Simple Pleasures: Celebrating July 4th, 2020
“The Fourth” was celebrated and observed in Northeast Texas in a variety of ways. Though most gatherings were small, and for the most part among family members, July 4th 2020 was still marked by doing things that make summer memorable. How did you celebrate yours? Here’s a few glimpses from here and there.
Garden produce is bountiful this summer. Many enjoyed watermelon and field-ripe corn. Whether you like purple hull of black-eyes, peas are a staple in our part of Texas, and they are just getting ripe in the fields and home gardens. And once picked, they must be shelled!
Squash, okra and tomatoes are plentiful right now, and summer peaches have just begun to show up at Farmers Markets as well! For many families, work is a way of life and especially during COVID-19, pleasures are still the simple things.
Free Walk-Up COVID-19 Testing Offered July 8
Another free COVID-19 testing will be offered in Hopkins County on July 8.
This time, the testing will be a little different. Testing will be held at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center and will be walk-up instead of drive-thru. There’s also on pre-registration process required. Those who wish to be tested via oral swab need only show up between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. July 8 at the Civic Center, according to information posted by Hopkins County EMS.
The testing will be offered free. However, those tested will need to have a phone handy as results will be returned either by phone call or message.
Hopkins County Records — July 4, 2020
Applications for Marriage Licenses
June 12-July 1, 2020
- Donald Allen Richardson and Shirley Ann Schlarb
- Mitchell Wayne Ortiz and Christine Adelia Gladney
- Morris Frank Loeffler and Aundrea Cathleen Clark
- Michael Allen White and Cynthia Carol Whatley
- Daniel Blaine Gregg and Somer Rae Gregory
- Conner Seth Moreno and Tuzdey Shaye Davis
- Medellin Fabiola Castro and Carlos Briones Rodriguez
- Nicolas Ramirez Martinez and Pamela Gail Daniels
- Price Orwosky and Madison Leigh Holmes
- Melvin Jerome Jackson and Marsha Evonne Jackson
- Jimmy Cole Daniel and Magan Allyssa Smith
- Austin David Read and Megan Nichole Burgess
- Chase Lee Richey and Courtney Lynn Ogle
- Payton Randall Turner and Josey Lynn Wetzel
- Mark Franklin Shepherd and Mollye Malone Lay
- Jesse Steele Caulder and Rebecca Cheyenne Seeley
- Trevor Lynn Agee and Audrey Lee Lutz
- David R. Tipps and Jessica Beth Clayburn
- Patrick David Jones and Jo Anna Lesly
Land transactions
- Steve T. Bindeman to Johnathan Moore and Sharon Taylor; tract in the William Gregg survey
- Jeff Redding to Triad Learning System; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Tommy Neal and Linda Neal to Tan Tho Vo and Thi Nguyet Kieu Tran; tract in the Levi Landers survey
- Grace Evelyn Moncreif Teel to Marion M. Teel and Diana Irene Teel; tract in the M. Ballanova survey
- Bob Paul Wilson to Wilma Bernice Crumpley
- Brenda Gafford, independent executor for the Bobby Carl Gafford Estate, to Brenda Gafford
- Walter Krecek and Sheila Krecek to Christine Krecek Nolen and Jonathan Wendell Nolen; tract in the Jonas Haile survey
- Jerry W. Steward to Jo Beth Stewart; tract in the WM Shaw survey
- Michael E. Eppars to Timothy Krause and Jorja Krause; tract in the John Bryan survey
- Teresa Ragan and Miguel A. Rodriguez to James Gitundu; tract in the Willis Chambers survey
- Jo Beth Stewart to Stephanie Nail; tract in the WM Shaw survey
- Sandra Hocking, independent executor for the Kenneth E. Pescod Estate, to Sandra Hocking; tract in the John Polk survey
- Frederick Witzell to Antonio H. Guardiola; tract in the RC Greaves survey
- Benjamin John Scantlen and K Scantlen to Lexi Schepp; tract in the Joe Y’Barbo survey
- B Miller and V Miller to Joshua Douglas Snyder and Chanel Nicole Beauchamp; tract in the Smith Addition
- John R. Buchanan, Patricia G. Buchanan, Susie Farmer Buchanan and Louis Buchanan to Oscar Delcastillo and Ana Quintero; tract in the Lovick P. Dikes survey
- Bruce Bailey and Gay Bailey to Matthew S. Oneal and Charlotte Louise Web; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Tyler South and Tressie South to Chad M. Brazell and Melanie D. Brazell; tract in the F. Connor survey
- Maria Teresa Santillan to Maria Guadalupe Avila, Sandra Teresa Palma, Juan Joel Santillan and Ana Elizabet Jones
- Interiano Kevin and Sherry Interiano to Walter Sigfredo Interiano
- Travis Taylor and Briana Taylor to Stanas Mulberry Series LLC, 1829 FM 275 S Series ADA; tract in the Smith R. Cherry survey
- Mary Pruett Loomis and Rickey Loomis to David T. Ferguson and Patricia S. Ferguson; tract in Mockingbird Hill Estates
- Arnold Goldmsmith to Dusty Goldsmith, Sherry Hoppock, Dale Goldsmith and Dustin Goldsmith; tract in the Haynes Crabtree survey
Paris Junior College has Significant Positive Economic Impact on Region
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
Public Information Services
PJC has significant positive economic impact on region
A recent economic impact study done by Emsi based on 2018-2019 fiscal year data shows the value of Paris Junior College and demonstrates how integral PJC is to the regional economy. PJC creates a significant positive impact on the business community and generates a return on investment to its major stakeholder groups – students, taxpayers, and society.
“PJC leadership understands the importance of the college to the area we serve and periodically have an economic impact survey completed to evaluate our continued value and payback to the area we serve,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin.
The college plays a key role in helping students increase their employability and achieve their individual potential. The college draws students to the region, generating new dollars, and provides those students with the education and training they need for prosperous careers.
The college also supports a variety of industries, serves regional businesses, and benefits the society as a whole through expanded economy and improved quality of life. State and local government benefits from increased tax revenues and public sector savings, as well as the economic impacts PJC has on the business community and benefits generated for students, taxpayers, and society.
The study involved two parts, an economic analysis that measures how an institution affects the local economy, and an investment analysis comparing costs and benefits to determine the return on investment.
The Paris Junior College service area included in the study is Delta, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, and Red River counties. The average earnings by educational level for those with an associate degree is $34,200.
In FY 2018-2019, PJC served 7,204 credit students and 1,040 non-credit students. There are 424 employees for a payroll of $16.1 million. Twenty-three percent of students come from outside of the region, and all students bring tuition revenue totaling $7.1 million.
The college adds $123.6 million in total income added to the region and represents 1.4 percent of the region’s GRP. There are 2,339 total jobs supported in the region by the college, or 1 out of 52 jobs. The region has $9.1 billion total gross regional product (GRP), and 121,810 jobs.
The student spending in FY2018-19 indicated expenditures of relocated and retained students added $10.4 million to the PJC Service Region economy.
The alumni impact (higher alumni earnings and increased business profit plus ripple effects) adds $93.6 million to the region, or 1,613 jobs supported in the region.
From a student perspective, the investment analysis shows a $191.6 million benefit in higher future earnings, $31.2 million in cost of tuition, supplies and opportunity cost, a benefit-cost ratio of 6.1 and a 19.8 percent return.
Taxpayers have a $53.4 million benefit from future tax revenue and government savings from $12.1 million in cost, a benefit/cost ratio of 4.4 and a rate of return of 10.5 percent.
Society receives a benefit of $773.6 million in future earnings, tax revenue, and private savings, with all college and student costs totalling $52.2 million, for a benefit cost ratio of 14.8.
The results of the study demonstrate that PJC creates value from multiple perspectives. The college benefits regional businesses by increasing consumer spending in the region and supplying a steady flow of qualified, trained workers to the workforce.
PJC enriches the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their individual potential. The college benefits state and local taxpayers through increased tax receipts and a reduced demand for government-supported social services.
Finally, PJC benefits society as a whole in Texas by creating a more prosperous economy and generating a variety of savings through the improved lifestyles of students.
Data and assumptions used in the study were based on several sources, including the FY 2018-19 academic and financial reports from PJC, industry and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau and a variety of studies and surveys relating education to social behavior.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of July 6, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of July 6, 2020. 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.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between Park Street and North Travis Street as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
The pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street is closed for pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will not need to be removed at this time, but will be removed later in the project. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
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 are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews are performing utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis Street intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as crews work on installing flashing beacons at the intersection.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for lane closures as workers install signals at the FM 131 intersection. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
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 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691. The new FM 691 exit ramp is now open to access FM 691.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to construct the new pavement section.
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 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
FM 120, Grayson County: from FM 131 to US 75: Watch for nighttime and daytime lane closures as workers repair the concrete pavement.
SH 289, Grayson County: between FM 121 and SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
US 69, Grayson County: between SH 56 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. 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 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for a traffic shift near the SH 56 intersection in Honey Grove as crews work to build the new westbound lanes. Westbound traffic is being shifted to the eastbound side during this period. Watch for new exit ramps and entrance ramps near the FM 100 intersection.
County Road 2250, Fannin County: at Coffee Mill Creek. County Road 2250 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 2456, Fannin County, in Ladonia: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a surface treatment to the roadway.
FM 897, Fannin County: North of US 82: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a surface treatment to the roadway.
FM 814, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to FM 815 in Trenton. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a fog seal to the roadway.
FM 3297, Fannin County: from SH 11 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a fog seal to the roadway.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 2077 to FM 1743. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to perform spot milling on the roadway.
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 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Traffic will be shifted to the new roadway while the existing section is being repaired. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform striping operations.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
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 19 at Loop 286 – Lamar County. Watch for temporary lane closures as crews install traffic signals.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to State Spur 38 (Bogata). Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install new end treatments on drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the south side of existing roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the north side.
FM 195, Red River County: from FM 410 N to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence and complete cross culvert extensions at 2 locations.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail from Clarksville to Bogata.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen the pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. The contractor is surface-treating the roadway, striping the road and placing signs. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers in this area.
FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903, a project that begins May 27 will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor has started widening the shoulders along eastbound lanes. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
FM 816, Hunt County: FM 816 at Spring Creek in Wolfe City. Contractors are working on erosion and riprap repairs. Please be careful when traveling in this area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County mowing contractors are working at various locations in Hunt County, including SS 1570, FM 3211 and in Commerce on FM 118, FM 2736 and State Highways 24 and 224. Mowers are also working in Rains County on State Highway 19 and FM 3274.
Hunt County maintenance crews are applying seal coating on FM 903; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this roadway.
Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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Man Allegedly Contacted Woman Named In Protective Order 95 Times By Phone
A 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly contacted a woman named in a protective order 95 times by phone.
Landon Harness, according to jail reports, has been in custody at Hopkins County jail since his arrest June 21 for allegedly threatening his girlfriend at a South Broadway Street store. Harness allegedly struck the rearview mirror inside his girlfriend’s vehicle, damaging not only the mirror but also a section of the windshield. Then, he allegedly threatened the woman, causing her to fear for her safety and that of her children, deputies alleged in June 21 arrest reports. An off-duty sheriff’s deputy at the store was alerted, called for on-duty officers, who took Harness into custody at the South Broadway Street business Sunday on a charge of assault by threat, according to the June 21 arrest reports.
Harness was arraigned on the family violence assault by threat charge around 9 a.m. June 23, by Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer, who issued an emergency protective order for the victim and her children. Harness plead no contest to the charges and was assessed a $350 fine for the Class C misdemeanor family violence assault by threat charge. He was given credit for time served in jail, as he was also held for violation of probation on a cattle theft conviction and violation of bond or protective order, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford alleged in arrest reports.
Since the emergency protective order was issued, the 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man has contacted the woman named in the order 95 times on her phone, a violation of the protective order.
Based on that information, Weatherford sought and obtained a warrant for repeated violation of certain court orders or conditions of bond in family violence, child abuse or neglect, sexual assault or abuse, indecent assault, stalking or trafficking case. Harness was served with the warrant at the county jail at 4 p.m. July 2.
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.
Tip Leads To 2 Arrests on Church Street
A tip regarding suspected narcotic activity resulted in 2 arrests on Church Street Thursday morning.
Sgt. Tanner Steward with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office received information of suspected narcotic use and possession at a residence in the 500 block of Church Street. Officers went to the location around 7:35 a.m. July 2 they spoke with the resident and another woman present.
Officers reportedly obtained permission to search the apartment. Steward and HCSO Sgt. Shea Shaw alleged finding multiple items of drug paraphernalia, including a clear, glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine, more than one hypodermic syringe, clear baggies and cut straws with a crystal-like residue inside them.
Deputies alleged finding a hypodermic syringe containing suspected methamphetamine in 41-year-old Amy Colleen Liggett’s bedroom dresser, Shaw and Steward alleged in arrest reports. Consequently, Liggett and 36-year-old Carissa Ann Jenkins of Sulphur Springs were taken into custody.
While being transported to jail, deputies reported Jenkins moving around in the back seat and asked if she had any contraband on her. Jenkins admitted she did and, upon arrival at the jail a clear pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke meth was found, along with a small bag containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be meth located on the walking path the woman had used while being escorted from the sheriff’s office sally port into the jail, deputies alleged in arrest reports. The substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 0.55 gram including packaging, according to arrest reports.
Both Liggett and Jenkins remained in Hopkins County jail July 3, in lieu of $5,000 bond on the felony possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
The July 2 arrest marked the third time this year that Liggett has been jailed locally. She was also booked into Hopkins County jail on April 7, 2020 for possession of drug paraphernalia and on April 21 on a warrant for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to jail reports.
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.
County Road 2337 Traffic Stop Results In Arrest
A County Road 2337 traffic stop Thursday night resulted in a felony arrest, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Chris Baumann reported seeing a red 2015 Chevrolet Camaro traveling north on FM 69 south at 85 miles per hour in the 65 mph speed zone. He initiated a traffic stop. The car stopped between the intersection of County Road 2337 and County Road 2336, according to arrest reports.
When he contacted the driver, Baumann alleged the 22-year-old Como man’s hands were visibly shaking and the man attempted to avoid eye contact with him. The man told the deputy he didn’t have a driver’s license and was asked to step out of the car for a field interview as to why he was operating the car without either insurance or a driver’s license, Baumann noted in arrest reports.
When asked, the man reportedly told the deputy there was no illegal contraband in the car and agreed to let the deputy search it. Baumann reported finding a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine with suspected methamphetamine inside and a bag containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine.
Miguel Angel Gomez-Gonzalez was taken into custody at 10:44 p.m. July 2 and transported to Hopkins County jail, where the suspected methamphetamine field-tested positive for meth and weighed 0.92 gram including packing, according to arrest reports.
Consequently, Gomez-Gonzalez was booked into booked into Hopkins County jail for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from Hopkins County jail July 3. His bond was set at $5,000 on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
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.
Michael Allen Coker Sentenced For Vehicle Theft
Michael Allen Coker was sentenced this week in the 8th Judicial District Court to 10 years in prison for unauthorized use of a vehicle.
The 52-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested May 28 in a stolen car with another man’s debit/credit card. He was stopped by Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper William Gillentine for speeding.
When Gillentine asked Coker why the vehicle would be reported stolen, Coker claimed a woman gave it to him to drive the day before, the trooper alleged in arrest reports. When pressed for more details and asked numerous questions, Coker was alleged to provide a vague story, Gillentine alleged.
A Paris Police Department detective contacted Gillentine by phone. The car has reportedly been left running and unattended while the driver went inside a store; when the driver walked back outside, the vehicle was missing, the Paris officer reportedly told Gillentine.
An inventory of the vehicle prior to impound revealed an open can of Angry Orchard hard cider in the console; a credit card with another man’s name on it, a receipt, new set of drill bits and packaging were also found in the front compartment of the car, Gillentine alleged in 2019 arrest reports.
The Paris police detective met Gillentine at Hopkins County jail and showed him pictures taken from a video of the area where the vehicle was reported stolen. Coker was reportedly wearing the same clothing as the suspect who was pictured approaching the car in the store parking lot.
Additional evidence recovered and reports received resulted in Coker being charged on more than a dozen debit card abuse warrants related to the May 28 stolen car case. He was released from jail on those charges on Dec. 4, 2019, but returned to custody Dec. 19, 2019 Jan. 15, 2020 in Hopkins County jail for violation of probation on the charge, according to jail reports. He has remained in custody since May 22 for violation of probation on the unauthorized use of vehicle charge, according to jail and arrest reports.
He also was noted to have a warrant related to a Smith County UUMV charge. Jail records show Coker has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1984, including being jailed in 1985, 1989, at least twice in 1990, 1991 and 2010 on UUMV charge.
Coker was scheduled to appear before 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt June 30 for a trial before the court. After presentation of evidence and arguments in the case, Northcutt sentenced Coker to the maximum of 10 years in prison.
DCTF Has Winnsboro Football As A District Runner Up
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football found a lot to like about this year’s Winnsboro Red Raiders’ football team. The magazine predicts Winnsboro will finish in 2nd place in their District 5-3A, Division I, behind only Pottsboro, preseason ranked #3 in Class 3A.
After the Red Raiders, DCTF predicts Mineola 3rd, Mount Vernon 4th, Emory Rains 5th, Commerce 6th, Howe 7th and Bonham 8th.
The Red Raiders head coach is Josh Finney. In his first season in Winnsboro last season, he led the Red Raiders to an 8-5 record taking them all the way to the Regional Semifinal game.
The Red Raiders have 19 returning lettermen including 5 returning starters on offense and 7 on defense. Texas Football lists these Red Raiders as players to watch: running back and defensive back Dominique Allen, linebacker and fullback Zeb Fulmer, defensive lineman Kid Cole, defensive back Rance Brown, tight end Jed Carroll and defensive back Rey Soto. Other prospects include: running back Tayshun Runnels, linebacker Kobe McAdoo, linebacker Logan Minick, and running back Lakeedrian Jones.
Texas Football notes Winnsboro should be helped by a JV team last year that ended up undefeated. Allen, a 1,600 yard rusher last season, returns along with backs Runnels and Jones to handle the rushing load. The Red Raiders also have experienced hands on defense with lots of tackles last year. Included are Fulmer, Cole, Brown, Soto, McAdoo and Minick.
Texas Football says big things are brewing in Winnsboro.
