What’s Happening at Tractor Supply?
Tractor Supply is getting “2 new Air-Conditioning systems”. Darryl Haidek was helping work on the install and explained that timing of installs varies since “none are the same..It’s hard to say how long it will take.” Hopefully Tractor Supply workers won’t have to wait too long in the Texas heat for their new air-conditioning!
“Push-In” Ceremony at Hopkins County Fire Dept.
On Friday, July 21st, the Hopkins County Fire department held a “Push-In” Ceremony. There were over 50 people at the event including; Emily Glass, Rusty Posey, Kelley Fletcher, Robert Newsom, and many others, who helped Chief Endsley reverse and “push” the truck into the garage. Chief Endsley turned on the new truck’s lights and sirens, once the truck was proudly in the garage.
The new 2017 Ferrara Firetruck was custom built for Hopkins County Fire Department and cost $450,000. But surprisingly it’s on the cheaper end for new firetrucks, as most firetrucks range from $300,000-$700,000 depending on the added features. For more details about the new firetruck click here.
Children climbed into the drivers seat and posed for pictures, while other people stood in front of the truck to commemorate this event. The firemen were all too eager to begin loading up the new truck with equipment, and swapping things from the old truck to the new one almost immediately after the group photos.
Here’s a little bit of history about the Hopkins County Fire Department Station 20:
“In 1999 Hopkins County opened Station 20 (Central) located in the City of Sulphur Springs which serves as the County Seat manning one fire engine that responded everywhere in the county to fire calls with the local volunteer departments. The paid county station would not and has not replaced the volunteer fire departments, but rather blossomed into a complex combination of county fire departments to serve and protect the citizens of Hopkins County.
Since its start in 1999 Station 20 has grown to a full service 24 hours a day department that staffs 2 Engines Monday thru Friday during the day and 1 Engine at night and on weekends. The County employs 7 full time staff and a large number of part-time employees to cover Station 20.
The county also contracts with 12 Volunteer Fire Departments (VFD) that are paid under contract a fee to all work together to assist the paid County Fire Department with providing fire protection to the residence of Hopkins County. By contracting with the local VFD’s this allows for each department to maintain their sense of community individuality that for so many decades made each department so unique. But still allows for the structured continuity to work together for the common good of the citizens of Hopkins County.
Together the 12 VFD’s under contract with the Hopkins County Fire Department along with the paid County Central fire station make up the Hopkins County Fire Departments.”
VFW Canteen Re-Opens July 21, 2017
According to VFW Canteen manager Toni Taylor, the facility s now open to the public as of Friday July 21, 2017. The VFW Canteen is located right next to the VFW Post Home at 1 Veterans Drive in Sulphur Springs, beside Bob Evans Foods. Toni reminds everyone that Karaoke Night is Saturday from 8:30 until 12:30. YOU can play pool free on Mondays from 7-9:30 pm. The VFW Canteen appreciates Veterans and it’s members and customers.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report July 12-18, 2017
July 12th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1686 near Alba, at approximately 12:35 a.m., in reference to a possible burglary. Deputies searched the residence and the scene was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 7:25 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to Comanche near Quitman, at approximately 7:54 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Chapparal St. near Mineola; at approximately 9:07 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 10:44 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4540 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:27 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 1:10 p.m. Deputies located the driver of the vehicle and everything was cleared.
Depuites were dispatched to CR 2745 near Mineola, at approximately 3:47 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3860 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:31 p.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 responded to a suspicious person on CR 2230 near Mineola; at approximately 11:29 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 11:56 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
July 13th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Brenda; at approximately 12:34 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4450 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:52 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
At approximately 12:41 p.m., deputies spoke with the reporting party in reference to a civil issue on CR 2360 near Mineola. Advise was given.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4798 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:24 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole jewelry and clothing from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 8:56 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2378 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 9:29 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a four-wheeler from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Quitman, at approximately 9:32 p.m., in reference to a reckless river. Deputies located the vehicle parked on the side of the road. Cody McGill, 20, of Quitman, was arrested for Minor in Possession of Alcoholic Beverage.
July 14th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2869 near Hawkins; at approximately 12:34 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was cleared.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 1:10 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 7:48 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2950 near Alba.
At 10:45 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 3056 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 11:22 a.m., in reference to a theft. A known actor stole a weed eater and firearms from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 3:05 p.m. Deputies located the individual and provided a courtesy transport.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2121 near Quitman, at approximately 4:47 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the residence through the front door and stole a couple items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1227 near Quitman, at approximately 6:43 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to Sioux near Quitman, at approximately 7:00 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 9:04 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2100 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7547 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:05 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the residence, damaging a window, and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1600 near Alba, at approximately 9:35 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Blackbourn St. near Hawkins; at approximately 10:29 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2260 near Mineola; at approximately 10:53 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
July 15th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 2:30 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4847 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:14 a.m., in reference to a burglary. The reporting party advised the deputies that they just wanted it reported.
Deputies were dispatched to Little River Bend near Quitman, at approximately 2:41 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4691 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:25 p.m., in reference to violation of a protective order. Deputies located the individual on the reporting party’s property. Richard Spence, 51, of Winnsboro was arrested for Violation of Protective Order Bias/Prejudice.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2503 near Mineola; at approximately 10:04 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
July 16th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1570 near Alba, at approximately 1:46 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 2:28 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. When deputies arrived, there was no disturbance and the scene was cleared without incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 11:26 a.m., in reference to a possible assault. Deputies cleared the scene, due to no assault taking place, and parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 11 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:29 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
July 17th
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Blackbourn St. near Hawkins; at approximately 1:06 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 2:26 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Darrell Glosup, 49, of Quitman, was arrested for an unrelated offense of Evading Arrest Detention.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:27 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, caused damage to the building. This case is active.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 2:01 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 9:06 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Christa Richey, 24, of Alba, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2110 near Quitman, at approximately 10:40 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies cleared the residence and were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
July 18th
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 1500 near Alba; at approximately 8:25 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Porter St. near Mineola; at approximately 8:47 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Lane St. near Quitman; at approximately 9:33 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Apple St. near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:56 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Sioux near Quitman; at approximately 10:45 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 779 near Quitman; at approximately 1:09 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 8700 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:49 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4249 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:15 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 49, was found deceased in his residence. An autopsy was ordered by the Justice of the Peace.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 7:56 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Parties were advised to leave and the scene was cleared without incident.
Between the dates of July 12th and July 18th, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Emergency Medical Services, and Department of Public Safety.
Total Jail Count – 150 prisoners – 124 males and 26 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.
Dress Rehearsal at The Lion King Jr.
Though the set and costumes for Disney’s The Lion King Jr. are impressive, it is the dedication and amazing talent of the young actors that is most impressive. From the youngest newbie to the most stage-seasoned youth, the group was focused and on point during it’s first full dress rehearsal experience on the big stage of SSHS Auditorium at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. David Woody, director, has over 20 years experience in directing Children’s Summer Workshops. Learning how to take stage direction is Woody’s first student lesson, a skill that actors should never put side regardless of age or experience. In fact, this lesson is applied in the Workshop before a student ever steps onto a stage. The skill involves listening and acting on verbal instructions from the voice of the director who may be a distance away and may not even be visible. This is actually a valuable life lesson. Another good lesson that Workshop students learn is that the project is a group effort, and it’s success is everybody’s responsibility. Quick costume changes and speedy place changes require students to pay attention and be aware of what is going on around them in “actual time”. From the standpoint of an observer, I did notice something missing at rehearsal…cell phones and electronics. The youngsters’ attention is fully absorbed in putting on this play!
Among the cast are six members of the Deterding family…actually two local families….of brothers Brian and Shawn Deterding and their wives. Brian also constructed the large sun which you see rise over the stage when the curtain opens. The cast and crew of 35 youngsters, both onstage and in backstage support roles are learning a lot and having the time of their summer!
Woody mentioned that this being a Disney Production, there are certain additional guidelines to be followed in the royalty rules. These regulate the age range of the student actors as well as seating allowance for performances. Some Disney agreements with local theater groups allow audience seating at 700 per show, and others allow 300 per show. As for ticket sales, prices may not exceed fifteen dollars per ticket.
The public has three opportunities to see the Disney musical in Sulphur Springs; Friday and Saturday July 21 and 22 at 7 pm and on Sunday July 23 at 2 pm. Tickets are $15 each. Reservations may be made at mstsulphursprings.com or you may purchase tickets at the door.
NETBIO Scholarships Awarded

Carson Hicks of Sulphur Springs, attending Texas A&M-Commerce; Cody Vance of Sulphur Springs, attending Sam Houston State University, and Payton Swinson of Commerce, attending Texas A&M-Commerce
Buyers, sellers and visitors attending the July 19 Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization cattle sale got to witness the presentation of five $1,000 college scholarships awarded to students majoring in agriculture.
The scholarships are given in the name of Jim Jacobs and Dr. J. D. Norris, two men involved in organizing NETBIO and who served as directors before their deaths.
NETBIO CEO Dwyatt Bell presented the scholarships and introduced the recipients. Receiving the Dr. J. D. Norris Scholarship was Josh Haddox of Martinsville, TX who is a fourth year veterinary student at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.
Receiving the four Jim Jacobs scholarships were Erin Swinson of Commerce, a student at Texas A&M University-Commerce; Cody Vance of Sulphur Springs, a graduate of Sulphur Bluff High School and an agriculture students at Texas A&M-Commerce.
Also Carson Hicks of Sulphur Springs who is a student at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Hicks has been a customer of the NETBIO Pre-conditioned Calf and Yearling sale for several years. The final recipient of the Jim Jacobs Scholarship was Taylor Powell of Henrietta, TX, a fourth year veterinary student in the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine.
NETBIO awards these scholarships each year to young students from the Northeast Texas area that are interested in completing their degrees and returning to the area to practice their trades.
“We are proud of our young people and glad that through these scholarships, NETBIO can help them attain their dream,” Bell said.
Murder-Suicide in Tira Community
Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies, the SWAT team, and other law enforcement responded to a call in the Tira, TX Community where a murder, suicide took place Thursday evening.
William Benefield, 70, contacted an individual regarding Benefield’s wife. The individual went to the home where they found Teresa Benefield, 61, dead. The individual called the Sheriff’s office.
Law enforcement set up a perimeter around the home and began seeking to have Benefield exit the house. Later in the evening, they heard a single gun shot. Entering the residence, they found Benefield had taken his own life.
New Pesticide Private Applicator Training By Mario Villarino
New Pesticide Private Applicator Training schedule for August 16, 2017 in Sulphur Springs.
A private pesticide applicator is someone who uses or supervises the use of restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides or regulated herbicides to produce an agricultural commodity on:
- Personally owned property;
- Rented property;
- Property owned by his or her employer;
- Property under his or her general control; or
- The property of another person if applied without compensation, other than the trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities.
An agricultural commodity is a plant or animal grown for sale, lease, barter, feed or human consumption and animals raised for farm or ranch work. No license is required to apply general-use pesticides to produce agricultural commodities.
STEPS TO BECOMING A PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR
Step 1: Attend a Private Pesticide Applicator training session FIRST. Contact your county Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office for training opportunities at 903-885-3443. A new private applicator training will be conducted August 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM.. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers the Texas Private Applicator Training Course online also.. You willfind more information at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/index.cfm/productDetails/ProductID/2099/. You may purchase training materials at the Hopkins County Extension office located at 1200B Houston Street in Sulphur Springs or at www-aes.tamu.edu or call (903) 885-3443.
Step 2: Upon completion of the training, a Training Verification form will be provided to the applicant. Applicants should keep the yellow copy for their records
Step 3: The applicant needs to obtain a hard copy of the Private Pesticide Applicator license application form (PA- 400P) from TDA. (Website: www.TexasAgriculture.gov orPhone: 1-800-835-5832 or 512-463-7622).
Step 4: Submit the completed Private Pesticide Applicator application form, license fee of $100, and the white (original) copy of the Training Verification form to TDA forprocessing.
Step 5: When the license application is accepted, TDA will send the applicant a letter in the mail with their Account Number. This Account Number is the number the applicator willuse to register and schedule the Private applicator exam with PSI
Step 6: Applicants can go to PSIexams.com or call 1-800-733-9267 to schedule an exam at one of 22 locations around the state.
o A Pesticide Licensing Examination Candidate Information Bulletin is provided at the PSI website to assist the applicant with the exam scheduling process.
o The private applicator will pay $64 per exam.
o If the applicant fails the first attempt, there is a 24 hour waiting period to take a repeat exam.
o PSI will provide a confirmation number and testing location information.
Ø Step 7: Upon completion of the exam, the center will provide test results immediately. A passing grade is 70%.
Ø Step 8: PSI will send exam scores to TDA daily. If all licensing criteria are met, TDA will issue the license.
Important: If an applicant has any questions about licensing or categories, please contact TDA at 1-800-835-5832 or 512-463-7622.
To register for the Upcoming Pestice Private Applicator Training call 903-885-3443.

Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443