in that area since the 1980s, purchasing the property when the whole area was outside of town and an agricultural property. They’ve watched it become more and more commercial over the years. Her parents had a small business, but have retire and plan to continue living there. It’s very frustrating to see the property surrounded on three sides by residences become industrial. She said they are opposed to the residential area becoming industrial.
Wayne Cooper, who along with Stacy Cody has made the request for the zoning change, said they were asked about the property by the Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation, who indicated they need property on which to expand. He said the railroad tracks through the property would not make it suitable for a housing addition. He said he believes it is not the intent of the EDC to let bad things happen, but to put someone in there who’d make a good neighbor. The light industrial zoning of the 10 acres would help them to better do that.
Chris Gibbins said he believes his family to be the longest tenured residents of the area. His parents live on the corner and he and his wife intent to live across from there for the rest of their lives too. They too are concerned there’d be noise and pollution if the area were to be joined industrial. They believe industrial zoning and business should be outside the city limits, not next to residential neighborhoods. He noted the property owners knew the area was residential when they obtained it.
Mattison asked if the issue could be tabled until the EDC could be present to address the matter, since they were noted as potentially wanting to obtain the property, to determined planned uses.
Niewiadomski said the matter is to be forwarded to the City Council with a recommendation.
Chase said without knowing the intent for the property if rezoned, he accepted the staff recommendation to deny the rezoning request. Gill seconded the motion. Mattison said if the EDC had noted a special project in mind with information, it might have made the decision easier. He too voted to deny the request to rezone 2113 Main Street light industrial. That recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council at the February meeting when the zoning request is presented to them.
Hillcrest Drive Rezoning Request
Niewiadomski said city staff also recommended denial of Scott Hemby’s request that a vacant 1.51-acre property at the southeast corner of Hillcrest Drive and Azalea Lane be rezoned from professional office to light commercial. He noted that Citizens also expressed concerns about the proposed zoning change. He noted nine letters were sent to surrounding property owners within 200 feet of the proposed change. The city received three responses back, two in favor of and one opposed to the change.
The request cites a desire for more flexibility in options for marketing 1336 Azalea Lane 1340 Azalea Lane and 491 Hillcrest Drive for development as the reason for the proposed change.
The property on three sides of the area is single family housing and zoned SF-6, while the property to the south is zoned light commercial, where a funeral home is located.
The land use plan identifies this area along Hillcrest as commercial frontage. In 2010, the property was proposed to be rezoned from SF-6 to LC. Due to opposition presented, the applicant agreed to downzone to Professional Office. To date, conditions along Highway 19 have not changed significantly from 2010 when this request was previously reviewed. Azalea Lane is the entrance to the Highland Hills subdivision which is exclusively a residential single family development and also included lots along Hillcrest north of this site. Professional office allows for bank, medical, and business offices as a low intensity range of uses allowable. PO is the lowest level of commercial zoning in the Zoning Ordinance. Stepping up to Light Commercial does expand the opportunities up to a lot of potential uses that would be allowed by right, Niewiadomski said.
Hembry said his approach is to take something ugly and and make it pretty. He is currently renovating the old tobacco shop property on Jefferson Street for Pioneer Cafe. At one time, funeral partners had expressed interest in the property, but that’s changed. Others have expressed interest in the property as well but are not willing to gamble purchasing the land and then the city not approve the zoning required.
Cynthia Loftis said four of the five people she’s talked to who are within the range of the request said they were not in favor of the zoning change. She is opposed to it. She expressed concerns for noise, pollution, potential hours of operations and increased heavy traffic through the neighborhood, all of which could impact the health and safety and quality of life for individuals living in the neighborhood.
If the area is developed for light commercial, any business would enter from State Highway 19 not Azalea Lane, Hemby said.
Seth McDaniel pointed out that SH 19 is a commercial road. Designated professional office, something as simple as a gym could not be located in the area due to the professional office designation. He said the town is growing and doesn’t see a reason that shouldn’t happen. Traffic on Azalea Lane would not be based on traffic passing by on SH 19.
Mattison said if they knew what might be going in at the location the Planning & Zoning Commission might be more comfortable making a decision regarding the zoning request.
Chase made the motion to accept as staff recommended not approving the request for a zoning change. Gill seconded the motion, and all three voted the same. The P&Z Commission’s recommendation to deny the rezoning request is being forwarded to the City Council, who is expected to see the request on on the regular Feb. 7 meeting agenda.
