Duffey On Trial in 8th Judicial District Court
Monday morning in the 8th Judicial District Court Room, District Judge Eddie Northcutt began hearing evidence in a Manslaughter Felony 2 trial. Roy Dean Duffey is being tried in connection with the stabbing death of David Harrison Cooper on February 20, 2011. The trial follows a denial of a plea bargain agreement reached and an appeal that overturned a 12-year sentence given Duffey by then District Judge Robert Newsom.
In March, Judge Northcutt reset the trial to give the defense attorney more time to prepare and to give the District Attorney’s office an opportunity to refile their motion in a different form than first submitted.
Monday morning District Attorney Will Ramsay played the February 20, 2011, 911 call and followed that with Dr. Reed Quinton, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner in Dallas County. Quinton, a forensic expert who now teaches as well as conducts autopsies said that a one inch wide incision and 4.5 inches deep stab wound went through a rib and into the right ventricle of Cooper’s heart. The one inch stab wound also had a 3.5 inches trail across Cooper’s chest. No other injuries, except an abrasion across the bridge of the nose were evident in the autopsy. Quinton said Cooper probably lived a few seconds following the wound. The defense for Duffey asked if the wound could have been caused by falling on the knife and the Medical Examiner said “Yes.”
The medical examiner stated there was only a small trace of marijuana and no other drug or alcohol found in the toxicology report. When asked by the defense if the marijuana was enough to create mental impairment, Dr. Quinton stated medical science has not reached a conclusion regarding the amount needed to cause mental impairment. He stated that is one of the arguments being made in the current attempts to legalize the drug.
Captain Jason Ricketson with the Sulphur Springs Police Department was the second witness called by the prosecution. Ricketson, who was a Lieutenant and day shift supervisor for the department in 2011, stated he responded to the 911 call placed February 20th along with patrol officers. He arrived quickly after the call was placed and found three females, one of whom was kneeling beside Cooper’s body. A check of Cooper’s pulse did not provide a pulse. Firemen and EMS soon arrived along with other law enforcement. CPR was given but with no result. Ricketson said he ordered the area cleared and posted to preserve the crime scene. Statements were taken and, shortly after, the investigation was turned over the Texas Ranger John Vance and SSPD Detective Bo Fox. He also pointed out that the pockets of Cooper’s clothing were emptied by Detective Rusty Stillwagoner and no weapons were found.
The trial is expected to continue for three days. DA Ramsay plans to call the three females who witnessed the event and also other law enforcement personnel before the defense presents their case.
The Attacking Crevecoeur
‘Pierre’ a.k.a. ‘Devil Bird’
Why do some roosters attack humans? Well, Roosters are born programmed to do their ‘rooster duties’. These ‘duties’ include looking out for their hens at all times, anything that may be harmful to his hens will more than likely get attacked.
At my household we have 3 roosters. One of which is very aggressive when it comes to defending his ‘ladies’. His name is Pierre, but he also answers to ‘Devil Bird’. He is a Crevecoeur, a french breed. He was given to us by a family that ordered day old chicks. They revived too many roosters, and he was the low man on the totem pole.
One day about a year ago, I walked outside to go check on all the chickens to make sure everyone was okay. All of a sudden I hear the sound of someone or something running after me and something sharp making contact with my skin. I turn around and there stands Pierre. At first I thought he was just a little confused, so I continued my journey to check on he rest of the flock. A few steps later he attacked me again. By that time I knew he wasn’t confused, he knew what he was doing. From then on out every time I would walk outside I would be frightened, and think I would get hurt again by that rooster.
Chickens are simple animals, rooster doubly so. It would be nice if I could just ignore his attacks, but when I wear shorts, his attacks break my skin. Kicking at him does nothing, it just makes him more aggressive. He is so sneaky that always have to be on guard. We even tried turning the hose on him. He just attacked the same way the next day.
So we will take the bad with the good, and learn to put up with the primitive actions of the rooster, and enjoy all the benefits of having backyard chickens.
Posted by Molly Clegg, High School Intern
“Updated” Shooting Death in Pacific Park Under Investigation
Following statements by witnesses to a shooting in Pacific Park Monday morning, Sulphur Springs Police have attained a warrant for the arrest of Tilton Joshua Isaiah Mapps, 20, an African-American male whose last known address was Greenville, Texas. Mapps is considered armed and dangerous.
Tilton Joshua Isaiah Mapps
At 2 a.m. Monday morning, Sulphur Springs Police Dispatch received a call regarding a shooting in Pacific Park. Jonathan Young, 26, a Sulphur Springs resident was taken by EMS to Hopkins County Memorial Hospital where he died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders.
Sanders said his criminal investigators are following a number of leads Monday morning. There were witnesses present at the time of the shooting and local investigators are taking their statements.
There will be a prayer and candle light vigil at the ball field at Pacific Park at 8 p.m. Monday night for Jonathan Young and his family.
More to follow as soon as it is available to KSST.
Aiguier Cemetery Association Report
Aiguier Cemetery Association
June 7, 2015
The Aiguier Cemetery Association held their annual meeting on Sunday, June 7, 2015 on the cemetery grounds. Following a pot-luck lunch, Charlie Vaughn presided over the business meeting. The group voted to keep the same slate of officers – President, Charlie Vaughn; Vice President, Betty Weir; Treasurer – Peggy Beck; Secretary/Reporter – Jan Vaughn. Robert Aiguier, Peggy Beck, and Chip Vaughn were reelected for another 3-year term on the Perpetual Care Fund Board. Susan Vaughn reported that there had been three burials in the cemetery during the past year – Debbie Layton, Larry Layton, and Averie Davidson. Vaden Richey shared some history of the cemetery association. Those registered for the event included Charlie and Susan Vaughn, Grace Vaughn, Linda Ellen Vaughn, Spencer Hinkle, Landon, Amie, Rachel and Dallas Davidson, Robert Aiguier, Clifford and Wynelle Belz, Tiffany Vaughn, Kenden and Jaidyn Joslin, Michael and Sheila Boyd, Jimmy and Peggy Beck, Chip and Jan Vaughn, Michael and Tori Morgan and Tyler, Charlie and Tina Williams, Barbara Penny, Vaden Richey, Shirley Evans, Pam and Doug Albanese, BreAnn Manuel, Jana Rich, Betty Weir, Perry Evans, Nancy Potts, Kimberly and Phillip Coleman, Paul and Mendy Evans, Floyd Lawson, Tammy Harrison, and James and Lane, Paula and Charlie Dickey, Peggy and Pud Brice.
Nine Lady Cats Named To All-District Team
Nine Lady Cats’ softball players were selected to the All-District Team. Kasey Moore was named the offensive MVP and Alyssa Abron was chosen as Freshman of the Year. First team selections were pitcher Summer Wyatt, infielder Sarah Womack, outfielder Makayla Glosson and DH Mandi Stonaker. Second team choices were infielder Kristin Allen and outfielder Jaye Doughtie. Catcher Molly Johnston was named Honorable Mention.
Diplomas Presented to 252 SSHS Graduates
Two hundred fifty-two (252) diplomas were handed out to Sulphur Springs High School seniors Friday night at Gerald Prim Stadium. Included was one given posthumously to senior Isaac Perez who drowned recently. Salutatorian Ariel Gonzalez quoted Pokemon in urging classmates not to be deterred from chasing goals. Valedictorian Andrew Allen’s thank yous included cafeteria workers and custodians that he called by name.
TxDOT Plans Seal Coat Projects in Hopkins and Other Northeast Texas Counties
Texas Department of Transportation officials recently cleared Missouri Petroleum Products Company LLC, Mountain View, Mo., to seal coat several roadways in Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Rains and Red River counties. Motorists traveling in Northeast Texas in June and July should pay special attention to all traffic control devices, flaggers, and reduce their speed accordingly.
Construction will begin June 27 in Rains County, and is scheduled to take approximately five weeks to complete, weather permitting. Construction will progress through Franklin, Hopkins, Red River, Lamar, Fannin, Delta and Grayson counties, respectively. Some work times and locations may overlap, and traffic control measures may include some one-way operation during construction.
“This preventative maintenance is critical to seal out moisture and prevent damage to the pavement, as well as preserve our investment in these roadways,” said Aaron Bloom, TxDOT area engineer based in Sherman, Texas. “Provisions have been included in the highway contract to keep through traffic hold-ups to a minimum, and access to adjacent properties will be maintained during this project.”
People traveling along roadways receiving a seal coat should slow down and be aware of construction activity. Motorists should not drive through an area where asphalt has been applied, but rock has not yet been placed. There will be some loose rock along roadways as well, and motorists should be prepared to stop for short durations while the work is in progress.
“We request that people traveling along these roadways recognize that road construction may be an inconvenience, but this inconvenience is temporary and necessary to preserve our roadways,” Bloom said.
The location of this work may vary, according to weather conditons. These roadways will be affected by this seal-coating project:
Rains County: June 27, 29 and 30: SH 276 from .17 miles east of FM 513 to US 69. June 30: FM 513 from Hunt County Line to SH 276.
Franklin County: June 30 and July 1: SH 37 from Red River County Line to BU 37.
Hopkins County: June 27: FM 1567 from FM 2297 to FM 2560. June 29: FM 69 from FM 900 to IH 30. July 15 to 17: FM 71 from Delta County Line to FM 3505.
Hunt County: June 30 and July 1: FM 513 from US 69 to Rains County Line. July 1 to 2: SH 276 from the west end of the new bridge to SH 34. July 6: FM 2101 from FM 1564 to FM 2947. July 7 to 9: SH 66 from Collin County Line to US 69. July 9 to 11: FM 1570 from BU-69-D to SH 66. July 11 and 13: I-30 South Frontage Road from SH 24 to Hopkins County Line. July 14: crews will be on FM 71 from Delta County Line to BU 224B.
Red River County: July 2 and July 6: FM 114 from US 82 to Bowie County Line. July 7 and 8: FM 2573 from US 82 to US 82. July 18 and July 20: FM 410 from US 82 to US 271.
Lamar County: July 8 to 10: US 271 from .591 miles east of SH 286 to Red River County Line. July 10: FM 195 from 2 miles south of FM 906 to FM 906. July 11: FM 1499 from SS 1499 to US 271. July 7: FM 2122 from FM 1506 to FM 137.
Fannin County: July 14 and 15: FM 271 from SH 78 to FM 68. July 15 and 16: FM 1396 from SH 78 to CR 2289. July 23 and 24: FM 68 from SH 78 to SH 34. July 24 and 25: FM 1753 from Grayson County Line to FM 274.
Delta County: July 15: FM 71 from Hunt County Line to Hopkins County Line.
“Updated” ACE Teacher Retiring After 31 Years
Johnny Wells and Enola Gay
ACE teacher Johnny Wells is retiring after 31 years with Sulphur Springs ISD. While he’s reflecting on memories of scores of wonderful students he’s taught, he’s also moving toward a challenging new beginning for himself. Back in the 80’s when Johnny was considering a career change from the accounting world, he hoped that his math background might transition into teaching math. But somehow that was not to be, for a door to a very specialized field was waiting for him for him to enter! And it did in 1984, when then-Superintendent Paul Glover hired him to teach a brand new program called ACE (Academically Challenging Experiences) for bright middle-schoolers. The
Looking back on his career, Mr. Wells says it’s fairly unusual for a teacher to spend 31 years on one campus teaching one subject, but he was blessed to do just what he most wanted to do. Now, headed ever-onward and upward, Mr. Wells has accepted the position of Director of Education with Destination Imagination International. And don’t be surprised if you still see him at home in Sulphur Springs part of the time too!
View video interview here.
Mary Bonham, Lions Club Partner to Build Sidewalks
Sidewalks for the Bright Star Baseball fields will be completed for the fall season thanks to two donations made to the City of Sulphur Springs Friday morning in the broadcast museum at KSST. The donations totaling $7,240 were presented to City Manager Marc Maxwell and Councilman Craig Johnson by Mary Bonham and John Campbell with the Sulphur Springs Lions Club.
City Manager Marc Maxwell said the new sidewalks will connect the parking lot to the North Field, that field to Field 2, than now has sidewalks, and both fields to the concession stand area at Buford Park. Construction will begin in time for the sidewalks to be completed before the Bright Star Fall Season begins.
Last fall, Mary Bonham decided to publish a cookbook, Ms. Mary’s Down Home Cookin’. The book contains family recipes garnered $5,000.She also wanted to donate the proceeds from the book to a worthy cause. Bonham said she hoped to present another check next year to a worthy cause.
The Lions Club readily partnered with Ms. Bonham when they learned that funds set aside for Bright Star could complete the sidewalk project.
Veronica Yost, member of the Bright Star board, said the donation will assist special needs players’ access to the playing fields.
Guaranty Bank & Trust Expands to Rockwall County
Sulphur Springs Guaranty Bank & Trust Location
MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas, June 2, 2015 – Guaranty Bancshares, Inc, parent company of Guaranty Bank & Trust (Guaranty), announces the signing of a lease for space in the Texas Centre located at 2255 Ridge Road, Suite 150 to operate a full service banking center. The multi-story property allows Guaranty to further extend its presence from Northeast Texas into Rockwall.
Ty Abston, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Guaranty, said, “Rockwall provides Guaranty with a strategic location in our efforts to expand our bank throughout North Texas. We are excited to be entering such a vibrant and growing market.” Guaranty has a long legacy of providing quality banking services and products to their customers with a community banking focus. Guaranty’s 100-year history of strength, stability, and growth provides their customers and shareholders with a proven track record of success. Promptly following a remodel of the existing facility and the receipt of required regulatory approvals, Guaranty plans to open the location in the third quarter of 2015.
In addition to the Rockwall location, Guaranty will complete its acquisition of Texas Leadership Bank in Royse City in the third quarter of 2015.
Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Guaranty Bank & Trust, with approximately $1.5 billion in assets. Guaranty is one of the oldest and most respected regional community banks in Texas, with a full array of relationship-driven commercial and consumer banking, as well as mortgage, trust, and wealth management products and services that are tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized business, professionals, and individuals. Guaranty will have 24 bank locations across 17 Texas markets. Additional information about Guaranty Bank & Trust and its full line of products and services can be found at www.gnty.com.
