Texas Scenic Views Leads Texans to Fall Foliage
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service launched Texas Scenic Views in celebration of the first day of fall. This new online application helps Texans find the most impressive views of fall foliage and spring wildflowers throughout state.
Users can preview routes, view photos, read reviews and download directions to their mobile device while browsing scenic points and drives. The crowdsourced application displays a map that shows the current rating of each route to help users find the best displays of fall foliage.
“Texas has many extraordinary places to view scenic landscapes. This application helps connect users with those majestic hardwood forests, stunning bluebonnet fields, and inspiring wide open spaces that define this great state,” said Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Systems Department Head.
While Texans are out exploring and enjoying fall colors, they can upload their photos of fall foliage to Texas Scenic Views and rate and comment on the routes they travel.
Texans have a good reason to get outside and explore. Exposure to forests and woodlands decreases mental fatigue by relaxing and restoring the mind, as well as providing a sense of security.
By taking a drive to scenic outdoor areas, Texans can embrace the health benefits provided by trees and green space and gain an appreciation for their value.
“Medical research is increasingly showing the numerous, positive health benefits of trees in our everyday lives. This application helps Texans enjoy the natural beauty of this state while positively impacting their health,” said Simpson.
In the spring, Texans can use the app to find routes that showcase beautiful wildflower displays.
Texas A&M Forest Service provides statewide leadership to assure the state’s trees, forests and related natural resources are protected and sustained for the benefit of all. Conserving Texas’ trees and forests, the state agency helps property owners maintain land and natural resources to ensure forestlands remain productive and healthy not only for the environment, but for generations of Texans to come.
Click here to visit Texas Scenic Views.
Find more information about the health benefits trees provide at http://healthy.southernforests.org.
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Contacts:
Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service, Forest Systems Department Head, 979-458-6658, [email protected]
Texas A&M Forest Service Communications Office, 979-458-6600, [email protected]
Brick Street Vintage Market on a Perfect Day Downtown!
The second-annual Downtown Business Alliance event ‘Brick Street Vintage Market’ saw 60 different vendor booths scattered around the downtown square and areas of Connolly Street….and a steady stream of shoppers browsing and purchasing the artisan-made products and objects of art! From quilts to collectible glassware, rustic signs to farm fresh honey and jams, along with wonderful jewelry, fashion and handmade home decor items, it was a perfect downtown day of discovery and delight!
DBA Officers Linda Galligher, Lynda Hager and Joy Wilson, provided hospitality, operated the Information booth, took care of judging duties and helped answer questions. Billie Ruth Standbridge, who is both a DBA member and Quilt Guild member, did double duty by setting up a Quilt Show information booth at the Vintage Market. Judy Heilman, DBA committee chair for the vintage shopping event, arrived early to help the vendors get settled along the margins of the market. Mary Ames won the Best Decorated Vendor Space Contest. Her handiwork includes signs and wood products that she creates and paints. Food booths were not allowed this year, so that shoppers could acquaint themselves with the many places to enjoy lunch, snacks, desserts, coffees and teas, ice cream and even wine that downtown district merchants offer. The first-ever Decorated Bicycle Contest winner was Enola Gay Mathews whose bike reflected an “I Stopped to Shop Downtown” theme. She said, “I ride this bike in my neighborhood, but it was fun to dress it up today and take it to ‘to town’ for something different to do”.
According to Judy, “it was a perfect day of Texas weather. Everyone had a good time and it went off beautifully! And successfully! We have it in the plans again for next year”! Find out about more DBA events, like the Car Show coming up downtown on Saturday November 2, 2019, by going to the website sulphurspringsdba.com.
Rangers Tickets: Last of the Last
LIKE THIS POST AND LIKE KSST TO ENTER
KSST is giving away eight (two sets of four) Ranger Baseball tickets to the last games of the 2019 Season which are also the last games played Globe Life Park. The Texas Rangers will be facing the NY Yankees.
First come, first served.
Rules and Information:
The passes must NOT be resold!
Unclaimed passes will be dispersed by KSST.
Employees of KSST/KRVA can’t win.
Winner’s names and picture will be posted on Facebook.
Wildcats Football Struggle Against Bulldogs
Royse City Defense Bottles Up Wildcats as Bulldogs Take 36-9 Win in SS Homecoming Game
The experienced Royse City defense gave the Wildcats Football Fits Friday night (September 20) as the Bulldogs took a 36-9 victory in the Homecoming game at Gerald Prim Stadium. The Wildcats actually got on the scoreboard first. After the teams traded interceptions (Chase Haney got the Wildcats pick), the Wildcats got a safety with the Royse City deep snapper sent the snap well over the head of Bulldogs’ punter Payton Petroff. The Wildcats led 2-0. Late in the first quarter, the Bulldogs scored the first of 36 unanswered points. New Royse City running back Ahmon Petty-Dozier ran 24 yards for a touchdown. The Bulldogs went for two and got it when quarterback Tyson Oliver passed to Petroff in the end zone. With 2:12 left in the first quarter, the Bulldogs led 8-2. In the second quarter Wildcats punter Noe Ponce had his punt blocked. Wildcat Kylan Wade intercepted a pass to keep Royse City out of the end zone. The Bulldogs did score again with 4:30 left in the second quarter as Oliver passed to wide receiver Ketron Jackson who made a tackler miss and ran 20 yards into the end zone. Royse City tried to ru n for two points but came up short. The Bulldogs led 14-2. Then came a heartbreaking moment for the Wildcats. On the ensuing kickoff, Wildcats return man Da’Korian “Choc” Sims took the ball at the 5 yard line and set sail for 95 yards to the end zone. It all amounted to nothing as a penalty flag wiped out the pretty return. The Bulldogs led at the half, 14-2. The Wildcats could muster only 75 yards of offense over the first two quarters in unofficial stats. In the third quarter, Royse City broke open the fairly close game with two more scores. Back Petty-Dozier capped an 86 yard drive with a 69 yard TD run. Oliver ran for two extra points. The Bulldogs led 22-2 with 9:00 left in the third quarter. Less than a minute later, Royse City’s Petroff rumbled 21 yards for a touchdown. The extra point kick was good and the Bulldogs led 29-2 with 8:18 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs scored their final touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Back Bryce Martinez run 4 yards for a TD. The extra point kick was good and Royse City led 36-2 with 11:12 left in the final period. A short time later Royse City intercepted a Wildcats pass but the Wildcats defense forced the Bulldogs to turn the ball over on downs. Wildcat Kylan Wade also recovered a Royse City fumble on an unsuccessful fourth down play. Late in the game, the Wildcats finally got into the end zone. Quarterback Kaden Wallace threw a 22 yard touchdown pass to receiver Landry Meskimen. Osiel Lopez’ extra point kick was good and the Wildcats reduced the deficit to 36-9 and that’s the way it ended. Royse City is now 1-0 in district play and 3-0 for the season. The Wildcats slip to 0-2 in district play and 0-4 for the season. The Wildcats have a bye next Friday. They return to district play on October 4 as they play Forney at City Bank Field in Forney.
Friday Night District Scores
Ennis 33, North Forney 14
Corsicana 40, Kaufman 7
Forney 16, Terrell 7
Royse City 36, Sulphur Springs 9
DISTRICT STANDINGS
Team District Season
Corsicana 2-0 3-1
Ennis 2-0 3-1
Royse City 1-0 3-0
North Forney 1-1 3-1
Forney 1-1 2-2
Terrell 1-1 1-3
Greenville 0-1 1-2
Sulphur Springs 0-2 0-4
Kaufman 0-2 0-4
Next Week Sulphur Springs has a bye, Corsicana at North Forney, Ennis at Terrell, Forney at Royse City, Greenville at Kaufman
Paris District Road Report for the week of Sept. 23, 2019
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Delta, Lamar and Red River Counties during the week of Sept. 23, 2019. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones.They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures and traffic shifts while crews extend cross structures and widen pavement to install passing lanes.
SH 24, Delta County: from SH 19 to Hunt County Line. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 79, Lamar County: from Fannin county line to US 82. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 1497, Lamar County: from FM 1184 to FM 196. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews perform flexible pavement structure repairs along this section of roadway.
US 271 (Loop 286), Lamar County: south of BU82H. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
US 271 pavement repair, Lamar and Red River Counties: from Loop 286 in Paris southeastward to SH 37. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
US 271 safety upgrades, Red River County: from FM 410 to the Red River-Titus County line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as final work is being performed.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
FM 2648 widening, Lamar County: Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
Wildcats Football Team Wants to Get Into Win Column Versus Royse City For Homecoming Friday
It’s Homecoming and the Wildcats Football Team hopes to break into the win column against high flying opponent Royse City Friday (September 20) at 7:30 p.m. at Gerald Prim Stadium. The confident Bulldogs come in with a 2-0 record after solid wins over Frisco Centennial, 28-7 and Garland, 37-14. This is the Bulldogs district opener as they had a bye last week while all other district teams were in action. The Wildcats are 0-3 after a home loss to Frisco Wakeland, 53-17 and road losses at Lovejoy, 34-27 and at Terrell, 15-13 in their district opener last week. Royse City’s Head Coach is David Petroff in his seventh year. He was an assistant coach at Hewitt Midway and Frisco before coming to Royse City. Wildcats Head Football Coach Greg Owens is in his fourteenth year here. Before that, Coach Owens was Head Coach for nine years at Lindale. Last year the Bulldogs had a solid defense but they were fairly one dimensional on offense as they had trouble throwing the ball. That was changed this year. Their quarterback played every game last year, they have added some good targets from sub varsity teams and a speedy move in from Lancaster. Their defense is still rock solid anchored by their nose guard who was the district’s Defensive MVP last year. The Wildcats won last year at Royse City, 28-10. The Wildcats will have to play well to win. Catch all the action of the Wildcats and Bulldogs from Prim Stadium on KSST Radio with streaming audio. The game will also be videotaped for replay later on Ch. 18 on Suddenlink Cable. The game will also be posted to YouTube.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report September 11, 2019 to September 17, 2019
September 11th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Quitman, at approximately 2:31 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 3:08 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 515 near Yantis.
At 7:35 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 182 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:16 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on CR 1540 near Alba. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3120 near Quitman, at approximately 10:26 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Main St. in Yantis; at approximately 3:27 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4510 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:37 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Earlene St. in Quitman, at approximately 6:46 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2260 near Mineola; at approximately 7:57 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 9:20 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2230 near Mineola.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 10:51 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
September 12th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2205 near Mineola, at approximately 6:34 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3400 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:48 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies made contact with the reporting party and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 3990 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:59 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4640 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:27 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4470 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:03 p.m., in reference to burglary. A known actor stole several building materials and tools 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 2:11 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1973 near Yantis, at approximately 2:13 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole a tractor from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Cimarron Trail near Hawkins, at approximately 3:17 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 5:16 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s residence.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3875 near Mineola, at approximately 5:24 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
At 5:46 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:39 p.m., in reference to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4255 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:48 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
September 13th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1689 near Alba; at approximately 4:49 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 6:42 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 4560 near Winnsboro.
At 8:07 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2210 near Mineola.
At 10:37 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1522 near Alba.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 10:57 a.m. Richard Nicholson, 61, of Mineola, was arrested for Evading Arrest Detention, an outstanding warrant and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2205 near Mineola, at approximately 12:26 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 2:18 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 near Mineola, at approximately 4:09 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a saw and drill from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2121 near Quitman; at approximately 7:01 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook boat ramp, at approximately 7:51 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4460 near Winnsboro; at approximately 10:27 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 10:44 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. David Jenkins, 49, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
At 11:51 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
September 14th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 49 near Mineola; at approximately 12:57 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 182 near Alba, at approximately 10:51 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:27 p.m., in reference to a scam on CR 2450 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:45 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:10 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2195 near Mineola, at approximately 6:28 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1610 near Alba; at approximately 7:48 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
September 15th
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 12:07 a.m. Charles Thomas, 33, of Hawkins, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated with Open Alcoholic Container.
At 10:05 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1246 near Quitman.
At 1:07 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 1801 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 1:36 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to Starleaf near Hawkins, at approximately 3:43 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3270 near Mineola, at approximately 4:24 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 83, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5569 near Alba, at approximately 5:14 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole money from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3522 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:59 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Brian Roberts, 46, of Hawkins, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury of Family/Household Member with Previous Conviction.
September 16th
Deputies were dispatched to PR 8000 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:41 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s shed. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2302 near Mineola; at approximately 11:59 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to an intoxicated individual in the Wood County Justice Center; at approximately 12:32 p.m. Arne Oliver, 39, of Quitman, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1560 near Alba, at approximately 12:54 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804 near Mineola, at approximately 1:19 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4730 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:44 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole the reporting party’s cell phone. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:58 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actors.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook point, at approximately 5:41 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 were dispatched to CR 1616 near Alba, at approximately 6:04 p.m., in reference to a disturbance where an assault occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 7:05 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5834 near Yantis, at approximately 8:13 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3486 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:10 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to Hopkins St. in Alba, at approximately 10:52 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Lake Holbrook point; at approximately 11:34 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
September 17th
Deputies were dispatched to PR 8461 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:41 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1850 near Yantis, at approximately 4:09 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:34 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on CR 4740 near Winnsboro. Deputies advised the individual that extra patrol would be provided and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1483 near Yantis, at approximately 5:57 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Tammy Taylor, 48, of Mt. Vernon, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 1254 near Mineola; at approximately 6:27 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4330 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:35 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actors.
Between the dates of September 11 and September 17, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Emergency Medical Services and Mineola Police Department.
Total Jail Count – 134 inmates – 116 males and 18 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.
Bright Star Theater Renovation Ongoing
The massive renovation of what was Trans Texas Theater continues as crews repainted the exterior of the building just ahead of the heavy rains this week. The inside of the theater is also receiving a huge makeover as the seats have been removed and renovations from floor to ceiling are taking shape. Reclining seats will be available in some theaters as well as new projection and sound equipment. The theater will also get a name change, as the owner’s will be leaning toward the name “Bright Star Theater”. Crews are working quickly with all of the renovations, which should be finished sometime in November.
Paris Junior College Announces Distinguished Alumni Awards
Two Selected for the 2019 PJC Distinguished Alumni Award
Two lifelong friends have been selected as posthumous recipients of the Paris Junior College 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award, according to PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. The late Barney W. Bray, III, Class of 1964 and Thomas Cedric “Tommy” Townsend, Class of 1963 will be honored during PJC’s 2019 Homecoming festivities November 9 at the Love Civic Center.
Bray passed away July 30, 2018 and Townsend died November 18, 2013. The
Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed on alumni by the College.
“In their lives, both of these gentlemen believed in the value of education and supported it in ways few may know,” said Dr. Anglin. “It was my pleasure to work with Mr. Bray as a member of the PJC Board of Regents and he was a tremendous asset to our community. He introduced me to Mr. Townsend who was well connected throughout Austin and the Texas Capitol where he not only represented PJC but advocated for issues which benefitted the College and his hometown.”
A graduate of Paris High School, Bray graduated from PJC and East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University-Commerce, with a bachelor’s degree in history and sociology. Following a short stint selling heavy trucks in Dallas, he returned to Paris to work in the family construction company, also serving six years in the Army Engineer Reserve. He later acquired a solid waste company and spent many years building a regional waste company and landfill. He also owned Bray Rental Property. Bray served on many local boards, including three bank boards (most recently Guaranty
Bank & Trust), the Boys & Girls Club of Paris, and the Paris Junior College Board of Regents. He also served on the Paris Economic Development Corporation. He was a proud member on the Wall of Honor at the Boys & Girls Club of Paris.
He and his wife Dee were married for 46 years and were blessed with two children; daughter Jessica Rice and her husband, Andrew, and son Josh and his wife, Beth. They have six grandchildren: Brayden, Rachel, Holden, and Easten Rice, and Anniston and AnneLee Bray.
A well-known and respected colleague to many, Townsend served for a number of years as the Executive Director of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association (TTLA). Prior to joining TTLA, he was Senior Vice-President and Chief Legislative Counsel for the Texas Association of Realtors for thirteen years. Around the Texas Capitol, he spent seven years as the Sergeant at Arms for the Texas Senate. In addition to his professional accreditation as a Certified Association Executive, Townsend was active in the association management organizations at both the national and state level.
He has served as President of the National Association of Trial Lawyer Executives,Chairman of the Texas Society of Association Executives, and Chairman of the Political Action Committee of the American Society of Association Executives. Among honors Townsend received included: Executive of the Year Award by the Texas Society of Association Executives, the Tejano Appreciation Award by the Texas Tejano Democrats, and the Partnership Award by the American Association for Justice.
National Emergency Preparedness Month Part 3:City, County a Team
Effects of heavy rainfall across parts of the county had already awakened first responders early on Friday with reports of rising water and stalled vehicles in the usual areas prone to flooding. Thus, Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson, Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley and Assistant Emergency Coordinator Kristi Springfield were already on the job on September 20, 2019 before arriving at KSST for a Good Morning Show interview. “Not everyplace enjoys the co-operation from within, that Hopkins County first response teams receive here where we live. From the City and the county law enforcement, to fire and to emergency medical services, we are all a team which works together willingly and smoothly, no matter the need. It might be weather-related, like today, but it’s not always weather. And it doesn’t always happen between 8 and 5! We communicate well, we are trained, and everybody does their job professionally. Local citizens know this and may take it for granted, but the truth is that our community is very blessed to be above the norm in this way”, stated Chief Ricketson.
Fire Chief Endlsey echoed Ricketson’s words, saying “We work well together, and everyone contributes their part according to the protocol of the emergency. Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs have plans in place for almost any emergency you can think of, and these plans can be implemented immediately if and when a disaster situation should take place, or when a situation becomes something we need help to control. My department is responsible for the people and families who live in the small communities as well as the incorporated cities inside the county, such as Cumby, Como and Tira, but we coordinate with the City when needed. Thankfully we haven’t had a major emergency here, but if we did and needed additional help , the State Emergency Management team would be activated, and assistance would arrive quickly from anywhere in the State and even from other states”.
Assistant Co-ordinator Springfield brought up that the public’s safety is ensured during the normal weekly gatherings on Celebration Plaza, at the Friday night football games in the stadium, during holiday parades on the streets, or any number of other community events. “We ensure the public’s safety by the use of a plan. One of the largest events in Hopkins County is coming up soon, during the 50th Anniversary of the World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest. We expect up to 10,000 people in town and on the grounds for that event. We have a plan in place to ensure the public’s safety, and steps to be followed in case that safety becomes threatened. We are familiar with protocol in any number of scenarios. That’s what we were trained for and what each of us agreed to do when we took on the job”.
Springfield chose her career early, becoming certified for EMS as a senior at SSHS. She then pursued a career in Emergency Management, now with 17 years experience. Jason Ricketson’s father was a Game Warden and his mother was Sulphur Springs City Secretary for many years. His interest in serving led him to become a firefighter with the Brinker Volunteer unit before pursuing a career in law enforcement. He has 23 years experience serving his community. Ricketson’s office also employs City of Sulphur Springs Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator David James, who brings valued experience to his appointment. Chief Endsley brings more than 30 years experience, begun when he entered Fire service after high school as a volunteer in Cass County. He attended the Fire Academy in 1989, and feels it is an honor to be serving in Hopkins County.
Part Four, the final of the National Emergency Preparation Month series, can be heard on Friday September 27, 2019 at 8:15am on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18 TV.
