Wood County Sheriff’s Report February 21-27, 2018
February 21st
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 2:55 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4896 near Quitman, at approximately 3:03 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the day.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:53 a.m., in reference to a terroristic threat. Deputies advised the reporting party they would provide extra patrol.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 10:59 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to Main St. in Yantis, at approximately 11:22 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s vehicle.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:58 a.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on HWY 37 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Nolan Lane in Yantis, at approximately 12:00 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the day.
At 12:40 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1643 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:41 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 65, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1985 near Yantis, at approximately 8:42 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3220 near Quitman, at approximately 9:31 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to Lloyd St. in Yantis, at approximately 10:41 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
February 22nd
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:08 a.m., in reference to lost property on CR 3880 near Hawkins. The reporting party informed the deputies of a possible stolen or misplaced gun.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:12 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass on CR 4441 near Winnsboro. A known actor was inside of the reporting party’s residence without consent. Deputies advised the individual to stay out of the reporting party’s residence.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:54 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on FM 312 near Winnsboro. Actors, or actors unknown, attempted to get the reporting party to send money, claiming he won 5 million dollars.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:49 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances that occurred on Choctaw near Quitman. Deputies advised the reporting party they would provide extra patrol.
Deputies were dispatched to Beaulah St. in Hawkins, at approximately 9:15 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2330 near Mineola, at approximately 10:05 p.m., in reference to an illegal burning violation. Deputies located the violation and advised the individuals that they cannot burn plastic.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1799 near Alba, at approximately 10:45 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
February 23rd
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1785 near Yantis; at approximately 2:07 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and determined it was a traffic hazard. The vehicle was towed by Wyatt’s Towing.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:21 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies checked the building and there were no signs of forced entry or theft.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Yantis, at approximately 9:36 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:43 a.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on FM 1643 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2540 near Alba, at approximately 10:50 a.m., in reference to disturbance. Deputies spoke with the parties involved. Clarice Slayton, 61, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 5:30 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
At 6:30 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 514 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3480 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:52 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:40 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on Holly Trail near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:50 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
February 24th
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:27 a.m., in reference to a criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1570 near Alba; at approximately 7:46 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and determined it was a traffic hazard. The vehicle was towed by Wyatt’s Towing.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2425 near Mineola, at approximately 8:55 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to ETMC in Quitman, at approximately 9:32 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 71, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 12:34 p.m., in reference to a burglary. A known actor stole an amplifier from the reporting party’s building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5551 near Alba, at approximately 3:56 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 6:42 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3118 near Quitman.
February 25th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2377 near Alba; at approximately 2:23 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 778/FM 1254 near Quitman; at approximately 2:55 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 7:53 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property with a pellet gun.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 3056/CR 2964 near Mineola, at approximately 10:26 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:39 a.m. Deputies located the individual and they went with Emergency Medical Services to the hospital.
At 12:05 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1643 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Mineola, at approximately 8:47 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:25 p.m., in reference to a traffic hazard. Deputies located the vehicle and it was towed by Wyatt’s Towing.
At 11:55 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Yantis.
February 26th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 12:17 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Upon the deputies’ arrival, there were no signs of forced entry or theft.
Deputies were dispatched to Holly Trail East near Hawkins, at approximately 8:51 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 69, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1416 near Quitman, at approximately 9:25 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3860 near Mineola, at approximately 2:22 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s gate. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1801 near Mineola, at approximately 4:12 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3955 near Mineola, at approximately 4:41 p.m., in reference to a dog bite. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3114 near Quitman; at approximately 8:02 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1336 near Quitman, at approximately 8:32 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 4930 near Quitman; at approximately 10:21 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
February 27th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2944 near Mineola, at approximately 7:01 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 7:11 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 4847 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:23 a.m. Michael Watts, Jr., 60, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to Dogwood Trail near Hawkins, at approximately 12:49 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor had taken the reporting party’s phone and did not return it. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1879 near Yantis, at approximately 2:39 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2112 near Quitman, at approximately 3:10 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a lawn mower trailer from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:09 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass that occurred on CR 2157 near Quitman. The individual left the property when the reporting party asked him to and the scene was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5807 near Yantis, at approximately 5:50 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s vehicle with a baseball bat. Cary Sessions, 39, of Yantis, was arrested for Criminal Mischief.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1810 near Yantis, at approximately 6:06 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5899 near Yantis, at approximately 7:34 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
Between the dates of February 21 and February 27, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Game Wardens, Department of Public Safety, Smith County, and Hopkins County.
Between the dates of February 21 and February 27, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators filed 8 cases with the District Attorney, obtained 2 arrest warrants and arrested the individuals, and recovered $8,000 worth of stolen property.
Total Jail Count – 136 inmates – 117 males and 19 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.
Baseball: North Hopkins Defeat Saltillo
The Saltillo Lions lost a baseball game to North Hopkins on Tuesday. The Panthers took a 19-0 win. North Hopkins scored the 19 runs on nine hits and seven Lions’ errors.
The Panthers’ starting pitcher Wyatt Wharton teamed with reliever Tate Myers to throw a 4 inning no hitter. Wharton also had a big game at the plate going 3 for 3 with a double and 4 RBIs. Colby Cameron of North Hopkins was 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBIs.
The game was called after three and a half innings. Saltillo’s Lyle Bench drew 2 walks for the Lions in the game.

“Do Well, Be Well With Diabetes” Five-Lesson Series Set for April 9-23
Johanna Hicks, agent with the Hopkins County Agrilife Extension Service is reminding the public about an interesting and informative educational series for persons affected by Type II Diabetes. Even if you do not have Diabetes but you cook and care for someone who does, this series is for you! Two sessions per day will be offered, at 1:30pm and 6pm. For more information, phone the Extension office at 903-885-3443.

You’re Invited for History and Lunch By SS Area Retired School Personnel
From: Sulphur Springs Area Retired School Personnel
Please join us on Tuesday, March 13! Keep reading for the time, location of the meeting!
Our next meeting will feature a program by Paula Altenbaumer, presenting the story of an early Texas pioneer, Sarah Ashby McClure Braches. Sarah came to Texas in 1831 as part of the DeWitt Colony. Her home still stands in Gonzales County.
Sarah was a leader of the “Runaway Scrape” during the Texas revolution. An oak tree known as the Sam Houston Oak still stands near her home. Many interesting facets of Sarah’s life (1811-1894) will come to life when Paula appears in costume for our meeting.
Paula Altenbaumer
Paula also relates that a Hallmark miniseries was filmed about this early pioneer, her family, and her descendants. Please join us for an extremely informative program!
Meeting Location:
The Oaks Bed & Breakfast
516 Oak Ave.
Sulphur Springs, TX
Time:
Program – 10:00 a.m.
Buffet lunch (optional) – approx 11:30 a.m.
Lunch menu: Brisket, beans, potato salad, cole slaw and drink
Lunch cost: $10.
Lunch reservations:
Please reply if you plan to stay for lunch. We need a number for the lunch buffet.
Other items:
Our membership drive for 2018-2019 begins this month. Please consider joining our chapter or renewing your membership at the March meeting.
We will also be “passing the basket” for contributions to our Scholarship fund and our Book fund. You may donate cash or write a check payable to Sulphur Springs Area RSP.
Harlem Wizards to Play in SSES Fundraiser
The Harlem Wizards are coming to Sulphur Springs High School Monday, March 19th. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and game time is 6:30. The evening promises to be a fun filled event that is great for kids and adults and will guarantee to put a smile on your face, according to the Sulphur Springs Elementary School PTO. Proceeds from the game will assist in funding playground equipment for the school.
The Wizards will face Administrators and teachers from SSHS. The Harlem Wizards’ mission is to create awe-inspiring events thought out the country. At a Wizards game coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction combined with hilarious comedy will entertain fans with two hours of family time where parents, grandparents, and kids can all laugh together.
Tickets purchased before the event are $10 for adults and children. Tickets can be purchased at Sulphur Springs Elementary School or online at www.harlemwizards.com. Tickets will be available on the day of the game at Sulphur Springs High School.
North Hopkins FFA Chapter Celebrates FFA Week and Student Success at NETLA Market Show
From Report by Breeanna Hicks
February was definitely a busy month for the North Hopkins FFA! This past month was the annual Hopkins County NETLA Market and Stock Show. Along with this, the chapter attended the Area VI convention.
This year, the North Hopkins FFA was honored to have Faith Wheeler, our Chapter First Vice President, run for Area VI President. While she did not win the office of president, she will be serving as one of the Area officers. While there, the chapter officers had the pleasure of listening to the talent teams that were competing for the opportunity to advance to state competition. Wyatt Wharton, who serves as one of our Chapter Vice Presidents, received the Star Chapter Farmer Award. Area VI convention was held in Sulphur Springs Texas and over 400 members and guests were present.
This month, the chapter coordinated on of our favorite activities, School FFA Week! Throughout the week, there were dress up days, coloring competitions, and opportunities to learn about the FFA organization. The chapter always has fun during these weeks and we enjoy trying to teach others about the FFA.
The NETLA show was a definite success for the North Hopkins FFA Chapter. The chapter had 51 entries with 30 students making the sale. NH FFA even had some Showmanship winners. Kindal Shakelford won Steer Junior Showmanship, Wyatt Wharton won Lamb Senior Showmanship and Hadlee Hrabal won Swine Junior Showmanship. While at the market show, two of our senior members received scholarships. Rachel Stanley and Samuel Stanley were both recipients of the Larry Sparadling NETLA Scholarship! We very proud of all of our members who were exhibitors at the show and can’t wait for next year.

City Manager’s Report to Council March 6, 2018
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM – Beth, Rasure, Rose, Junnell and a portion of Gossett Lane have been repaved. Calvert Street will be milled and repaved during spring break.
CANTEX FORCE MAIN – This will be our next capital improvement project. It will replace 2,400 linear feet of aging sewer force main and 2,900 feet of gravity main. Currently the main passes through the middle of the hospital complex. This would be a nightmare if the main ever ruptures. The proposed route would go around the hospital complex rather than through it. One third of the city’s sewage passes through this line.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – The work at the wastewater treatment plant is on schedule. The three primary clarifier basins have been constructed, and the effluent troughs are being constructed now. Other concrete structures adjacent to the clarifiers are under construction. I expect to bring the clarifiers online in July, weather permitting.
CROSSTOWN TRAIL – Construction of the Crosstown Trail in ongoing. This grant-funded project will connect Buford Park to Coleman Park as well as the high school/civic center complex with a concrete path. It will also replace the sidewalk on the north side of Connally Street.
CLAIMS – We did not have any liability claims in February. We had two minor workers’ compensation claims in February. We have recently changed our coverage for sewer overflows with the Texas Municipal League Risk Pool. The pool will now cover losses that result from a stoppage in a city sewer main. Previously the coverage only applied to overflows that were caused by some action of the city. The additional coverage costs $4,770 per year. The additional coverage does not protect a homeowner who incurred damage as a result of a blockage in their own service line.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will give a year-to-date report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Repaired irrigation at Buford Park Baseball fields.
- Repaired multiple plumbing leaks in bathrooms resulting from frozen pipes.
- Repaired many electrical receptacles in concession stands.
- Conducted 21 building inspections, 16 electrical inspections, 15 plumbing inspections, 4 mechanical inspections and issued 28 building permits.
- Began doing utility locates on Sunset Street in preparation for reconstruction.
- Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids rating of 2.97 mg/L.
- Installed ramp lights at the airport.
- Repaired 6 ruptured water mains.
- Replaced 13 water meters.
- Unstopped 19 water mains.
- Repaired 16 sewer mains.
- Washed 85,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 35 dead end water mains.
- Repaired the spillway controller at Lake Sulphur Springs.
- Performed preventative maintenance on several apparatuses at the water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant.
- Treated 106 million gallons of potable water.
- Checked out 2,864 items from the library and checked out another 456 eBooks.
- Responded to 201 animal control calls, and achieved a 40% adoption rate.
- Made 8 arrests in the special crimes unit.
- Responded to 32 accidents, wrote 421 citations, recorded 50 offences and made 57 arrests.
- Sold 806 gallons of AvGas and 7,900 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Made 28 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Repaired 284 potholes.
- Replaced 7 stop signs and 8 street signs.

Warning System Test Set for Noon Wednesday
At noon Wednesday, March 7, 2018, City of Sulphur Springs Emergency Management will test the warning sirens in the city. The test is conducted monthly and allows city staff and emergency management personnel to discover any glitches in the system, according to Jason Ricketson with the Sulphur Springs Police Department.
When you hear the sirens in the city, you will know that the equipment is working well. The sirens are used for tornado and high wind warnings as well as other emergency warnings issued for the safety of residents.

Wildcat Soccer Shuts Out Texas High
The Wildcats’ soccer team shut out Texas High and managed to put three shots in the goal to pick up three points and a big district road win, 3-0 in Texarkana Tuesday night.
Axel Solorzano scored a goal for his second straight game as a Wildcat and he had an assist on another one. Enrique Arellano also had a goal and an assist. Angel Tavera also scored a goal.
The Wildcats are now 3-0 during the second half of district play and they are 5-4 overall in district play. The Wildcats season record improves to 12-10. The Wildcats have a bye Friday. They play district leader Mount Pleasant at Gerald Prim Stadium next Tuesday night.

Lady Cat Soccer Defeats Texas High in Overtime
Just when it looked like the Lady Cats’ soccer team and Texas High would play all night without scoring a goal, the Lady Cats scored a pair of goals in the second half of overtime to defeat the Lady Tigers, 2-0 at Gerald Prim Stadium Tuesday night (March 6).
Lady Cat Keeley Hudgins was battling two Lady Tiger defenders near their goal when she was able to push a left footed shot into the net at 9:33 in the second half of overtime. Just over 2 minutes later, Lady Cat Mileena Zirretta kicked a ball over the Lady Tigers’ defense. Lady Cat Gracie Boyer raced to the ball and put an arcing shot over the keeper and into the net at 7:13 in the second half of overtime. The Lady Cats defense made the goals stand up for the 2-0 win.
The Lady Cats picked up three big points. They are now 6-3 in district play and 14-5-3 for the season. The Lady Cats have an open date Friday. They play next in Mount Pleasant next Tuesday night.






