How To Help Pollinators In Your Community
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Agriculture, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Some people might think you are just lazy, and some others might even call you crazy, but there are ways for you to help promote pollinators in your community. During the process, it will be helpful for you to remember why (both for you and those around you): without pollinators (bees, wasps, butterflies, etc.) plants (including vegetables) cannot produce fruit. From strawberries, tomato, cucumbers and watermelons all require successful pollination for them to bear fruit. It’s the work of many small insects visiting those flowers that make it all happen.
According to Texas AgriLife Extension, there are several ways to help pollinators, such as planting pollinator-friendly gardens, mowing a little less often, using fewer pesticides and supporting research at the university level. If interested in pollinator gardens, consider purchasing seed mixes that are native to the area and come with a plethora of flowers that will bloom year-round.
Although managed bees can receive supplemental food, wild bees rely solely on pollinator-friendly flowers. Often when purchasing plants, specific flowers and mixes will be labeled as pollinator-friendly and will be much preferred and beneficial to the pollinators themselves.
You’ll want to provide big patches of similar flower options, so they can feed more pollinators. Dr. Juliana Rangel, Honey bee lab director at Texas A&M said. “Offer plant diversity too. Different pollens have different types of amino acids and proteins for a diverse diet and proper nutrition.”
She also advises homeowners to consider not mowing as often and avoid using weed killers. The small flowers that pop up in yards, which are often considered weeds to homeowners, are actually good bee forage.
“If pesticides are unavoidable, be aware of your surroundings as much as possible,” she said. “Communicate with your neighbors and let them know you will be spraying, so they can protect their hives, if they have them, as much as possible.”
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].
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – May 23-29, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of May 23-29, 2022 included:
Arrests
- Richard Morgan, 39 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on May 23, 2022, on Winnsboro Municipal Court warrants for two Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charges, two Driving While License Invalid charges, a Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility charge, and Expired Driver’s License. charge.
- Cota Marks, 31 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on May 26, 2022, on Winnsboro Municipal Court warrants for two driving while license invalid charges, Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility, Expired Driver’s License, Expired Registration, and Failed to Display Driver’s License.
- Robert Cawthron, 44 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on May 27, 2022, on a TDCJ Warrant for a Parole Violation, Wood County Warrant- Burglary of a Building & Evading Arrest or Detention, and a Franklin County Warrant for Theft of Material.
- Roy Wade, 53 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on May 28, 2022, for Possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B Controlled Substance and a Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrant for Running a Stop Sign.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 133 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 25 citations and 48 warnings during this reporting period.
Hopkins County Records – May 29, 2022
Land Deed Transactions
- FOM Capital LLC, Ryan M. Hollingshead to Cheryl Putman; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey.
- Lindsey Colyer known by Lindsey Horne and Micah Colyer to Rebecca Riggs; tract in the MA Bowlin survey.
- Bruce E. Mosley to Irvin Speake and Jeannie Speake; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey.
- Alan Caddell, Brandi Caddell, Kimberly Caddell, Logan Caddell, Melissa Caddell and Reece Caddell to Mike Harvey and Teresa Reynolds; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey.
- Cuba Vaughn and Wayne Vaughn to Penny Renee Alkire; tract in the L Vess survey.
- Kimberly Fay McVay Montgomery to Naomy Velez and Omar Velez; tract in the U. Aiguier survey.
- DFWM LLC, Nancy D. Glasco and Wisenbaker Properties LTD to First Assembly of God Sulphur Springs Texas DBA Hope Family Fellowship of Sulphur Srprings; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey.
- Aaron Offutt and Robtin Offutt to Dorothy Davis.
- John Henry Griffin to Amy Denise Griffin; tract in the Ocela Barb survey.
- John Henry Griffin to Gregory Dale Graham and Jennifer Griffin Graham; tract in the Hiram Baker survey.
- Cheyenne Gold and Patrick Gold to Suzann Parker Gill and Thomas Michael Gill; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey.
- Billy L. Arnold to Danny W. Evans and Debra J. Evans; tract in the James Ford survey.
- Mr Cooper DBA as Nation Star Mortgage LLC to The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; tract in the MA Boowlin survey.
- Rockin Rentals LLC to Terry Odmo; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Smoketree Holding LLC to Jennifer Seida and Mark Seida; tract in the .John G. Procello survey
- Edward E. Stevens and Linda Kay Stevens to Harold Dean Collins and Ruthie A. Collins; tract in the A. Caro survey.
- High Point Estates also known as James L Masters Estate, Jimmy Masters and Nina Monique Masters, independently and as independent executor, to Britney Maxton and Jake Maxton; tract in the Santos Coy survey.
- Post Rental Properties LLC to Randy Shack and Jamie Shack; tract in the Frances Hopkins survey.
- Laura Robinson and Ronald Lee Robinson AKA Ron Robinson to Laura Robinson and Ronald Lee Robinson; tract in the Helena Nelson survey.
- Kathleen M. Dennis to Kathleen Marie Dennis Living Trust, Kathleen Marie Dennis trustee; tract in the Mason Moseley survey.
- Russell Brian Carpenter and Marcy Shegan to Marcy Ann Shegan; tract in the JE Anderson survey.
- Miguel Fernandez to Amanda Jane Ferandez and Miguel Ferandez; tract in Davis Heights Addition.
- Barbara Potts to Sherry E. Millsap; tract in the M. Ballanova survey.
- Summit Ranch Investments LTD to Andres Medina and Berenice Medina; tract in the GW Downing survey.
- Samuel Correa-Salas to Elizabeth Gandara; tract in the A Caro survey.
- Charles R. Leigh-Manuell and Charlotte R. Leigh-Manuell to Ginger Diane Standridge and Joseph Shea Standridge; tract in the James Webb survey.
- Tommy L. Dickey t Arvis Tanton and Sheila Tanton; tract in the JS Bowen survey.
- Erica Bronwyn Barnett, independent executor for the Jimmy Ellis Estate, to Derek Anderson and Stephanie Anderson survey.
- Charles L. Rogers to Camron H. Child and Clinette M. Chilton; tract in the Daniel McDonald survey.
- Connie Jo Clanton and Craig Clanton to Sohel Khan and Sohni Khan; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey.
- Christian Emmons and Jolanda Emmons to Jose G. Palencia Olvera; tract in the Abner Hall survey.
- Melba L. Vaughan AKA Melba L. Vaughn to Deborah K. Oberlender, David A. Vaughan and Timothy C. Vaughan; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey.
- Henry Hamilton Clover III to Scott Cooper and Lisa Cooper Skelton; tract in the A
- bYoung survey.
- Shannon Phillips,the same person as Shanon Rabon and Shannon Ryan to Maryanna Clay and Zachary Emeth Clay; tract in the DH Campbell survey.
- Heath Horton, Ruann Horton, Randa Massey, Keith Stroud and Rori Stroud to Jeana Massey and Mark Massey; tract in the E. Melton survey.
- Colby Collin Cameron and Kassdy Paige Camerson to David Banuelos and Nely Villegas Rosales; tracti in Lee-Hi Addition.
- Peggie Ann Weatherley to Jaycie Arledge and Jayden Arlede; tract in the Samuel G. Holder survey.
- Allen Whitehead and Patsy Whitehead to Angie Strawn, Dorsie Allen Whitehead and Patrick Shane Whitehead; tract int he Lucy Ann Cullum survey.
- Betty Taylor to Melissa Danielle Taylor; tract in the MA Bowin survey.
- Elizabeth Dee Allen Estate, Elizabeth Dee Allen Family Trust, Bank of America NA independent executor and trustee to Devin Ryan Sanders Trust, Heather Page Sanders Trust and Sean Allen Sanders Trust, Bank of Amerrica NA and Southside Bank.
- Cynthia Trull and Larry Trull to Brandon Phipps and Jodie Phipps; tract in the M.J. McGee survey.
- City Cemetery Society Sulphur Springs to Maria Chavez; tract in the South Block.
Applications for Marriage Licenses
The following individuals filed for applications with Hopkins County Clerk’s Office for marriage licenses May 6-27, 2022:
- Jordan Edward Callagher and Anna Lisa Attaway
- Dakota Lane Flud and Madieann Ivy Garbin
- Joe Dale Cohorst and Ginger Deann Crawford
- Nathan Kendall Little and Lydia Marie Turner
- Robert Louis Hutchison and Barbara Evans Yost
- Caleb Wayne Newby and Lacey Nichole Hagan
- Lindy Wayne Shipley and Johna Kathleen Burchfield
- Ely Dennis McQeen and Kalie Rae Vickers
- Brandon Keith Lappin and Kristina Marie Shearer
- Asdrubal J. Castillo Reyna and Janny De La Caridad Lopez
- Caleb Andrew Short and Jacqueline Elena Perez
- Tanner Garret Caraway and Betty Jean Altieri
- Anthony Wayne Stone and Maria Teresa Torres
- Zachary Travis Davis and Kasie Nicole Bell
- Jesse Scott Friddle and Dorothy Lee Riley
- Casey Alan Swarts and Victoria Lee Stretcher
- Thomas Dale Renshaw and Alisa Faith Colley
- Derek Lane Carrell and Meagan Nicole Richardson
- Christopher Alan Watson and Brenda Reeves Howard
- Angel Martin Pineiro Jr. and Laurea Elizabeth Caviness
- Kristopher Allen Grobe and Samantha Myree Jones
- Garrett Nolan Swatsell and Cortni Briana Steele
- Jaccob William Wood and Kara Dawn Slay
- Trevor Grey Vanderventer and Amber Marie Davis
- Jared Allen Vance and Cheylene Lyneice Shiver
- Bryce Clay Gorton and Jewlian Dawn Hill
- Johnathan Isaiah Johnson and Melody Anne Lollar
Meal A Day Menu – May 30-June 3, 2022
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 May 30-June 3, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Beef Spaghetti, English Peas and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Rope Sausage, Sauerkraut, Black-Eyed Peas an Corn Bread.
- Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Thursday – Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli and Pickled Beets.
- Friday – Hot Dogs, Potato Chips and Cole Slaw.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Paris District Road Report for May 30, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting May 30, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
The annual contract to perform seal coat operations in Grayson County is scheduled to begin the week of June 6. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car to direct traffic through the work zone while crews place a seal coat to the pavement on these roadways: FM 902 between the Cooke County line and US 377, FM 902 between SH 5 and SH 11, FM 120 between SH 289 and Willow Springs Road, and FM 1897 between US 69 and Ambrose St.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing main lanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The Lamberth Street intersection on the east side of FM 1417 will be closed to traffic on May 31, to allow crews to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. Travelers are asked to use Taylor Street or Canyon Creek Drive during this closure.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install an eight-foot-wide minimum sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from Preston Avenue to John Douglas Road. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as construction crews work to install sidewalks, curb ramps, and landscape features.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
The annual contract to perform bridge repairs in Grayson County is underway. The following locations will have bridge repairs performed, so travelers should expect occasional lane closures while this work is underway. US 75 northbound mainlane bridge at Iron Ore Creek, US 75 southbound frontage road bridge at Iron Ore Creek, and FM 1417 at Post Oak Creek.
FM 697, Grayson County, from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 898, Grayson County, from US 69 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on backfilling the roadway.
The annual contract to perform seal coat operations in Fannin County is scheduled to begin the week of June 6. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car to direct traffic through the work zone while crews seal coat the pavement at these locations: US 82 between the Grayson County line and SH 121, FM 68 between SH 78 and SH 34, and FM 1396 between SH 78 and FM 2029.
CR 3810 at Loring Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3810 at Loring Creek is complete and has been reopened to through traffic.
CR 3315 at Allen Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3315 at Allen Creek will be closed to through traffic on May 31 in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3310 as a detour.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on re-establishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from FM 897 west to FM 2029. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway.
SH 78, Fannin County: from FM 981 to CR 5066. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on signs.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
IH 30, Hopkins County: from Loop 301 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and traffic delays as crews begin surfacing operations.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews begin upgrading cross drainage structures.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: from IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lanes closures and short delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas while final work is being performed.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Wolfe City, Texas, location. The contractor is currently working on FM 816 and constructing driveways and curb and gutter along with pedestrian ramps. The contractor will begin working on sidewalks after the holiday weekend. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations: Hunt County, SH 34 at Crockett Street to SH 34 at FM 816 in Wolfe City. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor has set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor will be placing geogrid and will be grading out for cement placement. The contractor will begin to cement treat the new six-inch roadway base as weather and materials availability allow.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed widening and reworking existing base for the last section of the project. The project has less than 1,000 feet until completion of cement-treated base. The contractor will continue setting safety end treatments and driveway pipe on the south side of the project once material delays are resolved. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor completed the concrete paving on the intersection of SH 276 and FM 264.The contractor is working on the culvert extension on the west section SH 276. The contractor is working on ditch and back slope grading – preparing areas for scheduled temporary seeding and addressing sidewalks and ADA ramp installation. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has finished mailbox turnouts. The contractor is working on the proposed signing for the project. Seal coat for the pavement surface should begin soon, based on material availability and weather permitting.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay operations on FM 2655 to SH 11 in Wolfe City. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations at various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing seal coat prep work on FM 1903 from SH 34 to the I-30 frontage road. Crews will be performing sign installations, mailbox installation, potholing, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations on various roadways. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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11 Jailed in Hopkins County On Felony Warrants May 19-28, 2022
At least 11 people were jailed in Hopkins County on felony warrants from May 19 to May 28, 2022.
Jail Transfers
Melissa Beth Scott was transported at 9:45 a.m. May 26 by Sheriffs Deputy Terry Thompson from Hadin County jail to Hopkins County jail, where the 42-year-old Kountz, Texas woman was booked in at 2:38 p.m. May 26 on failure to identify by giving false information and possession of less than a gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She was released Friday from Hopkins County jail on a $2,00 bond on the failure to ID charge and $5,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Mark Allen Potts was arrested in Grayson County and transported to Hopkins County jail May 24, 2022. The 55-year-old Whitewright man was booked in on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. His bond was set at $175,000. He remained in Hopkins C,ounty jail Saturday. May 28, 2022, according to arrest reports.
Thompson transported Malavine Akanesi Kaihau Saafi from Dallas County jail to Hopkins County jail, where the 25-year-old Grand Prairie woman was booked in around 10 a.m. May 20, 2022. The charge was bond revocation on an August 2020 possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. She remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 28, 2022. Bond was set at $50,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
Deputy Joe Hooten transported Brian Lynn McPike to Hopkins County jail at 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2022. The 51-year-old DeSoto man was booked into Hopkins county jail at 1:21 p.m. May 27, on an outstanding possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Bond was set at $25,000 on the charge, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 28, 2022.
Davis Street Arrest
Deputy Frank Tieman and Sgt. Scott Davis transported Ricky Lee Wayne Liebel from his North Davis Street residence at 9:10 p.m. May 26, 2022, to Hopkins County jail, where the 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked in on a warrant for violation of probation on a 2018 possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Bond on the felony charge was set at $75,000. He remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 28, 2022.
Traffic Stops
The passenger in a Toyota Camry stopped at 4:45 p.m. May 27, at mile marker 120 on Interstate 30 east was found during a records check to be wanted. HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans arrested Jacob Thomas Ramsey on the warrant for violation of parole, which he was on for a 2015 theft of cattle conviction. The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was held in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 28, 2022, on the felony warrant, according to jail reports.
The driver of a Chevrolet Uplander stopped at 3:44 a.m. May 28, 2022, by Drew Fisher for a traffic violation was found to be wanted. Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward took Zachary Clifton Gingles into custody and transported him to jail, where he remained on the charge later Saturday afternoon, according to jail reports.
Additional Charge
An additional charge was added at 12:25 p.m. May 20, 2022, for Peter Millard Wyman, a 56-year-old Sulphur Springs man whos’ remained in jail since April 11, serving a commitment on a third or more drunk driving charge. An aggravated perjury warrant was added to the 56-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s charges last Friday. Bond on that charge was set at $50,000, according to jail reports.
A corrections officer was notified at 2:08 p.m. May 20, 2022, of two additional warrants for Cristian Lonnie Jackson. The 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into jail on two aggravated robbery warrants; the offense, according to arrest reports occurred in January of 2020. Bond was recommended at $50,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
Jail House Arrests
Deputy Bobby Osornio took Lorena Martinez Andrews into custody at 3 a.m. May 21, 2022, in the lobby of the sheriff’s office and escorted her into the county jail, where the 42-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was booked in on two warrants for criminal mischief resulting in $2,500 worth damage or more but less than $30,000, according to arrest reports. She was released from Hopkins County jail later May 21 on $5,000 bond per charge, according to jail reports.
Derek Dewayne Dirks was taken custody around 10:45 a.m. May 19, 2022, and escorted into the county jail by Deputy Aaron Chaney. The 42-year-old Lindale man was booked in for bond forfeiture on an unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon charge and four traffic warrants. Bond on the felony charge was set at $20,000. He remained in Hopkins County jail May 28, 2022, according to jail reports.
Miller Grove Student’s Art Wins Congressional Contest, To Be Displayed At US Capitol
Miller Grove High School student Bailee Shipp’s artwork will be displayed at the USCapitol for the next year. Shipp’s work was selected as the winner from Texas’ Fourth Congressional District.
The Congressional Art Competition, the U.S. House of Representatives’ official art competition for high school students, allows each member to honor one high school student from their districts.
The Artistic Discovery Contest was open to all high school students in participating Districts. The winning artwork of the 4th Congressional district’s art competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork will also be featured on House.gov’s Congressional Art Competition page.
Hundreds of thousands of high school students from across the US submit their work for consideration annually. Submissions must be original artwork by the student in its original medium – painting, drawing, collage, printing, mixed media, computer-generate art or photography. Entries were limited format to 26 inches by 26 inches, and up to 4 inches deep, and could way no more than 15 pounds.
More than 200 entries were submitted from Texas’ Fourth Congressional District and only one winning piece was selected. MGHS junior Bailee Shipp’s computer-generated artwork, titled “Mother of Texas,” is this year’s 4th Congressional District winner.
“Mother of Texas” will hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol, the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, Members of Congress, distinguished visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists – from the United States and abroad – walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork.
Congratulations to Bailey Shipp for this achievement.
SSHS Class Of 2022 Celebrated At Graduation
The Sulphur Springs High School Senior Class of 2022 celebrated 13 years of hard work Friday evening with commencement exercises. The weather cooperated, almost too well, with plenty of sunshine and heat to ensure the ceremony cold be held on the football field in Gerald Prim Stadium.
The program listed 254 senior candidates eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony, and they wasted no time filing in from two different directions, them walked in pair across the field to their seats on “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the Wildcat Band, located just back from the graduates and stage. Some strode with pride, others speed walked to catch up to longer strides of their walking partner, others practically skipped in excitement while a few walked carefully and other shuffled to their seats.
While all had on the uniform blue gowns and caps with yellow tassels, each graduate wore the stoles and cords they earned recognizing their various activities and achievements, and for a few their commitment to service in a branch of the Armed Forces.
Each graduate showed his or her own unique style and personality in the outfit and footwear worn beneath their gowns. Some were dressed formally, in ties and slacks or special occasion dresses, while others opted for more comfortable clothing more suited to the late May heat and field. Footwear varied from chunky to spiky heels, to platforms, flats, boots and dress shoes. A few had footwear adorned in shiny sequins and one even had gold spikes. Some waved to friends and family who called out cheers of excitement and encouragement.
Hopkins County Military Coalition participated, presenting the colors. The students selected classmates who gave opening and closing prayers. Another classmate sang the Star Spangled Banner acapella.
Superintendent Michael Lamb welcomed everyone, congratulated the class of 2022 on their accomplishment. He urged the class to remember as they jump into the next phase of their lives immediately following graduation, to keep in mind that it goes by quickly.
“You are destined to do great things. We are excited to see what you go do. You’ve overcome a lot of adversity, particularly the last few years and you have done well. This class has done many great things. I celebrate this with you, I’m excited for you, not only as an administrator but as a parent. I have one here too,” Superintendent Lamb said.
2022 Salutatorian Dawson Carpenter offered thanks to counselors and administrators who work tirelessly to meet the needs of their students; teachers and coaches who make it their mission to get hte best out of each student, often learning more about who the student are as people; and to his classmates for making the past four years enjoyable, from going all out to support the football team from the student section, to spending late nights hanging out at Whataburger when he probably should have been at home writing an essay. He said he would cherish the memories made with them during their time together.
He thanked his parents for instilling competitiveness spirit necessary for him to be where he is, as salutatorian.
“I cannot help but think how blessed we all are to come together tonight as we walk across this stage and into the next chapter of our lives. It is because of this blessing that I feel the need to acknowledge the thing that has been weighing so heavily on our nation’s heart this week,” Carpenter said.
He asked those present to join him in a moment of silence to honor the lives lost in the school shooting in Uvalde Tuesday. Afterward, he asked everyone to keep the community in their prayers as they grapple with the tragedy.
He then acknowledged being terrified of speaking in front of crowds, so much so that in second grade he told his mom he wanted to have the second best grades in high school so he wouldn’t have to give a speech at graduation.
“Standing in front of you tonight I am about as far out of my comfort zone as I can get. However, as we take the next step, we will be forced to leave the familiarity that we have all grown accustomed to over the past four years. I challenge Class of 2022 to embrace those uncomfortable situations and find personal growth that comes out of it. Give the speech, try out a new hobby, go out and meet new friends. the world is full of opportunities, you just have to seek them out for yourselves. Go out and show what a Sulphur Springs Wildcat is capable of,” Carpenters said.
Valedictorian Joel Villarino noted that the Class of 2022 is “the most exceptional class to come out of Sulphur Springs in recent years, and maybe for several to come.”
“No class has strived to make the most of our time at Sulphur Springs High School quite like 2022. We push each other to be the best versions of ourselves and we’ve created a class culture of excellence,” Villarino said.
The valedictorian note that several class members are competitive even at the national level academically, artistically and athletically. He expressed confidence that the Class of 2022 will be the best representatives of what Sulphur Springs is capable of. He said none of that, whoever would have been possible without the people who support them.
He noted all of his accomplishment to be the result of the sacrifices his parents have made for him.
“I couldn’t have wished for a better people to raise me. You always made sure I knew I was loved and that you are proud of me. To not try my best would have been a disservice to what you’ve done for me. Thank you for making me the young man you see here today,” Villarino said.
He offered thanks to his sister, who he’s watched grow into an extremely bright and unique person, who’s helped him, listed to him talk for hours and helped him with art.
“I know you’ll do great things, but do it your own way. Don’t feel pressure to follow the path I took,” he said sister Alexis.
Villarino then too thanked his classmates for pushing him to be the best version of himself he can be socially and academically. He said he is fortunate to call them peers and friends.
To the family of class members, he offered assurance that they’ve done their part ensuring this is an exceptional group of young adults and thanked them.
He said SSISD is fortunate to administrators who represent the caring and servants’ hearts that make up the core of the community, and offered thanks to them as well for the class.
He acknowledged that the teachers only see a fraction of what they do for students, and that past few years have been especially difficult for them, but that everything they do makes a difference in the lives of each and everyone of the graduates. He offered thanks to them.
Villarino said while the class has achieved great things while in high school, he believes it’s only the first chapter in the story of the class’ success.
“As we embark into an increasingly turbulent world, I hope we will become the future leaders that are so desperately needed right now. Nothing can be taken for granted. All of us remember going on spring break during our sophomore year and never coming back. And, as we were reminded this Tuesday, we live in a world that is truly capable of pure evil – so much so that it can be hard to see light in the dark. We are in a turning point in history and now it is up to us to do our part toward steering us to a brighter future. We cannot afford to sit idle as our rights and our values are being threatened. Change must be made, and we must make our voices heard,” Villarino said.
He then challenged his classmates to make a conscience effort to make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small. He said the past four years are a testament to how quickly time passes. He urged his classmates to not let time pass them by, to find a purpose and stick to it, to always strive to be the best versions of themselves, to not lose the drive that brought so much success in high school and toe remember that there are no limits to what they can do.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to grow up with. I hope you will look at the future of the class of 2022 as a beacon of light in our dark world,” Villarino concluded.
Four members of the Class of 2022 played and sang, “Good Old Days,” the class song.
Principal Derek Driver certified that all of the class members present have met all of the state and local requirement as candidates for graduation. School Board President Robert Cody accepted the certification. Renee Maeker then called each candidate’s name. Students then walked the stage to receive their diploma from school officials and shake their hands in congratulations.
Some ambled along slowly, some waved and pointed to family in the audience, others practically raced the stage eagerly, some were stoic, while others brimmed with accomplishment and delight in reaching this milestone, several made the most of their moment in the spotlight by offering fist pumps and cheers, and a few offered prayers of thanks at making it to walk the stage. Most were greeted by clapping cheering and having their name and encouragement called by family and friends. Classmates also cheered and clapped for classmates.
Those handing out the diplomas alternated, and in a few cases, educators, administrators and board members were allowed to present diplomas to their students or those they were especially close to.
Principal Derek Driver gave fist bumps in celebration just before they turned to walk the ramp off the stage and return to their seats on the field.
Many were greeted by airhorns, and cheers from their family and friends, including classmates.
After joining together across the rows for the alma mater one last time as students, and the closing prayer, Driver officially dismissed the Class of 2022, ending the graduation ceremony in a sea of blue caps and yellow tassels, and whoops and cheers, and a tide of family and friend descending to the field to offer congratulations and some flowers for their graduates. Several graduates posed together and with family members for photos to commemorate the occasion. A few were on the phone with others who were not able to attend and making plans to gather afterward.
SSHS 2022 Seniors Receive Almost $5 Million In Scholarship Offers And Military Awards
Sulphur Springs High School 2022 Seniors received almost $5 million in scholarship offers and military awards during the annual Senior Awards Ceremony. Scholarship offers totaled $2,939,460 and military awards accounted for the rest of the $4,919,460 announced during the senior awards assembly.
The SSHS Senior Class of 2022 honor graduates, valedictorian and salutatorian, UIL Scholars, National Merit Scholar, and senior state Academic UIL qualifiers and winners were also recognized during the program.
The largest amount announced, $1.98 million went to graduates who are or will be enlisting in a branch of the military.
Recognized for their commitment to the Texas Army Nation al Guard were Amanda Hernandez Bahena and Aidyn Rodgers; to the U.S. Air Force was Weston Fields; to the US Army was Ben Hatcher and Rylee Penny; to the US Marines was Ashtyn Bettis, Clayton Boykins, Brett Lester, Maddox Miller, Evan Patrick and Bryan Taylor.
Tammy Carrell presented Hatcher, Hernandez Bahena and Lester with Sgt. Tanner Stone Higgins Military Scholarships. The awards are given in memory of the SSHS graduate and Army Ranger killed 10 years ago in Afghanistan. Funds come from the nonprofit foundation established in Higgins’ name are raised through a Warrior Run, held annually in April to remember Sgt. Higgins. The foundation provides funds to assist graduating seniors entering any branch of the US Armed Forces, to help military personnel transitioning back to civilian life, as well as military families. Hatcher received a $300 Higgins scholarship, Hernandez Bahena a $700 scholarship and Lester $1,000.
Matthew Sherman was awarded the Easterwood Scholarship for Corps of Cadets for $16,000 from Texas A&M University in College Station. He too was awarded a $1,000 Sulphur Springs Band Booster Scholarship.
Another large amount announced at the May 17, 2022 SSHS Senior Awards Program went to student athletes. Fifteen students amassed $551,000 in scholarship offers to play college sports. They include: Caleb Alexander to play basketball for TLAP Prep Academy, Osvaldo Arellano to play soccer at Paris Junior College, Brooklynn Burnside volleyball at Cisco College, Clair Bybee for track and field at Kansas State University, Addison Caddell softball at the University of Texas at Dallas, Jeauxleigh Cantu tennis at LeTourneau University, Missiah Dugan Southwest Christan College for volleyball, Jaslyn Galvan cheer and dance at UT-Tyler, Justin Haire for basketball at Dallas Baptist University, Alan Hernandez for soccer at NTCC, Ja’Quan Jones football at Clark University, Colt Silman football at East Texas Baptist University, Katie Tiemeyer cheer and stunt at UT-Tyler, Korderrion Turner for football at ETBU, and Jakobe Yarbrough football at Hendrix College.
The 2022 James Cameron Fighting Heart Award recipients were Claire Bybee, Addison Caddell, Cable Glenn and Colt Silman. The 2022 Forest Gregg MVP Award recipients were Parris Pickett, Justin Haire and Korderrion Turner.
Cable Glen received a $5,000 Ben Hogan Award of Perseverance for the way he battle back while recovering. He also was awarded a $1,000 SSHS Athletic Training Program Scholarship.
The John & Deborah Gillis Foundation awarded $320,000 to SSHS students. Receiving $40,000 each Bright Star Scholarships each were Connor Bailey, Dawson Carpenter, Cable Glenn, Mattison Martin, Carter Owen, Katie Tiemeyer, Michelle Tijerin and Cash Vititow.
Glenn, Desirae Hall and Daylon Robertson each received $500 MLK Legacy Award Scholarships. Robertson also received the $500 Perry F. Bradley III Scholarship
Glenn, Alex Flecker and Jadyn VanWinkle were awarded a $1,000 Lions Club Scholarship. All three also benefit from a Sulphur Springs Soccer Association Tommy Long-Weldon Faulks Soccer Scholarship; Glenn and Flecker received $500 each and VanWinkle $1,000.
Receiving $1,000 Jake C. Wilson Memorial Scholarships the year were Emily Atkinson, Connor Bailey, Claire Bybee and Luke Dietze.
Connor Bailey, Dawson Carpenter and Jerkevian Taylor were awarded $3,500 Attlesey and Gamblin Scholarships.
Alaisha Alvardo received a $500 Faulk Company Scholarship and a $1,000 National Technical Honor Society John H. Poteat Scholarship
Luke Dietze and Jacob Semler received the Distinguished Award Scholarship from Baylor University, with the amounts for them being for $103,000 and $108,000 respectively.
The $1,000 James Goggans Memorial Scholarship went to Brandon Williams,
Hallie Hinton, Paige Miesse and Tate Smith each received a $250 Allarea Black Scholarship.
Junior Waverly Club awarded Harley Archer a $750 scholarship.
Janiya Gatlin received two scholarships, the Mason and MoMusic Scholarships for $800 and $500 respectively, from Grambling State University.
Annalee Wesson received a scholarship for Academic Achievement and the Hendrix Achievement scholarship for $80,000 and $4,000 respectively from Hendrix University.
Presented by Amy Jumper, Claire Bybee received the Kansas State Founders Non-Resident Scholarship for $45,304 to attend Kansas State University.
Jimena Mendoza was rewarded the Trustee’s Scholarship for $25,000 from Merrimack College.
Fernando Chimal was awarded the General Merit Scholarship for $750 from Midwestern State University.
Connie Bailey received the Out of State Academic Achievement Scholarship for $48,000 from Oklahoma State University.
Cable Glenn was awarded a $76,000 Presidential, a $1,000 Tiger Network, and a $4,000 Pruet Scholarship from Ouachita Baptist University. He also received a $3,500 One Church Scholarship and a $1,000 Helen Ewing Ditto True Grit Award
Harley Archer was awarded a $4000 scholarship for Academic Excellence from Paris Junior College.
Joel Villarino was awarded two scholarships, the National Merit for $2,500 and the Trustee Distinguished Merit for $60,000, from Rice University. Villarino too was offered a $25,000 University of Texas Computer Science Department Merit Award and a $42,000 Texas A&M National Merit Award.
Both Paige Miesse and Kate Mitchell were awarded the $5,000 Jo McCain Trust Scholarship. Mitchell also received a $500 Hopkins-Rains County Retired School Personnel Scholarship and a $500 Patsy Bolton Scholarship.
Peyton Hammack was awarded the $500 Tommy Starrett Memorial Scholarship.
Jerkevian Taylor was awarded the $1,000 Columbia Lodge #81 Scholarship.
Jadyn VanWinkle received both the $350 Enduring Minds Scholarship and the $1,000 Elks Tesa Scholarship, and an $8,000 Alliance Bank Scholarship.
Jayla Sherrell Yarbrough received a $1,000 scholarship from 360 Barber College.
Savannah Lilley was awarded the Merit Scholarship for $12,000 from the Colorado School of Mines.
Presented by Estefania Torres, both Claire Bybee and Hannah Wilcox received the $6,000 scholarship for Academic Excellence, while Priscilla Gasper received the same scholarship for $10,000, from Stephan F. Austin University.
Hannah Wilcox also received the President’s Gap scholarship for $2,000 from Tarleton State University.
Dawson Carpenter received the College Board National Rural & Small Town Scholarship for $24,000 to Texas A&M University in College Station. Carpenter was also offered a full ride to attend the University of Alabama, estimated at $204,000, as well as a $108,000 Baylor University Distinction Award.
Madison Martin received the TAMU Scholarship for $1,000 from Texas A&M University in College Station.
Several students were awarded the $4,000 Blue & Gold Scholarship from Texas A&M Commerce. They are Caleb Alexander, Harley Archer, Mayra Gudino, Kaslyn Hurley, Jasmine Kessler-Cordova, Giselle Montes de Oca, Jonathan Scott, Hanna Sells, Imani Smith, Harley Speed, Landry Speer, Vanessa Tellez, Annalee Wesson, and Hannah Wilcox.
Several students were awarded the $8,000 Blue & Gold Scholarship from A&M Commerce. They are Brooklyn Archer (who also was awarded the Music Scholarship for the same amount), Cable Glenn, Hallie Hinton, and Makayla Howell.
Tyler Burnett, Addison Irby, Addyson Lamb, Mckenna Lowther, Jakson Medelline, Joshua Tavera, and Haven Walker each received the $2,000 Blue & Gold Scholarship from Texas A&M Commerce. Tyler Burnett also received the $1,000 Charles McCauley Memorial Scholarship. Walker was also awarded TAMUC’s $500 Dance Team Scholarship, $3,000 Other Helpers Scholarship, and $84,600 President’s Promise & Regents Access Scholarship.
Beau Bankston, Bailee Burnett, Litzy Chacon, Fernando Chimal, Emily Dick, Juan Hernandez, Ashley Rodriguez, Jessica Yanez, and Emily Zarco all received the $16,000 Presidential Scholarship from A&M Commerce, with Emily Dick and Juan Hernandez both also receiving the $42,000 Honors Scholarship.
Kaitlyn Tiemeyer was awarded the $16,000 Blue & Gold Scholarship from Texas A&M Commerce.
John Moser received the $2,000 Music Scholarship from Texas A&M Commerce.
Jasmine Cordova was awarded the $12,000 Academic Excellence Award Scholarship from Texas A&M Kingsville; as well as a $500 Bobby McDonald Memorial Scholarship
Giselle Montes de Oca received the $40,000 Javelina Promise Scholarship and the $33,800 University Scholarship from Texas A&M Kingsville.
Emily Atkinson received both the $40,000 TCU Purple and White Scholarship and the $18,000 Micro Scholarships from Texas Christian University.
Carter Owen and Reed Williams received the Presidential Merit Scholarship for $16,000 and $20,000 respectively from Texas Tech University.
Peyton Hammack was awarded the $60,000 New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship from the University of Arkansas.
Litzy Chacon received both the $10,000 Excellence Honors Scholarship and the $2,137 Emerald Eagle Award Scholarship from the University of North Texas. Chacon too was presented with a $1,000 Hopkins County Leadership Scholarship. She and Luke Dietze, Savannah Lilley, Shelby Ray and Joel Villarino received $200 PACE Scholarships. Chacon and Claire Bybee were awarded $1,000 Coca-Cola Scholarships.
Ashley Rodriguez received the $6,000 Excellence Scholarship from the University of Texas.
Caleb Talmage received the $5,000 Eagle Scholarship from the University of North Texas.
Michelle Tijerin received the $20,000 Texas Excellence Scholarship from the University of Texas in Austin.
Jessica Yanez received both the $20,000 Dell Scholarship and the $1,725 UT for Me Scholarship from the University of Texas in Austin.
Baylie Large was awarded with the $16,000 Maverick Academic Scholarship from the University of Texas in Arlington.
Kirsten “Paige” Miesse was awarded the $32,000 Academic Scholarship from the University of Texas in Arlington.
Addison Caddell received the $12,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship from the University of Texas in Dallas.
Bailee Burnett, Jaslyn Galvan, Imani Smith, and Katie Tiemeyer were awarded the $8,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship, with Bailee Burnett also awarded the Honors and John E. & Dorothy Fay White Endowment Scholarships worth the same amount, from the University of Texas in Tyler.
Mayra Gudino was awarded the $2,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship from the University of Texas in Tyler.
Landry Speer was awarded the $4,000 Patriot 1st Year Scholarship from the University of Texas in Tyler.
Journi Hohenberger was awarded both the $2,500 Poultry Science Scholarship and the $1,500 Dr. Wayne Parker Memorial Ag Scholarship from West Texas A&M University.
Jadyn VanWinkle received the $20,000 Provost’s Scholarship from West Texas A&M University. She also was awarded a $2,500 Cooperative Teachers Credit Union Academic Scholarship.
Health Occupations Association (HOSA) Future Health Professionals Scholarships in the amount of $750 was awarded to VanWinkle, while Bailee Burnett received a $2,000 HOSA scholarship. Burnett too was the recipient of a $1,500 Perry F. Bradley Jr. Scholarship.
Jaden Vititow received the $1,000 Distinguished Merit Scholarship from West Texas A&M University.
Addison Caddell was awarded an $8,000 Sam Kopal Memorial Scholarship as well as a $5,000 Financial Women in Texas East Texas Group Scholarship.
Grocery Supply Company Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each went to Angel Andino, Cable Glenn, Fabian Perez and Vanessa Tellez.
The Kiwanis Club awarded Emily Dick a $1,500 scholarship. She too received a $250 Peggy Reynolds Dallas Morning News Scholarship.
City National Bank presented $10,000 in scholarships in honor of Rickey Reynolds. Receiving one of the $2,000 awards each were Emily Atkinson, Kalyssa Johnson, Kate Mitchell, Harley Speed and Tyler Warner.
North East Texas Livestock Association awarded $2,500 scholarships to Beau Bankston and Cash Vititow, a $2,000 scholarship to Parris Pickett, and $1,000 scholarships to Griffin Crawford and Ellie Kate Daniel.
Vititow and Bankston also received $1,000 Sterling and Eva Beckham Memorial Scholarships. Hopkins County Junior Commercial Heifer Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 went to Bankston, Vititow and Carson Fenton. Vititow also received a $6,000 Big Tex State Fair of Texas Scholarship.
Journi Hohenberger received a $1,500 Hopkins-Rains Soil and Water Conservation District Scholarship.
Landon Brody Dyer Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each were awarded to Litzy Chacon and Jerkevian Taylor.
Receiving Northeast Texas Chapter 416 Air Force Association Earle North Parker Essay contest scholarships in the amount of $500 were Dawson Carpenter, Lani Horn, Makayla Howell and Shelby Ray; in the amount of $1,500 was Jadyn VanWinkle; and in the amount of $3,000 was Joel Villarino.
Sarah Brann went home with the $250 Teen Court of Hopkins County scholarship.
Alexia Chavez received the $500 Judy Tipping Legacy Scholarship and the $1,000 Sulphur Springs High School Class of 1955 award.
Sulphur Springs ISD Education Foundation Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each were awarded to Emily Atkinson, Shelby Ray and Michel Tijerin.
The $1,000 Clayton and Graves Scholarship went to Emily Zarco.
Engie’s Ryan Economy presented Savannah Lilley with a $1,000 Engie Solar Energy Scholarship.
Hopkins County Patriot Scholarships in the amount of $500 went to Beau Bankston, Emily Dick, Paige Miesse, Kevin Perez, Jacob Semler and Harley Speed.
Dial Study Club awarded $250 scholarships to Cable Glenn, Benjamin Hatcher and Caelyn Pilette.
Press Release from the Office of the Rains County Attorney Robert F. Vititow
A jury was selected on Monday, May, 23, 2022, in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Rains County in Cause No. 6172, for the felony offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child. The name of the defendant, a local citizen of Rains County, is not being released to protect the identity of the 11 year old child victim.
The offense occurred over an extended period of time which began in Irving, Texas. The family moved to Emory in 2017, and the abuse continued through January of 2021. The defendant was 50 years old at the time of the trial and the victim was 11. Theryn Waggener of Winona 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 Tuesday morning, and after hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of guilty around noon.
The punishment phase began after lunch. The defendant faced a range of punishment of 25 years to 99 years or life in prison (without the possibility of parole), and up to a $10,000 fine. The defendant elected to have the jury assess his punishment. Vititow argued to the jury, If someone steals something from you such as a ring, you can replace it; what the defendant took from his daughter, she can never replace. It’s a life sentence for her, and he deserves a life sentence. There are certain acts that when a person commits them, they should forfeit the right to walk among the public freely. this is one of those acts. The jury determined the appropriate punishment in this case was life and did not assess a fine.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child is a an offense that was passed by the legislature in 2007 in House Bill 8, known as Jessica’s Law. The law was passed in direct response to the problems inherent in prosecuting sex crimes involving child victims. Under this law, jurors are not required to agree in their guilty verdict on the same acts of sexual abuse that occurred. Instead, the jury must unanimously agree that the defendant committed at least any two of the acts of sexual abuse alleged in the indictment over a period of 30 or more days. Vititow explained, “In hypothetical case, four jurors may believe that acts one and three occurred, and the remaining jurors may only believe acts two and four occurred as long as they
all agree any two acts occurred and they were more than 30 days apart. A defendant convicted
under this statute is not eligible for parole.”
The indictment in this case alleged acts of sexual abuse being indecency with a child by contact and aggravated sexual assault of a child, with three different dates being alleged to have occurred on or about January 1, 2018, December 1, 2019, and December 1, 2020. The State was not required to prove the exact dates of the abuse, but only that they occurred prior to the date of the grand jury returning an indictment which was on June 29, 2021.
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 prosecutors staff, all of the court personnel and the citizens of Rains County who served as the jurists.
Rains County Attorney, Robert Vititow
