Information From the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
CERTIFYING
Welding Inspector Danny Rejda, left, is checking the welding work of PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding student Keith Kirkland during a certification test.
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.
Trusty Housing Facility Having To Be Revised Due To Increases In Construction Costs
Hopkins County Commissioners Court, auditor, fire marshal, and sheriff and jail personnel discussed with architects and construction-manager-at-risk what the next step should be – or if there should be a next step – in the pre-construction process for a new a trusty housing facility, which currently is projected to cost nearly twice the original construction budget allocated for the project.
The county contracted with Sedalco for the construction of a new facility on county-owned property just across from the current jail facility. Hopkins County officials budgeted about $4.5 million of the $7 million allocated to Hopkins County in American Rescue Plan funding to construct a building to house male inmates who have been designated as trusties, and as such go out into the community to work daily, including on precinct crews, at schools, the Civic Center and other locations.
The trusty facility would better segregate the inmate trusties from the general inmate population at Hopkins County jail when they return from their work details. The county officials cited the project as a measure to help reduce potential spread of COVID or other infectious illnesses from trusties who are out in the public or working alongside those who are around others in public, where they could be potentially exposed to illnesses.
By doing so, the county would be meeting the “response to COVID pandemic for public health and the health of the general inmate population of the Hopkins County jail,” an allowable use under the ARP guidelines, county officials said when announcing the project.
Moving the trustees out of the current jail facility would also free up space to house more inmates in general population, as well as federal inmates, for whom the county receives funding to house.
The unit as proposed is to house up to 48 inmates. The most recent projections, although not final or firm numbers, would require approximately $7 million to build a maximum security facility. An alternate plan for a low security facility was presented during Tuesday’s meeting as a potential more cost effective option, if the county chooses to continue with the project. Continually increasing construction costs and supply chain issues were cited as the major causes for the inflated costs. Sedalco reps indicated they’ve been told after bids are taken and order placed, it could be 52 weeks before they arrive.
One Sedalco representative told the court that where in the past construction costs increased on average 4-6%, they are not increasing that much per month. DRG Architects Principal and Architect Wayne Gondeck said. Where as the current jail, a voter approved bond project, only cost about $200-$300per square foot whereas current rates are $400-$500 per square foot and could rise as much as $250 more. Thus, the county will need to come up with an additional $2-3.5 million, not financed but in the bank that a check can be written for.
The draft presented Wednesday would be significantly scaled back to better meet intended budget. It would sacrifice single cell units, a kitchen and laundry, and multipurpose and counseling center.
County officials asked if local labor, including inmate labor, could be used for some of the project such as ground work and painting, thereby, reducing some of expenses. One commissioner asked if they could send someone with truck and trailer to get materials instead of having them shipped or trucked in at a fee. They were told some suppliers have freight companies they contract with for that service.
The architects asked for someone to put together information on what they would part of the project they would like to assume responsibility for completing. The architects then projected it would take another 2-3 weeks before they have another draft and proposal.
Proposed in the down-scale was reducing the building from about 10,000 square feet to 7,000-8,000 square feet, but that would only reduce costs by a couple of hundred-thousands of dollars. One cost savings could be in type of table sand chairs purchased to furnish the building.
Consultant Beth Wisenbaker reminded the gathered officials a few of the limitations of the funding. The funding must be committed by 2024 and spent by 2026, according to the most recent specifications set. The ARP funding cant be used to create or pay off debt, nor paid toward pension.
The balance in the account currently is $4.8 million. The amount designated for the project is $4.5 million, and DRG’s fees would come from that. She reminded the county officials that part of the designated funding has also been committed to Martin Springs tower, which has to be repairs.
County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook noted that the county does not have an extra million to spend on this project, especially not with the continually rising fuel costs, which will impact how much the county is able to allocate to road and bridge building, and all other operations. While the county’s had a few good years, inflation could change change that in the next couple of years.
Wisenbaker said the county would be out about $20,000 on architectural fees to this point, per the terms of the contract signed, if they choose not to move forward with the building.
Chief Deputy Tanner Crump said going ahead with a low risk facility would free up that much bed space in the jail across the street to house additional general population and federal inmates. That should extend the amount of time after the current bond is paid off by at least 5 years before another would be needed to expand for maximum security or for improvements at the current facility. That would give the county more flexibility and space until those funds are realized.
Discussed was constructing the new facility, but doing so in a way that it could be converted to a maximum security facility later on or expanded as funds and need are available or require. That would likely add cost and require additional measures such as additional doors and detention door controls, which add to the cost.
Where and how a recreational area should be incorporated for the jail trustees housed in the new facility was also a topic of discussion. Costs for a water retention pond, the need for a safety vestibule, fully paved parking area, how and the type of bunks or bedding to put in the building, a need for washers and dryers in the facility for inmates to use for their clothing, and covered area were also among the topics covered during the meeting.
“I think we need to see what we can get done for $4 million,” Tatum said.
The court agreed, asking that DRG make changes and get those to Sedalco, so that the business can come back the court with hard numbers for the county officials to consider approving.
June 1 Chamber Connection: Lots of Events Slated In June Including Dairy Festival
The Reinforcement Foundation Golf Tourney To Benefit Hopkins County EMS, Cumby VFD
By Butch Burney
It’s Dairy Festival time in Hopkins County!
Dairy Festival
The Dairy Festival is back this year with a great schedule of evets, starting June 1-4 with the carnival on the grounds of the Civic Center.
The Festival will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, June 10, on Celebration Plaza, before moving to Shannon Oaks Church that evening at 6 p.m. for the hot air balloon rally and glow.
The hot air balloons will be back in the air at 6 a.m. Saturday, June 11, before the Dairy Festival parade begins at 10 a.m. from Buford Park. That day, there will be the Junior Dairy Show, milking contest, cow patty bingo and the final balloon rally and glow.
Then, the festival will come to an end on Saturday, June 18, with 12 contestants vying for the title of Dairy Festival Queen.
Lunch and Learn
Small business owners will want to come to our Lunch and Learn, set for Wednesday, June 22, entitled Digital Marketing 101, by April Bliss, founder of Bliss Digital Innovations. We had scheduled April for this workshop in January, but had to postpone it due to COVID.
This seminar is for small businesses that want to learn about digital advertising options beyond Pay-Per-Click. You’ll learn about Retargeting, Targeted Display, Behavioral Targeting, Keyword Targeting, Native Ads, Mobile Conquesting, Social Mirror, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon Targeting, LinkedIn, Household IP Targeting, Video Ads (OTT, Pre-roll), Search Engine Optimization and Reputation Management.
Learn from Digital Advertising Expert April Bliss, who brings her unique perspective as a digital marketing and business consultant bringing over 30 years of extensive marketing and sales expertise in radio, national magazines, newspaper, automobile industry, and retail management, as well as owning several small businesses.
The fee is $15 for Chamber members, $20 for nonmembers. You can register by calling the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or emailing [email protected].
Golf for a Good Cause
The Reinforcement Foundation is hosting a benefit golf scramble on Friday, June 10, at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Hopkins County EMS and Cumby Volunteer Fire Department.
Tee time is 1:30 p.m., followed by a banquet dinner and a concert by Tyler and The Tribe.
Registration fee for the four-person scramble is $500, which includes four tickets to the banquet and eight raffle tickets. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded. There will be plenty of contest holes.
Register on Facebook on the Reinforcement Foundation page or call 903-259-9904. Sponsorships are also available, starting at $100.
Baby Benefit
Heritage Home Health and Hospice is hosting a baby wipe and onesie drive benefitting Heart of Hope, a pregnancy resource center in Sulphur Springs.
Donations of baby wipes and white onesies (sizes 0-3 months) may be dropped off at Heritage Home Health & Hospice (1325 Shannon Rd E, Suite A, Sulphur Springs) or at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce (110 Main Street, Sulphur Springs) now through June 24.
Children’s Grief Camp
“Mending the Mess,” a grief camp for children ages 6-12, will be held June 23-24, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, at t First United Methodist Church. The camp is part of Cypress Basin Hospice’s Camp Brave Heart.
For more information, go to the website CBHospice.org.
International Yoga Day
One Soul Yoga & Wellness Center invites everyone to come and join the celebrations for 8th International Day of Yoga on Tuesday, June 21. The global theme this year is “Yoga for Well-Being” and everyone in the community is encouraged to come join. One Soul will offer free classes all day.
International Day of Yoga is celebrated world-wide every June 21 to help spread awareness of the mental and physical benefits of practicing yoga.
One Soul’s schedule for the day includes:
- 6:30-7:30 a.m.: Solstice Kundalini Yoga-DeAnna
- 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Beginner Flow-Rachel
- 12:10-12:50 p.m.: Family Yoga-DeAnna
- 6-7 p.m.: Open Flow-Allison
- 8-9:15 p.m.: Candlelight Flow & Nidra-DeAnna & Rachel
Classes that day are free and open to everyone. One Soul Yoga & Wellness Center is located at 1008 Main St., in Sulphur Springs. To learn more about the classes or to sign up go to www.OneSoulYogaStudio.com.
Ribbon Cuttings
- VFW Post 8560 will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, June 1, for its new food line. Join us for the ribbon cutting at 1 Veterans Lane.
- G3 Mercantile will host a ribbon cutting at its new location at 204 Church St. at noon Friday, June 3. Please join us for the event.
- Humana will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, June 8, at the Chamber office. Please join us for the ribbon cutting.
- Fulgham’s Social Lounge hosted a ribbon cutting Thursday, May 26, at 1123 South Broadway. Please drop by to enjoy their food and drinks.
- Aaron’s hosted a ribbon cutting at its location at 1402 Mockingbird Lane at noon on Friday, May 27. They have renovated their store, where you can purchase or rent furniture.
Groundbreaking
Sulphur Springs Family Dental broke ground for their new office on State Highway 154 South on Friday, May 27. They will continue working out of their location on Church Street while the new facility is being built.
Triple T Amusements Carnival Open Wednesday-Saturday
The ribbon has yet to be cut on this year’s Hopkins County Dairy Festival, but one favorite among kids and the young at heart is back for a four-night stint. Triple T Amusement is all set up on the Hopkins County Civic Center grounds Wednesday evening, gearing up to offer fun, thrills, delights, games and prizes.
The Tripe T Amusements Carnival is open from 6 p.m. until about 11 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, and continuing through Saturday, June 4, 2022 — barring inclement weather. Wristbands are available for $20 each Wednesday and Thursday nights and for $25 Friday and Saturday from the booth at the carnival.
The carnival offers quite a few rides, ranging from a helicopter and elephant swings for young kids, to the more traditional Ferris wheel for those a little older, and for those a little more daring, Triple T Amusements offers the Viper, Hurricane, MagicMaze, “Scooter” (bumper type cars) and Blizzard.
Triple T Amusements Carnival – June 1-4, on the Civic Center grounds 
Tickets available at the Control Room- June 1-4, on the Civic Center grounds 
Triple T Amusements Carousel 
Triple T Amusements Hurricane 
Triple T Amusements games and prizes 
Triple T Amusements games and prizes 
Triple T Amusements rides, games and prizes 6-11 p.m. June 1-4, 2022,
There are several games that can be played as well, for chances to win prizes such as stuffed animals. Among them are Pick a Lucky Duck, shooting and tossing games as well.
And to wet your whistle in the early summer heat or grab a snack, there are concessions offering everything from cool snow cones and drinks to fries, nachos, funnel cakes and other cool or deep fried treats.
Although a week ahead this year, the carnival is hosted in conjunction with the Dairy Festival, which kicks off Friday, June 10, at noon for the opening ceremonies ribbon cutting at Celebration Plaza. Then, at 6 p.m. will be the Hot Air Balloon and Glow at Shannon Oaks. The Dairy Festival will continue Saturday, June 11, with a Hot Air Balloons and Flight at Shannon Oaks, followed at 10 a.m. by the parade which departs from Buford Park and the Junior Dairy Show at the Civic Center. Also June 11 will be the Dial Club Cow Patty Bingo at the Civic Center at 2 p.m., cow milking contest featuring the Dairy Festival Queen’s Coronation Pageant contestants and their parents at the Civic Center Arena starting at 3 p.m., and another Hot Air Balloon Rally and Glow at Shannon Oaks Church grounds.
The Dairy Festival will culminate on Saturday, June 18, 2022, with the Coronation Pageant in the SSISD Auditorium starting at 7 p.m. This year’s pageant will feature 12 young ladies from the community, who will strut their stuff and show off their talents. Contact any pageant participant for tickets.
Farewell Reception For Freddie Taylor Planned June 7
A farewell reception for Freddie Taylor is planned June 7, 2022, just before the regular council meeting in the Council Chambers inside the Municipal Building (City Hall) on Davis Street.
Freddie Taylor, 18-year Place 4 City Councilman 
Sulphur Springs City Council February 2022 
Sulphur Springs City Council August 2021 
Freddy Taylor, Place 4 City Councilman, June 2021, the new HW Grays Building 
Sulphur Springs City Councilman, Place 4, Freddie Taylor June 2021 
Sulphur Springs City Council meeting conducted via Zoom February 2021 
Sulphur Springs City Council meeting February 2021 
Freddie Taylor November 2020 
Sulphur Springs City Council February 2020 
Freddie Taylor files candidacy for another term in Place 4 on City Council in January 2019 
Sulphur Springs City Councilman Freddie Taylor March 2017 
Freddie Taylor July 2014
The event is to show appreciation and recognition to Taylor for “18 years of loyal service, dedication and friendship to the citizens of Sulphur Springs,” while serving as a member of Sulphur Springs City Council.
The come and go reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 6:45 p.m. next Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Hors d’oeuvres and cake will be provided for everyone to enjoy.
Taylor opted not to seek another term in office this year. Tommy Harrison was unopposed and will be taking the Place 4 seat on the City Council.
Brief Interstate 30 Pursuit Concludes With Arkansas Man’s Arrest
An Arkansas man ended up in Hopkins county jail Tuesday afternoon following brief Interstate 30 pursuit, according to arrest reports.
Franklin County authorities attempted to stop a red Toyota Corolla inside of which an active assault between the driver and passenger was reported. The car did not stop. Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly were alerted and spotted what they believed to be the car in question nearing the 141 mile marker on I-30 west and hit the lights on their patrol unit to try to stop the car. May 31, 2022.
Instead of immediately stopping the car continued west on I-30 to mile marker 136 before resting. The sheriff and a deputy took the driver, identified in arrest reports as Joseph Kian Anderson, into custody at 2:03 p.m. May 31, 2022, and transported him to Hopkins County jail, HCSO Sheriff Lewis Tatum and Deputy Elijah Fite noted in arrest reports. The care was released to the passenger.
The 60-year-old Lakeview, Arkansas man was booked in on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, June 1, 2022, on the third-degree felony 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.
Repair Work On Second Half Of Lee Street Under Way
Repair work on the second half of Lee Street is currently under way. Work crews brought equipment and began preparing the road Tuesday.
The Lee Street project was originally slated last year, but was delayed for several months. One of the streets earmarked for improvements by Texana Land and Asphalt in 2021, the project kept getting pushed back. In November 2022, City Manager Marc Maxwell reported that the contractor had planned to be finished with the project by Thanksgiving Day, but supply chain constraints hampered the project. The project was at that point expected to be completed by Thanksgiving.
The first half of the repair work was delayed until the very end of January 2022, when the asphalt surface was ground off. On Feb. 1 the company anticipated cement stabilizing the road base, then putting a new asphalt driving surface on Lee Street from Broadway to Brinker Street. The first half of the work on Lee Street commenced, and was completed by March.
Further work was halted after Sulphur Springs ISD officials asked the city officials to put the second half of the street repair on hold until after the regular school year concluded so as not to disrupt traffic from buses and parents delivering and picking ups students from the Lee Street side of Sulphur Springs Elementary. The contractor was contracted and put work on hold as requested.
With school ending last week, the contractor had equipment and crews on site Tuesday, where work began to make much needed repairs on the highly traveled street. The eastbound side of Lee Street appeared to have some grating Tuesday in front of SSES just off League Street. Crews were focusing on the Texas Street intersection Wednesday, and had the road will be intermittently closed for a block eastward through the day as work progresses.
Any motorists, pedestrians and cyclists who normally travel along that stretch of roadway are recommended to find an alternate route of travel until the work is complete. Those who cannot avoid the area should expect travel delays and potential detours while crews work on that section of Lee Street. Motorists are reminded to drive with extreme care, watching for workers in the area.
Traffic waits for construction equipment to clear the intersection of Lee Street and Texas Street. The work is part of the Lee Street repair project, budgeted for the summer of 2021, but delayed until this week from League to Brinker Streets.
June Is National Men’s Health Month – Make Prevention A Priority
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Did you know that men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women? Part of the reason is that men are more reluctant to go to the doctor, according to menshealthmonth.org. In fact, studies show that women go to the doctor twice as much as men.
With June being National Men’s Health Month, this is a good reminder for men to schedule their “tune-up.” A routine physical is a great place to start. Many health conditions can be detected early with regular checkups and screenings from a healthcare provider. Let this also be a reminder to look in to your family health history. It can be helpful to your provider in determining risk and what if any additional screenings should be done.
Whether you need to see a Family Practice provider or a specialist, we have you covered. Call us today to schedule these important screening exams at 903.885.3181. Check back next week for more information on Men’s Health during the month of June.
The CARE Unit: Inpatient Rehabilitation
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Inpatient Rehabilitation provides a comprehensive rehabilitation program of the highest quality in order to improve the functional independence of those we serve. Some of the conditions we treat include amputations, brain injuries, knee and hip replacements, hip fractures, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and stroke. Opened 24/7, we provide around the clock nursing care, three hours of therapy per day, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and social work/discharge planning to return home. If you believe you or a family member may benefit from an inpatient rehab stay, please contact us at 903.438.4570 for more information.
Outpatient Physical Therapy
When you need rehabilitation and therapy services – the more convenient, the better. With a goal to return patients to normal function as quickly and safely as possible, our rehabilitation professionals at the hospital’s Healthplex provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to all ages. Our staff are specialized in skills such as cupping; dry needling, orthopedic and sports rehab, speech and language delays, Vitalstim, hand therapy, pool therapy, and much more. We even have an Anti-Gravity Treadmill – an innovative technology. If you would like more information on the available services, please call our team at 903.439.4053.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
Net Health continues to offer Adult and Pediatric COVID vaccines at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. They will provide vaccines from10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily every four weeks as listed: June 1-June 3, June 27-July 1, July 25-29, August 22-26, September 19-23, and October 17-21. No appointment is necessary.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org.
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Sun Safety In The Texas Heat
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
That time of year is quickly approaching in Texas when the temperatures get up to three digit numbers, but it isn’t just the heat that is getting to you. The sun also emits UV rays which can be harmful to the skin. Did you know that excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important preventable cause of all skin cancers? Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Learning a few things about skin safety can help you prevent it.
There are different types of UV rays that come from the sun. Some sunscreens only protect from one type. Be sure to get a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Just because it is cloudy outside doesn’t mean that the UV rays are blocked from reaching your skin. Like light, UVA rays can go through glass, so before taking off for a car ride don’t forget to put some sunscreen on. UV rays can also do damage to your eyes so find a wide (3’’) brim hat and some sunglasses to protect your face as well.
Here are some tips on keeping the UV rays from harming you:
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun – it needs to soak in before being effective. Make it a morning routine and then you’ll never forget!
- Apply sunscreen every two hours when in the sun – SPF 30 or higher and one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember the hat and sunglasses too!
- Fill a basket by the front door with sunglasses, hats and sunscreen- so as you rush out the door you remember take a bottle with you to reapply later as needed.
- Make playing in the shade fun – During the peak hours of the day when the sun’s rays are at their highest point find some fun games at http://gameskidsplay.net .
- Use extra caution around water and sand – these surfaces reflect the UV rays which can increase your chances of getting a sun burn.
Also remember to stay hydrated during the hot summer months. The first sign of thirst is the first sign of dehydration. Water is the best source to stay hydrated. Sports drinks can be useful if you are working outside or participating in other strenuous physical activity for more than an hour. However, for most of us, water is sufficient and helps reduce the amount of sugar we consume.
Closing Thought
Bathe your children in prayer every day!
Contact Texas AgriLife Family and Community Health Agent Johanna Hicks at the Hopkins County Extension Office, P.O. Box 518 or 1200-B West St. Houston in Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
Hopkins County Grand Jury Indictments For May 2022
The Hopkins County Grand Jury during the May 2022 session issued 47 indictments accusing 40 people in the charges, including at least five people named in two offenses each.
More than half of the indictments were for controlled substance offenses. The remainder of the charges ranged from aggravated assault and aggravated robbery to evading arrest, tampering with evidence and firearm charges.
Indicted for aggravated assault of a date, family or house member with a weapon as well as assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation was Derek Wayne Bone. The Cumby man was accused during an April 2, 2022 altercation of choking his wife to the point she could not breath, then of using a shard of broken glass to lacerate her wrist. When the argument transitioned into the kitchen, Bone was accused of using a toolbox to strike his wife on the left side of her face. The man’s wife was treated at the hospital for serious bodily injury to her face. The 34-year-old has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest on April 2, 2022. Bond was set at $500,000 bond on the aggravated assault charge and $200,000 bond on the assault impeding breathing charge.
Timothy Blake Merrell and Christopher Howard Alves were also indicted on one count each of assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation.
Timothy Blake Merrell allegedly attempted late Jan. 25, 2022, to push the woman with whom he’d been in a dating relationship on and off for 8 months out of the vehicle he was driving and of choking her He allegedly drove recklessly, swerving as if to crash into trees. When they arrived at a County Road 1116 residence, she tried to gather her belongings and leave. He then allegedly choked her to the point she couldn’t breath, deputies alleged in arrest reports. He was booked in around midnight and remained in Hopkins County jail until Feb. 3, 2022 on the assault impeding breathing charge; bond was set at $15,000, according to jail reports.
Christopher Howard Alves was accused during an argument with a woman over her possibly cheating on him on Feb. 17, 2022, of pushing her into a bedroom or closet door and putting his hands around her neck. She reportedly pushed her off, so he pushed her on the bed and put his forearm around her throat and chest area. She reportedly stopped breathing and almost passed out. Alves admitted to arguing with the woman over a phone and putting his elbow on her chest while she was on the bed, according to arrest reports.. He was jailed Feb. 18, 2022, for assault impeding breathing charge. He was released from jail later Feb. 18 on a $15,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Indicted for aggravated assault of a date, family or household member with a weapon was Mark Lynn Hanson. The 62-year-old Pickton man reportedly admitted to deputies that during a verbal altercation he hit his cousin in the head with a mini sledge hammer he had when he greeted deputies from his CR 2379 porch on Feb. 19, 2022. Hanson allegedly admitted he’d thought about assaulting the cousin the evening before, but didn’t at that time have the courage to do so. Officers found the cousin on the bed in his room, where Hanson told them he’d be lying. The cousin reportedly had a laceration on his head and another on his forehead. He remembers being struck in the head, then waking up in the hallway, likely the spot where deputies reported seeing blood on the floor. The cousin was transported for medical attention and Hanson was taken to jail, where he’s remained since his arrest Feb. 19, 2022, on the aggravated assault charge; his bond was set at $50,000, according to arrest and jail reports.
Cristian Lonnie Jackson was indicted during the May 2022 grand jury session on an aggravated robbery charge. The 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest on an aggravated robbery charge on Jan. 24, 2022. His bond was set at $50,000 on the charge, according to jail reports. HCSO jail records show the offense is one of two aggravated robbery charges Jackson is accused of.
Rodney Arnold Harrington was indicted on two assault of a family or household member with previous convictions.
Both Norman Oscar Baez‐Baez and Fabian Chandler Ruiz were indicted during the May 2022 grand jury session on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle was Juan Carlos Duran.
Stephen Lance Boughton was indicted in May of 2022 on a burglary of a building charge.
Latira Jackson was indicted on a prohibited substance or item in a correctional, civic or community facility charge and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information charge. Sebastian Caine Page too was indicted on a prohibited substance or item in a correctional, civic or community facility charge, and Yesenia Rodriguez‐Cadena on a fraudulent use or possession of identifying information charge.
Among the individuals indicted on one possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge each were: Christian Kirby Collins, Ronald Martinez, Rosa Maria Medrano, Kevin Lamont Rushin, Rosa Maria Medrano. Joey Allen Pierce was indicted for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Henry Lee Wood Jr. was indicted on an attempt to tamper with or fabric charge and possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge.
Jakobe Ulysses McClinton IV and Jerry Steve Dodd were also indicted by the Hopkins County Grand Jury in may on a tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair charge each.
Additional individuals indicted on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge, including:
- Carlos Cordova‐Segovia,
- Enoc Ventura‐Delacruz,
- Gabriel Ventura‐Delacruz
- Freddy Victorio‐Herrera
- Lutrail Deion Farrier
- Star Herrera‐Mungia
- William Barry Fenton
- Michael Scott Patterson Jr.
- Wendy Dawn Smith
- Whitney Renee Armstrong
- Beverly Alaina Bailey
Indicted on one possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge each were Laura Marie Cook, Samantha Suzanne Evans, and Wyndel Dorsie Shepherd, Jr.
Preslie Paige Lappin and Rene Perea ‐Saldana, were each indicted for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Mark Dakota Sherrin and Dylan Ray Toon were indicted for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle or watercraft.
Terry Ray Born and 2229179 Edgar Campos were each indicted during the May 2022 grand jury session on a driving while intoxicated-3rd or more offense charge. Campos too was charge with possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana.
