Sulphur Springs Man Arrested After He And His 1-Year-Old Test Positive For Methamphetamine
An investigation by Child Protective Services and Special Crimes Unit Investigators lead to the arrest of a 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man, after he and his 1-year-old tested positive for methamphetamine, police officers alleged in arrest reports.
SCU Lt. Mark Estes and Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman took Herman Lee Morris Jr. into custody at 9 a.m. at the local CPS office on an endangering a child warrant, according to jail reports.
Estes reported being contacted by a CPS agent on Aug. 14 regarding a 1-year-old child who tested positive for methamphetamine. The agent alleged, during her investigation, Herman was found to be the person entrusted with the care, custody and control of his 1-year-old child, who tested positive for meth. The child’s mother, who was reportedly pregnant at the time of the investigation, was also tested, but the result was negative for meth, according to reports. The offense is alleged, in arrest reports, to have occurred on June 30.
The child was removed from the home and placed in the are of CPS. A felony warrant was sought by Estes and granted by Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer on Aug. 15. Estes and Hoffman served Morris with the warrant at the CPS office on Friday, Aug. 16, according the police reports.
Morris remained in the county jail Saturday morning, Aug. 17, on the felony charge of endangering a child, according to arrest reports.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Cooks Up Classes
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent
Hopkins County residents enjoy good food. However, many recipes we see on Facebook and other internet sites are not necessarily the healthiest. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has a solution! Two upcoming programs will feature cooking demonstrations and sampling – and the recipes are both tasty and healthy!
“Cooking Well for Healthy Blood Pressure” is a fairly new program offered through Extension. The three-lesson series will include “DASHING Your Way to Improved Health” and will cover the DASH plan (Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertension), definition of high blood pressure and associated risks, exploring food choices, and lifestyle changes associated with reducing blood pressure. The second lesson is “A Virtual Grocery Store Tour,” where we’ll examine each department in the grocery store to find the healthiest sources. The third and final session is “Cooking with Spices and Herbs” instead of salt to enhance flavor while reducing sodium. Cooking demonstrations will take place during each session.
“Cooking Well for Health Blood Pressure” is scheduled for Sept. 9, 12 and 16, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office. A fee of $20, payable at the first session, will cover all materials, sampling, and door prizes. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Another cooking series is “Cooking Well with Diabetes.” Although this is not a new series, the information is always timely. The 4-session series is designed for those with diabetes, but anyone can benefit from the information! Session one covers “Carbohydrate Foods.” This session is designed to help participants recognize foods that are higher and lower in carbohydrates, since carbohydrates raise blood glucose. “Making Recipes with Fat Better for You” will examine cooking methods and shopping tips to help reduce calories ingested from high fat foods, while still maintaining delicious flavor. This session will focus on main dishes. The third session, “Double-Pleasure Side Dishes,” will focus on ways to reduce sodium and increase fiber in the diet. Side dishes will be highlighted. The final session is “Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes.” Holidays, parties, and special celebrations can be difficult to handle, especially if you have diabetes. This session provides practical tips on making the most of these celebrations while still maintaining a health blood sugar. Two recipes will demonstrated at each session, and participants will have the opportunity to sample 3 recipes.
“Cooking Well with Diabetes” is scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays, Sept. 16, 19, 23 and 26, at 6 p.m. at the Hopkins County Extension Office. A $25 fee, payable at the first session, will cover all materials, sampling, and door prizes. Please call 903-885-3443 in advance to sign up.
4-H Enrollment Time
All across the state of Texas, counties are gearing up for a new 4-H year. Hopkins County is no exception! The registration link is now open and we welcome all youth, grades 3 thru 12, to register! From foods & nutrition to photography, from archery to animals, leadership to clothing & textiles, horticulture to horses, we offer a wide variety opportunities for involvement. Returning 4-H members are reminded to open the 4-H Connect link and update the information. New members may go to the following website and set up a profile: https://texas.4honline.com. Simply follow the on-screen instructions.
The 4-H year begins Sept. 1, 2019, and ends Aug. 31, 2020. The registration fee is $25 if paid by October 31, and goes up to $30 after that date. Through our local 4-H program, we offer workshops, camps, project meetings, community service and leadership opportunities, and more. There are several choices for 4-H club membership in Hopkins County, so if you have questions about which one to select, our staff is here to assist you.
Volunteers are always welcome! Strong volunteers are the backbone of our 4-H program, and we welcome adults who have a passion for helping our youth grow into upstanding, responsible citizens. If you have questions about the Hopkins County 4-H program, contact Mario Villarino, Jessica Taylor, Barbara Sanders, or me, and we will answer your questions – 903-885-3443.
While we’re on the subject of 4-H, our annual 4-H Achievement Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24, 6 p.m., at the League Street Church of Christ. All current 4-H members, leaders, and families are reminded to contact the Extension Office to reserve tickets for the event. This is necessary so we can get an accurate head count for the meal. The theme is “Green Carpet Gala” as we spotlight our 4-H members who have participated in county, district, and state level activities. We’ll also recognize our 4-H Gold Star recipient, Outstanding Intermediate, and Outstanding Junior 4-H’ers, as well as Outstanding 4-H Leader of the Year.
Another event, scheduled for Sept. 14, is the 4-H Foods Fun Day, 1:30 p.m., at the Extension Office. Those interested in the 4-H Foods project are invited to this fun, hands-on workshop as we explore the world of apples – baking, decorating ideas, gift-giving ideas, and more! In order to make adequate preparations, please call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Closing Thought
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. – Walt Disney
Hopkins County Records For The Week Of Aug. 16, 2019
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Luther Winfield Stokley and Laura Ann Youngs
- Bonnie Levonce Noble and Lakisha Tanyale Jackson
- Kristopher Lee Wilson and Jessica Renee Gilbreath
- Tanner Reid Logan and Megan Darlene Salters
- Justin Ryan C. Mitchell and Karen Janeth Machado
- Robert Hugh Van Der Walt and Jennifer NIchole Davis
- Michael Anthony Garcia and Kelsey Bea Haley
- Parker Alexander Graves and Andi Rae Moore
- Jared Michael Smith and Diane Garrett Randall
Land Deed Transactions
- Abby’s Creek LLC to James Lay and Ruby Lay; tract in the William Lewis survey
- Mack Barrett Sr. to James Barrett; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Gary Odom and Patricia Chapman Odom to Brenna Leanne Balog and Timothy James Balog; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- S&T Construction LLC to Ty Hawkins; tract in the Spring Creek Addition
- Irene M. Hall to Christine D. Boesel and Werner H. Boesel; tract in the JW Prim survey
- Darrell Farris and Pam A. Farris to Michael S. Ball and Sharon T. Ball; tract in the J. Ybarbo survey
- Nita Kelty and Tim Kelty to GNZ Land Holdings LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Katrhyn Anne Maxwell and Marc Maxwell to Jennifer Harrington and Wesley Harrington; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Juan Tinajero to Kristine Michelle Burnett; tract in the Agatin Caro survey
- Jeff Orwosky and Sue Orwosky to Eugene F. Orwosky Inc.
- Carolyn Sue Stockton to Dusty Dale Davis and Krystal Prescott Davis; tract in the Pleasant Venerable survey
- Yvonna Allan who is also known as Yvonna Goldsmith to Joseph Lozak; tract in the Josiah Thompson survey
- Yvonna Goldsmith to Joseph Lozak; tract in the Richard Moore survey
- Jose Trillo to Nancy Vincente; tract in the Jasper County School Land survey
- Gyle Dale and Jenene Dale to John Klenzing and Judy Klenzing; tract in the James Gahagan survey
- Clint Springfield and Dorothy Springfield to William Johnson; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Mary Ruth Darnell to Daniel Gene Wilson and Marianne Darnell Wilson; tract in the Levi Landers survey
- Cheryl Blount and Daniel R. Blount to Rholston W. Oliver; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Benchmark Woods Inc., Deborah Ridgway Living Trust and Deborah Lynn Ridgway Estate, with Diane V. Schuyler successor trustee, to Texas Heritage National Bank; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Dale P. Thompson and Dawn R. Thompson to Kimberly A. Screws and Paul Alan Screws; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Bobbie Thompson and Frank L. Thompson to Adam English and Tanya English; tract in the Daniel Fuller survey
- B. Bender to Jesus I. Piedra; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Dennie Mitch Shumate and Destiny Nicole Shumate to Jo Ruth Durrett and Richard Lloyd Durrett; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- David T. Searls Jr. to MEC Partners LTD
- Pamela D. Duke to Harold J. Duke and Shelly Siconolfi; tract in the Jasper County School Land
- Harold J. Dike to Pamela Duke and Shelly Siconolfi; tract in the Jasper County School Land
Wildcats Team Tennis Has a Narrow Loss During First Day of Whitehouse Tournament Thursday
For the second time this season, the Wildcats Team Tennis squad suffered a one-point loss at a tournament Thursday (August 15). Playing in a Whitehouse tournament, the Wildcats just came up short, 10-9 against Bullard. Earlier this season, the Wildcats lost to Sherman at home, 10-9. During a second match Thursday, the Wildcats lost to Jacksonville, 16-3. The Wildcats season record is now 1-8. Friday morning, in the second day of the Whitehouse tournament, the Wildcats took on the Longview JV. Friday morning, Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez pointed out that he and the team were weary. After a long day of tennis Thursday, the Wildcats hit the Whitehouse courts at 7 a.m. Friday.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report For Aug. 7-13, 2019
August 7
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2377 near Alba, at approximately 12:40 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1670 near Alba, at approximately 12:40 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- At 7:05 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
- At 8:12 a.m., cows were reported out on County Road 2754 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to Bermuda St. in Quitman, at approximately 9:03 a.m., in reference to an incident. Benjamin Williams, 42, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant and false drug test falsification device.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3875 near Mineola, at approximately 12:40 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole the reporting party’s bank card. This case is active.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:13 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Jessica Lee, 32, of Tyler, was arrested for criminal mischief and assault causes bodily injury- family violence.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Quitman, at approximately 1:31 p.m., in reference to burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s storage unit. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:40 p.m., in reference to fraud on County Road 2696 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1681 near Alba, at approximately 7:38 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:39 p.m., in reference to shots fired on Highway 154 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
August 8
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 80 near Mineola, at approximately 5:41 a.m., in reference to shots fired. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:15 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat on Greenbriar Trail near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3590 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:34 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the individuals and determined this was a civil matter.
- Deputies were dispatched to Green Mesa Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 1:47 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:17 p.m., in reference to a scam on County Road 2220 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Kickapoo near Quitman, at approximately 4:03 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the individuals and determined this was a civil matter.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2290 near Mineola, at approximately 5:34 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1616 near Alba, at approximately 6:06 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:53 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass on County Road 2110 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 2088 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:58 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 312 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:58 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:31 p.m., in reference to a suspicious person on County Road 1427 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
August 9
At 12:28 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Hawkins.
- At 12:42 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2225 near Yantis; at approximately 4:37 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3420 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:37 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued Criminal Trespass Warnings and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9 a.m., in reference to a disturbance where an assault occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:24 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat on County Road 2281 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Morris Avenue in Quitman; at approximately 11:06 a.m. Rocky Hoffman, 32, of Quitman, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3590 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:12 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 County Road 2110 near Quitman, at approximately 3:40 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:38 p.m., in reference to a possible road rage incident on Highway 154 near the Upshur county line. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:24 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4830 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:14 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the homeowner and determined it was an accident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:23 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on Highway 154 near Yantis. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
August 10
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:53 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to Kickapoo near Quitman, at approximately 12:34 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 2:22 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 3980 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4420 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:45 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
- Deputies were dispatched to Lake Hawkins point, at approximately 7:23 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 69 near Mineola, at approximately 9:38 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3155 near Quitman, at approximately 9:56 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the home owner and determined it was an accident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Winnsboro St. in Quitman, at approximately 10:32 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was cleared.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 154 near Quitman, at approximately 11:31 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
August 11
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:39 a.m., in reference to harassment on FM 17 near Alba. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:29 p.m., in reference to harassment on County Road 3220 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on County Road 3832 near Hawkins; at approximately 1:49 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Yantis, at approximately 2:32 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 3419 near Hawkins; at approximately 3:47 p.m. David Shaw, 34, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2088 near Winnsboro; at approximately 4:24 p.m. Coleman Sistrunk, 23, of Winnsboro, was arrested for unlawful carrying of a weapon.
- Deputies were dispatched to Indian Gap near Quitman, at approximately 6:39 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 Holly Hill Circle near Hawkins, at approximately 9:59 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3144 near Quitman, at approximately 10:06 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
August 12
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 288 near Quitman, at approximately 7:07 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Yantis, at approximately 7:56 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:08 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief on County Road 2140 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:36 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat on FM 2225 near Quitman. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:32 p.m., in reference to a scam on County Road 2460 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:34 p.m., in reference to credit/debit card abuse on Pine Tree near Hawkins. Actors, or actors unknown, used the reporting party’s credit/debit card without authorization.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 4:09 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was transported to the hospital by EMS.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1475 near Quitman, at approximately 7:11 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2460 near Mineola, at approximately 8:32 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Holley Street in Alba, at approximately 9:58 p.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.
August 13
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:56 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on Highway 154 near Quitman. A known actor used the reporting party’s vehicle without authorization and stole several items inside the vehicle.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:50 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on Pivate Road 6282 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 12:31 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3875 near Mineola, at approximately 4:13 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 154 near Quitman, at approximately 4:46 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4530 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:26 p.m., in reference to damage to property. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property. This case is active.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on County Road 2220 near Mineola; at approximately 8:16 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 80 near Mineola, at approximately 8:50 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 51, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Additional Activity
- Between the dates of August 7 and August 13, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Emergency Medical Services, Quitman Police Department, Mineola Police Department and Upshur County Sheriff’s Office.
- Between the dates of August 7 and August 13, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 3 arrest warrants and arrested the individuals, and filed 5 cases with the District Attorney.
Jail Totals
- Total Jail Count – 129 inmates, 106 males and 23 females.
Reminders From Sheriff Castloo
- 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.
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Snaps Two Match Losing Streak With Pair of Tourney Wins Thursday
The Lady Cats Volleyball Team won both their pool games Thursday (August 15) at the Hardman/Watson Varsity Volleyball Tournament in Wills Point. The Lady Cats downed Emory Rains, 2-1 with the score by set being 25-17, 27-29 and 25-20 and defeated Tatum, 2-0 with the set score being 25-9 and 25-18. Lady Cats Coach Bailey Dorner said the Lady Cats looked good in both wins. She said the Lady Cats did not let up and fought to the end. With the wins, the Lady Cats stopped a two match losing streak, which included a 3-1 loss at McKinney North Tuesday after the Lady Cats won the first set. Coach Dorner said the Lady Cats learned from that loss and bounced back Thursday and looked good. The Lady Cats improved to 8-4 for the season. In the Wills Point tournament, the Lady Cats will play Texas High Saturday at 9 a.m. Coach Dorner said the Lady Cats were excited by the opportunity to play their district foe, the Lady Tigers.
2 Como VFD Officers Arrested For Theft, Station 2 Taken Out Of Service
Darren Dwayne “Bro” Harris 
Roy George Darby
Several months of investigation by Hopkins County Fire Marshal’s Office and Texas Rangers resulted in two longtime members of Como Volunteer Fire Department being jailed for misuse of fiduciary funds and the department being temporarily taken out of service, Hopkins County fire marshals said Friday afternoon.
Como VFD Secretary\Treasurer Roy George Darby, 78, and Chief Darren Dwayne Harris (who is known as Bro), 53, were arrested Friday morning on one warrant each for theft of $1,500 to $20,000. They remained in the county jail Friday afternoon. Bond was set at $10,000 each on the charge, according to jail reports.
The investigation began a few months ago, after county fire marshals received a tip that a member of Como VFD had purchased alcohol while driving a Como VFD fire truck. That revealed other activity, that resulted in further investigation and the Texas Ranger being brought in on the case. The officials looked into years worth of financial records, according to the fire marshals.
Darby and Harris and others were called in beginning Friday morning for interviews at the sheriff’s office regarding the alleged misuse of fiduciary funds. Interviews continued until after 3 p.m. Friday.
Based on the information attained during the investigation, warrants were attained for Darby and Harris’ arrests for theft of funds from the department. The theft charge is typically a state jail felony offense. However, because the pair as fire department members are considered public servants, the charge is enhanced to a third-degree felony, the fire marshals said Friday afternoon.
At this time, no other arrests have been made in connection with the case nor have any additional charges been filed for Darby and Harris. However, the investigation into the misuse of funds is ongoing, the fire marshals said.
An announcement was made, per the county fire marshals office, at 3:30 p.m. Friday that Como VFD has been temporarily placed out of service pending administrative review.
Any further action regarding Como VFD, including the department being put back into service, will be determined by the City of Como, Hopkins County Commissioners Court and Hopkins County Fire chief, the fire marshals said.
Wildcats Marching Band Ends Summer Band With Traditional Squad Off at Prim Stadium Thursday
The Wildcats Marching Band marked the end of summer band with its’ traditional Squad Off Thursday evening (August 15) at Gerald Prim Stadium. A good number of parents and other band boosters attended. During the Squad Off, the euphonium section, formerly called baritone horns, took first place. They were the last squad left outlasting the clarinets. Then the band performed for the first time this season before an audience. The band did their first number for this fall’s halftime and contest show, It’s a Wonderful New World. The band played the entire song and marched most of it. Band Director Spencer Emmert said the band did about 70% noting that the long first song makes up about 40% of the entire halftime show. The opening of this year’s show will surprise traditional watchers of halftime band shows. The Wildcats Marching Band begins the show with choreography. Emmert said he believes this will be the most dynamic, exciting and unexpected beginning of a halftime show that Sulphur Springs has seen in a long time. At Squad Off, Emmert told the audience that this year’s Marching Band was his best summer band he has ever had in 18 years in band. He called it fantastic and said the kids were ideal, with no complaints, just hard work and bonding. Emmert seems to be a much more comfortable Sulphur Springs band director in his second season. He said the kids now know what to expect from him. Emmert said his staff is second to none. When some bragged on the band’s performance Thursday night, Emmert said it was really just the tip of the iceberg. He said the band was really tired after a grueling four hour Thursday morning practice under the broiling sun. He said the band also expended a lot of energy competing hard in the Squad Off.
Manhunt Underway In Delta County
From Delta County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page.
Sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement personnel are conducting manhunt in Delta County for a suspect allegedley wanted for theft. Citizens are warned to not approach the subject and to avoid the area of the search.
Wildcats and Lady Cats Cross County Teams Get Glimpse of Main District Foes at Saturday Tri-Meet
Wildcats and Lady Cats Cross County Teams Get Glimpse of Main District Foes at Saturday Tri-Meet
The Wildcats and Lady Cats Cross Country Teams open their season Saturday (August 17) in an unusual fashion. Both teams will run in a tri-meet at Royse City against the host and Mount Pleasant. That means the expected top three teams in the district will be getting an early look at each other. Like in intrasquad meets to open the season in the past, Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks will use Saturday’s run to determine which runners will be on the varsity and which ones will run on the JV team. Coach Hicks said his runners have been working hard all summer and he said numbers in the program are at a high point in his four years as head coach. For the Lady Cats, Coach Hicks said he will have returning seniors Ashley Noe and Sydney Washburn as well as junior Maurie Flecker and sophomore Jessica Yanez. New freshmen runners include Lainie Hurst, Maddie Bridges and Emily Soto. For the Wildcats, they will be led by senior Christian Palomino and sophomore Jose Mejia. Coach Hicks says he also has a talented new group of freshman boys. Coach Hicks assistant Cross Country Coach is Brian Jones.
