Hopkins County Grand Jury Indicts 27
A Hopkins County Grand Jury approved 27 indictments during a recent meeting. Two indictments were for Injury Child/Elderly/Disabled with Bodily Injury, one for Aggravated Assault Causes Serious Bodily Injury, one Evading Arrest Detention with Vehicle, two Manufacture Delivery of a Controlled Substance and the remainder for drug possession. There were four indictments handed down that are pending arrest. Among those indicted:
Charles Ray Mays was indicted for Injury to Child/Elderly/Disable with Intent Bodily Injury.
Joe Luis Soto, Jr. was indicted for Injury to Child/Elderly/Disable with Intent Bodily Injury.
Michael Raynal Blackmon was indicted for Aggravated Assault Causes Serious Bodily Injury
Cru London Jones was indicted for Evading Arrest Detention with Vehicle.
Sandra Lynn Hunter was indicted for two counts of Manufacture Delivery Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone.
Brandy Dawn Loven was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams.
Ladareeun Vanord Green was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams and for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.
Makishia M Heard was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams and for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.
Willis Devin Johnson was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams and for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.
Marcie Sherri Stovall Dixon was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-grams but less than 4-grams.
Cassandra Joyce Minick was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-grams but less than 4-grams.
Diane Jullie Oglesby was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone.
Aubri Mikel Orr was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.
Jose Grardo Rodriguez was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 more than 1-grams but less than 4-grams in a Drug Free Zone.
Montrel Jabbor Roberts was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 less than 1-gram.
Johnny Andrew Cordova was indicted for Possession of Marijuana more than 4oz but less than 5lbs.
Bishop Nelson Gatlin of Mitchell Chapel Aware of Need in Local Community
For the 17th year, Mitchell Chapel Church of God in Christ will host the “Rescue the Perishing” food giveaway for families in need. On Saturday December 9, 2017, a bag of groceries will be given per household to persons who present a utility bill or other proof of local residency. The location is the Fellowship Hall of the church at 402 South Jackson Street from 8am, until all bags have been given.
This is not the sole way that Mitchell Chapel offers assistance with basic needs. A hot meal is served each Thursday from 11am til 1pm, free of charge in the dining room of the Fellowship Hall. This mission has been going on for about seven years, and still serves a vital need in the community.
Additionally, according to Bishop Nelson, pastors of local churches are beginning to organize a Pastor’s Union in an attempt to co-ordinate assistance in the areas of food, emergency utility and rent assistance and other needs as they become aware of them. This is due to an awareness of increasing requests from individuals seeking assistance from churches this year.
The Church of God in Christ is a worldwide organization, with about 6 million members in 80 countries of the world. As one of eighteen Bishops in the Texas Jurisdiction, Gatlin oversees about 45 churches around the Northeast Texas region. Prior to his election as Bishop, he served as an appointed Superintendent for a number of years. Today, along with regional duties, he continues to serve as Pastor of Mitchell Chapel Church of God in Christ in Sulphur Springs which he calls “home”, and invites people of all ages and color to attend regular weekly services on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Lady Cats Win Pool Play at Edwood Tournament
The Lady Cats’ basketball team swept their way through pool play in an Edgewood tournament Thursday (December 7) defeating Kaufman, 69-28 and Quitman, 75-18.
Against Kaufman, the Lady Cats started slowly but still managed to have a 13-11 lead after one quarter. Then the Lady Cats began a trend of putting together a scoring run to open each of the last three quarters. The Lady Cats scored 12 unanswered points to start the second quarter and went on to outscore Kaufman in the quarter 19-6 to take a 32-17 halftime lead. Coming out of half time, the Lady Cats scored 11 unanswered points to start the third quarter. They outscored Kaufman in the third quarter 24-6 and the Lady Cats lead was 56-23 after three quarters. To top things off the Lady Cats also scored the first 8 points in the fourth quarter. Sadavia Porter led the Lady Cats with 22 points. Kaylee Jefferson poured in 19 points including a pair of three-pointers. Autumn Tanton added 13 points. Imani Taylor came off the bench and scored 8 points. Danielle Godbolt and Tareyla Kelley each had 3 points. Godbolt hit a three pointer. Jamia Hall added 1 point. The Lady Cats shot 49% from the field. They also hit 20 of 30 free throws for 67%. Tanton and Kelley each grabbed 6 rebounds. The Lady Cats came up with 25 steals against Kaufman.
Against Quitman, the defensive intensity seemed to increase even more. At one point early in the game, the Lady Cats held only a 6-2 lead and they were having a very hard time hitting their shots. Coach Chapman then told the Lady Cats to put on the press and the game immediately changed. By the end of the first quarter, the Lady Cats led 20-2. The halftime lead was 41-10. After three quarters the Lady Cats were up, 62-12, Porter again led the Lady Cats with 24 points. Taylor had one of her finest games as a Lady Cat with 14 points off the bench including a three pointer. Jefferson and Tanton both scored 12 points. Te’Arria Rose and Godbolt had 5 points each and each of them hit a three point shot. Hall scored 2 and Kelley added 1 point. The intense Lady Cats trapping defense produced a whopping 42 steals. Jefferson grabbed 9 rebounds and Tanton added 6.
The Lady Cats, ranked #12 in the state, improved their season record to 9-2. The Lady Cats now play a quarterfinal game in the tournament Friday at around 10:40 a.m. Games started well ahead of scheduled times on Thursday. The two Lady Cats games began 20 to 30 minutes ahead of schedule, so be advised. The Lady Cats will play the second seed in pool C Friday morning, either Campbell, Tenaha or Scurry-Rosser.
Wildcats Enter Semi-Final at Tourney Friday
The #13 state ranked Wildcats of Sulphur Springs won their opening two games at the Union Grove Chick-fil-A Tournament Thursday (December 7). In pool play Thursday, the Wildcats defeated Class 6A Longview, 65-32. Later they scored an impressive 95-52 win over Wichita Falls. They will play Kountze in a tournament semi-final game Friday at 2:20 p.m.
Against Longview, the Wildcats defense was once again stifling. The Wildcats led 14-5 after one quarter and 29-8 at halftime and allowed the Lobos to score an average of only 8 points per quarter for the entire game. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said the defense did a great job of getting stops and forcing Longview to take contested shots all evening. He added the offense did a great job of executing against Longview’s zone. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats moved the ball around nicely and got a ton of high quality shots that made them really efficient on the offensive end. Godsgift Ezedinma led the Wildcats with 22 points, Michael Jefferson scored 15 points and Keaston Willis had 13 points. Other scorers included Xavier Cork with 4, Jeremiah Roland with 3 and Bryson Lynn, Cameron Kahn and Iverson Wade with 2 points apiece.
Against Wichita Falls, Coach Cipoletta called the win a complete team effort. Willis led the Wildcats with 17 points. Ezedinma scored 16 points. Victor Iwuakor had 13 points. Jefferson added 11 points. Lynn scored 8 points. Dedric Godbolt and Day Day Hall scored 6 points apiece. Roland and Cork had 5 points each. Grayson McClure had 4 points. Kahn, Wade and Ivan Clayton each had 2 points. The Wildcats improved their season record to 11-1.
Agrilife: 2017 Hopkins County Livestock and Forage Education Review
It’s this time of the year when Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services at Hopkins County Extension Office interprets with Hopkins County residents the different activities conducted by their agents and support volunteers. I would like to share with you the specific plan related to Livestock Production today.
2017 Hopkins County Livestock and Forage Education (Tours, Trainings and Field Days)
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources
Hopkins County, Texas
Relevance: Livestock and forage production is a 3.96 billion dollar industry in the Central Region. Livestock and forage enterprises are affected by climate and market variability. Hopkins County currently has more than 100,000 head of cattle with 27,000 head of dairy cattle. Due to environmental requirements of federal and state authorities, Hopkins Count y dairy operators must maintain environmental requirement s for operation. This plan will collaborate with diary (Dairy Farmers of America, Southwest Dairy Museum) and beef organizations (NETBIO) to determine and conduct educational efforts needed for the successful operation of livestock farms and ranches. Hopkins County livestock and forage producers and related agribusinesses effectively evaluated and adopted research-based technology applications and best management practices for sustainable and profitable livestock management systems presented in this plan. Livestock producers improved their knowledge of production and management systems to improve quality, profitability, and sustainability. This plan had the goal of providing educational experiences to 350 beef / hay producers, 150 private applicators, 60 dairy producers and 60 landowners/ranchers seeking private applicator accreditation.
Response:
- Hay Clinic (with Holt)(4/6/2017-65 participants).
- 4 Private Applicator Trainings (New Applicants)(2/15, 5/17, 8/16, 11/29).
- 2 Result Demonstration (Use of bio-solids in forage/hay production).
- Hopkins County Hay Show (with Professional Ag Workers, 10/5/2017).
- Beef Day NETBIO (10/6/2017)(220 educational session, 160 cooking team members, 2,600 concert attendees).
- 2017 Diary Outreach Training (10/25/2017, 35 participants).
- 2017 Private Applicator CEU (11/1/2017, 93 participants) (Partially supported by NETBIO).
- 3 Newsletters (5/6, 9/15, 11/6) (270 each).
- 12 forage/beef related newspaper articles.
- 4 Program Area Committee Planning Meetings (NETBIO)(Quarterly).
- 8 Taskforce meetings (Beef Day).
- Plan interpretation (Volunteers 11/9, Commissioner’s Court 11/27, and mass media 12/5).
Results: The Beef Program Area Committee (NETBIO) indicated the need of addressing consumer awareness of benefits of the beef industry as a priority for 2017. As a result, a program plan was created to provide forage and beef production (Hay Clinic, Hay Show, Newsletters, Private Applicator Trainings) and consumer awareness (Beef Day) that included a beef production awareness program (hosted at the Hopkins County Court House with 210 participants), a meat quality awareness component (Ribeye cook-off at the square with 160 cooking team members) and a public musical concert (2,600 attendees, 4 major sponsors) by Stoney Larue. The planning committee vision during 2017 was to provide an educational-entertaining model to promote beef, demonstrate attributes of beef as a culinary resource and to indicate the importance of local beef markets in the county economy. A series of evaluations (anecdotal (Facebook), direct interviews and electronic post evaluations) were conducted according to each event.
Impact:
- My first time to this event. Had an awesome time! (Beef Day) (2,115 likes in Facebook).
- The steaks were delicious, friendly people. Everyone did a great job (Beef Day) (Facebook).
- Understanding of laws and regulations was excellent (21%) and good (62.75%) (PAT CEU, 51 participants).
- Understanding of weed management was excellent (54%) and good (40%) (PAT CEU, 51 participants).
- 53% (29/54) of the attendees indicated the information related to weed management of hay was excellent (PAT CEU).
- 63% (45/71) of attendees considered the information related to pollinators was excellent (PAT CEU).
- 37% (20/54) of attendees considered the information related to pond weed control was excellent (PAT CEU).
- 60% (38/63) of the attendees indicated the program overall was excellent (PAT CEU).
- 90% (59/65) of attendees will benefit economically of the learned topics (PAT CEU).
- 93% (59/63) of the attendees considered the information provided by Extension to be good or excellent (PAT CEU).
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Miller Grove News December 8, 2017
by Brandon Darrow
Christmas and New Year are on the horizon but it seems as though 2017 has just begun. I can’t believe we are only a few weeks away from 2018. Looking back there have been many changes in our world and in our community throughout the year. Some good and some bad but most of the changes in MG are for the good…like getting a new elementary school, athletic teams going to state tournaments, and success at local FFA events.
It is with much regret that I report the passing of one of my favorite cousins, Johnny Ferguson. He was my cousin, my neighbor for my entire life, and my friend. After a short illness with lung cancer he passed away on Nov. 29, at his residence. He was born in Miller Grove to Clyde Curtis Ferguson and Lera Maude (Darrow) Ferguson, on Mar. 12, 1932. He graduated from MGHS in 1949 and served 2 years in the US Army during the Korean conflict. He married Mary Lynn McKeever on Sept. 22, 1962, in Union, Hopkins County, TX. He is survived by his wife; sisters, Mary Lou Akins, Ruby Long, and Bonnie Callan (and husband George). He was preceded in death by one brother, Jack Ferguson, and three sisters, Vallie McElvy, Dorothy Nell Milner, and an infant sister. Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 2, at Miller Grove United Methodist Church with interment following in Miller Grove Cemetery. Both, Rev. Howard Strickland and Rev. Paul Bailey, did a fantastic job officiating the services. Johnny’s niece, Anna Ferguson, and Monty Tipps each performed songs for the service. Carol Dunn had some special words to share about her uncle as well. I will truly miss him – he was always so positive and uplifting in regards to anything I attempted to do (especially my garden and things I would cook). We also enjoyed talking about old times. I enjoy local and family history so we shared many laughs and maybe even a little gossip as we would talk about the “good old days” and all the people in and around Miller Grove over the years.
The ladies of the church and community prepared a great lunch for the family before the services that day. You know, the day of the funeral is always a hard time but I was proud that I was able to see so many of my relatives and friends there that day. Some I had not seen in several months. There was standing room only during the funeral. That, in it’s self, says a lot about the person and their family. Johnny was well loved by all who knew him.
Another person that has passed with a Miller Grove connection is Mary Juanita (Preston) Griffin. She was born in Miller Grove on April 13, 1924, the daughter of Robert Q. Preston and Maud Edna (Jones) Preston. Juanita married Roby Griffin on Jan. 5, 1946, in Greenville. Burial will be in Shirley Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 9. She was preceded in death by sisters, Murriel (Preston) Renshaw and Jennie Maud (Preston) Bishop; brothers, Raymond C. Preston, Johnnie Lee Preston, and Alton Ray Preston. She is survived by son, Larry Griffin; sister, Martha (Preston) Collins; several grand children, great-grandchildren, and other family members. I regret to say that I never knew Juanita very well but have seen her a few times and I know she and my grandmother, Lela Darrow, were good friends as she was with all of the Preston family. I’ve heard from more than one person how close the Prestons were as a family and that they were some of the happiest and most jolly people you would ever want to know. My condolences go out to all of Juanita’s family.
The recent basketball tournament were successful from what I have heard. The chili cook-off also did well for the first year. I believe there were 15 entries.
Basketball games have started for the season. If you are interested in going to some of the home games just drop by the high school office and pick up a basketball schedule or go online at www.mgisd.net and look on the web calendar for the dates the Hornets will be playing at home and away.
Christmas break starts the 20th for the school and continues until Jan. 3rd. But, before Christmas break the PTO will have their annual Jingle Bell Shop for students to purchase gifts for family and friends. The PTO knows that a majority of the students can’t go shopping on their own so they bring the shopping to them. They set up a store on campus so that students can pick out and purchase gifts for the holiday season and all of the proceeds go to the PTO which in turn helps the school. For more information you can talk to your child’s teacher or reach out to Stacie Wilbur, PTO President.
As you travel the highways and byways, don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is [email protected].
Lady Cats at Edgewood
The Lady Cats’ basketball team is playing in an Edgewood tournament this thursday through Saturday. The Lady Cats are in a pool with Quitman and Kaufman and they play them both Thursday. The Lady Cats take on Kaufman at 1:20 p.m. Thursday in the Edgewood Junior High Gym. They play Quitman at 6:40 p.m. Thursday in the Edgewood High School Gym. The Lady Cats are the defending champion of the Edgewood tournament. There is a twelve team field this year. Other teams include Gilmer, Whitewright, Wills Point, Tenaha, Scurry-Rosser, Campbell, Pittsburg, Edgewood and Palestine Westwood. The Lady Cats come into the tournament with a 7-2 record ranked #12 in Class 5A according to the latest Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Poll.
“Celestial Christmas” at First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon is a Must-See!
Fred and Jane Randles of the Music Ministry at Mt. Vernon’s First Baptist Church have a shared love for singing and the performance of music. For the Christmas season 2017, under their direction the choirs, Youth departments and Children’s Ensemble of the church will be joined by a 6-piece orchestra to present a musical spectacular, “Celestial Christmas”. There will be three nightly performances featuring a cast of over 200 in biblical scenes portraying the Good News of Jesus’ birth, and featuring flying actors portraying angels from on high. Violinist Natalie Randles Brown, 8th District Judge Eddie Northcutt and Miss Rylee Keys, a point guard for MVHS basketball team play the visiting angels, suspended 35 feet up in the ceiling of the sanctuary.
The combination of the music, lights, special effects and joyful message will be sure to remind you of the reason for the season. Cost is free to attend at 7pm on Friday December 8, Saturday December 9 and Sunday December 10. The church is located at 319 Kaufman Street just off the Mt. Vernon downtown square.
Below are some photos from dress rehearsal night.
Music Minister Fred Randles directs the choir during dress rehearsal
Natalie Randles Brown plays celestial music while flying
8th District Judge Eddie Northcutt portrays angel proclaiming the Good News of Jesus birth
Reilly Springs Jamboree Benefits Sr. Center With a Christmas Dance at 6pm December 9
If you like classic country music, come to the Jamboree/Christmas Dance on Saturday December 9, 2017 at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Center at 150 MLK Drive. Music will begin at 6pm with Roger Reed and the Jamboree Band. Come to dance or just watch the dancers, and enjoy some punch and cookies, good old-fashioned fun and country music. Cost to attend is $10 person, but anyone may donate more if they wish because all proceeds go to the Senior Citizens Building Fund. Program Director Karon Weatherman hopes the construction of a new, larger multi-purpose facility can begin in 2018 to better serve the Senior Citizen population of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. Karon and Roger both invite everyone to enjoy Saturday’s fundraising event.
The Reilly Springs Jamboree is an opry-style country stage show which got started in 1956. Roger Reed directs the music for the historic Reilly Springs Jamboree each month at it’s original home location, the Reilly Springs Community Center which is an old schoolhouse. This “original Hopkins County music venue” is located at 109 CR 1439 near the southeastern edge of Hopkins County close to Yantis. In it’s infancy, Jamboree shows were broadcast on KSST Radio on Saturday nights. Today, shows are held on the historic stage each month on the third-Saturday night and feature a house band plus guest talent performing traditional county and gospel music. Making up the house band currently are Gary Jones who traveled with the Ray Price band for a number of years, and Don Woods Jr. from Wood County who is frequently in Nashville as a recording artist . Also appearing at the Christmas Dance will be Shanna Carter of the country/gospel group “Walk the Line”. Shanna’s parents met each other when they were teen performers on the Reilly Springs Jamboree during the 1950’s, then married and raised Shanna and her brother Terry in the music business. Enola Gay Mathews, Jamboree producer since 1996, will serve as emcee at the Christmas Dance.
Why does the Seniors Center need a new location? The approximately 5,000 square-foot building has been outgrown. Just a few of the things that go on there regularly are exercise-for-health classes, 42 games and bingo, Driving School and self-help classes, line-dancing, yoga and Tai Chi, painting and arts/crafts classes and many other group interests. It is a meeting place for various Seniors organizations including the Ms. Hopkins County Senior Pageant. It’s kitchen houses the Meal-a-Day program which serves about 120 persons daily through delivered meals and walk-in dining. Meal-a-day operates Monday through Friday and is closed only three days per year on holidays, and all food preparation and delivery is done by a volunteer staff.
Currently, the Building Fund holds about $20,000 and the deed to a building site. If you can donate to this effort, please drop off a check during the Christmas Dance or during Meal-a-Day hours, or you can mail a check to Sr. Center Building Fund, 150 MLK Drive, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482.
Karon Weatherman, Senior Center Director and Roger Reed, bandleader and co-producer of the Reilly Springs Jamboree
