Judge Presents Ivory With Penalty Choice
In a unique move Tuesday afternoon, Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt gave Troy Michael Ivory a choice of sentences. Ivory chose, what for him, may be the toughest to endure but will have the more profitable result in the end.
Judge Northcutt presented Ivory, who was found guilty of failure to register as a sex offender, the choice of 1) a five year sentence probated to two years and the felony conviction remains on his record, or 2) keep the felony conviction off his record with five years probation. However if he fails the five year probation, he will be sentenced from two to 10 years in prison.
In presenting Ivory with the option, the judge stated that Ivory thinks the legal system is picking on him. However, the need to comply with the rules of the system was stressed by the judge. Ivory was told that “…alcohol and weed weekly…” will break his probation and the judge has doubts that he will be able to comply for any length of time.
Ivory pled guilty to indecency with a child in 1998 and was sentenced to five years deferred and a lifetime of annual registration as a sex offender. He failed to register in October, 2014.
After consulting with his attorney, Martin Braddy, who had been the District Attorney that first prosecuted Ivory, he accepted the second option—keep the felony off his record with a five year probated sentence that should he fail will result in two to 10 years in prison.
texas flag courthouse
Lady Cats’ Volleyball Defeats Kilgore, John Tyler
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team now has a five-match winning streak after winning a pair of matches in Tyler Tuesday evening. The Lady Cats defeated Kilgore, 3-1. Scores were 22-25, 25-13, 25-16 and 25-10. The Lady Cats also topped John Tyler, the host school, 3-0. Scores in that one were 25-12, 25-11 and 25-20.
Against Kilgore, Kaylee Jefferson had 19 kills, Mieke VanBenthem 13 kills, Autumn Tanton 12 kills and Sheretta Hill 6 kills. Tori Moore had 39 assists. Imani Taylor had 9 digs, Tori Moore 8 and Anden Hammack 6.
Against John Tyler, in kills, Mieke VanBenthem and Autumn Tanton had 7 and Abbi Baier 4. Tori Moore had 24 assists and Anden Hammack 8 digs. The Lady Cats are now 7-4 for the season.
They’ll play more matches in a Wills Point tournament this Friday and Saturday.
Lights of Life Campaign Names Dr. Bill and Peggy Dietze Campaign Honorees
Left to right (front): Sher Sevier, Peggy Dietze, Dr. Bill Dietze (rear) Sam Sevier.
Every year, the Lights of Life Campaign Committee selects an individual, couple or business that has shown exceptional service, commitment and passion for Hopkins County and specifically for their support of the hospital. That tradition continues with the couple selected as the 2016-2017 Campaign Honorees: Dr. Bill & Peggy Dietze
Bill & Peggy have been an integral part of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation since its inception over 20 years ago. Dr. Dietze served on the Foundation Board of Directors and also was Chairman for several years. In 2009, he & Peggy served as the Lights of Life Campaign chairs which built the Children’s Therapy Gardens. Every year, without fail, Bill & Peggy are present for every event, activity, and meeting and of course the Gala. Dr. Dietze spends countless hours “picking up” and “returning” items for the Gala, while Peggy has one of the toughest jobs of the gala…keeping the committee fed! She manages to have the entire kitchen “packed” with the most delicious goodies anyone could ever want…for several days! Bill & Peggy are the epitome of servants to this community. It does not matter what you ask of them, they are going to give it 110% with smiles on their faces and happy hearts.
This couple has dedicated their lives to serving others and we are so thankful for their support of the Health Care Foundation, our local hospital and this amazing community.
Yantis School Board Calls For Tax Increase
Yantis School Boards is calling for a Tax Ratification Election (TRE), because the State of Texas is reducing funding for school districts. The Yantis School Board has proposed a $0.0518 tax increase.
Voting is this week from August (16th-18th) at Yantis High School from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm. Voting is also open Monday and Tuesday of next week (22nd & 23rd) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. According to one voter, the School Board claims that “if the TRE passes Yantis ISD will receive $230,000 more each year from the State, [but] if the TRE fails they leave $230,000…in Austin.”
Voters are asked to attend a short presentation Tuesday August 16th at 5:30 pm at Yantis High School and Thursday August 18th at 6:00 pm at Yantis Elementary School.
Visit www.yantisisd.net or call (903) 383-2463 if you have any questions or would like more details.
Winnsboro Police Report Busy Week
Five arrests, an accident at CHRISTUS Mother Francis Hospital parking lot, responding to 168 calls for service and writing 72 citations and 56 warnings keep Winnsboro police active during the seven day period, August 8-14, 2016.
Monday, Melvin Colvin, 53 years of age of Winnsboro, was arrested for Assault Causing Bodily Injury.
Tuesday, Tori Johnson, 25, of Winnsboro, was arrested for DWI.
Two were arrested Friday. William Goodwin, 29, of Winnsboro, was arrested on two Hopkins County warrants. Cynthia Morgan, 49, of Winnsboro was arrested for Driving While License Invalid with previous convictions.
Sunday, Richard Morgan, 33, of Winnsboro, was arrested for Possession of Dangerous Drug.
On Wednesday, a Mercury was attempting to park in a handicap parking space at CHRISTUS Mother Francis Hospital. The driver failed to control their speed and jumped over the curb striking a handicap parking sign and the brick wall behind the sign.
PJC Tax Annexation Interview With Dr. Pam Anglin
Jim Rogers with KSST sat down for an interview with Dr. Pam Anglin, President of Paris Junior College, regarding new and exciting opportunities PJC has to offer as well as the annexation proposal. The proposal is set to be voted on in the November election. More information regarding the annexation may be found in this previous article.
Dr. Anglin, Paris Junior College has some very significant things ahead?
“We do. We are planning on having an annexation referendum on the November 8th ballot that would give individuals in Hopkins County an opportunity to vote on whether or not to come into the taxing district and become a part of the college. By annexing, adding to, the taxing district bringing in additional counties it will secure the long term future of a community college in this area.”
How does expanding the district secure that future?
“Well, the legislature’s last three session has looked more for local support. As they talk about closing some community colleges or consolidating colleges they’re gonna look at those that have more local support, and by local support we are talking about tax base. Right now, PJC’s tax base is 44 square miles out of the 3,848 square miles it serves. So, we’re going to give everyone in that 3,848 square miles an opportunity to vote and make a decision this November.”
What percentage of students to do you at PJC receive compared to students that go outside of the area?
“When you look at our student population, if you look at our 5,000+ students, 84% of them are out of district, 15% are in district. When you look by county there are 1300 students from Hopkins County alone at the college. ”
When you say 1300 students, are you talking specifically the local campus here in Sulphur Springs or both campuses?
“On all three campuses. For example, if they’re in Nursing they’re gonna be on the Paris Campus right now.”
When you look at the necessity of that local support, what are you looking for in local support?
“It would be 8 1\2 cents per $100 valuation. So, if you have property that is valued on the tax rolls at $100,000.00 it would be $85 a year, $7 a month.”
That is lower than the original numbers?
“It is. I’ve done new calculations based on the 2016 assessed values of the entire 5 county area and 8 1/2 cents will make up that difference between out of district and in district tuition cost plus provide extra revenue to add to the programs that we have at the campus here.”
We talked about students, programs and also with industry here in Sulphur Springs, we have a unique industry blend, how do you serve that?
“We serve it in a couple of different ways. One is in the workforce training that we do. On this campus here we have the CNC Machining Program that will start up this fall . We have Machatronics and that’s big for the industry in Sulphur Springs, all the automated equipment in the food industry. We have Welding. We are opening up night program in welding this fall, so we’ll be running a day program and a night program.”
What advantage to the tax payer is there to be in the district?
“To be in the district, it is making sure that there continues to be accessible, affordable education for students wanting to get their first two year and transfer to a university or for the students wanting to get work place skills and get a job and stay in this area. That’s a big benefit, plus lower tuition. Instead of paying out of district tuition, they’re in district. This fall, out of district is $100 per credit hour and in district is $55 per credit hour. A lower cost for dual credit tuition also, plus more programs here, more trained workers with different programs.”
Is there a break for senior tax payers?
“There are. As far as taxes go, seniors would have a $10,000 exemption off the top and then taxes would be frozen for the seniors. We know that the college, if you look at the local hospitals, we train most of the nurses. If you call an ambulance, chances are that the paramedic or EMT on that ambulance was trained by us. Radiology technicians, surgical techs, medical record coders. So we’re training all of those people for the area. The college is training all of those and if the college went away, those workers would eventually go away. So for the people who don’t have young people coming up, it is an investment in the future of the county and in their own future and who is going to be taking care of them eventually.”
Do you find that the majority of the students who go to PJC basically remain in this area?
“They do. One of the things about this region, there are a lot of place bound people and they’ve grown up here, have relatives here, they’re invested in this area and have no plans on leaving. So it’s important to get them training to where they can get good, local jobs and make a living to support a family. I want young people that were like I was to have a chance. I grew up on a farm. I was the first one in my family to ever go to college and I didn’t know what to do or where to start.”
City Council to Conduct Public Hearing on Tax Increase
A special meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2016 in the Council Room at 201 North Davis. The following items will be discussed:
- Pledge and invocation.
- Conduct a Public Hearing for the proposed tax increase.
- Adjourn.
The proposed tax increase is not an increase in the tax rate, which will remain at 44-cents per $100 of property value. However, property values in the city have increased in 2016 and additional revenues will be received from the higher values. The hearing is required by law due to the increase in revenue created by the higher values.
city hall flag
Cattle and Horses on Roadways Create Concerns
Cattle and horses on roadways create concerns for Hopkins County citizens as well as those driving through the county on one of the three state highways that crisscross the county. With almost everyone having a cell phone with them at all times, drivers have a much easier time reporting animals in or near the roadway as they journey. Communications officers at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office field at least 10 calls per day regarding the hoof-on-highway problem. Often the multiple calls are drivers reporting the same maverick-spirited animal.
From the various calls, officers are able to ascertain through an increasing variety of information the responsible party for the animal or animals. A deputy is then dispatched to the area where the animals are not confined away from the roadway. At the same time, dispatch begins to call those who are identified in the area as responsible parties for or owners of bovine and equine. It often takes more than one call to determine the responsible party.
Communications officers told KSST News that specific areas of the county are more apt to have animals on roadways. State Highway 19 North and South, State Highway154 South, and State Highway 11 East and West, the three main state highways through the county, are the primary areas. With a lot of rain, specifically around Highway 11 West near the double bridges, cattle are more likely to stray from their home turf. At other times, the grass always seems greener on the other side and cattle press against fences until they are freed from their confinement to leisurely graze the side of the road. Sheep and goats are less likely to be found in the roadway locally.
Farm to Market roads and county roads are not immune from the roving hooves. However, accidents with the roving animals happen more often on the state highways due to higher speeds and less expectation of animals crossing the road.
Drivers who wish to report cattle or horses in the highway should get a reference point for the location and then call 911. If the animals are on the side of the roadway, again, get a reference point for location and then call 903-438-4040—the sheriff’s office.
Creative Arts Contest – What will YOU Enter?
Creative Arts Contest – What will YOU Enter?
What a refreshing rain we recently received! Gardens have perked up, and lawns all across the county have been rejuvenated. Cooler weather has energized many folks, which puts us in the mindset for autumn. Autumn reminds us of back-to- school, beautiful fall leaves, sweaters, sports events, and refreshing temperatures, which remind us of…Fall Festival!
As the Creative Arts Contest chairman, I want to invite Hopkins County residents to begin plans to enter this popular event. Even though Fall Festival is still two months away, now is the time to begin plans for entering! There is a category for anything you would like to enter:
· Art (oil, water color, ink, pencil, acrylic, crayon, rubout, spray paint, miscellaneous)
· Bake Show (breads, cakes, pies, cookies, candies)
· Clothing (classic/casual, after-five, children’s wear, specialty, wearable art)
· Creative Crafts (ceramics, stained glass, plastics, candles, leather, metal, painted household accessories, miscellaneous)
· Decorated Cakes (will not be cut – judged on appearance, difficulty, originality, and workmanship)
· Food Preservation (vegetables, fruits, jams, preserves, butters, jellies, pickles, relish, dehydrated foods, miscellaneous)
· Handiwork (knitting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, sewn items, beadwork, other fabric/fiber art)
· Holiday/Seasonal (Christmas, nativity scenes, tablecloths, decorations – any other holiday, wreath/door hanging)
· Horticulture (vegetables, fruits, nuts, cut flowers, potted plants, hanging baskets, succulents, dried, gourds, herbs)
· Photography (portrait, scenic, still life, animals, people, special effects, floral, architectural, grouping)
· Quilts (hand quilted, machine quilted, combination stitching, baby quilts, quilted items)
· Scrapbooks (seasonal, collective, memorabilia)
· Woodworking (kits, inlaid wood, mosaic wood art, furniture, wall hangings, carvings, yard art, rustic art, birdhouses, toys, misc.)
We also have a division for nursing home and assisted living residents, which will be judged separately.
Entries will be accepted Thursday, October 20, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and Friday, October 21, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. If you are unable to bring items during those times, alternate times are Monday, October 17 thru Wednesday, October 19 at the Extension Office, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. No entries will be taken at the Extension Office after that date – they must be taken to the High school. Judging will take place on Friday morning, and items will be open for public viewing from approximately 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Friday afternoon, thru Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Best of Show pictures will be taken at 1:30, after which items may be picked up.
Participation is open only to Hopkins County residents due to space limitations. Entry fee is only $1 per person, and an individual may enter as many categories as they wish. Age divisions are: Children (age 10 & under); Youth (ages 11-19); Adult (ages 20 – 69); Mature Texans (ages 70 & up); and Nursing home/assisted living residents.
Contact my office for more details, but start planning now. We want this year to be the best ever!
4-H Achievement Banquet
One of the highlights of the year is our annual 4-H Achievement Banquet, where we recognize our Hopkins County 4-H members who have completed projects, applied for special awards, and excelled on district and state levels. The 4-H program has deep roots in Hopkins County, and we are looking forward to recognizing all the hard work of our youth and supporters. The banquet is scheduled for Saturday, August 27, 6:00 p.m., at League Street Church of Christ. We will have a meal, guest entertainer, Exchange Trip presentation, and awards ceremony. Please contact our office if you would like to attend – 903-885-3443.
Enrollment for the 2016/2017 4-H year will be available at http://4honline.com by the end of August. We currently have five 4-H clubs from which to choose: Arbala Harvest (meets 3rd Monday at the Arbala Community Center), Dike (meets 1st Saturday at the Dike Community Center), Infinity (meets 2nd Monday at the Extension office), Miller Grove (meets 1st Tuesday at the Miller Grove School), and Paws (meets 3rd Thursday at the Sulphur Springs Elementary School).
Closing Thought
“Don’t put the key to happiness in someone else’s pocket” – unknown
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
