Court Plea Agreement: 45 Years in Prison
55-year old Joe Lee Cathey was sentenced to 45-years in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Eighth District Court in Hopkins County Monday. The sentence was part of a plea agreement. A jury showed up to hear the case but they were excused from service by District Judge Eddie Northcutt. Cathey was originally offered a 30-year prison term in exchange for a plea of guilty but he rejected the state’s offer. Monday morning he decided to accept it but he was told it had already expired. The parties then agreed to the 45 year prison sentence. In the case, the defendant beat a female in the head repeatedly with a baseball bat, sending her to the hospital. After some questions about the defendant possibly being temporarily insane at the time of the crime, the court appointed a psychiatrist to examine the defendant and Dr. Michael Pittman determined that the defendant was both mentally competent to stand trial and legally sane at the time of the crime. Assistant DA Clay Harrison said the defendant pled guilty and agreed to 45 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He said under current parole rules and with his criminal history, that is effectively a life sentence. Harrison said the defendant will be eligible for parole when he is 77 years ago, although he is unlikely to receive it.
Shannon Oaks Church Pumpkin Patch: Now Open
The Shannon Oaks Church Pumpkin Patch opened this past weekend on Sept. 30th, 2017, and will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm until October 28th.
The pumpkin patch will house a special “Pumpkin park” which includes fun activities for the whole family such as face painting, games, pumpkin bowling, mazes paintball, and more.
This event is open to the public, and admission is $5 for everyone over the age of 2. There will be pumpkins of all sizes and colors, including gourds, and squash for sale. You can purchase them with or without the $5 admission fee to the pumpkin park.
For more details on the pumpkin patch click here.
PJC SS-Child Care Workshop offered Saturday Oct 7th, 2017
The Paris Junior College – Sulphur Springs Center is offering a Child Care Workshop this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The keynote address will be given by Paulette Allard, who will speak on Active Supervision. This is an effective strategy for creating a safe environment and preventing injuries in young children. It transforms supervision from a passive approach to an active skill. Active Supervision ensures that children of all ages explore their environments safely. Each program can keep children safe by teaching all staff how to look, listen, and engage. Breakout sessions will include Alphabet Activities & Nutrition, Amazing Art for All Seasons, Child Care Licensing Q&A, Emergency Preparedness, Importance of Starting Young with Foreign Languages, Self-Calming Strategies for the Caregiver and the Child, Stress Management on the Go, and Passion – Are you Passionate About Your Job.
For further information or to sign up for the workshop, contact the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center at 903-885- 1232. The workshop will be held at the Center campus located at 1137 Loop 301 East in Sulphur Springs.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
Public Information Services
903-951- 7594
Wood County Sheriff’s Report September 20-26, 2017.
September 20th
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 3234 near Quitman; at approximately 7:54 a.m.
Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:34 a.m., in reference to a theft that
occurred on FM 3056 near Mineola. Actors, or actors unknown, stole 2 solar panels and a time feeder
from the reporting party’s property.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 2311 near Mineola, at approximately 8:38 a.m.
Kevin Talburt, 45, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party at approximately 11:31 a.m., in reference to an identity theft
that occurred on Branding Iron Lane near Hawkins. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4137 near Quitman, at approximately 12:37 p.m., in reference to a
welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4460 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:05 p.m., in reference to a
theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole tools and a firearm from the reporting party’s shed. This case has
been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2088 near Winnsboro; at approximately 1:35 p.m.
Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies went out on Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 4641 near Winnsboro; at approximately 2:31 p.m.
Bailey Safford, 18, of Winnsboro, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:30 p.m., in reference to
criminal trespass. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the actor fled the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3400 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:37 p.m., in reference to an
alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Hainesville, at approximately 9:20 p.m., in reference to a
structural fire. Holly Lake Ranch Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire.
September 21st
Deputies spoke with the reporting party at approximately 12:58 a.m., in reference to a dog bite that
occurred on FM 312 near Hawkins. Deputies advised the owner of the dog of the quarantine protocol.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 2869 near Hawkins; at approximately 1:01 a.m. Darla Ferguson,
48, of Mineola, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated with an Open Alcoholic Container.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 1:47 a.m., in reference to a
disturbance. Bobby Harris, 18, of Quitman, was arrested for Minor in Consumption.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4649 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:38 a.m., in reference to an
alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 8:10 a.m., in reference to a
burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged a fence and stole several items from the reporting party’s
property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:32 a.m., in reference to an
assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2954 near Alba, at approximately 1:07 p.m., in reference to shots fired.
Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
At 1:10 p.m., goats were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Holiday Village near Quitman; at approximately 7:08 p.m.
Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3987 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:13 p.m., in reference to a
welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4420 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:43 p.m., in reference to
criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
September 22nd
Deputies were dispatched to Johnson Lane near Yantis, at approximately 4:52 a.m., in reference to a
welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 9:07 a.m., in reference to criminal
mischief. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2790 near Mineola; at approximately 9:17 a.m.
Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 10:41 a.m., in reference to an
assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 1:39p.m.
Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to Arapaho near Quitman, at approximately 8:26 p.m., in reference to
suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
September 23rd
Deputies were dispatched to Shawnee near Quitman, at approximately 1:37 a.m., in reference to
suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3234 near Quitman, at approximately 3:59 a.m., in reference to an
alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2790/CR 2794 near Mineola, at approximately 4:31 a.m., in reference to
criminal mischief. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
At 9:04 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1900 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to Geronimo near Quitman, at approximately 10:17 a.m., in reference to a
burglary. A known actor removed an item from the reporting party’s building.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2745 near Mineola, at approximately 11:05 a.m., in reference to an
agency assist. Michael Smith, 44, of Mineola, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and an
outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2353 near Mineola, at approximately 4:30 p.m., in reference to criminal
mischief. Deputies located the activity and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2298 near Mineola, at approximately 8:32 p.m., in reference to a
welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 9:36 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2174 near Quitman, at approximately 10:33 p.m., in reference to a
noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Quitman, at approximately 11:58 p.m., in reference to a
disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
September 24th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Quitman; at approximately 12:27 a.m.
Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:12 a.m., in reference to a noise
complaint. Deputies located the activity and advised the individuals to lower the volume of the music.
Deputies were dispatched to Goode St. in Quitman, at approximately 2:08 a.m., in reference to an
alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2330 near Mineola, at approximately 1:46 p.m., in reference to
suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:26 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized
use of a motor vehicle that occurred on HWY 154 near Yantis. A known actor removed a vehicle from
the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5750 near Yantis, at approximately 3:06 p.m., in reference to an assault
that occurred. Jennifer Thomason, 47, of Yantis, was arrested for Injury to Child/Elderly/Disabled
Reckless Bodily Injury.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3470 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:22 p.m., in reference to a
welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2502 near Mineola, at approximately 6:37 p.m., in reference to shots
fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:08 p.m., in reference to an
alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:26 p.m.
Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1475 near Como, at approximately 10:10 p.m., in reference to a
dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 11:57 p.m.
Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
September 25th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2100 near Quitman; at approximately 4:10 a.m.
Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Pagosa Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 11:59 a.m., in reference to a
theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a jet ski from a private lake at Holly Lake Ranch. This case has
been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5474 near Como, at approximately 1:13 p.m., in reference to a welfare
check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 4:13 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4990 near Winnsboro.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 1686 near Mineola; at approximately 5:05 p.m.
Donald Bean, 34, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:07 p.m., in reference to a
disturbance. Kevayon Smith, 20, of Ittebena, Michigan, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:11 p.m., in reference to an
alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 11:04 p.m., in reference to a
noise complaint. Charles Bennett, 66, of Quitman, was arrested for Aggravated Assault against a Public
Servant.
September 26th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Little River Bend near Quitman; at approximately 4:37
a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, approximately7:11 a.m., in reference to an assault
that occurred. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning. This case has been forwarded to
investigators.
At 7:47 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1360 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4200 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:57 a.m., in reference to an
inquest. A male, 70, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no
autopsy was ordered.
At 10:25 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2110 near Quitman, at approximately 1:13 p.m., in reference to an
assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to 1210 near Quitman, at approximately 1:31 p.m., in reference to a burglary.
A known actor damaged doors and windows at the reporting party’s residence. This case has been
forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4470 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:02 p.m., in reference to a
burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged property and stole several items from the reporting
party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 7:11 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1900 near Yantis.
Between the dates of September 20th and September 26th , Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Emergency Medical Services, Child Protective Services, Department of Public Safety, and Hopkins County.
Total Jail Count – 144 inmates – 121 males and 23 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.
Free Southwest Flights
Although, we don’t end up flying Southwest Airlines much, the opportunity to get free flights always appeals to me. And now that Southwest has added several new planes to their fleet, namely the Boeing 737 MAX, we will be giving them more consideration. Chase Bank is offering a sign-up bonus for one of their Southwest Airlines credit cards to get 40,000 Rapid Rewards Points just for signing up for the card and spending $1,000 in purchases the first three months you have the card. If my wife and I both apply, we can double up and get 80,000 points!! A quick check of Southwest’s website showed many flights (one-way) at 10,000 points or less, so that could be a couple of round-trips for us both!!
Check out the offer by clicking here:
PJC Announces Homecoming, 2017 Distinguished Alumni Dr. Ron Dodson
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, Public Information Services
Ronald F. Dodson, Ph.D., F.C.C.P., F.A.H.A. of Tyler, Texas has been selected as the 2017 Paris Junior College Distinguished Alumnus. He will be recognized during the 93rd Homecoming festivities Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4.
“Dr. Ron Dodson is a member of the PJC Class of 1962,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “He is a renowned specialist in the field of research and environmental sciences and brings recognition to Paris Junior College and his hometown. We are extremely honored to bestow upon him the College’s highest honor as a Distinguished Alumnus.”
Dodson will have the Distinguished Alumni Award conferred to him during a luncheon, Saturday, November 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Love Civic Center.
The son of the late Ben and Vera (Eubank) Dodson, Dr. Dodson has spent a successful career in research and environmental sciences. At PJC he majored in biology and chemistry and credit the quality of his education under the leadership of Dr. J.R. McLemore and Mrs. Dean Fuller for his firm foundation. He also lettered two years as a member of the PJC Golf Team.
Dodson had serve as an administrator for various research and educational programs as well as Professor of Cell Biology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, TX and as a Tenured Professor of Biology at the University of Texas at Tyler prior to his retirement from there in August 2005, a career he began there in 1977. Dr. Dodson continues to share his expertise in public and private entities as President/CEO of Dodson Environmental Consulting, Inc.
“I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to attend PJC and always realized that experience provided me with a strong educational foundation for my further academic pursuits,” said Dodson.
After retiring from academia in 2005, he formed the consulting company Dodson Environmental Consulting, Incorporated, in Tyler, Texas. He continues to conduct research and write scientific/biomedical publications and serve as an expert in his field with requests from the private sector, academia, and federal agencies as well as international agencies/scientific organizations.
Dodson and his wife, Sandy, are the proud parents of two daughters, Diana Ditges and husband, Joe, and Debra Hurbough and husband, David. They are blessed with four grandchildren.
Cost for the homecoming luncheon is $20 per person and reservations may be made by mail to: Paris Junior College, Homecoming Luncheon, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460, or by contacting the Alumni Affairs office at 903-782-0276 or [email protected].
Dr. Ronald F. Dodson, Ph.D.,, F.C.C.P., F.A.H.A., of Tyler, PJC Class of 1962
Following 7 Mini-Walks, Thursday’s “Walk to Remember” is Final Step in Terrific Tuesday Fundraiser for 2017
The 2017 Mini-Walks are concluded. Please attend the Walk to Remember on Thursday October 5, 2017 at 6pm in The Gardens at Christus Mother Frances Hospital. It will be the final fundraising event for the Terrific Tuesdays program, a weekly respite program for caregivers of Alzheimer/Dementia victims in the local area. Meet caregivers and local healthcare personnel and enjoy the evening presentation.
FIRST at Terrific Tuesday, First United Methodist Church
SECOND Sunny Springs Nursing and Rehab
THIRD Rock Creek Health and Rehab
FOURTH Senior Citizens Center
FIFTH Hopkins Place Assisted Living
SIXTH Wesley House Assisted/Wesley Oaks
SEVENTH Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab
4H Proclamation To Be Read Monday October 2 at 4:30pm on Courthouse Steps
Monday October 2 is the kickoff for 4H Week in Hopkins County! All 4H members, families, leaders and prospective members are invited to meet at the Hopkins County Courthouse steps at 4:30 pm to hear the reading of the 4H Proclamation by Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsome. There will also be refreshments and information about 4H enrollment for new members.
Following the reading, a meeting will be held at 5:30pm at the Hopkins County6 Agrilife Extension Office for leaders and managers. 4H members and families are also welcome. Each 4H Club should have a report about planned activities during this meeting.
To find out more about 4H, contact the Extension office at 903-885-3443.
Senior Citizen Center October Calendar
The Topic will be “Senior Scams… And How to Protect Yourself”
SSISD Band at Northeast Texas Marching Festival
The Wildcats Marching Band will compete in its first contest of the season Saturday. They are going to the Northeast Texas Marching Festival at Texas A&M-Commerce. The band will perform at 3:30 p.m. and may perform again at night if they make the finals. 22 bands will be there including some who were state finalists last year. Band Director Charles McCauley said it would be a good test for the band. McCauley explained that at this time of the year, the band’s show gets tweaked some based on feedback from contest judges.
The contests prepare the band for UIL competition at Mt. Pleasant on October 17.
