Both Suspects In June 13 Murder Now In Custody At Hopkins County Jail
June 23, 2022 – The two murder suspects Hopkins County officers tracked from Texas to Missouri last Wednesday night are now in Hopkins County jail on one murder charge each, according to arrest and jail reports.
The pair, accused of killing and dumping a 35-year-old man’s body in a wooded area, were transported Wednesday afternoon, June 22, 2022, by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Elijah Fite, Frank Tiemann, Courtney Steward and Sgt. Tanner Steward from St. Louis, Missouri to Hopkins County jail; 27-year-old Diamonte Jakeli Paynes of Fort Worth and 20-year-old Aleigha Denise Coble of Colbert, Oklahoma, were booked in just after midnight and remained in Hopkins county jail late Thursday morning, June 23, 2022, in lieu of the $1 million bond set for each on the murder charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO deputies reported finding an abandoned vehicle when checking out a report of someone’s personal items being located on a county road north of Sulphur Springs Monday, June 13, 2022. The vehicle came back as being from the Dallas area. Authorities at that time believe it had been dumped in Hopkins County, but continued to investigate, Hopkins County Chief Deputy Tanner Crump stated in a June 14, 2022 release.
A further search of the area revealed a deceased male authorities believed to be associated with the vehicle. The deceased was reported to be the victim of a homicide believed to have been committed in the Metroplex area, with the deceased male and vehicle dumped in rural Hopkins County, HCSO authorities reported June 14.
“This evening two investigators from the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Texas and a Texas Ranger traveled to St Louis Missouri and arrested the two suspects in the homicide that was discovered Monday evening,” Crump noted in an update released an 8:35 p.m. June 15, 2022.
The victim of the homicide was identified as Giovanni Alexis Najarro of Dallas, a Hispanic male born in 1987.
Through continued investigation, authorities followed leads in the homicide investigation all the way to St. Louis, Missouri. Two members of Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and a Texas Ranger traveled Tuesday, June 14, 2022, to Missouri, where suspects Payne and Coble were taken into custody Wednesday evening, June 15, 2022, in connection with the homicide, Crump reported that night.
“Although the investigation is ongoing we do not believe anyone else is involved. I would like to commend all the officers involved for a job well done,” Tatum said of the local law enforcement’s work in making arrests in identifying suspects and getting arrests in the homicide case in 2 days.
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.
SSISD Offers Summer School, Day Camps, Sports Camps And Food Program
It may officially be summer, but Sulphur Springs ISD campuses are still abuzz with activity. From summer school and the summer meal program to day camps, athletic camps and 2022-2023 planning, several SSISD campuses are still being utilized.
Administrators are working to finish filling staff rosters, enrolling students at designated locations and times, and working to have things ready for the start of classes in August. Testing dates for Credit by Examination without prior instruction also have been announced.
Summer School
Summer school is currently being conducted on four different campuses.
Sulphur Springs Middle School is hosting summer school for about 95 students four days a week from 8 a.m. to noon. Sulphur Springs High School is averaging about 75-80 students daily Monday-Thursday and Austin Academic Center is hosting 80-plus students for credit recovery daily, according to SSISD Assistant Superintendent Jeremy Lopez.
Classes began on June 6 and will run through July 8. From Monday-Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Barbara Bush Primary for elementary students. Approximately 200 kids are attending the elementary summer school program.
Athletic Camps
Summer athletic camps are in progress as well. Strength and conditioning will continue throughout June and July. Boys and Girls athletic camps began May 31 and will continue through July 27. Among the boys camps offered are baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis and football. Girls camps include soccer, volleyball, basketball and softball.
“They are also putting on mini camps, usually about $50, for the community to come out 3 hours a day for soccer, baseball, volleyball and various activities for the community to get involved in and increase our awareness of our sports program,” Lopez said.
Summer Day Camp
SSISD is also offering summer day camp at Bush Primary. The program is averaging about 36 students who are attending summer day camp daily.
“That is up from last year. That is great. We have five of those kiddos who go to summer school and move over at 1:45. We’ve seen a lot of success with that program so we are excited they get to come and have some experiences with us,” Lopez said
Youth enrolled in the SSISD Summer Day Camp generally go on 2-3 field trips weekly, providing additional learning opportunities for them. Day camp is $115 a week for a full-day camper who attends Monday-Friday and $50 for those who attend summer school the first part of the day, then transfer to the summer program upon dismissal at 1:45 p.m.
Lopez says he helps out on the elementary campus in the mornings and afternoons, just making sure traffic flows and the process goes as flawlessly as possible. He credits the principal for jumping in and getting that lined out, with two lines with designated drop off and pick up areas, helping to prevent vehicles from backing up onto State Highway 19 while waiting to enter the campus. After the first two days of school, there have been no traffic back ups or issues in front of Bush Primary. All parents have managed to load kids and leave in 9 minutes, according to Lopez.
CBE Dates
Districts are required to set no less than four dates per year for Credit By Exam. The district has not had any students request the exams in the last few years. The schedule is set in accordance with a state university testing calendar.
Students who wish to take an exam to get credit for a class they’ve never had prior instruction in, so they don’t have to take the class, may apply at least 30 days prior to the testing date.
This year, students who wish to take a CBS on July 29, have only until June 30 to contact their school counselor to register.
To test on Dec. 2, 2022, students must register no later than Nov. 1. The registration deadline to take the test on March 1, 2023, is Jan. 27, 2023. The registration deadline for the June 1, 2023 testing date is April 28, 2023.
Food Services
Free breakfast and lunch for any children between the ages of 1 and 18 years of age is offered free Monday-Thursday through July 7, with the exception of July 4, when campuses are closed for Independence Day. Breakfast is served from 7:20 to 8:45 a.m. and lunch is served from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Barbara Bush Primary. Breakfast and lunch were also offered Monday-Thursday June 8-23, at SSMS, 865 Wildcat Way.
New Slate Of Officers Appointed To City Boards
2 Recently Elected City Councilmen, Mayor, Pro Tem, New Planning & Zoning Committee Member Administered Oath
This week, Twila Gill took the oath of office for her new position on the City of Sulphur Springs Planning & Zoning Commission. She is among the new slate of officers appointed this month to serve on city board, two recently elected City Councilmen and recently reorganized City Council officers.
Gill was appointed to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustments in February 2021 and took office on March 16, 2021. She recently asked city officials if she could be appointed to finish out the remainder of Tommy Harrison’s term on the City’s Planning And Zoning Commission. Harrison was appointed in June 2019 to replace Ben Spraggins on the 5-member Planning & Zoning Commission and reappointed in 2021. He gave up his seat on the P&Z Commission when he was elected to the City Council this spring. Gill then will serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission until June of 2023.
City Council
The City Council approved the appointment of Gill to serve in Harrison’s place on the P&Z Commission during the regular council meeting June 7, when Harrison took the oath of office for Place 4 on the City Council, previously held for 18 years by Freddie Taylor, who opted not to seek another term in office. Gary Spraggins was also elected to a full term in Place 5 in May and took the oath of office at the June City Council meeting.
Afterward, the City Council had the task of selecting which members will serve as mayor and mayor pro tem.
Sellers at the June 7 meeting said while it’s been an honor and privilege serving as mayor for six consecutive years, he would be pleased to allow someone else to take the seat. He offered thanks to recently retired City Secretary Gale Roberts, City Manager Marc Maxwell, for their assistance, and the various department heads for working with the council to make sure they better understand each’s needs are met.
Sellers too extended thanks to his employer, City National Bank, for being so supportive and allowing him to serve as a community servant – especially during the pandemic when he and the city manger and other officials met more regularly via Zoom or other means to make difficult decisions for the community during normal work hours.
Sellers said while there were times he felt very alone in some of the decisions, he appreciated the relationship with the county and school system, working together to help keep the community as safe and strong as possible. He said there were times when he felt he and Freddie Taylor, who’ve both served multiple consecutive terms on the City Council, were alone in their stands.
However, at the end of the day, he’s thankful for the current council as well as those in the past who come together despite personal opinions with respect for discussions and to make decisions for the good of the community.
Maxwell during the June 7, 2022, City Council meeting noted that each of the City Council member have their own unique personalities and perspectives. Sellers as mayor often thinks of details others do not. He noted Sellers to be a good man he’s come to respect. While he cannot offer him the key to the city he did offer a plaque with a large key, representing “the key to our hearts.” Sellers will continue serving his term in office in Place 7 on the City Council.
The City Council selected Place 6 Councilman Doug Moore to serve as Sulphur Springs Mayor and elected John Sellers to serve as mayor pro tem, filling in when Moore is unable to do so and offer his experience over the years as mayor.
Moore thanked his fellow City Council members for placing their trust in him and allowing him to lead them as they continue the good work in progress for the city.
Other City Boards
Craig English, Matthew Mattison and Pat Chase were each approved by the City Council for reappointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission beginning this month. Chase has served on the P&Z since January of 2020, when he was selected to replace Mike Horn, who had to resign after moving out of the city. Mattison was also appointed in January 2020 to replace Kelly Grimes on the P&Z Commission. Craig English has served on the P&Z since June of 2017, when he was appointed to fill a seat previously held by Brandon Williams.
Replacing Gill on the Zoning Board of Adjustments until her term ends in June 2023, will be James Litzler, who was appointed in June 2019 to replace Jonathan Newsom. Filling in as an alternate for Litzler as needed will be Gary Clem. Matt Johnson and Brad Burgin also were reappointed by the City Council to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Burgin was first appointed to the ZBA to replace Joel Sheffield. Johnson was appointed in 2020.
Also during the June 7, 2022 meeting, the City Council approved the following appointments to city boards:
Economic Development Corporation
- David Fenton, replacing Buck Booker
- Craig Roberts, reappointed for another 3-year term
Library Board
- Sharon Burney, reappointed for another 2-year term,
- Mack Pitts, replacing Kim Roberts, who served from 2012 to June of 2022
Board of Tourism and Promotion
- Lucy McCorkle, arts representative, reappointed since 2006
- Adam Teer, replacing Harry Singh as hotel/motel representative
- Amanda Tredway, replacing Bradley Edge as Chamber representative
Airport Advisory Board
- Brandon Moore, filling the unexpired term of David Baucom, which ends in June 2023.
- Mark Meadows, reappointed since 2004
- Kurt Sehnert, reappointed since 2008
Construction Board of Adjustment
- Wayne Cooper, reappointed as construction representative since 2004
- Gary Stribling, reappointed as HVAC representative since 2010
- Zach King, reappointed as alternate since 2009
- Charles Westbrook, reappointed as alternate since 2010.
Downtown Revitalization Board
- Butch Burney, replacing Helena Martinez
- Phyllis Roundtree, reappointed to 2-year terms since 2015
- Robin Boshears Patrick, reappointed since 2011.
Revolving Loan Fund Committee
- Tommy Harrison, appointed through 2024 to replace Freddie Taylor
Sulphur River Municipal Water District Board
- Linda Galligher, reappointed since 2016, agreed to serve another term but asked to be replaced next term
*Updated: Emergency Sirens Will NOT Be Tested Today
Emergency sirens were originally scheduled to be tested in Sulphur Springs today, Wednesday, June 22, 2022 by the Sulphur Springs Emergency Management at noon.
However, due to the National Weather Service’s current prediction of potential cloud cover and showers and thunderstorms into the afternoon, city officials have decided to delay the test until a day when the weather is predicted to be clear and sunny, with no potential storm or other weather event other than heat predicted.
Siren tests are designed to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system so they can be corrected prior to a real emergency situation. Recent tests have shown the emergency sires to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as tornados or other threats to safety.
Again, there is no siren test scheduled in Sulphur Springs on June 22, 2022. If a siren is heard, it should be considered a real weather alert and appropriate action taken for the situation.
Dike Woman Arrested At DPS Office For Drunk Driving With A Child Passenger
2 Others Jailed On Felony DWI Charges
A Dike woman a child passenger in the vehicle with her alleged tested twice the legal limit for blood-alcohol content Monday, resulting in her arrest for the second time on for drunk driving with a child passenger. She was among three arrested on felony drunk driving charges June 17-20, according to arrest reports.
DWI With Child Passenger
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Brittan Marlow reported coming into contact with Sydnee Rochelle Kirk when she arrived at the Sulphur Springs DPS Driver’s License Office around 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 20, 2022, for license-related business.
An alcoholic odor was detected on the 40-year-old Dike woman. While talking to Kirk, Marlow noticed the alcohol odor becoming stronger. He had her step out of the vehicle and walk toward the awning beside the office. She was unsteady on her feet as she did so, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
She admitted she’d driven to the officer prior to being contacted by Marlow. A 10-year-old and a 17-year-old in the vehicle with her, Marlow noted in arrest reports.
She tested 0.165, twice the legal limit on a portable breath test, resulting in the woman being placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger who was younger than 15 years of age. Kirk was found to have a previous felony conviction and is on probation for the same charge, Marlow noted in arrest reports.
Hopkins County jail records show Kirk was arrested in Hopkins County on May 11, 2021, and released the next day on a $10,000 bond on the DWI with child under 15 years of age charge. Arrest reports showed she was arrested by deputies following a crash at the intersection of County Road 3512 and FM 3236 in which a child passenger was reported to have been in the vehicle. She tested just over 0.1 on breath tests in May 2021, the deputy noted in arrest reports.
When Kirk refused to provide a blood sample for analysis on Monday, June 20, 2022, Marlow got a blood search warrant signed by County Court At Law Judge Clay Harrison requiring the blood draw. The specimen was taken from Kirk at the hospital, she was then booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:11 p.m. June 20, 2022, for DWI with a child passenger younger than 15 years of age, according to arrest reports.
The 40-year-old Dike woman remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, June 21, 2022; bond on the felony DWI charge was set at $35,000, according to jail reports.
Reckless Driver Complaint
(HCSO jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Justin Wilkerson and Bobby Osornio, and Sgt. Scott Davis were dispatched at 10:26 p.m. to a reckless driver complaint in Cumby. The driver of an eastbound pickup hauling a trailer loaded with another vehicle had reportedly pulled into a gas station along I-30 in Cumby, where he was alleged to have engaged in a verbal altercation with someone at the station. The man then reportedly left the station, continuing east on I-30 with the complainant following the truck and trailer.
Wilkerson reported seeing vehicles fitting the description of the reckless driver near mile marker 118 on I-30 west. The truck soon exited I-30 at exit 120 onto U.S. Highway 67, crossed over the interstate. Wilkerson initiated a traffic stop on the truck for failing to drive in a single lane, according to arrest reports.
Upon contact with the driver outside of the vehicle, Wilkerson said he noticed 57-year-old Terry Ray Born of Sulphur Springs to walk heavy-footed, to be unsteady on his feet and smelled an alcohol odor emitting from him. Born allegedly admitted to consuming an alcoholic beverage but refused to participate in standard field sobriety testing. Based on his observations, Wilkerson believed the man had been driving while intoxicated and took him into custody. The man allegedly later admitted to having consumed his prescription medication as well.
An inventory of the truck by deputies prior to impound reportedly yielded more than one open alcoholic beverage container as well as the prescription medication of the kind Born admitted to taking, Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports. The truck, trailer and vehicle on it were impounded by a towing service and The 57-year-old Sulphur Springs man was transported to jail.
When Born refused to submit to a blood test, deputies sought and obtained a blood search warrant. He was transported to the hospital, where the warrant was executed and a phlebotomist drew two samples for analysis at 11:58 p.m. Saturday night. He was then returned to Hopkins County jail. A records check showed Born has previous DWI-third or more offense convictions, Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports.
Born, who jail reports show is also known by the alias Terry Don Born, was booked into Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 1 a.m. Sunday, June 19, 2022, on a third or more offense driving while intoxicated charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, June 21, 2022, in lieu of the $75,000 bond set on the felony DWI charge, according to arrest and jail reports
Jail records show it’s the second time in five months Born has been jailed in Hopkins County. He spent the night Feb. 18, 2022 in Hopkins County jail, and was released the next day on a $10,000 bond on a DWI-third or more offense charge, according to the jail reports. DPS troopers in February arrest reports noted a records check showed Feb. 18 marked at least the 8th time Born has been charged with DWI; he also had five prior DWI convictions on his record at that time. Born was indicted in May 2022 on the February 2022 felony DWI charge, according to court reports.
Plano Street Crash
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Joshua Smith and Cpl. Chris Rosamond were dispatched at 11:16 p.m. June 17, 2022, to a single-vehicle crash on Plano Street. Upon contact with the driver of the silver Mitsubishi, identified in arrest reports at Rita Roberts Rose, officers reported smelling alcohol on the 55-year-old Sulphur Springs woman’s breath. Outside the vehicle, she swayed, was unable to stand on her own and held onto the car. Rose admitted to drinking five glasses of wine, Smith alleged in arrest reports. Officers reported seeing an open Corona beer in the car, along with other unopened containers of the same, according to arrest reports.
She was asked to perform standard field sobriety tests, which showed she was possibly impaired based on indicators observed during the testing, Smith alleged in arrest reports. When she refused to submit to a blood draw for analysis of blood-alcohol content, the officer took her into custody at 11:37 p.m. June 17, 2022, and had the wrecked car towed.
The officers obtained a blood search warrant signed by District Judge Eddie Northcutt, requiring the blood draw. The sample was taken at the hospital. Rose was then transported back to the county jail and booked in at 3:08 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2022, on a third or more driving while intoxicated offense, according to arrest reports.
Jail records indicate the prior offenses occurred in another county, as Saturday was the first time Rose has been booked into Hopkins County jail. She was released later Saturday on a $10,000 bond on the felony DWI charge, according to jail reports.
Tips To Help Weather Texas’ Extreme Summer Heat And Humidity
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Earlier in the week, I had the chance to visit a beef rancher early in the morning. Before the visit a request to get together early took me a bit as a surprise, but after few minutes I agreed with him because it is “getting really hot outside.” Knowing each other for several years now, I was glad to find him well and excited about ranching. We look at cattle and remembered the “good ole days.”
A few minutes into the morning, the temperature was rapidly increasing. As we continue our normal activities during the summer, it is important to remember to stay adequately hydrated. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM, dehydration increases the risk of heat exhaustion and is a risk factor for heat stroke.
- To help avoid dehydration, it’s important to drink an adequate amount of water if you’re out in the sun, even if you’re not especially thirsty. Fluids replace the body’s water lost through sweating, and that amount will differ from person to person. Experts suggest four to six cups of water daily for generally healthy people but note water intake should be individualized and depends on factors such as whether a person plans to be physically active or outdoors on a hot day. Generally, two to three cups of water per hour can help you stay hydrated during hotter or more active times.
- “Be cool” about scheduling activities. The ACSM also noted the risk of heat stress and illness are increased when the outdoor temperature is 80 degrees or higher and humidity is greater than 75%. Plan your days so you can be indoors and in air-conditioning as much as possible when it is the hottest outside.
- Dress appropriately, use sunscreen and limit your time in the sun especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants, that will cover potentially exposed skin. Wear a cap or broad-brim hat to protect your face, and regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher. Follow all product directions and warnings, including how much and when you should apply and reapply.
- When possible, park under a tree or in a shaded area. It’s not always possible, but if you can find a shaded place to park it will reduce the amount of direct sun exposure to your vehicle.
- Check on others. As a courtesy and out of concern for others, you may want to check on any friends or neighbors you feel may be more susceptible to the heat and at greater risk for heat stress or heat-related illness.
Learn More About the Welding Program at Paris Junior College
SPARKS FLYING
Donavon Thurneberry, a student in the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop, has the sparks flying as he works on a project. To learn more about the welding program or other workforce education opportunities, call the campus at 903-885-1232.
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.
Unemployment Up In May 2022 Across The State, Including In Hopkins, Surrounding Counties
Seasonally unadjusted unemployment as a whole was up slightly across the state in May 2022, including in the 9-County Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area, which includes Hopkins County.
Texas & Northeast Texas WDA
In fact, the Northeast Texas WDA’s 4.1% unemployment rate is slightly higher than the overall state average of 3.8% last month, according to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics reported for May 2022 on the Texas Labor Market Information website.
Unemployment across the state rose 0.1% from April 2022 to May 2022, with 554,136 Texans without jobs in May 2022, up from 530,006 unemployed Texans in April 2022. The overall labor force in Texas also rose from 14,462,598 in Texas in April 2022 to 14,500,613 in May 2022. Both Texas and NETWDA’s May 2022 unemployment stats are still better those recorded in May 2021, when the labor force was smaller but more people were seeking jobs. A total of 798,571 of the 14,123,599 labor force in Texas were unemployed in May 2021, for an overall state unemployment rate of 5.7% in May 2021 – 2 full points higher than in April 2022 and 1.9% than in May 2022.
Across Northeast Texas WDA, the unemployment rate rose from 3.9% in April 2022, when 4,865 of 124,322 member labor force were unemployed, to 4.1% last month. Out of a total labor force of 124,583, TLMI’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics show 5,124 were unemployed in May 2022. While the labor force has grown from May 2021 to May 2022, so too have the number of available jobs in Northeast Texas WDA. In May 2021, TLMI shows 6,947 in NETWDA were without jobs out of a potential labor force of 124,783. May 2022’s unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than the 5.6% posted in May of 2021 for the NETWDA.
Lowest NETWDA Unemployment Rate
Franklin County’s May 2022 unemployment rate of 2.9% was the lowest among all 9 counties in NETWDA. While that’s 1.3% lower than in May of 2021, when 222 of the 5,226 member labor force were seeking work, the ay 2022 unemployment rate in Franklin County was still higher than the 2.6% unemployment rate reported in April 2022, when only 136 of the 5,191 labor force were seeking work. Last month, Franklin County’s labor force was 5,170, including 149 people who were unemployed.
Unemployment In Hopkins County
In Hopkins County both labor force and number of people seeking work grew slightly from April 2022 to May 2022, causing a rise in unemployment last month as well. In April 2022, 514 members of Hopkins County’s 18,045 labor force were unemployed, giving the county a 2.8% unemployment rate. Last month, 55 additional people joined the labor force and 45 additional people were jobless in Hopkins County, increasing the unemployment rate slightly to 3.1%. While there were 314 fewer people employed or actively seeking work in Hopkins County in May 2021 than in May 2022, there were also 210 more people seeking work in May of 2021 than last month.
The unemployment rate in Hopkins County has risen from April to May in 11 of the past 22 years in Hopkins County, and was unchanged in nine additional years. That means in only three of the past 23 years has the unemployment rate declined from April to May: from 4.8% to 4.6% in 2021, from 7.8% to 6.9% in 2020, and from 3.3% to 3.2% in 2018.
The lowest monthly unemployment rates in Hopkins County since 2000 was 2.7% in April and May of 2019. The highest unemployment rates recorded in the past 23 years for Hopkins County were 8.4% in June 2011, 8.2% in July 2011, 8.1% in January of 2010 and 2011, a 8% in February 2011 and 7.9% in February 2010.
While unemployment rates spiked in Hopkins County in April 2020 due to COVID-19 shutdowns, job-wise things were worse in 2011 and 2012. In fact, even with the spikes, the yearly unemployment average for Hopkins County was only 5.1% in 2020, which was still better than during 8 of the past 23 years: 5.8% in 2013, 6.4% in 2012, 7.6% in 2011, 7.5% in 2010, 6% in 2009, 5.3% in 2004 and 5.4% in 2002. The lowest annual unemployment rate for Hopkins was 3.1% in 2019.
Also Below State, WDA Rates
Delta County is the only other county in the Northeast Texas with a May 2022 unemployment rate lower than the state average of 3.8%. Delta County’s unemployment rate rose from 3.3% in April 2022, when 82 of the labor force of 2465 was unemployed, to 3.6% in May 2022, when 6 people more were unemployed and the labor force was 5 people fewer. Both were still better than the 5% unemployment rate recorded for Delta County in May 2021, when 122 people out of a labor force or 2,448 were unemployed.
Titus County’s unemployment rate matched the state average of 3.8% in May 2022, when 522 of the county’s 13,572 labor force were reported to be unemployed. That’s up 0.2% from April 2022, when 488 of the 13,465 labor force were unemployed. Last month’s unemployment rate was still 1.3% less than was reported for Titus County in May 2021, when 685 out of the13,483 labor force were unemployed.
Lamar County’s numbers were higher than the state average but just lower than the 9-county NETWDA unemployment rate of 4.1%. Lamar County’s unemployment rose slightly from 3.8% in April 2022, 913 of the 23,931 labor for were unemployed, to 4% in May 2022, when 961 of the 24,119 labor force were unemployed. That’s still 1.3% less than in May 2021, when 1,295 of the 24,524 work force were unemployed.
Above Texas, NETWDA Averages
Bowie County’s unemployment rate rose from 3.9% in April 2022 to 4.4% in May 2022. In April 2022, 37,586 Bowie residents were employed and 1,646 were unemployed. One month later, 37,490 people in Bowie County were employed and 1,721 were unemployed. Last month’s employment stats were still better than those recorded in May of 2022, when 36,868 were employed and 2,248 were unemployed, giving Bowie County an overall 5.7% unemployment rate.
Cass and Red River Counties each had a May 2022 unemployment rate of 4.6%.
Cass County’s labor force shrunk from 12,255 in April 2022 to 12,217 in May 2022. A total of 565 were unemployed in May 2022 in Cass County, 24 more than the month before. Unemployment was down from 6.7% in May of 2021, when the labor force in Cass County was 12,372 strong, with 828 unemployed.
Red River County’s May jobless rate rose only 0.1% from April to May 2022,but was still 1.2% less than in May of 2021, when 308 people were reported to be unemployed and 4,971 unemployed. Six more people were reported to be unemployed in May 2022 than the 240 recorded in April 2022 as well. The labor force was four Red River County residents fewer in April than in May 2022, but had grown by 66 workers from May of 2021 to 5,345 in May of 2022.
Morris County’s unemployment rate of 7.1% was the highest in the Northeast Texas WDA. While Morris County’s labor force remained unchanged at 4,389 from April to May of 2022, eight more people were without work last month than the 305 recorded the month before. That’s still 165 more people employed in May of 2022 than were reported in May 2021, when the unemployment rate was 10.3%, with 470 of the labor force which numbered 4,549 unemployed, according to arrest reports.
Addition unemployment reports for Hopkins County and Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area can be found by clicking here. For additional statistics for Texas, NETWDA, Hopkins County and other counties, visit the Texas Labor Market Information website, https://texaslmi.com.
Cumby Man Accused Of Deadly Conduct
County authorities reportedly arrested a Cumby accused of deadly conduct Tuesday morning.
According to reports, the resident was reported for shooting a firearm through the side of his residence. The man was reported to have been firing at people who were not present. Authorities finally got the man into custody and transported him to jail, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office reports.
According to jail reports, 64-year-old James Clyde Taylor was booked into Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, June 21, 2022, on a deadly conduct-discharge of a firearm charge. Taylor remained in the county jail just before 11 a.m. Tuesday on the felony charge, jail records showed.
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.
Early Morning Vehicle Pursuit Concludes With Crash, 3 In Custody, 1 Flown
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 – An early morning vehicle pursuit concluded when the stolen car authorities were chasing crashed into trees. Three Arkansas residents were reported to have been taken into custody for further investigation, and the fourth occupant had to be extricated and was flown to an area hospital, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office received an alert on a stolen car traveling eastbound on Interstate 30 as it entered Hopkins County June 21, 2022. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, which showed to be stolen in western Hopkins County. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop. Officers pursued the speeding vehicle as it continued eastward on I-30. It appeared the driver attempted to turn off of I-30 east as it approached the 127 exit. The vehicle left the roadway and stopped only after hitting trees in the nearby median, Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum reported late Tuesday morning.
Three of the four occupants in the car attempted to run from authorities on foot but were quickly apprehended and taken into custody for further investigation. The fourth occupant was reported to have been trapped in the car. Once firefighters and first responders arrived, the fourth occupant was extricated from the crushed car. A medical helicopter flew the occupant from the crash site to an area hospital to be evaluated and treated for injuries, Tatum reported.
The individuals in the car were all reported to be from Arkansas; charges were pending conclusion of an initial investigation of the incident, according to officials.
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.
