Governor Proclaims July “Watch Your Car Month”
Motorists Urged To Protect Themselves From Auto Burglary, Theft
(AUSTIN, Texas – July 19, 2022) With summer being Texas’ busiest time of year for auto burglary and theft, Governor Greg Abbott has declared July “Watch Your Car Month.” The proclamation notes that Texans experience nearly $2 billion in losses every year due to motor vehicle crime.
“Our communities cannot prosper if they are not safe. The actions and choices of criminals can often disrupt our lives, damaging the vital sense of security inherent in our tightly knit Texas communities,” Abbott’s Watch Your Car Month proclamation stated.
The “If You Like It, Lock It” campaign, created by Texas Motor Vehicle Crimes Prevention Authority, to raise awareness and reduce motor vehicle burglary and theft is promoted heavily during the July to help Texans develop the simple habits to protect themselves from the these vehicle crimes.
MVCPA, like local law enforcement, frequently remind motorist the importance of these tips to make sure their vehicles are not easy targets for burglars and thieves:
- Always lock your vehicle and take your keys.
- Never leave your car unattended while it is running.
- Park in a well-lit area.
- Take valuables with you when you are not in your vehicle or keep them out of sight.
- Install an anti-theft device.
Local police describe vehicle burglary as one of the most easily preventable crimes, but often one of the hardest to prove. That’s why each motorist and passenger is encouraged to do their part to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a vehicle burglary or theft.
This may be a more rural area, but burglaries and theft occur out in the county too, thus, it’s important for people who live in the country to remove keys from vehicles when exiting them – even at home – so that others won’t be able to drive off in their ride.
Readily opened autos are easy pickings for would-be car burglars. Items are easily accessed and removed. It generally takes thieves seconds to pull on a door handle to see if it’s unlocked, then a moment or two to snatch any valuables inside and abscond with them, Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson often reminds people. That’s why it’s important to lock vehicles doors exiting them, regardless of where you are going or for how long.
According to law enforcement officers, vehicle burglars also are known to target vehicles where pricy or easily pawnable items are clearly visible. Removing valuables from vehicles, or securing and storing them out-of-site to passersby held reduce the potential of the auto becoming a target for criminal activity.
Leaving valuables such as purses, wallets, checkbooks, jewelry or cash in unattended vehicles is never a good idea. When items must be left in vehicles, police and sheriff’s officers recommend put them under seats, in the trunk, in closed compartments or other covered areas where they cannot be seen by anyone who might be walking in the area. Conceal and stow parcels in a trunk, if possible, or covering bags, packages, store bags and other items out-of-site, so they do on attract attention.
Those who can are encouraged by the state officials to enable anti-theft devices on their vehicles; a new vehicle may even come already equipped with one. In fact, doing so often pays out in more ways than one. Many insurance companies give discounts for certain anti-theft devices. MVCPA recommends checking with your insurance agent for details.
The Texas Legislature established MVCPA in 1991 to combat motor vehicle theft, burglary, and fraud-related motor vehicle crime in Texas. This is the 29th year the authority has issued funding.
If anyone witnesses what appears to be a vehicle burglary or other suspicious activity, they are encouraged to call their local law enforcement agency or, if witnessing a crime in progress, call 911.
For more information about how to protect yourself from motor vehicle crime, visit MVCPA at www.TxDMV.gov/about-us/MVCPA.
Managing Fall Webworm Infestations
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent, Ag/Natural Resources, Hopkins County, [email protected]
The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury), is native to North America and is a common caterpillar pest of trees. It attacks more than 88 kinds of plants in North America, including many fruit, nut, and ornamental trees and shrubs. According to Texas A&M AgriLife extension, webworms do not attack pines and other needle-bearing trees (conifers).
Fall webworms are known for their large webs on terminal foliage. Heavy infestations are rarely fatal, but if they occur over several years they can make trees more susceptible to drought, disease, or other insect pests. The fall webworm’s plant preference varies according to region. In East Texas, they most often attack sweetgum, oak, hickory and pecan.
Webworms can be managed on smaller trees without insecticides. You can do this by physically removing the webs, caterpillars, or egg masses. You can knock larvae out of low-hanging webs into a box or garbage bag with a stick or broom. You can also prune webs from lower and smaller branches, or pull them down with a rake or a pole.
Beneficial insects attack the eggs and larvae of the fall webworm and keep populations under control in many years. You can help beneficial insects by tearing open the protective webs. If webs are too numerous or too high in a tree to deal with individually, you can use insecticides to prevent damage. Hose-end or commercial high-pressure sprayers are best for reaching upper parts of trees. Webworm larvae stay inside their web so insecticide sprays must penetrate the web to be most effective. For best control, apply insecticides when webs and caterpillars are small.
Insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or Spinosad are effective and will not harm beneficial insects. Carbaryl and pyrethroid insecticides (such as permethrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, and esfenvalerate) are highly effective against fall webworm. However, these insecticides are also toxic to beneficial insects so use them only for severe infestations.
Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oil sprays can also be effective when applied directly to caterpillars in their nests. Insecticide labels are subject to change — always read and follow instructions on the pesticide label carefully. You are responsible for the effects of pesticides on your own property, as well as problems caused by drift to other properties. Not all insecticides are registered for fall webworms on all sites and commodities. Read the label to make sure the insecticide is labeled for your site and commodity.
Two Separate Traffic Stops Resulted In Two Felony Arrests
Two separate traffic stops resulted in two felony arrests Sunday, according to arrest and jail reports.
Bill Bradford Road Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a Ford Ranger at 11:56 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022, on Bill Bradford Road at Shannon Road. When Deputy Josh Davis asked for permission to search the truck, the driver reportedly admitted to having a glass pipe in his vehicle. A search revealed a black toiletry bag with two glass meth pipes, a pill bottle with two baggies including one with suspected crystal meth inside.
The driver, 39-year-old Wesley Robert Rose of Talco, was arrested at 12:07 a.m. July 17, 2022, and transported to jail. The substance field tested positive for meth and weighed 1.47 grams, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Rose was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:17 a.m. Sunday, July 17, 2022, for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of the Penalty Group 1 controlled substance methamphetamine. He remained in Hopkins County jail in lieu of the $10,000 bond set on the third-degree felony controlled substance charge.
Deputies Colt Patterson and Bobby Osornio were credited with assisting on the traffic stop and arrest.
Houston Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman reported stopping a Toyota Camry at 2:22 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 2022, on Houston Street at South Jackson Street.
A records check showed the driver, 31-year-old Camron Michael Hamil of Galveston to have an outstanding warrant. Hamlin was taken into custody and transported to jail. He was booked in Sunday afternoon on the violation of parole warrant, issued by Austin Parole Board, as well as a warrant for failure to appear on a Sulphur Springs charge.
Hamil, who is also known by Cameron Michael Hamil, was held in the county jail without bond on the parole charge, according to jail reports.
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.
Cumby Police: Woman Claimed To Be Under Influence Of Meth When Found On The Roof
A 51-year-old Cumby woman claimed to be under the influence of methamphetamine when found on the roof of a Commerce Street building, officers alleged in arrest reports.
A Cumby Police officer was dispatched at 7:30 a.m. to the Cumby address, where a person was reported to be on the roof of the building. When officers contacted the 52-year-old woman, she not only admitted she broke a window on the front of the building while climbing onto the roof of the building; she also claimed to be under the influence of meth when they found her.
She was detained. EMS was called to the location to check out the woman. According to the arrest report, after the woman was cleared by EMS, she was transported to the county jail, where she was booked on a Class C public intoxication charge as well as as a charge of criminal mischief resulting in $100-$750 worth of damage for the broken window, according to arrest and jail reports.
The 51-year-old was released from the county jail Monday, July 19, 2022, on a $1,000 bond on the misdemeanor criminal mischief charge.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
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.
Woman Leads Police On Brief Foot Chase
A 32-year-old Caddo Mills woman led police on a brief foot chase, then urinated in a patrol vehicle before being booked into jail on three misdemeanor charges early Sunday, according to arrest reports.
Police Officer Dustin Green reported seeing two vehicles stationary, blocking the road near the 1200 block of South Broadway Street. Green reported seeing the woman walking toward a maroon vehicle, yelling, as he approached at 12:23 a.m. July 17, 2022. He attempted to detain the woman, for further investigation of what was going on. She began walking away from the location.
She reportedly had noticeable red, bloodshot eyes and alcohol emitted from her. When he tried to obtain her ID, she allegedly ran away on foot. He gave her multiple verbal warnings to stop, but she failed to heed them. When he caught up to her, and tried to place her into custody, she allegedly pulled way and tensed her arms, making it difficult for the officer to put handcuffs on her.
When police attempted to put the woman in the patrol vehicle, she pulled away and let her body go limp. She claimed she needed to urinate. The officer advised her “not right now.” She urinated as soon as she got into the patrol vehicle, according to arrest reports.
Once secured in the back seat, the woman reportedly began trying to move the handcuffs from the back to the front. They secured them behind her, then took her to jail. She was placed into a V cell due to her behavior. She was officially booked into jail at 2:30 a.m. on an evading arrest or detention charge; resisting arrest, search or transport; and public intoxication, according to arrest reports.
The woman was released from Hopkins County jail Monday, July 18, 2022, on a $1,000 bond each on the misdemeanor evading charge and and the resisting charge.
SSPD Sgt. Matt Glenn is credited with assisting with the arrest.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
A&M-Commerce Offers Technology Management BAAS for Working Professionals
COMMERCE, TX—The Department of Engineering and Technology at Texas A&M University-Commerce has launched a new Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) in Technology Management degree program. The new fully online program is designed to prepare working professionals for managerial careers in technical fields.
Brent Donham, Ph.D., who serves as dean of the College of Science and Engineering at A&M-Commerce, said there is a large pool of worthy professionals who have reached a career plateau; they have the knowledge and experience for advancement, but they require a baccalaureate degree to obtain next-level opportunities.
The BAAS in Technology Management integrates the coursework of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) undergraduate degree with the knowledge and skill sets that industry employers desire.
The program provides a seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree for students who have already completed their core and career course requirements through an earned AAS degree in technical tracks such as information technology, engineering technology, manufacturing, computer-aided design, construction technology or industrial technology.
Students will learn to function efficiently in dynamic, data-driven environments and demonstrate effective skills in organizational communication and project management. They will discover innovative organizational management and leadership practices across industry sectors and learn to engage in decision-making processes governed by personal and organizational values and ethics.
Up to 83 semester credit hours may be transferred into the program, with students completing the remaining 37 semester hours or more online through A&M-Commerce.
Donham worked with industry partners to develop relevant coursework that will prepare students for leadership and management positions in their field or position them to pursue graduate-level studies such as the online Master of Science in Technology Management at A&M-Commerce.
“Our new BAAS in Technology Management degree is in line with the department’s mission to develop industry professionals who contribute to the betterment of society,” Donham said. “This is an exciting opportunity for deserving professionals to elevate their leadership and career opportunities.”
Learn more about the BAAS in Technology Management program and the Department of Engineering and Technology at A&M-Commerce.
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About Texas A&M University-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce serves rural and metropolitan East Texas with a dedicated mission to Educate. Discover. Achieve. With an enrollment of 10,966 students, A&M-Commerce is the third-largest member of The Texas A&M University System. Students choose from among 140 academic degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels and learn from world-class faculty who conduct nationally recognized research. A vibrant student experience includes a thriving Greek community, more than 100 student-led organizations and 14 NCAA athletic teams. The university joined the Southland Conference in July 2022 and began a transition into NCAA Division I. A&M-Commerce offers classes online and on-site in Commerce, Corsicana, McKinney, Frisco, Mesquite and the newest location at 8750 North Central Expressway in Dallas.
Contact: Michael Johnson
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
903.886.5128
Warrant Service In Cumby Results 2 Arrests, Discovery Of Meth
Deputies went to a Cumby residence to serve warrants, and ended up taking 2 people into custody and discovering meth and other drug paraphernalia in the home Friday, according to arrest reports. A Sulphur Springs woman was also jailed Friday on a controlled substance charge.
Cumby Residential Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Elijah Fite contacted Anita Ann Mack, who they had been told was inside the County Road 1143 residence. They took the 40-year-old Sulphur Springs woman into custody July 15, 2022, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrant and two no driver’s license warrants. Deputies also contacted her friend, Jonathan Wade Pursell, in his bedroom at the residence and took him into custody at 5:42 a.m. Friday on the May 15, 2022 manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
The deputies spotted what they believed to be methamphetamine in plain view at the residence. The HCSO officers contacted Investigator Shea Shaw regarding the matter. A search warrant was sought, obtained and executed at the CR 1143 residence.
As they took the 43-year-old Cumby man into custody, deputies reported seeing multiple items of drug paraphernalia visible in plain view in Pursell’s bedroom. While searching the home, deputies were notified that jail officials caught Pursell attempting to hide in a holding cell contraband he had managed to carry into the jail. Contraband was seized and Pursell was held pending an addition charge, Steward alleged in arrest reports.
The suspected meth tested positive, and weighed 5.757 grams, including packaging. Consequently, Pursell was charged no only on the manufacture or delivery warrant, but also for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence (trying to hide at the alleged contraband at the jail) and prohibited substance in a correctional facility, according to arrest reports.
Mack, who is also known by Anita Ann Kitchel, was released from the county jail Saturday, July 16, 2022, on a $35,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Pursell, who is also known by the alias Jonathan Bolding, however remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, July 18, 2022. His bonds totaled $250,000 — $100,00 on the manufacture or delivery warrant; and $50,000 each on the possession, tampering with evidence and prohibited substance charges, according to jail reports.
Hollie Circle Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Elijah Fite and Sgt. Tanner Steward were made aware of an outstanding warrant for Amy Nicole Fitzgerald’s arrest.
They contacted the 40-year-old Sulphur Springs woman at a Hollie Circle residence at 11 a.m. July 15, 2022, and took her into custody on the warrant. She was transported to and booked into Hopkins County jail at 11:33 a.m. July 15, 2022, on the manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Fitzgerald, who is also known by Amy Nicole Brown Fielden, Amy Nicole Fielden Brown, Amy Nicole Lee and Amy Fielden Lee, was released from Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 16, 2022, on a $35,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Learn More About the Welding Program at Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs
SPARKS FLYING
Donavon Thurneberry, a student in the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop at the S, 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.
Local CHRISTUS Medical/Surgical Nurse Nominated For Daisy Award
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
CHRISTUS Health Launches On Demand Care — Virtual Visits With Caregivers Available Every Day
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS® Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
CHRISTUS Health has expanded access to health care across ministries in Texas and Louisiana with the launch of CHRISTUS On Demand Care. These virtual visits allow patients to meet with a CHRISTUS Health caregiver through live video from their smartphone, tablet or computer for their urgent care needs from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday, and even holidays. This service compliments scheduled virtual visits that are already in high demand and available to new and existing patients.
Built specifically for a consumer’s health care needs in mind, CHRISTUS On Demand Care providers can treat anything from allergies to rashes to even the flu, all from the comfort of a location and a time that’s convenient for the user. The virtual visit allows someone to be placed in a queue and to be seen by the first available CHRISTUS board-certified provider. If further testing like blood work or consultations is necessary, CHRISTUS On Demand Care can also help facilitate referrals and provide other helpful instructions.
There is no additional cost associated with a CHRISTUS On Demand Care visit. Nearly all major medical insurances cover these visits. Depending on the insurance plan, one might have a co-pay, but just like seeing a provider in a traditional office setting. Medicare and Medicaid also currently cover virtual visits like CHRISTUS On Demand.
To schedule CHRISTUS On Demand Care visit christushealth.org/virtual-medicine or go to your MyCHRISTUS account (formerly known as “MyChart”) and click on virtual visit or On Demand Care. Look for the launch of our MyCHRISTUS app, coming soon!
Awards
The DAISY Foundation was established in 2000 by the family of Patrick Barnes. He died at the age of 33 of complications of ITP. Like many families you see every day who go through this kind of horrific loss, the Barnes family wanted to find a way to turn their grief into something positive and do something that would honor the very special man Patrick was. Over a dinner right after Pat’s death, they came up with DAISY – an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
As they brainstormed what the DAISY Foundation would do, they kept coming back to the one positive thing they held on to during Pat’s 8 week illness: the amazing care he – and all the family – received from Pat’s nurses, even when he was completely sedated. The family was so impressed by the clinical care Pat’s nurses provided, and they were overwhelmed by the level of compassion and kindness that his nurses brought to Pat’s bedside day in and day out. The family came to understand that the communication and attention being paid to Pat was a very important part of the clinical care nurses provide.
Because of their experience, the Barnes Family believes that nurses are unsung heroes of our society who deserve far more recognition and honor than they receive. They decided to find a way to say thank you to nurses. So Pat’s wife, Tena, his parents, Bonnie and Mark and other family members created The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. There are now 2,000 healthcare facilities in fifteen countries committed to honoring their nurses with The DAISY Award.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System started the DAISY program in early 2017. The award is presented quarterly to the ONE best nomination, as chosen by a panel of direct care nurses from each of our seven sites. All nominations are blinded, so no one knows who has been nominated until after the winner is chosen.
Congratulations to nominee Taylor Beasley, RN, from our Medical/Surgical department.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
Net Health continues to offer adult and pediatric COVID vaccines at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. They will provide vaccines from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily every four weeks as listed: 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
Mexican Citizen Caught With Fake ID cards Saturday
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 21-year-old Mexican citizen early Saturday after finding him in possession of a fake ID cards, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis and reported Bobby Osornio stopping a silver Chevrolet HR with a fictitious temporary tag mounted on it at 1:13 a.m. July 16, 2022, on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 120.
When asked for ID, the driver reportedly presented deputies with Mexico identification documentation with the the name Jesus Ernesto Vales-Esparza and the man’s information printed on it.
The man agreed to let deputies search the sedan. A deputy located a Texas driver’s license in the vehicle with the name Jesus Salazar printed on it and the driver’s photo. The information on the Texas DL returned to a Jesus Salazar. On inspection, the driver’s license was clearly a fictitious copy, deputies alleged in arrest report. The deputies also reported finding a Social Security card with the name Jesus Salazar on it that was also believed to be a fictitious copy, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
They took the man, identified in the Mexico ID as Valdes-Esparza but who gave an Irving address, into custody at 1:40 a.m. Saturday and booked him into jail at 3:22 a.m. for fraudulent use or possession of more than 1 piece of identifying information, the driver’s license and Social Security cards in the other man’s name. He remained in Hopkins county jail overnight, then was released Sunday, July 17, 2022, on a $15,000 bond on the felony fraud 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.
