Lady Cats Continue Wylie Tourney
After splitting two games Thursday in a Wylie tournament, the Lady Cats’ softball team has two more games in the tournament on Friday. The Lady Cats played Princeton and will face Frisco Wakeland Friday at 5 p.m.
On Thursday, the Lady Cats defeated South Grand Prairie, 7-3 and then lost to Wylie, 7-3. With the split on Thursday, the Lady Cats went to 10-3 for the season.
Saturday the Lady Cats will play Wylie East at 9 a.m. and Mesquite Horn at 3 p.m. in the Wylie tournament.
Wildcats Baseball Score 15 in Win Over Brownsboro; Tourney Continues in Lindale
The Wildcats’ baseball team is now 2-0 in the 2017 Robbie Surratt Memorial Baseball Tournament in Lindale. Friday the Wildcats won a slugfest downing Brownsboro, 15-9. The Wildcats pounded out 16 hits and scored in every inning. They had one run in the first, four in the second, six in the third, three in the fourth and one more run in the fifth.
Seven of the nine Wildcats’ batters had multiple hits. Gaven Millsap, hitting in the nine hole, went 3 for 3 with three runs scored and three RBI’s. Jamal Hobson-Cox, hitting eighth was also 3 for 3 with three runs scored. Triston McCormick was 2 for 3 with an RBI. Mason Buck was 2 for 4 with three runs scored and he had an RBI and a double. Michael Arnold was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and he hit a double. Easton Silman was 2 for 4 with a run scored. Kyle Dodd was 2 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI. Kaden Argenbright and Ryan Humphries both had one RBI.
Tyler Armstrong was the winning pitcher. Brady Crouse and Argenbright also pitched.
On Thursday, the Wildcats jumped out to a 6-1 lead early and then held on to defeat Gilmer, 6-5. The Wildcats are now 3-3 for the season.
On Saturday, the Wildcats play Van at 1 p.m. and then Lindale at 3:30 p.m.
A & M-Commerce Receives Grant for Texas Affordable Baccalaureate Program
COMMERCE, TX—On March 2, 2017, in Austin the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board awarded Texas A&M University-Commerce with one of four expansion grants for new Texas Affordable Baccalaureate (TAB) programs. The total award exceeded $650,000. A&M-Commerce shares this funding with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Tarleton State University, and South Texas College (which partners with Austin Community College).
The A&M-Commerce grant will help develop a competency-based online Bachelor of Science hybrid degree in criminal justice, meaning the focus will be on adult learners with prior criminal justice employment experience. It will be designed to assist the nontraditional student by providing a more affordable path toward degree completion, through a self-paced online learning platform.
“This unique portal extends higher education to citizens of Texas heretofore unable to finish a course of study. We are delighted to receive funds from the Coordinating Board to develop a second line of study, criminal justice,” said Texas A&M University-Commerce President Ray Keck.
“At the Texas A&M University System, we are always looking for new ways to lower costs and increase options for our students,” said A&M System Chancellor John Sharp. “This initiative is a natural fit for us. I am so proud that three of our universities are on the leading edge of it, and I am grateful to the Coordinating Board and the funders for making it possible.”
Fundraising efforts for the grants were supported by The College for All Texans Foundation and made possible by AT&T Aspire, Greater Texas Foundation, Kresge Foundation, and the Meadows Foundation.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report February 22-28, 2017
Wood County Sheriff’s Report: February 22nd through February 28th, 2017
February 22nd
At 8:48 a.m., cows were reported out on 154 and FM 14 in Quitman.
At 8:49 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Muddy Creek in Quitman.
At 10:35 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a call on CR 4681 in Winnsboro and met with an EMS paramedic. The paramedic stated that a 58 year old female had passed away at home. An autopsy was not ordered as her death was ruled by the Justice of the Peace to be of natural causes.
At 12:01 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 3992 in Winnsboro regarding a harassment call. The complainants reported that they were receiving harassing texts and Facebook messages from a known person. This case has been forwarded to investigators for follow-up.
At 4:41 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 2174 in Quitman on a possible assault. The reporting party stated that a family member had assaulted him during an argument regarding a theft that had occurred the previous day. When the deputies interviewed the parties, each accused the other of the theft. Investigators will follow-up on the theft and assault case.
At 4:57 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 3235 in Quitman. The reporting party stated that she had caught a family member smoking marijuana in his room. The subject admitted to smoking marijuana and deputies discovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his room. Brandon Lee Smith, 19, of Quitman was arrested for possession of marijuana.
At 5:14 p.m., a complainant came to the Sheriff’s Office to report an unauthorized transaction on her debit/credit card. An unknown subject made an on-line purchase on her account. Her bank will follow-up on the investigation.
At 8:05 p.m., cows were reported out on 154, 1 mile south of 515.
At 9:40 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 2950 in Alba on a domestic disturbance call. The suspect was located outside of the home and the complainant stated that, in the course of an argument, the suspect pushed him. The suspect was arrested for Class C Assault.
February 23rd
At 12:19 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4150/2088.
At 9:22 a.m., the complainant came to the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office to report that she had purchased a graphics printer on EBay, but never received the printer. She had sent 5 money orders totaling $4500.00. Due to the fact that she sent the money to an address in Modesto, California and the offense occurred over the internet, the investigation will be handled by the Modesto Police Department. Sheriff Castloo recommends that, when making any transactions on EBay, please verify that you are dealing with a reputable person and to check references.
At 2:47 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Alamosa Lane in Hawkins on a possible burglary call. The door to the residence had been kicked in and the complainant reported a large amount of money was missing as well as an AK47 rifle. Investigators will follow up on this case.
February 24th
At 12:20 a.m., deputies observed a vehicle in the area of FM 515 and CR 1885 driving at a high rate of speed and driving on the wrong side of the roadway. The subject arrived at his residence as the deputy was attempting to make a traffic stop and so the deputy pulled in behind him. Samuel Earle, 19, of Yantis was arrested for Driving while license invalid with previous conviction/suspension/without financial responsibility; DUI Minor and Open Container.
At 1:09 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 154 in Quitman.
At 3:17 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 69 in Alba.
At 6:10 p.m., cows were again reported out on Highway 69 in Alba.
At 7:03 p.m., mules were reported out on CR 2954 in Alba.
At 7:15 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a business on West Highway 154 regarding theft of property. The complainant reported that the suspects broke into 3 of his machines and stole approximately $3,800.00. The individuals were caught on video footage and one of the individuals has been positively identified. The investigation is continuing.
At 9:56 p.m., a donkey was reported out on Highway 80. Deputies put the donkey back into the pasture and fixed the fence so that it couldn’t get out again.
February 25th
At 1:55 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 69/CR1610.
At 2:19 a.m., horses were reported out on Highway 154/FM 14. The owner was contacted and the horses put back into the pasture.
At 9:37 p.m., a traffic stop was initiated on Highway 17 in Yantis. The driver, Jody Luscomb, 50, of Yantis was taken into custody for Driving While License Invalid.
February 26th
At 12:41 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a burglary on Highway 37 South. The complainant advised that an unknown person had taken multiple tools from a back room in his residence. The value of these tools is approximately $300.00.
At 3:47 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515.
At 5:24 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2231.
At 5:40 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779.
At 10:04 p.m., deputies were dispatched to FM 69 on a call regarding a possible Violation of a Protective Order. It was determined that a valid protective order was in place and Daniel Johnson, 23, of Como was arrested for Violation of a Protective Order.
At 11:46 p.m., deputies were dispatched to FM 14 in Hawkins on a public intoxication call. The subject stated that she didn’t want to call anyone to pick her up so Jennifer Maxson, 41, of Hawkins was arrested for Public Intoxication.
February 27th
At 1:21 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2231 in Mineola.
At 7:22 p.m., deputies met with 2 complainants on Church Street in Winnsboro regarding an assault. They reported that while they were driving with their young child in the car, a 3rd party drove erratically by following too closely and then pulling ahead and slamming on her brakes seemingly trying to cause an accident. At one point, while the complainants tried to pass the other vehicle, the other driver pulled to the left causing contact between the cars. The complainant then pulled off of the road and the 3rd party left the scene. The suspect in this case has been identified and the investigation is ongoing.
February 28th
At 12:29 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a report of a naked man walking in the roadway on C.R. 4249 in Winnsboro. The subject, Kenny Ray Hass, 48, of Winnsboro was placed into custody for Disorderly Conduct.
At 1:01 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 in Quitman.
At 1:06 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 1600 in Alba on a report of missing livestock. The complainant reported a missing 3 year old Wagyu cow valued at $1800.00. The cow has an ear tag and also a tattoo in her ear. Investigators will follow-up.
At 7:16 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Holiday Villages in Quitman on an assault call. The complainant reported that she went to her ex-husband’s residence and was assaulted by her ex-husband’s girlfriend. Investigators will follow-up.
At 11:57 p.m., deputies were attempting to serve a felony warrant on FM 2088 in Winnsboro. The subject was inside of the home, but another individual tried to prevent the deputies from entering and told them the wanted subject wasn’t at home. Laura Blansett, 43, was arrested for Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution/Known Felon.
Saltillo Lions Seek Regional Semi-Final Title Friday March 3 after Slidell Win
On Friday March 4, the Saltillo Varsity Boys will travel to Mansfield High School Gym to battle Graford for Regional Semi-Final title. They beat Slidell in Quarter-final rounds on Tuesday February 28. Here are photo highlights from the Saltillo win over Slidell.
Ryan Prewitt
Treyvor
Ryan Prewitt
Logan Camp
Walker McGill
Lyle Bench
Matthew Gurley
Clayton
Varsity Boys outscored Slidell 58-56 at Blue Ridge High School Gym for Regional Quarter-Final win
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Breast Cancer Center Unveils Mobile Mammography Unit
Tyler – The CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Ross Breast Center unveiled its new, state-of-the-art Mobile Mammography Unit during the Toast to East Texas Fundraising Kickoff Event on Thursday.
“The new mammography coach is truly exceptional and will offer leading edge care to the women of northeast Texas who need it most,” said Bobby McMillian, Administrative Director of System Imaging for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. “It is a beautiful and comfortable space, filled with state-of-the-art equipment that will help us improve access to care for thousands of women across the region – and it will help us save lives.”
The new vehicle contains a wealth of incredible equipment and features designed to make accessing needed care even easier for patients. The exterior is equipped with a large awning to provide a patient education area for health fairs and a cover in case of rain. The new stair and entry design is designed with slip-resistant flooring to provide stability as the patient enters the coach and lessens the potential for falls.
The interior is designed with the patient experience in mind, from employing a relaxing color scheme to integrating smooth, calming textures. The registration area is larger and more comfortable, due to the addition of plush seating tucked in a slide-out, which allows for more room between the patient registration and waiting areas. This area includes a large TV for education and entertainment while patients await their exam.
It is also specifically designed for a digital environment, with an enhanced network and Wi-Fi system for transmitting data.
In addition to the improving the patient’s experience, the new vehicle boasts industry-leading medical technology.
“The coach is equipped with a new Hologic Genesis Full Field Digital Mammography unit,” said Natalie Hanson, RT (R) (M), Mammography Compliance Coordinator at the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Ross Breast Center. “This unit provides a lower dose to the patient, and it processes images at a faster speed, allowing for shorter exam times. It is equipped with high-resolution monitors that provide exceptionally fine detail for reviewing patient images as they are acquired, thereby reducing the chance for recall due to motion or technical repeats.”
The coach also uses SMART Flexing Paddles: two paddles designed for comfort and enhanced tissue grip, as well as the FAST Paddle system, which conforms to natural contours of the breast, providing greater comfort to the patient and more even compression across the entire breast.
“Each detail of this vehicle is engineered to improve the mammography experience for our patients and for our medical staff,” said Hanson. “From the HEPA-filtered air-conditioning and heating system, to the anti-microbial seat coverings, to the recessed lighting with dimmers – we wanted to provide our patients with a best-in-class experience to match the nationally-recognized health care the Ross Breast Center has been providing to the women of Northeast Texas for years.”
“Thanks to the generosity and drive of the Women’s Board, we are able to make a direct impact on the lives of thousands of women in this region,” said McMillian.
A Toast to East Texas is a series of 10-12 parties that will take place over a period of one month, mid-April to mid-May benefiting the projects of the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Foundation Women’s Board. Generous patrons from the community will hold private parties in their home or at a location of their own choosing at no cost to the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Foundation. The Foundation Women’s Board will solicit sponsors and sell tickets to the events.
“Beginning in 2016 and spanning the months of April and May, ‘Toast’ included nine parties in fabulous homes and venues in the Tyler area,” said Darla Childress, the 2016 Chair. “When all parties were completed the event had raised over $280,000, well beyond the goal. All the proceeds benefit the Women’s Board designated project: this new Mobile Mammography Coach! With the participation of our gracious party Hosts, our generous sponsors and the entire Women’s Board, we were able to mobilize the community and make a real impact for Women’s health in Northeast Texas.”
“The past year was a wonderful success, and we are incredibly proud to be carrying this event forward in 2017,” said Jion Dietz, the 2017 Toast to East Texas Co-Chair. “The Women’s Board and the surrounding community are committed to maintaining this effort and to enacting positive and lasting impact in Women’s health care.”
“This year, the funds raised will go to support a newly planned Pediatric Waiting Room of the Emergency Department at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler,” said Mercedes Noteware, 2017 event Co-Chair. “As many as 13,000 children come through the doors of the Emergency Department every year. This dedicated Pediatric space – apart from the adult emergency area – will shield children from potentially frightening adult emergencies and have many child-friendly features to help make their visit as smooth as possible, and minimize stress. The area will be designed with attention to the small things that can make a big difference to children and their families.”
Community Calendar March, 2017
The Pilot Club “Spring Brunch” is Saturday March 4 at 10am at League Street Church of Christ Fellowship Hall. The annual “fun-raiser” will bring Christian comedian/musician Robert Burkhart with a Branson-style one-man show. There will be plenty of food and fellowship. Tickets are $20 each at the door or by calling Pilot Club at 903-348-5099 or any member. The Sulphur Springs chapter is part of Pilot Club International.
A Beans and Cornbread Fundraiser for scholarships is planned by Sulphur Bluff Masonic Lodge #246 on Saturday March 4 at 6pm at the Sulphur Bluff Community Center. Also, the Lodge will present the Community Builder Award to Billy Emerson during the event. Once each year, Masonic Lodges can honor non-Masons who distinguish themselves through service to the community.
Sulphur Springs ISD plans Open House during the evenings of March 6-9 at all campuses on this schedule…ECLC, Douglas and SS High on Monday March 6…SS Middle and SS Elementary on Tuesday March 7… and Bowie, Lamar and Travis campuses on Thursday March 9.
Sulphur Springs and most Hopkins County schools will observe Spring Break Week March 13-17, 2017.
Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday March 12. Don’t forget to “spring forward” by an hour.
Cooper Lake State Park is offering recreational and education activities during Spring Break Week which include Dutch Oven Cooking, Treasure Hunting, Guided Canoeing, Fishing, Campfires and S’More, Nighthike, Photography 101 and many others. Find out about the schedule at 903-945-5256 or go to tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks.cooper-lake. Texas State Parks are yours to enjoy all year round.
The Reilly Springs Jamboree will feature local talent on Saturday March 18, 2017 at 7pm. “Two Hearts”, a teen sister duo from Winnsboro will perform with Roger Reed the Sunshine Band. The country music variety show is held on the third-Saturday night of each month in the historic “schoolhouse” Reilly Springs Community Center.
During tax season, free tax return preparation is being offered each Tuesday and Saturday from 9-1 at Wesley UMC Family Life Center. Trained AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers will prepare individual and simple small-business returns free of charge. For details, phone 903-885-3443.
Ladies age 60 and older who wish to compete in the Ms. Hopkins County Senior Pageant are being sought. If you are interested, contact Karon Weatherman at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center at 903-885-1661. There is no cost to enter. Ladies will compete in talent, philosophy of life and dressy wear categories. Winners advance to the Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant in the Metroplex this Fall. According to Pageant chairman Karon Weatherman, this is a fun and rewarding event for senior ladies.
PJC Board of Regents Simplify Tuition and Fee Structure
Providing a simplified tuition and fees structure for students, while balancing costs and maintaining affordability, was the goal of the Paris Junior College Board of Regents as they adopted a new structure for 2017-2018 tuition and fees.
In-district tuition remains at $55 per semester credit hour (SCH), while out-of-district tuition will be $105 per SCH ($55 tuition plus an out-of-district fee of $50), and non-resident tuition of $155 per SCH. All students will pay a $25 per SCH general fee while the registration fee has been removed. The new tuition and fee rates will go into effect with the Fall 2017 semester.
“This keeps PJC in line with the state average and our regional peer group,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin.
In other business, the Regents:
- Received a financial report from Comptroller Keitha Carlton on the fifth month of the fiscal year showing that while revenue is reduced, it remains ahead of expenditures.
- Approved the private sale of 21 properties that were not sold through the public sale on the courthouse steps, per Texas Property Tax Code Section 34.05(i).
- Authorized the Lamar County Appraisal Office to expand taxing authority for the 2017 tax statements.
- Approved the senior citizen tax exemption of $10,000 and a tax freeze for senior citizens 65 years of age and over and disabled citizens.
- Revised the dual credit tuition providing for in-district tuition of $150 per three-hour course and $200 for a four-hour course, and out-of-district tuition respectively of $180 and $240.
- Received an update on the local bill that provides an option to reconfigure the board of regents structure and election date.
- Approved the hiring of Educational Opportunity Center Advisor Tonya Armstrong, Student Recruiter/Academic Advisor Randy Hider, Director of Information Technology Eddie Mahar, and Director of Human Resources Paula White; the resignation of Academic/Financial Aid Advisor Evan Woodall; and the retirement of English Instructor and Division Chair Rhonda Armstrong, effective May 12, 2017.
Lady Cat Softball 1-1 in Wylie Tourney
The Lady Cats’ softball team won one and lost one in a Wylie tournament Thursday. The Lady Cats defeated South Grand Prairie, 7-3 and then lost to Wylie, 7-3.
Against South Grand Prairie, the Lady Cats had a five run top of the third and tacked on two more runs in the top of the fifth. Bailey Haggerty pitched 3 innings and struck out 2. Ali Fite pitched 2 innings. The pitchers allowed South Grand Prairie only 2 hits. The Lady Cats pounded out 11 hits. Hannah Crowson, Sadie Stroud and Brinklee Driver all had two hits. Driver also drew a walk and drove in 4 runs. Kristen Allen also drove home a run. Mia Pharis and Jaye Dougthtie also had walks.
In the second game, Wylie scored three runs in the top of the first and never trailed in their 7-3 win. The Lady Cats got to within one at one point trailing Wylie, 4-3 after four innings before Wylie scored the game’s final 3 runs. Ali Fite took the pitching loss allowing 7 runs and 11 hits with 4 strikeouts over seven innings. The Lady Cats committed three errors. The Lady Cats had 8 hits. Alyssa Abron had 2 RBI’s. Kristen Allen worked a walk. With the split, the Lady Cats are now 10-3 for the season. They will play Princeton at 11 a.m. and Frisco Wakeland at 5 p.m. on Friday in the Wylie tournament.
Early Innings Secure Win for Wildcats
The Wildcats’ baseball team jumped out to a 6-1 lead on then held on for dear life to eke pass Gilmer, 6-5 in the Robbie Surratt Memorial Tournament in Lindale Thursday.
Kamren Harrison was masterful on the mound and got the pitching win allowing just a single run on 3 hits in six innings with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. He threw 82 pitches. Dawson Draper pitched the seventh for the Wildcats.
Kaden Argenbright was 2 for 3 with 2 doubles and an RBI. Easton Silman was 2 for 3 with 3 RBI’s. Gaven Millsap and Ryan Humphries also had RBI’s. The Wildcats had 6 hits. The Wildcats had two first inning runs. Mason Buck walked and stole second. Argenbright doubled Buck home. Silman singled home the second run.
After Gilmer cut the lead in half with a second inning run, the Wildcats went ahead 3-1 in the bottom of the third. Silman drove in Michael Arnold who had walked and moved to second on a wild pitch.
The Wildcats went up 5-1 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth. Jamal Hobson-Cox singled and stole two bases. Millsap drove him in with a single. Humphries grounded to short to drive in Millsap who had advanced to third on a hit batter and fielder’s choice.
The Wildcats made it 6-1 in the bottom of the sixth as Silman singled to drive in Arnold who had been hit by a pitch. The Buckeyes seventh inning rally produced 4 runs but fell one run short. They had 3 walks and a hit batter to set the table. A fielder’s choice grounder drove in one run and a big double plated three more runs. A game ending strikeout left the tying run at second.
The Wildcats took advantage of the Buckeyes wildness on the mound. Gilmer pitching walked 6 and hit five batters.
The Wildcats are now 2-3 for the season. They will play Brownsboro Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the tournament.
