Investigation, 4 Arrests Expected to Clear Over A Dozen Burglary, Theft Cases
Sulphur Springs police anticipate clearing more than a dozen rimes reported over the last 6 weeks by the end of the week, and filing additional charges against four teens taken into custody in the last four days.
The investigation came to a head with the arrest of 17-year-old Chanin Arwon Holiness Thursday; and Jumierquai Davison, Clarence Ofield III and Kelley Waterhouse Jr. early Sunday morning, according to Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Detective Brian Shurtleff.
Police got their first big break in these cases after obtaining surveillance footage from a vehicle burglary and posted it on their social media site. Through continued investigation and interviews with informants, the officers were able to identify suspect vehicles. They continued working leads, which lead to Holiness being taken into custody at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at Sulphur Springs Alternative School on an unauthorized use of motor vehicle warrant, the police investigator reports.
Police continued working leads. After a brief vehicle pursuit, then foot pursuit, patrol officers took Davison, Ofield and Waterhouse into custody just before 1 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 20.
During interviews, the trio confessed to involvement in other offenses, Shurtleff alleged Monday. Police anticipate filing additional charges naming the four in various offenses they admitted to or that police otherwise received information they were involved in, according to the police detective.
Overall, police anticipate clearing at least 10 vehicle burglaries, three vehicle thefts and the burglary of a convenience store in the 200 block of College Street, where a fire extinguisher was thrown through the door and tobacco products were stolen.
Two of the teens, Shurtleff said, were implicated in most of these cases. He anticipates more cases being closed and sent to the district attorney’s office for further action by the end of the week.
Shurtleff said in addition to clearing numerous cases the investigation has also resulted in recovery of many of the items reported stolen, including a couple of different guns and the three stolen vehicles. While man items have been accounted for, there are still some items that have.
In most of these vehicle burglary and theft cases, vehicles were left unlocked, providing easy access to personal belongings and in some case keys in the vehicles.
This marks at least the second time this year that Davison, Waterhouse and Ofield have been arrested in connection to a rash of vehicle burglaries and a vehicle theft. They were among five youth charged in April in connection with the cases. They allegedly took items from unlocked vehicles the weekend of April 13-14, police said following their arrests in April.
Shurtleff said the cases should serve as reminders to drivers to lock their vehicles when they go inside, and to not leave valuables in vehicles, including keys.
Meal a Day Inside the Seniors Center Is Supported by Volunteers, Donations
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is in the spotlight right now, as Early Voting has begun for a Bond Election which would allow for the construction of a new, larger Senior Citizens Center on property already owned by the City. The Meal-a Day operation is also a major part of the daily usage of the Seniors Center. Here is some information about the Meal-a-Day program.
According to Karon Weatherman, Director of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, the Meal A Day Program has been operating there since 1981. Staff for cooks, clean-up crew and delivery drivers is provided entirely by volunteers, which rotates weekdays. Every week, at least 60 volunteers are on hand at the Center from 7 am until around 12 noon as cooks, preparation, clean-up and delivery drivers. Some volunteers serve 3 days per week, and some 2 days per week. Meals for over 3,000 persons are prepared every month, or an average of 164 meals delivered per day, and around 30 walk-outs per day, or meals picked up by seniors at the Center. Meals cost $2 each. Karon and her office volunteer staff cares for the ordering and stocking of foods and supplies, as well as decorating and setting up seating for the various meetings and events held at the Seniors Center outside of Meal a Day hours. “We’re busting at the seams now. We really need more pantry and storage room. And with the small public space we currently have, we can only hold one event at a time. It would be great to have separate space for those who come for exercise, for crafts or for educational programs as well as for lunch”.
Recently, the Meal a Day program was in jeopardy of having to close on Wednesdays and Thursdays due to lack of kitchen volunteers. After a plea for help went out, volunteers came forward which will keep the Meal-a-Day operating “for now” according to Karon. “It’s always true that our volunteer list needs to include more alternates and substitutes, as back-up for the regular volunteers. This is an area where you could be added to the list to “fill in” when needed, such as when a regular volunteer takes a vacation week or needs to be out for personal reasons. And as our regulars can tell you, the volunteers are blessed way more than the shut-ins who receive the meals are. The cooks prepare attractive, nutritious and delicious meals, but cooks dont always see the effect on the people at the homes we deliver to. But the drivers do! Getting these meals helps shut-ins stay independent longer, and they are appreciative for that. Plus, a brief but caring visit and a friendly smile from our drivers when they bring the meal to the door and place it in their hands really brightens the day for many shut-ins we serve. Some days, we are the only real person they may see.”
Karon is thrilled about the prospect for a new Seniors Center. She had started a Building Fund on her own last year that is still being added to. As of today, the Building Fund total is $82,810.71, gathered from individuals and organizations in the community who want to help make a new Center a reality. If the Bond passed, this fund will be used for seating and furnishings. Donations continue to come in, like the most recent of $300 from the Junior Waverly Club.
An election is underway now for Hopkins County voters to show their support for construction on land that already belongs to the city, at no cost to voters. Likewise, voters can show support for needed improvements to Pacific Park, at no cost to voters. According to a staunch supporter of economic development in Hopkins County, the industries and companies attracted to our county through economic development are governed by people who seek a strong and positive community as a home for their business. They also seek a city which would make a well-rounded home for their administrators and employees, and that means looking at schools, churches, city and county government, and a low crime rate, as well as parks and care facilities for their families, which today are often multi-generational.
Rainfall in Hopkins County and Other Storm Reports From Sunday Night’s Weather
Listener reports came in to KSST early Monday from across the county about rainfall received from Sunday night’s destructive storms which affected Hopkins County during the wee hours of Monday.
A Tira lisener reported 1.9″
Sandfield Community about 2″
Rocky Ridge 1 7/8″. “Rain came in three different waves plus a lot of lightning”
1 7/8″ at Brinker
on CR 1174 just south of Sulphur Springs, almost 3″ of rain. “the first wave amounted to 1/2″ then the second wave of th storm brought lots more rain and the third wave really dumped the rainfall. There was not a lot of wind but there was a lot of lightning”.
2 4/10″ in town, just off Mockingbird Lane.
KSST’s James Terry rode the storm on the air through the midnight hour until weather danger seemed to have passed. He said that Oncor was reporting about 6,000 power outages in the Metroplex area, which may have included more as day broke on Monday. The storms affected the main campus of Texas A and M Commerce, downing trees and causing power outages. The main campus will re-open to students on Tuesday October 22, 2019.
Joy Wilson of Sulphur Springs reports that her son Jay Porterfield, a former Hopkins County resident, sustained extensive damage at his home in Sachse. The first storm at about 9:30 pm Sunday broke out windows and started a leak in the roof, so as a more destructive second wave brought additional damage to the home and property, the family took refuge in a safe area under the stairs. His 5-bay shop, where the family’s vehicles were placed for safety, had it’s roof and overhead doors buckled from wind and the cars could not be removed. At 1am, the family was escorted from their home by emergency workers and guided around hot electrical wires on the ground, and they spent the night in a Wylie hotel. This morning, Jay reported that their large horse trailer was nowhere in sight at first, but when located, “it looked like it had been rolled then thrown back to the ground”. Other homes in his neighborhood were flattened, but it appears that everyone has been accounted for.
3 Sulphur Springs Teens Stopped In Stolen SUV
Three 18-year-old Sulphur Springs men stopped early Sunday morning in a stolen sport utility vehicle allegedly compounded their legal troubles when they ran from police, according to police reports.
Sulphur Springs police reportedly conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Durango at 12:57 a.m. Oct. 20 on Mockingbird Lane. After weaving through parking lots, the vehicle stopped. All three occupants allegedly ran from officers. A records check showed the vehicle they were in had recently been reported to local authorities as having been stolen from a Sulphur Springs location, according to police reports.
Officers pursued the fleeing trio. Kelley Durayl Waterhouse Jr. was located and taken into custody on Mockingbird Lane at East Industrial Drive, Sulphur Springs Police Lt. Eddie Moon and Sgt. Josh Shufeldt alleged in arrest reports.
Jumierquai Doverieay “Jamie” Davison was taken into custody in the 1300 block of South Broadway Street, about a block west of the original traffic stop, by Moon and Shufeldt.
SSPD Officer Derrick Williams responded to assist. Williams reported seeing Clarence Ofield III run across Interstate 30 from McDonald’s, into the parking lot of Juan Pablo’s. He took the teen into custody. Ofield allegedly admitted to driving the car when the officer attempted to stop them, Williams noted in arrest reports.
All three men were charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest on foot. Ofield was also charged with evading arrest with a vehicle and on a failure to maintain financial responsibility charge; the fee owed on the traffic charge was $513.50, according to arrest reports. Waterhouse also was found to be wanted for violation of probation, which he was on for an engaging in organized criminal activity charge.
All three men remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Oct. 21. Bond was set at $5,000 each on the stolen vehicle charge. Davison and Waterhouse’s bond was set at $2,000 on the evading arrest on foot charge. Ofield’s bond on the evading arrest or detention in a vehicle charge was set at $15,000.
This marks the second time this year the trio has been arrested by local authorities. All three were jailed April 16 for engaging in organized criminal activity. They were among five teens arrested following an investigation into a rash of vehicle burglaries and a car theft reported in Sulphur Springs the weekend prior to their arrest, police alleged in April following their arrests.
Hallsville Man Jailed In Hopkins County On Felony DWI Charge
A 44-year-old Hallsville man’s reckless driving lead to his arrest by troopers on a felony drunk driving charge, according to arrest reports.
The man was reported to Winnsboro police for his reckless driving of a GMC 1500 on State Highway 11. Winnsboro Police Officer B. McClure spotted and caught up to the man just inside the Hopkins County line and stopped it after observing the truck being driven on the improved shoulder where prohibited, according to arrest reports.
He allegedly refused all tests attempted by McClure, so the WPD officer called for assistance from another agency as the stop was in Hopkins County. Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper George Greenway responded.
As the trooper walked with the man from the truck to his patrol vehicle, Greenway reportedly caught the man to keep him from stumbling into the road as he walked. When the trooper asked him to perform tasks, the man allegedly refused any standard field sobriety tests, stating he had limited vision in one eye, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
Officers reported he was able to do a finger count and Romberg test. Alcohol emitted from the man’s breath and the trooper found an open container in the man’s car. He noted the man, identified in arrest reports as 44-year-old Kevin Lee Gant of Hallsville, showed several clues of intoxication on the two tests administered. He tested 0.176 and 0.182, more than twice the legal 0.08 limit for blood alcohol content on breath tests, resulting in his arrest for DWI. The charge was enhanced to a felony due to his record showing it to be at least his third DWI charge, according to arrest reports.
Gant remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Oct. 21. His bond was set at $10,000 on the felony DWI charge, according to jail reports.
Arkansas Man Accused Of Lying To DPS About His Name, Having Marijuana
October 21, 2019 – A 28-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas man allegedly had marijuana in his underwear and gave troopers a fake name Saturday afternoon, resulting in his arrest.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Colin Bradshaw stopped a Honda Accord after observing it unsafely change lanes, cutting a large sport utility vehicle off in traffic in the left lane on Interstate 30 near mile marker 134 just after 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
On contact, Bradshaw alleged he could smell a strong marijuana odor emitting from the car. He advised the female driver and passenger he would be conducting a probable cause search of the car.
Bradshaw attempted to identify the driver using the name and date of birth he gave and observed multiple signs of deception while the man was giving the name to him. Bradshaw alleged he asked him to provide his real name and date of birth because he could tell he was lying. The man then identified himself as Deron Michael Henry, a man nine years younger than he’d originally claimed, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
A records check showed Henry to be wanted on an Arkansas Parole Board on a possession of 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Bradshaw alleged he asked him if he had any illegal substances on him before they arrived at the jail. Henry allegedly admitted to having some marijuana in his underwear.
Henry was arrested for failure to identify as a fugitive, possession of 2 ounces of marijuana and on the Arkansas warrant, according to arrest reports.
Deron Henry remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Oct. 21. Bond was set at $1,000 on the failure to ID and marijuana charge, according to jail reports.
North Hopkins ISD Board Of Trustees Candidate Profiles
Voters within North Hopkins ISD will be asked to select up to three of the seven candidates on their Nov. 5 ballots to serve on North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees.
KSST asked each of the candidates to provide a photo and answer the same questions about themselves to share with the voters. Below are their answers, in their own words, in the order in which they were received by KSST.
Name: Sherry Smiddy
Occupation, brief job description:
For six years, I worked for Lakes Regional Mental Health Center where I had many community contacts and worked in Psychosocial Rehabilitation, treatment planning for clients and handled the crisis hotline. I was also a Marketing Specialist for a Mental Health Center in Dallas, TX for two years. Since then, I have worked in social research for over 30 years. I’ve worked for the University of Michigan managed employees across the nation, hired and trained them while conducting social research. These studies for the government included finance, evaluation of educational technology interventions, health, children’s behaviors in schools and youth educational studies. For the last 10 years, I have worked for the University of Chicago as a Manager as a Senior Field Manager of both people and projects. My job entails recruitment, managing and training employees and conducting research studies. The studies with which I am involved, relate to finance, health and national behavioral studies on children and their environments. I have also been part of the development training team that produced courses for employees.
Family information:
I have been married to Powell Vickery for 22 years and reside in the district. I currently have nieces, nephews and grand-children attending North Hopkins School and would be honored to be an even more integral part in shaping their education.
Reasons for seeking this office:
I feel this is an opportunity to be a part of the decisions that are in the best interest for the community to include the children, educators and those living in our district. I am a graduate of North Hopkins High School and have several relatives that taught in the school system for years. I have lived in and been a part of the community nearly all of my life.
Education, training, special skills:
North Hopkins Graduate, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification, School Board Trainings for three years, ongoing School affiliated trainings for research for 30 years with CEU credits.
A brief statement about your candidacy — what you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy:
Involvement and support of the education system and community activities are important to me and my family. I was the secretary for the North Hopkins Alumni for six years and served on the Tira City Council for five years. I am also the Children’s Team Leader at Cross Spur Cowboy Church. These assignments confirm the fact that I am very interested in the youth of our community. I would very much like to be your next School Board Trustee to help make decisions which affect our entire community.
Name: Charles (Charlie) Vaughn
Occupation, brief job description:
Retired Firefighter
Part time Texas Parks & Wildlife maintenance assistant
Family information:
Married to Susan Vaughn for 41 years, Father to Amie Davidson and Jana Rich, Grumpy to Rachel and Dallas Davidson and (Landon) Hunter Rich; Enjoys fishing and camping.
How long you’ve lived in the district:
62 years
Education, training, special skills:
Some college, school board trainings
Reasons for seeking this office:
To continue to better our schools
Work to be good steward of the taxpayers’ money
A brief statement about your candidacy – what you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy:
I will work hard to keep your students safe and they have the best teachers and admin. I will listen to your concerns and hope that we can work out any issues as quickly as possible. I feel the job of a board member is an important one and try my best not to miss meetings. Thank you for your time and I would appreciate your vote.
Name: My name is Robert McPherson. I am a candidate for the North Hopkins school board.
Occupation, brief job description:
I have been retired 4 years. I worked for Dairy Farmers of America on Main St. in Sulphur Springs for 41 years.
Family information; how long you’ve lived in the district:
I have been married 39 years to my wife Cindy. We have been living in the North Hopkins school district for 37 of those years where we have raised 3 daughters and 2 sons. They in turn have raised or are raising my 9 grandchildren and one great grandchild. We attend Posey Baptist Church where I try to do any thing I can that the Lord asks of me.
Education, training, special skills:
I am at this time serving on the school board running for election. I have served on the board since 2007. I have had basic training that every new school board member must have from Local District Orientation to Open Meetings Trainings to Orientation to the Texas Education Code. Plus, the board needs updates and retrainings on these and other items every year. I have tried to keep up on the training. The school board has three key jobs; adopt policies; hire and evaluate the superintendent and approve and annual budget. To keep up on these we need to have regular training. We also require updates from the state. I have tried to stay current with my training and keep up with all updates. I believe that all of this will serve me well as a board member and help me fulfill my duties if elected.
Reasons for seeking this office; a brief statement about your candidacy – what you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy:
I wish to continue helping North Hopkins as they grow. I believe that I have done a good job over the years and can continue to do so. No just my self but the board as a whole have tried to hire the right people to do the right things for our school. I believe that we have the right people in place and that if we give them the right help North Hopkins will continue to grow and do wonderful things for our students. I want to be there to help.
Name: D. Ellis Dicus
Occupation, brief job description:
Retired from USDA – Farm Services Agency
Currently Farmer/Rancher
Family information:
Married – wife Debbie Dicus
How long you’ve lived in the district:
25 years
Education, training, special skills:
BA from Eastern New Mexico Univ.
major – Bus. Admin. And Agriculture Econ.
Reasons for seeking this office:
To provide support, encouragement, accountability and positive vision to the NH School district.
A brief statement about your candidacy – what you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy:
I stand for strong Christian Values and conservative principles.
Name: I am School board trustee candidate Justin Holland.
Family information:
My wife of 18 years, Jennifer Holland, and I, have 2 sons currently attending North Hopkins ISD, a 16-year-old in 11th grade and a 14-year-old in 9th grade.
How long have your lived in the district:
We have resided in our community since 2006.
Occupation, brief job description:
I am currently employed as a Business Development Executive for IWS Acquisition Corporation managing accounts in 9 states.
Reasons for seeking this office:
Education is very important to me. I am running for school board because I believe every child in North Hopkins Isd deserves an education that makes the whole community proud. Schools are places of hope and optimism. Public schools are where our future leaders, innovators, scientists, writers, artists and workforce are able to gain the necessary skills and tools they need ensure their own – and our society’s – success, and drive critical progress.
A brief statement about your candidacy – what you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy:
My targets for the school district as a trustee are to:
Ensure there are educational opportunities for the students.
Proper training for the teachers.
Creating better parent/teacher experiences.
Establish better communication from the school district to the parents and community.
Remain current on all existing and new curriculum developments for possible implementation for our student’s educational needs.
My focus for the community is to ensure that all of your tax dollars are spent appropriately to ensure proper education for the students and to equip them to be successful thru-out life.
I feel that I am the right candidate for this position because I have no other agenda, except for the advancement of the school district as a whole and the overall improvement of the student body.
Name: Vicki Ferrell
Occupation, brief job description:
First Convenience Bank – Senior Regional Support Manager, SVP
I oversee the operations and compliance of the Dallas region of 40 banking centers, one of which is located in Sulphur Springs. I also coordinate the correspondent bank and armored services for the entire bank of 320 branches. In Nov, I will celebrate my 20th anniversary working for the bank.
Family information:
Husband: Jackey Ferrell married 33 years
Children: Kortni Ferrell 16, currently a Junior – Kaden Ferrell 15, currently a Sophomore
How long have your lived in the district:
I graduated from North Hopkins and we built our current home in 2005 to move back to the North Hopkins district.
Reason for seeking office:
After seeing the positive difference Dr. Jolly instilled upon arriving at North Hopkins, I was motivated to run for the school board three years ago. I could see a vast difference and I wanted to join forces and help our district continue that forward progress. Over the last three years of serving on the school board, the school district has made many great improvements. Given those achievements, there are still future successes to be accomplished.
Statement about candidacy:
The school district has made countless improvements over the past three years. Having top quality teachers and staff in viable positions and allowing them to be successful has our test ratings increasing dramatically. I am committed to helping our students by ensuring our school is innovated, focused and prepared. I have over twenty-four years of business experience in banking that I draw from to assist in my decision making, direction and effort that I give as a board member. I am confident in my decisions and willing to stand up for the things I believe in even if they are not always the most popular choice.
Name: Andy Kendall
Occupation, brief job description:
Business Owner
Family information:
Husband/Dad of 3
How long you’ve lived in the district:
22 years
Education, training, special skills:
Only 2 college credits
Reasons for seeking this office:
To Be a Voice.
Early Voting Begins Monday In Cumby Mayor, NHISD School Board, Cumby ISD Bond And Constitutional Amendment Elections
Early voting begins Monday in three local elections — the North Hopkins Independent School District Board of Trustees, City of Cumby Mayor and Cumby ISD bond — as well as for 10 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution.
All Texas voters are asked to cast ballots for 10 proposed Constitutional Amendments. Only North Hopkins ISD, Cumby ISD and Cumby residents will vote in the other elections.
Voting information
Early voting by personal appearance for Hopkins County voters in these elections will be conducted in the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Courtroom inside the Hopkins County Courthouse Annex, located at 128 Jefferson St. in Sulphur Springs.
Hopkins County voting hours are:
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Oct. 21-26; Monday, Oct. 28; Wednesday, Oct. 30; and Friday, Nov. 1.
- Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27;
- 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, and Thursday, Oct. 31.
- Election Day voting will be at the designated polling locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 5.
Voting for Cumby ISD voters who reside in Hunt County may cast early votes by personal appearance at Hunt County Voter Administration, 2217 Washington St., in Greenville.
Early voting by personal appearance in Hunt County will be conducted:
- each weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21-Nov. 1.
- extended early voting hour of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Thursday, Oct. 31
The last day to accept applications for a ballot by mail is Oct. 25.
North Hopkins ISD
Voters within the boundaries of North Hopkins ISD will be asked to select up to three candidates to fill three at-large full three-year term seats on the school board.
The even candidates seeking a place on the ballot in the North Hopkins Independent School District Board of Trustees Election are, including incumbents, D. Ellis Dicus, Vicki Hillis Ferrell, Justin Holland, Andy Kendall, Robert McPherson, Sherry Smiddy and Charlie Vaughn.
City of Cumby
Residents who live in Cumby city limits are asked to select their choice of two candidates for mayor, incumbent Place 1 Alderman Doug Simmerman, who serves on the mayor pro tem, and challenger Ryan Horne. Unchallenged for seats on the City Council are incumbent Betty McCarter for Place 4, incumbent Julie Morris for Place 5 and Guy Butler for Place 3.
Cumby ISD
Cumby ISD was able to cancel it’s trustees election; incumbents Tony Aguilar, Jody Jarvis and Jason Hudson were the only ones to turn in applications for the seats, so they will serve anther term.
Cumby ISD is still conducting a bond election, however. Voters are asked to vote for or against a $6.2 million bond package, which will fund additions and renovations to Cumby Elementary, the elementary playground and cafeteria, an additional agriculture shop and ag/CTE facilities renovation, relocation of the football field to include a compressed surface track, demolition and abatement.
Additional information about the Cumby ISD bond election can be found on the CISD website.
Constitutional Amendments
For a full list and information about the Constitutional Amendments Election, visit the Secretary of State website
