Baseball Bat Used in Aggravated Assault Family Violence
Hopkins County Deputies responded to a call on County Road 4586 Thursday when a female resident at that location said she had received a phone call from Joe Lee Cathy, 55, stating that he was on his way to her house. She was struck with a baseball bat several times about the head causing severe lacerations as well as possible broken bones in her arm and upper body. Cathy was not there at the time of their arrival.
Around 11:42 p.m., Cathy (picture not available) was arrested for Use of Sidewalk. During book in at Hopkins County Jail, he was interviewed by deputies and investigators concerning the incident at the county road address. He confessed to using the bat to injure the victim.
Cathy is in Hopkins County Jail being held for Aggravated Assault Family Violence with a Deadly Weapon, Use of Sidewalk, and Parole Violation. He is held on a $500,000 bond for the assault.
Alert Clerks Determine Package Suspicious
Clerks at The Shipping Zone thought the package suspicious. The package was received at the Shipping Zone on Gilmer Street around 2:30 p.m. Thursday and was bound for a Florida address. The clerks contacted Sulphur Springs Police.
The Special Crimes Unit investigators responded to the call and clerks opening the package found inside 1.2-grams of suspected methamphetamine and 2.6-grams of Hydrocodone pills in a prescription bottle with no label. They found the individual who had left the package for mailing around 6 p.m.
Christi Lynn Attaway, 55, of Cumby was arrested for Manufacture Deliver Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams (Felony 2) and for Manufacture Deliver Controlled Substance Penalty Group 3 less than 28-grams (State Jail Felony). She is in Hopkins County Jail held on a bonds totaling $45,000.
City Hall Comprehensive City Plan Focus Areas Revealed; Priorities and Timelines Are A Future Discussion
by Savannah Owens
At the Thursday night meeting for the Comprehensive City Plan at City Hall, Ian Lockwood, Lead Designer, reviewed several options and examples to address areas of focus for the city. The areas of focus for the city included land use, community facilities, economic development, parks and open space, culture, streets, utilities, as well as funding and implementation. This session did not include prioritization or timelines for any of the options, which will be discussed during future sessions.
The proposed plan will be based on the feedback from the public that was captured in an online quiz (which included 600 participants) and from the attendees from the Monday-Thursday’s meetings. Sulphur Springs officials are leaning towards having a more traditional plan, which is ideal for towns that want to keep their historical characteristics. According to Lockwood, a traditional technique would be evident in the design of roads, and focused on accessibility and connectedness.
When discussing ways to finance the options, suggested payment methods included increasing property tax rates from the current $0.44 cents per $100, to $0.59 cents per $100 as well as potential impact taxes that would be funded by developments that use city infrastructure and resources.
“Industry and investment love a vision and predictability,” Lockwood explained. He encouraged Sulphur Springs citizens to find the city’s strength which Lockwood believes is in our water department. “One of your super strengths is in your water…It’s probably one of the best in Texas.”
The city officials also plan on working on sustainability and green initiatives. Lockwood mentioned that the plan includes “… recycling initiatives, as well as renewable energy.”
“If we keep doing what we’re doing we will be in big trouble, so we have to change something for the better,” stated Lockwood as he finished explaining what would be the next steps. After considering and weighing all the suggestions, the planning team will create a blueprint, and submit it for approval sometime in July.
After the encouraging comments about the proposed layout, Lockwood, stated that the plan will be long term, and that establishing short term goals and objectives would require him to come back at a later point as the deadlines and time-frames were clearly not addressed at this stage of the design planning process.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report May 17-23, 2017
May 17th
At 7:58 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 in Quitman.
At 8:38 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 in Quitman.
May 18th
At 7:35 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 in Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 10:31 a.m., to CR 1540 in Alba. A woman, 76, was pronounced deceased by the Justice of the Peace at 12:35 p.m.
At 4:02 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2270/2275 in Mineola.
At 5:59 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1804 in Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3600 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:15 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. An individual on the scene had an active warrant. Narcotics were found in the individual’s vehicle. Heather Lanae New, 32, of Big Sandy, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and an outstanding warrant.
At 8:26 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 W of 154 in Yantis.
May 19th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:55 a.m., in reference to a residential burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, entered the victim’s home and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1975 near Yantis, at approximately 1:10 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. The reporting party stated one of the tables in the residence was damaged, and a wire to the air conditioner had been cut. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 12:29 p.m., in regards to criminal mischief. The reporting party stated the back door was damaged, along with several miscellaneous items in the house. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2264 near Mineola, at approximately 11:26 p.m., in reference to an assault. The victim stated that an unknown person walked up to him, hit him in the face, and then left the scene. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
May 20th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2270 near Mineola, at approximately 12:41 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Kyle Sparks, 26, of Mineola, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
At 5:57 p.m., cows were reported out on Fm 778/CR 3250.
May 21st
At 1:02 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 2088/CR 4628.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1570 near Alba, at approximately 8:25 a.m., in reference to an assault. An individual was assaulted at the residence. Billy Hankins, 44, of Alba, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
At 5:18 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 E/CR 3230.
At 9:47 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2869.
May 22nd
At 12:19 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 2869.
Deputies were dispatched to Autumn Wind Court in Mineola, at approximately 12:33 a.m., in reference to an assault.
At 7:09 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 in Quitman.
At 7:45 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 E in Winnsboro.
At 8:38 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 E/CR 3230.
At 11:37 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 3056.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3265 near Mineola, at approximately 12:14 p.m., in regards to a theft. The reporting party’s jewelry was stolen by an unknown party. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 3:08 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154/CR 3230 in Quitman.
At 3:09 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1560 in Alba.
At 4:52 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 North of Quitman.
May 23rd
At 8:53 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088, near CR 3987.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2245 near Mineola, at approximately 10:43 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. The victim was assaulted at the residence by an individual known to him. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
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.
Tira News May 26, 2017
The Tira City Council will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at the Tira Community Center. Following the meeting, the group will be dedicating the community food pantry in memory of former Mayor Floyd Payton.
Mick and Linda Petty spent this past weekend in Bolivar, Missouri, attending their granddaughter Reagan Humphrey’s graduation from Southwest Baptist University. Reagan received a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Accounting and Psychology.
The Aiguier Cemetery Association will have their annual homecoming on the cemetery grounds on Sunday, June 4th. A pot-luck lunch will be shared at noon, followed by a brief business meeting.
The families of the late Bob and Myrtle Lawrence met on May 20th and 21st for their annual reunion at the Tira Community Center. Georgia Smith reports, “We had the smallest group that we have ever had, partly because none of the families in Wichita Falls came.” She adds, “We lost a member of our family. Patsy Lawrence passed away. They were all missed and we said a prayer for the family.” Those attending were Joyce Johnson of Mesquite, Charlene Lawrence of Fort Worth, Mark, Julie, and Darby Lawrence of Grand Prairie, Danny and Judy Rawson of Denton, Sophie and Constantine Markides from Houston, Chandler Smith and friend, Cody, from Forney, Helen and Jimmy Smith and Kyleigh Williams from Greenville, Gene and Ida Bratcher of Sulphur Springs, Mary Rawson and Troy and Georgia Smith of Tira. Georgia says, “We hope to have more next year.”
I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and take time to remember those who gave their life for our freedom.
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].
June Monthy Checklist By Mario Villarino
As we move into the warmer weather, the popular “Monthly check list” for the gardeners released by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (compiled by Dr. William C. Welch, Professor & Landscape Horticulturist) has become handy for home gardeners. Here the list for the Month of June:
- Supplemental irrigation is essential for all but the hardiest plants in times of extended drought. Water lawn and garden thoroughly, but not too frequently. As a general rule, soak to a depth of 8 inches. Finish watering by early afternoon, to lessen the chance of disease.
- Check watermelons for ripeness regularly. They are usually ready when the bottom portion is definitely yellow green or even yellow in color.
- Take a critical look at your landscape while at the height of summer development. Make notes of how you think it can be better arranged, plants that need replacement, overgrown plants that need to be removed, and possible activity areas that can be enjoyed by family members.
- Check for insects and diseases. Destroy badly infested plants. Spider mites can be especially troublesome at this time. Select a chemical or organic control, or use insecticidal soap.
- Especially during dry summers, soil moisture becomes extremely important and essential for good plant production. Because continual watering is oftentimes costly and time consuming, it pays to conserve the moisture around plants. This is best done by mulching. A good mulch will retain valuable moisture needed for plant growth, and improve overall gardening success. Mulches are usually applied 2 to 6 inches deep, depending on the material used. In general, the coarser the material, the deeper the mulch. For example, a 2-inch layer of cottonseed hulls will have about the same mulching effect as 6 inches of oat straw or 4 inches of coastal Bermuda hay.
- There is still time to plant some of the colorful, heat-tolerant summer annuals. Direct-seed zinnias and portulaca, and purchase plants of periwinkle, salvia, marigold, and purslane. Be sure to water transplants as needed until roots become established.
- Removing faded flowers from plants before they set seed will keep them growing and producing flowers. A light application of fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks will also be helpful.
- House plants can be moved out of doors this month. Sink the pots in a cool, shaded garden bed to prevent them from drying out so quickly; water pots, container plants, and hanging baskets often. Monthly feedings with house plant fertilizer will encourage continued growth.
- Now is the time to plan for next spring. Consider digging and dividing any crowded spring bulbs. Once the bulbs have matured and the foliage has turned brown, it is time to spade them up and thin out the stand. Crowded bulbs produce fewer and smaller blooms. They usually need thinning every 3 to 4 years.
- June is the time to select daylily varieties as they reach their peak of bloom.
- Fertilize roses every 4 to 6 weeks. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer immediately after a flush of bloom.
- Continue to spray susceptible roses with a black-spot control such a Funginex every 7 to 10 days.
- Re-blooming salvias, such as Salvia greggii and S. farinacea, should be pruned back periodically during the summer. To make the job easier, use hedging shears, and remove only the spent flowers and a few inches of stem below. Fall-blooming perennials, such as Mexican marigold mint (Tagetes lucida), chrysanthemums, physostegia, and Salvia leucantha, should be pruned in the same manner during the summer to keep them compact, reducing the need for staking. This type of pruning should be completed prior to September 1, since flower buds begin forming about that time.
I have will start this week a Frequently Asked Questions where I publicly respond to common questions sent to the Extension Office:
- a) Q: We are getting some questions related to St Augustin lawn die-out. R: There are several reasons why St Augustin lawns (or any other lawn) will decline, including soil pH, chinch bugs or fungal diseases. Start with a soil test first and then eliminate other causes.
- b) Q: Where to find plants for garden. A: As temperature increases, plant nurseries tend to stop carrying new plants because gardeners and plants tend to not do so well during the hot period of the year. Some specialty nurseries will carry all year long plants or overlap seasonal plants or specialty plants.
- c) Q: Weed identification. A: It is important to photograph or collect plants with complete structures (leaves and flowers) to have them properly identify. A good example is the common Queen Anne lace (wild carrot) and poison hemlock. While Queen Anne Lace is a fairly benign plant, the poison hemlock is very toxic. In several cases (depending of the variety) it is the root system and it smell the only way to differentiate between both.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
15 Money Tips For College Students By Johanna Hicks
15 MONEY TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
High school graduation has taken place, or will soon, for most high schools. Many graduates will be embarking on a totally new adventure called college. For many families, money is tight, and the cost of higher education can be frightening. However, if we equip our youth with some money management tools, they will be able to handle most challenges. Experts agree that careful planning and wise spending can stretch the bucks.
1) Budget your money to last. Know what you can spend and know when you’ve spent too much. For some college students, budgeting is a first-ever experience. It may sound difficult, but it is not impossible. Keep records of what you spend and compare your spending to what you planned to spend. Keeping your checkbook balanced will keep you from going overboard. I strongly suggest writing each debit purchase as well as checks written, in your check register even though your on-line account keeps that information. Set a little money aside for emergencies.
2) Be price sensitive. Comparison shop to save money. Know the community and what it has to offer.
3) Use a debit card (check card) instead of a credit card to keep you from over-spending. Again, don’t forget to write down what you spend in your check register or online system.
4) If you have subscribed to a full or partial meal plan at school, use it. Don’t leave money on the table by not using what you’ve paid for. The average cost per meal on your meal plan is likely to be less than what you would spend “eating out”, but only if you use it.
5) Be careful about how much money you spend eating out. Remember that beverages can really add to your cost – in fact, they may be the most expensive part of a fast-food meal. Get into the habit of ordering regular tap water with ice and lemon/lime to accompany your meal and you will save a lot of money in the long-run.
6) Staying connected. In college, computer “connectivity” is important. If you are living in a dormitory, high-speed internet may be included in your total cost. If you live off-campus, consider your options; some apartment complexes may offer wireless or high-speed connections.
7) Buy used text books if they fit your textbook requirements. Sell them at the end of the semester if you do not care to keep them for reference or to build a professional library.
8) Get information from your financial aid office even if you do not have a student loan. The offices usually stock information on budgeting, economizing, and managing credit.
9) Pay your credit card in full every month. Don’t charge everything. Set rules for yourself. People who use their credit card for “everything” tend to spend more money and often it is money that they do not have.
10) Be wary of credit card solicitations (graduating seniors and college students will get a lot of these!) You only need one credit card. Some will give you gifts or other premiums. Too much open credit damages your credit history. Comparison shop for a credit card if you don’t presently have one. They are not all the same. Look for a low APR, no annual fees and low/no extra fees and charges. Pay special attention to how your interest rate will change if you are late in making a payment. Pay credit card bills on time in order to avoid late fees – paying online may speed up payments.
11) Avoid identity fraud by being careful with your personal financial records and numbers. Avoid losing your personal belongings. Keep vital information away from prying eyes. Get a free copy of your credit report at the official website, www.annualcreditreport.com. Beware of imposter websites when requesting a copy of your credit report.
12) Avoid racking up extra costs needlessly. Library late fines cost money. Traffic violations and parking tickets cost money, too, and damage your record. Remember that hourly and daily fees to park in some convenient campus facilities cost much more than contract parking or other available student parking. Plan for the extra time it may take to save on parking. Or use bus service if it is available.
13) Weigh the costs and benefits of employment while you are going to school. Working more hours may provide more money but can increase the number of years (and the cost) of going to school. On the other hand, working can provide you with valuable experience related to your interests, major or future profession.
14) This tip has nothing to do with financial management, but is an important bit of advice. Keep good company! College students are faced with temptations, pressures, and far-reaching opinions. Stay away from drugs and alcohol, and focus on the positive things. Remember that bad company corrupts character, and good company strengthens character!
Closing Thought
“I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones” – Lauren, age 5
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]
Williams Plea Bargain Results in 10 Years Followed by Five Years, Day-for-Day in Prison
Thursday afternoon in a plea bargain agreement in Eighth Judicial District Court, Carae Williams, 22, of Sulphur Springs received 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Burglary of a Habitation revocation and five years for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone. He has to serve the 10 years before the five year sentence begins and the five year sentence must be served day-for-day with no eligibility for parole, according to Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris, the Prosecutor in the case.
Harris stated the “…diligent, excellent police work…” of Detective Bo Fox and members of the Sulphur Springs Police Department were instrumental in the prosecution of the case. He stated that several officers put in a lot of time and effort to bring Williams to justice.
Williams, 22, of Sulphur Springs has been wanted since December, 2016 for violation of probation for Burglary of a Habitation. Williams was arrested in April, 2017 at a residence on Randolph Street where he was staying when local police received information of his location. A few months ago, Williams evaded arrest in a foot chase with law enforcement in Tyler.
He had been arrested in April, 2016 for burglary of a habitation and for possession of a firearm by a felon. At that time he was living on Calvert Street. A resident at 621 Houston Street had called Sulphur Springs Police to report a man in her home looking for a weapon. She said the man was wearing a camo jacket. As SSPD approached the residence, the officer spotted a subject that matched the description walking on Locust Street near Van Sickle. He made contact with Williams and patted him down for officer safety. The weapon was located in the waistband just above Williams’ front pocket. Williams told the officer he was a felon and had been released in 2014. The arrest was made at that time and Williams eventually received probation.
In December, 2016 Sulphur Springs Police responded to a call regarding individuals unlawfully in an empty residence on Calvert St. Williams met officers at the door with his clothes in his hand. Williams was advised he was not allowed in the residence. A pat down followed resulting in the discovery of a clear baggie containing what was believed to be cocaine. A videoed field test confirmed the substance to be cocaine. Williams fled the area after bonding out of jail at that time.
At the time of Williams’s arrest in April, Detective Fox told KSST News that Williams was also a registered sex offender who was out of compliance.P
Mayor Proclaims Friday, May 26, 2017 Red Poppy Day
Thursday afternoon at City Cemetery in Sulphur Springs, Mayor Emily Glass read a proclamation naming Friday, May 26, 2017 Red Poppy Day in the city. In the proclamation she invites residents “…to join in observing the day to honor every service-member who has died in the name of liberty, freedom and democracy while also showing their support for living veterans, service-members and their families.”
Members of and veterans of the military had been invited to attend.
The Proclamation:
WHEREAS, poppies are worn and displayed as a symbolic tribute to our fallen and the future of living veterans and service members; and
WHEREAS, at the end of World War I, The American Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol of freedom and the blood sacrificed by troops in wartimes; and
WHEREAS, the use of the poppy symbolically comes from the poem In Flanders Fields, which movingly begins, “In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row”, referring to the poppies that sprang up in the churned earth of battlefields across Belgium and France where soldiers died fighting ; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion Family has long utilized the red poppy as its official flower, symbolizing the blood shed by those who have served in our U. S. military, and it is fitting that as The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary approach their 100th anniversaries, they expand the meaning and the symbolism of the poppy, mirroring the manner in which the poppy is symbolically showcased in England and Canada in celebratory fashion on their Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day and Poppy Day; and
WHEREAS, wearing a poppy will unite citizens from across the country who decide to show their patriotism; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sulphur Springs, Texas, supports the designation of May 26, 2017, as “National Poppy Day” and recognizes the importance of honoring those that have worn our nation’s uniform.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Emily Glass, by virtue of authority vested in me as Mayor, and on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim May 26, 2017, as RED POPPY DAY and encourage our citizens and visitors in Sulphur Springs to join in observing this day to honor every service-member who has died in the name of liberty, freedom and democracy while also showing their support for living veterans, service-members and their families.
