Sulphur Springs Man Sentenced To 25 Years On Controlled Substance Charge
Jason Earl Rogers, 54, of Sulphur Springs was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in Texas Department of Criminal Justice, according to jail and court reports.
Rogers was facing 25 years to life in prison due to prior felony convictions, according to the district attorney.
Rogers had agreed to plead guilty before 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt during the 1:30 p.m. court session March 28 on the first-degree felony charge of manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, in exchange for the minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Senate, House Focus On Proposed Education Bills
Sharp: Teacher Pay Raise A Good Start, More Teachers Needed
State officials this session have considered quite a few bills proposed by both the House and Senate which impact schools, including an across-the-board raise for teachers, changes to the Teacher Retirement System, safety and security, and school funding.
While the passage of an across-the-board teacher pay raise is a welcome change for teachers state-wide, including those at local schools, some say it’s only a start.
According to Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, fewer people seeking and attaining teacher certification continues to be another issue that needs to be addressed issue.
“Data from the Texas Education Agency shows Texas faces an increasingly tight supply of teachers. Since 2009, K through 12 student enrollment is up by 14 percent, while the number of teachers has risen by less than 9 percent. Meanwhile, Texas has seen a 14 percent drop in the number of initial teacher certifications in the past decade,” Sharp wrote in an editorial release.
Sharp hopes We Teach Texas, an A&M system-wide campaign focusing on the system’s 11 education colleges in an effort to “encourage more Texans who care to become teachers.”
“The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University-Commerce has been a leader in teacher preparation in East Texas since the school’s inception nearly 127 years ago. What makes the undergraduate teacher preparation program at A&M-Commerce distinctive is the focus on clinical experiences, including a semester of internship and a semester of residency in local public schools,” Sharp wrote.
With fewer young people seeking careers in education, the “need for dedicated teachers across East Texas is constantly growing,” Sharp added.
“Teachers are on the frontlines of building our economy, and they are enablers of young people who want to see their dreams come true. We take our charge to prepare them for the classroom on Day One seriously,” Sharp wrote.
To learn more about becoming a teacher, visit www.WeTeachTexas.com.
Other Education-Related Action
In other action, Dax Gonzalez with Texas Association of School Boards Governmental Relations department reported the following among the actions taken by the House and Senate on Thursday:
The Senate Finance Committee passed SB 1, the proposed state budget bil. The Senate’s original plan called for $6-7 billion for education spending and a property tax buy-down; of that $3-4 billion would go toward a $5,000 across-the-board teacher pay-raise and about $2.7 billion to make up for a property tax revenue decrease that would occur after capping local property tax growth.
The version passed on Thursday increases the amount for public schools by allocating $9 billion of additional funds for public education and property tax reform. The budget includes $4 billion for teacher pay raises identified in SB 3; $2.7 billion for property tax reform; and $2.3 billion for school finance reform. The Senate, under the new plan, would use HB 3 as the vehicle for school finance reform.
The $9 billion is equivalent to the school finance and property tax reform budget passed by the House on Wednesday night, except the Senate’s version dedicates the $4 billion for teacher salaries, Gonzalez reported.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report March 20-26, 2019
March 20
- At 8 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
- At 9:29 a.m., cows were reported out on County Road 3230 near Quitman.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Spur 514 near Yantis at approximately 9:43 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2434 near Mineola, at approximately 12:34 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to Private Road 5982 near Yantis, at approximately 1:13 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.
- At 1:14 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 2935 near Alba.
- At 1:16 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 1336 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2774 near Mineola, at approximately 1:52 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 spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:28 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on County Road 4532 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1975 near Yantis, at approximately 4:55 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. The deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3220 near Quitman, at approximately 5:17 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 42, was found deceased in her residence. The justice of the peace arrived and ordered an autopsy.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1473 near Quitman, at approximately 6:39 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1416 near Quitman, at approximately 6:54 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the dirt bike and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1660 near Alba, at approximately 8:32 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located the individuals and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3582 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:41 p.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
March 21
- At 4:23 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 154 near Quitman.
- At 9:12 a.m., cows were reported out on County Road 2230 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3273 near Quitman, at approximately 10 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 2:40 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:55 p.m., in reference to a possible burglary on County Road 4895 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 6:28 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 1340 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3590 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:31 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individuals and everything was OK.
- At 6:47 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 1115 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 7 p.m., in reference to a possible assault. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the individuals separated.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1822 near Yantis, at approximately 9:36 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4865 near Quitman, at approximately 10:56 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actors.
March 22
- Deputies were dispatched to College Street in Alba, at approximately 4:40 a.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 10:15 a.m., cows were reported out on County Road 4165 near Quitman.
- At 10:26 a.m., cows were reported out on County Road 2353 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2745 near Mineola, at approximately 1:09 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and determined it was a civil issue.
- At 1:22 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 4860 near Winnsboro.
- At 3:24 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 80 near Mineola, at approximately 4:07 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 4:25 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a welding trailer from the reporting party’s family member’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4700 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:27 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Bradley Daniel, 43, of Winnsboro, was arrested for terroristic threat of family/household.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to County Road 1681 near Alba; at approximately 6:22 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4845 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:23 p.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 10:35 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
March 23
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:30 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:43 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 2:24 p.m., cows were reported out on County Road 1326 near Quitman.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:33 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on County Road 4940 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 154 near Quitman, at approximately 10:43 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies made contact with the individuals and advised them to lower the volume of their music.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 1799 near Alba; at approximately 11:51 p.m. Keenan Kindle, 27, of Grand Saline, was arrested for Reckless Driving.
March 24
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 80 near Mineola, at approximately 1:25 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 2 a.m., in reference to a disturbance on County Road 4641 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Stephens St. in Quitman; at approximately 2:37 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 8:06 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37 near Mineola.
- At 10:37 a.m., cows were reported out on County Road 4530 near Winnsboro.
- At 11 a.m., cows were reported out on County Road 2952 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 154 near Yantis, at approximately 11:06 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4590 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:17 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Actors, or actors unknown, took the reporting party’s vehicle without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3470 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:46 p.m., in reference to a terroristic threat. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2920 near Alba, at approximately 1:56 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies spoke to the reporting party, at approximately 3:06 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass on County Road 1684 near Alba. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4925 near Quitman, at approximately 6:04 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4460 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:11 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and transported to the hospital by Emergency Medical Services.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 1416 near Quitman, at approximately 9:05 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on County Road 2379 near Alba; at approximately 9:29 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:49 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies located the individuals with the firearms. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
March 25
- At 12:30 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 49 near Hawkins.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 37 near Quitman, at approximately 1:24 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the owner of the building and everything was OK.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on County Road 4420 near Winnsboro; at approximately 7:25 a.m. The vehicle was located and towed by Wyatt’s Towing.
- At 7:47 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 852 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 49 near Mineola; at approximately 8:43 a.m. Deborah Morris, 53, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Bermuda Street in Quitman; at approximately 9:48 a.m. Lanny Hill, 53, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:36 a.m., in reference to fraud that occurred on Harris Lane in Yantis. A known actor altered and cashed the reporting party’s check. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 12:30 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 852 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 69 near Alba, at approximately 1:48 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 182 near Alba, at approximately 5:35 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2650 near Mineola, at approximately 8:18 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on County Road 4631 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:01 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
March 26
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 1799 near Mineola at approximately 12:20 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 2:37 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole the reporting party’s phone. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:11 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass on County Road 3147 near Quitman. Deputies determined this was a civil issue and cleared the incident.
- At 9:57 a.m., cows were reported out on County Road 4560 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:59 a.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on FM 2966 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 4631 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:32 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on County Road 2124 near Quitman at approximately 1:27 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2164 near Quitman, at approximately 4:46 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on White Dove near Quitman at approximately 5:37 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2445 near Mineola, at approximately 7:46 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies located the individuals with firearms and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 9:03 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Highway 37 near Mineola, at approximately 9:41 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Between the dates of March 20 and March 26, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Mineola Police Department, Emergency Medical Services and Smith County Sheriff’s Office.
- Between the dates of March 20 and March 26, Wood County sheriff’s investigators filed six cases with the district attorney.
Total Jail Count – 114 inmates – 88 males and 26 females.
Reminder 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.
SSHS One Act Play Advances Wednesday From Bi-District To Area Competition
The Sulphur Springs High School One-Act Play, “Jules Verne Eats a Rhinoceros,” advanced to Area competition at bi-district Wednesday, March 27, at Texas High in Texarkana. Area competition takes place next Tuesday in Mabank.
Four SSHS drama students received bi-district awards. Rachel Bramlett was named Best Actress for her role as Nelly Bly. Chase Berry was selected to the All Star Cast playing John Rhys Pendragon. Anthony Arroyo was chosen to the Honorable Mention All Star Cast.Kennedy Dicus was selected to the Honor Crew for her lighting.
SSHS Technical Director Desi Pharis said the students had a really good performance Wednesday. She said there have been a lot of changes made to the play since district competition including an entirely new set.
Pharis said it took Theatre Director Lesha Woodard a long time to find the script for the play, adding they were nervous about it at first. She said they finally embraced it and the students have taken ownership of it. Pharis said the students are having fun.
She said the play has quite a few technical challenges. It entails use of a fog machine and special effects. Pharis said she hopes students can rehearse the play twice before they head to Mabank next Monday night.
After a 7 a.m. rehearsal on the Mabank stage, Sulphur Springs High School will perform their play at 2 p.m. Six schools are at Area, and the top two will advance to the next round.
Thursday Game Day Features Wildcats, Lady Cats Track Teams at Sunnyvale Meet
Wildcats and Lady Cats’ track athletes have one final meet to get ready for the District Track Meet next week.
The Wildcats and Lady Cats are competing at Sunnyvale on this Thursday (March 28) game day. Events get underway at 4 p.m.
Nine Wildcats went to the Jesuit Sheaner Relays in Dallas last Friday and Saturday.
Three Lady Cats were at a Van track meet last Thursday.
This year’s track season has been hit hard by cold and wet weather and some other factors. Two meets were canceled and one was lightly attended so athletes could go to San Antonio to watch the Wildcats’ basketball team play at the State Tournament.
The District Track Meet for the Wildcats and Lady Cats will be at Royse City next week on Wednesday and Thursday.
Lady Cats Golf Sizes Up District
Lady Cats Golfers Get to Size Up District Competition and District Course
Three Lady Cats’ golfers got a district preview Tuesday (March 27) as they played at the site of next week’s district tournament, Paris Country Club. Mariam Tran shot a 92, which was good enough for second place. Tran finished several shots behind a Texas High golfer. Lady Cats Coach Whitney Spigener said she expected Tran and the Texas High golfer to battle to be district champion as medalist at the District Tournament at Paris Country Club next Monday and Tuesday. Coach Spigener said the Paris course was a difficult one that was set up tough Tuesday. The tournament had a 9 stroke limit, a UIL rule. Coach Spigener said none of her players had to pick up their ball and take a nine. Charleigh Potts shot 107. Addison White shot 111. Coach Spigener said the weather was great Tuesday and she said she hoped it was again next week for the district tournament.
Saltillo Students Make School History By Advancing To Area OAP Competition
Saltillo High School history was made March 26 when the students’ One Act Play was selected to advance from Bi-District to Area OAP competition, according to Saltillo High School music and theatre teacher Daron Bilyeu.
Five Saltillo students also earned individual awards at the Bi-District OAP competition for their contributions to the school’s performance of Paul Zindel’s “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigold.”
Joe Tippit won an Outstanding Tech award for his work with the lights.
Brianna Tawil won All-Star Cast honors for her portrayal of Tillie, a shy science-loving narrator who is constantly the recipient of teasing and her mother’s anger in this play set in 1969.
Cheyenne Neal also took home All-Star Cast honors for her portrayal of Beatrice, Tillie’s sharp-tongued mother.
Chaeli Spear won Bi-District Honorable Mention for her portrayal of Nanny, an elderly woman in the late stages of dementia. Also receiving Honorable Mention was Graycie Hodges in the role of Ruth, Tillie’s sassy older sister, who had been treated at a mental hospital for repeated seizures.
Saltillo is scheduled to compete at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Area OAP Contest at Grayson College in Denison. The Saltillo Lions will be the first to perform their play. Admission to the play will be $5 and tickets may be purchased at the door, according to Bilyeu.
Fort Worth Man Arrested For Theft Of Trailer From A Local Apartment Complex
A Fort Worth man was taken into custody Wednesday night on a felony theft charge, after he was caught with a trailer allegedly stolen from a local apartment complex, according to arrest reports.
At 9:30 p.m. March 27, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper William Gillentine reported stopping a Chevrolet Trailblazer on State Highway 11, after noticing the trailer it was pulling did not have any trailer or brake lights. After contacting the driver, identified as 40-year-old Rusty Allen Fisher, Gillentine noticed the unit’s registration sticker had expired more than a year ago.
When the trooper asked the Fort Worth driver about the violations, Fisher allegedly showed the trooper a citation Sulphur Springs Police Officer Justin Findley had issued him earlier in the day. Gillentine then reportedly advised the man he would be receiving a ticket for the expired registration as well as a warning for no trailer lights.
Gillentine too asked Fisher why the Trailblazer didn’t have a front license plate. Fisher allegedly told the trooper he took possession of the trailer from another man to work on it but had no knowledge of the trailer’s contents nor did have a key to open it.
Fisher and the passenger, identified in arrest reports as to be Fisher’s daughter, reportedly gave conflicting stories about where they got the trailer. Fisher allegedly claimed they got it from a house behind the library, while the passenger said they picked the trailer up from behind some abandoned apartments near Interstate 30. Fisher claimed he didn’t know why his daughter gave a different story about the trailer. When asked, the trooper reported, Fisher was unable to produce a registration or any proof of ownership for the trailer. Then, Fisher claimed he was actually repossessing it, but didn’t have a license to do so, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
SSPD Officer Justin Findley was asked to assist Gillentine in sorting out the “trailer issue.” Findley arrived and contacted another police officer, who went to the abandoned apartment complex to check out the passenger’s story. The complex owner was reportedly contacted. She allegedly told police she is in the process of selling the complex, along with a an enclosed trailer containing $15,000 to $20,000 worth of tools and remodeling materials. She told authorities no one was supposed to have the trailer, Gillentine wrote in arrest reports.
Consequently, the trooper arrested Fisher on the theft charge. Findley transported Fisher to the county jail, where he was booked into custody about 12:33 a.m. Thursday on the felony charge of theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000, according to jail and arrest reports.
Fisher remained in the county jail late Wednesday morning; his bond was set $5,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Ladycat Softball Coach Reviews Win
Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo Gets Good Pitching and Timely Hitting in Lindale Win
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo said his senior pitcher Bailey Haggerty doesn’t get enough credit for what she does. He added she may even be taken for granted because she accomplishes things without a lot of flash or hoopla. Coach Carrillo gave Haggerty plenty of credit Wednesday morning (March 27) as she threw a three hit shutout at Lindale in a 4-0 win Tuesday night. Coach Carrillo said Haggerty was a stud and an animal. Major compliments. The Lady Cats also got some big hits from Kate Womack and Brinklee Driver. Womack broke a scoreless tie with an inside the park home run. Coach Carrillo said Womack is not particularly known for her speed but he said she really was trucking around the bases to come all the way around to score. Coach Carrillo said Driver might have had two or three home runs Tuesday night if the game had been at Lady Cat Park. Still Driver hit two doubles and a triple driving in two runs. The win at Lindale sets up a big showdown between friends and competitors as the Lady Cats play at Mount Pleasant Friday night. Both teams are 3-0 in district play. Coach Carrillo said he and Mount Pleasant Coach Jeremy Tarrant were friends but then he added, when they get between the lines it’s game on.
