Wood County Sheriff’s Report For Aug. 21-27, 2019
Aug. 21
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 8:26 a.m., in reference to an incident that occurred. Deputies made contact with the reporting party and issued a Criminal Trespass Warning. Deputies were informed that the actor was abusing illegal drugs. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3841 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:12 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- At 9:46 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 10:52 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. The vehicle was located and it was towed by Joes Wrecker Service.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:29 p.m., in reference to a possible burglary on County Road 1971 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 2:25 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Pine Mills, at approximately 4:18 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2251 near Mineola, at approximately 5:09 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole two rings from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 5:11 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- At 7:12 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Winnsboro.
- At 7:57 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 4778 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Yantis, at approximately 8:02 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was transported to the ER by EMS.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3940 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:14 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole a water tank from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on County Road 4651 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:33 p.m., in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:44 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Makayla Lagrone, 18, of Fort Worth, was arrested for Assault.
Aug. 22
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 5:59 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:32 a.m., in reference to a possible burglary on County Road 1880 near Yantis. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:53 a.m., in reference to a scam on FM 778 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1580 near Alba, at approximately 2:33 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:45 p.m., in reference to theft on FM 1647 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2869 near Hawkins; at approximately 5:17 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- At 8:24 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 4760 near Winnsboro.
Aug. 23
- At 3:42 a.m., cows were reported out on County Road 4836 near Winnsboro.
- At 7:42 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5295 near Yantis, at approximately 9:31 a.m., in reference to a violation of a protective order. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2425 near Mineola, at approximately 12:09 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 68, was found deceased I his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and an autopsy was ordered.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 near Mineola, at approximately 2:47 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole timber from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 4:07 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to Pope St. in Alba, at approximately 4:05 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located and transported the actor to the hospital.
- At 4:50 p.m., horses were reported out on County Road 4165 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3840 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:27 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- At 7:37 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 2230 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2220 near Mineola, at approximately 7:53 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:00 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on Broken Bow near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 7869 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:08 p.m., in reference to a possible assault. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to Beaulah St. in Hawkins, at approximately 9:08 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 10:42 p.m., in reference to an assault. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Aug. 24
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 69 near Alba; at approximately 1:21 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2220 near Mineola, at approximately 7:15 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies made contact with the reporting party and determined no criminal mischief occurred.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 12:23 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with the parties involved and determined this was a civil matter.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2299 near Mineola, at approximately 5:20 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2306 near Mineola, at approximately 9:02 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5861 near Yantis, at approximately 11:02 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Trent Speaker, 51, of Yantis, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury of Family/Household Member Impede Breathing/Circulation.
Aug. 25
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1880 near Yantis, at approximately 12:06 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2339 near Mineola, at approximately 1:12 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:22 a.m., in reference to a scam on HWY 154 near Yantis. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on County Road 2150 near Quitman; at approximately 1:07 p.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on County Road 4870 near Winnsboro; at approximately 3:34 p.m. Howard Weems, 61, of Winnsboro, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Trespass.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 8:52 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:03 p.m., in reference to a dispute on FM 2088 near Quitman. Deputies spoke with the parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 9:12 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with the parties involved and cleared the incident.
Aug. 26
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2422 near Mineola, at approximately 1:42 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 3:33 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3234 near Quitman, at approximately 9:23 a.m., in reference to credit/debit card abuse. A known actor used the reporting party’s credit/debit card without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3803 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:43 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Scott Lumpkin, 50, of Hawkins, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
- Deputies were dispatched to Holly Hill Circle near Hawkins, at approximately 1:11 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 3:26 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 3144 near Quitman.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:36 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat on FM 69 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 1905 near Yantis; at approximately 10:35 p.m. Jerry Payne, 35, of Lone Oak, was arrested for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction/Suspension without Financial Responsibility.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:32 p.m., in reference to stalking on County Road 1700 near Yantis. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Aug. 27
- At 7:18 a.m., cows were reported out on SPUR 514 near Yantis.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:45 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on County Road 2268 near Mineola. Deputies determined this was a civil matter and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Clayton St. near Yantis, at approximately 12:56 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. A male, 85, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1540 near Alba, at approximately 2:02 p.m., in reference to a burglary. A known actor stole a ring from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:23 p.m., in reference to a scam on County Road 1960 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Birchwood Path near Hawkins, at approximately 4:06 p.m., in reference to a scam. Actors, or actors unknown, bought several items from the reporting party with a fraudulent check. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4494 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:32 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
Additional Reports
- Between the dates of August 21 and August 27, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Emergency Medical Services, Quitman Police Department, Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, Terrell Police Department, Child Protective Services and Mineola Police Department.
- Between the dates of August 21 and August 27, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 1 arrest warrant and arrested the individual.
- Total Jail Count: 133 inmates – 111 males and 22 females.
Remiders 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.
Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez Explains How Wildcats Turned Things Around Against Bullard
Back on Aug. 15, Wildcats Team Tennis dropped a close 10-9 match against Bullard in a Whitehouse tournament. In a rematch Thursday, Aug. 29, at Tyler Junior College the Wildcats won 13-6.
There were several factors that contributed to the turnaround. Two weeks earlier, the Wildcats were near the end of a grueling 10-matches-in-two-weeks stretch that included several two-match days. Since then, the Wildcats have had only one match a week with lots of practice time to work on problem areas.
Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez cited serving as an example. He said the Wildcats had lots of double faults early this season. With practice, he says serving is showing lots of improvement
The Wildcats also turned things around in doubles matches and in #1 boys singles. Coach Martinez says two weeks ago, the Wildcats finished doubles matches against Bullard down 5-2. He says Thursday the Wildcats were up 5-2.
Two weeks ago, #1 boys singles player Jonah Kirkpatrick lost his match. Thursday Coach Martinez says Kirkpatrick played well and won his singles match. Kirkpatrick also teamed up with Jeauxleigh Cantu to win their mixed doubles match.
Aaron Lucas and Logan Schumacher continue to play well for the Wildcats. They won their boys doubles match and both also took boys singles wins.
Jordan Gonzales won his boys singles match and teamed with Waylon Matlock to win a boys doubles match.
Carlos Lopez also won his boys singles match and teamed with Alex Romero to take a boys doubles match.
Coach Martinez was also pleased with two girls singles wins from veteran players. Katie Beth Herd and Harleigh Stiegent got wins. Sophomore Emily Dick also won her girls singles match. The girls doubles team of sophomore Paige Miesse and freshman Tryniti Luckett also won their match.
The only negative on Thursday was an injury to #1 girls singles player Cantu. Coach Martinez says she fell hard on the court and appeared to hurt her back. He says she is seeing a doctor to determine the extent of her injury. Despite the injury, Cantu continued to play and finished her match Thursday.
The Wildcats open district play Tuesday at the Wildcat Tennis Center against Lindale.
Wildcats Football Season Opens At The Prim Friday Against Frisco Wakeland
The Wildcats Football Team opens the regular season at Gerald Prim Stadium on this game day, Friday, Aug. 30. Frisco Wakeland will be in town and kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m.
It’s always exciting to start a season and everyone is undefeated and hope springs eternal. The Wildcats are coached by Greg Owens in his 14th year here. The Wakeland Wolverines are coached by Marty Secord, also in his 14th year there. Both teams made the playoffs one year ago and but teams lost bi-district games. Wakeland is a Division I Class 5A school and Sulphur Springs is a Division II Class 5A team.
Last year, at Frisco’s Memorial Stadium, the Wildcats hung on to win a thriller, 37-35. Perhaps we will have the same kind of excitement at The Prim on Friday night.
Catch all the game action of KSST Radio with live audio streaming. The game will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Meanwhile there is also cross country competition on this game day, Friday. The Wildcats and Lady Cats, coached by Ross Hicks, are competing at a Mineola meet.
Funds Approved for Improvements at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport
Aug. 30, 2019
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a $150,000 grant approved by the Texas Transportation Commission at its August meeting will fund improvements at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport in Hopkins County.
The funds will be used for planned improvements, including design and engineering for pavement improvements through the city of Sulphur Springs and TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system. A consultant for this project will be selected this summer, officials said.
This year, TxDOT expects to provide approximately $60 million in funding for planning, constructing and maintaining community airports. Approximately 275 community airports in Texas are eligible for funding.
Arrivals and departures from community airports account for more than three million flight hours per year, and provide aircraft facilities for agricultural, medical, business and commuter use.
Man Accused Of Holding Girlfriend At Gunpoint When She Tried To End Their Relationship Is Back In Jail
Justin Arley Bryant, the Sulphur Springs man accused of holding his girlfriend at gunpoint in June to prevent her from breaking up with him, is back in the county jail.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Greer and Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford located the 20-year-old man at his residence. They took him into custody at 12:53 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, on a motion to hold-bond insufficient, according to arrest reports.
Bryant was arrested June 27 at Buford Park. He was alleged to have engaged in a verbal argument with a 19-year-old Sulphur Springs woman about them ending their relationship. During the altercation, he allegedly retrieved a small black gun and pointed it at the female, “telling her that she can’t leave him,” Sulphur Springs Police Officer Nick Floyd noted in arrest reports. While shouting at the woman, Bryant allegedly pointed the weapon out an open window and discharged the firearm, police reports noted.
The woman reportedly talked him into going to play volleyball at the park and to get something to eat. Bryant allegedly put the gun away and they proceeded to the park. Another person contacted police about the situation, Floyd wrote in June 27 arrest reports.
Bryant was released from Hopkins County jail July 3 on $200,000 bond. Deputies took him into custody at his residence Aug. 29 on the insufficient bond charge. He remained in jail Friday morning, Aug. 30. The new bond on the aggravated assault with deadly weapon charge was set at $1 million, according to jail and arrest reports.
Cumby City Council Accepts 2 Resignations, Discusses Finances, Schedules Hearing For Grant Application
Cumby City Council discussed finances and two openings on the council during this week’s meeting.
The resignations of Cumby Mayor Cody Talley and Alderman Place 2 Kristin Thompson were accepted by Cumby City Council during Tuesday evening’s special meeting.
Talley reportedly offered appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community, but cited family obligations, which include commitments of several active children and the impending birth of another, for his resignation. Place 1 Alderman Doug Simmerman as mayor pro tem is in line to step up to fill the seat until November.
The seat for Cumby mayor is on the Nov. 5 election ballot; incumbent Simmerman and Ryan Horne are both seeking election as mayor for the city of Cumby.
Thompson’s resignation as Place 2 alderman was effective immediately, but no cause was cited. The council, at an upcoming meeting, will appoint someone to fill the Alderman Place 2 seat, which doesn’t expire until 2020, according to the city secretary.
Cumby City Council also during the Aug. 27 meeting discussed a city budget and tax rate. Hopkins County Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Mitchell reportedly noted Sept. 30 as the deadline by which municipalities must adopt a tax rate. The city budget is to be adopted prior to the tax rate.
The city accountant is scheduled to help draft a budget to be proposed at an upcoming meeting. The city’s regular meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at City Hall.
A public hearing for a Texas Community Development Block Grant Program application is scheduled at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at City Hall. The city is proposing applying to Texas Department of Agriculture for the funding, which would help pay for road maintenance. Major road repairs are needed due to the flooding and rains of September and October 2018, which resulted in a disaster declaration for the county, according to city staff.
Citizens during the hearing will have opportunity to discuss the matter at the public meeting Tuesday. Anyone unable to attend the meeting can send views and proposals to Mayor Pro Tem Doug Simmerman at City Hall, 1000 East Main Street, Cumby, TX 75433; or call City Hall at 903-994-2272.
A city attorney is reportedly working with Cumby officials to revise and draw up a new employee handbook, which would be presented for City Council consideration at a future meeting.
Beachem Held In Custody On Warrant For Allegedly Violating Terms of Probation
Another charge was added to the list of offenses Terence Ramon “Monnie” Beachem accumulated this week.
The 47-year-old man was accused of forcing his way into a West Park Street residence, where he was involved in a physical altercation. He then took the car belonging to the woman involved in the altercation, fled police in a short vehicle pursuit and ultimately crashed the vehicle on Helm Lane. He then fled to a residence, where he was apprehended Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28, according to police and arrest reports.
In November 2018 Beachem was assessed 10 years on probation for aggravated assault with deadly weapon. He was arrested August 12, 2018, on that charge as well as criminal mischief, evading arrest or detention and violation of parole, according to court and jail reports.
He was accused in August 12, 2018 arrest reports of intentionally ramming a vehicle driven by the son of his girlfriend, both of whom he had reportedly threatened prior to the incident. Beachem allegedly lost control of his vehicle on Main Street, causing a large amount of damage to the downtown square, then ran from police. He was found hiding in a group of shrubs, police noted in arrest reports following Beachem’s arrest August 12, 2018.
Beachem was indicted on the aggravated assault charge in late August 2018. He received 10 years on probation in November 2018, according to court records.
Because Beachem was still on probation during his arrest this week for burglary of a habitation, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and unauthorized use of a vehicle, officials sought and obtained a warrant August 29th 2019 for violation of probation, police investigators reported.
Beachem remained in the county jail on $175,000 bond on the three charges Thursday afternoon, August 29. Police served him at the jail with the warrant for violating probation. Bond was denied on the warrant, according to police and jail reports.
Winners of Annual Senior Citizen Summer Olympics
A large group of Senior citizens who wished to match their skills against others in their age groups found a lot of fun on Thursday August 29 at The Roc in the 2019 Senior Summer Olympics. Many brought their own cheering section and mascot! The more than 200 individual competitors in the games were age 50 and up. Rehab and Nursing Facilities competed in the Spirit category. Karon Weatherman, Director of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, reported to KSST on the games and the winners.
Named Most Athletic was Michael Smith, who took home 5 medals and a trophy
Spirit Award, 1st Place – Azalea Trail of Grand Saline,
Spirit Award, 2nd Place – Willow Creek of Mt Vernon
IK
1st Place Michael Smith
2nd Place – Craig Toenniges
3rd Place – John Little
Wheelchair Race
1st Place – Glen Fulbright
2nd Place – Kay Norwicki
3rd Place – Cindy Bolin
Horse Shoe
50-59
Dale Camp
Julie Stinson
Ana Benson
60-69
Leonard Rocha
Michael Smith
Mary Wilhelm
70-79
Patricia Peacock
Betty Green
Joe Don Peacock
80-Up
WG White
Wilma Thompson
Ursula Campbell
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Ronnie Shaw
Rhonda Hernandez
Charles Hill
Nerf Javelin
50-59
Jim Perriett
Dale Camp
Ana Benson
60-69
Leonard Rocha
Michael Smith
Steve Ross
70-79
Patricia Peacock
Charles Darr
Joe Dan Peacock
80-Up
Doris White
Esther Cox
Betty Holden
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Gary Griffin
Ronnie Shaw
Billy Walker
Frisbee Golf
50-59
Ingrid Aga
Ana Benson
Dale Camp
60-69
Kathy English
Marjean Allen
Vender Wright
70-79
Charles Darr
Nell Warren
Craig Toenniges
80-Up
Ruenell Martin
Jim Helferich
Shirley Brock
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Ronnie Shaw
Carl Potter
Beth Barrett
Washer Pitching
50-59
Butch Camp
Dale Camp
Ana Benson
60-69
Michael Smith
Leah Garcia
Teresa Rocha
70-79
Allen Mayo
Samantha Wilkins
Gloria Herriage
80-Up
Wilma Thompson
Beth Barrett
W G White
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Charlie Sims
Chris Crowell
Gary Griffin
Bean Bag Toss
50-59
Carl Potter
Rhona Hernandez
Marjean Allen
60-69
Michael Smith
Leonard Rocha
Vender Wright
70-79
Hillis Bass
Donald Dorsett
Martha Helferich
80-Up
Wilma Thompson
Rayborn Gartin
W G White
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Glen Fulbright
Lavenia Mobley
Chris Crowell
200 Seniors Competed in Games. The score keepers and registration workers were from the Hopkins County Marketers Association. Nine Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Facilities represented, and each Facility brought their own workers and volunteers to help with their
residents. Everyone also enjoyed snacks of Water, Bananas, Peanut Butter Crackers and Trail Mix and free T-shirts, compliments of event sponsors.
NETBIO ‘Ribeye Roundup’ Steak Cookoff Set for Saturday October 5 on Celebration Plaza
Texas Heritage National Bank President Dwyatt Bell appeared on the KSST Good Morning Show along with Mario Villarino, Hopkins County Agri-life Extension agent and talked about the annual Ribeye Roundup competition. The 2019 event will be held on Saturday October 5 on Celebration Plaza. The event will consist of educational programs about ranching, team competition in cooking ribeye steaks, a sit-down outdoor dinner at 6:30 pm, and a free concert for everyone by Texas musician Mike Ryan. Tickets are $25 each are available at Texas Heritage National Bank, 215 North Hillcrest Drive in Sulphur Springs, or at texashnb.com
Come to Celebration Plaza during the afternoon of Saturday October 5, Hopkins County Beef Day, to learn more about the dietary and economic advantages of raising and consuming beef, as well as the historical aspects of the industry. You are encouraged to visit the “Cattle Trail” series of interesting teaching stations arranged around Celebration Plaza, free to visit. There will also be an area for hors d’oeuvres and wine pairings. Prior to the dinner hour, competition will get fired up as the ribeye cooking teams (Open and Restaurant) select their steaks and begin preparing the beef for the 6 pm and 6:30 pm dinner seatings. Judging will be done by an elite panel involved in the beef industry. After dinner, winning teams will be announced with prestigious awards and $6,500 total in prizes, and the event will wrap up with the concert. This year, a Children’s Burger Cooking contest for ages 5-15 has been added.
According to Bell, the annual fundraising event benefits the NETBIO organization which serves beef cattle ranchers in 50 counties throughout Northeast Texas. The North East Texas Beef Improvement Organization was created 21 years ago by a group of independent cow/calf producers and agribusiness representatives working together to enhance the beef industry in Northeast Texas. NETBIO works in conjunction with the Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Office. NETBIO was developed in cooperation with the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission, a special premium stocker and feeder calf sale where producers can offer their pre-conditioned calves in load lots. NETBIO sales are held several times each year providing an improved market for beef cattle raisers with small to large operations.
