Harrison Announces Intent to File for County Court at Law Seat
SULPHUR SPRINGS – March 17, 2017 – Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for the office of Hopkins County Court at Law Judge, currently held by Republican Amy Smith. Judge Smith, who also served as an Assistant District Attorney, recently announced that she will retire when her term expires in December 2018.
Harrison, a life-long resident of Hopkins County, graduated from Sulphur Springs High School and attended The University of Texas at Austin where he was a Group Commander in the University’s Air Force ROTC program. After graduating from college, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force at age 20. He then attended Baylor University’s law school on a full academic scholarship.
After taking the bar exam, Harrison joined the Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps and served as a military attorney at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. For two years, he practiced a variety of law on behalf of U.S. service members including wills, probate, family law, and civil law. “When you’re practicing law in the military, things work a little differently,” Harrison said. “Military members come from all 50 states, so when you’re drafting a will or advising on family law, you have to take into account where the client is from. Being a Texas attorney living in Georgia while advising on Arkansas family law and drafting Alaska wills was quite an experience.”
Harrison was later assigned to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the Chief of Military Justice for one of the Air Force’s largest overseas bases. He supervised a team of attorneys, paralegals, and clerks and oversaw criminal cases for the 7,500 member base. He prosecuted numerous criminal cases involving child pornography, sexual assault, drugs, and theft.
In 2010, he was deployed to the tropical island of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines in support of counterinsurgency operations against the Abu Sayyaf (“Bearer of the Sword”) terror group. The Abu Sayyaf organization made its reputation as a particularly violent jihadist threat, specializing in kidnapping for ransom operations. As the lone attorney for a joint special operations unit of Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and other combat soldiers, he advised military commanders on the law of war and rules of engagement. He also directed an intelligence program that rewarded local civilians for providing information on high value enemy targets.
He separated honorably from the Air Force in 2012 in order to return home to Texas. In 2013 he wrote The Great and Terrible Wilderness, a novel, and made the transition from military JAG to civilian prosecutor.
Harrison joined Will Ramsay’s team of prosecutors at the District Attorney’s office in October 2014. Since then, he has tried 22 fully litigated cases to the jury or to the court, written 9 appeals, and had several notable jury trials.
In November 2015, he tried Mark Covington, a captain in the Aryan Circle according to gang experts, for witness tampering. Covington received a life sentence from a jury.
In January 2016, he tried Stanton Yates as the leader of a home burglary ring that spread across Hopkins County. Yates received a life sentence from a jury.
In March 2016, he tried Hunter Dixon for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. After initially pleading Not Guilty, Dixon changed his plea during trial to guilty and agreed to 40 years in prison without parole.
Also in March 2016, Harrison tried Scott Shine for Engaging in Organized Crime. Texas DPS Narcotics officers dubbed Shine “the biggest meth dealer in Franklin County.” Shine was sentenced to life in prison by a jury.
In December 2016, Harrison worked closely with law enforcement to secure guilty pleas from Dustin Garcia, Christopher Chambers, and several other members of an organized ATV theft ring. Garcia received a 28 year sentence and Chambers received 15 years. Due to aggravated parole rules, both leaders will have to serve half of their sentences before being eligible for parole.
Also in December, Harrison tried Daniel Arnold of Franklin County for shaving the heads of his two children while a CPS investigation was pending into methamphetamine use. Arnold was sentenced by Judge Eddie Northcutt to the maximum of 10 years in prison.
Outside of work, Harrison and his wife lead the Crossover young adult ministry at The Way Bible Church, are active in Crossfit, and are expecting their first child in April. Harrison is the son of Dr. Juan and Mrs. Sheri Harrison, both career educators. His wife Tara is the daughter of Mike and Sandra Gibby of Birthright. Harrison recently published his second book, The Stubborn Texan, a conservative defense of the U.S. Constitution.
Contact: Clay Harrison 903-243-3118
Email: [email protected]
Wildcat Baseball Seeks Second District Win Against Marshall Friday
Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack said his team’s 13-8 district win at Pine Tree Tuesday night was a good opening win despite it showing things the Wildcats could do better. He said anytime you can win on the road in the district is great especially since the Wildcats beat a team expected to make the playoffs from the district.
Coach Hammack admitted the Pine Tree game was a little uncharacteristic for the Wildcats. He said they played poor defense making four errors and walked ten Pirate batters. He said that’s 14 guys the Wildcats put on base as freebies. Coach Hammack said Pine Tree was not swinging the bat very well and got only 4 hits during the contest. He said the Wildcats helped keep them in the game. Coach Hammack had no complaints about the team’s hitting. He said the Wildcats swung the bats well. He said they were using his philosophy of gap to gap hitting and the result was runs and lots of hits. Coach Hammack said the Wildcats jumped out ahead 9-4 but had to make a pitching change.
He said starter Ryan Humphries pitched well but had thrown too many pitches. His pitch count was over 100. Relief pitchers walked the first five batters they faced in the next inning. He said the pitches weren’t even close. Still the Wildcats held on and led 9-8. Coach Hammack said his hitters did a great job as they scored 4 insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning. Kaden Argenbright was sharp in the bottom of the seventh and the Wildcats claimed a 13-8 win.
The Wildcats play Marshall Friday at around 7 p.m. at Eagle Stadium. Coach Hammack said the Mavericks were picked to finish second in district. They come in 0-1 after a tough loss to Texas High Tuesday. The Tigers scored 2 runs in the top of the seventh to defeat Marshall, 3-2. Coach Hammack said his team has been playing pretty well lately and he is hopeful they can get a win Friday to open district 2-0. After a 1-3 start to the season, the Wildcats have won 6, lost only 2 and tied 1 in their last nine games.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report March 8-14, 2017
March 8th
No major incidents to report.
March 9th
At 6:55 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1804 and CR 2786 in Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4490 in Winnsboro at 7:14 a.m. on a burglary call. The complainant reported that an unknown person had gone through her daughter’s duffle bag during the night and stolen money out of it. When she woke up on the morning of the 9th, she found her daughter’s wallet on the floor with the money missing. The investigation is continuing.
At 7:29 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 in Quitman.
At 10:42 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966, just north of 1410 in Quitman.
At 12:12 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 154 @ CR 3138 in Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to State Highway 11 in Winnsboro at 3:57 p.m. on a burglary call. The reporting party discovered that the side door to her house had been kicked in. Nothing appeared to be missing from the house, but she requested extra patrol in the area.
Deputies took a phone report at 5:35 p.m. from an individual who reported a Yeti cooler, valued between $300-$400, stolen from the back of his truck. The truck was parked on CR 2610 in Mineola. The investigators will follow-up on this case.
Deputies were dispatched at 5:53 p.m. to CR 2943 in Alba on a theft call. The reporting party stated that an unknown person had stolen a 6 x 12 trailer from his property. The investigation is continuing.
At 10:57 p.m., deputies observed a vehicle failing to maintain a single lane of travel. Upon conducting a traffic stop, the deputy made contact with the driver who advised that she did not have a driver’s license. Brangie Barton, 38, of Winnsboro was arrested for No Driver’s License.
March 10th
At 6:20 p.m., an individual came to the Sheriff’s Office to report a theft that had occurred on PR 7864 in Hawkins. She stated that a known individual had taken her towing hitch valued at $500.00 from her residence. Investigators will follow up.
March 11th
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 in Mineola at 2:03 p.m. on a criminal trespass call. The complainant reported that she had come home at 9:00 a.m. to find that an unknown person had kicked in boards that covered a portion of her living room window. Her dog had also been stabbed with a knife so she transported him to the vet for treatment before contacting the sheriff’s office. A neighbor reported hearing a loud commotion coming from her residence the previous night. The investigation is ongoing.
At 2:08 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 1885 in Yantis in reference to a dog attack. The complainant reported that a neighbor’s 2 dogs had attacked and killed her dog. Another neighbor stated that these dogs had attacked her dog twice last year, the 2nd time resulting in her dog’s death. Pet owners…please remember that you are responsible for your pet’s actions.
At 3:14 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3940.
At 4:13 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1600/CR 1610 in Alba.
March 12th
At 10:19 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966, just north of FM 515.
Deputies were dispatched to West FM 515 in Quitman at 5:00 p.m. on a burglary of a vehicle call. The complainant reported that a known person had stolen some items from inside of his truck. The investigation is ongoing.
At 5:32 p.m., deputies were dispatched to County Road 3875 in Mineola on a theft call. The reporting party stated that an unknown person had stolen a bicycle valued at $200.00 from his residence. The investigation is continuing.
At 8:41 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4636.
At 9:30 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779.
March 13th
At 12:19 a.m., a donkey was reported out on Highway 80 at FM 2422.
At 2:39 p.m., cows were reported out on PR 6325 in Mineola.
A deputy met with a complainant in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office at 3:30 p.m. to report possible fraud. Time Warner Cable had charged his accounts on 4 occasions without his permission. An unknown person had opened an account with Time Warner Cable, but used the complainant’s bank information.
At 4:06 p.m., a deputy met with a complainant in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office regarding a criminal mischief. The complainant reported that someone had intentionally scratched the driver’s side of her vehicle. Repair to the car is estimated to be approximately $500.00. The investigation is continuing.
At 7:26 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779/CR 2980 in Alba.
Deputies stopped a vehicle at FM 14 and CR 2869 on traffic at approximately 11:50 p.m. The driver didn’t have his driver’s license or identification. Once the driver was identified, the deputy was notified that he had an outstanding warrant. Charles Kartney James, 33, of Mineola was arrested for a Smith County warrant.
March 14th
At 12:28 a.m., donkeys were reported out on Highway 80, 1-2 miles east of Mineola.
At 1:56 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088.
At 8:51 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 in Quitman.
At 9:25 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 about 1 mile from Highway 37.
Deputies were dispatched at 9:28 a.m. to Highway 182 in Alba in reference to a possible burglary. The reporting party arrived at the location to find damage to the rear door of the building and damage to several doors and a window and damage to the shed door. All of the rooms and closets had been rummaged through and a television was missing. The case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2660 in Mineola at 9:57 a.m. on a burglary of a building call. The reporting party stated that a known person had taken items from his barn and then sold them. The investigation is continuing.
At 12:38 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 1612 in Alba on a theft call. The complainant reported that an unknown person had stolen a 5 x 10 trailer from his property. The case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 7:02 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 154/CR 3230 in Quitman.
At 7:18 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 69, just east of 779 in Golden.
At 9:21 p.m., cows were reported out on 2869, 3-4 miles north of 2088.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2970 in Mineola at 9:46 p.m. regarding an assault. The victim reported that she had been in a vehicle with an acquaintance when he began to assault her. She managed to get out of the vehicle and ran through the woods to escape him. A witness heard her screams, called 911 on her behalf and waited with her until the deputies arrived. This case has been forwarded to investigators for follow-up.
At 10:55 p.m., donkeys were reported out on Highway 80, 2 miles out of Mineola.
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.
Smith Will Not Seek Reelection to County Court at Law
County Court at Law Judge Amy McCorkle Smith has announced her intention to not seek reelection in 2018. She has served as County Court at Law Judge in Hopkins County for the past 21 years.
In her announcement, she stated:
“I am announcing my intention not to seek reelection as Hopkins county court at law judge next term, which begins January 1, 2019. I have been privileged to serve as County Court At Law Judge for the past 21 years as of March 18. However, it is time to hand the gavel to someone else.”
“Serving you in this capacity has been one of the greatest honors of my life. My prayers and hopes will always remain yours, Judge Amy McCorkle Smith”
texas flag courthouse
Sheriff Tatum Joins Peers in Visit to 85th Legislature
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum was one of more than 120 Sheriffs and other law enforcement officers from around the state that visited the 85th Legislature. The Sheriffs met with lawmakers to express their interest in what legislative actions are taken, show their support of lawmakers, and exhibit a unity among the Sheriffs of Texas.
The Legislative Committee and staff of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas coordinated this special event to facilitate the Sheriffs’ involvement in the legislative process. Resolutions were passed in both the House and Senate recognizing the Sheriffs and Sheriffs’ Association of Texas. Sheriffs spent the remainder of the day meeting with their individual Senators and Representatives to discuss pending legislation and provide input on bills that affect the citizens of the State of Texas.
Monday Jury Panel for 62nd District Court Cancelled
Judge Will Biard’s 62nd District Court Jury Panel for Monday, March 20th at 9 a.m. has been cancelled, according to District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher.
Tira News, March 17, 2017
I heard from an area resident, Paula Wiser, who reported that they have a family friend who is suffering with what seems to be poison in her blood caused from a kidney stone. Paula’s mother has been friends with the McDonald family, of Dallas for about 65 years. The Wiser family is requesting “abundant prayers”, because their friend “isn’t doing well at all.”
Paula also reported that her neighbor, Pat Reed, passed away on March 10th, following traumatic injuries from a vehicle accident. She requested prayer for his wife of 38 years and the rest of his family. We want to express our sympathy to the family.
Martha Payton sent the following note. “The family of Floyd Payton would like to give special thanks to Andy and Mary Lou Wright, Mayor Powell Vickery and the ladies of the community for the delicious lunch prepared and served to all, job well done and appreciated. Our hearts were blessed by the service conducted by Andy Wright and beautiful music by Janice Joslin. Thank you for all the visitors that came by to visit with Floyd. He was able to recognize everyone almost to the end of life. We ask God’s blessings on each and everyone in this great community.”
Eben, Destri Nicolass, Mena, and Emmy spent the weekend with Destri‘s parents, Robert and Yvonne Weir. Yvonne reports that they had a bonfire on Saturday night. Their daughter, Dacy, and her children, Elise and Eli visited on Saturday, also. Robert, Yvonne, and Wesley spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Yvonne comments, “Wes loved the tower and we all enjoyed Garvan Woodland Gardens. We did lots of walking.” She added that she and Wes tried a new 4D ride that was fun.
Kim and Lee Beck had a Spring Break visit from daughter, Maddie and her two nephews, Anthony and Beckham for a couple of days. Kim shares, “The “city boys” enjoyed running around outside with the dogs, sitting around the campfire, a trip to Cooper Lake, and shooting targets (trash) in the burn pile. They loved being in the country.”
Our daughter, Tiffany, and grandchildren, Kenden and Jaidyn, traveled with Chip and me to Galveston on Tuesday. We spent the afternoon at the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid, and then went to the beach. It was really too cool to swim, although we saw a few who braved the chilly waves. Kenden and Jaidyn even splashed around for a little while. Jaidyn enjoyed collecting sea shells. We enjoyed a seafood meal at Gaido’s that night. On Wednesday morning, we went to the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, and then took the ferry on the way to Beaumont to pick up our great-granddaughter, Dixie, and bring her back to spend time with Landon, Laiken, and the boys.
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].
Thistles By Mario Villarino
As I was visiting landowners recently, I noticed the presence of thistles in our county. Thistles are an interesting introduced plant. Many are biennial (coming back every other year) and others return every year. During my recent mowing efforts earlier on the week, I also noticed thistles in my lawn. Many thistles are valued as nectar producers for pollinator insects, and thus have a significant value for wildlife, however, according to Dr. Vannessa Olsen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Forage Specialist, If left uncontrolled, thick thistle stands can reduce grazing and result in less forage production. A single thistle plant can produce at least 4,000 seeds, which increases the chance for higher thistle populations in the pasture the following year. Consequently, management practices need to be conducted prior to flower formation for effective thistle control. Even if thistles have not infested your pasture in the past, it is ideal that your pastures are scouted in late fall through mid-spring (November to March) to ensure that thistles do not get out of control. New infestations are easier to manage than large-scale populations. Although there are at several different species of thistle in Texas, most are closely related and control recommendations will not differ. Best time to control with a herbicide is when thistles are in the rosette stage. The rosette stage is when the thistle forms a low-growing ring of leaves. As they mature they are harder to control and may require higher rates of herbicide to have effective control.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers – This One’s for You! By Johanna Hicks
Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers – This One’s for You!
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has a wealth of information and I’d like to share one of our many programs with you – Parenting Connections! Being a parent is simultaneously one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences that we will ever have. Parents have a tremendous responsibility to care for and raise children in a manner that will prepare them to successfully navigate the challenges of life. Along the way, there are many joys and frustrations. Because children do not come with an operator’s manual, many parents struggle in this important role. All parents need guidance and advice when it comes to the important task of raising children.
Regardless of how much or little money we make, or how much or how little education we have, at one point or another, we all find ourselves in need of help so that we can make the best child-rearing decisions possible. We all make mistakes when it comes to parenting, The difference, however, between effective and ineffective parents is that effective parents learn from their mistakes. Moreover, they are willing to do what it takes to become more effective in their role as parents, including learning all they can about their children and what to expect in the years that lie ahead.
“Parenting Connections” is a 4-topic, 2-session series that would be extremely beneficial to parents, grandparents and caregivers. I encourage you to call and sign up. There is no charge, but the benefits are great! Here is a break-down of topics and dates.
- Thursday, March 23: Child Growth & Development – we’ll discuss basic principles of development and have an interactive task to add a little fun. After a short break, we’ll switch gears to Parent-Child Communication and explore communication roadblocks.
- Thursday, March 30: Positive Discipline is the topic with which we’ll begin. In this segment, we’ll discuss different disciplinary parenting styles. While it may not appear this way on the surface, addressing a child’s misbehaviors provides you with a great opportunity to teach your child valuable life lessons. We’ll look at some hypothetical scenarios and discuss the disciplinary action that would best suit the situation. We’ll wrap up the evening with Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem. It is commonly thought that if parents can bolster their child’s self-esteem at a young age, the child will be more likely to successfully navigate the challenges of life. We’ll explore healthy versus unhealthy self-esteem.
Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone else wishing to attend are all welcome! If you wish to attend, please contact the Extension Office before 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21 so adequate preparations can be made. Certificates of attendance will be available at the conclusion of each session. Coffee, water, and light refreshments will be available. Call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes
I know this seems like a repeat of last week’s column, but calls are coming in and I wanted to make sure as many people as possible see this announcement! The 2017 Spring series of Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes is rapidly approaching, and it is guaranteed to help those with diabetes to better manage the disease. Pharmacists, nurses, and physical activity experts will all join me in presenting this 5-lesson series.
Topics include: “Getting started: How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose”; “Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbohydrates? Let’s Find Out!”; “Beyond Diet: Improving Blood Glucose Control with Physical Activity”; “Improving Your Blood Glucose with Medication”; and “Celebrating Diabetes Control While Avoiding Complications – Having Your Cake and Eating it, Too!”
Two times are being offered to accommodate busy lives. I’ll provide a 1:30 p.m. session, and a 6:00 p.m. session on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 4, 6, 11, 13, and 18. A small one-time fee of $25, payable at the first session, will cover materials, refreshments, supplementary materials, and door prizes. Over that past several years, I’ve heard comments such as, “Doctors should write a prescription to all their patients with diabetes to attend this series!”, “I learned so much and feel that I can control my diabetes better than ever!” and many more positive comments.
Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. You’ll be glad you did!
Beans & Cornbread Drive Thru
Sounds intriguing, huh? Come check it out! A group of our Hopkins County 4-H members will be traveling to Montana this summer for an Exchange trip, and they need your help with expenses. They will be providing a Beans and Cornbread supper where you don’t even have to leave your car. Simply drive up, pay $5, and receive a box supper including beans, cornbread, and dessert. We’ll even give you a napkin and spoon!
The date is Friday, March 24, at the Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., or until it’s all gone! Please support this worthwhile effort.
Closing Thought
A lie has speed, but truth has endurance – unknown
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]
