MG, NH, Saltillo ISDs Earn As On Report Cards; All Other Rural Hopkins County Schools Earn Bs
Yantis ISD Receives C Accountability Rating
Miller Grove, North Hopkins and Saltillo all earned As on school report cards, while all of the other rural Hopkins County schools received Bs from the state. Yantis ISD, located in nearby Wood County but which serves some Hopkins County students, received a C 2021-2022 accountability rating from Texas Education Agency.
Some were ranked strictly as a district, while others had campus raked on school report cards.
The biggest concerns expressed over the past couple of years after the first rounds of benchmark and state testing were the impact of 2 1/2 months worth of instruction time lost in 2020 due to mandatory COVID-19 shutdowns, as well as the loss of in-person instruction time over the next 2 school years as students and staff were forced to quarantine or self-monitor at home due to COVID exposures or positive test result. In some cases, parents opted to have their students participate in remote learning as a precaution against the virus. Extra measures were implemented over the past year at most schools to help students who did not test at their grade and aptitude levels catch up with their peers and state benchmark requirements. If the extra help didn’t attain the desired results, additional or different programs, including extra staff, were employed to help those still struggling get the extra instruction needed for advancement or promotion.
Hopkins County seems to have stepped up to the challenge, with all school districts located within Hopkins County finishing with As and Bs overall. School report card scores reflect ratings in three domains — student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps ratings.
Student Achievement measures whether students met expectations on the STAAR test. It also measures graduation rates and how prepared students are for success after high school. School Progress shows how students perform over time and how the school’s performance compares to other schools with similar economically disadvantaged student populations. Closing the Gaps tells us how well a school is ensuring that all student groups are successful, according to TEA.
Schools also had the ability to earn distinction designations in up to seven areas. Distinction Designations are awarded when a school or district shows exceptional achievement in these areas.
Miller Grove ISD
Miller Grove ISD, a campus serving 299 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade, earned an A with an overall score of 91, the the highest overall score among school districts within Hopkins County. The district received a 90 on student achievement, 91 on school progress and 90 in closing the gaps.
MGISD also received five Distinction Designations for academic achievement in English/language arts and reading and mathematics, post secondary readiness, top 25% of comparative in closing gaps, and top 25% comparative for academic growth.
“We were really pleased to get an A. Technically, I think you’ll see once you look at all the stats together, we are the highest in the county — by 1 point. point,” MGISD Superintendent Steve Johnson said. “A lot of our kids get associate’s degrees. That helped us.”
Johnson said while many offered or started their 2020-2021 school year with remote learning, MGISD was able to get away from it pretty quickly. It didn’t take educators long to see that remote learning wasn’t working well for most students, and started the 2021-2022 school years in-person only. Fortunately, MGISD did not have to close due to COVID after that point, but did have some students who had to quarantine at home, Johnson said. Having a fulltime nurse to track COVID cases was very helpful, the superintendent noted.
Even so, multiple students took advantage of the dual credit English and math courses taught or proctored at MGISD by staff, and offered at no charge to the students, thanks largely to the break on tuition by Paris Junior College. The district then offered a period in which students enrolled could take online college courses could all go to the lab for course online course work in their class, with a teacher or school staff member in the room to monitor students taking the various different classes. Students were able to take additional college courses to work toward a two-year certification or degree. As a result, a “good amount of kids” attained an associate’s degree as well as a high school diploma in spring 2021,” according to Johnson.
MGISD had a 100% graduation rate; with 96% of students meeting college, career and military readiness standards; 11% scored at or above standard on college readiness tests and course (SAT, ACT, TSIA, college degree prep course), 68% earned college or dual credit, 26% received industry-based certification and 32% earned an associate’s degree, with 5% graduating under an advanced diploma plan and were identified as a current special education student, according to the TEA data.
A total of 84% of MGISD students achieves “approaching” grade level or above standard, 55% met grade level or above and 20% mastered grade level or above, according to the TEA report card.
During the 2020-2021 school year, the district had an enrollment of 306 students, approximately 52% of which were economically disadvantaged, 9.5% received special education services, 3.9% were emergent bilingual or English learners. The district composition was 80.4% White, 16.7% Hispanic, 1.3% two or more races, 0.3% American Indian, 0.3% Asian, 0.7% African American and another 0.7% Pacific Islander
MGISD had 40 full-time staff, 30.1of which were full-time teachers whose average salaries were $48,523 during the 2020-2021 school year, according to the TEA report card data.
North Hopkins ISD
Although both North Hopkins Elementary and High School each earned an overall B, North Hopkins ISD as a whole earned an overall A rating, scoring 90 out of 100 points. The district as a whole received a 91 for student achievement, a 93 for school progress and 83 out of 100 points for closing the gaps.
“We are very excited about our A rating! This is no doubt a reflection of the hard work that was put in by everyone last year and the strategies our folks have put in place to help our students achieve at a high level. Our students have shown much drive and determination to close the gaps brought on by the early days of the pandemic. I am so very proud of our school and our community and commend them for achieving this mark!” NHISD Superintendent Brian Lowe said.
NHISD also earned a Distinction Designation for Postsecondary Readiness, after scoring a total 96 out of 100 points for college, career and military readiness achievement.
North Hopkins ISD had a 100% graduation rate and received 82 out of 100 points for STAAR performance. A total of 84% of NHISD students earned total credit for college, career and military readiness criteria — 9% scored at or above the college readiness standard on SAT, ACT, TSIA tests or earned credit for a college prep course; 7% met criterion score on AP/IB exams; 58% earned college or dual course credit, 53% received industry-based certification; 4% earned an associate’s degree; and 13% graduating under an advanced diploma plan and were identified as a current special education student, according to the TEA data released earlier this month.
As a whole, 79% of district students were considered to be approaching grade level or above on composite STAAR performance, 51% met grade level standard or above, and 23% of students mastered all subjects on the STAAR tests.
NHISD earned 87 out of a possible score of 100 for school progress and 93 for relative performance, giving the district an overall 93 for school progress (how students perform over time and how the district performs compared to other districts with similarly economically disadvantaged student populations).
The closing the gaps score is based on how well the district is ensuring that all student groups are successful. NHISD earned a total 83 out of 100 points in this area.
North Hopkins Elementary during the 2021-2022 school year, received 82 out of a possible 100 points, giving the campus serving 315 prekindergarten through sixth grade students a B overall score.
North Hopkins High School, which served 240 students in grades 7-12 during the 2021-2022 school year, finished a little higher than NHES, earning 87 out of 100 possible points, giving the campus a solid B rating. NHHS scored 89 in the student achievement category, 91 in school progress and 78 in closing gaps. As a whole, the campus earned academic achievement in science and postsecondary readiness.
District enrollment at NHISD was 535 last year, down from 555 one year before. The 20202-21 student population was 62.7% of those students considered economically disadvantaged, 12.4% receive special education services and 11.5% are emergent bilingual/English learners. The district student composition is 71.7% White, 23.4% Hispanic, 3.8% two or more races, 1.1% Asian, 0.2% American Indian and 0.7% African American.
NHISD had 91.5 full-time staff, 46.8 of whom are full-time teachers. The average salary, at NHISD is $49,079, during the 2020-2021 school year, according to the TEA data.
Saltillo ISD
Saltillo ISD, a campus that housed 244 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, earned an overall 90. That gives the district an overall A rating, the same as in 2018-2019, the last school year TEA rated campuses due to COVID closures and absences.
The district earned five Distinction Designations: academic achievement in science and social studies, top 25% comparative academic growth, postsecondary readiness and top 25% comparative closing the gaps.
“The entire Saltillo ISD family does everything in its power to make our district successful. Saltillo ISD is governed by a school board with a clear vision for high quality education. Our students leave high school ready for their next chapter in life; and our community, parents, students and teachers always give maximum effort to achieve greatness,” said Saltillo ISD Superintendent David Stickels.
The school received a 90 in student achievement, 92 in school progress and 86 in closing the gaps.
In student achievement, Saltillo ISD earned 79 out of 100 points for overall STAAR performance; 97 for college, career and military readiness (CCMR), and had a 100% graduation rate.
On the STAAR test, 86% of Saltillo students tested approached grade level above, 52% met or exceeded grade level and 18% mastered all tests at their grade level or above.
A total of 89% of Saltillo students earned credit for CCMR criteria, 11% scored at or above college ready standard on college tests or earned credit for a college prep course; 50 percent earned college credit for dual credit courses; 28% earned an industry-based certification, and 17% graduated under an advanced diploma plan and were identified as a current special education student.
Saltillo ISD’s enrollment was 244 during the 2021-2022 school year, down from 253 one year before. During the 2020-2021 school year, 64.8% economically disadvantaged, 15.8% are special education students, 13% are emergent bilingual/English learners. The District composition is 65.5% White, 28.5% Hispanic, 3.2% African American, 2.8% two or more races, 1.6% Asian; 1% American Indian; and 0.7% Pacific Islander.
The district has 52.9 full-time staff, 26.5 of which are full-time teachers. The average salary at Saltillo ISD is $50,485 during the 2020-2021 school year
Como-Pickton CISD
Como-Pickton CISD received an 84, giving the district an overall B rating for the 2021-2022 school year, the same as during the 2018-2019 school year. Overall, CPCISD earned 87 out of a possible 100 points for student achievement, 86 for school progress and 78 for closing the gaps.
CPCISD was rated as a whole, from early education through 12th grade as they apply to school ratings. Overall, the campus earned Distinction Designation for academic achievement in science.
“In several areas of testing we beat regional averages,” Como-Pickton CISD Superintendent Greg Bower said “We are happy with the scores. I think the teachers have done a pretty great job.
Overall, 75% of Como-Pickton students were rated “approaching grade level or above” on STAAR tests, 44% met grade level or above and 19% mastered or exceeded grade level or above during the 2021-2022 school year, according to the TEA report card data. Overall, the district earned 74 out of a possible 100 points for STAAR testing.
“I am extremely proud of our overall high school. When it comes to approaches and meets [on STAAR testing], our high school has met and exceeded, beaten the state average on every single category and beat regional. I am so proud of them, those principles and teachers worked so hard,” Bower said. “The high school teachers just buckled down really to pulled us up in that.”
The district received 93 points for CCMR, with 70% meeting total credit criteria for CCMR; 15% scored at or above standard on college readiness tests or earned credit for a college prep course, 30% earned college credit for a dual credit course, 45% earned an industry-based certification and 4% graduated under an advanced diploma plan and identified as current special education student at the time. CPCISD earned 100 points for graduation rate.
Bower said moving one teacher from junior high to high school a couple of years ago to teach has really made a difference in the high school science program, for which the district receive distinction.
CPCISD’s student enrollment during the 2021-2022 school year was 724, up from 706 students during the 2021-2022 school year when 67.5% were economically disadvantaged, 14.9% were special education students and 23.1% were emergency bilingual/English learners. Bower noted the district for the 2022-2023 school year has a 6.6% increase in enrollment.
The district student population consisted of 52.4% White students, 40,9% Hispanic, 2.4% two or more races, 1.6% Asian 1.7% African American, 1.6% Asian, 1% American Indian and 0.7% Pacific Islander students.
The district employed 119.9 full-time staff, including 63.2 full-time teachers during the 2020-2021 school year. The average salary for CPCISD teachers was $58,589.
Cumby ISD
Cumby ISD, a district serving 435 students in from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, received 86 overall points last year. That gave the district a solid B average for the 2021-2022 school year, the same as in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years.
The district as a whole rated 88 for student achievement, 89 for school progress and 80 for closing gaps.
Overall, in students achievement category, CISD students received 75 out of 100 possible points for STAAR performance, 96 for CCMR and had a graduation rate of 100%. On STAAR tests, 72% of Cumby students approached grade level or above, 42% met grade level standards or above and 17% mastered or exceeded grade level.
Cumby High School not only received 86 points overall for the 2021-2022 school year, but earned three Distinction Designations: academic achievement in mathematics, Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth and Post Secondary Readiness.
Cumby High earned a 88 out of a possible 100 points for student achievement, 89 for school progress and 78 for closing the gaps. Overall on STAAR tests, 75% of CHS students approached or scored above grade level, 47% met or exceeded grade level and 17% mastered or exceeded grade level. CHS students also scored 96 for CCMR and had a 100% graduation rate.
In CCMR, 82% of Cumby High School students met criteria for credit; 67% scored at or above readiness standards on college tests or earned credit for a college prep course; 33% earned college credit for a dual credit course; 30% earned industry-based certification; 15% (5 students) earned an associate’s degree; and 15% graduated under an advanced diploma plan and identified as a current special education student.
Cumby ISD Superintendent Shelly Slaughter said the P-Tech and other things the district has put in place over the last couple of years has made a difference which is reflected in the scores.
Cumby Elementary was Not Rated, which TEA notes schools receive a not rated label when the domain or overall scaled score for the campus is less than 70, in according with Senate Bill 1365. Cumby Elementary scored 64 out of 100 possible points (65 in student achievement on STAAR tests, 62 in school progress and 61 in closing gaps). The elementary campus met standard with an 85 score during the 2017-2018 school year, scored a D with a 65 in the 2018-2019 school year and was acceptable in the 2020-2021 school year although schools were “Not Rated” due to COVID-19.
Slaughter said the district officials are aware there’s room for improvement, and are already making changes to some individual learning plans of students to help meet that challenge. She said district administrators and educators have high expectations for all students and feel that those changes and others implemented over the next year will result in gains for students.
Slaughter said she is excited about the areas of growth that have occurred in the schools, and foresee more as the district continues to transition with P-Tech as an Edu-Nation campus working to provide all students with an opportunity to attain a college or industry certification when they graduate Cumby.
Cumby ISD will offer an information night next week to relay to parents and community members information about what CISD will be doing this year, how that affects academics and programs offered. Those attending are encouraged to bring and ask any questions they may have related to the topics. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 8, 2022.
Cumby ISD served 208 elementary and 212 High School students during the 2020-2021 school year. The district’s student enrollment was 59.5% economically disadvantaged, 14.8% special education students and 4.8% emergency bilingual/English learners during the 2020-2021 school year. The district was composed of 81% White students, 13.3% Hispanic students, 3.6% are two or more races, 1.7% American Indians, 1.1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander and 0.5% African American.
The district employed 70.2 full-time staff, 40.3 of whom were full-time teachers. The average teacher salary at CISD was $48,653 during the 2020-2021 school year.
Sulphur Bluff ISD
Sulphur Bluff ISD earned 83 out of a possible 100 points for an overall report card grade of B from TEA for the 2021-2022 school year. That’s the same rating the district received during the 2018-2019 school year, the last in which all schools were rated due to the state of disaster declared during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years due to COVID-19.
“Overall, Hopkins County had an impressive showing! It’s great to be a part of this community. At SBISD, we are proud of the work and effort our students and staff have put forth over the last two and a half years of unprecedented disruptions. The hours of work and sacrifice each of our teachers and aides have put forth to help put our kids in a position to succeed is just hard to put into words. Learning is an ongoing process that we strive for everyday, not just for testing and accountability purposes, but for the growth of our kids into successful young adults,” said Dustin Carr, SBISD Superintendent.
Sulphur Bluff students earned an overall 86 for student achievement composed from the district’s overall 76 rating on STAAR tests, 90 on CCMR and 100% for graduation rate.
In STAAR testing, 80% of students approached grade level or above, 47% met grade level or above and 16 percent mastered or exceeded grade level on all subjects tested in.
Overall, 60% of SBISD students earned total credit for CCMR criteria, 33% scored at or above standard on college ready tests or earned credit for a college prep course, 47% earned college credit for a dual credit course, 7% earned industry-based certification and 13% graduated under and advanced diploma plan and identified as a current special education student in the 2021-2022 school year, according to the TEA report card data.
SBISD scored an overall 80 for school progress and 77 out of 100 points for closing the gaps.
The campus served 218 students from early education through 12th graders during the 2020-2021 school year, 50.9% of whom were economically disadvantaged, 14.2% were special education students and 2.3% emergency bilingual/English learners. The student population was 87,2% White, 9.2% Hispanic, 2.8% African American, 1.6% Asian, 1% American Indian, 0.9% two or more races and 0.7% Pacific Islander.
The district employed 42.2 full-time staff, 20.3 of whom were full-time teachers. The average teacher salary at SBISD was $48,175.
Yantis ISD
Yantis ISD, which is located in Wood County but does educate some Hopkins County students, received 71 points for an overall C district rating on the 2021-2022 school report card. That’d down from the B (85) YISD received in 2018-2019 but better than the D the district scored during the 2017-2018 school year, according to the TEA data released earlier this month.
The district earned a 72 for student achievement, a 73 for student progress and a 66 on closing gaps. The student achievement score is compiled based on three components, overall STAAR performance, CCMR and graduation rate.
YISD received an overall 74 out of a possible 100 points for STAAR performance with 73% of students approaching grade level or above on all STAAR subjects tested in, 41% meeting or exceeding grade level expectations on all tests, and 15% mastering or exceeding grade level.
YISD earned a 100 for graduation rates, with 92.3% graduating in four years, 96% in five years and 100% by 6 years, and a drop out rate of 2.3%, according to the TEA data.
YISD’s Elementary and High School were also each individually rated as well.
Yantis Elementary, which served 172 students from prekindergarten through fifth grade, received 81 points, giving the campus an overall B rating. The 2021-2022 rating the same the school earned during the 2018-2019 school year. Elementary students earned a C (72 out 100 points) for student achievement, a B (85 points) for school progress and C (71 points) for closing the gaps. Yantis Elementary students scored 72 points overall for STAAR performance, giving the campus a 72 student achievement score. In STAAR tests, 76% of Yantis Elementary students approached or exceeded grade level, 41% met or exceeded grade level and 16% mastered or exceeded grade level.
Yantis High School, which served 199 sixth-12th graders, received an overall C rating for the 2021-2022 school year, the same as in the 2018-2019 school year. YHS earned 69 points each om school progress, and was “not rated.” To align with Senate Bill 1365, a “not rated” label is used when the domain or overall scaled score is less than 70,
Overall, YHS earned 72 points on student achievement, which factors in the 71 points the campus received for STAAR performance, 58 points for CCMR and 100 for graduation rate. In STAAR testing, 72% of students approached or exceeded grade level, 41% met or exceeded grade level and 14% mastered or exceeded grade level on all STAAR subjects they were tested in.
Only 24% of YHS students earned received total credit for CCMR criteria, 8% scored at or above readiness on college entrance tests or earned credit for a college prep class, 16% earned college credit for a dual credit course and 8% graduated under an advanced diploma plan and were identified as current special education students during the 2021-2022 school year, according to the TEA report card data for YHS.
Also at Yantis High 92.3% graduated in four-years, 96% in five years and 100% in six years. The campus also was reported to have a 2.3% dropout rate.
YISD had a total enrollment of 368 during the 2021-2022 school year, three less than during the 2020-2021 school year when 70.4% of students were economically disadvantaged, 10% were special education students and 11.3% were emergent bilingual/English learners. The campus population was 67.9% White, 29.6% Hispanic, 2.2% two or more races, 1.7% African American, 0.6% Pacific Islander, 0.3% American Indian and 0.2% Asian.
YISD during the 2020-21 school year employed 53 full-time staff, including 31.9 full-time teachers. The average teacher salary at YISD was $48,465.
Click here to select and view school district and campus report card data for the 2021-2022 school years.
DSHS Confirms First Texas Death Of A Person With Monkeypox
The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the first death of a person diagnosed with monkeypox in Texas. The patient was an adult resident of Harris County who was severely immunocompromised. The case is under investigation to determine what role monkeypox played in the death.
“Monkeypox is a serious disease, particularly for those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS Commissioner. “We continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease.”
People should contact their health care provider if they have fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash. People who are diagnosed with monkeypox should stay home and avoid close contact with others until the rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
For most people, infection with monkeypox is painful but not life threatening.
Monkeypox is a preventable disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person. There are things everyone should do to help prevent the spread of monkeypox:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with someone with a new, unexplained rash.
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact in large crowds where people are wearing minimal clothing, such as nightclubs, festivals, raves, saunas, and bathhouses.
- Do not share cups, utensils, bedding or towels with someone who is sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
People who have been exposed to a known case of monkeypox are eligible to be vaccinated against the disease. Some people at high risk of infection may also be eligible for vaccination. Health care providers with patients at high risk of severe illness should work with their local health department to facilitate administration of the JYNNEOS vaccine and treatment with the antiviral medication TPOXX.
DSHS is posting the latest information, guidance for the public, health care providers and others, and updating case counts at dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#monkeypox.
5 Jailed In Hopkins On Felony Controlled Substance And Marijuana Charges
At least 5 people were jailed in Hopkins County over the last week on felony controlled substance and marijuana charges, including a woman found partially covered with towels and adult toys, a man with nearly 33 grams of THC edibles in his backpack and a teen with THC vape pens, according to arrest and jail reports.
North I-30 West Service Road Welfare Check
After completing a call for service, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Bobby Osornio went back to check on the occupants of a Ford F150 he had noticed en route to the call. The vehicle was was stopped in a residence right-of-way with flashers on. Upon arrival at the address on the north Interstate 30 west service road near mile marker 120, Osornio reported finding the black vehicle was running, but no one in the driver’s seat.
A woman did open the left rear passenger’s side door, dropping her phone as she did. At at that time he noticed the woman covering the lower half of her body with towels and adult toys. Based on the location of the vehicle and hour, the officer asked the woman to step out of the car, but allowed her to clothe herself first, according to reports.
The 33-year-old Greenville woman, the deputy noted in arrest reports, admitted she had been in a disagreement with her boyfriend and decided to stop in the right-of-way to his residence. Her cause for being in the area didn’t seem to make sense for the wee hours of the morning, the deputy stated in arrest reports.
When he asked for permission to search the vehicle for narcotics, the woman admitted there was methamphetamine in it. After finding two baggies containing a crystal-like substance that did indeed appear to be meth, Osornio placed the woman into handcuffs at 3:46 a.m. Aug. 29, 2022. A wrecker was called to impound her vehicle, then the woman was taken to Hopkins County jail, where the substance field tested positive for meth and weigh 2.092 grams, including packaging.
Maria Guadalupe Sanchez-Estrada was booked into Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Aug. 29, 2022, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge. She had been released from jail on a $5,000 bond on the felony charge later Monday.
Traffic Stop On I-30 East At MM 115
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley reported stopping a Chevy Malibu at 10:30 p.m. Sunday on I-30 east at mile marker 115 after noticing the license plate light wasn’t operational.
The officer conducted a search of the car after smelling a marijuana odor in the car. Talley found 0.201 ounce of a green plant-like substance he believe to be marijuana, 32.83 grams of suspected THC edibles and a 9mm handgun in a backpack. The backpack was under front seat passenger Stacey Grant Davis’ legs.
Davis was taken into custody at 10:41 p.m. Aug. 28, 2022, and transported to Hopkins County jail, where the 31-year-old Fort Worth man was booked in just before midnight on possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon charges.
Davis remained in Hopkins county jail Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, in lieu of a $35,000 bond on the second-degree felony Penalty Group 2 controlled substance (THC edibles), a $2,000 bond on the weapon charge and a $1,000 bond on the Class B misdemeanor marijuana charge, according to jail records.
Como Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Thad Cook reported stopping a Honda Civic at 9:37 p.m. Saturday on South Como Street when the driver failed to dim the bright headlights as the car approached within 500 feet of the officer.
Cook reported smelling a marijuana odor coming from the Honda Civic while talking to a 19-year-old Sulphur Springs man inside. The teen allegedly admitted he does smoke weed in the car. A search of the car yielded a bag containing six unopened THC vape pens; each package stated it contained at least 86% THC and 1 grams of Indica.
Cook Took Jacob Wayne Whitten-Edwards into custody at 10:29 p.m. Aug. 27, 2022, and transported him to jail. Whitten-Edwards was booked in at 11:46 p.m. on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Whitten-Edwards was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Welfare Check On North I-30 Service Road Near MM 139
HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis and Deputy Bobby Osornio responded to to conduct a welfare check on a person reported to be waving a light at vehicles as they passed by the north I-30 service road near mile marker 139 Wednesday morning. Upon arrival at 2:43 a.m. Aug. 24, 2022, deputies found Chelsea Debra Lynn Wortham in a Ford F150 pickup parked in the eastbound lane, facing west on the service road.
Upon talking to the woman, deputies determined she had run out of gas. While talking with her further, the 36-year-old Paris woman’s story of how she arrived at the location changed several times, including that she had been using the GPS on her phone and still got lost, deputies noted in arrest reports.
When the sheriff’s officers asked Wortham for permission to search the truck, she refused. They called for Deputy Patterson to bring his K-9 partner, Chiv, to the location. The police dog alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics during a sniff search around the truck, Davis and Osornio alleged in arrest reports. Deputies reported finding a glass pipe with suspected meth residue in the console, a cigarette pack with multiple small baggies, one containing a crystal-like substance they believed to be meth, and other drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.
Wortham was taken into custody at 4:09 a.m. Aug. 24, 2022, the truck was impounded, and the contraband taken as evidence. At the jail, the crystal-like substance field-tested positive for meth and weighted 0.478 gram, including packaging, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Wortham, who jail reports show is also known by Chelsea Austin, was booked into Hopkins County jail just before 5:30 a.m. Aug. 24, 2022, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge; she was later found to be wanted in Lamar County on a possession of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge as well. The 36-year-old Paris woman remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, in lieu of $35,000 bond set on the Hopkins County charge, and $5,000 on the Lamar County charge, according to jail records.
Traffic Stop on I-30 East Near MM 114
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley reported stopping on I-30 near mile marker 114 an eastbound Audi A3 without a front license plate at 5:04 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022.
While speaking with the driver, identified as 22-year-old Dedric Terrell Godbolt of Sulphur Springs, Talley reported smelling a marijuana odor emitting from the vehicle. Talley reported finding 1 pounds, 9 ounces of green, leafy plan-like substance he believed to be marijuana during a probable cause search.
A records check showed Godbolt to have outstanding warrants for failure to maintain financial responsibility and no seat belt.
Godbolt, who is also known to spell his first name Dedrick, was taken into custody at 5:05 p.m. Aug. 25, 2022, and transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 6:27 p.m. Wednesday on a possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana charge as well as the two Hopkins County warrants.
He was released from Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, on a $35,000 bond on the felony marijuana charge, according to jail records.
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.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report — Aug. 22-28, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week Aug. 22-28, 2022, included:
Arrests
No arrests
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 100 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 24 citations and 25 warnings during this reporting period.
AG: 2 Indicted In Connection With $6.9 Million Medicaid Fraud And Kickback Scheme
AUSTIN –An investigation by the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the FBI, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and Customs and Border Protection has led to charges being brought against two Houstonians for their role in a nearly $6.9 million Medicaid fraud and kickback scheme.
Ifeanyi Ndubisi Ozoh, 51, and Rene Fernandez Gaviola, 65, acted as manager and operator, respectively, of Floss Family Dental Care clinic in Houston. From 2019 through 2021, Floss billed Medicaid for nearly $6.9 million while receiving payments of approximately $4.9 million.
Both Ozoh and Gaviola have been brought into custody and face charges after a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment on August 16.
Federal authorities allege that they made false and fraudulent claims to Medicaid for dental services that were never provided. The indictment also charges Gaviola and Ozoh for potential kickbacks paid to marketers and caregivers of children to bring them to Floss.
Gaviola also faces charges for employing and billing Medicaid for a person practicing pediatric dentistry without a license, and for laundering over $100,000 in Medicaid monies from the Floss business bank to his personal account.
For the charges of health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and money laundering, Gaviola is facing up to 10 years in prison on each count, and a $250,000 maximum possible fine. Ozoh and Gaviola also both face up to an additional 5 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine for conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks.
Student Preparing for the Fall Semester at Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Education Adviser Maria Zuniga works with new student Ethan Soto and his mom, Maribel Vazquez as he prepared to start the fall semester at the Sulphur Springs campus.
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.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News — Aug. 29, 2022
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, August 29, 2022 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Mobile Athletic Training Room and Wildcat Tailgate
Thank you to all who came by our CHRISTUS tent at the first Wildcat football home game. We are so proud to have our CHRISTUS Mobile Athletic Training Room on site at sporting events. The ability to see athletic injuries, including x-rays, on site truly accelerates care for our student athletes. CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine –Sulphur Springs proudly supports Sulphur Springs ISD and surrounding schools offering athletic injury care for all sports athletes under the direction of Orthopedic Surgeon Christopher Meltsakos, MD.
Interventional Pain Management
One of the most common reasons that adults seek medical care today is chronic pain. Pain can affect every aspect of your life, often limiting mobility, and impacting not just your physical health but your emotional well-being.
Advancements in pain physiology research have led to an improved understanding of how to support the body’s ability to heal itself and new modalities to intervene with pain signals so that people can get back to living. Interventional pain medicine physicians take a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to treating all types of pain.
Many patients come to us suffering from back and neck pain, painful joint or muscle conditions and nerve pain in the arms and legs. Each patient goes through an evaluation and assessment that leads to a highly personalized level of care.
If you want help with your pain, call to set up an appointment with Interventional Pain Medicine physician Dr. Matthew Johnson, at the CHRISTUS Trinity Pain Management Clinic in Sulphur Springs at 903.885.1740.
FREE Athletic Injury Clinic for Student Athletes
CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of Sulphur Springs offers a FREE Saturday Athletic Injury Clinic for student athletes. The athletic injury clinic will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. through Nov. 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.
Beat the Heat Challenge!
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation patients were challenged to “Beat the Heat” and walk 5 miles or go 10,000 steps on the NUstep. Those that successfully completed the challenge were awarded with a CHRISTUS Dashboard Sunshield and other prizes.
Congratulations to those that completed the challenge: Laurie Diehl, John Desherow, Chuck Lawrence, Nancy Pena, Lou Nell Dunn and Carlton Sewell. We are proud of your dedication!
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: Sept. 19-23, and Oct. 17-21. You may walk in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. No appointment is necessary.
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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
A Scarlet Fire Dogwood Is Ideal For Small Spaces
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
Horticulturists are always trying to find something better with regard to plants of all types. Sometimes a “new” variety can be developed in just a few years, but others take much longer. Such an example is the Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa ‘Rutpink’), which took Rutgers University 45 years to develop. It first appeared in 2016, and its popularity is growing fast. This is a relatively long name, so we’ll just call it the Kousa.
The tree itself grows to about 25 feet tall, 20 feet wide, and is adapted to our Northeast Texas-Southeast Oklahoma area. Kousa can be regarded as an overall tree improvement. It’s more disease-resistant than other dogwoods, grows fast, and blooms at an early age. Kousa produces large numbers of four-petal, pink 4-5 inch flowers with a green flower in the center. Even in strong sunlight, the flowers can last from six to eight weeks. Kousa can be planted in either full sun or partial shade, in preferably fertile soil. Actually, morning sun and afternoon shading is best and will prevent sun scorching.
The Kousa is deciduous flower that blooms occur in late May to early June, when the foliage is medium green. This color will change to burgundy in Autumn.
(Photo: Rutgers University)
Since it is naturally small, pruning should not be required. If an owner feels different, they should restrict pruning until late winter. The tree is low maintenance and tolerates both heat and drought when well established. Watering the first few years will probably be required. Trees can flower at four years.
With its strong spring colors, Kousa is sure to be a standout in your yard. The literature suggests this is the heaviest flowering dogwood. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, all Kousas have to be ordered from distant nurseries, and most local nurseries do not yet have them in stock.
Flag Flying Parade Planned For Sept. 11
A “Flag Flying Parade” is planned for Sept. 11, 2022, in Sulphur Springs by a local group called Freedom Flyers. All are encouraged to show their patriotism by turning out along a designated parade route with flags starting at 4 p.m., with a flag parade slated to begin at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, according to Mark Maddox, president for the local group.
“My goal is just for us to roll, have a good time, putting a positive message out there for everybody, by u showing support for all those who died that day on Sept. 11, during the attacks on the US,” Maddox said.
The flag flying parade is to begin at the side of Walmart parking lot between the two gas stations in Sulphur Springs. Look for Maddox and his red pickup with flags starting at 4 p.m. Sept. 11, 2022.
The group is plans to depart at 4:30 p.m. from Walmart parking lot, headed north onto South Broadway Street, and continue north as Broadway turns to Gilmer Street. The route would then continue from the Connally at Gilmer Street intersection, onto Jefferson Street, then turn immediately (left) north onto Church Street. The flag flyers then plan to turn left in front of the hospital onto Airport Road, and continue to Hillcrest Drive. After turning south onto Hillcrest Drive, they’ll will continue south to West Industrial Drive.
While the official parade will conclude there, those who wish to are welcome to follow the group to Bass Pro, where they’ll decide on a location to eat.
Freedom Flyers is a Christian-based group of people show who want to show support for troops who serve in the US Armed Forces and the flag they defend, as well as local law enforcement and first responders who put the lives on the line in service and protection of other, Maddox said.
Maddox asks those participating in the Sept. 11 observance to fly the US flag, either in the parade or at their homes or businesses on Sept. 11 to show their patriotism and in remembrance of all who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The local Freedom Flyers group is family-oriented, Maddox said, so he asks those involved to refrain from controversial or inappropriate messages or flags, instead display flags and signs of patriotism.
For additional information about the group or event, visit the group’s Facebook page.
Michigan Pair Arrested After Counterfeit Cash; Marijuana Found During I-30 Stop
5 Memphis Men Jailed On Multiple Charges Each, Including Marijuana and ID fraud
A Michigan pair was arrested Friday morning after a trooper found counterfeit cash and marijuana in their vehicle during an I-30 traffic stop, according to arrest reports. Five men out of Memphis, Tennessee were also arrested one week earlier for having contraband that included a stolen firearm, marijuana, a controlled substance and ID that didn’t belong to them, according to jail and sheriff’s reports.
Counterfeit Cash
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Warrant Williamson reported stopping a white Jeep with Maryland license plates at 8:20 a.m. Aug. 26, 2022, for following too close to another vehicle east of Sulphur Springs on Interstate 30 west. William son reported detaining both the driver and passenger upon contact, “due to their movements in the vehicle at the time of the stop.” The trooper alleged smelling a strong burnt marijuana odor emitting from both Montego Marquis Braxton-Woods and Kindle Lynn-Simone Dye and from the vehicle.
During a probable cause search of the vehicle, Williamson found counterfeit currency — numerous forged $100 bills — concealed in the center console, glovebox and passenger Dye’s purse, as well as one additional fake $100 bill in Braxton-Woods pocket. Also located was large pink bag containing a small bag with less than two ounces of a green leafy substance the highway patrol believed to be marijuana, the Williamson alleged in arrest reports.
Both suspects from Detroit admitted they knew the marijuana was in the vehicle and demonstrated they were knowingly in possession of the substance, the trooper noted.. Dye and Braxton-Woods
were arrested for possessing less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
At the time of arrest, a records check showed driver Braxton-Woods had two active warrants for his arrest, one each for concealing stolen property and forgery, Williamson noted in arrest reports. However, the issuing agencies did not confirm the warrants due to extradition limitations. The vehicle was towed and stored by American Towing. Dye and Braxton-Woods were transported to the Hopkins County jail, where they were released to jail staff without incident.
Williamson contacted a detective with Monroe Police Department, the agency that issued the forgery warrant. The detective advised the DPS trooper the warrant was a case in which Braxton-Woods was passing fictitious US currency in the Detroit, Michigan area. The detective also advised Williamson that Braxton-Woods has several cases involving this same criminal behavior.
Based on this information which identifies Braxton-Woods as an individual known for possessing and passing or attempting to pass fraudulent US currency with the intent to harm or defraud another, Williamson said he believed that Braxton-Woods and Dye possessed the forged “writings” (the counterfeit cash) with the intent to harm or defraud another. Both subjects were subsequently charged with forgery of a government document, national instrument, money or security.
Dye remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in lieu of the $11,000 bond set on the charges — $10,000 on the forgery charge and $1,000 on the marijuana charge. Braxton-Woods also was still in Hopkins County jail; his bonds, however, totaled $110,000 — $100,000 on the forgery charge and $10,000 on the marijuana charge, according to jail reports.
Cache Of Contraband
Five men out of Memphis, Tennessee were arrested on no less than four charges each one week before Dye and Braxton-Woods.
Eric Montreal Anderson, Jermaine Santrel Edwards Jr., Darius Deshun Ewing, Ricky R. Miller and Edarius Jaquez Rogers were each booked into Hopkins County jail Aug. 19, 2022, on manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance, theft of a firearm, possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information charges.
Anderson, 22, was also charged Aug. 19 with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and was determined to be wanted in Shelby County, Tennessee for violation of probation on an assault charge, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Davis obtained a warrant for Anderson’s arrest on a charge of criminal mischief resulting in $2,500 worth or more but less than $30,000 worth of damage. Davis served Anderson, who is shown in jail reports to also be known by EBG-Jizzle, with the felony warrant at 2:11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, at the county jail. The offense is alleged to have occurred on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, according to arrest reports.
Anderson remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. His bonds totaled $160,000 — $100,000 on the controlled substance charge, $20,000 on the evading arrest charge, and $10,000 each on the four other charges, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Miller, 22, too was determined to be wanted in Shelby County, Tennessee for failure to appear on a fleeing charge, according to sheriff’s office reports. Miller remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in lieu of the $130,000 in bonds set on the local charges — $100,000 on the controlled substance charge and $10,000 each on the three other charges.
Rogers, 19, was released from Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 22, 2022 after securing the $130,000 bond set on the four charges — $100,000 on the controlled substance charge and $10,000 each on the firearm, marijuana and fraud charges, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Edwards and Ewing, both 22, like Anderson and Miller, also remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, jail records reflect.
As was the case with Rogers, bonds totaled $130,000 each for Ewing and Edwards — $100,000 on the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance charge, $10,000 each on a manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance charge, $10,000 on a theft of a firearm, $10,000 on the possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana charge and $10,000 on the fraudulent use or possession of identifying information 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.
