SSISD Board Hears Reports; Announces Dates for May Board Election
Superintendent of Sulphur Springs School Michael Lamb informed school board members Monday night during their January meeting that the Lady Cat Softball Complex and the Wildcat Baseball Complex would have basic features available when the season starts around February 1 of this year. He said there would be a place to park, a place for fans to sit, and restrooms. These will be finished in the next three weeks. Wiring for lights should be completed in the next two days, according to Lamb. Backstops for softball are in place but new nets are being shipped at this time. The backstops for baseball and bleachers for baseball should be delivered in the next two weeks.
Board members also heard a report from Susan Johnston regarding the 504 and Special Education services for students with disabilities. Approximately 25% of SSISD students are in these programs. Currently there are 50 teachers involved in special education and 20 involved in the Special Services Department. The program plans to continue to build classroom curriculum, providing workshops and meetings for staff training.
On the elementary level, Kristin Monk, Assistant Superintendent, focused her report on headstart and pre-kindergarten programs. Approximately 20 students are participating in the “1,000 Books before Kindergarten” program. The program requires parents to read 1,000 books to the student prior to the student entering kindergarten. Approximately 14 pre-k parents and staff walked and logged a total of 2,007 miles in a week. The program was in collaboration with Texas Agri-Life Extension. The Pre-K support staff has completed 182 of 184 face-to-face visits with families to identify family strengths and to set family goals.
Josh Williams, Assistant Superintendent, said a grant for $2500 has been received to support Attendance Incentive Project. FFA has competed in Fort Worth.
School board trustee election filing dates were announced as Wednesday, January 17, 2018 through Friday, February 16, 2018. The election will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018.
PERSONNEL
Resignation
Megan Price Science Teacher High School
Mid-Term Retirement
Charlotte Holland SpEd Aide High School
New personnel
William Giles Government Teacher High School
Kaley Williams Science Teacher High School
Smith Announces Candidacy for Republican Nomination for County Clerk
Tracy Orr Smith has announced her candidacy as a Republican nominee for Hopkins County Clerk in the March 6 Republican Primary Election.
Smith is a longtime resident of Hopkins County and current chief deputy county clerk.
“I started with Hopkins County in September of 1995,” She said. “The opportunity arose with Debbie Shirley who had recently been elected county clerk, and I have worked for Debbie for 21 years. As chief deputy clerk I have the knowledge and experience it takes to run the county clerk’s office.”
Smith said she would like to opportunity to continue with the customer services the county clerk’s office already provides and also said she has a good working relationship with the other county offices.
“I also have a close working relationship with County Clerk Debbie Shirley,” she said. “I will have her continued support after she retires.”
Smith is a 1987 graduate of Sulphur Springs High School and the daughter of Paula Minty Orr and the late Joe Dan Orr. She has been married to Steven Mark Smith for 28 years.
Coach Talk: Wildcat, Lady Cat Soccer
Wiggins on Forney Tourney
Wildcats Soccer Coach Nicky Wiggins said normally in the past when the Wildcats went to the Forney tournament, they hoped to split their games due to the tough competition there. The Wildcats came close to that last week winning two games and losing three. Two good Class 5A teams played well against the Wildcats Thursday and they lost to West Mesquite and Forney. Coach Wiggins said his team studied tapes of the games and then came back with better play on Friday. The Wildcats got wins against Royse City and Amarillo Tascosa. Saturday the Wildcats lost to a former district foe Longview, 3-0. Coach Wiggins said the Wildcats played much better than the score indicated. He said the Wildcats gave the Lobos all they wanted for most of the game. Longview scored right before the end of the first half and that’s the way the score stayed until the Lobos scored two goals in the last few minutes of the game. Coach Wiggins said his team was just about out of gas playing their fifth game in three days. He said the opening games gave his team some things to improve on and clean up before another tournament this week. The Wildcats will play in a UT Austin tournament this Thursday through Saturday.
Bailey on Terrell Tournament
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey said he was impressed with how his team has played to open the season. He acknowledged that the Lady Cats came up short in the finals of a Terrell tournament losing to a talented and good Richardson team, 3-1. Coach Bailey likes the way the Lady Cats are scoring goals. They poured in 21 goals in the five games they played. Lots of Lady Cats are scoring goals. Coach Bailey said that means opposing coaches can’t try and stop just any one player. The Lady Cats play next in a Paris tournament Thursday through Saturday. Coach Bailey said the Lady Cats have won the tournament the past two years and he is hoping for a three-peat this year.
soccer ball net
Kougher Hearing Began Monday in District Court
Monday morning January 8, 2018, in a hearing before Judge Eddie Northcutt in Eighth Judicial District Court, Bradley Curtis Kougher, 41, is on trial for one count of a January 1, 2010 Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under 6-years of age, a Felony 1; a June 1, 2009 Sexual Performance by a Child under 14-years of age, a Felony 1; a May 1, 2009 Indecency with a Child Sexual Contact, a Felony 2; and a July 1, 2009 Attempted Sexual Performance by a Child, a Felony 2.
During the hearing, the children involved in the incident and family members are being called as witnesses by District Attorney Will Ramsey.
Hopkins County law enforcement had been seeking Kougher, who was wanted locally for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under 6-years of age. The search had been ongoing for some time. Kentucky law enforcement had been assisting in the search. When Kougher turned himself in October, 2017.
Commissioners’ Court Tables New Courtroom Construction, New Voting Machine Purchase
In a 3-2 vote Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court tabled two agenda items that would have allowed the start of building a new 100 seat courtroom attached to the Hopkins County Jail. Although the money is available, commissioners questioned the cost of building the one building versus any savings that would come from building both the courtroom and a building to house the District Attorney and District Clerk offices. The commissioners’ went out for bids on the purchase of 110 and 118 Main Street that currently houses the attorney and clerk offices. However, no bids were received. They had set a base of $400,000 for bids on the building. Commissioner Mickey Barker and County Judge Robert Newsom voted against tabling the motion based on their desire to begin the building.
Commissioners also voted to table the purchase of new voting machines. For some time Debbie Shirley, County Clerk, has wanted to improve the voting equipment in the county. With several payment options offered, a new county clerk coming into office after the first of the year and newer machines easier to learn, and the new machines considered more accurate, Shirley presented her plea for the new machines. Much of the current system used was purchased in 2005 and technology has changed in the voting field over the years. Mike O’Dell stated he thinks the new machines are too expensive. Only two companies in Texas are approved by the Secretary of State to sell the machines. The proposal was presented included a discount in price and an extra year of maintenance by the company presenting the offer. The machines and offer had been approved for the county by the Secretary of State’s office last week. Shirley expressed concern regarding the current voting equipment with the March 6 Primary Election weeks away. The county auditor told the court that there was enough money in the fund balance to pay for the new machines and that other options were available.
Appeal of Custody of Cattle Settlement Underway
An employee of the SPCA testified Monday morning in Hopkins County Court at Law that during his investigation, he observed cattle, owned by George Bergin of Sulphur Springs, on more than one location and each location looked the same. Testimony continues in the appeal of a settlement made in Justice of the Peace Court regarding the custody of several hundred head of cattle owned by Bergin. The appeal is being heard in the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Courtroom.
The cattle were seized by Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies and the SPCA of Texas when they were found on 2700 acres of land in Hopkins County and said to be malnourished. The appeal is being conducted in County Court at Law before a jury and is expected to continue through Wednesday. Bergin nor his attorney are present for the trial.
The representative of the SPCA stated that it was hard to know that hay was being fed to the cattle. He stated that at each location approximately two roles of hay had been used to feed the cattle and that he had to “holler” twice to get the cattle to stand. He stated that at each location the cattle looked boney and malnourished.
Bergin and his attorney, Chad Cable, filed three motions with the court on Friday. The motions stated that Bergin would not be present for the appeal because he and his attorney say the appeal should be heard in federal court. He stated the County Court at Law has no authority. According to Justice of the Peace B. J. Teer the appeal was filed in County Court at Law based on the process presented in Texas Law. Bergin also questions the Texas Health and Safety Code having precedence over Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. (See story here).
The malnourished cattle were seized December 4-6, 2017 by Hopkins County Law Enforcement and the SPCA of Texas. The cattle were found on 2,700 acres of barren pasture land with no hay. George Lawrence Bergin, 61, of Sulphur Springs was charged with Cruelty to Livestock-Fail to Provide, a state jail felony. The cattle appeared to be suffering from malnutrition.
In the settlement made December 13th, Justice of the Peace B. J. Teer signed an order calling for a public auction of the animals. A bond in the amount of $245,000 was set to perfect the case. The settlement and the appeal of the custody of the cattle will not affect the state jail felony criminal charges against Bergin.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report December 27-January 2, 2018
December 27th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3590 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:03 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 9:39 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2693 near Hawkins; at approximately 12:16 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804 near Mineola, at approximately 12:38 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, forced entry and caused damage to the reporting party’s residence.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:03 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief that occurred on CR 3743 near Quitman. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
Deputies responded to a reckless driving call on CR 4700 near Winnsboro; at approximately 2:01 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1681 near Alba, at approximately 3:03 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:00 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on CR 4471 near Winnsboro. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2426 near Como, at approximately 7:51 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 9:15 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
December 28th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4420 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:09 a.m., in reference to a structural fire. Perryville Fire Department extinguished the fire. This case has been forwarded to other agency.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:01 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 84, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:33 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief that occurred on CR 3250 near Quitman. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
At 11:36 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4805 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 1795 near Hawkins; at approximately 5:04 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4849 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:40 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
December 29th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2922 near Mineola, at approximately 12:06 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
At 8:25 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869/CR 4530 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4660 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:56 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 60, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and an autopsy was ordered.
At 10:10 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1801 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2724 near Mineola, at approximately 1:31 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3340 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:33 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the parties involved in the dispute and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:02 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies issued Criminal Trespass Warnings and cleared the scene.
December 30th
At 7:33 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 2270/CR 2260 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Alba, at approximately 12:48 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4287 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:30 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole copper wire from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804, at approximately 4:52 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
At 6:33 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088/FM 312 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2246 near Mineola; at approximately 8:37 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3870 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:43 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2168 near Quitman, at approximately 11:00 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
December 31st
At 8:14 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 11 near Winnsboro.
At 9:59 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
At 11:46 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2320 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2247 near Mineola, at approximately 12:10 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5935 near Yantis, at approximately 12:45 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately1:24 p.m., in reference to burglary of a motor vehicle. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 5:59 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2952 near Alba, at approximately 8:56 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 9:20 p.m., in reference to an assault. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4530 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:09 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
January 1st
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37/CR 2350 near Quitman, at approximately 6:22 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Yantis, at approximately 10:46 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 73, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and ordered an autopsy.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 1:02 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1973 near Yantis, at approximately 1:23 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1795 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:36 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:47 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on HWY 37 near Mineola. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property.
January 2nd
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 11 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:33 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Salvador Sanchez, 41, of Winnsboro, was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
At 5:53 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2840 near Mineola, at approximately 10:08 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Wyatt’s Towing removed the vehicle and deputies cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to Seminole near Quitman, at approximately 12:02 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s property.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:11 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on FM 2422 near Mineola. Advice was given by the deputies’ and the incident was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804 near Mineola, at approximately 2:53 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 3:39 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3859 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:52 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Holiday Village Dr. near Quitman, at approximately 6:07 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Between the dates of December 27 and January 2, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Emergency Medical Services, Child Protective Services, and Camp County.
Between the dates of December 27 and January 2, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators filed 3 cases with the District Attorney, obtained 3 arrest warrants and arrested the individuals, and recovered $1,500 worth of stolen property.
Total Jail Count – 144 inmates – 124 males and 20 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.
Dinner Bell Menu For January 10, 2018
Dinner Bell Menu for
January 10, 2018
Amanda and Jarred Pickett
this week’s Community Partner.
Happy New Year from The Dinner Bell Ministry of The First United Methodist Church.
New Year’s Day Stew
Green Chili Cheese Cornbread Muffins
Green Salad
Do Nothing Cake
Pineapple and Mandarin Orange Dessert (low sugar dessert)
Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church).
Meal a Day Menu for January 8th-12th
Meal A Day Menu
January 8th – January 12th
Monday
Beef Patties
Stewed Potatoes
Brown Gravy
Malibu Vegetables
Roll
Tuesday
Sliced Ham
Macaroni and Cheese
Broccoli
Roll
Wednesday
Chicken and Dumplings
Tossed Salad
Crackers
Thursday
Soft Beef Tacos
Lettuce Tomatoes Onions
Refried Beans
Chips and Salsa
Friday
Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Roll
