No Bail for These Two
Russel Edward Skeen and Caitlan Prestidge will remain in jail without bail for up to 60 days or until they can be tried for the cases against them. Friday morning, the District Attorney’s office sought the court to grant motions filed under Article 1 Section 11a of the Texas Constitution against the two defendants based on new charges for which they were arrested on the 27th of April. They were both out on bond for previous possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram charge. The 8th Judicial District Court granted the motions.
Skeen, 49, and Prestidge, 24, both of Sulphur Springs were arrested Wednesday evening for two counts of Endangering a Child and for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Amanda Weatherford performed a routine traffic stop on a 2004 Chevy Silverado traveling north bound on Fisher Street. The vehicle was carrying two adults and two young children of the ages of 7 and 8.
Weatherford made contact with Skeen, who was the driver, and Prestidge, the front passenger in the truck. Skeen was showing signs of nervousness as Weatherford detected a strong air freshener smell inside the cab of the truck as if Skeen was attempting to cover up another odor. Weatherford then asked Skeen to exit the vehicle and requested to search the truck.
Upon Skeen’s denial of the request, Weatherford found a marijuana roach lying in plain view which led to a probable cause search. Two syringes containing suspected methamphetamine were found wrapped in a blue napkin lying in the front passenger seat, where Prestidge was attempting to hid them, and a bottle containing a crystal like substance also believed to be meth was located inside the truck.
Skeen and Prestidge were then placed into custody and the two young children were released to their mother after officers made contact with her.
SSPD Officers then transported Skeen and Prestidge to the Hopkins County Jail where they each sit on $30,000 bond: $20,000 for Possession of a Controlled Substance greater than 1 gram and less than 4 grams; and a total of $10,000 on two charges of Abandonment and Endangerment of a Child by Criminal Negligence for each child.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Campus, A Vision in Process
Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President, tells some of the open house visitors about features they will see in the new PJC-Sulphur Springs campus building.
With the cutting of a ribbon and the grand opening of the new PJC-Sulphur Springs Campus located on Loop 301 in the newly remodeled building that once housed Foxworth Galbraith Lumber Company, Paris Junior College President Pam Anglin’s vision for expansion of educational opportunities in the region took one more step forward. Dr. Anglin told KSST News that the junior college experience in both academic and technology play a vital role in rural Texas. Yet, she is concerned about that future thanks to Texas legislature cuts in funding for junior colleges.
Dr. Anglin states, based on information made available to her, that medium and small sized junior colleges are in troubled times and that some institutions will be closed in a few years unless changes are made. She is not waiting on any changes. Paris is medium sized college. The funding cuts to PJC will affect the Sulphur Springs campus, which is not breaking even with the student tuition and state funding that is received. However, the cut in funding will drop the campus into negative funding.
Dr. Anglin’s vision for the Sulphur Springs campus is evident in the classroom space given to technical training. The center features 11 classrooms, testing facilities, and library. She spoke with KSST News in the 3-D printing classroom. The classroom is state of the art and has already been used by a local industry to print a machine part that was needed long before it could be delivered by a manufacturer. Dr. Anglin stated that 3-D printing and welding are also offered in Paris. However, there is another technical training in mechatronics.
Mechatronics is only located on the Sulphur Springs Campus. Dr. Anglin stated there were two reasons for this. One reason is that industry locally will profit from the training but the second reason has to do with the campus location near I-30. She expects industry in the Dallas area to utilize the training as well. With these courses and academic studies, PJC-Sulphur Springs Campus has positioned itself for future growth.
Instructor Chris Malone explaining the production of items in 3-D printing that will be offered at the new campus.
Currently 500 students are utilizing the campus. For students who live in Hopkins County, tuition is near $100 per course hour. Students who live in the college district currently pay $55 per course hour. Even with the larger tuition fee, funding remains a concern.
One solution to the funding problem would involve bringing Hopkins, Lamar, Red River, Delta, and Hunt counties into the PJC District. Dr. Anglin stated that she is seeking to put together an advisory committee in each of those counties to look at how people would feel about being in the district and to hear what is wanted in the future for and from the school. In a coffee meeting/work session Tuesday, Hopkins County Commissioners Court, city officials, and others meet with Dr. Anglin to discuss a proposal that would add Hopkins County to the PJC District.
In May, PJC Regents will finalize the proposal for incorporating these areas into the district. At that time, Dr. Anglin and Regents will present the proposal to the counties. They hope at that time to prepare a proposition for the November General Election that will give Hopkins County voters the opportunity to vote on being included in the college district. There will be a cost to be a member of the district. However, the cost of losing an area junior college would be worse according to many. Some area students attend Northeast Texas Community College in Mt Pleasant but according to sources, NTCC is facing greater obstacles in finance than is PJC. NTCC is considered a small college.
City Manager Marc Maxwell said, “It seems the state is continuing their efforts to force the burden of service to the local level.” He said there is some reason to believe that a number of junior colleges are in trouble. Noting the value of the college to the local economic structure for technical training as well as developing a trained workforce, he stated he would hate to lose PJC and its influence in the area. County Judge Robert Newsom concurs with Maxwell in that the college does offer much to the county.
Dr. Anglin’s passion for junior college began with her college career. Although she is degreed from Texas A & M-College Station, she began her college life in a junior college where she said there were those who could hold her hand and help her begin the college experience. She said that if she had gone to A & M first, she isn’t sure that would be where she is today. Dr. Anglin said there are those students who need to have the support of small classes and caring faculty to provide their start in post-secondary education. She also has a passion for education for those students in high school who take college level courses. Classrooms at the PJC-SS campus are equipped and do televise lectures to area high schools. She points to high school students who end their high school career with college hours already on transcripts. In fact, some have graduated local high schools with their Associates degree bestowed prior to walking high school graduation.
Dr. Anglin and the Regents of Paris Junior College will announce their solution and plans for the future funding needed following their May meeting. In the meantime, Dr. Anglin will continue lead PJC with a vision for continued quality service and future growth.
Thursday afternoon Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting at PJC-Sulphur Springs Campus
Tornado Watch Until 10 p.m.
A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for Hopkins and surrounding counties. Those counties included in the watch are: Anderson; Bell; Bosque; Collin; Comanche; Cooke; Coryell; Dallas; Delta; Denton; Ellis; Erath; Falls; Fannin; Freestone; Grayson; Hamilton; Henderson; Hill; Hood; Hopkins; Hunt; Johnson; Kaufman; Lamar; Lampasas; Leon; Limestone; McLennan; Milam; Mills; Montague; Navarro; Parker; Rains; Robertson; Rockwall; Somervell; Tarrant; Van Zandt; Wise.
“Updated” Lady Cats Game Cancelled
Lady Cat softball has been cancelled for Friday night.
There may be baseball and track on this Friday game day, weather permitting. The Lady Cats’ softball team was scheduled to play at Corsicana at 6:30 p.m. tonight in game two of the best two out of three bi-district series. The Lady Cats won at home, 9-4 Thursday night at Lady Cat Park. Game three in the series, if necessary, was scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at North Forney. As soon as revised plans are sent to us, we will post them.
The Wildcats’ district baseball game at Marshall has been moved up two hours in an attempt to get it in. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. It’s a big game for Marshall as they are tied for second place in the district with Hallsville. Tyler Follis is expected to start for the Wildcats.
Today is also day one of the regional track meet at UT Arlington. Wildcat Jacob Gatewood will be running in the 3200-meter run final today. Gatewood will compete in the 1600-meter run on Saturday. Lady Cat Imani Taylor will also compete in prelims of the long jump. If she qualifies, Taylor will also compete in the long jump finals later today. Abbi Baier will run in the prelims for the 100-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles today. If she qualifies, Baier will compete in the hurdles finals Saturday. The weather could have a say in all of these sports this Friday. We’ll let you know of any changes.
Warriors for Christ-Warrior Dash
The 4th annual Warriors for Christ – Warrior Dash is Saturday May 21, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at Sulphur Bluff Community Center at the corner of FM 69 and FM 71. Organizers call this a great event to show that despite differences and denominations, Christians can come together as Warriors for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To enter the race and food, live music, t-shirts, kids activities, awards, and fellowship are free.
Register by Calling or texting your name, phone, age, and shirt size to 214.674.3742 or email the info to [email protected] There is also information on the Sulphur Bluff Baptist Church Facebook page. You must register two weeks before the event to receive a T-shirt.
River Flood Warning Until Sunday Midnight
This graphic warns about driving around barricades during a flood, and encourages people to be safe. The text reads as follows: “Please do not drive around barricades. Be safe.”
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a Flood Warning for the South Sulphur River near Cooper affecting Delta and Hopkins Counties. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a flood warning for the South Sulphur River from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. At 10:15 a.m. Friday the river stage was at 14.88 feet. Flood stage is 16 feet. Minor flooding is forecast. There river should rise above flood stage by Friday evening and continue to rise to a crest near 18 feet by Saturday morning. The river should fall below stage by Sunday after midnight.
Do not drive cars through flooded areas. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
Glass Urges Early Voting; Notes Expanding Vision for Sulphur Springs
Early voting is underway in the Sulphur Springs City Council Election. Early voting continues through Tuesday, May 4th with Election Day, Saturday, May 7th. Emily Glass, Mayor Pro-Tem urges Sulphur Springs citizens to cast their ballot in the election.
Glass has served three years and is ending her first term on the council. She is seeking re-election to Place Five on the council. Glass told KSST News Friday morning that during her time in office, the downtown area has become self-sustaining and a Tiff Tax has been implemented to pay for the continued maintenance of the downtown area. She met KSST News on Celebration Plaza to talk about early voting and her vision for the city as a council member. She also stated that starting the long awaited rebuild of Bill Bradford Road is a reminder of the continued rework in Sulphur Springs. Glass told KSST News that the vision for the city’s improvement is now extending into other areas of the city, especially the Southside near Interstate 30. She stated that chain businesses and restaurants look for that type of location and improvements are being made that will aid in the development.
Glass has been endorsed by the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association. She points out that the association is a county organization and does not “have a dog in this hunt.” However, she is a strong supporter of law enforcement and that has been recognized.
Early voting will take place in the City Hall Conference Room. Easy access to the board room is available to the handicapped and others with limitations. To access the conference room, use the ramp entrance to City Hall. After entering City Hall from the ramp, the elevator is just inside the door. Take the elevator to the second floor and when you exit, the entrance to the conference room is across the hall. Hours for early voting in the city election are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day.
For City Council Place 4, Charles G. Oxford is challenging incumbent Freddie Taylor.
In the Place 5 race, incumbent and present Mayor Pro-tem Emily Glass is challenged by Jimmy Lucas.
Election day is May 7th when the polling place is open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. KSST will broadcast election returns and post to ksstradio.com as soon as they are available.
Saltillo ISD Superintendent Kevin Woolley Retiring
April 29, 2016 – Kevin Wooley, Superintendent of Saltillo ISD has announced retirement plans following the end of his contract on June 30. He was offered a position with Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church in Lindale as Music Minister, and has decided to accept it and go in that direction. Wooley plans to continue directing the Haystack Youth Choir, and continue other community involvements he enjoys in Hopkins County.
Kevin Woolley
Wooley told KSST News that his 32 years in education, including the past 6 at Saltillo ISD as Principal and as Superintendent have been a blessing in his life. He has made many good friends through his involvement with Saltillo student activities. He and his wife Julie do not plan to move out of Hopkins County at this time.
In an official press release from Saltillo Schools:
After 32+ years in education, Kevin Woolley, is retiring from Saltillo ISD. Woolley started his education career in his hometown of Mesquite in 1984 as a teacher and coach. In 1990 he took an administrative position at Vanston MS as Assistant Principal. In two years he would move into the role of Principal for Vanston before moving to Sulphur Springs Middle School. In 1996 he was announced Principal for SSMS and would serve the district for 9 years. After a wonderful stay at SSMS, he then took a Superintendent position at Oakwood ISD. After the year in Oakwood, he decided to head back to Northeast Texas where he worked for Galyean Insurance before moving into Saltillo ISD administration. In 2010 Woolley was made High School Principal of SISD before accepting the position of Superintendent in 2013.
Woolley has accepted a position as Minister of Music at Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church in Lindale Texas. For a number of years Woolley has worked for different area churches either part time or on an interim basis as a music minister. He has served Edgemount Park Baptist in Mesquite, First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Trinity Baptist in Mt. Pleasant, and currently working part time at First Presbyterian in Sulphur Springs. Woolley also founded the local HayStack choir (Hopkins Area Youth, Singing to Anoint Christ King) and looks forward to continue working with the youth for many years to come.
TAMU-C President Dr. Dan Jones Dead at 64
Dr. Dan Jones, photo credit: tamuc.edu
Texas A&M University-Commerce President Dr. Dan Jones, 64, died Friday morning. Jones is survived by his wife and two daughters. The cause of his death is unknown at this time.
The following email was sent to university faculty and staff this morning:
Dear Texas A&M University-Commerce Lion family,
It is with extreme sadness that I inform you that our leader, President Dr. Dan Jones, passed away early this morning.
We send our deepest thoughts and sympathies to the family of Dr. Jones.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp sent this message from the Texas A&M System: “Dan Jones was one of our great presidents. He had a vision for the future that was brilliant and courageous. We will make sure his plans become reality. We will miss him greatly.”
Our counseling center staff and resources are available to faculty, staff and students during normal working hours on a walk-in basis. After hours, anyone needing assistance may call UPD at 903-886-5868 to request a counselor. Faculty, staff, and students may also contact Adapt Mental Health Crisis Line and Mobile Crisis Teams at 866-260-8000. Faculty and staff may also contact the Deer Oak Employee Assistance Program at 888-993-7650 to speak with a counselor.
I kindly ask that faculty work with any students who might need special accommodations during final exams week.
During this difficult time let us pull together and find solace and support in each other.
According to the Jones Family, arrangements are pending and the family requests both privacy and prayers at this time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Adolfo Benavides | Provost and Vice President
The university will close at noon today in honor of Jones.
Dr. Jones assumed the presidency of Texas A&M University-Commerce in July 2008. Prior to that, he served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas, from 2003-2008. Academically, his rank is Professor of English.
Dr. Jones served in several capacities at the University of Houston-Downtown from 1985 to 2002, including dean (University College), interim dean of Student Affairs, associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, acting chair and assistant chair for the Department of English. He also served as an instructor and student publications advisor at Casper College in Wyoming from 1982-1985.
Dr. Jones is survived his wife, Jalinna, and two daughters, Aislinn and Allyson.
Husband, Wife Arrested Friday Morning For Theft
“If you steal something in Hopkins County, it may have a tracking device that will lead local law enforcement to the location of the item taken and lead to the arrest of the one or ones who removed the items according to Hopkins County Chief Investigator Lewis Tatum.
Tatum’s statement is based on an arrest made Friday morning just past the Hopkins County line in Rains County. Ryan Rogers, 40, and Patricia Rogers, 33, of Fruitvale, were booked into Hopkins County jail after they took an item that had been parked on the side of a Hopkins County road. That item had a tracking device on it. After taking the device the man and wife began their journey home only to have Sheriff’s deputies begin a pursuit. The pair turned down a dead end road near Lake Fork, where they were arrested.
This is not the first time the pair was thought to have taken an item from Hopkins County. A couple of weeks ago, according to Tatum, Van Zandt County deputies found a trailer that had been taken from Hopkins County parked in the Rogers’ front yard. At that time, they told Van Zandt authorities they did not know how the trailer had come to be in their yard.
