Weather Summary for 2015 Show Rainfall 22 Inches Above Average
According to the Sulphur Springs, the city Water Treatment Plant, rainfall for 2015 resulted in a total of 69.36 inches with 11.28 inches falling in December. Annual rainfall for Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County averages 47.2 inches according to the United States Climate Data.
The Christmas weekend, December 26-28, produced over 7 inches of the month’s total. December 13th was another day for a downpour with 2.77 inches. December saw an average temperature high of 63 and average the low was 41. Christmas Day and Saturday December 12th were the warmest days of the month with a high of 79. Average rainfall for December locally is 4.33 inches according to climate data.
For all the rain in December, October had more rainfall at 11.89 inches. The last three months of the year saw consecutive double digit rainfall.
A look at the rest of the year includes:
January—4.61 inches of rain; maximum high of 80 (January 29); average high 53; low 31
February—3.23 inches of rain; maximum high of 78 (February 15); average high 53; low 32
March—6.18 inches of rain; maximum high of 83 (March 26, 30); average high 61; low 45
April –7.63 inches of rain; maximum high 88 (April 27); average high 75; low 55
May—8.63 inches of rain; maximum high 90 (May 28); average high 81; low 63
June—3.41 inches of rain; maximum high 97 (June 10); average high 90; low 72
July—0.19 inches of rain; maximum high 104 (July 31); average high 95; low 77
August—1.12 inches of rain; maximum high 107 (August 11); average high 97; low 73 There were nine consecutive days with temperatures over 100 (August 4-12)
September—1.02 inches of rain; maximum high 100 (September 8); average high 92; low 68
October—11.89 inches of rain; maximum high 97 (October 15); average high 82; low 56
November—10.17 inches of rain; maximum high 83 (November 12); average high 66; low 48
Capital Murder Pleas Save County Money
When Patrick Wayne McMahan and Cody Scott Shaw plead guilty to the capital murder of their employer Gary Maynard, Hopkins County breathed a sigh of relief. Citizens in the county were relieved that the event of Mr. Maynard’s murder had found a just ending and they were relieved that the bulk of the cost of a capital murder trial had been averted. Shaw was sentenced to life in prison without parole and McMahan to straight life with eligibility for parole in 30 calendar years. Shaw was the one who shot Maynard. McMahan participated in the event and the robbery that qualified the cases as Capital Murder.
Both Shaw and McMahan were indicted for capital murder by a Hopkins County Grand Jury on December 8th of 2014. At that time, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom had announced that an insurance policy would pay for attorneys for Shaw in the capital murder trial but would not pay for McMahan’s trial attorneys.
Newsom, in Israel this week, told KSST News in an email conversation, “I am very pleased with the work of our law enforcement and the district attorney’s office. While the death penalty could have been assessed in cases of this gravity, justice was served through the life sentences given by the District Court. Hopkins County taxpayers were saved several hundred thousands of dollars by avoiding several months of trial in each case. Our county is blessed to have our excellent law enforcement and justice system we enjoy in Hopkins County.”
Several years ago, fearful that a capital murder case featuring the death penalty could bankrupt the county, the Hopkins County Commissioners Court invested in a program that would help defray costs. Newsom said the policy is an interlocal agreement between Hopkins County and Lubbock County. He said the agreement cost the county just over $10,000 this year. The program pays for only one defendant but that will save the county up to $300,000 in a typical Capital Murder case. The program will provide two court-appointed attorneys, an investigator, and other needs that are expensive.
Will Ramsay, District Attorney, says, “Capital Murder cases end up dominating the resources of both the DA’s office and the court. If this case had moved forward to a jury trial wherein the death penalty was sought, it would have taken probably three (3) weeks to pick the jury. Then we would have had to try the case, which, I’m assuming, would take the better part of a week. Essentially, the 8th Judicial District Court would have been consumed for about a month on one case. And, don’t forget, there were two defendants here. I doubt they both would have been tried for death, but there was at least that possibility. I am not sure how Judge Northcutt would try to fit in the many other felony cases we handle on a daily basis while we were dealing with the capital case. We would have to figure out some sort of system so that we hopefully wouldn’t delay cases for a month.” Ramsay pointed out that while his office is tied up with a capital murder trial, the police are still doing their job and cases are still being filed with the DA’s Office. “In other words, things don’t slow down just because we are in a capital murder trial,” Ramsay stated.
Ramsay said his office was completely prepared for the time and the money that would be spent in the trials if the offers had not been accepted.
Both County Judge Newsom and DA Ramsay commended the work of law enforcement in preparing for the trials.
Hopkins County Chief Investigator Lewis Tatum told KSST News that when Maynard’s wife found him murdered in his bed at their County Road 2301 home and called the Sheriff’s Office, the deputies first on scene immediately called the County CID. The first question CID began asking was “Who could have done this?” They soon narrowed in on who might have committed the act.
With the assistance of Texas Ranger John Vance who began gathering evidence at the scene, county criminal investigators and deputies split into teams. One team consisting of officers Evans and Moon arrived at McMahan’s residence and found chain saws in his pickup. The chainsaws were known to be missing from the Maynard residence. McMahan was questioned at his Sulphur Springs home and confessed. Tatum and the local SWAT team made up of county and city law enforcement went to Emory to confront Shaw at this home. He was arrested and in a later interview confessed.
Tatum stated, “One thing we really strive for is to have a complete, solid case. Every shred of evidence gathered and to do everything possible to make sure no hole can be found in the case is our priority.”
“We have a tough judicial system here in Hopkins County. A case put together well by law enforcement facilitates the District Attorney’s prosecution of the case,” Tatum said.
Winnsboro Police Offer Ride Home on New Year’s Eve
Call first. The Winnsboro Police Department will give citizens a ride home New Year’s Eve if you call before you are caught. If you are too intoxicated to drive on New Year’s Eve and live in Winnsboro, Chris Hill, with the WPD, says if you call first they will take you home. If a WPD officer stops you while you are driving and you are intoxicated, your ride will have a different destination. In Winnsboro, call 903-342-3620.
“Updated” Wildcats Basketball Opens District Play Saturday
The Wildcats’ basketball team lost the third place game Tuesday in a Kaufman tournament to Dallas Christian 52-36. Keaston Willis scored 13 points. The Wildcats, now 7-9, open district play at Texas High Saturday with freshman game at 1 p.m., JV game at 2:15 p.m. and varsity game at 3:30 p.m.
The Lady Cats’ basketball team defeated Tulsa Edison, 40-38 in an Idabel tournament Tuesday. The Lady Cats are 15-4 for the season.
Tira News By Jan Vaughn
Tira News
By Jan Vaughn
We want to express our sympathy to Tommy Dickens and his family, in the loss of his mother, Alvira Dickens. Her funeral was held on Monday afternoon, December 28, 2015, under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Kim Beck shared, “Our son, Jason Beck, graduated from the University of Texas–Austin Naval ROTC program and got his commission on the 16th and will begin Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida in February. We are proud parents! Hook ‘em Jason!”
The family of the late Herm and Helen Weir got together at the Tira Community Center on December 19th to celebrate Christmas. Joyce reports that there were 23 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in attendance. She says, “We had food, lots of fun and memories, and exchanged gifts.”
William and Joyce Dodd hosted a get together for their family on Christmas Day. They had lunch and opened gifts around the tree. Those attending included Michael McNiel, Tonja Jones, Rob, Brad, Tanya, Trenton, and Matthew Dodd, Maegan, Alyssa, Gavin, and Ethan Shelton, and a friend, D.J., Blaine, Heather, Jayden, Lilly, and Dakotah Lawwill, and Stuart, Tiffany, Emery, and Elli McPherson. Joyce adds, “We had a house full of family, which we enjoyed and shared the blessings of love with, to make our Christmas special.”
Floyd and Martha Payton report that they “enjoyed and celebrated the Christmas holidays with their children – Regina Payton from Victoria, Brad and Virginia Payton from Keller, Eric Payton from San Diego.” Martha commented, “The weather didn’t cooperate very well so we stayed close to home.” Floyd is recovering from a bout with pneumonia, but is feeling much better after a couple of weeks of rest and good care. He and Martha want to wish everyone “a happy, healthy New Year.”
Jimmy and Janie Lewis celebrated Christmas for almost a week, beginning on the 20th with daughter, Alicia, and her family, Hayden, Quinton, and Asa Joslin, and other friends and family. Don and Patsy Shaw and their daughters, Ruth Ann and Dona, and Patsy’s sister and niece, Mary Sue and Vicki, and RaDona, Blake, and Cooper Adams spent the evening with the Lewis’ on the 24th. On Christmas Day, Jimmy and Janie celebrated again with RaDona, Brian, Blake, and Cooper, and Don, Patsy, and Dona. Also, Jimmy and Janie spent Thanksgiving visiting their son, Jeremy, in Gainesville, Georgia.
Landon, Laiken, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden Joslin celebrated Christmas with Laiken’s mother and family on Christmas Eve and with her dad and family on the day after Christmas. They joined us on Christmas Day for lunch and exchanging gifts, along with our son and daughter, Delayne and Tiffany, and our other grandchildren, Morgan, Kenden, and Jaidyn, and friend Darris Cross. The children enjoyed playing outside on the warm, sunny day! Linda and Grace Vaughn came by for a visit on Saturday afternoon.
Tira was spared from the destructive weather on Sunday evening, although we had a lot of rain and I had one report of slight wind damage. Also, Kim Beck shared some amazing photos of the ominous looking clouds, including a beautiful picture of a rainbow.
I would like to echo Floyd and Martha’s wish for you all to have a happy, healthy New Year!
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].
Animals of the Week: Lucy and Ethel
Lucy and Ethel are two black female kittens that came from a litter of eight found on Weaver Drive in late October. Lucy and Ethel are the last two that have yet to be adopted. Both are solid black, except that one has a white locket and the other has white toes. Their names come from the original TV series “I Love Lucy.”
“They are very sweet kitties,” Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Blanch said. “They would make someone a good pet, and they’re the only animals left over from before Christmas.”
The Animal Shelter was able to adopt out or find rescue shelters for all, except Lucy and Ethel, from the animals the Shelter housed before Christmas. A small handful of animals have been taken into the Shelter since Christmas and will be available for adoption this weekend.
“[Lucy and Ethel’s litter] were brought in as strays, so we held them for a bit and they’ve been up for adoption since just after Halloween,” Officer Blanch said. “One went the very next day, and the rest over a few weeks and a couple during Christmas. They all got adopted except for these two.”
The reason that Lucy and Ethel have not been adopted yet is partially due to their fur color. Solid colored animals are difficult to find homes for, and solid black animals have an even more difficult time getting adopted.
“They have that ‘black dog syndrome’ where they’re hard to place,” Office Blanch said. “They’re just as sweet as any other kitty.”
There will be no off-site adoption this weekend because there are very little animals for the Shelter to showcase.
City Presents Key to New Home
As part of the city of Sulphur Springs HOMES program, a dilapidated house at 212 West Ross was torn down and a new home and garage were constructed in its place. Wednesday morning, December 30, 2015, city Mayor Pro Tem Emily Glass presented keys to the new home to its’ owner, Fannie Berry.
Ms. Berry described her new home as beautiful. The new structure replaces an older home that Ms. Berry described as falling down. She said “God knows when to do it and how to do it” as she expressed her thankfulness for the house.
Gordon Frazier, City Human Resources Director, said the HOMES program is currently out of funds. The city is applying for additional funds from the program. He stated that this is not the time for residents to apply for a new home but as soon as the State of Texas approves dispersing additional federal funds for the program applications will be accepted.
Frazier pointed out that approximately 12 houses have been built with the grant funds. Each of the houses replaced dilapidated houses that were in dire need of replacement. The program is for homeowners with very low income. He stated that when funds were available the public would be notified and applications would be received.
TxDOT To Replace Bridge on CR1152
A bridge replacement by the Texas Department of Transportation will close Hopkins County Road 1152 at Redding Creek beginning January 4th. The bridge is located near the east end of CR 1152. This project was planned before the recent heavy rains that have also created the need for a bridge replacement near the west end of CR 1152 near CR 1127, according to Beth Wisenbaker, Commissioner Precinct 1. Alternate routs will be marked by signs posted during the temporary road closure.
CR 1152 connects FM 1567 east of Miller Grove and CR2653 northeast of Miller Grove. County Roads 1127, 1159, 1155 and 1153 also connect to 1152. Wisenbaker stated that a FEMA representative would be in the county next week to examine the damage to the bridge near CR 1127 and CR 1152.
The Texas Department of Transportation recently authorized CDM Holdings LLC to replace the bridge. TxDOT officials granted the contractor 64 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project at an estimated cost of more than $285,000. Work will proceed as weather permits, but should be completed by March 2016.
Wherever possible, motorists are urged to approach all work zones cautiously, and observe and obey all traffic controls and barricades they may encounter.
New Handgun Laws January 1st
Hand gun license laws change January 1st. Weapons may be concealed or carried openly with certain restrictions under the new license. Those weapons carried openly must be in a belt holster or shoulder holster. The law has a variety of requirements. Sulphur Springs Patrol Captain Jason Ricketson advises those seeking more information on the law to use legitimate sources such as the official Department of Public Safety site. He stated there will be a learning curve for everyone regarding the law. Specific signage prohibiting concealed and open carry is also covered on the DPS website.
SSPD, County Deputies Offer Free Ride New Year’s Eve
Those who have too much to drink can still get home safely on New Year’s Eve. Sulphur Springs Police Patrol Captain Jason Ricketson, SSPD will give a ride to those city residents who have had too much to drink New Year’s Eve if they call the police department first. If the individual is stopped by officers first, there will be a free ride but not home. Hopkins County Deputies will offer the service to county residents as well. Again, county residents who should not drive due to drink must call first. Anyone stopped drinking and driving will find their free ride to the newly appointed Hopkins County Jail.
