Pritchard’s Bonds Increased Following Thursday Hearing
Thursday morning in Eighth Judicial District Court, Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris filed a motion on behalf of the state to hold bonds for Nicole Pritchard as insufficient for the two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance greater than 4-grams and less than 200-grams. She was accused of committing a new offense while out on bond for those two charges.
In the hearing, Harris called Officer Joe Scott and Sgt. Mark Estes with the Special Crimes Unit who testified for the state regarding the new charge. Judge Eddie Northcutt found that the defendant had committed the new offense and held her bond insufficient. Her bonds have now been set at $50,000 for each of the two counts for which she was out on bond. The bond of $10,000 had been set for her August 31st offense. She is now in custody on bonds totaling $110,000.
In the original offense, a traffic stop on East Loop 301 found a vehicle carrying three individuals that pulled up to make contact with Ellis, Jr. and Carrizales. Brandon Jon Stowater, 18, was riding in the front passenger seat. Investigators clearly noticed Stowater attempting to hide something in the area of the seat. Stowater was then taken out of the vehicle and detained for the officers’ safety. The investigator could see in plain sight a Marlboro cigarette package with the top slightly opened in the passenger door. A clear plastic Ziploc bag could be seen sticking out of the cigarette pack. The bag was retrieved by the investigator and was found to contain approximately 7.7 grams of methamphetamine and a green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana. At that time, the driver and remaining passengers were asked to exit the vehicle. Pritchard, 25, was one of the passengers for Possession of a Controlled Substance greater than 4 grams and less than 200 grams
Doddy Pleads Guilty During District Court Docket Call Thursday
In Eighth Judicial District Court Thursday morning, Antonio Eugene Doddy, 36 pled guilty and was sentenced to 12 months in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Evading Arrest Detention with a previous conviction. Doddy was arrested June 6 of this year. He had prior arrests in Upshur and Camp Counties.
A full docket including pretrial, administrative hearings, and various stages of actions before the court regarding those charged with offenses were scheduled to be heard both morning and afternoon keeping the court busy Thursday.
Chamber Connection October 13, 2016
by Lezley Brown
The Stew Contest is almost here!! The Chamber had a successful meeting Tuesday night with our soon to be stew cooks who were able to pick up their goody bags and grocery reimbursement checks. If you are already signed up to cook stew but missed the meeting, please come by the Chamber to pick up your awesome goody bag.
The 47th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest will be held at Buford Park on Saturday, October 22nd. Stew service will begin at 10:45 a.m. Quart sales begin at 11:30 a.m., and the “Drive-Thru Stew” line will open at 12:30 p.m. Stew tickets are already on sale at all local banks and at the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are All-You-Can-Eat Stew for $5.00 each. T-shirts will also be available for $10 each.
More exciting Chamber news:
The winners of the Inaugural Photography Contest were announced this week. First place winners were: Sara Voss, Children’s category; Amy Voss, People category; Craig McBrayer, Natural World category, and Kelly Patterson, Hopkins County Experience category. Kim Beck was named the winner of the Enhanced Image category as well as Overall Winner. Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to all who submitted photographs into the competition. The entries were fantastic!
Fall Festival is selling tickets for the October 22nd Hometown Sounds Concert featuring Hannah Kirby
Tickets went on sale Thursday, September 1st for the Hannah Kirby and Mansion Family Hometown Sounds Concert on October 22nd. Tickets are on sale online at www.outhousetickets.com and cost $17.50 each. The concert will be held that evening in the SSISD Auditorium.
The HC Fall Festival hosted their Business After Hours on Thursday, October 6th from 5-6:30 p.m.
The Hopkins County Fall Festival held their Business After Hours Mixer and Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Thursday, October 6th from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in Sulphur Springs. There were finger foods, desserts, beer, wine and great door prizes. This officially launched the 2016 Fall Festival. For all Fall Festival information, please visit www.hopkinscountyfallfestival.com.
P-31 Fitness hosted a free class and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, October 8th at 8 a.m.
P-31 Fitness hosted their ribbon cutting celebration followed by a free class to all who wanted to participate. Krista Morrill, current owner of P-31 Fitness, invited Rachel Curtis, the founder of P-31 Fitness, to lead the class! This was a great opportunity for anyone who was curious to try P-31 to come give it a whirl. The ribbon cutting began at 8 a.m., and the hour long class immediately followed. P-31 meets at The ROC gym in Sulphur Springs, 116 Oak Avenue. For more information, visit www.p31fitness.com.
Summit Dental will host their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Thursday, October 13th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Summit Dental will hold a ribbon cutting and Open House celebration to welcome their new dentist, Elizabeth Jaynes, on Thursday, October 13th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. They are located at 422 Oak Avenue in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to come by and network with our Chamber family at Summit Dental.
CBJ will host a Business After Hours on Thursday, October 13th at 5:30 p.m.
CBJ Embroidery & Screen Printing is hosting a Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the opening of their new location at 321 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs. They are inviting everyone to come by to see their newly remodeled building and to enjoy food and drinks. Please place this event on your calendar!
Brian Toliver Ford will host a Ground Breaking Ceremony on Friday, October 14th at noon
Brian Toliver Ford will host a Ground Breaking Ceremony for their new dealership on Friday, October 14th at noon. Come and enjoy snacks and refreshments and catch a peek at the plans for the new dealership.
Pumpkins-on-the-Square has been cancelled but…
Pumpkins on the Square that was scheduled for Saturday, October 15th has been cancelled. However, the judging for the fall decorating contest will still be held on Friday, October 14th.
The Fall Festival Parade is scheduled for Saturday, October 15th at 10 a.m.
The Fall Festival Parade will be held Saturday, October 15th beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will take its usual route leaving from Buford Park, continuing on Connally street, then heading down Gilmer Street. You must register to ride in the parade. For more information, see www.hopkinscountyfallfestival.com.
Reilly Springs Jamboree 60th Anniversary Show on Saturday, October 15th at 6 p.m.
Wow! 60 years! The Reilly Springs Jamboree is having their 60th Anniversary Show on Saturday, October 15th at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and there will also be cake walks and door prizes. Many performers will be there including Roger Reed & Sunshine Band, Shelby Glen & Texas Thunder. For more information, call Enola Gay at (903) 438-3568 or Roger Reed at (903) 348-7114. The Reilly Springs Community Center is located at 109 CR 1439 in Sulphur Springs.
Cross Country Cowboy Church to host 7th Annual Fall Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, October 29th at 7 p.m.
Cross Country Cowboy Church is hosting their 7th Annual Fall Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, October 29th at 7 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Tickets are $5, and the first 500 ticket holders receive a free meal of hamburger or hot dog, fries, and a drink. Kids four and under may enter for free. There is fun for the whole family including free kid scrambles, wild cow milkin’s, and a team bucket race. There is a $600 entry fee to be a contestant in the rodeo. Proceeds benefit local residents fighting cancer through the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation. Contact Rowdy France for more information, (903) 243-2524.
Divorce Care held weekly at First United Methodist Church at 6:00 p.m.
Divorce Care is a weekly seminar and support group that will help you heal from the hurt of divorce or separation. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. You will learn practical information that will help you deal with the challenges of being divorced. Best of all, you will gain hope, healing, and help for your future. Divorce Care Meets every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 beginning on October 5th at the First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs in the Open Door Sunday School Classroom. This is found in the basement of the main building. There is childcare if needed. They will meet for 14 weeks with one week of a special session entitled “Surviving the Holidays”. This is scheduled for November 16th. Contact information is Tom Young at [email protected], (903) 413-1673 or Debbie Young at [email protected]; (903) 243-1235.
The Senior Citizens Center is honoring local Veterans during the month of November
Karon Weatherman from the Senior Citizens Center is planning to honor local veterans during the month of November. If you are a veteran and would like to have your photo on the wall at the Senior Citizens Center, please bring in or mail a photo of yourself in your military uniform. These photos will be returned in excellent condition. You may submit 5×7 photos, but nothing larger. The address to mail the photos is: Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, 150 Martin Luther King Blvd, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482. Photos need to be submitted by Friday, October 21st. The Senior Citizens Center is eager to say thank you to veterans for their service.
New members to the Chamber:
Welcome to our two new members of the Chamber of Commerce! We are happy to welcome The Alcove at 101 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs, and H&R Block at 1402 Mockingbird Lane in Sulphur Springs.
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
Failure to Flee Probation Officer
When the SSPD officer arrived at the adult probation office to arrest a man on violation of probation warrants, the officer observed a probation officer giving chase to the individual he would arrest.
The probation officer chased Sean Eric Whittle, 28, into the parking lot where Whittle was entering an auto on the passenger side. The police officer blocked the auto’s exit and confronted Whittle.
Whittle is in Hopkins County Jail being held for violation of probation on two counts of delivery of marijuana under 5 lbs. His charges add up to a state jail felony.
Roach Found Guilty, Sentenced to 25 Years Without Parole
Wednesday afternoon in Eighth Judicial District Court, Donald Michael Roach was found guilty of Sex Abuse of a Child Continuous: Victim Under 14-Female and was sentenced to 25 years without parole in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Roach will be 69 years old when released from prison.
Donald Michael Roach
Regarding the case, Assistant District Attorney Harrison said, “On October 11th and 12th, Donald Michael Roach of Yantis was tried for the offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14 Years of Age. Judge Eddie Northcutt heard the case as the fact-finder and a jury was waived by both sides. During the trial, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Dennis Findley testified about his work on the case and he offered photographs he had taken of the house where the sexual abuse took place for several months. The victim in the case, an 8-year old female, testified about a pattern of sexual acts that Roach performed on her in her mother’s house, in Roach’s truck, and at a deer stand Roach had access to.
The child was interviewed in Winnsboro by forensic interviewer Mary Spurlin who specializes in working with children who have been sexually abused. She was also examined by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Roselyn Anglin, for physical and medical indicators of abuse. Kenneth Dean, the Hopkins County Jail Administrator, offered three recorded telephone calls made by Roach in which he made incriminating statements about the case and admitted to lying to his attorneys. Judge Northcutt found Roach guilty on October 12th and sentenced him later that afternoon.
During sentencing, Roach’s ex-wife testified that he held a shotgun to her head for hours while he was intoxicated and verbally, physically, and sexually abused her for years. Roach was sentenced to 25 years of confinement with no possibility of parole, which means he will serve 25 calendar years day-for-day. He will be 69 when he is released from prison and the victim will be 33.”
Harrison pointed out the unique sentence. He said, “I think’s important to know that this 25 year sentence is unlike a standard child sexual abuse sentence. Normally, a defendant has to serve ½ of the offense before they are eligible for parole. With this crime, specifically, the Texas Legislature made it so that the defendant has to serve every day of the sentence, without exception.”
The professionalism of Lewis Tatum and Dennis Findley of the Sheriff’s Department made this a solid case from day one, according to Harrison. He said, “Getting the child interviewed and examined immediately by professionals was the right call.”
Roach was represented by Rachel Flatt and Frank Hughes. The State was represented by Clay Harrison and Matt Harris.
Local Law Enforcement Assist Motorists at Noon Wednesday
One of at least four autos and drivers assisted by local law enforcement Wednesday around noon. Flat tires resulted from road debris.
At least four vehicles traveling I-30 Westbound between Broadway and Bill Bradford Road had to have assistance in changing tires after they drove through debris on the roadway Wednesday between noon and 1 p.m.
Sulphur Springs Police, Department of Public Safety Troopers and a Constable responded to assist the motorists. At least two vehicles were occupied and driven by senior adults.
The motorists were on their way to their destination or to purchase a new tire or have a tire repaired around 1 p.m.
Earth-Kind Living Conference Set for November 18
East Texans will have the chance to learn about new environmentally friendly techniques around the home and ranch during the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Earth-Kind Living conference Nov. 18 in Sulphur Springs.
The conference will be held at the First Baptist Church, 116 Oak Ave. and begins with registration at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
“The conference will introduce consumers, producers and volunteers to Earth-Kind Living, a balanced system using university research-proven techniques for quality living, environmental stewardship and overall well-being,” said Larry Pierce, AgriLife Extension regional program leader for the agency’s Districts 4 and 5, Overton. “Experts will share information on agricultural production, land stewardship, health and wellness, and Earth-Kind friendly homes.”
Cost is $25 if attendees preregister by Nov. 10 and $35 the day of the event. For more information and to register, go to http://agrilife.org/
“The lineup of speakers is very knowledgeable about this land stewardship effort,” Pierce said. “You have experts in the various fields — and somebody like Gary Price, who is a rancher, can provide a really good perspective about how Earth-Kind methods can improve production and the overall quality of a working ranch operation.”
Speakers for the general session include:
- Dr. Ron Gill, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, Dr. Susan Ballabina, AgriLife Extension executive associate director, College Station – Research-based Truth in Agricultural Production, Land Stewardship, Health and Wellness.
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Gary Price, owner 77 Ranch, Blooming Grove – Environmental Stewardship, Managing for the Next Generation.
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Dr. Jenna Anding, AgriLife Extension associate department head, department of nutrition and food science, College Station – Food Waste.
Concurrent sessions will include:
- Clint Perkins, AgriLife Extension agent, Wood County – Earth-Kind Pasture Management.
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Tim Hartmann, Earth-Kind program specialist, College Station – Vegetables and Herbs.
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Dr. Steve George, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, Dallas – Earth-Kind Landscapes.
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Jheri-Lynn McSwain, AgriLife Extension agent, Shelby County – Earth-Kind Kitchen and Denita Young, AgriLife Extension agent, Rains County – Kitchen Composting, Pantry Pests, Vermiculture.
- Janet Rowe, Master Gardener, Rockwall – Earth-Kind Beekeeping.
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Mandy Patrick, AgriLife Extension agent, Houston County – Earth-Kind Home Air Quality/Energy Efficiency/Water.
The sessions will be followed by a panel discussion and question and answer session.
Program coordinators said the benefits of the Earth-Kind living include environmental stewardship and long-term productivity for agriculture enterprises, as well as encouraging water conservation and providing natural soil protection and enrichment. It also utilizes plants and animals with the best adapted genetics to encourage and protect wildlife diversity, including pollinators and beneficial insects, by reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals.
Annual Fall Coat and Blanket Drive Underway at CANHelp
CANHelp staff stays, “Fall is finally here. Temperatures will be dropping soon and it is time to think about staying warm both outside, as well as at home.
“Unfortunately, not everyone in Hopkins County has the means to stay warm and comfortable. There is a need in our community for warm coats and blankets. Please join CANHelp and sponsors by participating in our Annual Fall Coat and Blanket Drive to ensure everyone in Hopkins County stays warm this winter.
“We are accepting new and gently used coats of all sizes and new blankets from starting now through November 11th at CANHelp, City National Bank (Mockingbird Location), Hope’s House (located at First Baptist Church) and Shannon Oaks Church. Just look for our drop off barrels!!
“CANHelp will also be hosting a Drive Thru Drop Off on Friday, October 28, 2016. Just bring your gently used or new coats and new blankets to CANHelp at 613 Gilmer St. from 7:00am to 9:00am and you will receive a free breakfast with coffee or hot chocolate, while supplies last. You will not even have to get out of your vehicle!
“Please don’t forget to search your closets for those cold weather items you no longer use! CANHelp’s Annual Fall Coat & Blanket Drive provides an easy way for individuals, families, schools, and organizations to participate in helping their neighbors in need.
“All donations will be distributed by CANHelp to those in need in Hopkins County beginning November 1, 2015 at CANHelp.
“Thank you to our Sponsors: City National Bank, First Baptist Church, Hope’s House, and Shannon Oaks Church.”
Mitchell Advances to State Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Free Enterprise Speech Contest
Texas Farm Bureau State Director Mark Chamblee Hopkins Rains County Farm Bureau President Don Smith and wife Marilyn.
After attending the Texas Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Conference this summer, Sheyenne Mitchell competed in the District 5 Free Enterprise Speech Contest on Tuesday in Mount Pleasant representing the Hopkins Rains County Farm Bureau. She took first place and was awarded a $1500 scholarship along with a paid trip to compete at the state level in San Antonio this December.
Sheyenne, a Senior at North Hopkins High School, is the daughter of Warren & Stephanie Mitchell. Active in FFA, she is also a volleyball and basketball team member.
