Two Plea Bargain Agreements Made Monday in District Court
Two individuals took plea bargain agreements in District Courts in Hopkins County Monday.
In 62nd District Court at the Hopkins County Courthouse Monday, Kenneth Ray Vaughn, 61, plead to 14 years for Obstruction/Retaliation. Judge Will Biard heard the plea.
Kenneth Ray Vaughn
Vaughn was arrested on a January Sunday evening this year for Obstruction or Retaliation when Sheriff Deputy Sergeant Wade Sheets responded to a disturbance call at a residence on County Road 3562. At the residence he found Vaughn, who began to verbally threaten Sgt. Sheets. According to an arrest report, the man shouted “Don’t [expletive] with me” and that he would “Blow your [expletive] head off!”
Wesley Chester, 34, pled to 3 years in TDCJ in Eighth Judicial District Court before Judge Eddie Northcutt. Chester faced charges for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram, a State Jail Felony and Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Assault, a Felony 2.
Wesley Chester
In April, Chester forced entry into a residence on Houston Street resulting in an assault and his arrest. Chester, of Sulphur Springs, assaulted a male and female in the Houston Street resident. He shoved the female toward the front door and placed her in a choke hold causing restriction of breathing. He then struck a male in the head and placed him in a choke hold causing restricted breathing. Law enforcement observed visible injuries to both victims at the time of the incident and arrest.
Meal A Day Welcomes Former Driver’s Return
The Meal A Day program at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens’ Center depends a lot on volunteers. When a need arises, Senior Citizens’ Center Program and Marketing Director Karon Weatherman appeals to the public for help. Time and time again, the public answers. It happened again Monday.
Friday Ms. Weatherman said she was in need of an in-town Meal A Day driver for a Friday route beginning in January. Monday morning, a former driver answered the call. The volunteer had to quit driving in the past because of a health issue that is not a problem now.
County Commissioners In Work Sessions Monday; Consider Pumper Truck for Fire Department Wednesday
Hopkins County Commissioners looked to future county government concerns and upgrades during work sessions Monday morning. No decisions could be made during the work sessions but commissioners could begin the process of examining future items and concerns to come before the court during 2017.
During one work session, they discussed a variety of issues with Attorney Jim Allison as they reviewed new ideas and proposals for subdivision along with county septic tank rules, regulations and enforcement. The commissioners also discussed hazardous material concerns.
The roof problems and proposed solutions for the courthouse were also discussed with the contractor, Tom Glosup.
Software programs for the District and County Clerks offices were also a priority.
Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the first floor courtroom of the Hopkins County Courthouse, County Commissioners will consider approval of a custom pumper fire truck for the County Fire Department. They will also appoint representation to various boards and agencies in the county. A work session with civic center management and environmental officers will follow the Wednesday meeting.
Christmas 2016 at the Jamboree
The December 17, 2016 Christmas Reilly Springs Jamboree wrapped up the show’s 60th anniversary year with a concert by the Haystacks Youth Choir and country music by Shelby Glenn and Texas Thunder. The evening was dedicated to the memory of Bobby McDonald, a Reilly Springs native who often attended the show for photos for his Front Porch News website. The kitchen had Hopkins County stew prepared by Garland Hays, grilled burgers by Kerry Bailey and homemade desserts by Reilly Springs board members. In the New Year on the third Saturday night of every month, the Jamboree tradition will continue with family-friendly atmosphere, local musical talent and good food at Hopkins County’s original music venue.
Channel 18 Coaches Show: Wildcats Begin District Tuesday at Pine Tree; Lady Cats Host Pine Tree Monday
Clark Cipoletta on Wildcats
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta, on KSST Radio and Channel 18 TV’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show, said the win over Royse City Friday night in the Middle School Gym didn’t come easy. The Wildcats won 62-45.
Coach Cipoletta said there might have been some hangover from the tough Paris loss earlier in the week. Coaches are also big on routines and Coach Cipoletta said some of the players did not have to attend classes Friday. Several Wildcats’ dependable outside shooters had rare off shooting nights. Coach Cipoletta said he was proud of his team for finding a way to win.
Ke’Ontae Dunn, who scored a career high 26 points including 5 three point baskets, played lights out and carried the team, according to Coach Cipoletta. Post Victor Iwuakor was also a major force inside scoring 15 points with numerous blocked shots. The Wildcats also played solid defense allowing Royse City single digit scoring in the first and second quarter. Coach Cipoletta also added his team was successful in running Bulldogs off the three point line. Royse City, a team that loves the three, had to settle for only two made three pointers on the night.
The Wildcats now open district play Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in Pine Tree. Coach Cipoletta said the Pirates are a scrappy team, just like Royse City, except they are bigger and play harder. He added perhaps they don’t shoot quite as well as the Bulldogs. Coach Cipoletta is hoping the Wildcats will match the intensity of the Pirates in this early game on the road with school out.
Chapman on Lady Cats
The Lady Cats’ basketball team continues to play shut down defense and Friday the Lady Cats’ offense joined the party in a big way. The Lady Cats went to 2-0 in district play and 13-3 for the season after a 71-28 win over Hallsville in Wildcats Gym Friday.
What pleased Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman the most though was the unselfish way the Lady Cats shared the ball with each other. Coach Chapman was on KSST Radio and Channel 18 TV’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show. He said his goal is for his team to score more than 60 points while allowing less than 30.
Next the Lady Cats will play Pine Tree in Wildcats Gym Monday at 2:30 p.m. Coach Chapman called Pine Tree much improved over last year. He said a player, who he called the glue of the Lady Pirates team, returned to the team this season after living elsewhere the past two years. Marissa Gary scored 22 points in the Lady Pirates’ win at Texas High Friday. Pine Tree is 10-6 this season and they are 2-0 in district play. They also defeated Marshall last week. Coach Chapman said Pine Tree is a good team capable of winning if the Lady Cats don’t come ready to play.
Sunday Forecast
Wind chill in single digits this morning and again tonight; High: 31; Low: 16; Wind: North 10-20 mph, gusting to 25 mph
Infinity 4-H at Tractor Supply Raising Funds for a Trip to Houston.
Come by Tractor Supply Saturday December 17th from 11AM to 2PM. They are selling Hot-dogs, Drinks, and wrapping gifts for a Donation. Infinity 4-H is taking part in a Science Fair and Public Speaking Competition in Houston.
Wind Advisory; Cold Temperatures; Slight Chance of Snow/Sleet
A wind advisory has been issued for North and Central Texas beginning at 3 p.m. until midnight Saturday. An arctic cold front will enter North Texas around noon with wind increasing through the day and evening. Wind speeds of 25-30 mph, gusting to 40 are expected. The strong winds will result in wind chill factors between 5 and 15 degrees. Early Sunday morning the wind chill could drop as low as 0 to 10 degrees in some areas of the region.
A slight chance of sleet and snow could occur early Sunday morning but no travel impact is expected at this time. For more information on local weather, see Jim’s Daily Forecast
Lady Cats Stymie Hallsville; Face Pine Tree Monday
The Lady Cats’ basketball team combined a strong offensive effort with their usual stout defense to overwhelm Hallsville, 71-28 at Wildcats Gym Friday.
The Lady Cats got off to a fast start as they outscored the Lady Bobcats, 20-2 in the first quarter. The Lady Cats led 37-13 at the half and 60-21 after three quarters. Kaylee Jefferson led the Lady Cats with 21 points and also had 4 rebounds, 1 block, 8 steals and 6 assists. Sadavia Porter contributed 19 points and 6 assists. Destinee Weeks scored 8 points. The Lady Cats shot a blistering 56% from the field making 29 baskets on 52 shots. Imani Taylor had 6 rebounds. Rita Hill had 5 deflections. The team committed only 10 turnovers and they had 20 assists.
The Lady Cats are now 2-0 in district play and 13-3 for the season. Before the Christmas break, the Lady Cats will play Pine Tree Monday at 2:30 p.m. in Wildcats Gym.
Wildcats Defeat Royse City; District Opener Next Tuesday Afternoon
The Wildcats’ basketball team jumped out to a big halftime led and then coasted in the second half to defeat Royse City, 62-45 at the Sulphur Springs Middle School Gym Friday night.
The Wildcats led 15 to 8 after the first quarter and then increased with lead to 33-14 at the half. Royse City actually outscored the Wildcats 31-29 over the last two quarters but it wasn’t nearly enough. Ke’Ontae Dunn had one of his finest games as a Wildcats scoring a game high 26 points including 5 three point baskets. Victor Iwuakor was dominant inside with 15 points and numerous blocks.
The Wildcats improve to 13-2 for the season. The Wildcats have their district opener next as they play at Pine Tree Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. After that the Wildcats will go on a Christmas break until they play in a two-day Longview tournament that starts on December 28.
