Winners Circle in 1st Annual Operation V.E.T. 42 Tourney
These are the winners of the 1st Annual Victor Echo Tango “Salute to Veterans 42 Tournament”
Shown in photos with the Winners is Wendy Forbes, Tournament Coordinator. The metal trophies were made by the Como Pickton FFA
1st Place – Leon Jose and Anne McConnell
2nd Place – Earnest Young and Calvin Bain
3rd Place- Gordan Payne and Tommy Rawson
4th Place – Joey Martin and Ronnie Martin
The 8 winners were treated to the Operation V.E.T. BBQ Cook-off held on Saturday afternoon November 10, 2019. Congratulations to all the Winners!
Chili Cookoff is Thursday November 14 at Sr’s Center
Karon Weatherman sends a reminder about the 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off
inside the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center on
Thursday, November 14th at 12:00 Noon. Five Judges are lined up to taste and rate the Chili. All the Seniors who attend get to come and sample all the Chili you can eat! There will be Crackers and Cheese to go with
your Chili plus tea and dessert, too. Come and Enjoy all the Wonderful Chili. It will be a great day to come get your tummy warmed up! There should be plenty, below are the Chili Cooks who have signed up already! Take advantage of this delicious indoor event for the Senior Citizens of Hopkins County!
Sulphur Springs Imaging – Stacey Wetzel
East Texas Physical Therapy
Hopkins Place – Shelby Romans
Wesley House/Wesley Oaks – Judith Beck
Heart To Heart Hospice – Brandi Raley
Sunny Springs – Amber Gilbert
Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab – Debbie Jones
Rock Creek Health and Rehab – Richelle Johnson
Cypress Basin Hospice – Niki Huffman
Grocery Supply- Vickie Pickle
Linda Pickle-Hill and Stella Bagley
Jimmie Bell and Fay Pool
Vender Wright – 2019 Ms Hopkins County Senior
Patsy Crist – Senior Entertainers
Mary and Loyd Ivey
Mary Ann Stevens – Signature Dialysis
Dell D’Lizarraga
Jimmie Bell and Fay Pool
Heritage Hospice – Leslie Forshee
KIA Memorial Dedication, Disabled Veteran Statue Unveiling A Well Attended, Moving Event
Celebration Plaza was packed Saturday evening with community members paying tribute to the fallen and respect for those who have served during a special dedication and unveiling ceremony.
The occasion was a more solemn one, bringing a tear to many an eye at the ringing of the bell as each local hero who was killed in action was named; each name and the year they paid the ultimate price in service to their country is listed on three of the end caps of the walls of Hopkins County Veterans Memorial. The Marine Corps League and Military Coalition lowered the flag, played Taps and and rendered a three-volley salute was played as well. Alina Tatum Sanders sang the National Anthem.
County Judge Robert Newsom noted that the country was founded not only by those who fought for our freedom, but also on a “prayerful society that honored God,” as he opened a prayer of thanks for America and protection for those “who stand for right and truth throughout the world.”
“I say it all the time, Veterans Day shouldn’t just be on a Monday in November, it should be every day. We have veterans that allow us to do this. Some have given the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to do this, to have the freedoms we have. That’s why it’s so wonderful when there are fitting tributes and reminders that Veterans Day shouldn’t just be on a Monday in November, it should be on a Wednesday in December and a Tuesday in July and every day, because there are veterans who live every day with the sacrifices they made. There are veterans who suffer physical and mental disabilities as a result of the service that they have rendered for us to have the freedoms that we enjoy every day. if they live and struggle with that every day, we should have something to remind them every day what our veterans, our bravest women and men have done for us and continue to do for us every day,” Congressman John Ratcliffe said.
He said while there is nothing that we as civilians can do to adequately repay or thank veterans for their suffering and sacrifices for us, memorials such as those on the Sulphur Springs square, stand as a reminder daily of what they’ve done.
Ratcliffe said in light of their work, it’s appropriate that the new being unveiled Saturday features not just a disabled veteran, one who lost a limb, but also his service dog. He noted the valuable role a service dog play in the field, including in bringing down ISIS leaders, as well as their service to veterans who return home.
Mickey and Barbara McKinsie were recognized not only for contributing “a large sum of money to get the ball rolling” and encourage others to donate to the construction of the $1.2 million veterans memorial, but whose recent donation also made the statue of the disabled veteran and service dog possible. They unveiled the bronze statue, located on the bench in front of the water fall, behind the memorial stones honoring local veterans who have served in the military.
“It’s so fitting to me that Veterans Day comes so close to Thanksgiving, because it’s with thanks giving that we are all here today. It’s a time for honor of our family to take part in this special gathering,” Mickey McKinsie said, noting the service of members of his family.
Barbara McKinsie noted how the war affected her father, a member of the Greatest Generation, mentally disabling him. Thanks to the VA, a very strong and determined spouse, and the right medication, he lived to be a happy 92.
“Whether you have family members or not that are closely linked to the military is beside the point. It’s that we owe so much to those people that are standing guard right now and those who have paid that ultimate sacrifice. When you meet someone who is a vet, always go up and say thank you, thank you so much for your service,” Barbara McKinsie said.
“This is for the vets here today, and there are a bunch,” she continued. “Thank you for your sacrifice you gave your strength, your youth and time. You did a job not many will. You deserved our respect and you do still. Though you didn’t give your live you were a willing soul. Only your brothers in combat your suffering they truly know. We love that you are here with us and honor each and every one of you. A grateful nation appreciates every internal and external scar that wrote upon the slate of you, each one of so brave. You came back to us here, but you will never be the same. For you leaned to bare the weight of defending freedom’s call. But you did come back, and that is what we give thanks for most of all.”
Also recognized were the veterans memorial and ball committee members; Pam Elliott, who first had the idea for a statue to show the many things that a returning soldier might face and who remains actively involved with the Veterans Memorial Committee by serving as chair of the committee; John Parsons, the Kansas artist who designed and crafted the statue; Clayton McGraw, who had the vision and got the ball rolling for the memorial; and the numerous individuals and businesses who have contributed to the memorial over the years.
The occasion was marked with a flyover. Also featured as a speaker was Hopkins County Veterans Service Officer Danny Davis.
A representative from Senator Bob Hall’s office presented Elliott with a flag that’d flown over the capital in appreciation for all of her work honoring veterans.
Afterward, hot dogs, drinks and chips donated for the occasion were served free to the community.
Several Schools Hosting Programs, Special Events Nov. 11 For Local Veterans
Many of our local schools have programs and other activities planned Nov. 11 to honor local veterans for their service.
Below are some that KSST has been made aware of:
- Sulphur Springs High School will host a reception at 12 noon Monday, Nov. 11, in the SSHS Library, with a special program to follow at 1 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. All past and present military are invited to attend. The SSHS Band will perform and the event will feature various guests as well.
- Cumby ISD will host a program to honor all who have served our country at 9 a.m. Nov. 11 in the school gymnasium. All pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students will sing a special song, the Student Council will provide a reading and a video of “heroes” from CISD families will be viewed.
- The Annual North Hopkins ISD Veteran’s Day Program will begin at 9:30 a.m. The culinary department will host a breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the culinary cafe. All veterans and their families are invited to attend and be honored by NHISD students, faculty and staff.
- Miller Grove Elementary Veterans Program on Nov. 11 includes breakfast at 8 a.m. and a program at 9 a.m.
- Travis Primary third graders will be singing at Veteran’s Flag Ceremony at VFW Monday, and performing patriotic program for parents Monday night at 6 p.m.
- Sulphur Springs Middle School Student Council is sponsoring a Veterans Day program that includes breakfast at 8:15 a.m., followed at 9 a.m. by the program which includes veterans and features the SSMS select choir, band, cheerleaders and student speakers. All veterans are welcome, but those planning to attend were asked to complete a brief form so that school staff can adequately prepare for them.
- Barbara Bush Primary Veteran’s Day Program will begin at 1:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 to honor all veterans. Students should arrive in patriotic colors of red, white and blue (no turquoise or light blue, staff ask) at 6:15 p.m. for the evening performance.
- Lamar Primary will hold a Veterans Day program at 8:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria. Students were asked to bring photos of veterans to be recognized on the Honor Wall.
- Yantis ISD will host a Veterans Day program starting at 10 a.m., with breakfast at 9 a.m.
Miller Grove State Champs In Cross Country
Miller Grove Boys and Girls Win State in Cross Country, Saltillo Boys are Second, Lady Lions are Twelfth.
Miller Grove continued their phenomenal performance at the State Cross Country Meet at Old Settlers’ Park in Round Rock Saturday (November 9) as both the Hornets and Lady Hornets captured state championships and Miller Grove also had the top individual state champs. The Miller Grove Hornets finished just three points ahead of 2nd place Saltillo. The Lady Hornets were 57 points ahead of the rest of the field. Hornet Isaiah Billingsley won state finishing 1st with a time of 15:28.38. Teammate Kobe Robertson finished 2nd. Other Hornet finishers were Lance Verner Davis in 7th, Riley Hasten in 11th, Lexton Sly in 32nd, Anthony Lester in 42nd and Tanner Hensley in 111th. Lady Hornet Jorja Bessonett won state finishing 1st with a time of 11:58.38. Teammate Kyli Melton was 5th, Jolee Fox was 11th, Kylee Saldana was 27th and Lauren Bullard was 51st. The Saltillo Lady Lions finished 12th. For the runner up Saltillo Lions, Garrett Tarver finished 3rd in state, Dillon Beadle was 6th, Gunner Tarver was 8th, Coy Collins was 13th, Jayden Holloway was 24th, Beckham Hoover was 51st and Andrew Redburn was 58th. For the Saltillo Lady Lions, Reagon Speir was 61st, Kristina Wade was 89th, Yadirra Alonso was 94th, Briana Tawil was 98th, Makensa Morris was 105th, Jocelyn Ochoa was 124th, and Ofelia Cabrera was 130th. In other Hopkins County results, Bailey Neal of Sulphur Bluff was 8th in the girls Class 1A race. In Class 2A boys, Jonathan Hatley of North Hopkins was 25th and teammate Mario Perez was 83rd. In Class 2A girls, Como-Pickton finished 13th in state. For the Lady Eagles, Lexi Busby was 51st, Bailey Neal was 109th, Aylin Gonzales was 114th, Kara Tifft was 121st, Shelby Speed was 122nd, Hannah Warren was 131st and Breanna Warren was 135th.
Lady Cats Basketball Drops Home Opener
Lady Cats Basketball Team Opens Regular Season With Home Loss to Ranked Mineola Saturday
A young and inexperienced Lady Cats Basketball Team opened the regular season Saturday morning (November 9) with a 68-39 loss to Mineola at the main gym at Sulphur Springs Middle School. Mineola is ranked #15 in Class 3A in a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches preseason poll. The Lady Cats had a hard time handling the Lady Yellowjackets full court press. Mineola jumped out to a 22-10 first quarter lead and extended their lead to 44-16 at the half. Mineola led 64-29 after three quarters. Senior Kate Womack hit two three pointers and led the Lady Cats with 11 points. Junior Nylah Lindley, the lone returning starter on last year’s team, scored 10 points before fouling out. Sophomore Hannah Cordell scored 6 points. Sophomore Jasmine Taylor and freshman Serenity Lewis both scored 4 points. Junior Bre’Asia Ivery scored 2 points. Freshman Kenzie Willis and senior Colbria Harrison added 1 point each. Mineola senior Sabria Dean hit 4 three point baskets and lead all scorers with 25 points. The Lady Cats, 0-1 for the season, play at Mount Vernon Tuesday night. The Lady Cats JV plays at 5 p.m. with the Varsity to follow.
Ginna Bowman to Chair PJC Fund
Ginna Walker Bowman has been named as the Chair of the 2019 PJC Annual Fund which will kick off later in the fall. This marks the seventh year of the Annual Fund which has raised over $2.5 million to address the many pressing needs of the students and College.
A member of the PJC Class of 1960, she currently serves on both the Paris Junior College Board of Regents and PJC Alumni & Friends Association.
“The two years I spent at PJC were wonderful,” said Mrs. Bowman. “I had outstanding instructors and made lasting friendships there. I look forward to leading the 2019 PJC Annual Fund.”
“It is such an honor to have Ginna leading our Annual Fund Campaign,” said Dr. Anglin. “As a member of our Board of Regents, she truly understands how additional resources strengthen the College’s mission of being the educational provider of choice for our region.”
Derald Bulls, Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs at PJC said she is known for her community involvement.
“Mrs. Bowman is such an advocate for PJC. She believes in PJC and has been generous through the years in creating opportunities to assist students through scholarships.”
A graduate of Paris High School, Mrs. Bowman attended PJC on band and journalism scholarships. Among her honors as a student, she worked on The Bat, the student newspaper, and served as editor of the yearbook, The Galleon. She was selected as the Band Queen, class favorite, elected to the student government association, president of the Texas Junior College Press Association, member of Phi Theta Kappa, and received the coveted Distinguished Service Award.
Mrs. Bowman went on to earn her BA and MA degrees in journalism and English from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University-Commerce.
With a strong interest in education, Mrs. Bowman served eight years on the Paris ISD board, including terms as president and secretary. She currently is completing her seventh consecutive year on the PJC Board of Regents and served another three years previously before moving out of her district for a time.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
Public Information Services
Wood County Sheriff’s Report
October 30, 2019 to November 5, 2019
October 30th
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 182 near Quitman, at approximately 6:19 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle in the roadway, Joes Wrecker towed the vehicle and the incident was cleared.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4760 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:33 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:47 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat on CR 2167 near Mineola. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:52 a.m., in reference to identity theft on CR 2954 near Alba. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 1:52 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:48 p.m., in reference to harassment on HWY 37 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2155 near Quitman, at approximately 5:45 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the homeowner and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:26 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3940 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:48 p.m., in reference to a fire. Deputies contacted the Fire Marshall and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Oak St. in Yantis; at approximately 11:39 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
October 31st
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 5:40 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:21 a.m., in reference to an animal complaint on Pine Tree near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:39 a.m., in reference to a possible criminal trespass. Deputies made contact with the reporting party and cleared the incident.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 69 near Quitman; at approximately 12:21 p.m. John Willis, 55, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5290 near Yantis, at approximately 12:57 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- At 1:15 p.m., COws were reported out on FM 182 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 3:42 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2745 near Mineola; at approximately 4:02 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3440 near Hawkins; at approximately 6:00 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 7631 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:06 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804 near Mineola, at approximately 8:58 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s property.
November 1st
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 11 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:53 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 10:32 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:04 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2647 near Mineola, at approximately 2:53 p.m. in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the day.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:47 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat. Deputies determined this was a civil issue and cleared the incident.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 6:25 p.m. Emily Strickland, 26, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 8:26 p.m. Jason Ewton, 43, of Alba, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3880 near Hawkins; at approximately 10:48 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- At 10:48 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Yantis.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2088 near Winnsboro; at approximately 10:49 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 11:34 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies advised the individuals to lower the volume of the music and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 11:42 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident
November 2nd
- At 1:35 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 3:44 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2110 near Quitman, at approximately 8:13 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:28 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- At 12:30 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 49 near Hawkins.
- At 6:52 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Yantis.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1558 near Alba, at approximately 11:34 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies made contact with the individuals and everything was OK
November 3rd
- At 12:06 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4420 near Hawkins.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Holbrook point; at approximately 1:11 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Fm 2869 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:39 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 69 near Mineola; at approximately 2:22 a.m. Jose Valenzuela Gomez, 21, of Alba, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 5:31 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the homeowner and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6394 near Alba, at approximately 11:44 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties left the scene, prior to the deputies’ arrival.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:26 p.m., in reference to a suspicious person on CR 3226 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2150 near Quitman, at approximately 5:06 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a bicycle from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 5:52 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2205 near Mineola, at approximately 6:41 p.m. in reference to theft. A known actor stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Loop 564 near Mineola; at approximately 7:08 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 7:36 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1600 near Alba, at approximately 10:32 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
- At 10:52 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3260 near Quitman.
November 4th
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 1:06 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 53, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 3:15 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2164 near Quitman, at approximately 7:56 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:22 a.m., in reference to identity theft on HWY 11 near Winnsboro. Actors, or actors unknown, opened a credit account under the reporting party’s identifying information without authorization and purchased an all-terrain vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
November 5th
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1917 near Yantis, at approximately 2:50 a.m.,In reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 11:09 a.m.,cows were reported out on CR 3859 near Mineola. At 1:27 p.m.,cows were reported out on FM 14 near Hawkins.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4621 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:05 p.m.,in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 6:56 p.m.,in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputieslocated the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman,at approximately 8:56 p.m.,In reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area,but were unable tolocate the vehicle.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 4627 near Winnsboro;at approximately 11:08p.m. Tommy Joe Pritchett, 59, of Winnsboro, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Between the dates of October 30 and November 5, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Emergency Medical Services,Winnsboro Police Department, Department of Publ c Safety, Rains County Sheriffs Office,Alba Police Department and Mineola Police Department
Wood County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division Report
Between November 1 and November 7, investigators obtained 7 arrest warrants, had 5 cases assigned, filed 5 cases with the District Attorney for prosecution and had a number of follow-ups.
Total Jail Count – 134 inmates – 113 males and 21 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
