Obituary – David Johnson
A memorial service for David Johnson, age 79, of Como, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2022, at First United Methodist Church with Tom Young and Jason Dietze officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Mr. Johnson passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs.
David Johnson was born on August 11, 1943, in Maywood, California, to Darrel Kenneth Johnson and Abbie Dell Youngblood Johnson. David grew up in the Dallas area. He graduated from Samuel High School in 1961 and attended Arlington State College. He passed away on December 27, in CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital of Sulphur Springs.
David was a hard worker taking a job as a bagging boy in the grocery store at 14. He always had a goal in mind for saving his money – usually owning a car. After college, he was hired in the construction industry learning how to estimate for various commercial painting companies. He worked for Hickman Painting company for several years and then for Shahan and Son. Both owners treated him like family taking him to Cowboy games, conventions all over the United States, and Las Vegas to play.
David loved to play as hard as he worked. He built his own cabin on Lake Whitney and spent many weekends on his boat or dune buggy at the lake. The whole neighborhood was full of friends who loved to have a good time. David was considered a confirmed bachelor.
In 1975, he met Suanne Shockey Johnson. They dated for 6 years and then married in Las Vegas on February 20, 1981. They didn’t have children, but loved the dogs they owned just as much. They both retired in 2006 and moved to a rural area outside of Como. David considered Sulphur Springs his second home, making lots of friends and participating in various activities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a founding member of the Sulphur Springs Corvette Club. His Corvettes were his prized possessions.
David was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Hurt. David is survived by his wife, Suanne, her sister, Sally Whightsil and Sally’s husband, Gary Whightsil. He is also survived by nephew Wes Highfield, and wife, Linda; great-nephew, Jacob; and great niece, Caitlin. Also surviving is niece Haley Holliday and her son, Holden. He loved his nieces and nephews just like they were his own children.
Memorials may be made to Hearts of Life Animal Rescue, 471 CR 4510, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482; or First United Methodist Church, 301 Church St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Arrangements under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.
The online register can be signed at www.murrayorwosky.com
Jettribe Returns As Official Gear Sponsor Of Thailand Jet Ski Racing World Cup
Local powersports company Jettribe was proud to return as the Official Gear Sponsor of the Thailand Jet Ski Racing World Cup, including creating the event shirts, Course Marshal gear, and sponsoring the Swimwear competition.
The World Series Championship took place December 14 – 18, 2022. Hundreds of racers from all over the globe competed for the chance to be crowned a World Champion. Jettribe’s USA staff was on site to visit with industry family and race friends.
Their new Jettribe Thailand partner, Siam Watercraft, set-up a booth full of Jettribe gear at the race site. The top of the booth featured a special Jettribe VIP area for meetings and prime race views.
Jettribe International Team Riders from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, and Indonesia spent the week in Pattaya City, Thailand, prepping their race boats. The competition was fierce, and the seasoned racers fought through the pack all week.
Jettribe returned as the Official Gear Sponsor of the Dec. 14-18, 2022, Thailand Jet Ski Racing World Cup, including creating the event shirts, Course Marshal gear, and sponsoring the Swimwear competition. 
World Series Championship 
World Series Championship 
World Series Championship 
Jettribe sponsored the Swimwear competition at the Jet Racing Work Series Championship in Thailand. 
World Series Championship 
World Series Championship
Bailey Cunningham from Australia, who recently competed at the Jettribe Sulphur Springs Jet Ski Championship, finished a year of international race travel by competing in the Pro Runabout GP class. Bailey told Jettribe he “was able to qualify in the top 16 for the mains. A bit of bad luck with start issues in Moto one and 2 which meant was out for Moto 3. I know where I gotta improve and coming back stronger next year.”
Jettribe Factory Rider Gyorgy Kasza from Hungary said, “I want to say thank you for everybody who helped me. I didn’t get the Cup, but I showed what I can. The race and my jet was very good (Best in the world).”
On Sunday, Jettribe sponsored the World Cup Bikini Contest. New swimwear from Jettribe’s 2023 line was displayed on models to both the live audience and online video broadcasts. The entire race event was also filmed for television worldwide, including to millions of households with Europort.
Jettribe offers congratulations to all the racers and their support teams for their dedication to the PWC racing sport. The 2022 season has now come to a close, but they look forward to great race opportunities in 2023.
— Photos and Release submitted by Kasau Gomes, Marketing Coordinator, Jettribe USA
Mississippi Escaped Inmates Possibly In East Texas
Two inmates who have escaped a Mississippi prison Christmas Day may have been spotted at Lake Fork in Wood County. The pair should be considered dangerous. Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones reported on social media that the two inmates escaped from the Raymond Detention Center.
The pair are identified as Traverro McElroy, 36, and Tyler Charles Payne, 31, and went missing as staff performed a Christmas morning headcount. A van from a nearby church in Mississippi went missing at the same time. That van was lost spotted being driven into Lake Fork and two suspects were seen getting into a small compact silver or white vehicle. The vehicle is reported to be an older Honda or possibly a Toyota.
Wood County officials have not yet confirmed that the Mississippi van was occupied by the two escaped inmates at the time the van appeared at Lake Fork, but stress out of an abundance of caution, local residents should be aware of the situation.
Payne (left) has multiple tattoos including a tattoo on his neck. He is 5’11″ and 195 pounds with green eyes and a shaved head. Payne was being detained on an unrelated charge of carjacking. McElroy (right) is 5’5″ and 120 pounds and he has a dread hairstyle. McElroy was being jailed on charges of possession of a firearm and murder.
Both are considered dangerous and people are encouraged to call 911 or the Wood County Sheriff’s office 903-763-2201 or Hinds County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi at 601-352-1521 with any information.
Wildcats Basketball Wins Game One, Plays Again Wednesday
Wildcats basketball plays in day two of a holiday tournament, taking on Frisco Independence at 11 A.M. Win or lose against Wednesday morning, Sulphur Springs plays a second game on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 5 P.M.
The Knights take on the Wildcats after demolishing Melissa on Tuesday night, 75-41.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s team scored big in their first game of the Allen In-n-Out Holiday Invitational. Sulphur Springs used steady scoring throughout Tuesday’s contest to win game one against Tyler Legacy, 75-55.
Even with a slow third quarter, men’s basketball scored 19 or more points in the other three. The Raiders averaged under 14 per quarter in the loss to Coach Shaver’s squad.
Though the Wildcats fell behind at the opening of Tuesday’s holiday tournament opener, they never looked back from there as they flipped the game leading big at the half, 45-27.
Kordrick Turner (23 points) and Parker Whisenhunt (22 points) led the way with big games, combining for almost as many points as Tyler Legacy.
Also in double figures, Branson Lynn and Malachi Myles, scored 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Men’s basketball is now 16-4 on the season after the blowout of Tyler Legacy.
Following the big win in day one of the holiday invitational, Sulphur Springs again plays in the Auxiliary Gym at Allen HS for their first game on day two.
Wildcat basketball plays Frisco Independence at 11 A.M.
Win or lose against Wednesday morning, Sulphur Springs plays a second game on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 5 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Chamber Connection – Dec. 28: Award Nominations, Business Ads For Directory Are Still Being Accepted
By Butch Burney, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
The annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Banquet will be here in about seven weeks, and that means award time!
It is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Directories
Work is finishing on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, is contacting businesses to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
If your business wants to be in the directory, please make sure your membership is current. Only current members will be included in the directory. If you’re unsure, please contact the chamber at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
CHRISTUS Announces New Year’s Clinic Hours
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Happy New Year!
We at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and pray that you will be celebrating the New Year in good health. We feel fortunate to be able to extend the healing Ministry of Jesus Christ through our work taking care of our wonderful community. From our family to yours, Happy New Year!
New Gastroenterology Physician
CHRISTUS proudly announces the addition of Umair Sohail, M.D., to our Gastroenterology team in Sulphur Springs. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Obesity medicine.
Dr. Sohail will be seeing patients at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic located at 107 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sohail, please ask your provider for a referral.
New Year’s Holiday Clinic Hours
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care in Sulphur Springs will be closed on Friday, December 30, New Year’s Eve, December 31, and New Year’s Day, January 1, 2023. However, the Urgent Care clinic will resume regular hours on January 2, 2023.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary care and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic specialty clinics will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023.
For non-emergencies, CHRISTUS Virtual Care on Demand is an available option. It is a service available to patients over the age of five and providers are available 7 a.m.-11 p.m. every day and on holidays. 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.
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
Firefighters Battle Jonas Street Blaze Christmas Day
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County firefighters battled a Jonas Street blaze Christmas Day. No one was injured in the fire, but the attic and roof of the home were damaged. Aside from the area of origin, most of the contents in the living area of the home were untouched by the fire, but the structure did sustain smoke and water damage.
Sulphur Springs firefighters were dispatched at 11:35 a.m. Dec. 25, 2022 to the Jonas Street house fire. Hopkins County firefighters responded with mutual aid and, after arriving at 11:40 a.m. and assessing the situation, off-duty firefighters from another shift at SSFD were called in to assist as well. Firefighters had the fire out by 1:02 p.m. but remained on scene until 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, making sure there were no remaining smoldering embers in the walls or other parts of the structure which could easily rekindle, according to fire reports.
Sulphur Springs Assistant Fire Marshal Aaron Kager said the fire is accidental in nature.
The female resident had reportedly been cooking on the stove on Christmas Day and left for a short time, while her husband remained at home. The woman believed she’d turned the burner off. A pan on the burner on the kitchen stove caught on fire, spread through the vent hood above the stove into the attic, then continued burning across the entirety of the attic. The house began filling with smoke. The husband discovered a pan on fire on the stove and attempted to move it and extinguish the fire in the sink. Unfortunately, the fire had already spread into the attic, far beyond what one person could extinguish, fire officials reported.
The male resident was able to get out of the house without injury. Emergency services were called to he Jonas Street blaze. The woman arrived home. Although the attic and roof were destroyed, and there was smoke and water damage from the firefight throughout the home, firefighters said most of the contents of the living quarters below were untouched by the fire itself. The residents were even able to get some of their Christmas presents out. The couple reportedly relocated to a local hotel at least temporarily until other arrangements could be made.
Tuesday Following Christmas Brings Three Teams in Action
Tuesday, Dec. 27 is another busy one, as three teams play in contents. First up is Lady Cats soccer, playing in Gainesville.
Coach Brena and her squad are looking to build upon their impressive outing in their home invitational tournament, where Sulphur Springs took home the gold.
The Lady Cats outscored their four opponents in the home scrimmage tournament by a combined margin of 15-1.
They look to keep the good times rolling on Tuesday, Dec. 27 when they travel just shy of the Red River to take on Gainesville. That game kicks off on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 12:30 P.M.
On Friday Lady Cats soccer returns home to host Henderson at 7:15 P.M. That game at Gerald Prim Stadium later this week is the regular season opener for women’s soccer.
Wildcat soccer also plays in Gainesville on Tuesday, playing later this evening at 7:15 P.M.
Coach Alexi Upton and his team look to get back in the win column after a couple of close losses to very talented teams.
Sulphur Springs is 2-4 heading into their final scrimmage game of the preseason.
They look to end the preseason on the right foot as they head to Gainesville for their final pre-season scrimmage. That game kicks off on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 7:15 P.M.
Just like the Lady Cats, men’s soccer returns home Friday, hosting Kaufman at 7:15 P.M. And again just like women’s soccer, that game at the Prim is the regular season opener.
While not the last team in action on Tuesday, Dec. 27, men’s basketball has a busy few days ahead of them as they participate in Allen’s In-n-Out Holiday Invitational.
Their tournament following Christmas is played in Allen, in the DFW metroplex, but spans across three campuses: Allen HS, Lowery Freshman Center, and Ereckson MS.
Coach Brandon Shaver and his team play one game on Tuesday, with two more to come on Wednesday.
Sulphur Springs plays Tyler Legacy in their tournament opener on Tuesday, Dec. 27.
The Wildcats are 15-4 heading to the DFW metroplex, coming off a solid showing at home versus Bullard. Men’s basketball hit 14 shots from downtown as Wildcat basketball won handedly 76-59.
They hope for similar results on Tuesday, Dec. 27 when they take on Tyler Legacy at Allen HS at 6:30 P.M.
That game takes place in the Auxiliary Gym found within the high school.
If Sulphur Springs wins Tuesday night, they play Wednesday morning (Dec. 28) again in the Auxiliary Gym at 11 A.M. If Coach Shaver’s squad falls Tuesday night, they then would play at 2 P.M. on Wednesday, but at Lowery Freshman Center.
The silver bracket (which Sulphur Springs plays in) can be found here.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Jefferson Street Traffic Stop Nets Marijuana, Pills, Arrest
A Jefferson Street traffic stop netted marijuana, pills and one arrest, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro saw a Chevrolet Colorado pass and turned on his lights to stop it for a traffic violation at 11:27 a.m. Dec. 26, 2022. As he turned around, he reported seeing a bag with what appeared to be marijuana fall in the middle of Jefferson Street.
Upon contact, the male driver claimed not to know anything about the bag in question. The passenger denied knowledge and ownership of the suspected substance as well, Castro noted in arrest reports.
SSPD Officer Sean Hoffman arrived, was advised of the bag and asked to go retrieve it. He did; it contained suspected marijuana and another bag of pills later identified as oxycodone, Castro alleged in arrest reports.
A records check showed the passenger, 43-year-old Angela Marie Childs of Sulphur Springs, to have an outstanding warrant for expired registration. She was taken into custody. A search of the vehicle yielded an open container, according to reports. Because the driver had a medical condition, officers opted to file charges on him at large, according to arrest reports.
Childs was transported to jail, where she was booked in on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge as well as the Class C warrant, according to arrest and jail reports. She remained in the county jail Tuesday morning, Dec. 27, 2022, according to Hopkins County jail records.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report — Dec. 19-25, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Dec. 19-25, 2022, included:
Arrests
- Tammy Crow, 56 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Dec. 20, 2022, on two Wood County Warrants for Stalking and Harassment. (She was released from jail Dec. 24, 2022. Bond was set at $30,000 on the stalking charge and $5,00 on the harassment charge, according to Wood County jail records, available at mywoodcounty.com)
- David Soto, 47 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Dec. 21, 2022, on a Wood County Warrant for Aggravated Assault Family Violence with Deadly Weapon. (Soto, who is also known by David Soto Barron, David Barron Soto and David Rios Baskes was released from Wood County jail on Dec. 22, 2022. Bond on the charge was set at $75,000, according to Wood County jail records, available at mywoodcounty.com)
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 123 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 9 citations and 23 warnings during this reporting period.
