Minick Charged With Felony 1 Murder, Bond Set at $1-Million
Thursday morning, Cassandra Joyce Minick, 30 was charged with Felony 1 Murder and is in Hopkins County Jail held on a $1-million bond. She is charged with the murder of her husband with a rifle.
According to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum, Cassandra Joyce Minick, 30, called the Sheriff’s Department around 12:06 a.m. Wednesday morning stating she had found her husband shot in their residence after she heard a gunshot. Deputies arrived on scene, and Sgt. Richard Greer took charge of the scene, according to Tatum. At the scene they found Kenny Minick unresponsive in the residence. Greer said the story that Ms. Minick gave him varied each time she told it. Greer contacted Investigator Charles Humphries, who also found discrepancies in her story. He called Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford and Texas Ranger John Vance. Following investigation at the scene, she was arrested and charged with murder. Three children in the home were taken by Child Protective Services and placed in care.
Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings pronounced Minick dead at the scene. His body was transported to Dallas for autopsy.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report February 14-20, 2018
February 14th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Holbrook; at approximately 12:14 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 12:38 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2280 near Mineola, at approximately 1:22 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the day.
Deputies were dispatched to Concho near Quitman, at approximately 7:12 a.m., in reference to an open door. Deputies secured the building and there were no signs of theft.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2379 near Alba, at approximately 7:59 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 8:40 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Hawkins.
At 12:38 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3860 near Hawkins.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:20 p.m., in reference to a terroristic threat that occurred on Pine Bark Lane near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:07 p.m., in reference to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3130 near Quitman. Deputies advised the reporting party there would be extra patrol.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 3:19 p.m. Jeffery Burrow, 55, of Quitman, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and an outstanding warrant.
At 6:18 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 49 near Hawkins.
February 15th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3120 near Quitman, at approximately 1:00 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies cleared the residence and were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3250 near Quitman, at approximately 7:35 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and Joe’s Wrecker arrived to tow it.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 9:10 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued Criminal Trespass Warnings and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Mineola, at approximately 9:13 a.m., in reference to harassment. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 9:52 a.m., in reference to an incident that occurred. The reporting party paid the known actor to build a sunroom and the actor did not finish the job. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3810 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:10 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 82, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2169 near Quitman, at approximately 12:49 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6953 near Mineola, at approximately 1:49 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies locate the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Bermuda St. in Quitman; at approximately 2:59 p.m. Tommy Kirk, 48, of Winona, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 3:32 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:39 p.m., in reference to a fraud that occurred on PR 6113 near Mineola. Actors, or actors unknown, forged the reporting party’s signature to cash a check.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2350 near Quitman, at approximately 4:28 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4579 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:19 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole pipe from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6956 near Alba, at approximately 6:29 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4275 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:30 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4450 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:51 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals or activity.
February 16th
At 2:25 a.m., horses were out on FM 14/CR 3286 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 14 near Quitman; at approximately 7:19 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to Hwy 37 near Quitman, at approximately 7:37 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 11:06 a.m., in reference to burglary. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:58 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass on FM 2225 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4460 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:25 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole money from the reporting party. This case is active.
At 1:02 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1415 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 852 near Winnsboro; at approximately 3:45 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3542 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:27 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Alamosa Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 8:00 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
At 8:11 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4649 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1887 near Yantis, at approximately 8:14 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Aimee Stewart, 32, of Arp, was arrested for Assault by Contact.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2205 near Mineola, at approximately 9:00 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. The actor left the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival. Deputies located the actor on CR 2900 near Mineola. David Slavens, 38, of Mineola, was arrested for Driving While License Invalid.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2632 near Mineola, at approximately 9:12 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Matthew Cabarello, 23, of Mineola, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4897 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:54 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to Fm 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:25 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
February 17th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1530 near Alba, at approximately 1:45 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:48 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief that occurred on FM 852 near Winnsboro. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s property.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1885 near Yantis, at approximately 8:35 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:43 a.m., in reference to disorderly conduct. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
At 11:50 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3900 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:57 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Jason Reeves, 46, of Hawkins, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Main St. in Yantis, at approximately 12:51 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2376 near Alba, at approximately 2:42 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the day.
At 3:44 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1643 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3204 near Quitman, at approximately 3:59 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s storage building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2205 near Mineola, at approximately 6:28 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole an ATV from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2263 near Mineola, at approximately 7:33 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:43 p.m. Nicholas Carter, 47, of Hawkins, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated Third or More and Resist Arrest Search or Transport.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:58 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. The actor left the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 10:58 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1421 near Quitman, at approximately 11:45 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
February 18th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1513/CR 1515 near Alba, at approximately 2:05 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 6:30 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1688 near Alba, at approximately 10:14 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Monty Young, 52, of Grand Praire, was arrested for an outstanding warrant. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 12:34 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2270 near Mineola, at approximately 1:09 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies checked the area and advised there was no criminal mischief that occurred.
At 2:30 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 312/FM 49 near Hawkins.
At 2:31 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4750 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:01 p.m., reference to a dispute that occurred on CR 3269 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 3:05 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:59 p.m., in reference to an assault. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:44 p.m., in reference to drug offenses. Benjamin Wilkins, 21, of Dallas, was arrested for Delivery Marijuana.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2298 near Mineola; at approximately 7:32 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 8:26 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Gwendolyn Mallett, 56, of Quitman, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated.
Deputies were dispatched to Sunrise Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 9:51 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 11:16 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies located the individual shooting the gun and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 11:26 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and Joe’s Wrecker arrived to tow it.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4530 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:44 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 3056 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:52 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspicious activity.
February 19th
At 9:29 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Hawkins.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:47 a.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on Alamosa Lane near Hawkins. A known actor stole the reporting party’s computer. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2745 near Mineola, at approximately 9:57 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3875 near Mineola, at approximately 12:16 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 5:19 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3990 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:49 p.m., in reference to a terroristic threat. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched o FM 2088/FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the driver and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 7:49 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Danny Harper, 61, of Quitman, was arrested for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2422 near Mineola, at approximately 8:50 p.m., in reference to a terroristic threat. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
February 20th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4430 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:55 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
At 8:56 a.m., horses were reported out on PR 7862 near Hawkins.
At 10:22 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2100 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2610 near Mineola, at approximately 12:30 p.m., in reference to a scam. Deputies spoke with the parties involved and determined it was not a scam.
Deputies were dispatched o CR 4596 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:12 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:39 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 1941 near Yantis. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 4:05 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 4:15 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3265 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 4:18 p.m., in reference to an assault. Genry Cruz, 33, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2205 near Mineola, at approximately 4:44 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. A known actor was on the reporting party’s property with an active Criminal Trespass Warning. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 5:36 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 312/CR 4649 near Winnsboro.
At 6:29 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515/CR 4807 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:34 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on Johnson St. in Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:09 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items and damaged the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to instigators.
Between the dates of February 14 and February 20, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Christus Mother Francis, Child Protective Services, Police Departments, Emergency Medical Services, Jarvis Security and Department of Public Safety.
Total Jail Count – 131 inmates – 109 males and 22 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.
Chamber Connection March 1, 2018
Great news!!! It is time for the 29th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament held at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. This year’s tournament will be held on Friday, April 13th. Just like last year, we will have morning and afternoon tee times. Please consider bringing a team and enjoying a very fun day of golf and prizes! We have limited availability, so let us know as soon as possible if interested. Teams are already signing up! Give us a call at (903) 885-6515 for additional information!
Clayton Homes is hosting a Tax Season Savings Event
Clayton Homes is hosting a Tax Season Savings Event on Saturday, March 3rd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be located at Clayton Homes, 2600 Industrial Road in Sulphur Springs. Come meet the team that can make your dream a reality! There will models open for viewing, free food, a chance to win a 55” television, and free home buyers protection with purchase of a home. Make plans to stop by and check out this great opportunity!
The Muddy Lotus is hosting their Ribbon Cutting Celebration
The Muddy Lotus, a new yoga experience in Sulphur Springs, is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, March 7th at noon. They will be holding the ribbon cutting at East Texas Gymnastics, located at 1402 Mockingbird Lane in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to come by and welcome this new business to Hopkins County!
Sulphur Springs Elementary School is hosting the Harlem Wizards!
For the first time ever, Sulphur Springs Elementary School is hosting the Harlem Wizards! They will be coming to town on March 19th at the SSHS gymnasium. The SSES PTO is excited to announce that the “Wacky Wildcats” will be taking on the Wizards. There are two easy ways to purchase tickets. You can stop by the SSES office located on Bell Street in Sulphur Springs, or you can purchase online at www.harlemwizrds.com. general admission is $10.00, VIP tickets are $20.00, and courtside plus backstage passes are $30.00. Make sure and join in on this fun night!
Hunt Regional is offering January Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on Thursday, March 22nd in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can also help with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 x 21. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
AgriLife Extension offers Rebalancing Work & Life Webinar
The Military Families Learning Network (MFLN) is providing a free monthly webinar in partnership with USDA, U.S. Department of Defense, and Extension. The March 28 webinar will take place at 10:00 a.m. To sign up, go to: https://learn.extension.org/events/3261. To join the webinar, use the ‘event location’ link designated for each webinar and follow directions within the site. The MFLN offers both continuing education credit (CE) and certificates of completion for webinars. Additional webinars will take place April 25, May 23, and June 13, 2018. For more information, call the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office – Hopkins County – at 903-885-3443.
Pilot Club hosts their Spring Fundraiser
The Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs is hosting their Spring Fundraiser on Saturday, April 7th at 7 p.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. They are doing it “Branson Style” with music and entertainment by Robert Joe Vandygriff. A $30 ticket includes meal and entertainment. $5.00 also buys chances for themed gift baskets and a trip for two. Tickets can be purchased through Pay Pal at www.sspilotclub.org. For additional information call (903) 348-5099, (903) 243-0979, or (903) 438-7153.
Ribbon cuttings:
Etiquette by Emily hosted their Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, February 28th at noon
Etiquette by Emily hosted their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, February 28th at noon at The Oaks in Sulphur Springs. Emily has a blog located at EtiquettebyEmily.com. She also offers etiquette classes for all ages, beginning kindergarten through adult. Cotillion classes are offered as well.
Lady Cat Golf Fifth at Lindale Tournament
The Lady Cats’ golf team finished fifth out of ten teams at a tournament at Hide-A-Way Lake in Lindale Monday. It was their third tournament of the season.
Golf Coach Whitney Spigener says the Lady Cats shot a total of 425. Freshman Mariam Tran shot an 84 that put her in a first place tie. Tran was awarded a second place medal after a scorecard playoff. Also for the Lady Cats, sophomore Addison White shot 110, sophomore Alyssa Underwood carded a 114 and senior Emma Lane had a 117.
The Lady Cats play next on March 9 at Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club. It will serve as a preview since the district tournament will be held there on April 5-6.
Wildcats First, Lady Cats Second at Monday Track Meet
Wildcats Results at SSHS Track Meet
The Wildcats’ track team won their own meet Monday that did not include field events due to wet ground. Wildcats Coach Matt Young said the Wildcats still racked up 130 points. The Wildcats had the top three finishers in the 3200-meter run: Landon Thornton, Andrew Escobar and Christian Palomino. The Wildcats finished second in the 4 X 100-meter relay. Coach Young said it was the first time this season that the relay members got to try handoffs and he said it showed. He was one handoff was horrendous. Still he called their time 44-something. The relay team consisted of Andy Eddins, Simeon Taylor, Damiyon Dugan and Ryan Humphries. In the 800-meters, Eli Sellers placed in the top three with a time of 2:07. Payton Vickery was right behind Sellers at 2:09 while Nabian Ramirez had a time of 2:10. In the 110-meter hurdles, the Wildcats got a 2-3 finish. Kylan Wade was second with a personal best of 15.65. Landry Tyson was third with a time in the mid 16s. Terrell Turman did not place but had a personal best. The Wildcats took third in the 4 X 200-meter relay. The relay was made up of Bryce McQueen, Austin Dodd, Tylan Wade and D’Corian Young. Coach Young called the team the most competitive in the 4 X 200-meter event in a few years. In the 400-meter run, Carlo Torres was third with a time of :53. Coach Young said Torres also matched that time running a leg in the 4 X 400-meter relay. In the 300-meter hurdles, Humphries was second with a time of 41:05. Tyson placed with a time of 42.05. In the 200-meter run, Taylor was third with a time of 23.5. Andy Eddins earned sixth place. In the 1600-meter run, the Wildcats finished three, four and five with all three runners coming in under 5 minutes. Thornton was third followed by Vickery and Sellers. The Wildcats 4 X 400-meter relay was second. It featured Torres, Tyson, Jermond Bryant-Amos and Nabian Ramirez. The next track meet is at Gilmer on March 9.
Lady Cats Track at SSHS Meet
The Lady Cats’ track team finished second at their own Sulphur Springs Track Meet Monday collecting 88 points. They were one point behind first place Mount Pleasant. Lady Cats Track Coach Triston Abron said he was pleased with the way his athletes ran. He was also glad to know he has quite a few good performers to turn to. Sydney Washburn was second in the 3200-meter run. Coach Abron said Ashley Noe and Bailey Arrington also ran in the race and did a great job. He said Washburn, Noe and Arrington also did well in the 1600-meter run. In the 100-meter run, N’sya Dugan and Sadavia Porter picked up points. Faith Hatley finished second in both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles running personal bests. Coach Abron said Bryanna Irving also picked up points in the hurdles races. The Lady Cats took second in the 4 X 200-meter race. The team was made up of Hatley, Dugan, Porter and Imani Taylor. In the 400-meter run, Ailayah Abron was second and Hailey Ricks was fifth. In the 800-meter run, Macie Williams picked up points. Both Taylor and Dugan got points. In the 4 X 400-meter relay, Dugan ran with Williams, Ricks and Abron. Coach Abron surprised Dugan with the assignment since he said she had never run a complete lap of the track. He said after the race Dugan told him she liked the 400-meter distance. The Lady Cats will compete next at Gilmer on March 9.
Saltillo Lions Advance to Regional Tourney
The Saltillo Lions’ basketball team is headed to the regional tournament after their regional quarterfinal win over Yantis, 54-44 Tuesday night.
L to R: Levi Hoover, Dillon Beadle, Branson McGill, Coach Bill Giles, Trevor Moore, Lyle Bench, Walker McGill, Ben Moore, Chris Boekhorst, Matt Gurley, Michael Clover, Edi Olayo, Coach Casey Riddle & Coach Colton Smith
The Lions outscored the Owls in the first period, 14-11. The Lions were up by one at the half, 26-25. Saltillo outscored Yantis 16-11 in the third quarter to increase their lead to 42-36. The Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter. Matthew Gurley led the Lions with 21 points. Chris Boekhorst had 15. Trevor Moore scored 8. Walker McGill had 6. Michael Clover and Ben Moore scored 2 points each. The Lions are now 24-13 for the season.
Lions Coach Casey Riddle said the win was a good team effort. He noted the Lions were going to their second straight regional tournament and their third in seven years. The Lions will play Lipan Friday at 5 p.m. at Mansfield High School.
Flood Watch for Area Until 6 p.m. Thursday
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for North Central and Northeast Texas including Hopkins and surrounding counties from 4 p.m. Wednesday until 6 p.m. Thursday.
Rainfall Amounts of 1-1.5 inches on already saturated grounds will result in rapid runoff that may lead to flooding. A flood watch means that conditions are favorable for heavy rain which may lead to flooding of low lying areas.
PJC Regents Leave Tuition Unchanged, Learn of Higher Student Success
Tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 Paris Junior College academic year will remain unchanged, the PJC Board of Regents decided at their meeting Monday evening.
“We looked at the average tuition rates in the state of Texas and those of our surrounding colleges,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “We recommend you do not increase tuition.”
A comparison report drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System was provided the regents. The survey collects data from 7,000 institutions annually. For the report, PJC was compared with 22 other colleges that are ranked as medium-sized out of the 50 in the state of Texas.
According to the report, PJC has a far higher graduation rate than peer colleges while PJC full time equivalent staffing is lower than peers. PJC has 84 percent of students on some form of financial aid, compared to peers with 66 percent. Sixty-four percent of PJC students are on PELL compared to 47 percent at peer institutions.
In other business, the Regents:
- Received a financial report from Controller Keitha Carlton showing that PJC expenditures are in line with revenues.
- Approved a waiver of a portion of dual credit tuition and fees.
- Received the President’s Report including new accreditation requirements from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as a comparison of operating expenses among community and technical colleges in Texas. This showed that the state average is $11.11 per contact hour, while PJC’s rate is $6.95 per contact hour. That makes PJC the second lowest in the state, demonstrating PJC’s high rate of efficiency.
- Tabled action on real property.
- Approved the hiring of Horology Instructor Stanley McMahan, effective March 19.
Sheriff’s Department Releases Information on Murder in Hopkins County
According to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum, his office received a call around 12:06 a.m. Wednesday morning from a female stating she had found her husband shot in their residence after she heard a gunshot. When deputies arrived on scene, they found a white male unresponsive in the residence. Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings pronounced the man dead at the scene. His body was transported to Dallas for autopsy.
The female is in custody at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office. She has been charged with murder. No names have been release awaiting notification of next of kin and arraignment of the female in custody. The arraignment will take place Thursday morning, according to sources.
