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.
Lady Cats Bats Light Up the Night in First District Win
The Lady Cats Softball Team started district play just like it was any other game this year. This district opener for both teams was moved ahead one day because of threatening weather expected on Tuesday. That when the Lady Cats bats struck like lightning. Going into Monday night’s game, the Lady Cats were hitting an incredible .489 as a team. The Lady Cats’ offense once again was clicking on all cylinders in a 22-7 win at Longview.
The Lady Cats are now 1-0 in district play and 17-2 for the season. This was their ninth straight win.
Weather permitting, the Lady Cats will continue district play Friday night at 6 p.m. at Lady Cat Park as the Marshall Lady Mavericks come to town.
Dixon Trial Begins Monday Afternoon
A 12-member jury was picked Monday morning and began hearing opening arguments by 2 p.m. as the trial of Hunter James Dixon opened in the Eighth Judicial District Courtroom in the Hopkins County Courthouse. Dixon was indicted September 23, 2015 on eight counts of sexual assault of a child. He was arrested May 28th at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department for aggravated sexual assault and continuous sexual assault of two girls under the age of ten. Later an assault of a child, a male, was been added to the list of charges.
In opening arguments, Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison stated that witnesses for the prosecution would include social workers, law enforcement officers. Harrison stated that the 20-year old Dixon was 17-years old when the offenses began. The Assistant DA said that the acts occurred beginning in 2012 and continued until 2015. Harrison stated that Dixon made a confession that was not coerced. The confession followed an approximate 45 minute interrogation and Dixon provided information that was not requested by interrogators.
Harrison displayed a diagram of key relationships of Dixon to those involved in the case. At the time of his arrest Sheriff’s Criminal Investigator Dennis Findley said the sheriff’s office was made aware of the first two cases on Tuesday, May 26th after an outcry by the two female victims made to their biological father. The male made his outcry to his stepfather. Chief criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum told KSST news at that time that the incidents had been occurring over several months.
In his opening remarks, Defense Attorney Frank Long said that Dixon went to the sheriff’s office to speak with officers at their invitation. Long said the officers did not tell Dixon that they already had in their possession a warrant for his arrest. He said officers did not inform him of the accusations against him.
Long stated to members of the jury panel that when the social workers addressed them during questioning, those social workers would be stating their opinion. He said the social workers would state facts and then attempt to explain away the discrepancies that did not fit the prosecutor’s case. He stressed jurors should consider reasonable doubt as they hear the testimonies.
Harrison told KSST News that he hopes to conclude his list of witnesses Tuesday.
Phone Scam Seeks Social Security Number
Phone scams continue to multiply and others cycle from place to place and year to year.
Currently, a KSST listener reports a caller claiming to have the 888 phone number for the Civic Procedures Division of the State of Texas. The caller says that the individual being called is being summoned in a civil court case and is requiring the one called to call the 1-888-864-4232 number and give a case number to find out any more information. The call is being made by those seeking your social security number.
There are several reviews regarding this scam on the internet.
Eighth Grade Students Endorsement Signing Night at High School
Monday night, eighth grade students in Sulphur Springs Middle School and their parents participated in an Endorsement Signing Night at Sulphur Springs High School from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. The event in the high school cafeteria will have the atmosphere of a sports signing day. However, the students and parents will be signing the high school path agreement that will guide the process of class choice for the next four years.
Jenny Arledge, Director of College and Career Readiness at SSHS, said students have a choice of several paths. “We wanted to make this a big event for the students,” she stated. During the time, students will receive a T-shirt, pizza, and participate in the activities.
Jury Picked Monday for Dixon Trial
Monday morning, March 7, in Eighth Judicial District Court a jury is being picked to hear testimony in the trial of Hunter James Dixon for multiple charges of continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children. The trial will begin shortly after the jury is picked.
Dixon was indicted September 23, 2015 on eight counts of sexual assault of a child. Dixon was arrested May 28th at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department for aggravated sexual assault and continuous sexual assault of two girls under the age of ten. Later an assault of a child, a male, was been added to the list of charges.
At the time of his arrest Sheriff’s Criminal Investigator Dennis Findley said the sheriff’s office was made aware of the first two cases on Tuesday, May 26th after an outcry by the two female victims made to their biological father. The male made his outcry to his stepfather. Chief criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum told KSST news at that time that the incidents had been occurring over several months.
All three children were interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center in Winnsboro where specially trained Child Protective Services employees conduct such interviews for the area.
Business History Month: Party Gear+
Back in 1987, The Paper Factory started in the VF Mall in Sulphur Springs, Texas. After 25 years and several ownership changes, the last company that owned the chain decided small town America was no longer a priority and chose to rely on metropolitan and internet sales.
Thad Gregory had managed the store for the last 15 years that The Paper Factory was open and decided there was still a need for a party store in Sulphur Springs and reopened his store at the same location. Now after almost four years, parties are still the Gregory’s in small town America. Party Gear+ has everything you need to throw a fantastic party. With a variety of supplies for any type of party, event or shower, they are your one stop shop. From solid tableware to helium filled balloons, you will find what you are looking for at Party Gear+. Party Gear+ takes pride in helping their customers create fun and memorable parties. There are aisles of awesome things you need including greeting cards, wrapping paper, ribbon, stickers, tissue paper, streamers, gift boxes, bags, and more.
Thad and Stacie Gregory believe in the strength of a small-town economy powered by “mom-and-pop”, locally owned and operated companies. They are a part of the business community in Sulphur Springs at their store Party Gear+, stocking “your gear for the party, all year”! inside the VF Outlet Mall, located along the I-30 West service road at 614 Bill Bradford Road. The Gregory family welcomes you to browse their selection of party supplies, holiday items, or pick out the perfect greeting card.
Party Gear + can be contacted at 903-951-1818, on Facebook, and at partygearplus.com.
Lady Cats Now 14-2 on Season; Open District at Longview
The Lady Cats Softball Team remained unbeaten in a Wylie tournament this weekend with an 8-2 win over Richland Friday night. The Lady Cats scored 4 runs in the top of the first and added 4 more in the top of the fourth. Sadie Stroud, Sarah Womack and Brinklee Driver all drove home two runs. Jaye Doughtie had four hits, Bricklee Driver had three and Alyssa Abron had two. Sarah Womack pitched all seven innings allowing only two runs and five hits. She struck out three.
The Lady Cats improved their season record to 14-2. After games against Sherman and Wylie in the Wylie tournament, the Lady Cats will open district play at Longview Tuesday at 6 p.m.
