Governor Abbott Names Chair, Appoints Three To Texas Board Of Criminal Justice
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Bill Welch, Nate Sprinkle, and Sydney Zuiker to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029. Additionally, he named Eric Nichols as chair. The Board provides confinement, supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the state’s convicted felons.
Bill Welch of Austin is a retired United States Air Force Brigadier General and Austin-area businessman. He has held a variety of senior leadership positions in the security and law enforcement fields and had a long Air Force flying career. He is a founder and past chief executive officer of Apptronik, Inc., an Austin-based advanced robotics company. Additionally, he has held leadership positions in numerous business and civic organizations and has served as an elected member of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and as the board vice president. He received a degree in Criminal Justice from Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Boston University, and a Master of Science in Technology Commercialization from The University of Texas at Austin.
Nate Sprinkle of Richmond is senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Rosenberg. He is a board member of Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands, Nevertheless Missions, Scripture Memory Fellowship International, and Paisano Baptist Encampment. Additionally, he is a member and moderator of San Felipe Baptist Association Administrative Team and board president of Fort Bend Chargers Homeschool 6-man football program. He volunteered in pre-release rehabilitation programs in North and South Texas and currently assists and counsels individuals in the Fort Bend County area after release. Sprinkle received a Bachelor of Science in Math and Computer Science from Sul Ross State University and a Master of Mission Science from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Sydney Zuiker of Houston is director of the Safe Community Institute for Crime Stoppers of Houston. She is a board member of Demand Disruption, an advisory board member for University of Houston Bauer College of Business Managing HR Program, and a committee member for Advocates for the Children of Texas, Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition, and 2026 FIFA World Cup Human Rights Stakeholders Bid Committee. Additionally, she was recognized in 2021 as one of Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 honorees for her public safety work in the community. Zuiker received a Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Legal Forensic Psychology from the University of California, Irvine.
Eric Nichols of Austin is a partner at Butler Snow LLP. Previously, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas and as Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice for the Office of Texas Attorney General. He is a past president of the American Inns of Court – Barbara Jordan Inn and has served as chair of the Texas Supreme Court’s Grievance Oversight Committee. Additionally, he is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Texas Bar Foundation, and Austin Bar Foundation. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the State Bar of Texas and is a trustee of The University of Texas Law School Foundation. Nichols received a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law.
Meal A Day And Senior Citizen Center Calendar July 31st-August 4th, 2023
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of July 31st-August 4th, 2023 includes:
MONDAY, July 31 – Stuffed Bell Peppers, Cantaloupe and Bread
TUESDAY, August 1 – Mexican Chicken Spaghetti, Grapes and Bread
WEDNESDAY, August 2 – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus and Bread
THURSDAY, August 3 – Taco Salad, Chips, Salsa and Sour Cream
FRIDAY, August 4 – Hot Dogs (2), Mac & Cheese, and Coleslaw
Rural Texas May Lose Out On Billions In Broadband Infrastructure Funding Due To Federal Regulations
When Texas was awarded $3.3 billion in federal money last month toward expanding broadband infrastructure across the state, government leaders and telecommunication companies celebrated the news.
With over 7 million residents disconnected from the rest of the World Wide Web, Texas’ broadband needs were no secret. With the federal funds, along with $1.5 billion from the state’s wallet, rural and underserved Texas communities finally saw a chance to catch up with technology in the rest of the country.
One month later, as the state prepares to submit a five-year plan to federal agencies on broadband deployment, the finer details of who may qualify for federal money in the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program has come into sharper focus.
And rural Texas advocates and owners of smaller telecommunication companies worry the communities they serve will be shut out of the historic investment.
The regulations require each telecommunication company applying for a grant to provide a letter of credit from a major bank that covers at least 25% of the proposed project — essentially putting millions of dollars on the table to apply for a grant it isn’t guaranteed to receive.
The Texas Broadband Development Office has until Aug. 28 to submit its five-year plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for funding.
The Broadband Development Office is hosting public meetings through Aug. 16 throughout the state to get local input on the state’s broadband needs.
Rains County Jury Believed the Children not Jimmy Ardell Harden
Office of the County Attorney
Robert F. Vititow
Rains County, Texas
220 W. QUITMAN SUITE D EMORY, TEXAS 75440
TELEPHONE (903) 473-5000 * TELECOPIER (903) 4743-5085
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 25, 2023
A jury was selected on Monday, July 17, 2023, in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Rains County in Cause Nos. 6260, 6261, 6453, 6454, 6455, and 6456, entitled The State of Texas v. Jimmy Ardell Harden. Harden, a local citizen of Rains County was charged with the felony offenses of Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon, Assault Family or House Member Impede Breath/Circulation, Continuous Violence Against the Family, and three cases of Injury to a Child (causing bodily injury).
The offenses occurred over an extended period of time; the offenses charged covered a period ranging from March 2013 to July 2021. The defendant was 49 years old at the time of the trial and the victims were 17 and 19. Kent Starr of McKinney represented the defendant.
Rains County Attorney Robert Vititow began presenting the evidence Monday afternoon after the jury was selected. The State and the defense closed their cases Wednesday afternoon, and after hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on five of the six cases and a not guilty verdict in one of the Injury to a Child cases.
The punishment phase began Thursday morning. For the felony offenses of, Continuous Violence Against the Family, Assault Family or House Member Impede Breath/Circulation and the three cases of Injury to a Child with Intent of Bodily Injury the defendant faced a range of punishment of 2 years to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine on each case. For the felony offense of Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon, the defendant faced a range of punishment of 2 years to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The defendant elected to have the jury assess his punishment.
The jury determined the punishment in these cases as five years in prison for Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon, two years in prison for Assault Family or House Member Impede Breath/Circulation, ten years in prison for Continuous Violence Against the Family, two years in prison for the remaining two Injury to a Child with Intent Bodily Injury cases. The jury also assessed a $2,000 fine on each of the cases.
Although the defendant denied all the allegations the jury was convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did cause injury to his children by placing their hands on hot coals or embers as punishment for buying a book at the school book fair. In another instance, the defendant chased his son because he did not paint boards properly and impeded his airway by placing his arm across his son’s throat, slammed his face into the ground several times and repeatedly hit him in the head with a metal pipe. From the period of February 2021 to July 2021, the defendant continuously slapped his children, pulled their hair out, threw tools at them, hit them over the back with a large stick and impeded their airways.
The jury believed the children and found the defendant not credible. Although a man weighing in excess of 200 pounds, he said he pulled out his daughter’s hair out in “self-defense”, even though she only weighed 90 pounds. This instance occurred when the defendant was choking his son and the daughter tried to remove the defendant’s hand when her brother began gasping for air.
Vititow commended the court personnel and the citizens of Rains County who served as jurists for the excellent job they did. The jury obviously took their job very seriously. Law enforcement is a joint effort which includes the officers, the prosecutor’s staff, all of the court personnel and the citizens of Rains County who served as the jurists.
Rains County Attorney, Robert Vititow
Bass In Jail on Wood County Warrants; Attempted to Evade Arrest
July 27, 2023 – A Winnsboro, Tx resident led Hopkins County Deputies on a chase that started south of Pickton.
Deputies were out late at night Wednesday in an attempt to serve a Wood County warrant on 36 year-old DONNY GEORGE BASS. Deputies recognized Bass driving a car on FM 269. The vehicle he was driving showed a Garland TX registration address. Deputies attempted to perform a traffic stop the vehicle, suspecting that Bass was indeed driving the car.
Bass did not stop. He traveled several county roads and led deputies into Wood County. Speeds over 120 mph were obtained. In desperation, Bass eventually drove his Nissan Sentra into a farm pond.
When directed to ‘swim’ to deputies he finally complied. Bass was then arrested without further incident. His Nissan was impounded.
Bass in charged with:
23-07-34 1 38.04(B)(2)(A) EVADING ARREST DET W/VEH
24903-2022 1 VIOLATION OF BOND CONDITION POSS CS PG 1>=1G<4G (Wood Co)
23-009957 1 38.04(B)(2)(A) EVADING ARREST DET W/VEH
23-07-35 1 46.04(E) UNL POSS FIREARM BY FELON
This is not the first time Bass has been in jail. In April of 2022, we has arrested and charged with:
POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=4G<200G ( Bond: $50,000 Surety Bond )
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Texas House And Senate Reach A Deal On How To Cut Property Taxes
After a long standoff among Texas’ top Republicans, state GOP lawmakers struck a deal on how to cut Texans’ property taxes.
The $18 billion compromise between the Texas House and Senate — which includes more than $5 billion approved for property tax relief in 2019 — would lower taxes for the state’s 5.7 million homeowners and add a temporary cap on appraisal increases for some non-homesteaded properties.
It would also cut franchise taxes for small businesses and send billions of dollars to school districts so they can cut their taxes across the board. However, none of that money will go toward additional public education funding, according to legislation filed by state budget leaders.
The proposal must clear both chambers before it heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. Abbott said he looks forward to approving it. Then voters must pass the plan in a constitutional election in November. If voters approve the deal, the cuts would start with the 2023 tax year.
The legislation, expected to be passed this week, allocates about $12.6 billion to reduce the school property tax rate by 10.7 cents per $100 valuation for homeowners and business properties. It also includes an increase to the state’s homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 at an estimated cost of $5.3 billion, and some extra relief for seniors and property owners with disabilities, averaging an extra $170 per year.
The Senate bill’s author, state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said the deal would save the average homeowner about 41.5% on property taxes each year, or an average of about $1,300 per year.
Another part of the plan, which in a way revives a contentious idea the House had previously proposed, would institute a three-year, 20% cap on appraisal increases for commercial and non-homesteaded properties valued at $5 million or below — a number that could be adjusted by the comptroller with inflation each year.
An earlier proposal sought by the House to put a tighter cap on how much taxable property values can rise each year — also known as an appraisal cap — was left out of the final deal.
Currently in Texas, those appraisals can only increase by 10% each year. That benefit only applies to people who own the homes they live in. The House proposal would have narrowed that cap to 5% and extended it to include businesses and other non-homestead properties, an idea that drew harsh criticism from tax-policy advocates on both ends of the political spectrum.
Absent from either chamber’s previous proposals was any targeted tax relief for the state’s 3.7 million renter households. House Democrats last week unveiled their own tax-cut package that would give tenants a cash refund equaling up to 10% of the rent they paid the previous year.
Game Warden Field Notes
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) law enforcement reports.
You Never Even Called Me by My Name
While patrolling Cedar Creek Lake, Anderson and Henderson County Game Wardens investigated a potential Boating While Intoxicated case. The violator gave consent for a blood sample resulting in an arrest. The wardens assisted with returning the boat to shore since the other occupant was not familiar with operating a boat. Once on shore, one warden walked into the boat ramp parking lot. A vehicle sped into the lot and parked in a handicapped space. The driver then yelled an obscene greeting at the warden, who thought maybe the driver failed to recognize his uniform in the dark. The warden turned on his flashlight to ensure the driver saw his badge. Sitting in the passenger seat, the driver’s son commented on his mother’s regretful choice of greeting. The warden conducted sobriety tests and determined the driver, now belligerent, was intoxicated. The local police department arrived and transported them to a hospital, where the driver consented to a blood specimen. The test determined that along with her intoxication, she was also suffering from low blood sugar. Her sugar level was treated, and she was placed in jail for a DWI.
Boat Over Troubled Water
After a long period of heavy rainfall in Trinity County resulting in high water, swift currents and excessive debris, a Trinity County Game Warden received a call from dispatch regarding a boater who was sinking in a nearby river. The warden spoke with the distressed boater and advised him to put on a life jacket immediately. He then called the local fire department for backup. The boater dropped an accurate pin for his location, and the warden quickly found him hanging on the top bow of a vertically floating vessel, half submerged. The warden pulled up to the vessel, allowing the boater to jump in. The vessel then completely submerged. However, the warden successfully tied the boat’s bowline to a nearby tree stump, saving the vessel, which was later towed to a local boat ramp. Together, the warden and boater recovered an ice chest with fish and a couple of fishing poles. The boater explained that there were a lot of floating trees in the swift water. While he was fishing, a huge floating tree came over his motor, pushing the back of the vessel underwater. The boater was very appreciative and tired.
Playing Possum
A Karnes County Game Warden received a call from a witness who discovered a man lying on the ground next to a dead deer. The complainant found the man after hearing a shot from a nearby county road and yelled at the man to ask what he was doing. The man stood up and ran into the brush. Wardens coordinated with sheriff’s deputies and witnesses to identify the subject. When interviewed, the subject indicated that, after partaking in a couple of beers, he shot the deer illegally for food. The warden issued a citation and restitution fee. The deer was donated to the witnesses for food.
Riding Shotgun
While Potter and Deaf Smith County Wardens patrolled the Canadian River Off-Highway Vehicle Area, they received information from multiple parties about adult males off-roading and shooting rifles illegally near the hiking trails around Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Rosita Creek Flats. Walking through the flats, the wardens located three adult males who displayed multiple anti-police tattoos and clothing. One of the individuals carried two rifles, an AK-47 and a .308 caliber, as well as paper targets. Some of the individuals were from out of state; the wardens additionally observed that their vehicle did not display a Texas OHV decal. Upon checking with the Potter County Sheriff’s Office, the wardens learned that one was a convicted felon with outstanding warrants for various charges. The wardens arrested the individual without incident. A National Park Service Ranger arrived on scene and issued a federal citation to the individual who had been illegally target shooting. The owner of the vehicle also received a citation for failing to display proper decals required by law.
Never Split the Party
A Williamson County Game Warden responded to multiple reports of two men spearfishing and keeping a large quantity of fish. The warden contacted the individuals as they were exiting the woods and returning to their vehicle. During their conversation, he noticed they did not have any fish or spears in their possession. He learned that the reporting party threatened the men with calling the police. Nervous about police interference, they said they released the fish and stashed their spears in the woods. The warden followed the men into the woods to retrieve the spears. During their walk, one of the gentlemen walked slowly while the other walked further ahead at a quicker pace. Realizing that they were trying to split up, the warden ran to catch up to the man furthest away, catching him with two spears in his hand and a bag with 70 speared and gutted fish including sunfish, bluegill, Rio Grande cichlids, fresh-water drum, undersized black bass and channel catfish. Neither man possessed a fishing license. The warden issued multiple citations.
Texas A&M Forest Service Encourages Caution As Wildfire Danger Increases Statewide
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As persistent triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions increase wildfire danger for much of the state, Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to be cautious with outdoor activities that create sparks.
Through Friday, high temperatures and increased wind speeds will support the potential for large wildfires that may be resistant to firefighters’ suppression efforts.
Areas at risk include North, Central and South Texas, the southern region of East Texas, areas in the Rolling Plains near Wichita Falls and Abilene and areas in the Hill Country near San Angelo, Fredericksburg and San Antonio.
The risk for wildfire activity will remain elevated through the first week of August, as very hot and dry conditions are likely to continue.
“With the recent uptick in wildfire activity, Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized additional personnel and equipment to assist with response,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “State and local firefighters are prepared to respond quickly but we need Texans to be careful and prevent wildfire ignitions while conditions remain hot and dry.”
In Texas, nine out of 10 wildfires are human-caused and preventable. The most common causes of wildfires during the summer months are debris burning and equipment use, which includes parking in dry grass and dragging trailer chains.
“Every year, Texans eagerly await the summer months when they can enjoy their favorite outdoor activities like camping, boating or grilling,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Prevention Program Coordinator. “Unfortunately, these activities can also spark an unintended wildfire. It is important that everyone consider their surroundings and remember that simple preventative measures can keep a wildfire from igniting.”
Throughout the summer months:
- Always check with local officials for burn bans and other outdoor burning restrictions. Pay attention to local guidelines regarding open fires, campfires and outdoor activities that may pose a fire hazard. For burn ban information, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/TexasBurnBans/.
- Park in designated spaces and avoid driving over and/or parking on dry grass. The heat from a vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
- When using a cooking fire or campfire, never leave it unattended. Always make sure it is completely out by drowning it with water, stirring it and feeling to ensure it is out cold before leaving.
- When pulling a trailer, ensure the chains are properly connected and do not drag on the road as this can create sparks.
- If you witness suspicious behavior or signs of arson, immediately call the local authorities.
Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For more information about summer wildfire prevention, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/summerwildfires/.
For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation/.
Texas Education Leaders Prepare For Special Session On Teachers Pay And School Vouchers
While there’s still time this year for Texas lawmakers to carve out legislation to raise teachers’ pay, educators are still disappointed that they will enter the school year uncertain about what those raises could be.
Despite entering the regular session with a record $32.7 billion surplus for Texas, legislators failed to reach an agreement on teacher pay increases.
Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde spoke at the event alongside state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, San Antonio teacher Laura Herrera and Texas Private Schools Association executive director, Laura Colangelo. In the conversation, moderated by Tribune public education reporter Brian Lopez, participants spoke about the 2023 Texas Legislature, school funding, teacher pay, a potential voucher-like program for Texas and school safety.
Teacher Salaries
Creighton, who chairs the Texas Senate’s Education Committee, acknowledged that approval for teacher pay raises failed to make it through the finish line during the regular legislative session due to the lack of agreement between the House and the Senate. Senate Bill 9, which he helped author, would have paid a one-time bonus of $2,000-$6,000 to teachers, but it failed.
Several other education bills did not move forward this year because of disagreements between the House and Senate. Near the end of the regular session, several of these ideas were incorporated into a single omnibus bill, House Bill 100, but it also ran out of time due to a lack of agreement among lawmakers by the deadline.
Education savings accounts
Abbott has declared voucher-like programs — which would allow parents to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses — a priority this year. The governor is expected to call another special session this fall to address the issue.
However, if such a proposal can gather enough support remains to be seen.
Creighton added that a voucher-like program would only affect a small number of children — about 1% of Texas students — who seek private alternatives. He noted that $500 million was planned during the regular session for the initiative.
Crow Back in Hopkins County Jail
July 26, 2023 – LILLY MARIE CROW is back in Hopkins County Jail this week. Sheriff Deputies traveled to the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas to retrieve her. She was arrested in Arkansas on July 18.
She is being held on $150,000 bond for these charges:
1 481.115(b) VOP POSS CS PG 1/1-B <1G
1 DEFRAUD HARM OF ANOTHER ELDERLY IAT (RAINS CO)
This is not the first time Crow has been in jail. In May of 2021 she was arrested in Sulphur Springs and charged with possession of a controlled substance. See that story here.
In March of 2021 she was arrested in Wood County and charged with possession of a controlled substance.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
