Sheriff Credits Cooperative Efforts Of Law Enforcement, Community For Safe Location Of Missing Man
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum credits the collaborative efforts of not just his staff but officials from other agencies and community members for the location of an elderly man who was reported missing Friday night, Aug. 23.
The sheriff said the man was located at 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. He was checked out by EMS due to the length of time and where he had traveled. The sheriff’s office was notified just before 9 p.m. Friday that the man was missing from his home in the southern part of Hopkins County.
Upon learning the situation, numerous sheriff’s staff on-duty as well as off, as well as officials from other agencies and community volunteers rallied as dark fell to offer their services for a night search.
He extends thanks first “to the family and civilians on scene for assisting us,” and everyone involved. He also credits the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Choice Moore Unit canine handlers “Sgt. Williams, Officer Perry and Officer Doran”; Sulphur Springs Police Officer Buddy Williams and his canine; and Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Aaron Hanna and Trooper William Gillentine for their help.
Tatum also credited Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Lt. Amanda Weatherford, Sgt. Shea Shaw, and Deputies Colt Patterson, Tanner Steward and Kevin Lester; Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford and Investigator Dennis Findley; Communications Supervisor David Ray and Dispatchers Branice Rodgers and Catlyan Wilson; and Jail Administrator Kenneth Dean for their involvement in the search as well.
Commissioners Sign Order Authorizing City To Collect All Mail, Pay Bills Of Como Volunteer Fire Department
Applications Available For Anyone Interested Becoming A Volunteer Firefighter With Como Department Of Public Safety – Police And Fire
An order was passed Monday by Hopkins County Commissioners Court “to protect the integrity of the Como Volunteer Fire Department membership and equipment.”
The order is effective starting Aug. 26 and remain in effect “for 60 days or until further order of the Court.”
The order is in place following the Aug. 16 arrest of two members of Como VFD by Hopkins County Fire Marshals Office and Texas Rangers for alleged theft. The department was closed at that time until administrative review by city and county officials.
“The department has been shut down until we get new member, new members go through a membership drive,” said Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said.
Como owns the land and Como Volunteer Fire Department building, and authority for the fire department and building has officially been transferred to the city.
The organization will no longer act as a volunteer agency on its own, but the power of acting authority will transfer to the city. Once it is up and going again, under city supervision under the authority of commissioners court, the department will again begin responding to calls outside of the city per the authority of the court, according to Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley.
“They will start that vetting process of anyone that wants to come in. They will allow the old members to reapply. And they will go through a background history and drug screening. Once all that’s going forth, and they feel like they can stand back up their feet, stand that department back up, they will get with the court and they will go forward from there,” Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley told Hopkins County Commissioners during the 9 a.m. court session Monday.
Applications are being accepted for “qualified volunteers” interested in donating their time as members of Como’s fire department, which will become part of “Como Department of Public Safety – Police and Fire,” Com City Mayor Darla Henry reported late Friday night following a special meeting of Como City Council.
“In the coming days and weeks hopefully you’ll begin to see some basic changes of signs and logos. Our goal is to purchase the equipment we need and staff the Fire Dept with enthusiastic, trained and qualified young men and women that will dedicate their time to keeping Como and its’ residents safe,” the mayor posted on Aug. 23.
Andy Lowen has been appointed public safety director and will serve as head of both the screened volunteers who will make up the newly comprised fire department as well as the police department. Matt Green was appointed assistant fire chief.
Lowen and the city are working to obtain their official Texas Commission On Law Enforcement number to reestablish a police department in Como in order to officially operate as a recognized law enforcement agency, according to Endsley.
According to the release from Henry. when the Como Police Department is established, it won’t be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will focus mostly on code enforcement during the day. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office continuing to serve other law enforcement needs after hours and as needed during the day.
“It’s a good process. There’s still more to come, but it’s just going to be a little bit of a process to get through this,” Endsley said.
Newsom noted one of the steps in that process was officially passing a resolution in commissioners court that could be given to the postal service so that all mail for Como fire department will be forwarded to the city.
The county judge said he sent a letter “to whom it may concern” to the post office requesting that any mail, bills or otherwise, be diverted to the City of Como. However, the postal service did not want to honor the request without an order from the court, according to Newsom.
Thus, Newsom presented an official order which was approved and signed during commissioners court, which “authorizes the city of Como to collect all mail, bills, and payments regarding the Como Volunteer Fire Department of Como, Texas.” The document will be presented to the postal service to facilitate the transfer, according to the county judge.
The order also stipulates that all bills for Como fire department will be paid by the City of Como during this interim, requires the City of Como to maintain careful and full accounting of all receipts of monies and all expenditures.
“So Como will be operating as a volunteer fire department, maintained by the City of Como, until further reorganization?” asked Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker.
“It will remain under the authority of the City Council. The fire department will report to the city council just like Cumby does, and the city of Tira, Sulphur Springs. They are their own entity now; they come under the city’s authority. So they report now to the city,” Endsley said.
“So they will or will not be under contract with Hopkins County?” Barker asked.
“They continue to work under [Hopkins County], just like Cumby and Tira, do. They responded in their city. Anything outside their city, the county district, that falls under the court’s authority,” Endsley explained.
“Right now, the court – we’ve stopped payments. Every month Hopkins County send money to each of the volunteer fire departments for maintenance. It’s not a lot of money, but it helps them keep the lights on and keep operating. We stopped all those payments for now, until things get more grounded. This is one of the steps in getting it back to some type of normalcy because of the recent events regarding the chief and the secretary/treasurer of Como fire department,” Newsom said of Como VFD.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked if funding is withheld, would the department just not receive it, or would it be “retroactive?”
“I’m sure it will be. I don’t think they should lose anything over this. It’s not really the fault of the volunteer fire department. That’s my suggestion. We’re holding those funds right now. Hopefully, this isn’t going to take very long. They are ready to go forward I think, with this order approved by the court,” Newsom said.
Area Students Recognized for Outstanding UIL, Track And Field Performances
Two groups of students were recognized by Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday for their outstanding performances at the state level during the spring semester.
Matthew Harper was recognized for not only being named the state champion. The SSHS Wildcat UIL competitor also had “the highest score of any student competing in any classification in Literary Criticism,” at the May 3-4 state UIL contest.
Teammates Carissa Carter won third place honors, Andrew Westlund fourth and Lainey Whittle fifth in the state in literary criticism in May.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said the “harmony of team effort, enthusiasm and excellence paved way for Matthew Harper, Carissa Carter, Andrew Westlund and Lainey Whittle enabling them to achieve the title of State Champion Literary Criticism team for a consecutive fifth year.”
In fact, May 20109 marked the sixth time in seven years the SSHS literary criticism teams have won at state, under the guidance of event coach Gail Herman. Harper is Herman’s fourth student to be named individual state champion in literary criticism.
Also notable is that it was Carter’s fourth year in a row to be on the state championship team, according to Herman.
Newsom Monday called on “all citizens of Hopkins County to join in the honorable recognition of the accomplishments of these young men and women in their outstanding presentation in the category of Literary Criticism of the 2019 UIL State Meet.”
Whittle and Carter were unable to be at Commissioners Court Monday morning for the proclamation, as they were already starting the year at College, Literary Criticism Coach Gail Herman noted.
Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat academic UIL competitor Annmarie Gunn was also recognized for exhibiting “an inspiring framework of strong academic skills, talent and abilities empowering her to earn the title of Silver Medalist for her participation in the UIL Latino History Essay Contest,” on May 3.
That’s one of two events Gunn placed in; she also earned fourth place in ready writing.
Hopkins County Judge Robert encourages “all citizens of Hopkins County to join in celebrating the accomplishment of Annmarie Gunn for her success in attaining her place on the podium of the academic category known as the Latino History Essay Contest.”
Breana Wooten, another SSHS Wildcat UIL competitor, was recognized for the “hard work and abilities” which “enabled her to achieve a third place standing from a field of 400 entries and receive the bronze medal for her participation in the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition,” on May 3.
Newsom urged “all citizens of Hopkins County to join in the worthy acknowledgment of the accomplishment of Breana Wooten in the academic category known as the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition.” Wooten also was unable to attend Monday’s court session.
Hopkins County Commissioner Court also recognized three Miller Grove students for their athletic prowess in cross country and track events.
Miller Grove High’s Jorja Bessonett was noted “in the initial straightaway of the 3200-meter run,” to have taken lead to expand her advance throughout the competition at the UIL State Track Meet held at Mike Myers Stadium of Austin.” Bessonett went shatter state meet record in the Class 1A 3200-meter run with a time of 11:19.92, naming the sophomore as the Class 1A State Champion for the Miller Grove Hornets.
Bessonett also crossed the finish line of the 1600-meter race with a time of 5:23.71, to earn a silver medal.’
Newsom Monday encouraged “all citizens of Hopkins County to applaud Jorja Bessonett for her extraordinary achievements which enabled her to receive a record-breaking championship title along a personal record earning her a strong second place while expressing a competitive spirit at the UIL State Track Meet of 2019.”
Kobe Robertson, a Miller Grove Independent School District sophomore, “triggered a burst of perseverance and stamina in the final 25 meters to supersede his opponent and to finished with a time of 4:3o.23,” in the 1600-meter track event of the UIL State Track and Field Meet held at Mike Myers Stadium of Austin May 10.
“The diligence, determination and commitment has earned Kobe a Texas state championship in the 2019 UIL 1600-meter race,” Newsom noted. He then encouraged “all citizens in Hopkins County to heartily congratulate Kobe Robertson, acknowledging his competitive excellence in achieving a gold medal victory in the UIL Class 1A 1600-meter track event.”
Miller Grove Hornet Isaiah Billingsley too was lauded for his “steadfast commitment to unshakable endurance,” which not only enabled him to “persevere and earn a well-deserved second place on the podium with a time of 9:49.45 just 0.25 seconds short of the gold.” The silver medalist’s outstanding performance also set at new Miller Grove ISD record time for the 3200-meter event.
Newsom requestes “that all citizens of Hopkins County honorably commend Isaiah Billingsley for his determination and outstanding effort in striving to reach his goal and finishing strong in the UIL Class 1A 3200-meter track event.”
Gary Billingsley was recognized as the coach for this group; Newsom noted the coach had the team running all summer and year round to remain in top condition for these events. The coach said he currently has the students running 30-50 miles already.
“We are honoring them for things that occurred last spring. They are already looking forward. We look forward to hearing more from Sulphur Springs academic and Miller Grove track and field competitors later this year. Congratulations again,” Newsom said.
League Street Church of Christ Special Sunday
The League Street church of Christ is having their annual Connect / Reconnect Sunday, September 8th, and they would like to invite everyone to come out for a special day with the church. Bible classes for all ages will begin at 9:30am and a special hour of worship will begin at 10:30am. After worship, the church will serve a free meal to all who can stay around for lunch. If you’ve not been to church in a while this will be a great day to start back.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner Comments on Team’s Play in Edgewood Tournament
Call it a mixed review of her team by Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner after the Lady Cats ended up fourth in an Edgewood tournament this past Thursday (August 22) and Saturday (August 24). Thursday the Lady Cats swept through pool play defeating Lone Oak, Scurry-Rosser and Caddo Mills. On Saturday the Lady Cats rallied from behind to defeat Grand Saline and then just came up short against Neches and host Edgewood. Coach Dorner said her team had some great moments against pretty good competition but also fell apart and couldn’t finish a couple of games. She said concerning inconsistency, it is still fairly early in the season and the Lady Cats are still learning to work together as a team. She said they are learning that when things go south, the team must come together as a team and work through those things. The Lady Cats also got off to slow starts in all three matches Saturday losing all three. Coach Dorner noted that the Lady Cats turned things around and pulled out the early Saturday match against Grand Saline. She said her team played pretty well against Neches, a Class A state champion from last year that only lost one girl off that team. Coach Dorner was so impressed she said she hoped to schedule Neches for a match again next year. She said it makes the Lady Cats better to play teams like them. The Lady Cats ended the tournament with a tough set two loss to Edgewood. Coach Dorner said it was 22-22 when the Lady Bulldogs captured the last three points to take the set and match. She said the loss of the points was due to silly mistakes. Coach Dorner said Sadie Washburn played well and earned All-Tournament honors at Edgewood. She also commended setter Peyton Hammack for playing well despite having an illness and Brooklyn Burnside for her play. Coach Dorner said she thought all of the Lady Cats played well. The Lady Cats are now 14-8 for the season. They will play at Paris Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. after freshmen and JV games.
Lady Cats are Fourth and Wildcats are Eleventh at Commerce Cross Country Meet Saturday
The Lady Cats Cross Country Team finished fourth and the Wildcats took eleventh at a Commerce cross country meet this past Saturday (August 24). Sulphur Springs Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks said the Lady Cats ran in a seven team field of Class 5A and 6A schools. Lady Cats senior Sydney Washburn placed ninth and Laney Hurst was twelfth. Both received medals. Other top Lady Cats included junior Maurie Flecker, and two freshmen, Makayla Jimmerson and Maddie Bridges. Coach Hicks said he took eight girls to the meet and six of them were running their first real varsity run. The Wildcats finished eleventh out of 29 team that included almost 200 runners from all classifications. Coach Hicks said senior Christian Palomino got boxed in at the start with the large field but still managed to finish ninth. Coach Hicks said Palomino’s time this year was quite a bit faster than last year at this meet. Jose Mejia was the second Wildcat finisher and Coach Hicks said his time was about a minute faster than last year. The next two Wildcats finishers were Camden Fuller and Evan Patrick. Coach Hicks said he was excited by some of his young Lady Cats. He added the Wildcats need some of their younger guys to step up this season. The Wildcats and Lady Cats will compete at a Mineola meet on Friday.
Winnsboro Police Department Report for August 19-25, 2019
Arrests
April Devaney, age 34, of Scroggins, was arrested on 08/22/2019 on multiple Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants.
Accidents
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a 1 vehicle accident on 8/23/2019 in the 300 Block of East Coke Rd. No injuries reported.
Unit 1 was pulling out of West Chevron Station heading westbound on East Coke Road when a pipe fell from the bed of the trailer striking a parked vehicle at the Texas Country Ford Dealership.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 139 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 35 citations and 36 warnings during this reporting period.
SSPD: Woman Arrested At Walmart On Felony Theft Charge
A 33-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was arrested Sunday evening for theft of property valued at less than $2,500, with two or more previous convictions, which enhances the charge to a felony offense, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs police officers were dispatched at 4:45 p.m. Aug. 25 to a reported theft at Walmart. As Officer Adrian Pruitt arrived, he reported seeing the woman exit the store past all points of sale with several pieces of merchandise she reportedly did not pay for. Store asset protection staff reportedly told police the merchandise was valued at about $345. A records check showed several previous convictions, leading to her arrest at 5:12 p.m. on a felony theft charge, Pruitt alleged in arrest reports.
Miranda Lee Hodges, 33, of Sulphur Springs remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Aug. 26. Bond was set at $5,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
Teen Accused Of Reckless Driving, Evading Arrest
A Sulphur Springs teen allegedly lead police on a high speed chase from Whataburger to Loop 301 Saturday night.
Police first heard a vehicle being revved up behind Whataburger at about 11:40 p.m. Aug. 24. The vehicle then accelerated, causing its tires to spin. Police attempted to stop the Ford Mustang. Instead of stopping the driver continued at unsafe speeds on the service road and Interstate 30, reportedly including passing an 18-wheeler on the right before finally stopping in the area of Loop 301, police reported.
The 16-year-old driver was taken into custody by police station at 12:07 a.m. Aug. 25 and charged with reckless driving and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Juvenile probation authorities and the juvenile’s parents were contacted, according to police reports.
