Yantis Catfish Parade & Fishing Tournament
Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3 are going to be big days in Yantis. The annual Catfish Parade takes place Saturday, May 2 at 5 p.m. It will form at Yantis First Baptist Church. Then at 6 p.m., there will be a barbeque supper to benefit the Yantis Volunteer Fire Department. On both, Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, the Yantis Catfish Classic Fishing Tournament will take place on Lake Fork. It will have $24,000 in guaranteed cash and prizes.
Winn Reaches Plea Agreement; DA Puts His Investigations on a Case by Case Basis
“It will be on a case by case basis. Hopefully, it should not affect too many cases. We will just make sure that the defense is aware of the situation.” District Attorney Will Ramsay made the preceding statement following a plea bargain reached for Daniel Madison Winn, 35, in 8th Judicial District Court Tuesday. Ramsay, who had named Gary Young of Lamar County as special prosecutor for the case, made his statement in response to KSST News’ question regarding past and pending cases Winn, a former criminal investigator for the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office, had worked.
Winn’s attorney, Larry Blount, said the deal was reached with the special prosecutor. Tuesday morning, the plea agreement was presented to District Judge Eddie Northcutt. Northcutt will sentence Winn in July. Winn remains on bond until then. Blount said the agreement reached allowed Winn to plead to a 7-count tampering with evidence while another 7-count felony was dismissed. Winn is scheduled to serve 15-months, day-for-day in a state jail facility.
During Winn’s time with the sheriff’s department, he had worked various cases including specializing in child pornography. Winn had been terminated from employment with the Sheriff’s office at the time of his arrest last year.
Look Twice for Motorcycles
AUSTIN – As spring weather draws more motorcyclists onto Texas roadways, the Texas Department of Transportation is launching its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign to reduce crashes and save lives. The campaign – part of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May – urges drivers to be extra cautious, because motorcyclists are more difficult to see and less protected than other motorists.
“We see far too many deadly motorcycle crashes on Texas roadways, so we’re telling drivers to be extra diligent when sharing the road,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “We’re constantly told drivers simply didn’t see the motorcyclist until it’s too late. As drivers, it is incumbent upon us to be fully aware of our surroundings at all times and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of motorcyclists.”
Over the past five years, 2,354 motorcyclists have been killed in Texas. In 2014, Texas motorcycle crashes killed 455 motorcyclists. Half of the motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. One-third of motorcycle fatalities took place at intersections. Approximately 49 percent of motorcyclists who died in 2014 were riding in rural areas of the state.
To promote motorcycle safety awareness, TxDOT is partnering with local law enforcement agencies and Texas Patriot Guard Riders to hold motorcycle processions in select Texas cities. The riders will carry oversized flags emblazoned with the slogans “Look Twice for Motorcycles” and “Share the Road.” Patriot Guard Riders are volunteers known for leading funeral processions for fallen soldiers and first responders.
Additionally, TxDOT is traveling to multiple cities to participate in festivals and other special events. This year’s TxDOT display includes a special glass-panel truck showcasing a motorcycle on a virtual rural Texas roadway. Visitors will be able to step inside the truck to have their picture taken and shared via social media. They also are encouraged to take a pledge to “Look Twice” for motorcycles.
When sharing the road, TxDOT encourages drivers to check their mirrors, leave extra room between vehicles and use turn signals to help prevent crashes and save lives.
Established Local Business Relocates, Help Wanted
‘Texas Cocktail Lounge’ has relocated to an existing building at 1495 E Industrial Dr here in Sulphur Springs. ‘Cocktails’ as they are known by was previously located in a local hotel. Remodeling is still underway and the business is considered a ‘soft’ opening. A grand opening is coming soon.
I spoke with the owner Alan Johnson and he says the bar is open right now. They will have Live Music; Dirt Water Social Club will play this weekend.
Johnson hails from Birthright, TX. He tells KSST that he is currently hiring all positions. (903) 885 – 3366.
Local Man Arrested As Suspect in Robbery and Shooting
Sulphur Springs Police have arrested 18 year-old Gregory Dequan DeBase who is a suspect in a robbery and shooting that occurred Monday, April 20, 2015 on a County Road in southeastern Smith County. DeBase was arrested on a first degree felony warrant issued in Smith County.
During the robbery, two women were shot inside a residence and the victims’ purses and wallets were taken by DeBase and a second unidentified suspect. Both women were treated and released from a Tyler hospital.
DeBase is being held in the Hopkins County Jail on $150,000 bond.
Original story from Channel 19 in Tyler can be found Here.
Blue Blazes Preparing for Saturday Spring Show
The annual spring show put on by the Sulphur Springs High School Blue Blazes Drill Team hits the stage of the Auditorium Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. each night.
The show, entitled “Boots and Bling, It’s a Blazes Thing” promises insight into what it’s like to be a Blue Blaze.
The show will feature big production numbers and smaller routines from a variety of drill team groups. Hunter Allen is the emcee.
SB1158 Stuck in Committee, Once Again
Despite efforts from many local Hopkins County residents, SB1158 is once a again stuck in committee. The Senate Fiance Committee has heard testimony from local residents, and called the names of citizens for and against the bill who were unable to travel to the hearing earlier this week.
As of Thursday morning, the Finance Committee is not scheduled to meet. Records show the bill is indeed ‘Left pending in committee’.
KSST will continue to monitor progress, and make updates as warranted.
Previous KSST articles about SB1155.
Blue Blazes Spring Show Saturday
Sulphur Springs ISD’s own Blue Blazes
The annual spring show put on by the Sulphur Springs High School Blue Blazes Drill Team hits the stage of the Auditorium Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. each night. The show, entitled “Boots and Bling, It’s a Blazes Thing” promises insight into what it’s like to be a Blue Blaze. The show will feature big production numbers and smaller routines from a variety of drill team groups. Hunter Allen is the emcee.
