County Commissioners Agenda for Monday June 25, 2018
Hopkins County Commissioners Court will meet at 9:00 A.M., Monday, June 25, 2018, in The Commissioners’ Courtroom On The First Floor Of The Hopkins County Courthouse Located At 118 Church St., Sulphur Springs, TX. The agenda includes:
I. Invocation
II. Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag
A. AMERICAN FLAG:
B. TEXAS FLAG: “Honor The Texas Flag; I Pledge Allegiance To Thee, Texas, One State Under God, One And Indivisible.”
The Following Items Will Be Considered By Commissioners’ Court For Discussion And/Or Action: The Court May Go Into Executive Session To Discuss Legal And/Or Personnel Matters.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
1) The Court To Declare A Quorum
2) Consent Agenda. i) Approve Previous Meeting Minutes.
a) Work Session – 5-23-18 Regular Meeting – 5-24-18 Work Session – 5-24-2018 Work Session – 5-29-18
Special Session – 5-30-18 Work Session – 6-4-18 Regular Meeting – 6-11-18 Work Session – 6-11-18
Work Session – 6-12-18 Work Session – 6-18-18
ii) Approval Of Utility Easements, Burial Of Telephone Cables And Construction Of Water Distribution Facilities:
a) The Court To Consider Approving A Request From Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. To Construct Electrical Power Distribution Facilities Across County Road 4702, Which Is Located Approximately 140 Feet Southwest Of The Intersection of CR 4702 & CR 4704 In Hopkins County, Texas.
3) The Court To Consider Citizens Comments.
4) Other County Business.
i) The Court To Consider And Approve The Reappointment Of Mike Matthews As Hopkins County Fire Marshall.
ii) The Court To Acknowledge Commissioner Mickey Barker, Environmental Utility Aaron Welch, Inspector Jim Dial, Fire
Chief Shawn (Andy) Endsley and Judge Robert Newsom For Attending The Region 6 Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Workshop Presented By The United States Environmental Protection Agency And The Texas State Emergency Response Commission Held May 23, 2018 At The Agri-Life Extension Office.
iii) The Court To Approve Listing Agreement Contract for County Annex Building Located At 110 Main Street of Sulphur Springs.
iv) The Court To Review The Monthly Reports From County Offices.
v) The Court To Declare An Emergency Under Local Government Code §111.070(b) To Amend The Budget For Road And Bridge.
vi) The Court To Consider Approving An Amendment To The Extension Of CR 2473 From .2 Of A Mile to .3 Of A Mile That
Was Previously Approved In A Regular Meeting Of The Commissioners’ Court On March 13, 2017.
5) The Court To Consider Approving Budget Amendments And Line Item Transfers.
6) The Court Will Consider And Act On Payment Of Bills, Revenues And Expenses, Payroll And Financial Statements.
7) The Court To Consider Approving Grants.
8) The Court To Consider Accepting Donations.
9) The Court To Consider Contracts.
10) The Court Will Consider And Act On Personnel Matters.
11) The Court To Consider Disposal Of Asset Request.
12) The Court To Approve Resolutions And Proclamations.
13) The Court To Adjourn.
SSISD Board Special Session Agenda for Monday, June 25, 2018
AGENDA
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
SULPHUR SPRINGS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD ROOM, ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2018
11:30 AM
I. CALL TO ORDER: Invocation
II. FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. Announcement by the President whether a quorum is present, that the meeting had been duly called and that the notice of the meeting had been posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.
III. PUBLIC FORUM:
Public participation is limited to the designated open forum portion of a meeting per policy BED(LOCAL).
IV. ACTION ITEMS
A. Discuss and consider approval of possible new teacher pay scale. [Michael Lamb]
B. Discuss and consider possible new teacher’s aide pay scale. [Michael Lamb]
V. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive Session will be held for the purpose of consideration of matters for which closed or executive sessions are authorized by Title 5, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Section (.074), (.072).
A. Discuss and consider personnel to be employed, personnel to be assigned, acknowledge and accept resignations of personnel, and other personnel matters.
B. Discuss purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property.
VI. RECONVENE FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ACTION RELATIVE TO ITEMS COVERED DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Lake Fork Rescue…Just Another Day on the Water to These Local Heroes
L. to R. Don Overstreet and Jack White
Don Overstreet and Jack White started fishing together about six years ago. They’re both involved in competitive and recreational fishing with Lake Fork and Winnsboro Clubs. Don spent 41 years as working owner of Interstate Body Shop before he handed the business over to his son-in-law, Chuck Sickles. Jack spends about half his time with his commercial construction business headquartered in Irving, and the other half at his lakeside home at Yantis. On an average Thursday, they meet up for the Lake Fork Anglers weekly tournament, attended mainly by members who are retired or semi-retired. It was during a recent Thursday tournament that a life-changing close call would affect this pair and another fisherman.
Don and Jack had finished fishing one of their secret spots on the lake, and had decided to move to another choice spot before heading in for the weigh-in. Don was steering his Legend boat along a boat lane and Jack was watching the water on both sides of the boat. As they began to get up speed on the choppy water, Jack spotted a small orange object a distance away. He wasn’t sure what it was and became curious. He suggested to Don that since they had time, they should go check it out. Swinging the boat around and approaching slowly, Jack could see that the orange object was a life preserver, and then a moment later he saw a hand barely rise above the waves. Getting closer, they saw an exhausted man in the water wearing a child’s life jacket over one arm and getting swamped in the face by each wave. They knew he needed help! Jack and Don had a struggle getting him out of the water, but using the tilt control on the boat’s big motor, they finally got the man into the boat with just a few scrapes. He was soon covered up with a jacket and being tended to by the outdoorsmen. With a catch in his voice, Don reports the man’s first words were “I’m sure proud to see ya’ll”. The man explained that the waves had overturned his small metal boat while he was checking his trot lines and that he had been in the water for awhile. He’d first thought he would try swimming to shore, but soon realized that waiting near a boat lane was his only option. Jack admits that being an observer by nature, he usually keeps an eye out for anything unusual when he’s on the water. He’s sure glad he was watching that day! As they moved out toward the man’s boathouse, the pair became assured that he was going to be alright. At the boat ramp, they shook hands and wished each other well as he went up the hill toward his house. They didn’t even get the man’s name, but they did refuse his repeated efforts to pay them for their trouble.
For Don, the rescue is a first in all his years of fishing, and admits it made for a most rewarding day on the lake. Jack’s response is that as outdoorsmen, we must be ready to assist in any way we can, and that safety can never be stressed enough. “We are just glad we were there to help”. Jack, a lifelong Mason and member of Yantis Masonic Lodge #382, was awarded with the Golden Trowel, the highest recognition a member can receive. And Don quipped he got his “reward” about a week later when he won a boat during the Legends Tournament on Lake Fork. Both fishermen expect to continue their habit of meeting for the Lake Fork Anglers Thursday Tournament.
Jack White received the Golden Trowel from Yantis Worshipful Master Jerry Williams
Front Row Center, Jack White. To his left are his business associates Bob Cornia and Chris Cabuto, and to his right Jerry Turner and Jerry Williams of the Yantis Masonic Lodge. Other Lodge members and officers were also present to bestow the award to White.
Bullard Woman Held on $100,000 Bond
A Bullard, Texas woman is in Hopkins County Jail held on a $100,000 bond following a traffic stop by Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies Thursday evening. The woman was wanted on at Tyler County warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams and was found to have less than 1-gram of a controlled substance in her possession. The bond was set by the Smith County warrant.
Alishia Jean Parker, 38, was a passenger in a 2003 Ford Focus when the driver and passenger denied consent to search the vehicle stopped at Brookshire’s in Sulphur Springs. Parker showed signs of Bruxism, which is consistent with methamphetamine use. A K9 unit was contacted and a free air search caused the K9 to alert on the vehicle. Various drug paraphernalia including used syringes, a cut pen to ingest narcotics, a small amount of marijuana and methamphetamine were found in the auto. The methamphetamine was found in a small glass bowl in Parker’s bag. Parker claimed ownership of all the narcotics.
Grab Some Free Fun at the Library…Story Time, Summer Reading Club, More
Remember “Bert” the Chimney Sweep from the Disney movie “Mary Poppins”? Josh Thompson, as Bert, was the reader for this week’s “Story Time” at the Sulphur Springs Public Library. The hour of fun for pre-school children also included music, exercise and guessing games led by Vivian Beasley, plus a story read by Mary Poppins herself, portrayed by Miss Kassidy Branch.
Library Director Hope Cain says there’s still time to join in the free fun! Summer Reading Club is open to youngsters who like to read and win prizes, play Minecraft, and attend special fun events like The Bubble Show with Brett Roberts, Musical Story Time with Will Parker, the Texas A and M Chemistry Road Show, and Medieval Story Time with a Medieval Times knight. The end of the Summer Reading program is August 2 with a ticketed event at 6pm.
Find out all the details at sslibrary.org, or better yet, stop in and see for yourself how cool the Sulphur Springs Public Library is! It’s at 611 North Davis Street.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report June 6-12, 2018
Wood County Sheriff’s Report for June 6, 2018 to June 12, 2018 includes: Disturbance: 6; Thefts: 7; Burglaries: 3; Terroristic Threats: 1; Criminal Mischiefs: 2; Inquests: 1; Suspicious Circumstances: 6; Suspicious Vehicles: 5; Suspicious Persons: 2; Alarms: 7; Harassments: 3; Criminal Trespasses: 2; Scams: 1; Frauds: 0; Abandoned Vehicles: 0; Cows Out: 16; Horses Out: 1; Welfare Checks: 9; Assaults: 3; Dog Bites: 0; Fires: 2; Noise Complaints: 2; Disputes: 3; Arrest/Warrant Services: 8; Reckless Drivers: 4; Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle: 0; Shots Fired: 1; Other: Traffic Stops (3) Suicidal Subject (1) Credit/Debit Card Abuse (1)
June 6th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2264 near Mineola, at approximately 1:26 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Daniel Willi, 21, of Grand Saline, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4583 near Winnsboro; at approximately 2:42 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 6:42 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
At 9:04 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:44 a.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on CR 2223 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 10:00 a.m., in reference to a theft. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Geronimo near Quitman, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in reference to harassment. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Loyd St. in Yantis, at approximately 11:49 a.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a security camera from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on PR 8694 near Winnsboro; at approximately 12:20 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 288 near Quitman, at approximately 12:36 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 1:59 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2223 near Mineola, at approximately 2:00 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:47 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass that occurred on PR 7908 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4960 near Quitman, at approximately 3:00 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 4:49 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 182 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1460 near Quitman, at approximately 5:48 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Hawkins point, at approximately 6:13 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1900 near Yantis, at approximately 7:02 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole and dumped the reporting party’s motorcycle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 182 near Quitman, at approximately 7:28 p.m., in reference to a burglary. A known actor stole several items from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 7:45 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke to the reporting party, at approximately 9:17 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 3640 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:29 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Prior to deputies’ arrival, the individuals fled the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 10:56 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and issued a warning.
June 7th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1943 near Yantis; at approximately 5:46 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 6:48 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a cargo trailer full of wood cabinets from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:51 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies determined this was a civil matter and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 1:03 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 58, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and ordered an autopsy.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:18 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies transported an individual to the Emergency Room and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 6:59 p.m., in reference to a fire. Alba and Mineola Fire Department extinguished the fire and the scene was cleared.
At 7:34 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4896 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:18 p.m., in reference to an assault. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
June 8th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1995 near Yantis, at approximately 6:13 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:33 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2290 near Mineola; at approximately 12:32 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 1:02 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 1:06 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
At 1:38 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2427 near Mineola, at approximately 5:35 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 5:51 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 514 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook beach, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 7:38 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 10:27 p.m. Amber Tompkins, 37, of Flint, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.
June 9th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1534 near Alba, at approximately 12:02 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 12:13 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies gave the individual a courtesy transport and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 2:02 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Susana Cortes, 27, of Quitman, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 4:06 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 9:39 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 11:28 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:05 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s shed.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3269 near Mineola, at approximately 12:11 p.m., in reference to burglary. Deputies spoke with the reporting party and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:00 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 1558 near Alba. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4897 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:47 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4420 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:57 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4965 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:05 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Lake Holbrook beach; at approximately 4:57 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the scene.
At 5:41 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 49 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:34 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies spoke with the reporting party and advised extra patrol would be provided.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2163 near Quitman, at approximately 7:27 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3130 near Quitman, at approximately 7:56 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
At 8:52 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3270 near Quitman, at approximately 9:00 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 515 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:17 p.m. Eniz Martinez-Bueso, 29, of Winnsboro, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Humble St. in Hawkins; at approximately 10:01 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2224 near Mineola; at approximately 10:11 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3900 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:30 p.m., in reference to an assault. Harold Brown, 66, of Hawkins, was arrested for Aggravated Assault and Burglary of Habitation.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1483 near Yantis, at approximately 10:33 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
June 10th
Deputies were dispatched to Raising Star near Quitman, at approximately 12:31 a.m., in reference to a suicidal subject. Roy Shelton, 70, of Quitman, was arrested for Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3820 near Hawkins; at approximately 2:43 a.m. James David, 42, of Hawkins, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Firearm.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 2088 near Quitman; at approximately 10:46 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 11:11 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4854 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:07 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
At 1:17 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4441 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4530 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:05 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 3120 near Hawkins; at approximately 4:15 p.m. Steven Ingram, 31, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 4:41 p.m., in reference to a fire. Alba Fire Department extinguished the fire and the scene was cleared.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:57 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 6:13 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3425 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:34 p.m., in reference to an assault. Kenneth Kratzmeyer, 28, of Hawkins, was arrested for Assault.
At 7:24 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2659 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:04 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 10:57 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
June 11th
At 7:36 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2460 near Mineola, at approximately 9:07 a.m., in reference to a vehicle burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:18 a.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole cattle from the reporting party. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3440 near Hawkins; at approximately 1:47 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:48 p.m., ni reference to suspicious circumstances that occurred on CR 1431 near Quitman. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol will be provided.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 8:27 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
June 12th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 1:17 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:36 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances that occurred on CR 3540 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:27 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 6:30 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 2088 near Quitman; at approximately 10:03 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Wigley St. in Mineola; at approximately 12:09 p.m. Jennifer King, 36, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:18 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat that occurred on CR 2841 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Indian Gap near Quitman, at approximately 3:58 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Mineola, at approximately 4:31 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1452 near Quitman, at approximately 6:17 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1670 near Alba, at approximately 7:15 p.m., in reference to credit/debit card abuse. A known used the reporting party’s credit/debit card without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3550 near Hawkins; at approximately 7:21 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 8:53 p.m. Crystal Martin, 36, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Between the dates of June 6 to June 12, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Child Protective Services, Txdot and Upshur County.
Between the dates of June 6 to June 12, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 1 arrest warrant and arrested the individual, and recovered $149 worth of stolen property.
Total Jail Count – 126 inmates – 97 males and 29 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.
Tira News for June 22nd, 2018
By Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council meeting has been rescheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 25th at the Tira Community Center. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Yvonne Weir traveled to South Dakota on May 22nd and returned on the 12th of June. While staying on her family ranch, Destri and her family visited for a week and Dacy and her family visited for five days. They all enjoyed the cool weather and visiting Lemmon, South Dakota to see the metal sculptures of John Lopez, as well as multiple dinosaur artifacts. The kids played and rode bikes and had a wonderful time.
Yvonne spent Sunday night with Destri, so she could help take Nico to the doctor on Monday. After the appointment they shopped and then met Robert and Wesley at Dacy’s and enjoyed swimming.
Martha Payton had a busy week and lots of fun with a visit from her son Brad and wife Virginia. Virginia just retired from the Keller Library after thirty years as executive secretary. On Wednesday Jessica Garcia from San Diego came for an overnight stay and lunch out on Thursday. Jessica was on vacation and attended a family reunion in Oklahoma. Regina came on Thursday evening for the weekend. Martha had an early birthday celebration.
Sheila Boyd shared, “We had a wonderful Father’s Day weekend. Michael and I got to spend some time together, and then we had a cookout with Colton, Kat, Jeremy and Jessica. The big surprise was that the grandkids were with them. That is the first time we have gotten to see Josie and Dallas in several months. Lots of love to go around. They called their Uncle Wesley and Terri and talked to them, too. He was able to come down last weekend. Thank you to all the fathers and father figures, here and in heaven, in our lives. Your patience, guidance and grace are what guides us….yesterday…today and tomorrow.”
Minnie Reagor reports, “The Hillis Family Reunion was held June 16-17, 2018 at the Tira Community Center, with 64 in attendance. Those attending were from Tira, Sulphur Springs, Cooper, Greenville, Lone Oak, Garland, Winfield, Cookville, Klondike, Winnsboro, Corsicana, Cedar Hill, Big Sandy, Gladewater, Lake Kiowa, Scurry, Aransas Pass, Ingleside, Buna, and Vidor, Texas. Also attending were Joe Roy Hillis, Sr. and Jane Vincent from
Cresswell, Oregon. The planned Fish Fry for Saturday had to be cancelled due to scheduling conflicts, but all enjoyed a “Cool Lunch” of a variety of foods that needed no heating, along with fruits and desserts. We lost a brother, Rodney Wm. Johnson [aka Bobby Ray Hillis], on June 5, 2018 , and funds were contributed towards his funeral expenses, in addition to funds towards the 2019 reunion. There were no drawings this year, but Hillis BASS contributed a beautiful quilt, representing those that had attended the 2017 reunion… a tree, with leaves that had each
person’s name on them. It will always be a cherished gift!”
She adds, “The 2019 Hillis Family Reunion will only be one day next year, on Saturday, June 15, 2019. Please make note of the date. We hope to see everyone there!”
Our daughter Tiffany, grandchildren Jaidyn and Landon, and great grandchildren Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden came over for Father’s Day lunch on Sunday. We missed Laiken, but she was not feeling up to par that day. Also joining us were Malcolm Joslin and Grace and Linda Ellen Vaughn. We also missed Morgan, who was traveling, and Kenden, who was with friends. That afternoon Jim, Sandra, Johnny, and Cindy Vaughn, from Broken Bow, came by for a visit. Our son, Delayne, did not make it in, but called to wish his dad a “Happy Father’s Day.”
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
National Dairy Month: Highlighting Hardworking Dairy Farmers By Mario Villarino
As we conclude our Hopkins County Celebration of the Dairy Industry, I wanted to share some of the history and current situation of the dairy industry as I see it. Dairy farming is as agriculture as can be. Transformation of feed stuff unfit for human consumption gets farmed and provided to highly efficient cattle that transforms it using bacterial and protozoan digestion to make it milk and meat.
As a rule, dairy cattle transform energy into milk, keeping very little fat and muscle in its body. As a consequence, dairy cattle generally look thin compared to beef cattle. This is because dairy cattle has been selected to carry the capacity to put energy in milk, not meat. Also, because of this same capacity, dairy cattle require clean water, healthy quality food and proper environments to thrive.
Generally, dairy farmers are busy farmers. Having to find a balance between workers, animal care (and all the steps required to provide it) and handling milk (very easy to spoil and with relative short shelf life) requires multitasking and attention to detail.
In Texas, dairy farmers recover their expenses and at times make their profit by selling milk. Industry sets milk prices according to demand (local, national and international). Hopkins County is located near to big metropolitan areas and has developed an infrastructure to support the production of marketing of liquid milk to many metropolitan areas in the US. It has, however, changed thru years.
Northeast Texas is known to produce liquid milk, not cheese. As a producer, quality liquid milk brings better prices, but requires careful handling. Compared to process milk (cheeses, etc), liquid milk gets affected by temperature, contaminants and environmental conditions faster. Historically, Hopkins County residents have strong relationships to the dairy industry. It is not hard to meet local residents with current or former ties to milking cattle.
Dairy farmers are also hard workers. It is not difficult to find dairy farmers working all the time with little or no sleep specially when cows are having babies! (most of the this happens at night). When you mix those variables together (changing milk prices, and intense work) it is not hard to understand that it requires a very special person to become a dairy farmer. Most of the dairy farmers I have met in my life love to dairy farm, and with high cost and narrow profit margins it is easy to understand that love to farm is required to be a dairy farmer.
Today, Hopkins County ranks the highest milk producer county in Northeast Texas, 12th in the state and producing milk by almost 30,000 dairy cows. Overall, Texas has almost 400 dairies, with those numbers changing often. Hopkins County is home to almost 10% of those farms.
Milk and dairy products are traded at different levels. Today, exports of milk and dairy products influence milk prices. Trade policies influence those prices. It has been long time ago since dairy farmers only depend on local markets. It is milk, and milk byproducts that get traded internationally.
Hopkins County has dairy farmers, but they produce milk by the truck load, not the bucket load. This is why you do not see Hopkins County dairy farmers selling milk at farmers markets. Just as any other commodity in the world, for a producer to recover expenses and make a profit, there must be a buyer for their product and demand. Also, the buyer must be able to afford to buy the product.
As the world economy has evolved, different countries increase or decrease importing of agricultural products including milk. This is why understanding milk prices is complicated. Many factors and variables are involved in the process. At times understanding milk prices can be also frustrating specially when milk prices are low.
Reaching the balance between cost of production and milk prices is a constant challenge to dairy farmers to stay in business, no matter the size of the farm. So, considering what the dairy industry has historically done for our community and continues to do today is the main reason why we celebrate June as National Dairy Month.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Help Save Lives this July 4th By Johanna Hicks
Help Save Lives This July Fourth!
For the past 242 years, on July Fourth, Americans have celebrated the birth of our great nation. We set off fireworks, fly American flags, attend special concerts, and partake in backyard barbecues and pool parties galore. But as the celebrations wind down and friends and families head home, it’s vital we all work together to spread this life-saving message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. This Independence Day, Hopkins County Extension Office, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) want to remind you that any time you drive under the influence of alcohol, you put everyone in danger — including yourself. Even though it is still a week away, during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, make sure you plan for safe transportation to and from festivities.
During the 2016 July Fourth holiday, 188 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In Texas, 14 people lost their lives during the 2016 July Fourth holiday. That’s 14 families who will forever remember Independence Day with a heavy heart and nightmarish memories.
We want our community to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, but we want them to do so responsibly. This is why we want to help get the message out thatBuzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. This is not a joke, and it’s not a time to test the laws. Drunk driving is illegal, but it’s also deadly. It’s deadly to the driver, to the driver’s passengers, and to other road users in this community. We’re imploring you: Please ensure you have a sober driver lined up to get you home safely from your holiday festivities. Doing so could save a life. Better yet, choose a different beverage altogether!
With Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more cars will be on the roads. The rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is higher at night. During the 2016 July Fourth holiday period, it was more than three-times higher at night than it was during the day. If you plan on drinking, plan how you will get around without driving.
Remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:
- It is never okay to drive after drinking. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the local law enforcement.
- Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
This Fourth of July, commit to only driving 100 percent sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Community Health Talks
Hopefully by now, you’ve heard about the Community Health Talks round table series that our Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office has planned. The Extension Leadership Advisory Board spear-headed the idea, and registration is now open! Both sessions will be held at the Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston Street, in Sulphur Springs, at 6:30 p.m.. We are located next door to the Southwest Dairy Museum and directly in front of the Civic Center.
The July 6th round table discussion will focus on diseases affecting pets and humans, such as rabies, led by Dr. Leah Larsen, owner of Bright Star Veterinary Clinic. Danielle Altenbaumer with the Department of State Health Services will help clear up the confusion about vaccinations for humans – what is needed, when, and who. The July 13th session will focus on food security and food safety. Brad Fain, with Zoetis Animal Health will lead the discussion. Safe food handling will also be covered.
There is no cost for either session – come to one or both! We’ll have coffee and cookies in ready supply. Please call our office at 903-885-3443 if you would like to attend.
Closing Thought
Life is not long, and too much of it must not pass in idle deliberation on how it shall be spent – Samuel Johnson
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
