A year in review: 2017 Hopkins County Water Conservation and Preservation By Mario Villarino
A year in review: 2017 Hopkins County Water Conservation and Preservation
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources
Hopkins County, Texas
Relevance: Water conservation is a critically important issue for residents throughout the state of Texas. Proper use of fertilizers and gardening chemicals is important to the long term health and safety of residents in the county. Programs that promote reduction of landscape waste and recycling will assist in maintaining land fill availability. These community-wide projects and activities include: creating and maintaining research and demonstration gardens; providing speakers bureaus, answer telephone inquiries, conducting workshops and short courses, and disseminating information via mass media and the Internet. In addition, Master Gardener volunteers provide thousands of service hours coordinating and managing educational programs and projects for Extension. Youth that are exposed to the art and science of gardening at an early age have the opportunity to experience and learn horticultural concept s and techniques which may lead to a vocation or a life-long hobby. The Hopkins Count y Master Gardener Program is a volunteer development program administered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is designed to increase the availability of horticultural information and leadership to improve the quality of life through gardening and horticultural projects. Program objectives are implemented through the training and recruiting of local volunteers, known as Master Gardeners. They aid Extension by conducting school garden projects; answering telephone requests for horticultural information; providing speaker bureaus, establishing and maintaining demonstration gardens; working with special audiences in the community; and designing and implementing community improvement projects, as well as coordinating Master Gardener projects. The principle goals of the Hopkins County Master Gardener program include: Environmental stewardship and Earth Kind Principles. Landscape irrigation in Texas accounts for up to 40-60% of the total residential water use during peak summer months. The goal of this plan was to increase the availability of specific horticultural information and improve the quality of life within communities and individuals through horticultural educational programs. Measuring the knowledge gained of horticultural best practices and Earth Kind practices by Hopkins County citizens and Master Gardeners is the first step toward ensuring that effective efforts are made by the Hopkins County Master Gardeners toward conserving and protecting natural resources through the use of environmentally-friendly landscape management practices. The objective of this plan was to educate 60 small acre farmers and gardeners in the implementation of earth kind principles and applications and 40 dairy producers in manure management education.
Response:
- 12 monthly master gardeners planning meetings.
- Go-Native Plant Sale (in collaboration of Hopkins County 4-H Exchange Program)(4/14).
- 40 Mass Media Publications related to gardening- water conservation.
- Master Gardeners Multicounty Training (60 hrs training).
- Kids Camp (4 sessions in horticulture).
- Skills Camp (1 session in butterfly habitat conservation/recycling).
- Dairy Outreach Program Area Fall Conference in Texas Watershed Stewardship.
- Plan interpretation (Volunteers 11/9, Commissioner’s Court 11/27, and mass media 12/5).
Results: Water conservation is a major environmental concern during extremely high precipitation years. The adoption of water protection-water conservation principles becomes a challenge since environmental moisture is high. However, the adoption of water conservation principles is critical since water scarcity is not only related to quantity of water but also water quality. During 2017, specific educational efforts were directed to use of native plants in the landscape to protect water and reduce ecological chemical pressure in pollinators (bees and butterflies) in collaboration with Hopkins County Beekeepers Group. Five Master Gardeners Trainers completed their training and will be conducting their volunteer projects during 2017-2018.
The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Traveling with Children for the Holidays? By Johanna Hicks
Traveling with Children for the Holidays?
Christmas is here, and New Year’s Day is not far behind, which means that many families will be traveling by car and airplane to visit with friends and relatives. This is an appropriate time to stop and think about having your child in the proper car seat before planning your trip. Although parents always want to protect their children, studies show that nationally, 3 out of 4 car seats are not used correctly. For a car seat to best protect your child, it must be the right seat for your child’s age, weight, height and developmental stage, and must fit properly in your vehicle while being installed correctly and securely.
Children are at greater risk than adults in a vehicle crash. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children 14 and under. Safety belts and car seats are the single most effective tool in reducing these deaths and injuries. Unfortunately, in 2015 alone, less than half of the children killed in vehicle crashes in Texas were known to be restrained.
That’s why the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Passenger Safety Project is urging all parents and caregivers to secure children properly in age- and size-appropriate child safety seats in the back seat of your vehicle, which is the most effective thing you can do to protect them in the event of a crash. In fact, in motor vehicle crashes, child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers. Get a free inspection by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to make sure you are using the child safety seat correctly. To locate a technician in Texas, visit: http://buckleup.tamu.edu. Technicians can provide hands-on advice and instruction.
If you are traveling by plane, it is always safest to purchase a separate seat for your child, and bring an FAA-approved car seat. Most car seats, except for booster seats, are approved for use on an airplane. Turbulence is the greatest danger for a child on an airplane trip, and a properly installed car seat can protect your child from injuries due to being thrown around in the plane. Traveling with your car seat will also ensure that you will have it ready for your use when you arrive at your destination.
Follow these guidelines from American Academy of Pediatrics to keep your children riding safely:
- Infants and Toddlers – Rear-facing Only and Convertible Seats: All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 2 years of age or, preferably, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat manufacturer.
- Toddlers and Pre-schoolers – Convertible or Forward-facing Seat with a Harness Seats: Children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
- School-age Children- Booster Seats: Children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly — typically this is between the ages of 8-12 years old.
- Older Children – Seat Belts: When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for the best protection.
Remember: All child passengers under age 13 should ride securely restrained in the back seat, where they are safest — every trip, every time. Take time before you leave to make sure that the holidays will be a safe and enjoyable time for your family. Buckle everyone up correctly on every trip!
Hispanic Diabetes Series
If you know of anyone interested in attending a diabetes education series targeted toward Hispanic audiences, please share this information. ¡Si, Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes! is a seven-lesson series to help individuals with type 2 diabetes learn to control their diabetes by developing self-care skills, improving eating habits, increasing physical activity, preventing complications, and improving quality of life. Each session will be taught in Spanish and led by health professionals.
Sessions will take place at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, in Sulphur Springs on January 8, 16, 22, 29, February 5, 12, and 19 (all sessions are on Mondays with the exception of the second session). Two times are being offered – 1:30 and repeated at 5:30. To register, contact Angela Doddy with Christus Trinity Clinic at 903-244-1424, or the Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Closing Thought
If you’re troubled and you can’t sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep, and you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings – White Christmas Movie
From our staff to you, Merry Christmas!
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
“Ladies Night Out” Fun and Festive First Occasion for Downtown Business Alliance
Gourmet Kitchen’s Judy Heilman, President of Downtown Business Alliance, and DBA member Vanessa of Phinessse Farms Wineries were pleased with the turnout.
It was the first ever “Ladies Night Out” merchant event! Shoppers and diners took advantage of late hours at over three dozen shops, eateries, stores, boutiques, wineries and coffeeshops in the shopping district of Sulphur Springs. Business was brisk until 8pm when the participating merchants closed their doors and converged at a central meeting place, The Venue at 219 on Main Street. That’s where door prizes were awarded and the “Tacky Christmas Sweater” contest was held. Dinky Weeks, manager of The Corner Grub House, won the $50 Visa gift card provided by DBA. Plans are already being discussed for expanding the event next year.
Lara Colby, Owner of Magic Scoop Soda Shop and General Store with costume contestants
Anna Hicks and her mom Johanna Hicks had fun entering the Tacky Sweater Contest
Gay Bailey, right, owner of Merle Norman Studio, poses with her assistant manager Sue Norton
Marcie, owner of The Secret Garden entered her costumed pet in the contest
Danna Bain, onwer of Dann’s Southern Charm and The Florist draws a door prize winner
Contest winner Dinky Weeks is pictured at far right
Wildcat Defensive Lineman Dugan Named to AP All-State Football Team
Wildcats senior defensive lineman D’Idrec Dugan has been named to the Associated Press Sports Editors All-State Football Team as an Honorable Mention selection. Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens said it was a great honor adding any time one is recognized by those guys it is a big deal.
Coach Owens said he was proud of Dugan and what he has done for the Wildcats. Coach Owens called Dugan a tremendous player, a great leader with a work ethic second to none. Coach Owens said when one of the team’s best players is also one of the hardest workers, it makes a coach’s job easier. Coach Owens said Dugan was like a coach on the field. He said the Wildcats leaned on Dugan, especially the last two years, to make adjustments up front for the Wildcats. Coach Owens said Dugan had tremendous football savvy and an understanding of what was taking place on the field. The versatile Dugan was used in a variety of ways besides on defense including offensive blocking back and on lots of special teams.
Coach Owens said some colleges are looking at Dugan. Dugan will also be on the powerlifting team and on the track team this spring. Dugan was also chosen as a first team All-District player by the district’s coaches and he earned Honorable Mention on the district’s All-Academic Team. In eleven games this season, Dugan had 65 tackles and assists, plus 8 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries and 2 caused fumbles.
Special Christmas Delivery Made to KSST
On Thursday Dec. 21st Central Baptist Church’s youth group stopped by KSST to deliver extra special Christmas cheer! They passed out candy canes with cute little poems along with cookies to the entire KSST staff. They explained it was a “random act of kindness” and wished everyone a Merry Christmas!
Winter Fun at SSISD Campuses
The Early Childhood Learning Center and SS Middle School celebrated the last day of school before holiday break on Thursday, December 21st.
The Middle School held their Wildcat Pride Assembly at 9:30 am. The cheer team was decked out in festive sweaters and the band and orchestra played classic Christmas tunes. The students were excited as they filled in to watch the festivities. Wildcat Pride winners were recognized and top readers and math challenge winners were able to “jump for George”.
ECLC had a Sing Song available for parents and family members to watch their Kindergarten and T1 students sing and dance to holiday favorites at 10:00 am. They began the program with story time where the students and parents listened to “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Then kids sang songs like “Jingle Bells”, “Up on the House top”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, and many more! Kids were smiling as they wore Santa Hats, Elf Hats, and Reindeer antlers. They mimed the movements and pretended to play instruments like the piano and xylophone. The program ended with a surprise visit from Santa! Each class got to take a picture with Santa, who gave all the good little boys and girls candy canes before they headed back to class.
Both Holiday events were exciting and the students had a wonderful time! What a great way to kick off winter break!
Simply Sulphur Springs, The App for Local Information Is Available For Download
Our local resident app and tourist app, Simply Sulphur Springs, is ready to download for both iPhone (iOS) and Android devices.
KSST has partnered with our local city, county, school, and businesses to offer access to local services such as paying your city water bill, report pot holes, county road and bridge issues, or report a found dog. The app will also include a listing of all upcoming events in and around Hopkins County. Simply Sulphur Springs combines all city, county, and Sulphur Springs ISD information in one place. Chad Young, owner of KSST, stated the app is the Yellow Pages of the 21st century for the local area.
Sarah Dicus, SS Community Development Specialist, called the App “Awesome” as she sorted through all of the Apps features and information. Not only does the App give information about community events, local businesses can have listings for their business and can feature directions to their location as well as links to their business websites, Facebook, etc. It truly is the most complete community app.
Just search “Simply Sulphur Springs” in your App Store or the Google Play Store and look for this icon:
iPhone Users can scan the QR code below to go directly to download screen.
Simply Sulphur Springs for iOS
Android Users can scan the QR code below to go directly to download screen.
Simply Sulphur Springs APP for Android
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.”
