Local Police Issue Scam Warning
Watch out for scam artists. One even tried to scam Sulphur Springs Police Detective Sgt. David Gilmore and a friend of his with different telephone cons. Sgt. Gilmore said a cellphone call last Thursday advised him that he had won $6.5 million in the lottery but that he had to pay $350 in IRS taxes to receive the money. The caller had a middle eastern accent according to Gilmore.
Gilmore reminds the public that when you purchase a lottery ticket, you do not give personal information. This raised the question as to how the local resident’s cellphone number had been acquired. Also, the IRS will charge more than $350 for such a large capital gain. Gilmore pointed out that anyone falling victim to such a scam has little recourse. Local police and even federal law enforcement has no jurisdiction in this type of scam. Gilmore calls for common scense in just instances.
Gilmore had received a call recently. That caller left a call back number and stated that there was a descrepancy in Gilmore’s filed income tax. Gilmore said the individual failed to compose a proper English sentence. The caller threatened prosecution. He also noted that the IRS will not call but will send a letter when seeking information.
Gilmore reminds local citizens to not give out personal information unless they are certain they are speaking to the correct party.
Why and When of Using Herbicides
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
Timing in agriculture: the why and when of using herbicides
I often get questions related to herbicide use. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, because of their potential to cause adverse effects to non-targeted vegetation, herbicide products containing selected active ingredients shall be classified as regulated herbicides when distributed in containers of a capacity larger than one quart for liquid material or two pounds for dry or solid material. If the products are marketed using metric measures, the classification applies to containers larger than one liter or one kilogram, respectively. A common use regulated herbicide compound in Texas is 2-4D. According to the National Pesticide Information Center from Oregon State University (http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/24Dgen.html), 2,4-D is a herbicide that kills plants by changing the way certain cells grow. 2,4-D comes in several chemical forms, including salts, esters, and an acid form. The toxicity of 2,4-D depends on its form. The form also affects what will happen to 2,4-D in the environment and what impacts it may have, especially on fish. 2,4-D is used in many products to control weeds, and it is often mixed with other herbicides in these products. 2,4-D was first used in the United States in the 1940s. Agent Orange, an herbicide used during the Vietnam War, contained both 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. Dioxin, a by-product of 2,4,5-T, led to the ban of Agent Orange. Products containing 2,4-D may be liquids, dusts, or granules. The liquid forms may be concentrated or ready-to-use. There are over a thousand products with 2,4-D in them that are sold in the United States. 2,4-D kills broadleaf weeds but not most grasses. 2,4-D kills plants by causing the cells in the tissues that carry water and nutrients to divide and grow without stopping. Herbicides that act this way are called auxin-type herbicides. Because 2-4 D works in active growing plant tissue, the best control effects occur when the herbicide is applied during active plant growth. Plants during flowering are not growing anymore and the control effect of 2-4 D based products is reduced during this stage. The purchase of restricted pesticide is regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture by licensing. Private farmers and ranchers can apply for license by becoming a private pesticide applicator. The steps to becoming a private pesticide applicator are:
Step1: Attend a Private Pesticide Applicator training session FIRST. The last private applicator training for 2015 will be October 30 2015 (Cost $30). Contact your county Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office in Hopkins County at 903-885-3443 to register. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers the Texas Private Applicator Training Course online also.
Step 2: Upon completion of the training, a Training Verification form (D-1411) will be provided to the applicant. Applicants should keep the yellow copy for their records. The white copy (original) should be mailed to TDA with the Private Pesticide Applicator license application form (PA-400P).
Step 3: The applicant needs to obtain a hard copy of the Private Pesticide Applicator license application form(PA-400P) from TDA. (Website: www.TexasAgriculture.govor Phone: 1-800-835-5832 or 512-463-7622).
Step 4: Submit the completed Private Pesticide Applicator application form, license fee of $60, and the white (original) copy of the Training Verification form to TDA for processing.
Step 5: When the license application is accepted, TDA will send the applicant a letter in the mail with their Account Number. This Account Number is the number the applicator will use to register and schedule the Private applicator exam with PSI.
Step 6: Applicants can go to PSI exams.com or call 1-800-733-9267 to schedule an exam at one of 22 locations around the state. A Pesticide Licensing Examination Candidate Information Bulletin is provided at the PSI website to assist the applicant with the exam scheduling process. A private applicator exam is free for the first attempt. If the applicant fails the first attempt, the second (or subsequent) attempts will require a payment of $52.00 each time to PSI. There is a 24 hour waiting period to take a repeat exam. PSI will provide a confirmation number and testing location information. Step7: Upon completion of the exam, the center will provide test results immediately. A passing grade is 70%.
Step 8: PSI will send exam scores to TDA daily. If all licensing criteria are met, TDA will issue the license. Important: If an applicant has any questions about licensing or categories, please contact TDA.
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].
A & M-Commerce Open Forum to Discuss Carrying Concealed Handguns on Campus
COMMERCE, TX— Texas A&M University-Commerce has created a task force to make recommendations for implementing Senate Bill 11, a measure that would allow the carrying of concealed handguns on campus.
The task force, composed of faculty, staff and students will host a campus forum during a University Community Update on Wed. Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Students, faculty and members of the community will be able to ask questions and provide feedback to the task force during the forum.
“We are engaging in a deliberative and highly inclusive process to ensure not only that we comply fully with SB11, but also ensure the safety of the campus community,” said A&M-Commerce President Dan R. Jones.
The bill allows the university latitude to set rules regarding the storage of handguns on campus and even the creation of gun-free zones. Areas such as laboratories, health centers and athletic events might be designated as “gun-free” for reasons of public safety.
The new measure will take effect on Aug. 1, 2016. Only concealed handgun license holders would be able to carry handguns on campus. The bill does not allow openly carrying or intentionally displaying weapons.
All schools in The Texas A&M University System, including A&M-Commerce, will submit campus-carry policies and procedures to the chancellor and the Board of Regents by Feb. 1 for review.
Students, faculty, staff and members of the community can give their opinions online or by attending one of the campus forums.
For more information about the campus concealed carry and to read an FAQ, visit: www.tamuc.edu/CCC.
Sulphur Springs Man Found Dead in Swimming Pool
A body of a 68-year old Sulphur Springs man was found floating in a swimming pool at his home located in the 100 block of Cedar Springs Boulevard Monday night. The deceased has been identified as William Gene Alley. He found found by his wife who called first responders. EMS personnel attempted CPR but were not able to revive the man. Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings pronounced the man dead at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital at 10:40 p.m. Monday. JP Cummings ordered an autopsy from American Forensics in Dallas.
Animals of the Week: Mascots Lil John and Gracie
Animal Shelter mascots Lil John and Gracie are owned by the officers of the Animal Shelter. Lil John is owned by Officer Brandi Blanch, and Gracie is owned by Officer Annie DeWolfe. Gracie is a 8-9 month old Border Collie and Heeler mix, while Lil John is a 7-8 month old Great Dane and Bloodhound mix. Gracie was the first to be adopted by a member of the Animal Shelter after she was found on East Park street as a recently born puppy.
Gracie
“She was dumped behind a lady’s fence who had two older dogs,” Officer DeWolfe said. “[The lady] was afraid that the bigger dogs would get a hold of her and hurt her so she brought her up to the Shelter. She didn’t even make it inside the Shelter. I started coming out the door, picked her up and took her home. The lady was saying ‘I just found this dog. Can you get her a home?’ I said, ‘She already did.'”
Officer DeWolfe fostered Gracie while waiting for someone to claim the dog. When no one stepped forward, she adopted the dog for herself. She soon began bringing Gracie with her to the Shelter, where the dog naturally fell into the role of helping with the other animals.
Gracie
“I was actually in the process of potty-training her,” Officer DeWolfe said. “It’s easier to have someone sitting there and watch to make sure that she doesn’t ‘go’ in the house, so I kept bringing her to the Shelter until she was potty trained, and after that I just kept bringing her back to work. She just seemed to enjoy it, she does great with the other dogs, she’s a good playmate for the others, ans she’s a great way to see if they’re dog-friendly or not. There’s not a mean bone in her body, if any dog is even a little bit confrontational she just rolls over and plays dead.”
Gracie’s primary job is playing with the other animals, namely the smaller animals and puppies. She is trusted with small puppies due to her gentle nature. She is also able to handle herself around larger animals, playing as rough as they want.
Lil John
Lil John was found at a Duplex on Barber street during the heavy snow of Februrary at only 2 months old. After repeated notices from the Animal Shelter about the poor living condidtions of the animal, he was claimed by the Shelter with the help of county sherrifs.
“We had called police officers as a witness, and in the beginning the dog had wanted to eat my lunch and it was so comical that everybody was laughing,” Officer Blanch said. ” So I put the rope around his neck and scooped him up and by the time we got to the truck his tail was wagging. I kept him at the Shelter the first night and then I tried him at home to see how he would do. I had just adopted a kitten named Robin Hood, which is why he is named Lil John.”
Lil John
When Lil John first arrived at the Shelter, he was greated by Gracie, the first dog he ever played with. Both dogs were potty-trained together, and continued to play with each other, as well as with the other Shelter Animals. Lil John has the job of testing the larger animals, especially the larger male dogs that are more aggressive than the other animals. He is mainly kept at home, since he has a habbit of “forgetting he’s big”, according to Officer Blanch. Both dogs have been close friends ever since they were adopted by the Shelter officers.
Lil John and Gracie hunt for a tennis ball
Mother, Daughter Complete “1K Before K” Program
Mother La Tarra Young and 5 year old daughter Serenity Young are the first to complete the 1K Before K Program. The 1K Before K Program challenges parents to read 1,000 books to their children before Kindergarten. Young and her daughter started the program last March, which meant they had to work fast to meet reach the 1,000 milestone before Serenity began Kindergarten.
“Her daughter loves to read,” Rita Taylor, Family & Community Engagement Specialist said. ” They read probably seven or eight books a day. So she really made the efforts to get it done. A lot of hard work, we’re really proud of her.”
The program keeps track every time parents and children reach a 100 book milestone, usually rewarding them for every 100. Parents can take part in the program at either the Public Library or the Kindergarten. As a reward for being the first student to complete the program, Serenity received the first of the limited edition Snoopy themed Public Library card. The Schultz family has collaborated with the American Library Association and Sulphur Springs Public Library to give limited permission to use Snoopy on the new library cards. It only costs $3 to obtain this limited edition card.
Commissioners Court Approves 90-Day Burn Ban Monday
Monday morning during Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court, the commissioners agreed with County Judge Robert Newsom. In a 4-0 vote, commissioners voted to prohibit all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county for 90 days. The ban does not include outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for firefighter training; public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; stated funded road projects with a plan of action on file; commercial welding projects with a plan of action on file; small fires for cooking in established contests sanctioned by Hopkins County or a municipal body with proper plan filed with the fire marshal’s office.
Midday Friday, County Judge Robert Newsom had issued a burn ban for Hopkins County. In the Emergency Order issued, Newsom stated that “…a state of disaster has been declared on the imminent threat of disaster from wildfire…” The ban is intended to impose “…controls on activities which tend to increase the likelihood of such fires…” The burn ban is for all unincorporated areas of the county for seven (7) days ending at midnight on October 15.
In the order it stated that “A person violates this order if he or she causes the burning of any combustible material outside an enclosure that serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others.” Local fire departments will respond to all outdoor burning and take immediate measures to contain or extinguish the fire. Law officers are also instructed to investigate the nature of the fire and issue warnings. On the second violation or on a flagrant violation of the order, prosecution can be expected. Under the ban, the burning of trash and/or other fires outdoors are forbidden.
County Judge Newsom made the decision to issue the burn ban after County Fire Chief Kevin Yates informed the judge that 12 fires have occurred over the past two days and that conditions have deteriorated to the level that demands the order. Newsom said the county has been able to avoid the order until now.
County Commissioners will consider the ban Monday in a meeting of commissioner’s court. Newsom stated that he hopes rain will occur so that the ban can be lifted.
Early Release Friday for SSISD Students
All students in the Sulphur Springs ISD will be released at 12:50 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2015 allowing elementary teachers to conduct required Title I Parent Conferences beginning at 1:00 p.m. Teachers will be calling parents to schedule conference times. Middle School and High School teachers will be involved in staff development for the afternoon.
All staff will be released at their normal Friday dismissal time.
The SSISD Transportation Dept. will deliver all regular route bus students to their homes approximately 3 hours earlier. Buses will leave Prim Stadium hub at 1:10-1:15 and begin afternoon runs. Please make this adjustment to your family schedule for the afternoon of Friday, October 16.
McQueen Charged With Vasquez Murder
A 25-year old white male is dead from gunshot wounds following a Sunday night shootout on Ingram Street in Sulphur Springs. A 19-year old white male is in custody at Hopkins County jail awaiting a magistrate’s hearing to be charged with murder Monday morning, according to Justice of the Peace B. J. Teer. Teer pronounced the victim of the shooting dead Sunday night at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital ER.
Sulphur Springs Police officers responded to a call in the 600 block of Ingram Street AT 8:36 p.m. Sunday night. According to Police Chief Jay Sanders, officers found Jesse Louis Vasquez laying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services rendered immediate aid and transported Vasquez to Hopkins County Memorial Hospital Emergency Room where he was pronounced dead by JP Teer.
Sanders stated that witnesses at the scene reported a white male having left the scene. During questioning, an individual who had arrived at the scene informed officers that a man was behind a building near Dairy Queen on Main Street and wanted to give himself up. Officers arrested Justin Joe McQueen. McQueen had injuries to his knees from jumping a fence. He was taken to HCMH ER where he was treated and released to Hopkins County Jail.
McQueen has been charged with murder and is being held on a $1,000,000 bond as of Monday morning at 8:20 a.m. Justice of the Peace Teer set the bond.
8th Judicial District Judge Northcutt States Intent to Seek Re-election
SULPHUR SPRINGS—October 10, 2015— 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt has announced his intention to seek re-election to the post. Northcutt was elected in 2012. A Republican, Northcutt will seek the nomination of his party in the March, 2016 primary. The 8th Judicial District is comprised of Hopkins, Franklin, Rains, and Delta counties.
“It has been my distinct privilege and honor to serve as District Judge. When initially running for this job, I stated that the experiences and skill set I possess would uniquely qualify me to serve this area as a district judge, and I have found that to be very true.”
“My previous experiences as a mental health professional, minister, school teacher, and attorney have greatly benefitted me – and ultimately the citizens of this district – as I have been on the bench.”
Northcutt has presided over more than 50 trials since being sworn in on January 1, 2013, with more than 40 of those being jury trials. Additionally, Northcutt has presided over several thousand cases filed or pending in the court. Northcutt was recently appointed by the President of the State Bar of Texas to serve on the state-wide Jury Service Committee.
“In talking with other judges from around the state, I am convinced that we are one of the busiest courts in the state. As those involved with our court can attest, I am committed to moving cases through the judicial process quickly, consistent with justice.”
“The key to our success is having great people involved in the judicial process, and we have that. Our court coordinator, court reporter, and clerks that I deal with every day are outstanding and aid in the efficiency of our court, as well as the high quality of attorneys that practice in our district.”
Northcutt has presided over a wide range of felony criminal cases, including several murder cases. Currently, there are six murder cases pending, three of which are filed as capital murder cases. “I think the highest honor I have encountered is the confidence that attorneys have in me when a decision is made to waive a jury and try the case to the court. I believe they know that I will listen carefully and apply the law to the facts in rendering a fair and impartial judgment. I have been pleasantly surprised at the high number of cases that have fallen into this category.”
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of the 8th Judicial District.”
