Commissioners Consider Fate Of 2 County Roads, Cyber Security Training, Fire Protection Contracts
Hopkins County Commissioners this week agreed to let a land owner take over maintenance of two county roads, approved four fire protection agreements and an agreement for cyber security training.
2 County Roads
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin told the court during their regular meeting Monday, Dec. 23, that Jack Kempanaar approached him a few months ago about the County Roads 2449 and 2348. The Kempanaars have acquired the land around the two dead end roads. The property used to house dairies.
“His desire was for the county to drop the county maintenance and he would take over the maintenance of these two roads as driveways,” Anglin said.
Anglin said Kempenaar has posted notices on a billboard and at the end of the county roads for more than the 20 days required by law. The commissioner said he believed all required procedures had been followed and recommended turning over those roads to Kempanaar to maintain as private roads.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote of the court.
Cyber security Training
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom reported that all county employees would be required to have cyber security training in the next 6 months or so per law. Newsom noted that all of the commissioners now utilize computers in their work for the precinct as do most county employees.
Newsom proposed signing an agreement with Texas Association of Counties to arrange the training for all county employees and officials who use computers.
Barker said he’d like a motion to approve the agreement to include a stipulation that all employees who may in the future use computers must attend the training, so the training wouldn’t have to be administered again for those individuals.
The motion passed unanimously. Newsom said he’d send it to TAC officials to determine the next move regarding scheduling of training.
Fire Protection Agreements
Hopkins County Commissioners Court accepted fire protection agreements returned signed by representatives for North Hopkins/South Sulphur, Pickton-Pine Forest, Sulphur Bluff and Saltillo Volunteer Fire Departments. Each VFD has to have a signed document with the county in order to receiving funding from Hopkins County.
At the last court session, the court receive and accepted agreements from Como, Cumby and Brinker VFDs. All four submitted Monday for approval were granted.
Fire protection contracts have yet to be approved for Miller Grove and Arbala VFDs. The deadline for fire protection contracts is Feb. 1.
Cornersville WSC Project
Commissioners also at Monday’s meeting approved an agreement to be executed by Hayes Engineering for Cornersville Water Supply Corporation water main improvements.
“This is something that has to go through the court, even though it’s helping the Cornersville Water Supply Corporation in Eastern Hopkins County,” Newsom said.
Asset Disposal
Commissioners approved Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley noted several pieces of old, worn pieces of equipment that he plans to sell using two different auction companies. Among the items are: a wood chipper at auction, 1998 bucket truck that needs some repairs, a hitch trailer, 1980s dump truck bed, 2 mixers (one good for parts and one still operational), a road grader that has some damage from an accident, and a road reclaimer.
“My primary intention to liquidate a lot of this equipment is to consolidate it into one piece of equipment,” Bartley said.
He noted that for the last two years, Precinct 3 has been leasing a piece of equipment that grounds the rock up and mixes oil. Bartley plans to go out for bids for a similar used piece of equipment that will also do the job of multiple pieces of equipment.
The motion to sell the equipment at auction was unanimously approved by the commissioners court.
Mount Vernon Man Jailed On Firearm, Burglary, Credit Card Abuse Warrants
A 26-year-old Mount Vernon man was jailed Dec. 23 on three felony warrants.
Hopkins County sheriff’s officials were notified that Tyler Jon Bogardus was being held in Camp County jail on three Hopkins County warrants. HCSO Deputies Aaron Chaney and Elijah Fite traveled to Pittsburg, took him into custody at 2 p.m. and transported him to Hopkins County jail.
Bogardus remained in Hopkins County jail Christmas Eve on the theft of firearm, burglary of a habitation and credit or debit card abuse warrants. He’s also wanted in Tarrant County on a driving while intoxicated charge, according to jail reports.
Don Julian's Top 16 SSHS Sports Stories For 2019 Continues With #13-15
By Don Julian
A review of the sports files recently produced a list of 16 top stories involving Wildcats and Lady Cats teams during 2019. The list began running Monday, Dec. 23, and will continue through the first day of the New Year, with additional . On January 2, a story will provide the entire list of 16
- #15 Sulphur Springs High School Sports Story For 2019: Wildcats Team Tennis Makes Playoffs
- My #15 highlight for SSHS Sports in 2019 is Wildcats Team Tennis qualifying for bi-district playoffs. On October 15, Wildcats Team Tennis took on Jacksonville at indoor courts at Texas High. Earlier in the season during a tournament, Jacksonville had dominated the Wildcats. That was not the case in the rematch although the Indians did win the bi-district match, 10-5. This year’s Wildcats Team Tennis Squad was more competitive than past teams. They finished in third place in district play behind juggernaut Texas High and rapidly improving Lindale. Perhaps the Wildcats best win of the district campaign was their 15-4 win over Greenville that secured their third place spot in district. Hats off to Wildcats Team Tennis Coach Tony Martinez. My #15 sports story during 2019, Wildcats Team Tennis makes the playoffs.
- #14 SSHS Sports Story: Lady Cats Basketball Wins 24 Games and Makes PLayoffs
- Number 14 on my list involves the Lady Cats Basketball Team. In Coach Brittney Tisdell’s first season (2018-2019) as Head Coach, the Lady Cats, with four senior starters, win 24 games while losing only 8 and they qualify for the playoffs as the district’s third seed. In bi-district, the Lady Cats lost to Jacksonville, 57-46 at Winona. Earlier in the season on senior night for the Lady Cats, the Lady Cats honored five good seniors: sub Tarayla Kelley as well as starters Te’Aria Rose, Danielle Godbolt, Autumn Tanton and SaDavia Porter. My #14 pick for top SSHS sports story in 2019, the Lady Cats Basketball team wins 24 games and qualifies for the playoffs.
- #13 SSHS Sports Story: Wildcats Soccer Team Gives a District Champ Fits in Bi-District
- Number 13 on the list, the Wildcats Soccer Team making the playoffs under first year head soccer coach Alexi Upton. Then, when the Wildcats got there, they played one of their best matches of the season against Jacksonville in bi-district at Mineola. As the district’s #4 seed, the Wildcats drew a district champion in the Indians. Much earlier in the season, Jacksonville had defeated the Wildcats 3-1 in a Longview tournament. Two and a half months later, the Wildcats played some tenacious defense against Jacksonville and gave them all they wanted. The teams battled through regulation with the score tied 0-0. They remained scoreless through overtime’s two periods. Finally the Indians won 4-3 in penalty kicks to win in a shootout. Jacksonville later told Coach Upton, the Wildcats gave them the best game they had in the playoffs until the Indians finally lost several rounds later to powerful Frisco Wakeland coached for former Wildcat Coach Andy Holt. My #13 top sports story from SSHS for 2019, the Wildcats Soccer Team’s impressive showing in bi-district playoff action against a good Jacksonville team in Coach Upton’s first season as Wildcats Head coach.
Arkansas Man Jailed On Controlled Substance, Marijuana, Weapon Charges
A 29-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas man was jailed Monday morning after troopers found a pill, other suspected controlled substance and weapon in his possession during a routine traffic stop, troopers alleged in arrest reports.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Warren Williamson stopped a 2013 Dodge Challenger at 9:50 a.m. Dec. 23 on Interstate 30 at mile marker 141 for traveling slow in the left lane. As the vehicle came to a stop, the trooper reported seeing the passenger making furtive movements in the vehicle, reaching toward the back seat.
On contact, Williamson reported smelling a heavy marijuana odor emitting from inside of the car. The driver allegedly confirmed the passenger, Kevin D. Turner, had recently smoked marijuana.
During a search, Williamson alleged finding a white tablet suspected to be homemade Ecstasy in Turner’s pocket. A small container with a green, leafy substance the trooper believed to be marijuana was found under the front passenger’s seat where Turner had been sitting; the label on it said THC, Williamson alleged in arrest reports.
Turner allegedly claimed the substance. A semi automatic handgun was also reportedly found in a backpack on the back seat, in the area Turner had reportedly been reaching at the time of the stop, Williamson alleged in reports.
Turner too was alleged to be listed in a protective order, and identified as a dangerous with violent tendencies and to be known to carry a gun.
Turner was jailed for possession of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon. The driver and car were released, according to arrest reports.
Turner remained in the county jail Christmas Eve in lieu of $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, $2,000 bond on the weapon charge and $1,000 on the marijuana charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO: Suspicious Activity Complaint Results in Controlled Substance Arrest
A suspicious activity complaint early Tuesday morning resulted in a Mount Vernon man’s arrest on a controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of suspicious activity in the area of FM 269 and County Road 2416 after 3 a.m. Christmas Eve. They reported seeing a Chevrolet Malibu, which matched the description of the vehicle connected to the suspicious activity complaint, so one of the deputies stopped the car, which had three occupants.
The driver allegedly claimed to be in the area picking up the back seat passenger, and agreed to a search of the car. A bag containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine was found in the passgner’s seat where Christopher Calvin Lightfoot had been sitting, HCSO Deputies Drew Fisher and Kevin Lester alleged in arrest reports.
No one claimed the substance, but it was alleged to have been located among other items Lightfoot had removed from his pockets, resulting in his arrest. The other occupants were released, according to arrest reports
Lightfoot remained in the county jail later Christmas Eve. Bond on the possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
Winnsboro Man Accused Of Trying To Escape From Hopkins County Jail
A 53-year-old Winnsboro man arrested Friday morning for aggravated assault and three other charges Monday added another offense to the list of charges he is accused of — escape.
Coy Wayne Wells is accused of one of the shortest known jail escape attempts in Hopkins County. He was reportedly in custody in less than a minute, according to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum.
Well allegedly walked out the book-in exit with jail trusties and attempted to escape by walking out of the sally port at the sheriff’s office behind the jail trusties. However, the man, not a trusty, instead of going to work with the trusties continued walking north on the sidewalk, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Shea Shaw alleged in arrest reports.
“He’s lucky the jailer caught him, before the trusties could get to him,” Tatum said. “He was going out the sally port door. It lasted less than a minute, but he did try, so he was charged with escape.”
Wells remained in Hopkins County jail Christmas Eve morning. His bond on the escape while arrested or confined was set at $10,000. He also still has the four other charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charges. Bond was set at $30,000 each on the assault and controlled substance charges, and $10,000 each on the firearm and evading arrest charges, according to jail reports.
Wells was in custody for allegedly fleeing through a pasture Friday morning, Dec. 20, to avoid authorities, following involvement in a disturbance with weapons at a rural Hopkins County residence, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at 9:24 a.m. Dec. 20 to a disturbance at a residence in the 100 block of County Road 2398. County 911 operators were told a woman’s husband had showed up swinging a knife and ax handle, according to dispatch reports.
Upon arrival, deputies reportedly spotted the 53-year-old man and instructed him to stop. Instead of heeding the command, however, the man allegedly got into a gray Ford pickup and drove it through a pasture to the 200 block of County Road 2398. The man then was alleged to have fled from the F150 truck into the residence with a deputy pursuing him. The man was placed into custody pending further investigation, HCSO Depty Chris Baumann and Sgt. Tanner Steward alleged in arrest reports.
A firearm was allegedly found in the bed of the truck when it was inventoried by officers, prior to it being impounded. A records check showed the man, identified in arrest reports as Coy Wayne Wells, to be a convicted felon, resulting in him being charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, according to arrest reports.
Based on further investigation of the original disturbance call, deputies determined Wells to have committed aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resulting in an addition charge, the sheriff’s officers alleged in arrest reports. No one was reported to have sustained any serious injuries as a result of the alleged assault, deputies reported.
Wells was then transported to the county jail, where the man was allegedly found to have been in possession of 87.58 grams of a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine, resulting in an additional charge, Baumann and Steward alleged in arrest reports.
Hopkins County Man Jailed For Intoxication Assault, Intoxication Manslaughter
A 36-year-old Hopkins County man was arrested Monday night on intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault charges, following a crash on FM 1567 in which one children was reportedly killed and another injured.
Brant Lee McGinnis, whose mailing address is Yantis but according to authorities lives in Hopins County, was alleged to have been intoxicated while driving the 2003 GMC Yukon on FM 1567 near FM 2948 Dec. 23, when the crash occurred.
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, and Hopkins County, Arbala and Como firefighters were dispatched at 5:10 p.m. Dec. 23 to FM 1567 east to what was reported as a one-vehicle rollover crash in which people were reportedly injured.
Upon arrival, at least one of the three occupants were reported to have been ejected from the vehicle, according to Texas Department of Public Safety and sheriff’s reports.
The driver was identified as Brant Lee McGinnis, 36, of Yantis. A 9-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the crash site at 5:19 p.m. Dec. 23 by Justice of the Peace BJ Teer. An autopsy has been ordered as is standard procedure in fatal crashes. An 11-year-old girl was transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash, then later transferred to Children’s Hospital, according to DPS and Teer. No update regarding the injured girl’s condition was available Tuesday morning.
DPS Trooper Christopher Sorley, in arrest and crash reports, stated that based on his investigation it is believed McGinnis was driving the sport utility vehicle east on FM 1567 at an unsafe speed as it entered a curve. The SUV went off the road into the north ditch, where it rolled onto its passenger side before resting on the passenger’s side in a ditch facing west. During the crash two occupants were ejected from the vehicle, according to arrest and DPS reports.
“McGinnis admitted to drinking 6 beers before driving with his two young girls,” Sorley alleged in arrest reporrts.
McGinnis allegedly agreed to give a blood sample for testing and was taken to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. He was released later Monday night, Dec. 23, from the hospital with minor bruises after being cleared by a doctor, Sorley noted in arrest reports.
McGinnis was booked into the county jail at 9:45 p.m. Dec. 23 for intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. He remained in the county jail at 9 a.m. Christmas Eve; his bond was set at $75,000 on the second degree felony charge of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and $30,000 on the third-degree felony intoxication assault with a vehicle resulting in bodily injury charge, according to jail reports.
Micky Masters
Micky Masters, 73, of Beaufort, South Carolina passed away on Sunday December 22nd, 2019. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday December 28th starting at 2pm at the West Oaks Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held immediately after the service.
Micky Masters was born on September 5th, 1946 and adopted by Jim and Johnnie Masters. She was raised and lived in Sulphur Springs along with her younger brother Jimmy Masters. She raised her two sons, Jay and Chad with husband Larry “Butch” Young. She then moved around and excelled at her passion of remodeling houses in Dallas, TX, Malibu, CA, Oxford, MS, and Beaufort, SC. She modeled for Neiman Marcus while still a teenager and had the gift to play piano by ear. Creative and artistic, she devoured any project, task, or hobby that she chose to undertake. From painting to music, needlepoint to photography, she conquered every task she decided to tackle.
In 1996, she married Bill Barnett, and quickly expanded her family to include 6 step-children. After a few more moves and a few more remodels, Micky and Bill settled at Lake Quitman, enjoying retirement until Bill’s passing in 2011. As she could never sit still, she moved and remodeled yet again, building her last project in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Micky was preceded in death by her parents, as well as Bill Barnett, and step-daughter Ashley Barnett.
Micky is survived by sons, Jay Young and wife, Michelle; Chad Young and wife, Rhonda; grandchildren, Sara Young, Riley Young, Delaney Young, Kelsey Young, and Mikala Young; stepsons, Cooper, Seth, and Adam Barnett; stepdaughters, Mona Volk and Madeline Barnett; brother, Jimmy Masters and wife Monte. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and others that affectionately called her “Poppy”.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be made to the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, 115 Airport Road, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Or by calling (903) 438-4799.
Dike VFD Recognized For 34 Years Of Service
Hopkins County Commissioners Court and Fire Chief Andy Endsley recognized Dike Volunteer Fire Department as part of Hopkins County Fire Department’s year-long 20th anniversary celebration. Each month a different volunteer fire department is recognized for their ongoing contributions to the community, responding alongside county firefighters.
“Dike has always been there, like the ones we’ve honored throughout. We have one more VFD left. We didn’t start this celebration until the end of January, so we’re still in that year’s scope of time to get all of these departments in there,” HCFD Chief Endsley said.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom, when presenting a framed proclamation to three members of Dike VFD Monday morning, gave a brief synopsis of the department’s history.
Dike VFD’s first station was built by Dike residents G.R. Romans, Pat Potts, Archie Collins, Scott Tubb and others.
Gerald Hazelwood, A.G. Sandifeer, Ricky Massey, Jay Sandifeer, Daniel Eppars, Joel Pace and Archie Collins were the first members of Dike VFD, with Collins as the first chief.
Currently, Dike VFD has nine members — Fire Chief A.G. Sandifeer, Assistant Chief Joel Pace, Jack Towers, Clint Rubb, Ralph Calhoun, Allen Nelson T.G. Sandifeer, Chad Jones and David Joslin.
Dike VFD’s first fire apparatus was an old fire truck donated by North Hopkins VFD. Dike later received a one-ton chassis cab purchased by Hopkins County. Department members fully equipped the chassis cab to operate as a brush truck for the community of Dike. At present the department has four fire apparatus.
Initially, all calls were received by telephone. The phone was later replaced by beepers, and radios are currently used by Dike VFD members to communicate with dispatchers.
“You can always depend on Dike to show up. I don’t know that I ever recall them missing a call. One of these guys are always there. Once there, they are very good help. We appreciate all they do for Hopkins County,” Endsley said.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley to extended personal thanks to the members of Dike VFD for their continued dedication.
“No matter what time day or night they are there. I appreciate it and the community does too. But, I don’t think everybody realizes how much time they devote to the volunteering. Guys, I just want to tell you I appreciate appreciate it very much,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley said.
Newsom encourages all county citizens to join HCFD and the Commissioners Court in applauding “the outstanding efforts of the Dike Volunteer Fire Department,” recoginzing “the dedication in their perseverance to provide protection for each citizen and their property” and, offering “heartfelt appreciation for the servanthood of each one.”
“Thank yall for this. We’ve worked a long time for this. We’ve been doing this for 30-something years and we hope we continue to help the community. Thank you,” said Dike VFD Chief A.G. Sandifeer.
Don Julian's Top 16 SSHS Sports Stories for 2019 Begins With #16: Lady Cats Soccer
A review of the sports files recently produced a list of 16 top stories involving Wildcats and Lady Cats teams during 2019. The list begins running Monday (December 23) and will continue through the first day of the New Year. On January 2, a story will provide the entire list of 16. # 16 involves the Lady Cats Soccer Team that overcame injuries and a very tough schedule, especially in early tournaments, to qualify for the playoffs. In bi-district, the Lady Cats were matched up with old district foe, Hallsville. The Lady Cats hung with Hallsville fairly well but the Lady Bobcats came out on top 3-0. The game was the last for Lady Cats Coach Joel Bailey, who was a longtime assistant coach, was interim head coach about ten years ago and was head coach for the past two years. The past two years Coach Bailey’s Lady Cats suffered from a lot of injuries. Coach Bailey may have retired from coaching but you can still find him teaching at Sulphur Springs High School. Javier Aguayo moved over from Wildcats assistant soccer coach to take the job as Lady Cats head coach and his Lady Cats have looked good in a couple of December scrimmages. My #16 sports story from SSHS in 2019, the Lady Cats soccer team making the playoffs.
