Gambling Raid in County Nets Three Arrests; Investigation Continues
When Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigators and Deputies served a warrant for gambling at 1 a.m. Saturday morning at the former Country Boys Gas Station located on Highway 11 E at FM 3019 near Winnsboro, they found 15 to 20 individuals participating in playing computer based programs on slot machines adapted for the programs, according to Corley Weatherford, Investigator for the Sheriff’s Office.
Reports had been given to the local Sheriff’s office that the building was used for gambling. Undercover officers had been utilized to enter the building and had participated in the gambling endeavors. Based on their findings, the warrant was issued. The investigation continues with gambling, money laundering, and engaging in organized criminal activity as the focus.
Weatherford stated the location is no longer a store. He said the building had been turned into one large gambling room with 30 different stations where winners were paid in cash. All the gambling equipment, paraphernalia, and money were seized in the raid.
Three individuals present were also arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
Brian Cory Rodgers, 32, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram, less than 4-grams and with Unlawful Possession of a weapon.
Andre Deon Wells, 34, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram, less than 4-grams.
Coy Wayne Wells, 51, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram, less than 4-grams
The three are in Hopkins County Jail. Weatherford stated that gambling brings crime to the area and that is why the Sheriff’s Office is working to keep gambling out of Hopkins County. He stated gambling attracts drugs, robbery, prostitution, and a number of other crimes to an area.
Franklin County Man Who Shaved Sons’ Hair Sentenced
Daniel Arnold was sentenced to 10 years in the TDCJ for each of three counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence in Franklin County Eighth Judicial Court Friday. The sentences will run concurrently.
Arnold, 33, of Mount Vernon, was tried by a Franklin County jury on December 12 and 13 for three counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence. He was found guilty by the jury in 35 minutes. He had previous convictions for methamphetamine and was on probation for assaulting the mother of the children.
In November of 2015, CPS investigators became aware of allegations that the Defendant may have exposed his children to methamphetamine. The Defendant’s sons were one year old and three years old at the time. A CPS investigator asked the Defendant for a sample of his hair to test for the presence of drugs. The Defendant refused to consent to the hair test, and CPS decided that they lacked sufficient evidence to obtain a court order. Therefore, the CPS case was closed. Within weeks, the Defendant then shaved himself bald and also shaved the one year old and the three year old.
Two weeks later, a new CPS investigation began based on additional allegations that the mother of the children may have exposed them to methamphetamine. Because the children were living with the Defendant at the time of the new investigation, CPS workers asked the Defendant for consent to test the hair of the children. When the Defendant refused, CPS succeeded in obtaining a court order from District Judge Will Biard. However, within a week of being ordered to provide the hair samples by the Judge, the Defendant shaved his entire body from head to toe. He also cut the hair of both children. It was based on these acts that the Defendant was indicted for three felony counts of Tampering With Physical Evidence. There were three charges because he tampered with the hair of three people: the one year old, the three year old, and himself.
Wildcats, Lady Cats Soccer Tourneys Hampered by Cold
The Wildcats’ soccer team opened a Forney tournament Thursday with a 4-1 win against Garland Lakeview Centennial. It was the first win for Nicky Wiggins as Wildcats head soccer coach. The Wildcats got goals from four different players. Angel Tavera opened the scoring, assisted by Gerardo Arellano. Johnathan Alvarez scored the second goal assisted by a corner kick from Tavera. D.J. Abron found the net for the Wildcats third goal. Abron was assisted by Arellano. The Wildcats led 3-0 at halftime. Chris Espinoza closed out the scoring using an assist from Tavera. Coach Wiggins said keeper Rafael Lopez made several nice saves and the defense played a solid game. Later the Wildcats won by forfeit over Carrollton Newman Smith. The Newman Smith coach said it’s their district policy not to allow athletes to play a game if the wind chill factor is below 28 degrees. Coach Wiggins said it was 25 degrees at game time Thursday evening. The Wildcats are 2-0 for the season. Coach Wiggins said all Friday tournament games in Forney were canceled. He is waiting to see if any games are rescheduled for Saturday.
The Lady Cats’ soccer team had a rough start to the season Thursday at a frigid Terrell tournament. The Lady Cats lost their opening match, 2-0 to South Garland, the team that won the tournament last year. Later Thursday, the Lady Cats played to a 0-0 tie with Dallas Hillcrest. The Lady Cats are now 0-1-1 for the season. Due to the very cold weather and chance of precipitation Friday, all games at the Terrell tournament were canceled. The Lady Cats are scheduled to play Ferris at noon Saturday in the tourney.
Satillo Lions Defeat Yantis in Friday Night Win
The Saltillo Lions defeated the Yantis Owls, 66-61 at Kerry Garmon Gym in Saltillo Friday night. The Lions got off to a good start leading 14-8 after one quarter and 28-19 at the half. Saltillo had three double figure scorers: Matt Gurley with 17 points, Mike Simmons with 14 points and Walker McGill with 12 points. Saltillo also got scoring from Lyle Bench with 9, Trevor Moore with 8 and Clayton Jones with 6 points. Saltillo is now 10-13 for the season. They play next at Wolfe City Tuesday night.
The Saltillo Lions JV also topped Yantis 52-18. The Lions JV is now 10-2. Ryan Prewitt led the JV scoring with 15 points, Nate Valenzuela had 12, Ben Moore 10, Colt Spear 8, Hendrick Rios 4 and Mike Clover 3 points. The Saltillo JV will play at Wolfe City next Tuesday at 6 p.m., right before the varsity game.
Wildcats, Lady Cats Remain Undefeated in District
Wildcats 51, Texas High 43
The Wildcats’ basketball team won their third district game without a loss as they outscored Texas High, 51-43 Friday night in Texarkana. The Wildcats also improved to 18-4 for the season. Victor Iwuakor and Ke-Ontae Dunn led the Wildcats with 15 points apiece. Michael Jefferson scored 11. Bryson Lynn had 5 points, Keaston Willis and Dane Ritherford 2 points apiece and Xavier Cork 1 point.
The Wildcats have a bye in district play next Tuesday. They will resume district play at home next Friday as they host Mt. Pleasant.
Lady Cats 50, Texas High 42
The Lady Cats’ basketball team remained unbeaten in district play as they defeated Texas High, 50-42 Friday evening in Wildcats Gym. The Lady Cats built their lead over the first three qurters. They led 11-9 after the first quarter, 20-15 at the half and 38-29 after three quarters. The Lady Cats hung on for the win. The Texas High press seemed to keep them close for most of the game as the Lady Cats committed 20 turnovers. Autumn Tanton led the Lady Cats with 11 points. Kaylee Jefferson scored 9 points. Sadavia Porter and Tori Moore had 8 points apiece. Sheretta Hill added 6 points, Daieyshia Pruitt had 5 points and Destinee Weeks scored 3 points. Texas High’s Antonia Porter led all scorers with 24 points including 5 three-point baskets.
The Lady Cats are now 5-0 in district play and they are 19-3 for the season. They have won twelve straight games. After a bye next Tuesday, the Lady Cats will finish the first half of district play next Friday at Mt. Pleasant.
All PJC Campuses Offers Seniors Up to Six Hours of Free Tuition
Senior citizens may start the spring semester at Paris Junior College with up to six hours of free tuition. The offer applies to classes with open seats on the first day of the semester.
“Multiple studies have shown that education maintains intellectual activity essential to brain health, similar to exercising for heart health,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “We see this as part of PJC’s mission to serve the region’s needs.”
Any course offered by PJC that has an unfilled seat on Jan. 17, the first day of class, is eligible for the free tuition. This could be either two 3-hour classes or one course with a lab. Seniors must still pay applicable fees.
The benefits are not just one-way.
“Taking classes gives seniors the benefit of socializing with people of differing ages,” said Anglin. “And traditional-age students can benefit from the gift of their perspective on class topics and discussion.”
A wide variety of both academic and workforce classes are available. For more information on courses and to register, call 903-885-1232 in Sulphur Springs, 903-782-0425 in Paris or 903-454-9333 in Greenville, or go to www.parisjc.edu/schedule to see what classes are offered.
To have the tuition waived, contact Pam Bennett in the President’s Office at 903-782-0330 or at [email protected].
Wildcats Power-Lifting Team Opens Season Saturday
The Wildcats’ power-lifting team opens their season Saturday at an 8:30 a.m. meet at Lindale, weather permitting. Casey Jeter is the new Wildcats Power-lifting Coach.
Jeter was a power-lifter at Lindale High School. His coach was Greg Owens. Jeter was a 4 year qualifier for the Regional Meet and a 2 time state qualifier. Jeter said he was ranked #1 in state in his weight category his senior year but ended up finishing fourth.
Coach Jeter said he’s excited about this season and he added he has some good young kids who are ready to do some good things. He said he would be taking 12 lifters to Lindale Saturday. His team has only one senior, Isaiah Neal, who will not be lifting Saturday due to a death in his family. Coach Jeter said he will have Junior Ian Blanch returning in the 275-pound weight class. He called Blanch the strongest kid in school right now. Junior Cor’Tavius Pruitt also returns and will be lifting in a heavier class this year.
Coach Jeter said he will also be depending on a couple of Super Heavy Weights, sophomore Jacob Jonaitis and junior Norris English. Junior Jesus Olivo will also compete in the 275 pound weight class. Sophomore Landry Tyson, wanting to get stronger for football, is also on the team as is football defensive line standout, junior D’idrec Dugan. Coach Jeter said Dugan is stronger than he knows.
Coach Jeter said team members have been lifting for several weeks now, four mornings a week beginning before school at 6:30 a.m. Some even lift after school and Coach Jeter said he has to chase them out of the weight room at night.
Game Day: Game Times Changed For Lady Cats, Wildcats
Freezing weather and the chance of precipitation Friday have caused changes to the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ basketball plans.
The Wildcats are now scheduled to play a varsity only game at Texas High starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The Wildcats enter the game with a 2-0 district record with a road win at Pine Tree and a home victory over Marshall. The Wildcats are 17-4 for the season.
Weather has also impacted the Lady Cats home game against Texas High. Now there will be a varsity only game at 6 p.m. Friday in Wildcats Gym. The Lady Cats have a 4-0 district record so far. They have defeated Greenville and Marshall on the road and Hallsville and Pine Tree at home. The Lady Cats, ranked #24 in the state in Class 5A this week, have a season record of 18-3 and they have won eleven games in a row.
Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” Premiers at Civic Center This Summer
A production of Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” will be presented at the Regional Civic Center this summer. Triston Pullen will direct the play. The first three nights and the last two performances of the play are already sold out. KSST News interviewed Hoover and Pullen Thursday.
