Tira News
by Jan Vaughn
We want to express our sympathy to the family of Jerry Wayne Smiddy, son of the late Lloyd and Beulah (Chapman) Smiddy, of Tira. Jerry Wayne lived in Mesquite, with his wife Gail. She survives, along with their three children, Teresa Barcus, Beverly Landis, and Chad Smiddy. The funeral service was held at New Hope Funeral home in Sunnyvale, Texas on Thursday morning, and then a graveside service was held at the Tira Cemetery that afternoon. After leaving the cemetery, several family members and friends gathered at the Tira Community Center for dessert and visiting. Please remember the family in your prayers.
Shirley Glossup would like to let everyone know that the North Hopkins Memorial Homecoming will be held on Sunday, May 29th, at 11:00. Larry Friday will be the speaker and Carolyn Friday will provide the music for the program. A barbecue lunch will be available for $10 per person. Donations toward the cemetery upkeep are appreciated and may be given that day or mailed to Shirley Glossup, 9118 TX Hwy. 19 N., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
On Mother’s Day Robert, Yvonne, Wesley and Dakota Weir were treated to “Hibachi grill” by Dustin and Natalie Weir. Yvonne reports, “It was very good. Afterward we went to Baylor Neonatal ICU and saw Nicolaas. He came home on the 17th.”
Yvonne spent last Wednesday night with Destri and Nicolaas. She comments, “He is the sweetest baby ever.” On Saturday Robert, Yvonne, and Wesley went to Paris and shopped. That evening Robert and Wesley went fishing with the My Hero’s bowling group.
Floyd Payton is home from rehab and working on getting strong enough to get up and about again. Martha states, “He has relinquished himself of all volunteer duties, so Mick Petty has accepted care of the Tira Cemetery and Powell Vickery has been filling in for the duties of Mayor of Tira. These are two responsible individuals who will do the community a good job. Please work with them as they perform their tasks.”
Regina Payton has spent the week with her parents. Martha commented that she has been an excellent help in tasks and errands around the home, and she adds, “We will miss her help when she leaves. We thank everyone for the telephone calls, prayers, cards and visits.”
Landon, Laiken, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden Joslin went to the Seaside Resort in Galveston on Tuesday. The boys’ sister, Dixie, also got to spend time with them at the resort and beach. They all headed home to Tira on Friday.
Baccalaureate service for the North Hopkins graduates will be held on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. on the school gymnasium.
The Aiguier Cemetery Association meeting and homecoming will be held on the cemetery grounds on Sunday, June 5th. Folks will share a pot-lunch lunch at noon, followed by a brief business meeting.
Also, mark your calendars for the Tira Homecoming, which will be held at the Tira Methodist Church and cemetery grounds, on Sunday, July 3rd.
I would like to start a trend to encourage giving to cemetery associations toward their grounds keeping expenses. My suggestion is to make a donation in memory of your deceased loved one(s) on their birthday (possibly the amount you would have spent on their gift). If you like this suggestion, please share it with your family and friends. I know that many of you can do this easily through social media. Thanks.
Just a note – I was, obviously, tired and hurried last week. I noticed a few grammatical errors and many of you know that Jaidyn Joslin is not one of our grandsons, but our granddaughter! I’m trying to be more careful this week!
I hope you all enjoy the Memorial Day weekend and take time to remember our soldiers – past and present.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Grand Jury Hands Down 84 Indictments in May 2016
May 27, 2016 – Thursday May 26, 2016, was a busy day for the Hopkins County Grand Jury as they handed down 84 indictments against 65 individuals. Of the 84, 12 were sealed indictments.
Phillip Justin Rhone
Phillip Justin Rhone, 27 of Barksdale, Louisiana was indicted for sexual assault of a child. Rhone was arrested February 28, 2016 when the minor’s parents informed law enforcement officials that their child had not returned home. Officers began investigating and discovered a possible subject in whose presence the minor was at the time. That subject was Rhone. During the investigation officers learned that Rhone had driven the minor back home. Officers arrived at Spanish Trails Apartments, 1531 E. Industrial Drive, where they made contact with Rhone. After being read his Miranda Rights, Rhone confessed to meeting the minor online and subsequently that a sexual assault had occurred at a hotel in Sulphur Springs.
Francisco Ledesma
Moises Lopez aka Hector Santiago
Francisco Ledesma was indicted on three counts of Theft of Cattle as was Moises Manuel Lopez in three counts. Franco Ledesma, 54, of Pickton, had been charged with the theft of 57 Head of livestock that have been recovered by the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. On the night of April 6th, a dairyman made contact with individuals caught trying to steal cattle from his property. As they fled from the scene, the dairyman was able to gain the license plate number from the vehicle. He reported this to Hopkins County Sheriff’s officers. The subject sought was on a dairy south of Saltillo. After interviewing Moises Lopez, who was using the alias Hector Santiago, it was found that Lopez had outstanding warrants. Lopez was booked into Hopkins County jail on the warrants out of Dallas County for possession of a controlled substance. The following morning, HC Chief Investigator Lewis Tatum was contacted by the land owner who had been talking to other dairymen in the area. They gave Tatum the location of the farm to which they thought the cattle had been taken near Pickton. Tatum said he was given permission to see the cattle in question by the resident at the farm. Tatum invited the dairymen to identify their cattle, which they did by the ear tags. A variety of ear tags on the cattle led to a successful sort and return of 17 head to one dairyman, 31 head to another, and nine (9) head to a third dairyman. At that time Ledesma was placed in custody. Ledesma has been charged with three counts of theft of livestock and Lopez will also be charged with the same according to Tatum. Tatum stated that there are more cattle that have been stolen and he awaits the return of Special Ranger Tony Hurley to continue the investigation and search for the remaining cattle. Hurley is currently away from the area on another investigation. Tatum said that Hopkins County Deputies Corley Weatherford and Richard Greer assisted with the arrest of Ledesma and Lopez and the return of the cattle to their owners.
Katelin Leann Gumpert
Katelin Leann Gumpert, 24, was indicted on one count of Abandon Endangerment of a Child, one count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance PG1 (methamphetamine) more than one gram but less than four grams, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram in a drug free zone. A routine traffic stop occurred around the 300 block of Church Street shortly after 7 p.m. Monday March 7th when officers learned of two warrants out for Gumpert that were issued by the Special Crimes Unit. Gumpert was wanted for Possession of Controlled Substance greater than 1 gram and less than 4 grams in a Drug Free Zone and Possession of Controlled Substance less than 1 gram in a Drug Free Zone. Sulphur Springs Police Department Investigator Mark Estes and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Tony Crouse arrested Gumpert and transported her to the Hopkins County Jail. A child was also with her at the time.
James Christopher Castleberry
James Christopher Castleberry, 31, was indicted for one count of Abandon Endanger of Child, one count of possession of a controlled substance, less than 1 gram, in a drug free zone, and for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) more than 1 gram and less than 4 grams. A routine traffic stop near the 2100 block of South Broadway Street late Thursday evening, March 3rd, led to the arrest Castleberry, accompanied by Gumpert, wanted on felony warrants for Abandonment and Endangerment of a Child and Delivery and Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance. Sulphur Springs Police Department Investigator Mark Estes and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Tony Crouse arrested Katelin Leann Gumpert, 24, and James Christopher Castleberry, 31, in connection with a previous incident that occurred at a Kasie Street residence in Sulphur Springs.
Raelynn Danielle Arney
Taliaferro Samory Prince
Raelynn Danielle Arney was indicted for Abandon Endanger of a Child. Taliaferro Samory Prince, 33, was indicted for Abandon Endanger of a Child. Raelynn Danielle Arney, 20, and Taliaferro Samory Prince, 33, were both arrested Monday afternoon April 18th, on felony charges for Endangering a Child. The warrants issued for Arney and Prince came as the result of an approximately two-month long investigation by Hopkins County Special Crimes Unit Sergeant Mark Estes and Child Protective Services agents. According to arrest reports, the investigation found that a 1-year-old child tested positive for methamphetamine. Arney and Prince, who are both from Cooper, had been residing with the child at the Spanish Trails Apartments located at 1531 East Industrial Drive in Sulphur Springs. SCU officers arrested Arney and Prince at the CPS office located on College Street and transported them to the Hopkins County Jail where they were both placed on $40,000 bond for Abandonment and Endangerment of a Child with Imminent Danger.
Also indicted or Abandon Endanger of a Child was Elizabeth Louise Willis, 30, of Sulphur Springs. Willis was arrested at a Cooper residence by Special Crimes Unit Sergeants Mark Estes and Tony Crouse. According to arrest reports, the investigation has found that several children, including a 1-year-old child, have tested positive for methamphetamine. The children were residing with at least three adults at a Spanish Trails apartment located at 1531 East Industrial Drive in Sulphur Springs. Willis charges are connected to Arney and Prince.
Oscar Garcia
Oscar Garcia, Jr, 37, was indicted for theft of a firearm, evading arrest with a vehicle and also for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. A short-lived vehicle chase on Highway 11 in Como, Texas resulted in an arrest on Wednesday afternoon April 20th. Garcia of Sulphur Springs was arrested on multiple warrants as well as for Evading Arrest and Detention with a Vehicle. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Officers responded to a call in Como involving a subject threatening another person. While in the area, Sergeant Sheets located a maroon Ford F-150 in the parking lot of the Dollar General store. Garcia, who was known to have warrants for theft and unlawful possession of firearms, was sitting in the driver’s seat. According to arrest reports, Sgt. Sheets attempted to block Garcia’s vehicle with his patrol unit. Garcia then fled the scene in his vehicle causing his truck to collide with the patrol unit. The fleeing vehicle headed east on Highway 11 for a short distance before executing a U-turn to avoid a school bus that was actively unloading students at a residence on the highway. While heading west toward Sulphur Springs on the highway, Garcia’s vehicle broke down in front of the Crystal Feed Mill in Como. Garcia exited the vehicle and refused several orders for him to get on the ground. A taser was deployed missing the target. Garcia then complied with Sgt. Sheets’ orders by getting face down on the ground before being placed into custody. During the inventory of Garcia’s vehicle, a glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine was found. Sgt. Sheets then transported Garcia to the Hopkins County Jail where he now awaits a magistrate’s hearing for previous warrants of Theft of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon as well as the current charge of Evading Arrest and Detention with a Vehicle.
Jonathan Obed Godoy
David Lopez
Jonathan Obed Godoy, 17, was indicted for theft of property more than $2,500 but less than $30,000. Godoy was one of two Greenville men arrested Thursday morning April 21st at 4 a.m. after they attempted to retrieve an ATV they had tampered with and pushed into a tree line. A construction crew alerted Hopkins County Sheriff’s officers that someone had tampered with an ATV the crew had been using in the Brashear area. The ATV was discovered in a tree line where it had been pushed in an attempt to hide it for later retrieval. Hopkins County officers began an investigation of situation and the location where the ATV had been found. When the suspects attempted to retrieve the ATV early Thursday morning, a traffic stop was initiated at the 101 mile marker on Interstate 30. Two 17-year old Greenville men, David Lopez and Jonathan Obed Godoy, were arrested for the theft and for the attempted theft of a motorcycle in Hunt County. The theft charge is a state jail felony. Lopez was also indicted by the Grand Jury Thursday.
Indicted for burglary of a building was Mistie Michelle Watson, 42. Watson was apparently caught in the act of burglary Thursday night September 9th at 9:25 p.m. 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.
Samantha Pennington
Charles Chason Williams
Samantha Pennington was indicted for engaging in organized crime as was Charles Chason Williams indicted for engaging in organized crime. Williams, 17, and Pennington, 18 were two of seven arrested in a Friday March 4th roundup by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies who executed a warrant roundup that resulted in the arrest of five juveniles and two adults for a February burglary of a business located in Hopkins County. Some of the seven took a company vehicle for a joy ride over the weekend following the burglary and also took fire arms from the business. According to Corley Weatherford, with the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office, the seven warrants followed a series of interviews with those involved. The case was assisted by a selfie post on Facebook by one of the individuals driving the stolen vehicle.
Chaney Nicole Doyle was indicted for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Kevin Dean Lowe was indicted for unlawful possession of firearm by a felon.
Jason Wayne Meadors was indicted for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Bradley Sean Ogles was indicted for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Indicted individually for theft of a firearm was Quentin Lee Wright
Carmen J Tinajero was indicted for Assault Public Servant
Christal Lynn Degen was indicted on three counts of forgery of a government instrument.
Brittany Leigh McDonald is indicted on one count of Fraud Use/Possession of Identifying information.
Saschitity Kate Patton was indicted for credit card or debit card abuse.
Terry Kyle Tate was indicted for Hindering Apprehension.
Indicted individually for Tamper/Fabrication of Physical Evidence:
- Mason Kyle Pool
- James Wesley Preston
Indicted for Driving While Intoxicated one count each:
- Brandon Ray Brock
- Eddie Dean Woodson
- Etoma Misikosi Jennings
Valirie Ann Hicks was indicted on one count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance less than 1 gram, one count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, and for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance less than 28 grams.
Jeri Wayne Taylor was indicted on one count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance less than 1 gram, one count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, and manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance more than 4 grams but less than 28 grams.
Nicole Rae Pritchard was indicted on two counts of possession of a controlled substance more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.
Brandon Jon Stowater was indicted for possession of a controlled substance more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.
Maranda Louise Miller was indicted for possession of a controlled substance more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams.
Martin Lee Contreras was indicted for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance less than 1 gram in a drug free zone.
Abby Nicole Shannahan was indicted for possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram in a drug free zone.
Todd Philip Jefferson was indicted on two counts of possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram.
Indicted on one count each for possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram was:
- Dana Jean Aldridge
- Velma Villarreal Alvarado
- Heaven Faith Buchanan
- Roy Freeman Burkham
- Billy Don Campbell
- Wesley James Chester
- George Sanchez Gonzales
- Joshua James Harmon
- Jake Ryan Martin
- Derrick Edward Morris
- Harleah Petrea
- Shyanna Angelic Rodriguez
- Russell Edward Skeen
- Tavian Dewayne Tave
- Brittany Danielle Ward
Miller Grove News
by Brandon Darrow
I’m making up for lost time this week. Since I didn’t have time to write a news column last week I have quite a bit to report this go-round.
First I would like to pass along my condolences to the Plunk family of Miller Grove. Bobby Neal Plunk passed away May 11, 2016. He was born Apr. 1, 1936, in Emory. He was the son of Horace Cleo Plunk and Evelyn Plunk. He married Mollie Lindsey in 1998 in Miller Grove. He was a retired salesman and member of Central Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. Services were held May 14 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home with interment following in Restlawn Memorial Park. He is survived by his wife; 2 sons; 3 grandchildren; six grandchildren; 3 brothers; and 1 sister. He was preceded in death by parents; previous spouse, Rosella; and 2 sisters. His granddaughter, Rebecca, was a year older than me in school and Bobby’s other daughter, Sarah, was in my brother’s class. I have known them for several years now and Bobby was an outstanding gentleman and Christian. He will be missed by many.
On May 16, my newest nephew, Tucker Stewart Darrow was born at Hunt Regional Hospital of Greenville. He shares the same birthday as my Aunt Betty (Darrow) Phillips. He weighed 7 lbs, 2 oz, and was 20 ½ inches long. He was welcomed by 3 siblings, Savanna, Brody and Owen Darrow. My brother, Bradley, and sister-in-law, Madison, are doing well and little Tucker is already home enjoying his surroundings.
Congratulations to Kelsey Steele who graduated May 14, from Texas A & M University in Commerce. I know she has worked long and hard to complete her education and it has definitely paid off, graduating Magna Cum Laude in just a three-year time span. She and Patrick Covington are also set to wed this summer. Patrick is one of the newest employees in the engineering department at Farmers Electric Cooperative in Greenville.
While driving down the road the other day I saw an eagle in a dead tree on Johnny Burns’ place on FM 2653, near where I live. It was sort of surprising because I have heard that Rains County is the Eagle Capitol but I have never seen any eagles in our area and we are not that far from the county line.
How many of you knew that we have a celebrity that is connected with our community? That’s right, someone that has been on TV and had newspaper articles recently written about them. Can anyone guess who that might be? Well, I am proud to say that it is Barbara (Spinks) Lynn. As her retirement and ending of her 53rd year of teaching comes to a close Barbara is been recognized in many different ways. Quitman ISD honored her with a come-and-go reception on Sunday, May 15, in the Quitman Elementary School Library. I was glad to be able to go and see the crowd of people there to wish Barbara a happy retirement. Her husband, Billy Lynn, and children, David & Melanie, were there for the special event. I thought it was nice to be recognized by the school and then I started seeing more and more posts on Facebook about Barbara’s retirement. The Tyler Morning Telegraph wrote a piece on Barbara, while television station KETK did a feature story about her years as a teacher. Finally, and this is the biggest part, George Strait himself sent Barbara a congratulatory letter with a autographed picture and autographed pink ball cap. Let me add my note of congratulations to you Barbara on 53 years worth of being a top-notch educator and always going the extra mile.
Heard some great news about our Ag Mechanic’s class this last week. They competed in the Trailer Build-off hosted at Rains ISD and took first place. Pretty impressive, especially when you realize that they were competing against schools like Rains, Edgewood, Lindale, Mount Pleasant, Tatum, Como-Pickton, and Whitesboro. We were probably the smallest school represented there but it sounds like our boys did a great job. The competition consisted of having to construct a trailer from pre-cut steel, axle, wheels and complete with lighting. First prize was a gas powered welder for the Ag department and each student from MG was able to take home some prizes of their own. This group of students also competed in a barbecue pit building contest at Sulphur Springs ISD earlier in the month.
Last Thursday I attended the MG Academic & Athletic Awards Banquet held in the new gym. There was a good crowd of parents and students on hand that night. After the meal teachers would come up and say a little about their classes and call the award winners to the front of the audience to receive their award. Academics and Athletics were not the only things noted that night. Many students received UIL, One-Act Play, and Net Ole awards. If you are wondering what Net Ole is, the best way I can describe it is pretty much like UIL competitions with a Spanish background. That night they also gave recognition to the 8th grade Valedictorian, Alexus Sallee, and Salutatorian, Chandra Lee. I was very proud of both of these young ladies since I have seen them grow up at MG since they were in Kindergarten.
Friday was a busy day. That night was the FFA Awards Banquet. There were several parents there that night as well. That day was also the annual End of school Stew. Community participation was low to me this year but Lewis Russell probably made the best bowl of stew that has ever come out of one of his stew pots. One student asked to have a third helping!
Bro. Ronald Davis did a great job again this year at delivering the message at the senior’s Baccalaureate service this past Sunday, May 22. I believe this is the 5th year he has been chosen to speak for the seniors’ special service.
This is the first year that Miller Grove has had a “Senior Walk” for the graduating class. I saw part of a video on their walk around campus and it was good to see our students supporting each other. The class, dressed in their caps and gowns, walked around the cafeteria, through the elementary students who were cheering for them and handing them cards of well wishes. And that folks, is how it is where I come from – we support each other.
Happy Birthday to Denise (White) Jamison, Cara Ford, & Bettie Garrett on May 26; Steven Mayfield on May 27; Ryan Stracener on May 28; Kathy Lennon, Justin Scott & Jay Lynn Southerland on May 29; Andy Rubarts & Bobby Middleton on May 30; Lewis Ruseell, Jennifer (Hayes) Evans & Dakota Hrabal on Jun. 2; and Kevin McDonald & LaQuita (Burns) Brantley on Jun. 3.
Happy 39th Anniversary to Jackie & Lisa (Renshaw) Oler on Jun. 3. Stephen and Fran Sparks will celebrate 35 years of marriage on Jun. 1.
So far, two of the Miller Grove graduations have been successful. Thursday, May 26, was Kindergarten Graduation and Junior High Graduation. Kindergarteners received their diplomas in a ceremony that was conducted within the cafeteria at 9 a.m. that morning. Principal Jaime Fox welcomed everyone and read a poem that Mrs. Beaver had selected for the day. The students, in groups of 4, sang songs that they were taught this year. The Pledge of Allegiance was also recited and awards given out to recognize individual personality traits of the students. The program concluded with a slide-show of the graduates throughout their year in Kindergarten. Actually, I had almost forgot that my little cousin, Amelia Stuckey, was in Kindergarten this year and I was glad that I got to be there to see her graduate.
Junior High Graduation was held in the new gym at 7 p.m. Principal Billingsley gave the address to the soon-to-be High School students. Several of the students had parts in the commencement exercises. Alexus Sallee gave her valedictory address and Chandra Lee, the salutatorian, also spoke to the crowd. Perla Tovar and Regina Lopez gave the invocation and benediction to open and close the graduation. Garret Ford and Eli Cummings introduced the speaker and thanked everyone for come out to show their support of their class. I was honored by being able to hand my little cousin Eli his diploma and congratulate him as an in-coming freshman.
Gardens in the community are looking good right now. A little rain wouldn’t hurt them at all. I noticed Patsy Yates garden the other day and it is looking as perfect as always. Her brother-in-law, Clinton Lennon, keeps it tilled and manicured all of the time.
The folks working on installing the pipeline across the community are still at work. They have the pipe laid out in most places and I’m sure they will be ready to start the installation within the next week or so.
I hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day!
As you travel the highways and byways don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is [email protected].
Saltillo ISD 8th Grade Graduates
Valedictorian Brooke Stacy GPA: 92.636
Salutatorian Graycie Hodges GPA: 92.039
1st Row L to R: Brooke Stacy, Graycie Hodges, Michael Clover, Joe Tippit, Ryan Prewitt & Robbie White; 2nd Row L to R: Alexis Mars, Thomas Coleman, Zane Underwood, Cheyenne Neal, Danielle Ross, Michael Gray & Chaeli Spear; 3rd Row L to R: Erik Heukels, Keondre Wilkerson, Jocelyn Ochoa, Dillon Beadle, Hannah Wartenbee, Christopher Smith & Amber Liedtke
North Hopkins Valedictorian and Salutatorian named
North Hopkins ISD has named their Class of 2016 Valedictorian, Allegra Thomas, and Salutatorian, Katerin Flores.
Allegra Thomas has attended North Hopkins since pre-k. In high school, she has been involved in many activities, including Beta Club, volleyball, One-Act Play, and UIL academics. She has competed at the state UIL academic meet all four years of high school and placed first in both ready writing and spelling her junior year. Her senior year, she was a member of the filmmaking team behind the short film “HEIST!” which advanced to state in the UIL Young Filmmakers Festival and placed fifth. After graduating high school, she plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in computer engineering. She is a recipient of the Terry Foundation Scholarship, which covers the cost of college tuition, housing, and fees not covered by other scholarships.
Katerin Flores has attended North Hopkins since her freshman year. In high school, she has been involved in many activities, including Beta Club, One-Act Play, and UIL academics. Her senior year, she was a member of the filmmaking team behind the short film “HEIST!” which advanced to state in the UIL Young Filmmakers Festival and placed fifth. After graduating high school, she plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas and major in neuroscience to pursue medical school and become a doctor.
Wildcats Spring Game Showcased 2016 Season Expectations
The Wildcats’ football team wrapped up spring practice with a Spring Game as the White Team defeated the Blue Team, 29-3 at Gerald Prim Stadium Thursday night.
The White Team scored on their first drive going 70 yards for the touchdown. Quarterback Ryan Humphries was completing his passes and back Lawrence Worth got the touchdown on a 9-yard run. Angel Tavera kicked the extra point and White Team led 7-0. Later the White Team’s defense scored two points on a safety as they sacked a quarterback in the end zone.
The Blue Team got on the scoreboard in the third quarter as kicker Tavera delivered on a 33-year field goal.
Perhaps the games most exciting play occurred in the fifth quarter out of six as quarterback White Team Quarterback Tyler Armstrong threw a 49-yard TD pass to receiver D.J. Abron. Abron outfought a defender for the ball and then raced into the end zone. The White Team led 16-3.
In the sixth quarter, the White Team added TD’s on two short runs. Back Colton Allen ran one in from two yards out and back Daniel Moreno scored on a 14-yard run. The game served as somewhat of a showcase for next year’s sophomore class as they made up about half of the 91 players on the roster of the two teams. 
Meth in Sock Results in Three Years in TDCJ
Thursday afternoon in 8th Judicial District Court, Christian Dior Young, 26, was sentenced to three (3) years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 1 (methamphetamine) more than 4 grams and less than 200 grams. He was indicted in February of this year for the possession.
Christian Dior Young
Young had meth in his sock when arrested near the Douglas School campus, a drug free zone. He has been in prison once before and after today, if he is convicted of a third degree felony again, he will be sentenced to 25 years to life under the habitual offender statute.
A count of engaging in organized crime was dismissed against Young as a part of the plea bargain. His co-defendant in the engaging in organized crime case, Joseph Rashad Washington pled to three (3) years in TDCJ.
Young will report for prison on August 4, 2016.
AgriLife: Dealing With Uncertainty
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
As we celebrate our memorial day, I have taken the time to reflect over the multiple sacrifices done by humanity to overcome adversity. Overcome challenges require audacity, tenacity and courage. Our armed forces are a prime example of such commitment. It is important to recognize their commitment and most important, I believe is to learn from it and try to adopt such principles as we face challenges. An important part of such process is to realize that the process of adapting and overcoming challenges could become scary and painful. So it is human growth.
Just like a child faces different challenges thru his or her development, businesses and farms do thru out their productive life. Recently I had an opportunity to visit with dairy producers related to economic challenges in and learned about methods to adapt to their uncertainty. As producers become more familiar with options-based marketing, they can use more sophisticated trading techniques to offset some of the drawbacks inherent with options. Hybrid trading strategies that buy or sell additional puts or calls in addition to the basic price protection provided by the purchase of a single option can lower the net amount paid for option premiums while still limiting exposure to margin calls. Such strategies are often referred to as windows or spreads. They are more complex than straightforward hedging strategies and often establish price ceilings as well as price floors. Other combinations of option strategies become profitable if prices move significantly either up or down, but not if prices remain stable (called straddles).
Options create a form of price insurance. The higher the price insured, the greater the premium. If prices increase, the price insurance is not needed and the producer lets the option expire and sells at the higher price. If prices decline, the producer exercises his right to sell at the guaranteed price established by the option contract. Of course, the producer may also sell any option he has purchased prior to the expiration date. The profit or loss from this trade is the difference between the premium paid for the option and the premium received when it is sold, less-commissions, interest, and any other fees. Crop insurance products can also provide substantial security to farm income and are a vital part of overall risk management. Agricultural producers today face volatile markets, tight credit, economic uncertainty and escalating input costs. Understanding and using risk management tools in this environment can reduce much of the price risk and may improve financial returns. Another important aspect of agriculture is to maintain a heathy diverse agricultural community.
The good old advice of “not putting all the eggs in the same basket” is really becoming more important recently. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Wildcats Spring Game Features Six Quarters
For those planning to attend the Wildcats first spring football game in over a decade Thursday evening at 6 p.m., Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens told media members Wednesday what to expect. He said the coaching staff has seen a lot already this spring and has observed tons of improvement. Coach Owens described the game as a finale for spring football and a chance for players to show their parents what they have been doing and how they have been playing. He said parents and fans would be able to see a precursor of what’s coming this fall. Coach Owens said coaches have worked to have Blue and White teams that are balanced. Each team has about 45 players. Coach Owens said they want to create balanced match ups during the game.
They are planning on playing six quarters. Referees will be calling the game. The clock might run a lot of the time or coaches might choose to stop it on occasions. Like a scrimmage, there will be time for special teams for punts, field goals and extra points. Some players with minor injuries might not play or might only play a series or two. A late afternoon decision is expected concerning whether the game will be at Prim Stadium or in the Multipurpose Building.
