Greenville YMCA Closing; Affects After School Program Sulphur Springs
According to a social media post by The Greenville YMCA, the YMCA of Greenville and Hunt County announced that it will cease all operations, including its facility on Stanford Street in Greenville, on Dec. 30, 2017. The YMCA intends to dissolve as an organization. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas will assume the operation of the after-school program in Greenville and Sulphur Springs starting Jan. 3, 2018. Both Y’s are working together to find a new site for the afterschool program currently held at the Greenville Y.
Sulphur Springs Independent School District officials do not have all the information regarding the changes at this time.
“This is a very difficult time for everyone associated with our Y,” said Troy Brakefield, chief volunteer officer of the local YMCA. “We instituted changes, but unfortunately, we have not been able to generate financial resources necessary to sustain our YMCA over the long term.” Fundraising efforts have not generated enough resources, membership and program participation are declining, and the YMCA lacks the capital to make additional facility repairs and improvements.
The YMCA of Greenville and Hunt County served approximately 3,000 members in 2017. Two full-time staff and 15 part-time staff will end employment due to the YMCA’s closing. “We are grateful this much-needed program will continue,” said Brakefield. “The YMCA of Metro Dallas has an exceptional program, and our current afterschool staff will continue in their positions as employees of the Dallas Y.” Holiday camp for children ages 5 to 12 will proceed as scheduled Dec. 27–29 and Jan. 2-3. “Our YMCA has had the privilege of serving the children, families and communities of Greenville for 122 years,” Brakefield said. “We are grateful for the support we have received from our members, participants, volunteers, donors, and partners. The board also wants to thank Christa Compton and her staff. They have done everything in their power to keep our YMCA going. We deeply regret the closing of the Y for all the people involved.”
Wood County Sheriff’s Report December 13-19, 2017
December 13th
Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:52 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The vehicle was retrieved and the incident was cleared.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:20 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 2745 near Mineola. Advice was given and the incident was cleared.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:24 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on Greenbriar Trail near Hawkins. A known actor stole a firearm from the reporting party.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 1:52 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 5:02 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2373 near Mineola, at approximately 7:12 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 11:28 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Upon the deputies’ arrival, there were no signs of forced entry or theft. Deputies cleared the residence.
December 14th
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:12 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:05 a.m., in reference to fraud that occurred on CR 4471 near Winnsboro. Advice was given and the incident was cleared.
At 4:41 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 1647 near Leesburg.
At 4:52 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 1900 near Yantis.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3237 near Quitman; at approximately 6:38 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3600 near Hawkins; at approximately 7:42 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:52 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 10:03 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1610 near Alba.
At 10:08 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 182 near Quitman.
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 were dispatched to CR 3282 near Quitman, at approximately 2:43 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3810 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:03 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2422 near Como, at approximately 4:49 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3220 near Quitman, at approximately 5:09 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:05 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on FM 852 near Winnsboro. Advice was given and the incident was cleared.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Quitman; at approximately 8:09 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:35 p.m., in reference to a fraud that occurred on CR 4471 near Winnsboro. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:44 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on HWY 37 near Quitman. Deputies cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Lake Holbrook; at approximately 10:23 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 10:52 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
December 15th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3900 near Hawkins; at approximately 1:17 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Greenville St. in Alba, at approximately 7:27 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2157 near Quitman, at approximately 9:00 a.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in reference to fraud that occurred on CR 2200 near Mineola. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3269 near Mineola, at approximately 11:54 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:47 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on HWY 154 near Yantis. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 3:41 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:14 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. A Criminal Trespass Warning was issued.
At 7:00 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 778 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2275 near Mineola, at approximately 7:28 p.m., in reference to an unlawful disclosure of intimate material. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2377 near Alba; at approximately 7:47 p.m. Steven Schwed, 31, of Alba, was arrested for outstanding warrants, Resisting Arrest/Search/Transport, Evading Arrest/Detention, Possession of Marijuana, and Assault Public Servant.
At 11:41 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
December 16th
Deputies were dispatched to Village Circle in Yantis, at approximately 12:13 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
At 1:17 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 4620 near Winnsboro.
At 2:23 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to Goode St. in Quitman, at approximately 2:32 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 7:58 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Quitman.
At 7:58 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 11:08 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 1:34 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2168 near Quitman, at approximately 7:31 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3420 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:17 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
December 17th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3203 near Quitman, at approximately 2:40 a.m., in reference to a disturbance where an assault occurred. Andrea Clayton, 41, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence. James Clayton, 54, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Salida Bend near Hawkins; at approximately 6:44 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
At 8:30 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1600 near Alba, at approximately 5:35 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2503 near Mineola, at approximately 6:47 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 9:31 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
December 18th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1681 near Alba, at approximately 4:52 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 3333 near Emory; at approximately 8:04 a.m. Patricia Perea, 17, of Emory, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 3056 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:21 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:44 a.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on FM 2966 near Quitman. This incident was cleared.
At 10:37 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 2088/FM 2869 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:18 a.m., in reference to a suspicious person on CR 2263 near Mineola. Deputies arrived and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:29 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 4555 near Winnsboro. Advice was given and the incident was cleared.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Morris Ave. in Quitman; at approximately 3:31 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2228 near Mineola, at approximately 5:11 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:17 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on CR 2170 near Quitman. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a bumper pull trailer from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3273 near Quitman, at approximately 6:46 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Mary Hopp, 72, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 8:07 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 154/FM 515 near Yantis; at approximately 8:28 p.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 9:31 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and the incident was cleared.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on WHY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:50 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 11:35 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
December 19th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 3:05 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2620 near Mineola, at approximately 5:43 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 8:00 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 778/CR 3859 near Hawkins.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:39 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on CR 4255 near Winnsboro. Deputies cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:38 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 2920 near Alba. Advice was given and the incident was cleared.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:35 p.m., in reference to theft that occurred on HWY 37 near Quitman. Deputies cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1941 near Yantis; at approximately 6:54 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:35 p.m., in reference to a dispute that occurred on CR 4440 near Winnsboro. Advice was given and the incident was cleared.
Between the dates of December 13 and December 19, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Emergency Medical Services, and Child Protective Services.
Between the dates of December 13 and December 19, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators filed 7 cases with the District Attorney and recovered $13,300 of stolen property.
Total Jail Count – 144 inmates – 120 males and 24 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
Hawkins Guilty; Sentenced to Five Years for Retaliation
Robert Alan Hawkins, 52, was found guilty of Retaliation by a Hopkins County Jury and sentenced to 5 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Tuesday by visiting Judge Richard Beacom from Hunt County, who presided over the case.
Hawkins was charged with sending threatening communications to District Judge Eddie Northcutt on Facebook in January 2017. The State of Texas was represented by Clay Harrison and the defendant represented himself. Attorney Rob Herrington served as the defendant’s standby counsel in case he needed legal advice. Witness testimony began on Tuesday afternoon and continued until Wednesday afternoon.
According to Assistant D. A. Harrison, “The State called Judge Northcutt, probation officer Carol Gunderson, and Texas Ranger John Vance as witnesses. Judge Northcutt testified that during December 2016 and January 2017 the Defendant sent him a series of disturbing and threatening messages via Facebook. On January 21, the defendant sent the judge an image of ISIS terrorists about to execute hostages along with a comment indicating that this was “the next step,” for the judge. Prior to sending this message, the defendant had sent a series of letters to the judge expressing his frustration with the judge and Hopkins County which he believed were corrupt. Carol Gunderson testified that she had previously supervised the defendant on felony probation for DWI 3rd or More and that he had also sent her a Facebook message. The defendant claimed to work for the Central Intelligence Agency in some of his messages. Texas Ranger John Vance testified that he tracked down the defendant in the DFW area and arrested him after conducting his investigation into Retaliation.
“The defendant testified that he only sent the messages to Judge Northcutt because he wanted to bait Hopkins County into arresting him so that he could expose their corruption at a jury trial. He also testified that he did not intend to threaten anyone but that instead he was trying to warn Hopkins County officials that he was going to get the CIA to investigate them. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before finding the defendant guilty.”
Chamber Connection December 21, 2017
Attention All Chamber Members…. Membership Directories are being prepared NOW!!!
Chamber Members, we are going to print with the 2018 Membership Directory. We are going to have it ready for distribution the first part of January, so we need you to do a few things…
- Please go to HopkinsChamber.org and click in the directory search. Please check to make sure that we have the correct information for your business. We have been trying to check and recheck it, but we need your help to make sure everything is correct.
- If your membership investment is past due, payment arrangements need to be made prior to
December 22nd to be included in the 2018 Directory.
3) If you find information that needs to be corrected, please call the Chamber at 903-885-6515. If you are interested in placing an ad in the directory, please contact Lee Ann Peugh at Echo Publishing at 903-885-8663.
Would you like to recognize an Outstanding Educator?
Here is your chance…this year the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee wants to allow all Hopkins County Citizens to nominate their candidates for “Outstanding Professional Educator” (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher) “Outstanding Para Professional Educator” (Secretary or Aide) and “Outstanding Auxiliary Educator” (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria). We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to nominate that “special educator” that has had an impact in their lives. You may pick up a nomination form at the Chamber office at 300 Connally Street and then either fax, e-mail or mail it in, no later than December 31st! Our fax number is 903-885-6516, our e-mail address is [email protected], and our mailing address is also 300 Connally Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize a special educator!
Nominations for Large and Small Business of the Year!
Please submit your nomination for Large Business of the Year or Small Business of the Year. Nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other. You may pick up a nomination form at the Chamber office at 300 Connally Street and either fax, e-mail or mail it in, no later than December 31st! Our fax number is 903-885-6516, our e-mail address is [email protected] and our mailing address is 300 Connally Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Beauty Grace Boutique is hosting a Christmas Trunk Show
Beauty Grace Boutique is hosting a Christmas Party and Trunk Show on Thursday, December 21st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Beauty Grace will be featuring UWEZO shoes! They are located at 101 Bill Bradford Road, Suite 20, in Sulphur Springs. Make plans to go by, shop, and say hello!
DBA presents Ladies Night Out
Downtown Business Alliance is hosting a Ladies Night Out on Thursday, December 21st. Wear your Ugly Sweater and shop at the local downtown businesses to win prizes. Plan to shop between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to win your prizes! Have fun!
Carter BloodCare is hosting a blood drive in Sulphur Springs
Carter BloodCare is hosting a blood drive in Sulphur Springs on Thursday, December 28th at Jay Hodge Chevrolet from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. They will move to Brookshires that afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you are interested in hosting a blood drive, please call Lanie Wright at 903-571-9667.
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
Dinner Bell Christmas Meal Marks Last of 2017
This weeks Dinner Bell is the last for 2017. The Community meal will resume January 10th, 2018, 11:45 AM at the First United Methodist Church.
9,501 meals were served at the Dinner Bell in 2017. That’s about 1,000 more than 2016. Judy Gilreath has an incredible outlook for 2018. “We hope to serve another 1000 more in 2018”, said Gilreath. Judy overseas each aspect of the meal preparation. While preparing the pork loins for the meal, she recalled butchering techniques learned over her years of cooking. Although Judy loves giving, she is looking forward to a few weeks break.
Judy Gilreath thanks everyone for their support of Dinner Bell, especially the folks that come and the fellowship each week.
TC Hamilton, Sally Hamilton and Family sponsored this weeks meal and helped serve it.
The Hamiltons who started Dinner bell in 2012, returned to sponsor the meal and helped to serve it. They were joined by their extended family, the Noacks.
Remember: Dinner Bell will return on January 10th, 2018
Saltillo Lions, Lady Lions Basketball Lose Close Games Tuesday
Both the Saltillo Lions and the Saltillo Lady Lions’ basketball teams lost close games Tuesday.
The Lions were defeated by a last second 3-point buzzer beater by the Bland Tigers, who won 49-46. The Lions led after one quarter 15-9. Bland bounced back to outscore the Lions 17-1 in the second quarter and they took a 26-16 halftime lead. The Lions turned the tables on Bland in the third quarter outscoring them 18-3 to take a 34-29 lead after three quarters. Bland outscored the Lions 20-12 in the fourth quarter, including the buzzer beating three, to win, 49-46. The loss evened the Lions season record at 11-11. Christ Boekhorst led the Lions in scoring with 14 points. Matthew Gurley had 10 points. Walker McGill and Trevor Morre had 7 points each. Levi Hoover and Lyle Bench had 4 points apiece. The Lions were hampered by making only 33% from the free throw line. The Lions play next against North Hopkins in a Boles tournament on December 28.
The Saltillo Lady Lions took the Class 2A #17 ranked Campbell Lady Indians into overtime before falling 43-37 Tuesday. After trailing 11-4 after one quarter, the Lady Lions outscored the Lady Indians 13-2 to take a 17-13 halftime lead. Campbell trimmed the Lady Lions lead to 2 points, 23-21 after three quarters. The game was tied after regulation, 34-34. The Lady Indians outscored the Lady Lions 9-3 in the overtime period. The Lady Lions are now 7-13 for the season. Madison Simmons had a very big game against Campbell scoring 28 points. Chandler Bain scored 4 points. Shelby Matlock and Jocelyn Ochoa had 2 points apiece and Jordan Sustaire had 1 point. The Lady Lions play next against Whitesboro in a Leonard tournament on December 28.
Local Dairy Legend Passes Away, Just Short of 100 Years Of Age
Wilma White, matriarch of one of the oldest dairying families in Hopkins County, passed away peacefully at her home on December 15, 2017. Wilma was 99 years old, and just one month short of her 100th birthday. Her late husband Eldon White established White’s Dairy in 1935 right after they married, just as the new industry was starting to take hold in the county. According to Wilma in a 2015 interview, her father gave them their first cows and the herd began to grow, as did their family.
White’s Dairy was one of the first to modernize with milking machines. Their milk is shipped out mainly to the eastern United States. They haven’t been limited to just dairy cattle; the family also produced pigs, ponies and a prosperous garden. Today, the Whites still raise award-winning horses in their equine operation.
During the last years of her life, Wilma served as a consultant for her son Gerald who does the daily milking chores at the barn along I-30, now located inside the city limits. Her daughter Theresa manages the horse business which was honored in 2014 as a Legacy Breeder by AQHA for fifty continuous years of raising foals. Wilma regularly rode along in the pickup to check the cows and the horses, including twice during the final week of her life.
Five daughters and a son survive, she was preceded in death by her husband and two sons.
Services will be held on Sulphur Springs on Thursday December 21, 2017 at 11 am at Murray Orwosky Funeral Home with burial at Restlawn Memorial Park.
EDITORS NOTE: JOURNALIST CINDY ROLLER CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ARTICLE
Wilma White in 2015
Winnsboro Woman Arrested for Assault Public Servant; Outstanding Warrants
December 20, 2017 – Jessica Elizabeth Bruce, 34, of Winnsboro, kicked a Hopkins County Deputy in the chest as she refused to exit her vehicle following a stop for a defective tail lamp. The stop led to the deputy being informed by dispatch of outstanding warrants for Bruce.
When informed of the outstanding warrants, Bruce was asked to step out of the vehicle. She refused to leave her vehicle until “…she was given proof of the warrants” according to the deputy’s report. The deputy called for backup. When the second deputy arrived, Bruce was resisting arrest and kicked one of the deputies.
Bruce was arrested for Assault Public Servant and two warrants for issuing worthless check in Louisiana and defrauding a financial institution in Illinois. She is in Hopkins County Jail held on a total of $30,000 in bonds.
