Lil 4’s Receives Generous Donation
The Lil 4’s were blessed with a large delivery last Friday, August 17th. These donations consisted of 5 bedrooms worth of furniture, 24 mattress, clothing, toys, bikes, car seats, school supplies, clothing and etc. This was made possible through Greg and Michelle McKenzie from Atlanta GA along with friends of theirs.
Lil 4’s Back To School Bash Included: Harlem Globetrotters and SAFE-T
Lil 4’s Club held their Back to School bash Saturday, August 18th in the practice gym of Sulphur Springs High School. Each child received a new backpack and school supplies as well as new school clothes and shoes brought by Shanequa and Aundre Branch and their group who traveled from Houston.
Mr. Branch is a former professional basketball player and Harlem Globetrotter, and Mrs. Branch recently retired from the US Air Force after 20 years of service. The Branches heard about Lil 4’s club on the View and offered to put on a free basketball clinic at the Back to School bash. Mr. Branch showed off his skills from the Globetrotters and showed the kids through interactive basketball games the importance of effort, having a healthy mind and body, cooperation, responsibility, and other important life skills. Mr. Branch said he was passionate about helping the students because he grew up in circumstances similar to those many of the children who come to Lil 4s’s face. Growing up in one of the toughest
neighborhoods in inner city Houston, Branch used the game of basketball as a positive tool. It helped him stay focused, stay goal oriented, make right decisions and sparked a very successful career. Although his environment was full of negative distractions, he was able to make some successful
accomplishments.
Branch was a two-time, second-team all-Southwest Conference player during his years at Baylor University. He is the 7th leading scorer in school history and is one of the all-time three-point shooters in the school’s history. With hard work and dedication, Branch was able to attract many professional teams after his college career.
Aundre Branch has had the opportunity to play professionally in France, Spain, Turkey, China, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, CBA, and IBA. Still motivated to live out his dream of playing professional basketball, Branch played 8 years with the Harlem Globetrotters. His great shooting ability
became the foundation for his nickname “Hot Shot”. While with the Globetrotters, he served not only as a player, but as an Advance Ambassador. As an Ambassador, he visited hospitals, schools, TV
stations, radio interviews, charities, clinics, and different appearances on behalf of the Globetrotters. Branch has traveled to 59 countries, doing motivational speeches to help encourage different youths across the globe about the importance of education, hard work, staying positive, decision making, and accomplishing dreams. He serves now as a mentor, example, and positive role model for all potential youths that share the same trials and tribulations that he conquered over his many successful years. Mr.
Branch is part of Project Hoops, a non-profit organization which he helps develop successful student- athletes. He hopes that his testimonies about his life experiences, accomplishments, challenges, and with his passion will help motivate and develop kids to be successful in the world.
In addition to the basketball clinic provided by the Branches, the fire department was there to talk about home and fire safety, and Ragan Dennis, an advocate from SAFE-T, spoke on healthy versus unhealthy relationships- from standing up to bullying and not peer pressuring others to signs of
domestic abuse.
Ms. Dennis told KSST that SAFE-T (which stands for Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas) is headquartered in Mt. Pleasant and has offices in Sulphur Springs and Paris as well. She has partnered with Lil 4’s club for the summer to put on a camp to educate children about personal safety and healthy relationships. Ms. Dennis said that many of her clients don’t realize that abuse is not only physical, there is such a thing as verbal and emotional abuse as well. She said the organization is in need of on-call
volunteers to assist clients who come into the hospital, as they receive about 20-40 new clients every month in addition to repeat clients. SAFE-T also takes donations of clothing, toiletries and bedding. Their office line is (903)-439-0325 and their Sulphur Springs office is located at 613 Gilmer St. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or abuse, SAFE-T’s hotline number is (903)-575-9999.
Lil 4’s provides meals, homework help, and summer/after school care for over 50 predominantly low-income children. They are located at 200 Fuller St. in Sulphur Springs. For more information or to donate, please contact Letitia Conleffe at (214) 809-1908.
A Few New UIL Rule Changes for the 2018 Football Season
Kevin Tanton, a Math teacher and former Lady Cats Assistant Basketball Coach, is also a high school football official. Tanton is in his first year in the Dallas officials chapter after a couple of years in the local Commerce chapter. He is a line judge.
Wednesday morning (August 22) Tanton commented on rule changes coming to high school football games this fall. Tanton said football officials would be making sure that all players on the field were wearing knee pads. He said players without knee pads would be sent off of the field.
Tanton said the blocking below the waist rule has been changed again. He said now officials may consider some such blocks are legal if a player can see the block coming so they can defend themselves from the block. Tanton said blocking below the waist still must occur within five yards of the line of scrimmage.
Another new rule allows a player receiving a kickoff inside their own 25 yard line to call for and make a fair catch. Officials then will mark the ball at the 25-yard line. All of these changes were made in an attempt to improve player safety.
Tanton said there are also some new rules concerning the play clock. He said after a touchdown, officials will set the play clock at :40 seconds. Teams will have 40 seconds to attempt an extra point or two point conversion. A 40-second play clock will also be used after a kickoff. The changes were made to speed up the game.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Offers Vocational Education Course in Medication Aide
These students are beginning a vocational education course in medication aide under the direction of Instructor Kristi Schultz (standing right) at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus. Among the class members are from left: (front) Shanna Cooey and Brenda Galvan; (back) Kimberly Lyons and Katy Jason. To inquire about this and other vocational courses offered at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, call 903-885-1232.
Lady Cat Volleyball Ranked #11 in State by TGCA
Wednesday (August 22) Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Justin Maness said his team has been recognized for their good play so far this season. He said the Texas Girls Coaches Association has ranked the Lady Cats as the #11 team in the state.
The Lady Cats have started the season 14-3 and they have won eight straight matches. Number eight came Tuesday night (August 21) at Wildcat Gym as the Lady Cats down Forney, 3-0. In all the Forney matches, the Lady Cats scored key points down the stretch in tie games to win. The score was 25-23, 25-23 and 25-19. Coach Maness said what has made the Lady Cats strong is that when a match is tight they are able to execute while not playing it safe or making errors. He said at the end of tight matches, the Lady Cats are clicking and meshing as a team.
Coach Maness said Abbi Baier again played well and had some dazzling kills. He acknowledged that the Lady Cats have many weapons. Coach Maness said they have to have that otherwise opponents would be able to identify just one strong player and work to stop them. Coach Maness said the Lady Cats are a fun bunch to coach. The win against Forney was the first for a Maness-coached Lady Cats team after four previous losses to the Lady Rabbits.
Next for the Lady Cats is the Tyler ISD Volleyball Tournament on Thursday and Saturday. In the pool with the Lady Cats are Hallsville, Henderson and White Oak. In between tournament play, the Lady Cats travel to Caddo Mills for a Friday evening match.
Wildcat Football: Punters, Kickers, Outside Linebackers
Editor’s Note: We continue our look at Wildcat Varsity Football in preparation for the 2018 Season.
Greg Owens on Punter and Kickers
Wildcats Head Football Coach Greg Owens also specializes in coaching kickers and punters for the Wildcats. His punter this year is the experienced senior Jermond Bryant-Amos. Last season Bryant-Amos punted in 8 games punting 16 times for an average of 38.06 yards per kick. His long kick was 56 yards. He had one punt inside the 20 yard line. Coach Owens said Bryant-Amos has an extremely strong leg but he added he needs to work on his consistency. Coach Owens has two junior soccer players competing for the job of kicker: Osiel Lopez and Brandon Zavala. Coach Owens said both kickers have good work ethic but they need to improve their consistency. He said Lopez did a great job this summer getting in shape at The Edge. Coach Owens said Zavala did well in the spring but has been hampered by muscle strains in August. Volunteer Coach Chuck Eoff has also been working with the kickers. Coach Owens said soccer players have to learn how to properly kick a football. He said neither kicker has a strong enough leg to put the ball into the end zone consistently on kickoffs so he said the Wildcats will do directional kicking and pooch kicking.
Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra on Outside Linebackers
New Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra also works specifically with outside linebackers. His group includes several with experience and others who are new. The experienced hands include junior Kylan Wade, senior Cason Churchman, senior D.Q. Pitts and senior Rio Becerra. The new to varsity players are senior Blayne Hohenburger, senior Kaleb Myles and junior Aaron Douglas. Coach Guerra called them a good group of kids. He said they have shown good retention of things learned in the spring. In his defensive scheme, Coach Guerra said he expects outside linebackers to be the leaders of the defense. He said they will also be expected to do a little more pass coverage. Coach Guerra said the outside linebackers could be pretty good. He expects them to make up for lack of size with quickness and second and third effort.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report August 8-14, 2018
Wood County Sheriff’s Report for August 8, 2018 to August 14, 2018:
Disturbance: 7;Thefts: 6;Burglaries: 4;Terroristic Threats: 1;Criminal Mischiefs: 2; Inquests: 2; Suspicious Circumstances: 4; Suspicious Vehicles: 7; Suspicious Persons: 4; Alarms: 3; Harassments: 2; Criminal Trespasses: 2; Scams: 1; Frauds: 0; Abandoned Vehicles: 0; Cows Out: 25; Horses Out: 2; Welfare Checks: 3; Assaults: 1; Dog Bites: 1; Fires: 1; Noise Complaints: 0; Disputes: 0; Arrest/Warrant Services: 6; Reckless Drivers: 1; Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle: 1; Shots Fired: 1; Traffic Stop (1) Explosion (1); Burn Ban Violations (13); Illegal Dumping (1)
August 8th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 69 near Alba; at approximately 3:23 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 6:52 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4255 near Winnsboro.
At 7:09 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 778 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4645 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:37 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole cash and a credit card from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 7:47 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 80 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to Quitman Emergency Room, at approximately 9:36 a.m., in reference to a dog bite that occurred on CR 3163 near Quitman. Deputies spoke with the owner, who advised the dog had already been put down.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:31 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on FM 14 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 514 near Yantis, at approximately 3:12 p.m., in reference to harassment. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3582 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:59 p.m., in reference to a fire. Holly Lake Fire Department extinguished the fire. This case has been forwarded to other agency.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:28 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4470 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:49 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies’ issues a Criminal Trespass Warning and the parties were separated.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2263 near Mineola, at approximately 5:54 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, forced entry and damaged the reporting party’s cabin. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2332 near Mineola, at approximately 8:48 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Kevin Davis, 47, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault. Reba Davis, 39, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2267 near Mineola, at approximately 9:46 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
At 10:55 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1801 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:55 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
August 9th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2647 near Mineola, at approximately 9:03 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 2:38 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
At 2:49 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 778 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3859 near Mineola, at approximately 2:49 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a generator from the reporting party’s property. This case is active.
At 5:45 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1410 near Quitman.
At 7:47 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
At 8:37 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1801 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3147 near Quitman, at approximately 9:34 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals.
At 10:07 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Quitman.
August 10th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3220 near Quitman, at approximately 12:22 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties and cleared the incident.
At 12:31 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
At 2:19 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2659 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:01 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
At 8:24 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:01 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 73, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 12:19 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 12:33 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2263 near Mineola, at approximately 1:05 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. A known actor was on the reporting party’s property without consent. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 1:21 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4150 near Quitman.
At 3:07 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Hoard.
Deputies were dispatched to Mulberry Cove near Hawkins, at approximately 5:19 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 74, of Hawkins, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
At 6:05 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
At 6:20 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Alba.
At 6:57 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Hawkins.
At 8:05 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2640 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:26 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the fire was extinguished.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 10:26 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
August 11th
At 2:25 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4460 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:47 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1560 near Alba, at approximately 9:51 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2297 near Mineola, at approximately 12:24 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a go-kart from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2375 near Alba, at approximately 3:23 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any burn ban violations.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2158 near Quitman, at approximately 4:00 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies located and advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4730 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:26 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies located and advised the individual of the effective burn ban.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2930 near Mineola, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in reference to an explosion. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 4858 near Winnsboro; at approximately 7:25 p.m. Melanie Wilson, 44, of Gatesville, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4640 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:08 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2954 near Alba, at approximately 9:06 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2263 near Mineola, at approximately 11:05 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 11:13 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 11:34 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1336 near Quitman.
August 12th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3163 near Quitman; at approximately 12:41 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2267 near Mineola, at approximately 5:55 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4540 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:26 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3954 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:50 a.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:05 a.m., in reference to burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into and damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 11:22 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 778 near Mineola.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:46 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief that occurred on Mockingbird St. in Alba. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1215 near Quitman, at approximately 2:35 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals at the residence, and there were no signs of theft or forced entry.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:47 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on CR 1602 near Alba. Deputies determined the incident to be a civil matter.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2700 near Mineola, at approximately 2:48 p.m., in reference to illegal dumping. Deputies located the illegal dump site, but were unable to locate any information on the actors.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1689 near Alba, at approximately 8:27 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4360 near Scroggins; at approximately 8:44 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
August 13th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 3:17 a.m. Deputies located the individual and provided a courtesy transport.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4290 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:01 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the day.
At 4:24 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 514 near Yantis, at approximately 6:28 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a lawn mower from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies conducted an arrest/warrant service at the Wood County Sheriff’s Office; at approximately 7:09 a.m. Dedrick Woods, 44, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:06 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1917 near Yantis, at approximately 1:53 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
Deputies were dispatched to Clearwater Trail near Hawkins, at approximately 2:14 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole a motorcycle from the reporting party’s property. This case is active.
At 2:44 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4408 near Winnsboro; at approximately 3:57 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and it was towed by Wyatt’s Towing.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Quitman, at approximately 4:28 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and Hainesville Fire Department extinguished the fire.
Deputies were dispatched to Fm 17 near Alba, at approximately 4:33 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a utility trailer from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 5:03 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any burn ban violations.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:33 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on CR 3849 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 7:51 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
At 7:53 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4255 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 8:16 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and Mineola Fire Department extinguished the fire.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4626 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:23 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any burn ban violations.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3425 near Hawkins; at approximately 8:55 p.m. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Gilmer Rd. in Winnsboro; at approximately 9:45 p.m. Jamie Branch, 49, of Winnsboro, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 10:49 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 11:05 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Burton Rd. in Hawkins; at approximately 11:54 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
August 14th
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Front St. in Hawkins; at approximately 12:10 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Minwood St. in Mineola; at approximately 1:12 a.m. Brian Warren, 22, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to Beaulah St. in Hawkins, at approximately 2:52 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook point, at approximately 3:08 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the day.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3426 near Hawkins; at approximately 3:27 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 5:00 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3269 near Quitman, at approximately 7:25 a.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any burn ban violations.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Lake Holbrook point; at approximately 10:40 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2422 near Mineola, at approximately 6:52 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1699 near Alba; at approximately 8:27 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 9:21 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Between the dates of August 8 and August 14, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Child Protective Services, Franklin County, Camp County and Emergency Medical Services.
Between the dates of August 8 and August 14, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 1 arrest warrant and arrested the individual.
Total Jail Count – 116 inmates – 91 males and 25 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
City Council Sets Course for Future Meetings
Tuesday night, August 21, 2018 in a special session the Sulphur Springs City Council approved placing a tax revenue increase on the September 4th Regular Session Agenda and set two public hearings regarding the increase. They approved placing raises for the City Municipal Judges and City Secretary in the 2018-2019 budget and discussed nominees for a City Charter Review Committee.
In a 5-2 vote the Sulphur Springs City Council placed a proposed tax revenue increase on a Special Session Agenda for September 11. The tax rate is proposed to remain at $0.44 per $100.00 of property evaluation. The increase for the city is based on increased property values and 75% of the proposed increase will come from new properties placed on the role this past year. The total increase in revenue will be $32,452.00 if the increase is approved.
Two public hearings for the increase are set for August 30th at noon and at 6 p.m. September 5th. Both public hearings will be in the City Council Chambers.
It was noted that a 1-cent increase to the tax rate would increase city revenue by $90,000. Again, no rate increase is planned at this time. The effective rate of the revenue increase will be .436 due to the evaluation. The proposed budget for 2018-2019 that will be presented for approval during the September 11th Special Meeting agenda will include the tax revenue increase.
The council also voted Tuesday to include a salary increase for City Municipal Judges and the City Secretary in the 2018-2019 proposed budget. Councilman Jimmy Lucas stated that the $3,800 per year increase for City Secretary Gale Roberts had already been earned due to all the help she has given him since his election to council. City Municipal Judges will receive a $350 per month increase in salary. The two judges, B. J. Teer and Brad Cummings, also serve the county as elected Justices of the Peace.
The council named names as they discussed nominees for the Charter Review Committee. The Charter Review Committee will be an action item on the September 4th Regular Session agenda for the council. Along with those who will be elected in September, the city attorney, city manager, city secretary, and a city council member will serve. Councilman Lucas stated that he would stand as a nominee from the council. Seven or eight citizens will be named to the committee based on a ranking vote by the council at the September 4th meeting. Among those nominated, former Councilman Bill Watts, Jay Julien, a local banker, Tyler Law, a local businessman, Dr. Scott McDearmont, Will Longino, Justin Davidson, and Jason Cunningham. Others will be added to the list of nominees prior to the list of nominees being presented.
The City Charter Review Committee will meet five or six times during a 60 day period. They will submit any changes for the Charter on or before the March Regular Session of the council and will the Charter revisions will be presented to the voters in the May, 2019 Municipal election.
12-Week Family Bible Study Series to Begin at Brashear Baptist Church
Taking the Brashear exit south from Interstate 30 in Hopkins County, you will see the Brashear Baptist Church on both sides of CR 3389, just a stone’s throw from the Post Office. The original part of the church and sanctuary was expanded in recent years to accommodate growth, with a new family life center, kitchen, gym and generous parking across the street. The church now serves a growing congregation pastored by David Burns, and a healthy Wednesday night ministry of about 100 youth and Awana students, directed by Youth minister Dustin Cowden. Pastor Burns recently introduced Retired US Air Force Chaplain Mark Crumpton as Sunday School Discipleship Director. Originally from the Cumby/Greenville area, Mark has returned “home” bringing experiences from his service around the world and in personal ministries. Mark will begin a Family Bible Study Series next month.
With the theme of “Experiencing God”, the Family Bible Study Series is for families and individuals of all ages. It will be an opportunity for them to spend time together in the Word of God, with worship, study and praise during the 12-week series through Fall 2018. After the holidays, a new study will begin for the New Year called “Experiencing the Cross”, followed by a third series leading into the Easter season called “Experiencing the Resurrection”. These studies will be in addition to Sunday morning Worship and Sunday School, and Wednesday night prayer, Youth services and Awana studies.
After graduation from Greenville High School, Mark joined the Air Force. During his 25-year military career as a Chaplain, he served in deployments to Iraq and assignments in Turkey, Hungary, Germany, Guam, Alaska and numerous state-side assignments. His wife Debra passed away in 2011. He is father to three children.
