SSPD Asking For Help Identifying Man In Connection With Vehicle Burglary
The Sulphur Springs Police Department investigators are requesting the public’s help identifying a male subject sought in connection with a June 3, 2022, vehicle burglary.
Several credit cards were to have been stolen during the burglary and used immediately afterward inside the Sulphur Springs Wal-Mart to purchase over $4,000 in gift cards, according to an SSPD release.
Anyone who has information on the identity of the male in these video screen-captures is asked to please contact Lt. Mark Estes at SSPD at 903 885-7602 or to anonymously report information to Crime Stoppers at 903 885-2020.
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.
Hospital District Accepting Landscaping Bids For New EMS Station & District Headquarters
Hopkins County Hospital District is another step closer to finishing out the new EMS station and district headquarters. The District is now accepting landscaping bids for the facility, being constructed across Airport Road from CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs and the current facility.
“Our intent is to get someone local if possible to do the landscaping. We are looking at getting a local company if possible to spend those dollars locally. It’s primary for the installation of plants and trees. This is not the annual maintenance contract,” said HCHD CEO/EMS Director Brent Smith.
The new facility is coming along well, with October as a projected move-in date. While some finishing out work is underway in the rest of the facility, the apparatus by remains to be completed. Crews are awaiting the arrival of metal framing, which is ordered. The steel materials could take as long as August to arrive, but could arrive as early as next month.
The list for landscaping, as described on Rees drawings, includes six different types of trees and more than a dozen different types of plants, various seasonal planters and edging.
Anyone interested in supplying plants and trees and doing the initial landscaping for the EMS/HCHD building can email Brent Smith directly at [email protected] to request a packet. Bids are due by noon Friday, June 24, 2022.
Chamber Connection – June 8: Entries Hopkins County Stew Logo Contest Open Until July 14
By Butch Burney
It’s June, which means stew is in the air – or at least the planning has begun.
The 53rd Annual World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest is opening up its annual logo contest. This year’s theme is Road Trip Stew 22 (the stew is Oct. 22, 2022), a take off from Route 66.
The logo contest runs through June 30. The winner will receive four stew tickets, four T-shirts with the logo on the front, one quart stew ticket and a coveted parking pass.
The Chamber board will pick the winning logo on July 14.
To submit an entry, email in jpg format to [email protected] or upload it to our website.
Business After Hours
You won’t want to miss the Chamber’s Business After Hours at Rhythmic Productions, hosted by Calvin Hickerson, from 4:30-6 p.m. at his studio located at 1217 South Broadway. Calvin will have live music, food and drinks for the everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not, come on for one of the best networking events.
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.
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].
Dairy Festival
It’s Dairy Festival time in Hopkins County!
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.
Blood Drive
Red River Credit Union will team with Carter BloodCare for a blood drive on Monday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of RRCU at 822 Gilmer St. Donors will receive a T-shirt while supplies last. For more information, contact Stephani Britton at 903-735-3000, ext. 2107, or email [email protected].
Mental Health First Aid
Lakes Regional will host a two-day event for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), which is free and open to the public. The adult MHFA is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 14 at the Lakes Regional Sulphur Springs location on Airport Road. The youth seminar will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 26.
To register, call 972-977-7295 or email [email protected].
Veterans Honor Flight
A send-off for four local veterans who will be taking the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 9, on the steps of the Hopkins County Courthouse. The ceremony will see off veterans Phillip Gabbert, Richard Patterson and Gene White as well as recognize Troy Gilbreath, who went on the last Honor Flight.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
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 hosted a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 1, for its new food line. The VFW Casino is open to the public for food, drinks, billiards, shuffleboard and other fun activities.
- G3 Mercantile hosted a ribbon cutting at its new location at 204 Church St. at noon Friday, June 3. Please visit this unique shop.
- Humana will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, June 8, at the Chamber office. Please join us for the ribbon cutting.
- Tolleson Family Market will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, June 17, at their shop at 300 Connally St. Please help us welcome them to the community.
Business of the Week
The Chamber’s Business of the Week for June 8 is Jay Hodge Chevrolet, a valuable member of our business community. See more about Jay Hodge Chevrolet on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
RSVP Names Senior Citizens Center 2021 Hopkins County Station, Rick Wilson Volunteer Of Year
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center was awarded 2021 Hopkins County Station of the Year by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Rick Wilson was named Volunteer of the Year at an Awards Banquet held at New Beginnings Church last week.
Station of the Year
The volunteers from the Senior Citizens Center who attended the banquet accepted a plaque and the certificate of award during the June 2 program.
“We were so happy to get the award. Our volunteers are the best all around. They give of themselves every week. We have been really short-handed and they all step up and pitch right in where and when they are needed. The Senior Citizens Center could not function without them. They are very loved and appreciated,” said Karon Weatherman, Senior Citizens Center program and marketing director.
The Senior Citizens Center in Sulphur Springs has partnered with RSVP for more than 18 years. During that time 311 RSVP volunteers have contributed more than 257,000 hours toward the program’s mission.
Noted as part of the was the following:
“Operating as a one-stop shop for every activity or service a senior adult could possibly need, this station provides deliveries of home-cooked meals to homebound seniors (which also serves as a friendly check-up on their well-being), and a wide variety of activities to keep older adults physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. From exercise classes, to games, to special recognition events, this station gives seniors daily opportunities to remain socially engaged and enjoy the fellowship of other older adults.
“Without question, the residents of Hopkins County benefit greatly from all this station provides to improve the quality of life for its seniors.”
In 2020, the Meal A Day Program and Senior Center also were recognized by RSVP for their continued dedication to serving the community, even during a pandemic.
Volunteer of the Year
Rick Wilson also was recognized during then banquet for the time he donates to the community. Wilson received an award naming him the Volunteer of the Year for 2021 during the RSVP awards program June 2, 2022.
If there’s something going on at Hopkins County Historical Heritage Park and Historical Society, you can just about bet Rick Wilson is involved. He helps maintain the historical site and preserve the buildings and history of Hopkins County, which includes helping to conduct activities such as Dutch Oven Cook-Offs, Indian Summer Days and Christmas in the Park; and meetings and activities featuring both the Historical and Genealogical Societies. Wilson’s dedication to the organization spans at least three decades.
Wilson served his country previously in the US Army, and too has served as part of Hopkins County Military Coalition, providing military graveside honors for others who have served.
He has also has been involved with the regional Boy Scouts of America since his son was in Scouts. He’s served on the Council, worked behind the scenes when weekend and weeklong summer camps were held at the regional BSA camp in Oklahoma, helped host day camps at the Heritage Park as well as pack and troupe events in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
Congratulations to the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center on being selected the 2021 Hopkins County Station of the Year and Rick Wilson on being named the RSVP 2021 Volunteer of the Year. Hopkins County is fortunate to have such dedicated community volunteers.
About RSVP
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is America’s largest network for people age 55 and older contributing their time and experience to important organizations that improve the community.
Since 1971, RSVP has matched the personal interests and skills of seniors with opportunities to help solve significant problems in their communities and meet the needs of their fellow citizens. RSVP volunteers choose how and where they want to serve, from a few to over 40 hours a week in a wide range of community organizations. RSVP has no income eligibility requirements. Volunteers may receive reimbursement of some out-of-pocket expenses. Supplemental insurance coverage is provided while on duty.
To find out more about local volunteer opportunities, contact RSVP Coordinator Kelly Hamill at the Red River Valley RSVP at 903-782-0441, or email her at [email protected].
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed On Sex Charge
A 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed Monday on a sex charge, according to arrest reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
According to the court docket, Marco Antonio Sandoval was slated to be at the courthouse at 8 a.m. June 6 for jury selection on a June 26, 2021 burglary of a habitation charge.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Richard Brantley took Sandoval into custody at 8:10 a.m. June 6, 2022, at Hopkins County Courthouse on the sexual assault of a child warrant. The offense, Brantley noted in arrest reports, is alleged to have occurred on June 4, 2022. Sandoval was booked into Hopkins County jail at 8:39 a.m. on the felony charge.
He also had two outstanding traffic warrants. Sandoval remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Bond on the sexual assault of a child charge was set at $100,000, 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.
DSHS Confirms First Monkeypox Case In Texas In 2022
The Texas Department of State Health Services is working with Dallas County Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a Dallas County resident with recent international travel. The patient is isolated at home. The public health investigation has identified a few people who may have been exposed in Dallas and are monitoring themselves for symptoms of infection. The illness does not currently present a risk to the general public.
Public health officials are reaching out to passengers who could have been exposed to the patient on a flight from Mexico to Dallas with instructions on how to monitor themselves for symptoms.
The CDC are tracking multiple cases of monkeypox that have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. DSHS and the CDC urge health care providers in the U.S. to be alert for patients with rash illnesses consistent to monkeypox. More guidance for providers and general information about monkeypox is available online at www.dshs.texas.gov/IDCU/disease/Monkeypox.aspx and www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/index.html.
Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal. It can also be transmitted from person to person by inhaling large respiratory droplets or through close contact with body fluids and lesions, as well as bedding and other contaminated materials. Those infected may experience fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes, as well as more serious complications.
Dallas County Health and Human Services is leading the investigation and has more information on their website.
What To Do About Filamentous Algae In Ponds
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hopkins County, [email protected].
As the hot days of summer reach Hopkins County, it is just gratifying to spend more time outdoors and is common to conduct recreational activities around ponds and lakes. It is common then to notice plant and algae growing in them. Filamentous algae starts growing along the bottom in shallow water or attached to structures in the water (like rocks or other aquatic plants). Often, filamentous algae floats to the surface forming large mats, which are commonly referred to as “pond scums.” There are many species of filamentous algae and often more than one species will be present at the same time in the pond. Filamentous algae has no known direct food value to wildlife.
(Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photo)
Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates (i.e. bugs, worms, etc.). These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates. Filamentous algae can be raked or seined from the pond.
Fertilization to produce a phytoplankton or algal “bloom” can prevent the establishment of filamentous algae if started early enough in the spring. Fertilization also produces a strong food chain to the pond fish.
Non-toxic dyes or colorants prevent or reduce aquatic plant growth by limiting sunlight penetration, similar to fertilization. However, dyes do not enhance the natural food chain and will suppress the natural food chain of the pond. Many types of mechanical removal devices are available that cut or chop up aquatic weeds. It is important to remember that many submerged plants regrow from fragments, so removal of cut fragments may be necessary to keep from spreading the unwanted plant.
Tilapia will consume filamentous algae but are a warm water species that cannot survive in temperatures below 55 F. Therefore, tilapia usually cannot be stocked before mid-April or May and will die in November or December. Recommended stocking rates are 15 to 20 pounds of mixed sex adult Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) per surface acre area. Tilapia are often not effective for vegetation control if the pond has a large bass population due to intense predation.
In Texas, stocking tilapia requires approval from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department if the pond is in the designated “conservation zone” to ensure tilapia cannot escape and negatively impact imperiled native fishes. Tilapia must be purchased from a permitted seller regardless of zone.
The active ingredients that have been successful in treating Filamentous Algae include: Copper Based Compounds (Rated: Excellent) Diquat (Rated: Good) Alkylamine Salts of Endothall (Rated: Good) Flumioxazin (Rated: Good) Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate (Rated: Good). Always read the product label for directions and precautions, as the label is the law. Click on the name of the product to see the label. Read the label for specific water use restrictions.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Paris Junior College Students on President, Deans Lists
Paris Junior College-SSpgs
Public Information Services
PJC Students on President, Deans lists
Paris Junior College is pleased to announce that 184 students were named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement during the Spring 2022 semester.
To be eligible for the President’s List, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average, (straight A’s) on a minimum of 15 semester hours. Those on the dean’s list must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average for at least 15 semester hours, and have no grade lower than a “C.” Both lists are compiled exclusive of developmental hours.
Students on the PJC President’s List by hometown in area:
Brashear: Juan Andrade
Brookston: Latharian Huff
Cooper: Bryce Barrientos-Mendez, Alec Omel
Emory: Naim Diego
Mount Vernon: Baylee Covington
Pecan Gap: Jessie McGuire, Gabriella Morgan
Pickton: David Barth
Sulphur Springs: Jacob Bustos, Penelope Deterding, Bobbie Dye, Emma George, Maria Nunez, Cesar Rivera, Karen Rosales, Leslie Velasco
Students from the Dean’s List by hometown in Texas:
Dike: Bailey Neal
Emory: Savanna Anderson
Ladonia: Rebekah Fornof
Lone Oak: Ramona Carter
Quinlan: Molly Miller
Yantis: Jarrett Bartley
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.
Paris Junior College Offering Free Robotics Coding Camps
Paris Junior College – Public Information Services
Parents should enroll children now
Paris Junior College is holding a robotics coding camp made possible by the Texas Workforce Commission at five locations in June, July and August. The free camp is for students entering the sixth, seventh, or eighth grades, or those who have completed eighth grade in the 2021-22 school year.
The Robotics Coding Camp is designed to allow students to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. By using a snap-together robotics system, students will be able to design, build and code an endless variety of robots; watch code come alive on a physical robot and apply key STEM skills. By familiarizing students with coding, programming sensors and automation, they hone critical computational thinking skills needed to succeed.
The sign-up deadline is 10 days prior to the first day of the specific camp selected. Dates and locations of those camps are:
June 20-24, 2022: PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
June 27-July 1, 2022: Paris Junior College, Paris campus
July 11-15, 2022: PJC-Greenville Center
July 18-22, 2022: Quinlan ISD
July 25-29, 2022: Pattonville/Prairiland ISD
August 1-5, 2022: Paris Junior College, Paris campus
Enrollment is limited and priority is given to foster youth, students with disabilities, students from low income families, and students from populations underserved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
To apply, a parent or guardian and the student must complete the application form and a parent or guardian must complete the Permission, Medical & Media Release Form. All forms must be submitted by the deadline of ten (10) days before the first camp date for the chosen session. The forms may be found at https://www.parisjc.edu/downloads/coding-camp-flyer.pdf.
PJC received a $53,246.00 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to provide curriculum to bring computer science to life and teach real industry competency. The six camps will accept 90 students who will become familiar with the interactive approach to applied learning where students will explore the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. By using a snap-together robotics system, students will be able to design, build, and code and endless variety of robots; watch code come alive on a physical robot and apply key STEM skills. By familiarizing students with coding, programming sensors, and automation, they hone critical computational thinking skills needed to succeed.
“The growing demand for high-skilled technical workers means Texas must continue to attract more students into STEM fields,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Through programs like Camp Code, TWC remains committed to building a diverse workforce with the foundation in STEM necessary to keep our world class economy growing.”
Camps are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students may be dropped off at 8:45 a.m. and picked up by 3:15 p.m. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance; parents or guardians will be notified if their child has been selected.
For questions or additional information, please contact 903-782-0447. The application may be emailed to [email protected], faxed to 903-782-0443, or dropped off at the PJC Continuing Education Department in Paris or at the PJC-Greenville or PJC-Sulphur Springs by the deadline of 10 days in advance of each camp’s start.The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email updates.
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.
Good News for Solar Farm Companies
June 7, 2022 – It’s good news for solar farms across the United States as President Biden offers a two year reprieve on potential tariffs on solar panels imported from key Asian countries. The four countries named in the order are Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Reports abounds that these countries are complicit in helping China avoid tariff on panels headed to the USA, a practice fist describe in 2012.
In 2012, the Obama Whitehouse concluded that China was dumping cheap panels on the US market. Tarrifs up to 250% were placed on all Chinese panel imports. This was done in part to encourage US based manufacturing. Overall the massive tariffs have had little effect on boosting US Manufacturing. What the tariffs did achieve was forcing panel manufacturing out of China and into Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Biden’s action will help solar farm projects across the nation that are currently stalled because of decreased panel availability and increased prices. Installation companies will no longer need to hold reserve capital to pay potential import tariffs. This will free up cash and help start new projects.
The US Solar Industry
This is a blow to all US based panel maker. It takes time to scale up production to the levels required to satisfy current demand. Now it seems any investments in production have been wasted.
The market has shown that US consumers do not consider country of origin on most products they purchase, and doubly so on solar panels. Panels are the top cost in any solar project, depending on if batteries are used. Most current solar installation do not include costly batteries, relying on the power grid to buffer their output and provide additional needs. For most, it comes down to the cost per kwh. When you take the potential power created, and divide by the cost of all the panels, the difference in domestic and imported panels is huge.
Hopkins County is now home to several solar farm projects. Click here for more solar farm related stores on KSSTRadio.com
