Hopkins County United Way Third Week Brings Total so Far to Over $50,000
Brandon Williams, United Way Campaign Chairman
Hopkins County United Way Campaign reported a total of $19,985 collected following their third week report. Through three weeks, the grand total to date is $50,928.50. They are seeking to reach a $165,000 goal during the campaign.
100% Club for October 18, 2016; companies/individuals meeting or exceeding the posted goal
Moore Construction
East Texas Gymnastics
Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts
GSC Enterprises
Guaranty Bank and Trust Corp.
Guaranty Bank and Trust Employees
Jay Hodge Chevrolet
The Plan Shop
State Farm – Bear Littleton
Hammond Mobile Homes
Texas AgriLife Extension Office
Cross Motor Sales
The Shoe Inn
Sulphur Springs Floral
La Victoria
Financial Solutions
A & S Air Conditioning
Pizza Inn
Bearing General Contractors, Inc.
Northeast Texas Farmers Co-Op
Farm Country
Gourmet Kitchen & Co.
Ramey and Sheffield
Carl D. Bryan
Roper and White
Kiwanis
Winburn Milk Co.
Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission
PJC President’s Town Hall Meeting at Civic Center–Complete Video
by Doug Haston
The complete Town Hall Meeting Monday Night at the Hopkins County Civic Center. You may need to turn up your sound.
Grand Jury Hands Down October 2016 Indictments
A Hopkins County Grand Jury handed down 49 indictments Monday afternoon, October 17th. Six were sealed awaiting arrest of the indicted individuals.
Those indicted include:
Justen Black Saffel was indicted for one count of Arson. Hopkins County Fire Marshall Mike Matthews’ investigation of a structure fire on County Road 4582 has led to the arrest of Saffel, 21, a volunteer with the North Hopkins Volunteer Fire Department. During an interview with Saffel, he confessed to committing the arson. He explained how he started the fire and the reason for starting the fire. He started the fire so that he could return to the scene with fellow volunteers and put the fire out. He acted alone in the arson incident. The house fire Labor Day weekend near Birthright at County Road 4587 and CR 4582 was suspect when a structure, vacant for several years, was fully engulfed when county firemen responded to a grass fire and found the structure as they began their work.
Kyri Shakur Ivery was indicted for two counts including one count for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and one count of Assault Public Servant. Sulphur Springs Police were called to a disturbance in the 700 block of Fuller Street in September. There the officer found Kyri Shakur Ivery, 23, in the yard of the residence yelling and acting belligerent. When the officer asked her to calm down, she began to curse and yell again. As he attempted to restrain her, she pulled away and resisted the officer. As he used necessary force, she scratched his wrist. Following her restraint, the officer’s investigation found that she had attacked her brother with a knife and bit him as he tried to wrestle the knife from her.
Ashlee Michele Swilling was indicted for Abandon Endanger Child Criminal Negligence. Deputies responded to a call in July of this year in reference to a two (2) to three (3) year old child who was found walking by himself down County Road 1138 near Cumby Thursday morning. Approximately 30 minutes later the mother of the child, Ashlee Michele Swilling, 27, was contacted. Swilling stated that she had noticed the child missing at approximately 7:30 a.m. and had been looking for him. She did not contact law enforcement until 8:30 a.m.
Mistie Michelle Watson, 42, was indicted for Burglary of Habitation. A 42-year old Sulphur Springs woman was apparently caught in the act of burglary in September of this year. Officer David Kelly of Sulphur Springs responded to a report for a burglary in progress in the 300 block of north Davis when he came upon a woman loading items into the rear of a truck. She told the officer it was her second load of items. Turns out the woman did not live at the residence and did not have permission from the owner to take things.
Lillie Faye Thompson, 17, was indicted for Burglary of Habitation. She was found with Watson at the scene of the North Davis Street burglary.
Clayton Matthew Hykel was indicted for Burglary of Habitation. Hykel was also indicted for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. A burglary of a habitation south of the city of Sulphur Springs in August of this year was solved the day it happened. Hykel had taken firearms and jewelry in the burglary. Deputies received information that firearms taken in the burglary could be located at a residence on a County Road between Como and Pickton. Deputies found Hykel hiding in the attic at his residence. Along with Hykel were the stash of stolen firearms and about one half of the jewelry taken. The firearms were quickly confirmed to be stolen out of Hopkins County. Hykel admitted to entering the residence through a window and removing the firearms and jewelry without consent of the owner. He also informed deputies and investigators that the remainder of the jewelry had been pawned in Kaufman County.
Timothy Blake Merrell was indicted for Theft of Property over $2500 but less than $30,000.
James Allen Hall, 49, was indicted for Theft of Property under $2500 with two or more previous convictions. A white male was observed taking a bicycle from a residence near 331 Magnolia Street in Sulphur Springs in September and local police were called. When the police arrived to the theft, it wasn’t long until the bicycle was located by the victim at the Magnolia Street address. James Allen Hall, 49, of Sulphur Springs was arrested for theft with two previous convictions, a state jail felony.
Tammie Leshun Wherry was indicted for Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information less than 5 items. She was also indicted for possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1 under 2-gram.
Scott Allen Moore, 19, was indicted for Evading Arrest/Detention with vehicle. Fleeing a Hopkins County Deputy in September, avoiding DPS spikes by driving in the ditches or into oncoming traffic, using a church parking lot and the pasture surrounding were just a few of the was charged with Evading Arrest Detention with a Motor Vehicle, a Felony 3. The deputy attempted to stop Moore for a traffic violation. When the officer turned on his overhead lights, Moore sped off on FM 69 and turning down a county road 2320. He continued to use various county roads passing several people on riding lawn mowers on the roadways. DPS troopers attempted to use spikes but Moore utilized the ditches and oncoming traffic, driving though the parking lot at Elm Ridge Baptist Church and the pasture next to the church. Then he continued onto State Highway 11, FM 1870 and was finally stopped and arrested. During the chase a DPS patrol unit was involved in a minor accident.
Tammy Leann Crouch was indicted for Stalking.
Richie Adam Trahan was indicted for Impersonating a Public Servant.
Yancy Martin Mills was indicted for Driving While intoxicated third or more.
John Eric Kelly was indicted for Driving While intoxicated third or more.
Jana Marie Kirtley was indicted for hinder Apprehension or Prosecution Known Felon and indicted for Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with intent to impair. In August, Hopkins County Deputies were searching for Scott Arthur Gorton, 53, to serve a warrant for Violation of Probation for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1 over 1-gram and less than 4-grams. In the process of their search things became complicated when Jana Marie Kirtley, 50, attempted to hinder his apprehension, was in Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 under 1-gram, resisted arrest, and tampered with physical evidence with intent to impair. At Hopkins County Jail, it was found that Kirtley had slipped her hand out of the handcuff and two plastic baggies containing a crystal like substance known to be methamphetamine were found in the backseat of the patrol car. Kirtley, who has also used the name Jana Marie Gorton,
Chadwick Okeyth Johnson was indicted for Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with intent to impair. He was also indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram.
Austin Eduardo Torres was indicted for Manufacture Deliver Controlled Substance Penalty Group 3 under 28-grams in a Drug Free Zone. He was also indicted for Possession with intent to deliver Penalty Group 3 under 28-grams in Drug Free Zone and indicted for Possession with intent to Deliver Penalty Group 3 over 28-g but less than 200-grams in a Drug Free Zone. Torres, 17, of Sulphur Springs was arrested in a traffic stop Monday at 10:45 p.m. Torres was a passenger in the auto. When the 2008 GMC was stopped, the officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana and noticed Torres holding a small black bag against the floorboard with his foot. Torres was also carrying in his left pocket a cigarette box containing several pill capsules containing suspected methamphetamine weighing 2.31-grams. The black bag contained a small wax paper with marijuana wax weighting approximately 1.7-grams. Also several suspected Alprazolam, Clonazepam, and Hydrocodone pills, along with a jar of green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was also located. Torres claimed ownership to all the narcotics.
Timothy Dale Moore was indicted for Manufacture Deliver Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 1-gram but under 4-gram in a Drug Free Zone.
Isaiah Deonte Bryant-Lacy was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Penalty Group 3 under 28-grams in a Drug Free Zone.
Samantha Marie Martinez was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 1-gram but under 4-gram in a Drug Free Zone.
Marcus Errol McCarty was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone.
Chelsey Ann Miears was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1 over 1-gram but under 4-grams in a Drug Free Zone.
Morgyn Martin-Paul Morey was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance under 1-gram, Penalty Group 1 in a Drug Free Zone.
Cameron Blayne Davis was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 3, under 28-grams in a Drug Free Zone.
Tamera Gayle Davis was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1 over 1-gram but under 4-gram in a Drug Free Zone.
Kyle Dayne Putman was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 1-gram less than 4-gram.
Tabitha Ann Hughes was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 4-grams less than 200-grams.
Falyn Kathleen Henson was indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 1-gram less than 4-grams.
Indicted on one count each for Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 under 1-gram were: Crystal Lee Hickman, Jana Marie Kirtley, Jeremy Lynn Sharp, Gene Leonard Self, Jr., Tamera Gayle Davis, Thomas Wayne Ogletree, and Shellie Lynn Procter.
Winnsboro Police Report October 10-16, 2016
Winnsboro Police Department made two arrests, investigated one accident, responded to 149 calls for service and issued 40 citations and 47 warnings during the seven days of October 10 through October 16, 2016.
An accident on October 13th at 12:36 p.m. in the 300 block of East Coke Road occurred when a vehicle failed to yield right of way to a second auto. The first vehicle pulled out from a stop sign. No injuries were reported.
Arrested:
Troy Ragsdale, 31, of Winnsboro on a Wood County warrant on October 11.
Deven Brown, 26, of Winnsboro for Possession of marijuana under 2 oz in a Drug Free Zone on October 13th.
SSISD Board Honors Two Students, Hear Reports, Make Appointments
Sulphur Springs School Board honored two students for outstanding performance in academic achievement as they began their Monday night October board meeting in the administration building board room. The school board heard various reports and made appointments as well as accepted resignations and hired new personnel.
Christian Corona was recognized for his achievement in the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program. Corona is in the Wildcat Marching Band and will play taps for the school’s Veterans’ Day activities in November of this year.
Mandy Echart was recognized for her outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in 2015.
Kristin Monk and Lisa Robinson reported to the board that curriculum and reading data are nearing completion for the year. Robinson noted that the district is in its fourth year of a five year process to develop a curriculum that is tied and in line with the three principles of Written, Tested, and Taught. She noted that the district does not dictate to teacher how to teach but the district does support the teacher by presenting standards that can be utilized to unite the educational process for both teacher and student.
Red Ribbon Week for the district will be observed October 24-28. Red Ribbon Week emphasizes drug awareness and prevention of drug use.
Board members were provided copies of the Head Start Director’ Report and Head Start Policy Council Minutes for September.
Various appointments were made: Board Member Robbin Vaughn was appointed as school board representative to the Head Start Policy Council and Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams was named records management officer for the district.
Personnel changes include:
Resignations
Carol Ann O’Dell SpEd Aide Lamar
Jennifer Nunez SpEd Aide Middle School
Brandon Spangler Instructional Aide Austin Academic Center
New personnel
Xenia Franco SpEd Aide Lamar
Pamela Hooton Title I Aide Lamar
Taffy Kirby SpEd Aide Lamar
Stephanie Buchanan SpEd Aide Douglas
Carissa Williams SpEd Aide Douglas
Sara Brown SpEd Aide Middle School
Jonathan Scoggins SpEd Co-Teacher High School
Franklin County Sheriff Names Deceased Found near Rural Home; Investigation Continues
Monday, Franklin County Sheriff Ricky Jones released the name of the 23-year old found found near the front porch of a residence on Franklin County Road SW 4430. The deceased person from the incident last Thursday, 10-13-2016, is Levi Wayne Deforrest of Winnsboro, Texas. He was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Jim Alford. He died of an apparent gunshot wound, according to Jones.
Franklin County Deputies found the body after responding to a 911 call at 11:35 p.m. Thursday. The home owner in the 1400 block of Franklin CR SW 4430 had placed the call. According to Jones, the home owner and another witness are being interviewed at this time.
Deforrest body was transported to Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for an autopsy.
The investigation is continuing in to the events of that night by Franklin County investigators and the Texas Rangers.
Wildcats’ Marching Band Earned First Division Rating Saturday; UIL Competition Set for Tuesday
The Wildcats’ marching band earned first division ratings from three judges at a band contest in Commerce Saturday. Band Director Charles McCauley said the band was cheered on by a large number of supporters. He indicated the band again had their best performance of the year Saturday, full of energy with good tempo.
Despite the top rating, McCauley said the mostly complimentary judges did find some areas that could be improved. He said these included things such as posture and alignment. These was the second year in a row for the Wildcats’ band to attend the Commerce contest. McCauley said some band members might have been disappointed since the band was not able to duplicate last year’s accomplishment of earning top band in their division and top band overall. McCauley said the judging was very fair and he called the panel extremely good. McCauley did say the band was out of its’ routine some Saturday. They are used to performing after a Friday night game that they didn’t have this past Friday. Plus the performance took place quite late, at 8:10 p.m. They were the last band to perform.
Tuesday the band will perform in UIL competition at 4:30 p.m. at Sam Parker Stadium in Mt. Pleasant. The marching contest is the first leg toward sweepstakes. Sweepstakes is earned with first division ratings in marching in the fall and on stage concert and site reading in the spring.
DBA Fall Decorating Contest Winners Announced
Fifteen businesses entered the Downtown Business Association’s Fall Decorating Contest this year. Awards were presented to the top two business and top two residential winners were named Monday afternoon.
Ramey & Sheffield
City National Bank
First place business was presented to Ramey and Sheffield and attorney’s office located on Jefferson Street. Second place business was City National Bank.
First place residential was presented to Debra Tanton on West Park Street. Second place residential was Dr. Scott and DeAnna McDermont on Church Street.
Other entries in the contest included: Hopkins County District Clerk’s Office, Secret Garden, Redneck Café, Gourmet Kitchen, Galyean Insurance, Belle Amie Day Spa, City National Bank, Alliance Bank, Coffee Off the Square, Southwest Dairy Museum, Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab, Carriage House, Guaranty Bank and Trust, and Bodacious BBQ.
Tanton Home
McDermont Home
SuperCentenarian Corrine Snow to receive Governor’s Award
Hopkins County resident Corrine Snow is the oldest person in Texas at the age of 111. She is also the 14th oldest person in the United States of America. Earlier this year, she was honored with the State’s SuperCentenarian Award. Now, the rare “Yellow Rose of Texas” Award will be bestowed on Corrine in a ceremony on Friday October 28 at 11am the Sulphur Springs Senior’s Center. Texas House of Representatives Dan Flynn will confer the award on behalf of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The public is invited.
