Wildcats Play at Garland Naaman Forest and Lady Cats at New Boston on Basketball Game Day Tuesday
On the game day Tuesday (December 8), both the Wildcats and Lady Cats Basketball Teams are on the road.
The Wildcats play in Garland at Naaman Forest High School. The schedule calls for a freshman game at 4:30 p.m., then a JV contest at 5:45 p.m. with the Wildcats’ varsity taking on Naaman Forest at 7 p.m. The Wildcats’ varsity has won four games in a row and their season record is 5-3. The Wildcats’ varsity is 3-1 in road games this season.
The Lady Cats play at New Boston. There will be a JV contest at 5 p.m. with the varsity contest at 6 p.m. The Lady Cats’ varsity is 2-3 for the season and they are 1-1 in road contests. This game is the last non-district contest before district play starts on Friday. District foe Mount Pleasant comes to town to face the Lady Cats on Friday.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Cattle Supplement Feeding: Tips for Hopkins County Ranchers by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
Cattle supplement feeding: tips for Hopkins County ranchers
Supplements must be chosen to meet particular nutrient deficiencies. Body condition is a key factor in the choice of supplements. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, thin cows are relatively more deficient in dietary energy than in protein. In contrast, fleshier cows may need extra protein, if they need anything. To minimize supplementation, use forage supplies logically. In general, hay (excluding supplemental alfalfa, etc.) should not be limit-fed with standing forage. Limit-feeding of hay encourages cows to reduce grazing and fails to use pastures while quality is reasonably good. For example, assume available forage for grazing or feed ing includes some tame pasture (such as coastal-bermudagrass), some native range, and some hay. As winter approaches, the tame pasture should be used first, native range next, and hay last. That way each forage is utilized most efficiently, and there is a better chance some hay will be left in late winter to early spring when high quality green growth begins but is limited in amount. It is difficult to make general recommendations about supplementation of protein and energy. Usually, dry mature cows in medium or higher body condition on typical dormant warm-season pasture or low quality hay often need only 1 pound to 2 pound s a day of a high protein feed. (On extremely low quality forage, such as tall-grass prairie in winter, 3 pound s to 4 pound s of high protein feed may be needed.) A thin, dry, mature cow may require 2 pound s to 4 pound s daily, but of a medium -protein, high-energy supplement. After calving, all of these amounts essentially should be doubled. Daily feeding usually is not necessary when using high-protein supplements such as cottonseed meal cubes. Instead, depending on the amounts, weekly required totals can be divided and fed every other day, twice a week, or even once a week. In fact, nondaily feeding of these supplements often is more efficient. However, combination protein-energy supplements, especially breeder /range cubes and meal-grain mixes, that are required in larger daily amounts, generally should be fed daily for best forage utilization, highest animal performance, and greatest efficiency.Self-fed, controlled consumption can be accomplished with some feeds, especially oilseed meals and meal-grain mixes, by including an intake limiter such as salt. Cattle then will consume salt in maximum amounts of approximately 0.1 percent of body weight, or about 1 pound of salt consumption daily by a 1,000 -pound cow. So, to obtain supplement consumption of 3 pound s daily in a 1,000 – pound cow, a mix of 1 pound salt to 3 pound s supplement should be provided. When using salt to limit consumption, plenty of high quality water must be available. Also, cows consume more of a salt-limited supplement when it is located close to a water supply. Perhaps the most common supplement is a high quality 20 percent CP breeder /range cube (high or all-natural protein and low crude fiber ), or the equivalent. Such a supplement often is a compromise for the common situation of low quality forage and low to medium body condition. But this must be fed in adequate amounts, typically 3 to 6 pound a day, to be effective. In fact, with the exception of managing weight loss in fleshy cows, there are few situations where feeding smaller amounts of such cubes is applicable. If a producer is unwilling or unable to assume the cost of required amounts of these cubes (or the equivalent), then a lower amount of a higher protein feed should be fed. But realize, however, that body condition, reproduction, productivity, and profit are likely to decline if nutrient requirements are not met.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please call the Hopkins County Extension Office in Hopkins County by calling 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Hopkins County Extension
Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas
75482 903-885-3443
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2020
The Winnsboro Police Department media report for the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2020, included the following activity:
Arrests
Bryan Couch, 29 years of age, of Grand Prairie, was arrested on 12/5/2020 for possession of a control substance, Penalty Group 1 less than 1 gram, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 110 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 14 citations and 28 warnings during this reporting period.
KSST Video Interns: CHRISTUS Mother Frances Donor Wall
A KSST Intern produced video featuring Meredith Caddell, former Executive Director of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, talking about the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Donor Wall.
For more information about how you can make a difference and support our mission to “Leave a Legacy” through your philanthropic donation, please call the Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799.
KSST is proud to support local students by offering intern opportunities throughout the school year. It’s a tradition that reaches back to the early days of KSST radio in Hopkins County. This semester we have a total of 6 interns working with our stations.
Interns are encouraged to work together to create projects that have a positive impact on our community. On the whole they are allowed to pursue topics they choose. We do give them a nudge every now and then.
They would love to hear feedback on all their work. Feel free to email feedback and/or story ideas to [email protected].
Man Sentenced On Murder, Robbery Charges
One of four people arrested in April for allegedly killing and burning a man in a truck was sentenced on murder and robbery charges in a plea hearing Monday, Dec. 7, conducted via Zoom conferencing, with assistance from a state licensed court interpreter.
In an agreement reached last week, 31-year-old German Manuel Ibarra plead guilty to both the murder and aggravated robbery of Luis Martin Medina on or about April 10, 2020.
In exchange for the guilty pleas, the District Attorney’s Office struck six paragraphs from the capital murder indictment so that it alleges Ibarra caused the death of Luis Martin Medina by stabbing him with a knife, a deadly weapon. First-degree murder is a lesser included offense within the capital murder charge, according to 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay. Ibarra also waived indictment and plead guilty to an aggravated robbery charge.
Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt upheld the agreement reached through attorneys last week and sentenced German Ibarra to life in prison on the first-degree murder charge and 20 years in prison on the first-degree felony aggravated robbery charge, which is to be served consecutively.
According to current parole rules, that will require Ibarra to serve no less than 30 years in prison before he can become eligible for parole. Then, if Ibarra makes parole after serving the required time on the life sentence, Ibarra will be required to serve the aggravated robbery sentence. The 20-year sentence will require Ibarra to serve a minimum of 10 years in prison before he can again become eligible for parole, Northcutt explained to Ibarra via interpreter during the plea hearing. Ibarra will receive credit for the 242 days he’s already served in Hopkins County jail, where he is to remain until he can be transferred to a prison to serve the remainder of his sentences, the judge noted.
“I am very satisfied with this agreement. Once again, strong outcomes such as this are only possible because of the outstanding work of our local law enforcement. The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office did a great job of getting this case closed within a short amount of time. Investigative work like this allows the case to be resolved without the time and tax-payer expense of a trial,” said Ramsay.
After the sentencing, the victim’s wife gave an impact statement, which was relayed to the court through an interpreter. She told Ibarra that his actions have caused a great deal of damage to her family, especially her children, who she pointed out were present with her when she spoke. She wanted to know what motive he had, why he left her children without a father. She said he could not understand the severity or impact Martin’s death has caused her family and children. She asked how his conscience could permit him to do what he did without motive. She said he would face divine judgement and thanked the court for executing judgment in court. The spouse’s statement was given in Spanish, with her statements repeated in English to the court by an interpreter.
German Ibarra; Charli Ciera Wadley-Hodges, 24; Jesus Antonio-Hernandez, 40; and Maximino Manuel Ibarra, 29 were booked into Hopkins County jail April 13, 2020 in connection with Medina’s murder. German Ibarra, Maximino Ibarra and Antonio-Hernandez have remained in Hopkins County jail since their arrest on the capital murder charge. Wadley-Hodges was released from jail on bond on July 1, 2020, on bond, according to jail reports.
Three three men were charged with capital murder while Wadley-Hodges was indicted for tampering with evidence. Charges against Maximino, Antonio-Hernandez and Wadley-Hodges are still pending in the 8th Judicial District, according to Ramsay.
The three men and woman were accused in April of beating Luis Martin Medina at a Sulphur Springs address on or about April 10, then of burning him in a vehicle. Medina’s body was found at 2:20 p.m. Sunday, April 12, by a rural resident in the burned truck on County Road 1186, Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum alleged following the arrest of the four individuals for capital murder by terror threat or other felony.
The district attorney’s office alleges that Luis Medina was stabbed and killed in Sulphur Springs, then German Ibarra took the victim’s truck, with the victim inside, and drove out into the county. The truck was burned with the victim’s remains inside.
The other family representative told Ibarra, said the victim’s wife and family, especially Luis Martin Medina’s sons and daughter, “have had to cross a lot of bridges they have never expected to have to come” across. She said it is the family’s wish that she keep them informed throughout the legal process related to Medina’s death, and she plans to do so.
Following the arrest of Ibarra and the three other defendants on April 13, Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum said “It is believed at this time that there was a dispute involving rent and payment that led to Medina losing his life. Medina was injured at his residence and eventually taken by parties involved to the County Road 1186 location,” Tatum said on April 13.
The trial was conducted via Zoom conferencing, with the judge, district attorney, court reporter and a state licensed Spanish/English interpreter hired due to a language barrier all at different locations than the defendant and his attorneys and their interpreter, who logged in from the county jail. Luis Martin Medina’s spouse and another woman also were on the video conference call. The plea hearing was streamed on the 8th Judicial District Court of Texas YouTube channel.
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.
Man Accused Of Swinging Axe Handle At His Neighbor
Sulphur Springs Police arrested a 57-year-old Sulphur Springs man accused Monday afternoon of swinging an axe handle at his neighbor, according to arrest reports.
Officer responded at 11:55 a.m. Dec. 7 to a report of a disturbance on Fisher Street. Upon arrival in the area, police spotted a man sitting on the front porch of a residence across the street from the home where the disturbance was reported.
Officers contacted the person at the disturbance location. The male claimed he heard banging on his front door. When he opened it, the neighbor stood with an axe handle in the air and came at him, as if to strike him, the man told police. When the resident closed the door, the neighbor allegedly struck the door with the axe handle and shouted about someone being inside of the residence. The resident felt threatened so he called the police, then remained inside until the neighbor left the property.
The neighbor was identified in police reports as Curtis Earl Fisher. He allegedly admitted to going to the neighbor’s home with an axe handle in his hands. He claimed he could hear screaming and believed someone named Jennifer needed help. During further conversation with officers, Fisher gave different names of females he thought was trapped inside of the residence. He also claimed to have received information via text message but said he didn’t have a phone. When asked why he went to his neighbor’s with the axe handle, Fisher said he would have used it as a weapon if the man had approached him, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Nick Floyd alleged in arrest reports. Fisher was placed into custody and secured in a patrol vehicle.
Floyd then checked the interior of the home where Fisher had indicated a woman was in distress to ensure no one else in the home. The resident had been home alone during the altercation with Fisher.
Consequently, Fisher was taken to jail at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 7 on a second-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, Dec. 8. Bond on the charge was set at $35,000.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Dec. 7 COVID-19 Update: 2 Days Without Any New Cases Reported By DSHS
Monday marked the second consecutive Day Hopkins County has gone without any changes reported in molecular COVID-19 case counts by Texas Department of State Health Services. There also have been no additional recoveries of Hopkins County residents who are lab-confirmed by molecular testing to be COVID-19 positives since Saturday.
That does not mean there are no active COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County; 79 of the 913 Hopkins County residents who have received positive molecular COVID-19 test results and have not recovered from the virus, including 20 cases reported on Saturday.
HC/SSEM officials, in the Dec. 7 COVID-19 update, reported 150 of the 923 positive antigen results received by Hopkins County residents since the state began tracking antigen COVID-19 testing results on June 23 were considered Monday to still be “active.” The state considers positive antigen cases to be probable COVID-19 cases, thus, they are not currently counted in the daily DSHS case counts updates.
At least 100 positive antigen results were reported to Hopkins County residents in the last week. That doesn’t necessarily mean there are 100 additional COVID-19 cases. Some individuals may procure both antigen and molecular tests.
That is 53 more positive antigen results received by Hopkins County residents over the last week than during the 7-day period ending on Monday, Nov. 30. That’s also 19 more positive antigen results received over the last week than molecular tests.
On Friday and Saturday, 110 COVID-19 tests were performed at the free testing site. A total of 561 molecular tests were performed at 128-A Jefferson St. last week, and 4,942 oral swab tests conducted since testing was first offered inside the Red Cross building on Sept. 25.
Free testing continues to be offered inside the Red Cross building (former Fidelity Express building) weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in December. Testing is available for anyone, but registration must be completed by an adult age 18 or older in advance online at www.GoGetTested.com to schedule the oral COVID swab.
Those testing should bring the number with the QR code sent sent upon completion of registration along with a photo ID to 128-A Jefferson St. at the designated time. This is not a drive-through location. The COVID-19 test will be performed inside the building.
Hospital Reports
Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management in the Dec. 7 COVID-19 update also reported 23 patients in the COVID Unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs on Monday, the same as were reported on Dec. 1 and Dec. 4. On only one day since Nov. 23 has the patient count in the COVID unit been below 20; there were 19 reported on Nov. 25.
For five consecutive days, from Dec. 1-6, the percent of COVID-19 patients out of the total hospital capacity in Trauma Service Area F continued to decline, from 16.4 percent on Dec. 1 to 16.32 percent Dec. 2, 13.79 percent on Dec. 3, 13.58 percent Dec. 4, 13.57 percent Dec. 5 and 12.66 percent on Dec. 6. That trend ended Monday, with an uptick to 14.1 percent, according to DSHS Hospital reports.
Overall, that’s 152 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in hospitals in TSA F, which includes most of Northeast Texas, including Hopkins County, according to the Dec. 7 DSHS report. There were 1,078 total staffed hospital beds, 598 total hospitalizations and 987 total staffed inpatient beds on Monday. That made available as of 4 p.m. Monday 398 hospital beds, 4 ICU beds and 63 ventilators.
Miller Grove, Saltillo Teams, SB Runner Recognized For State Cross Country Honors
MG Team Earns National Accolade, Coach Billingsley 2019 State Coach of the Year
Miller Grove and Saltillo Cross Country Teams were recognized for their state achievements Monday afternoon with proclamations from Hopkins County Commissioners Court. The Miller Grove Team also earned national honors as well. One runner from Sulphur Bluff runner, one runner each from Saltillo and MG, and Coach Gary Billingsley also received individual state accolades.
Miller Grove ISD
The Miller Grove Hornets Cross Country Team which included Ethan George, Tanner Hensley, Anthony Lester, Kavan Smith, Kobe Robertson, Isaiah Billingsley, Lance Davis and Riley Hasten came home from the Nov. 23 contest with the state 1A team title.
“The team and coaching staff have achieved extraordinary results for their school community and themselves by combining efforts and desires to secure yet another win as state champions breaking the state’s team average with a documented time of 16.12,” Newsom read from the proclamation read on the courthouse steps during the noon event.
Newsom further commended the team and coaches for “finishing as sequential four-year undefeated champions for the state of Texas in the 2020 Class 1A State Cross Country Meet.”
According to Coach Gary Billingsley, the team has earned state honors for five of the last seven years. Miller Grove Boys teams won the championship from 2017 to 2020 and in 2014, finished second in 2015, third in 2016, fourth in 2013 and seventh in state 2012, according to UIL records.
In addition to the team’s first place finish at the state level, the Miller Grove Hornets took four of the top 10 spots this year. Junior Isaiah Billingsley’s not only captured the state title, but the win was a repeat performance for Billingsley, who broke the state record he set in 2019 in the 5K run.
“The remarkable efforts of Isaiah Billingsley has awarded him a time of 15.22.33 at the finish line, breaking his own 2019 record breaking time of 15.28.38 in the Class 1A Boys 5K Run,” Newsom noted.
The Miller Grove Lady Hornets Cross Country Team which included Kylee Saldana, Lauren Bullard, Jolee Fox, Jorja Bessonett, Alaira Serrano and Jamilyn Hensley came home from Rock Rock on Nov. 23 as the Class 1A Cross Country silver medalists for their efforts on the 2-mile course, earning three of the top 10 places individually.
The Nov. 23 state meet marked repeat honors for the Lady Hornets a well, who are silver medalists for the second time in three years. Lady Hornets teams won the state championship in 2019 and 2015, came in second in 2017 and 2018, and finished fifth in 2016, according to UIL Cross Country State Championship records.
Newsom commended the Lady Hornets and coaching staff for their hard work, self-discipline and team effort.
In addition to the state honors, the Miller Grove Lions also received national honors, finishing at the top of the National High School Coaches Association’s Final Division II Small School Team Championship Rankings.
“I commend you guys. I don’t know how you do it. Number one in the nation. That is amazing,” Newsom said.
The judge extended praise to the MGISD Coaches, who include Gary Billingsley, Ana Billingsley, Cody Walker and Blake Hill.
“I wish I could tell you how important a coach is to those that they coach,” Newsom said. “The coaches are examples of what can happen. They make something happen that could never happen otherwise. So I commend these four coaches.”
Newsom said that is especially true of MGISD Athletic Director and Coach Gary Billingsley, who has been announced as the 2019 Coach of the Year for the state.
Saltillo ISD
The Saltillo Lions Cross country team came in just behind the MG Boys team, marking at least the sixth time in the last 7 years Saltillo boys teams have been among the top three teams in the state. The team consisted of Drew Redburn, Colton McGill, Coy Collins, Garrett Tarver, Gunner Tarver, David Whitworth and Cristian Trejo. Bill Giles and Casey Riddle are the team coaches.
Saltillo boys teams won the state cross country championship in 2016, came in second in 2020, 2019, 2017 and 2014; and third in 2018; seventh in 2015; eighth in 2012; and ninth in 2013.
Newsom commended the “the team effort and self-determination of each member of the Saltillo Independent School District Cross Country Team as displaying confidence in reaching goals of greatness within themselves as individuals.”
In addition to their silver team finish on Nov. 23, two members of the Saltillo Lions Cross Country team finished in the top 10 at state.
In fact, Garrett Tarver’s efforts during training and competition awarded him a recorded time of 15:40.80, putting him in second at the 2020 state competition. Tarver too has been a strong contender for the last three years, placing third in 2019 and finished second overall in 2018, according to UIL Cross Country State Championship records.
Sulphur Bluff ISD
Sulphur Bluff Lady Bear Bailey Neal was recognized for her bronze medal finish at the state cross country meet Nov. 23 in Round Rock.
“Bailey’s efforts displayed determination and perseverance toward obtaining her position on the podium as bronze medalist for the State of Texas,” Newsom read from the proclamation. “Lady Bear Bailey successfully crossed the finish line of the 2-mile race with an official time of 12:18.”
The judge commended Neal for “her fine performance and accomplishment as a third place Class 1A state finisher. Neal finished eighth overall in 2019, up from 34th the year before, according to UIL state XC records.
Wildcats And Lady Cats Basketball Preview, Plus Golf News
Wildcats Basketball
The Wildcats Basketball Team enters this week on a four-game winning streak after defeating Forney at home Friday night, Dec. 4, 66-58 and then handling Paris on the road Saturday afternoon, 69-60.
Friday night, the Wildcats trailed Forney by 13 points at the half but used a big third quarter to go ahead to stay. Four Wildcats had double figure scoring against the Jackrabbits. Justin Haire had 16 points, Boo Wilkerson scored 14 points and Lamodrick Johnson and Kordrick Turner had 11 points each.
Saturday the Wildcats were up by three after one quarter at Paris and, then, led all the way after that. Again, Saturday, there were four Wildcats in double figures in scoring. Wilkerson had 19 points. Johnson scored 17 points. Turner had 12 points. Haire scored 10 points.
The Wildcats are now 5-3 for the season. This week, they have three games with two of them on the road. Tuesday the Wildcats play at Garland Naaman Forest at 7 p.m. Friday the Wildcats visit Royse City for a 7:30 p.m. Game. Saturday at 4 p.m., the Wildcats play host to Mesquite Horn in the Main Gym at SSHS.
Lady Cats Basketball
The Lady Cats Basketball Team ended a one-win and two-loss week with a Friday evening road win at Pleasant Grove, 39-19, and a Saturday morning home loss to Paris, 53-51 in overtime.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday evening, the Lady Cats dropped a home game to a good Terrell team, 46-39. Friday evening, the Lady Cats utilized strong defense to win at Pleasant Grove, who did not score until sometime in the second quarter. Bre’Asia Ivery used her quickness to score a team high 11 points against the Lady Hawks.
Saturday, the Lady Cats rallied in the fourth quarter to earn a tie and overtime against Paris but, then, were outscored three free throws to one in overtime. Serenity Lewis led the Lady Cats with 18 points and Kenzie Willis had 17 points. The Lady Cats are 2-3 for this season.
This week, the Lady Cats have their final tune up before district play at New Boston Tuesday at 6 p.m. Then, the Lady Cats open district play Friday at home at 6 p.m. against the Mount Pleasant Lady Tigers.
Wildcats, Lady Cats Golf
Finally, on this Monday game day, the Wildcats and Lady Cats Golf Teams have their final tournament of the fall semester. The teams are both at the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club for a tournament and preview look at the course, where the Regional tournament will be played this spring. This is the third tournament for these teams this fall semester. After Monday, The teams will resume play during the spring semester.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Bill Allan Recognized For Service To Hopkins County
Constable II Bill Allan was recognized by Hopkins County Commissioners Court for his years of service. The court also approved a couple of donations to Precinct 4 and volunteer fire department agreements during the regular session Monday morning.
Allan received a plaque for 8 years of dedicated service as Constable for Precinct 2. Allan opted to retire at the end of the year instead of seeking another term in office;
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said while the plaque recognizes Allan only for his 8 years of service as constable, it probably should have included 14 years of service to law enforcement prior to being elected constable.
“The service continues. I know Bill Allan. That’s just the kind of guy he is, so congratulations and thank you for your service,” Newsom said presenting the plaque to Allan.
“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Constable Bill Allan said.
Allan has about 22 years of service to Hopkins County, the majority of it as a volunteer. Allan’s service includes 21 in law enforcement. He joined the Sheriff’s Posse in 1999 and certified as a peace officer in 2000. He served several years as a reserve deputy with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, often conducting transports, and filling in when officers were needed over the years. He was elected 8 years ago as Constable II, and has served to terms in the office.
Allan opted not to seek reelection to another term, but to retire at the end of the year. Saltillo resident John Brian Beadle received the Republican nomination in the March Primary Election and was unchallenged in November; he is due to take the oath of office as Precinct 2 Constable in January.
Other Business
The Commissioner Court also approved at the recommendation of the District Attorney the lone bid of $300 submitted for a couch the DA’s Office is getting rid of. The couch was paid for using a Crime Victims grant funding, for use in serving those individuals. The couch is no longer needed. The DA’s Office has obtained permission from the funding group to sell it.
The court approved two donations, a structure at Pacific Park that was dissembled and donated by the city to the county for reassembly on county property for use by Precinct 4 workers and two garage doors previously used at the old sheriff’s office that will be put on the reassembled building.
Also receiving approval of the court were agreements from six remaining volunteer fire departments that had not returned the signed documents as of the last commissioners court meeting. Each VFD was presented with a contract, which authorizes the department to be dispatched and respond to calls in the county, and provides them with benefits from the county including reimbursement for their vehicle insurance and fuel costs, workers compensation and monthly stipends. Approved this week were contracts with Tira, Arbala, Miller Grove, Cumby, Brinker and Sulphur Bluff VFDs.
