Eight Additional Charges Moves Dixon Bond to $2.2 Million
June 5, 2015 – Eight additional charges of sexual assault of a child, a male, have been added to the list of charges against 20-year old Hunter James Dixon of Sulphur Springs. 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. Bond for Dixon now totals $2.2 million. On May 28th, Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings set bond for Dixon at $1.4 million. Friday, June 4th, the eight new counts were arraigned at $100,000 each.
HUNTER JAMES DIXON
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 this week to his stepfather.
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.
Chief criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum told KSST news the incidents had been occurring over several months beginning sometime last year.
Stallings Co-Chair PJC Annual Fund Campaign
Ruth Ann and Gene “Bebes” Stallings are the honorary co-chairs to lead the 2015 Paris Junior College Annual Fund Campaign.
The fund raising effort, called “A Tradition of Giving,” is scheduled to kick off in the coming weeks. Now in its third year, the 2015 campaign goal is $200,000.
“We are so grateful to the Stallings for accepting the leadership of the Annual Fund Campaign,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “They epitomize what it means to have a servant’s heart and have given so much of themselves to numerous worthwhile causes in our community and across the world.”
Anglin also expressed her appreciation to 2014 Annual Fund chair, Dottie Thielman, for the success enjoyed in last year’s effort.
“Dottie is such a treasure to PJC as a graduate and former Dean of the college,” said Anglin. “Through her efforts alumni, friends, businesses and foundations responded with gifts totaling $144,156.
“We are grateful to each donor, large or small, who helps to perpetuate the future of Paris Junior College. Of the total given in 2014, PJC Faculty and Staff gave 12.5 percent. Already pre-campaign faculty and staff gifts total $17,250 with more contributions expected.”
In addition, a number of planned gifts and endowments have been established. Some gifts were directed toward existing endowments to assist students today and into the future, and gifts were received from the East to the West Coast representing graduates from 1939 through 2012.
Gifts during the campaign allow donors to designate their monies to one of three areas: 1) unrestricted gifts which could be used immediately for the College’s greatest needs; 2) scholarships through the PJC Memorial Foundation; or 3) designations to the Master Plan for PJC.
“In our opinion,” said the Stallings, “education is the key to a better quality of life. We are happy to serve as co-chairs for raising funds for Paris Junior College to benefit the students, faculty and college.”
Ruth Ann is a 1955 PJC graduate. She and her husband, Gene, a Texas A&M University graduate, returned to their Lamar County roots following his long and successful coaching career in college and professional football. Both continue to receive accolades for their humanitarian efforts in serving others, and are active members of Lamar Avenue Church of Christ.
Named as a PJC Distinguished Alumnae in 2012, Ruth Ann was involved in many activities while attending PJC. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Junior College Honor Society and the Pen Chat Study Club.
She served as assistant editor of the student newspaper, “The Bat,” and was a member of the PJC Band. She also earned honors as the Junior Business Woman, Student Council Representative and Homecoming Queen.
Both Ruth Ann and Gene are much sought after speakers and dedicate much of their time and energy in faith-based endeavors. The two were high school sweethearts and married in 1956.
Gene, known as “Bebes” to many, was a member of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s Junction Boys while playing football at Texas A&M University. His legendary career led him to not only play under Bryant, but coach alongside him and later coach against him when Stallings was head coach of the Aggies. His efforts carried him to be a part of the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff under Tom Landry and later he served as head coach of the Saint Louis and later Phoenix Cardinals.
Stallings’ passion for college football led him back to Tuscaloosa, Ala. where he led the Crimson Tide to a national championship. He was inducted into the elite College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and named a Distinguished Former Student of Texas A&M in 2000 as well as being recognized with numerous honors.
Together, the Stallings say their greatest accomplishments are their five children and all their grandchildren. Daughter Laurie Stallings Vanderpool and her husband, Dr. David Vanderpool, have established a hospital, clinic, orphanage, church and outreach in Thomazeau, Haiti in which all the family has been integrally involved working to aid those in need.
If you are interested learning how you can assist students at PJC or wish to make a contribution to the Annual Fund or learn how you can make a planned gift to the College, contact Derald Bulls, Director, Institutional Advancement/Alumni Affairs, at (903) 782-0276 or [email protected].
“Updated” Ghetto Award Not Sanctioned by School District
A Thursday afternoon meeting between several family members, two middle school classroom teachers, Middle School principal, and Superintendent Michael Lamb was called “ a positive meeting” by Lamb. The meeting resulted from a complaint made to the school system regarding a “Ghetto Award” presented Wednesday in a Sulphur Springs Middle School Classroom. The Superintendent of Sulphur Springs schools said that a few steps to take resulted from the meeting and those will be presented in the executive session of the Sulphur Springs School Board Monday night.
Questions were raised Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning regarding the “award” given to a Sulphur Springs Middle School Student. The award was titled the “Ghetto Award” and was given the student for saying “huh” more than any other student. A posting on Facebook by the student’s family drew community and area attention to the award.
Michael Lamb, Superintendent of Sulphur Springs Schools, told KSST that the award was not a school sponsored award nor was the Middle School principal, Jena Williams aware that it was being given. Although the award purported to contain the principal’s signature, the signature on the award is not that of the principal. The classroom teacher presented certificates to all the members of the class pointing out specific characteristics of the child’s school year. According to Lamb, the Ghetto Award was the only one that was derogatory in nature. Thursday morning, Lamb said the incident was being investigated.
SSISD Administration issued a formal statement Thursday: “SSISD is aware of a set of awards that were handed out in a Sulphur Springs Middle School class. These awards were teacher generated and only given to students in this teacher’s class. The awards are not endorsed by SSISD or Jena Williams, principal of Sulphur Springs Middle School. SSISD deems this action unacceptable and the matter is under investigation. SSISD wants to apologize to anyone that was offended by this action.”
The Town Musicians, A Musical Adventure
Mount Vernon Music partners with the Franklin County Library to present The Town Musicians, A Musical Adventure on Monday, June 15 at 2 p.m. in Mount Vernon Music Hall.
The Town Musicians was written this year for Mount Vernon Music by award winning composer Benedikt Brydern. A fresh take on the Grimm’s fable “The Bremen Town Musicians,” it tells a timeless story of cooperation, self-acceptance and bravery, with narration and original illustrations by artist Madeline Crist.
The Orchard Ensemble (flute, violin, viola and cello) will accompany colorful scenes depicting four animal heroes, a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster, as each finds his own way with his own musical style. Singers in the audience can even join in when the four characters sing their theme march.
The concert will begin with short performances by four winners of MVM’s Betty Whitlock Scholarship awards: Carissa Stephens and Abby Phillips, piano, and Alex and Allen Barrett, violin.
Admission is free. Memberships in MVM start at $25 and are good for the entire season from June 1 through May 31. For more information call Mount Vernon Music at 903-563-3780, or visit www.mountvernonmusic.org.
Chamber Connection – June 4th, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Texas State Champion Homemade Ice Cream Freeze-Off-Saturday, June 13th! Get your forms in Now!!!
Entry forms are available for the 14th Annual Texas State Champion Homemade Ice Cream Freeze-Off at the Chamber of Commerce office at 300 Connally Street. The event will take place on Saturday, June 13th at 4:00pm at the Civic Center! Prizes are awarded in three categories: Little Dips (Ages 6-12), Big Dips (Ages 13 and Older) and Super Scoops (Previous first place winners). Entries will be judged in the following categories: Plain (Chocolate or Vanilla), Fruit (Single Ingredient Fruit) and Novelty (Mixed Ingredients). This year, in the BIG DIP group only, we will have a new opportunity…we will have a Novelty Fruit (Multiple ingredients including fruit) AND Novelty Other (Multiple Ingredients no fruit. ) So start figuring out your favorite recipe and submit it for entry in the contest. And, by the way…there is NO ENTRY FEE!!! For more information, please call 903-885-6515. You may also download the entry from at www.sulphursprings-tx.com. Special Prizes will be awarded to entries received prior to June 8th!
Don’t want to make ice cream, but LOVE to eat it? The Ice Cream Freeze Off begins at 4:00 on the Civic Center grounds. Get there early to get your bowl and spoon, for just $3, then line up and get ready to eat some delicious homemade ice cream!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Ribbon Cutting for Travel Time RV
Travel Time RV Ribbon Cutting
Travel Time RV, located on the westbound service road of I-30, just west of Hwy 19, (Past Atmos) is a fabulous asset to Hopkins County. Owners Roy & Norma Lee (Butch) McGahee treated their guests to tons of food, drinks and prizes. They also were proud to announce that they have Jeremiah…the wonderful tech that can fix your RV. Instead of taking your RV to Texarkana or the metroplex, it can be fixed right here in Sulphur Springs. They also have all of the accessories, fun toys and parts that you might need for your RV. If you don’t have an RV…don’t worry…you can rent one from Travel Time RV!!!
The Bookworm Box Ribbon Cutting
The Bookworm Box
Thank you to everyone who attended the ribbon cutting for The Bookworm Box Wednesday at Noon. What an AMAZING bookstore! New York Times Best Selling author and Sulphur Springs native Colleen Hoover has opened this beautiful, unique bookstore at 204 Main Street. The Bookworm Box will be having their Grand Opening at 10:00am this Saturday, June 6th & you don’t want to miss it! There are 2 portions to this amazing store…1st of all, they have the online company…The Bookworm Box. People purchase a box that is mailed to them with 2 signed copies of books. The excitement is…you never know what’s in your box, but it is filled with 2 books that are signed by the author as well as bookmarks, pens, etc. ALL of the proceeds are given to 501 C-3 Charities. They have been doing it for just a couple of months and have already give THOUSANDS of dollars to charities! Their mission is to help people discover great books and give back to the community The Bookworm Box was built on the foundation of spreading the good, so 100% of the profit after overhead costs will be donated to a different charity each month. Then, the joy for those of us that live in Sulphur Springs is that we can go to the store and purchase these books off the shelf, sit it their beautiful store and enjoy a cup of coffee! I had so much fun yesterday…I purchased a signed Colleen Hoover book, a signed Mary Higgins Clark book and for my husband, a signed Harlan Coban book!!! I hope you can all make it to the grand opening this Saturday, June 6th! They will be open from 10am-9pm and will have cake, cookies & drinks!
East Texas Broadcasting presents Red Stone Music Festival on the Square June 6th!
Don’t miss the Red Stone Music Festival, Saturday, June 6th downtown Sulphur Springs! Featuring JB & the Moonshine Band, Curtis Grimes, Rich O’Toole and Sam Riggs. Music begins at 4:00pm. Tickets are available at the STAR 95-9 studios for $12 or at the gate the day of the performances for $17. They are also available online at outhousetickets.com.
Carter Blood Care will be set up at First Baptist Church from 11-4, Saturday June 6th for a blood drive!
Mark your calendars for the Ribbon Cutting for Blingin Crazy, June 9th at Noon!
Blingin’ Crazy is your source for all things BLING! They specialize in creating cute CUSTOM boutique style vinyl bling clothing, and accessories to make you stand out in a crowd! So no matter who you cheer for, Sulphur Springs Wildcats, Como-Pickton Eagles, Yantis Owls, ANY SCHOOL , ANY SPORT, they’ve got you covered…. in Bling! MORE THAN JUST TEES! They know not everyone wants another tee shirt, come in and see their selection of shirts from sporty to dressy! Blingin’ Crazy can turn your idea into reality! Getting married? Stop by and see everything they have…from tees, champagne/wine glasses, koozies, caps and more, they have something for you! Embroidery coming soon! Angie Churchman would like to invite you to her ribbon cutting and grand opening of Blingin Crazy, June 9th at Noon, located at 101 Bill Bradford Rd, Ste. 17.
Ribbon Cutting for ATA Martial Arts, Thursday, June 11th at Noon
Ribbon Cutting for Hopkins County Dairy Festival, Friday, June 12th at Noon on the Square
Help us kick off the Dairy Festival with a ribbon cutting on the square. This is a great opportunity to meet the queen contestants, balloon pilots and Dairy Festival Coordinators! Please join us!
Dairy Festival 5K Milk Run, Friday, June 12th at 7:00pm at Shannon Oaks Church
Up, up and away….It is time for the 56th Annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival’s Balloon Rally and 5k Milk Run! This year’s chip timed race will be held on Friday evening, June 12 at 7:00pm. Imagine running down a country road, on a beautiful summer evening in Hopkins County, beneath a sky filled with colorful balloons! This unique family event features a new out and back course that begins and ends at the balloon glow and launch area! Stick around after the race and enjoy the amazing sights and sounds of brilliantly colored balloons and entertainment from the main stage. Runners 18 years and older will have their bib numbers entered in a drawing for a ride in a hot air balloon on Saturday, June 13th. All winners will be announced on the main stage Friday night after the run. Festival Mission: To raise community awareness and to salute the hard working dairy farmers and their families who have contributed so richly to our economy and to the quality of life in Sulphur Springs. Proceeds from the Milk Run directly support the youth scholarship programs of the 56th Annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival. You may register at www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com. The Chip timed 5k run/walk, June 12th @7:00pm at Shannon Oaks Church. Price:$25.00 per individual ($35.00 after June 5) $20.00 per person in a group entry (Minimum 5) Packet Pick Up: At the race site starting at 5:30pm. T-shirts will be guaranteed to participants registered by June 5th. Sizes cannot be guaranteed. Awards: Awards will go to the overall male and female winners and to the age group winners. Ages 10yrs and under, 11-14yrs, 15-19yrs, 20-29yrs, 30-39yrs, 40-49yrs, 50+. A special award will go to the team with the most participants!
Ribbon Cutting and Grand Re-Opening for Sears, Friday, June 19th at Noon!
Hopkins County Historical Society presents Arts, Crafts & Collectibles Show & Sales, June 19-20th
Sign up now to participate in the Arts, crafts & collectibles show and sales, Friday, June 19th & Saturday, June 20th from 9am-5pm at Heritage Park. Any kind of craft is acceptable: quilts, fabric items, crochet, jams & jellies, stained glass framed photos, bath salts, handmade jewelry, wood crafts, health & wellness products. An outside 10×10 booth is $35 and an inside 10×10 booth is $50 with a very limited number. For more information, please call Joyce Bateman at 903-945-3308 or email her at [email protected]
The 2015 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Recipe Contest, Saturday, June 20th
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Hopkins County presents the 2015 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Recipe Contest, Saturday, June 20th! Entry dishes will be accepted 1:00-1:30 p.m.
Entry Categories: Main Dish, Side Dish, Dessert/Cheesecake, Appetizer/snack
Age Divisions: Beginning Cooks – under age 11, Youthful Cooks – ages 12-18, Experienced Cooks – ages 19-59, Seasoned Cooks – ages 60 & over , Past/Present Board members—judged separately.
Written entries due to County Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs by June 15. Forms available on Hopkins County Dairy Festival website. You may also pick up an entry form at the Extension Office. Call 903-885-3443
Jan James Memorial Scholarship Tournament, Saturday, June 27th at SS Country Club
The Sulphur Springs Ladies Golf Association sponsors this annual tournament in Jan James’ name because she was such an advocate of ladies golf. Proceeds of this event will be designated for a senior on the Sulphur Springs High School girls’ golf team. Sponsor contributions are greatly appreciated! Sponsor sign or banner is only $50. For more information, please call Donna Gregory at 903-440-4798.
2015 Hopkins County Tomato Festival, Saturday June 27th on Celebration Plaza
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office presents the Hopkins county Tomato Festival, Saturday June 27th on Celebration Plaza. All Entries are FREE! They will have a tomato growing contest…classes: Cherry, Pear, Large Red & Goliath (biggest tomato by weight). They will also have a Tomato Recipe Contest…classes: Main dish, side dish & salsa. They will have 3 divisions…Children (ages 12 & under), Youth (ages 13-18) and Adult (ages 19 & up) Entries are due by 5:30pm and judging begins at 6:00pm.
That’s all for now…have a GREAT week!
Sartin Sentenced
Hollis Blane Sartin, 40, of Pickton was sentenced to six months State Jail time for the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and when he finishes that sentence he will go to the Substance Abuse Treatment Center (SAFP), a section of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, according to District Attorney Will Ramsay. Ramsay said that when Sartin completes all of that, he will then be on probation for 10 years and should he fail to keep the terms of probation, he is looking at two to twenty (20) years in prison. Sartin was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the City of Sulphur Springs. Both the SAFP sentence and the probation were bestowed for terroristic threat charges.
Hollis Blane Sartin
His journey to conviction began around 10 p.m. Friday night, January 24 of this year when Sartin parked the vehicle he was driving, taken from a Hope, Arkansas auto dealer earlier that day, and entered Walmart in Sulphur Springs carrying what was thought to be a handgun. The handgun turned out to be a BB pistol that he openly placed in his hoodie but law enforcement was called and the store was evacuated when a customer reported the incident. He had eluded arrest Friday night but was arrested Saturday morning. Sulphur Springs Police Chief told KSST news that Sartin had no intent to rob Walmart or to do harm. He was simply trying to disassociate himself from the vehicle.
On Wednesday, January 28, Sartin was charged with terroristic threat related to the Walmart incident and for theft of a motor vehicle as well as unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was indicted by a Hopkins County Grand Jury in March of this year.
Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic Pageant
Two more contestants in the Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic Pageant visited with Enola Gay on KSST’s Morning Show. Mollie Marie Shepard and Valerie Ross will join six other contestants at the pageant at 6pm on Saturday June 6 at Sulphur Springs Church of the Nazarene.
Mollie Marie Shepard and Valerie Ross
Admission is free. It’s an evening of fun, beauty and talent emceed by Enola Gay and hosted by Karon Weatherman of the Seniors Center.
Crafts and Collectibles Show and Sale on June 19 and 20
Joyce Bateman displays items that will be showcased at the first-ever Arts, Crafts and Collectibles Show and Sale on June 19 and 20 from 9-5 in Heritage Park.
Joyce and fellow members of the Hopkins County Historical Society are sponsoring the event at Hopins County Heritage Museum and Park at 416 N. Jackson St. The public is welcome free of charge. Vendors are also welcome, call 903-438-7431 or [email protected]
Fears Confirmed–Forney Man Arrested for On-line Solicitation
WILLIAMS, CHAD ALAN
His drive from Forney to Sulphur Springs confirmed his fears. When Chad Alan Williams, 39, of Forney planned his rendezvous with who he thought to be a teenaged female in Sulphur Springs, he communicated that he would text her when he arrived at the appointed location on League Street. He was fearful that police would be present and the intended sexual encounter would spell trouble for him.
When he arrived and sent his text to the supposed teen, his fears were confirmed. Instead of an underage minor, he met members of the Sulphur Springs Police Department and Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies who were awaiting him in unmarked cars, according to Lewis Tatum, Criminal Investigator with the HCSO and Amanda Weatherford with the SSPD.
Williams attempted to evade arrest by driving from the scene when he spotted a uniformed officer but the local LEO’s were able to cut off his exit. He was arrested Wednesday, June 4, for on-line solicitation sexual conduct Wednesday.
Thursday morning Justice of the Peace B J Teer set bond for Williams at $75,000.
Aiguier Cemetery Association June Meeting
