Sulphur Springs Municipal Judge Rogers Retires
“The last 13 years have been a real eye-opener for me,” said Phyllis Rogers retiring Sulphur Springs Municipal Judge. Rogers said the work was totally different from any legal work she has ever done. Rogers will retire at the end of March when she and her husband will move to Nacogdoches to be geographically closer to family.
Rogers’ court hears all Class-C misdemeanors in city arrests, indigent dockets, juvenile dockets, all traffic violations, conducts pre-trials, jury trials, and non-jury trials. She stated that being fair is the great responsibility of her office. She also goes to the jail seven (7) days per week to hold magistrate hearings. Her court hears over 900 cases each year.
Rogers began her career in law with Smith, Johnson, and McDowell. After time in real estate law and life in Dallas, her family returned to Sulphur Springs where she worked with District Attorney Frank Long. She then worked at the private practice of Powers and Blount. When Dusty Rabe became County Attorney, she moved to that office. Having worked with felony law, she finds herself very comfortable with Class C misdemeanors. She continued her education through continuing education courses.
The City of Sulphur Springs has an associate judge under contract which will allow the city time to seek the next municipal judge.
Dixon Jury Views Videos of CPS Forensic Interview
In what Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison called a bit unusual, an agreement between the prosecution and the defense was reached to play the video of the Child Protective Services Forensic interview with the children who made an outcry that led to the arrest, indictment, and now trial of Hunter James Dixon in Eight Judicial District Court Tuesday. Most of the day was spent with the jury viewing the video and the questioning of the CPS expert. Before the afternoon ended, Harrison expected to conclude the prosecution’s case by calling members of law enforcement for testimony as well. It is expected that testimony in the case will end Wednesday.
Monday afternoon, Harrison had called as witnesses those whom he called key relationships to Dixon that were involved in the case. Harrison had diagrammed for the jury the relationships of Dixon to his sister, his parents, to the father of the children who made the outcry, and others.
Harrison is following his step by step plan described Monday in opening arguments to the jury. He said that witnesses for the prosecution would include social workers, law enforcement officers. Law enforcement officers testified that Dixon made a confession that was not coerced. The confession made in May, 2015 followed an approximate 45 minute interrogation when Dixon also provided information that was not requested by interrogators.
Defense Attorney Frank Long is expected to call his first witness Wednesday morning.
Lady Cats Golf Finishes Second in Tourney
The Lady Cats Golf Team finished second Monday at a tournament at Twins Lakes Golf Course in Canton sponsored by Martin’s Mill. The Lady Cats shot a team total of 434. The Lady Cats were led by Alissa Sotelo with 100. Jessie Ash shot 104, Morgan Landers had 113 and Emma Lane 117. Lady Cats Golf Coach Chris Owens said he was glad they got the tournament in. It was postponed due to rain last year. He said he had hoped his team would shoot better but he said the strong wind made conditions tough.
Coach Owens added Twin Lakes is a tough, long course with lots of sand and water on it. Next Monday the Lady Cats will be playing at the Hide-A-Way Lake course in Lindale.
Wildcats Golf Won Twin Lakes Tournament
The Wildcats Golf Team won a tournament at Twin Lakes Golf Course in Canton Monday. Wildcats Golf Coach Ross Funk said his team shot a 315 score. He called it a good day on a tough golf course in windy conditions. One highlight for the Wildcats was Alex Motes’ first hole in one that he got on the ninth hole. Brody Blackmon finished second in the tournament.
The Wildcats have played a lot of golf recently. They also played 54 holes at the Twisted 54 Tournament in Longview last Friday and Saturday. They played 36 holes on Friday and another 18 Saturday. Coach Funk said Blackmon won the Twisted 54 Tournament. He added the team got off to a bad start and was ninth after the first round Friday. They improved to seventh place after the second round Friday and then wound up in fourth place for the tournament.
Coach Funk said he would be taking some of his team to a tournament in Lindale next Tuesday. Several team members will be unavailable next week as they will be taking family trips during spring break.
Traffic Stop Leads To More Woes For Sulphur Springs Woman
Recently released from Hopkins County Jail after posting bail for multiple charges, Katelin Leann Gumpert, 24, was arrested Monday night as a result of yet another routine traffic stop. The stop occurred around the 300 block of Church Street shortly after 7 p.m. Monday 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.
Gumpert sits on $60,000 total bond with $40,000 for Possession of a Controlled Substance greater than 1 gram and $20,000 for Possession of a Controlled Substance less than 1 gram. Friday, March 5th, Gumpert posted bail totaling $40,000 for previous charges that led to her arrest during a traffic stop on March 4th: $20,000 for Abandonment and Endangerment of a Child, $10,000 for Delivery and Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance, and $10,000 for Possession of a Controlled Substance less than 1 gram.
Reed, Elliot to Retire; Parents Address SSISD School Board
SSISD
Two parents addressed the Sulphur Springs School Board in support of their children’s teacher during Public Forum at Monday night’s March board meeting. Lindsay Barton spoke in support of her son’s teacher and Denise Campbell addressed the board in support of her daughter’s teacher. Both children are autistic. Both parents praised their child’s teacher for loving their job and loving the children in the classroom. Ms. Barton stated that her son did not want to go to school on days when his teacher would be absent and could not express his feelings regarding any long term absence of his teacher. Both parents were in tears as they concluded their emotional support for the teacher. The board could not respond to the parents according to rules that govern the public forum time.
Two major forces in the life of SSISD are retiring. Randy Reed, Assistant Superintendent and Rickie Elliot, Director of Food Services are retiring at the end of the school year. Both have been with the district for many years and have secured improved life for the district during their terms of service. (Other Resignations and retires found below.)
Chris Clements, with Tandum Consulting told the board that work on the civic center auditorium is moving briskly. Electrical work is nearing completion as service to the building has been completed. Waterproofing on the east side of the building was accomplished thanks to weather that cooperated. The theatrical lighting gear is arriving and will soon be in place and the property room is finding form with foundation completed and structural frames being erected.
The board canceled the May 7th election declaring unopposed candidates John Prickettee, Leesa Toliver, and Kerry Wright elected to new 3-year terms, effective May 1st.
Contract extensions of one-year were recommended for professional certified instructional administrative personnel and administrative support services personnel currently employed.
Other retirements include Patricia Clement VI Teacher/OM Specialist in Special Services, Betty Lawson Principal at Travis, Kathleen McDonald Education Specialist at ECLC, Sheila Rorie Second Grade Teacher at Lamar, DeLana Huffines Secretary at Douglas Intermediate, Robbie Horton PE/Coach at Middle School, Dorothy Pace Food Services Manager at the high school.
Laura Cleveland resigned as Special Education at Bowie.
New personnel hired include Jaimie Hale Special Education Aide at ECLC, Alma Ramirez ESL Aide at Bowie, and Chelby Murrary Special Education Aide at Middle School.
Ahh, Spring is in the Air! Time for Weddings! by Johanna Hicks
Ahh, Spring is in the Air! Time for Weddings!
If you are the least bit familiar with my educational programming, you are aware that marriage education and diabetes education are a few of my favorite things! (I also like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, but that’s another song!)
I’ve received good response for the 2016 spring Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series thus far, and want to encourage anyone who is interested in attending to contact my office. These sessions do not take the place of a physician’s visit, but they do provide valuable information on managing diabetes. The series information is based on and approved by the American Diabetes Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and includes both nutrition and diabetes self-management topics. Although the series is targeted toward people with type 2 diabetes, those with type 1 or pre-diabetes also benefit from the information provided. The sessions will take place at the Extension Office, from1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on April 4, 7, 11, 14, and 18. A one-time fee of $25, payable at the first session, covers materials, refreshments, door prizes, and more. Give us a call at 903-885-3443, or go to http://hopkins.agrilife.org
and click on “events” and we’ll give you more information.
Now, on to my other favorite thing – marriage education! Each week in the local newspaper, I notice several couples who have applied for a marriage license and could have saved $60! Not only that, but they could have received valuable information and skills to put their marriages on strong footing. The Twogether in Texas marriage education workshop is offered for engaged, married, or seriously dating couples. Upon completion of the workshop, engaged couples receive a certificate to take to the County Clerk’s office to receive a $60 savings when applying for a marriage license. The certificate is good for one year, so even couples who are not planning to get married until later in the year or early 2017 may still take advantage of the upcoming workshop.
The next Twogether in Texas workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B. W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. I will cover marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams. Videos, group discussion, couple interaction, and hands-on activities will keep the workshop interesting. We’ll have plenty of coffee, water, refreshments, and lunch. There is NO CHARGE for the workshop. The state of Texas recognizes the importance of marriage education on the well-being of families and communities, thus the $60 savings when applying for a marriage license. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Hopkins County 4-H’ers Excel
Now that the dust has settled from the recent NETLA Junior Market Show (literally!), we want to recognize an entirely different area of 4-H involvement. County 4-H Roundup contests were held recently as an opportunity for our Hopkins County 4-H members to showcase their project work. Educational presentations, public speaking, food show and fashion show contests involved 21 Hopkins County 4-H’ers. Most will advance to District 4-H contests to be held at Texas A&M –Commerce, on April 15 and 16. The local contests provide excellent experience in speaking in front of a group and/or going through an interview process. Those participating and advancing to district are:
Educational presentations: Senior – Pilar Ortiz, Health (Childhood Overweight);Intermediates – Elida Miller, Public Speaking; Adam Johnson, Open (Types of Bows); Honesty Bridges, Ag/Natural Resources-Open (Alternative Types of Energy); Juniors – Judah VanRijn, Horse (Use of Essential Oils in Horses); Alexis Villarino, Ag/Natural Resources (Owls); Christian Ebel, Open (Hydraulic Jacks); Zia Miller, Promote 4-H; Eric Bridges, FCS Open (Food Chain).
Food Show: Senior – Aleigh Bessonett, Fruits & Vegetables; Intermediate – Jorja Bessonett, Dairy; Juniors – Jolie Sweat, Fruits & Vegetables; Clover Kid (not eligible for District due to age, but still deserving of recognition!), P.J. VanRijn, Dairy.
Fashion Show: Senior – Aleigh Bessonett, Buying, Semi-formal to formal; Intermediate – Jorja Bessonett, Construction, Everyday Living; Juniors – Judah VanRijn, Construction, semi-formal to formal; Kami White, Construction, Everyday Living
Intermediate, Savannah Allen also plans to participate in District Educational Presentations after giving her Beef demonstrations to our staff. Junior, Ethan George plans to participate on the district level in Educational Presentations (Beef), Food Show (Grains), and Fashion Show (Buying, Special Interest).
First-time high point individuals (“rookies”) in each contest were: Christian Ebel, Educational Presentations; Jolie Sweat, Food Show; and Kami White, Fashion Show. Thanks to Sulphur Springs Dodge for sponsoring prizes for these individuals! We look forward to reporting the results of the district contests next month! Until then, if you see any of these 4-H members, congratulate them for a job well done!
Closing Thought
Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it – Andy Rooney
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]
Severe Thunderstorm Watch for County Until 11 AM
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS EXTENDED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM
WATCH 36 TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AREAS UNTIL 11 AM CST THIS
MORNING IN TEXAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES
IN NORTHEAST TEXAS
DELTA HOPKINS LAMAR
RAINS
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF…COOPER…EAST TAWAKONI…EMORY…
PARIS…POINT AND SULPHUR SPRINGS.
The area is also under a Flash Flood watch this afternoon and tomorrow.
Winnsboro Police Report for February 29-March 6
Four arrests, a two (2) vehicle motor accident, 152 calls for service, issuing 72 citations and 24 warnings occupied the hours for the Winnsboro Police Department during the seven (7) day period from February 29 to March 6, 2016.
On Thursday, March 3rd, a Chevrolet truck was making a left onto East Myrtle Street when a PT Cruiser failed to control speed and struck the truck in the passenger side rear bumper.
Arrests included:
- Kendra Simmons, 32 of Winnsboro, was arrested Wednesday, March 2nd for driving while licensed invalid with previous convictions.
- On Thursday, Kimberly Crouch, 35 of Pittsburg, was arrested on two (2) Gregg County warrants and two (2) Titus County warrants.
- Friday found Ray Grant, 55 of Winnsboro, an unlicensed driver.
- Sunday, March 6th, James Holcomb, 37 of Winnsboro, was arrested on a City of Winnsboro Municipal warrant.
Business History Month: Just Country
For the past twenty-plus years, the family business “Just Country” has remained exactly that: country handmade decor. DeOnna Watkins is today’s owner of this successful wood-product designer business in Sulphur Springs, Texas which was begun by her parents Don and Linda Gammill. In 2016, Just Country continues to serve new outlets and find new ways to please those who love expressively quaint home decor.
Besides Just Country’s retail gift store in the Windsor Plaza Shopping Center which is brimming full with completed pieces for purchase, DeOnna also has a workshop two doors down which doubles as a classroom. This is where she does her painting and teaches her creative artwork skills to individuals and small groups. Selecting a smooth wood shape is just the beginning. Stenciling, frame, paint, fabric, florals, metal art and most any type of item or motif can be attached to personalize the piece.
Wording selected can celebrate a holiday or season, a wedding, a milestone, a relationship, even a bereavement. The artful messages are also perfect for custom business signs. No matter where your Just Country artwork is displayed, warmth and a wonderful ambiance is created.
The shop is open 11-6 Tues-Fri and 11-4 Saturday at 101 Bill Bradford Rd. Suite 18 in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Or schedule a class for yourself or friends. Find more on Facebook or by calling (903) 439-8007.
