Local Man Arrested for 11.2 Grams of Meth
A traffic stop made in the 1400 block of East Industrial resulted in 11.2-grams of methamphetamine found in the trunk of a 1995 Lincoln Town Car driven by Billy Joe Thomas, 36, of Sulphur Springs.
Thomas appeared nervous to the Sulphur Springs Police officer making the stop. Thomas gave consent to search the vehicle. The contraband was located in a white Beats Headphone case along with scale, clear plastic baggies and needles.
Thomas is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams, a Felony 2. He is being held in Hopkins County Jail on a $45,000 bond.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report September 1, 2017
August 23rd
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 12:41 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 1:23 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1112 near Quitman.
At 9:08 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 4165 near Quitman.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Holiday Village Drive near Quitman; at approximately 11:46 a.m. Melanie Wilson, 43, of Quitman, was arrested for Violation of Bond Conditions.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 1799 near Mineola; at approximately 2:15 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 2:21 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3689 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:03 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Winnsboro St. near Quitman; at approximately 3:56 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2311 near Mineola; at approximately 10:32 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3542 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:05 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4700 near Winnsboro; at approximately 11:50 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
August 24th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1418 near Quitman; at approximately 12:14 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3978 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:27 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies locate a vehicle with the owner inside. Joshua Rollins, 26, of Longview, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and Violation of Probation Burglary.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:08 a.m., in reference to violation of a protective order. Deputies were unable to locate the actor. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2311 near Mineola; at approximately 9:18 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Red Leaf Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 12:38 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s storage building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 4:11 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 spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:57 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on HWY 80 near Mineola. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to SPUR 514 near Yantis, at approximately 6:20 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
August 25th
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5675 near Alba, at approximately 8:32 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. This case is active.
At 10:41 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4420 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:07 a.m., in reference to burglary of a building. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property and stole several tools.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:37 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 11:58 a.m., in reference to a theft. Misty Crawford, 40, of Quitman, was arrested for Theft of Service.
At 4:26 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225/CR 1336 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 near Mineola, at approximately 6:20 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged a window at the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 7:35 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
August 26th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1681 near Alba, at approximately 12:22 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 2:05 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies located the individuals with firearms and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2326 near Mineola, at approximately 6:02 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 85, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 8:01 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 1:00 p.m., in reference to burglary of a building. Actors, or actors unknown, pried open the reporting party’s shop door and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:04 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 8:48 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1800 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 9:09 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 88, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:10 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on CR 3473 near Hawkins. Deputies located the actor on FM 2869 near Hawkins. Noah Larson, 18, of Longview, was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
August 27th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 4:10 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804 near Mineola, at approximately 6:38 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6665 near Mineola, at approximately 6:51 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4847 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:14 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the activity and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1960 near Yantis, at approximately 2:23 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2435 near Mineola, at approximately 7:13 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 8:23 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:26 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a vehicle on CR 2290 near Mineola. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
August 28th
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:26 a.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on CR 2745 near Mineola. A known actor removed cattle from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2311 near Mineola; at approximately 11:02 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2122 near Quitman, at approximately 12:05 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Holly Hill Circle near Hawkins, at approximately 5:44 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to Blue Water Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 6:25 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
August 29th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 2:42 a.m., in reference to an alarm. The deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2122 near Quitman, at approximately 3:54 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 7:41 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and the scene was cleared.
At 7:57 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4255 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1688 near Alba, at approximately 4:17 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 5:43 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 514 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1960 near Yantis, at approximately 7:15 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to FM 14 near Quitman; at approximately 9:07 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2950 near Mineola; at approximately 11:07 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2660 near Mineola, at approximately 11:46 p.m., in reference to violation of a protective order. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Between the dates of August 23rd and August 29th, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Department of Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services, Smith County and Child Protective Services.
Total Jail Count – 141 prisoners – 113 males and 28 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.
Saltillo Boys Win Avery Cross Country Meet
Tira News September 1, 2017
by Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council will meet for the regular quarterly meeting on Tuesday, September 5th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Tira Community Center. Prior to the meeting, at 5:45 p.m., Dr. Darin Jolly, North Hopkins School Superintendent, will do a brief presentation and answer questions on the upcoming Tax “Swap” Ratification Election (TRE). No increase in the total tax rate is proposed, but just a swap between the two rates – Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Interest and Sinking (I&S), which results in an increase in state funding for the district, without raising the rate for the taxpayers.
The public is also invited to attend an informational meeting on the TRE in the North Hopkins School Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m. on that same evening.
Regina Payton from Victoria left home on Thursday evening after mandatory evacuation was ordered. She traveled to Hearne for the night, and then to her mother’s home (Martha Payton) in Tira the next day. She kept up with all the happenings through friends with texts and phone calls. Martha reports, “The storm did minimal damage to her home – blew off six screens, broke one tree in half that just fell into back yard without any more damage. A friend stayed down the street, cleaned Regina’s refrigerator for her and checked on the inside of the house. Power was still off on Thursday morning as she began the return trip to her home.” Martha adds (and I agree), “Let us all pray for the people over the entire coastal area and help in any way we can. Some have lost everything.”
Our great-granddaughter, Dixie, and her family evacuated the Beaumont area and have been staying nearby in a motel in Woodville. They checked the roads on Wednesday, but were unable to get to their home. I just learned that the town of Woodville has lost power now and they are leaving to stay with relatives in Cranfills Gap.
Students at North Hopkins are being allowed to wear their hats at school on Friday, for a fee, as a fundraiser for the hurricane victims. Also, the Beta Club has been taking donations, through Friday (today), for the Salvation Army donation drive.
Mrs. Harrington’s kindergarten class is doing a school supply drive for an elementary school in Houston. They are accepting donations of supplies or money for a couple of weeks.
Robert and Yvonne Weir’s son-in-law, Mike Campbell, is in the Houston area with a crew of other firemen and paramedics working to help the flood victims. Yvonne stayed at Dacy’s house on Monday night and got the kids off to school the next morning and has been helping out this week, while Dacy is at work.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
AgriLife: Local Beef and Hay Producer Recognized by Prestigious County Agent Association
The “Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture” Awards program has been proudly sponsored by the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association for the past fifty years. The members, directors, and officers of the TCAAA are privileged to bestow this award to eight individuals in recognition of their outstanding leadership in agriculture, agribusiness and their support of the educational program efforts of the County Extension Agents of Texas. Their unselfish service has contributed to improving the economic well-being and quality of life in their community, our state and our nation. According to Steve Byrns, Editor and Extension Specialist, Agricultural Communications, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services in San Angelo, “ The Texas County Agricultural Agents Association recognized seven individuals with “Man of the Year” awards during a July 18 banquet in their honor at the association’s annual meeting in Odessa. The honorees and respective Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service districts that nominated them were: Dr. Steve Kennedy, District 2; Don Smith, District 4; Bill Wight and Allan Fuchs, District 6; Adele Matula Uptmore, District 8; Brian McCoy, District 10, and Andy Scott, District 12.
Don Smith has been a beef, dairy and hay producer in Hopkins County. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. His nomination states his involvement with beef and dairy organizations as well as community organizations has spanned decades. “Smith has served as president of the Texas Farm Bureau and Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau, on committees for the Texas Beef Council, the Task Force on Agricultural Development and the Texas A&M Congressional Internship Selection Committee,” the nomination said. “He is a past director of the Texas Association of Dairymen and served as president for three years, in addition to serving as a director of the Southwest Dairy Museum.
“Along with all of these roles, Don always finds time for grassroots efforts in Hopkins and surrounding counties, and has been instrumental in the planning and developing of educational agricultural awareness programs in the community. Smith and the Hopkins-Rains Farm Bureau in cooperation with AgriLife Extension conduct the Hopkins, Delta, Franklin and Rains County Ag in the Classroom educational event, with more than 1,000 fourth-grade students exposed to agricultural education annually.”
Smith is currently a member of the Hopkins County Extension Leadership Advisory Board. He was a key beef producer in the creation of the Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization and is an active contributor to the multiple preconditioning cattle sales held each year. ” The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Hopkins County will like to join TCAAA and congratulate Don Smith for many years supporting our local agriculture and being a mentor and a friend of the Hopkins County Extension Program.
Upcoming events:
- Cattlemen Classic and Ribeye Cook-off. October 6, 2017, downtown Sulphur Springs. A great opportunity to learn and enjoy the beef industry in Hopkins County. We will host a producer trade show with companies and support industry (starting at 2:00 PM) at the downtown area (free), a feature keynote speaker Trent Loos at the Courthouse (free) as part of the 2017 NETBIO producer meeting. The celebration continues with the cook-off competition, dinner (tickets available for $25 at Texas Heritage Bank and Brookshire’s in Sulphur Springs) and a free concert featuring Stoney Larue starting at 8:00 PM.
- Red Alliance Red Angus Production Sale. Registered Bulls, Females, and Commercial Red Angus. Oct 2, 2017 in the Hopkins County Civic Center. Sale starts 10 am / 150 head can be previewed on Sunday afternoon. Call John Macek @903-348-2138 for a catalog or www.redalliance.biz
- Private Applicators CEU and Hamburger Cook-Off. November 1, 2017. Join us to learn new techniques in weed management in pastures (1hr) hay production (1 hr), pond weed management (1 hr), Laws and Regulations related to use of restricted pesticides (1 hr), and protection of pollinators in agriculture (1 hr. IPM). Regional Civic Center. Call The Hopkins County Extension office at 903-885-3443 to register. Cost $30 lunch included.
For more information on these or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
AgriLife: Prepare Now for Fall Festival Arts Contest
by Johanna Hicks
September Brings “Cooking Well”
While autumn is rapidly approaching, I’m happy to announce the fall “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series! If you or a loved one might have concerns about managing diabetes while still enjoying tasty, nutritious foods, this series is for you! “Cooking Well” is a 4-lesson series that will provide information on the following topics:
1) Carbohydrate Foods: This session will cover meal planning, foods that are high and low in carbohydrates, non-nutritive sweeteners, and preparing foods and adapting recipes to contain fewer carbohydrates.
2) Making Recipes with Fat Better for You: This session will cover ways to reduce fat while maintaining good flavor, recognizing the good fats, and substituting other ingredients for fat.
3) Double-Pleasure Side Dishes – Reducing Sodium and Increasing Fiber: This session will cover identifying sodium and fiber on food labels, tips to reduce sodium, flavoring foods the health way, and tips to increase fiber consumption.
4) Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes: This session will include modifying recipes, planning ahead for parties and/or dining out, fitting in sweets, and tips and tricks to avoid overindulgence when celebrating.
Each session will also include cooking demonstrations and sampling, along with great handouts and recipes to keep!
The series is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 12, 14, 19 and 21, at 1:30 and repeated at 6:00 p.m., so pick the time that best fits your schedule. You are not locked in to the specific time – you may mix and match if necessary. Because this series includes a notebook full of great recipes and handouts, as well as recipe sampling, I DO request that interested individuals contact our office to sign up in order to make adequate preparations. Please give us your name, address, phone number and indicate which time you prefer to attend by calling 903-885-3443.
This series is a must if you enjoy cooking, but want to provide healthy options for a person with diabetes. At the conclusion of the series, all individuals who have attended all four sessions will receive a recipe booklet with pull-out, full-color recipe cards. I’ll also have other “graduation” goodies to encourage you on the journey to good diabetes management!
Pictured are the adult 2016 Fall Festival Best of Show Creative Arts Contest recipients.
2017 Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest
It might seem a little early, but actually this is the time to prepare your entries for the 2017 Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest! As chairperson for this event, my goal is to meet or exceed 250 entries this year. There is an age division for everybody, and with 12 different entry categories, I’m sure everyone can find a category that fits!
Look at the list below, and see which ones you would like to enter!
- Art (10 entry classes)
- Bake Show (5 entry classes) – these will be tasted by judges
III. Clothing (5 entry classes)
- Creative Crafts (5 entry classes)
- Decorated Cakes (will NOT be cut or tasted – judged on appearance, difficulty, originality, and workmanship)
- Food Preservation (11 entry classes) – please note that official canning jars with 2-piece lids must be used. Foods processed in mayonnaise, pickle, or other glass jars will be disqualified.
VII. Handiwork (7 entry classes)
VIII. Holiday/Season Corner (5 entry classes)
- Horticulture (8 entry classes)
- Photography (9 entry classes) – no professional entries allowed, except for exhibit only
- Quilts/quilted items (5 entry classes)
XII. Woodworking (11 entry classes)
We also have a category for residents in Assisted Living and nursing home facilities. Entries will be accepted starting on October 23, with preferred registration beginning on Thursday, October 26, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. or Friday, October 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. Entries will be judged on Friday, October 27 starting at 10:00 a.m. and will be on display to the public at approximately 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. that afternoon, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 28. Best of Show winners will have pictures taken at 1:30 on Saturday, after which all entries may be picked up.
For a full list of all categories and classes, go to https://hopkins.agrilife.org and click on ‘publications’. From there, you’ll see the guidelines and entry categories. We also have copies at our office, or you may go to the Hopkins County Fall Festival website to download the information.
Be sure to stay posted for more exciting events this fall! You won’t be disappointed!
Closing Thought
Do something for the kid in you every day.
Prim Opens With JV Football Thursday Night in Dress Rehearsal for Stadium
There will be Wildcats’ football at the renovated Gerald Prim Stadium Thursday night. The Wildcats JV will be playing Sherman’s JV team beginning at 6 p.m. The Sulphur Springs ISD received a certificate of occupancy for the stadium from the city of Sulphur Springs Wednesday.
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens has indicated he wants to use the JV game as a dress rehearsal to check out the highly renovated facility. Meanwhile the Wildcats’ freshmen teams will be playing at Sherman Thursday. The 9th grade B team will play the Bearcats at 5 p.m. with the 9th grade A team game to follow at around 6:30 p.m.
Texas Emergency Management: There is no Gasoline Crisis
Texas Emergency Management Region 1 urges citizens to avoid the temptation to hoard gasoline. Panic buying and hoarding could actually cause shortages in the region. Although Texas refineries may not be currently at 100%, please avoid panic.
Along with keeping calm, it’s a good idea to be frugal with the fuel you already have. Avoid extra trips, and use the tried and true fuel saving practices we all know.
- Make fewer trips. …
- Keep tires properly inflated.
- Don’t drive in the rush hour.
- Close the windows (and sunroof, if you’ve got one) …
- Don’t carry round unnecessary weight. …
- Accelerate smoothly. …
- Don’t push the accelerator down too far. …
- Turn the air-conditioning off.
CHRISTUS HEALTH Reports Minimal Damage to Facilities in South Texas; Utilizing Resources
With at least 16 hospitals along the South Texas Coast closed due to flooding, CHRISTUS Health reports minimal damage to its facilities located along the area. Many hospitals will face serious financial costs due to damage to their facilities and other issues created by the hurricane.
William Knous, Manager, Internal and Public Affairs for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Francis Hospitals told KSST News in an email Thursday morning that although damage reports to CHRISTUS Health facilities is minimal thus far, in face of floods and ongoing rain, their concern is to be there for the communities served.
Knous states, “For the last decade, CHRISTUS Health has focused on strengthening our buildings, installing windows and roofing materials designed to withstand storms like Harvey. Additionally, being part of a larger health system offers some advantages in this area. We’ve had nurses from CHRISTUS Health hospitals in Texarkana, Tyler, and the northern part of Louisiana volunteer to travel, work and add extra support for our South Texas facilities. They’ve been invaluable in our efforts to meet the needs of an influx of patients as a result of Harvey. Because CHRISTUS Health is geographically spread throughout Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico, we’ve been able to pull resources and respond quickly when needed.”
Christus Spohn Hospital with Skyline in Background
On Thursday, August 24, the Hopkins County EMS AMBUS and six local paramedics were deployed to the Texas Coast in preparation for Hurricane Harvey. They have been busy moving patients and care home residents. Their work has included taking patients to a CHRISTUS hospital in Corpus Christi.
