HCSO: Winnsboro, Sulphur Springs Men Jailed On Felony Warrants
Two men were reportedly booked into the county jail over the Dec. 7-8 weekend on felony warrants, according to sheriff’s arrest and jail reports.
Curtis Neal Brown, 35, of Winnsboro was taken into custody on State Highway 11 east at FM 3019 at 10:07 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 on a Hopkins County warrant.
Brown was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. The violation is alleged to have occurred on Oct. 22, Hopkins Sheriff’s Deputy Lance Burdick wrote in arrest reports.
Christopher Joseph Burkett, 20, of Sulphur Springs was reportedly the driver of a Dodge Ram pickup stopped at 12:43 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, according to arrest reports.
A records check reportedly showed Burkett to be wanted in Orange County on an outstanding burglary of a habitation charge. He was consequently taken into custody and to jail, where he was booked on the charge, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Marney and Sgt. Scott Davis noted in arrest reports.
Burkett remained in the county jail Monday, Dec. 9; bond was set at $15,000 second degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
SSMS One Act Play Cast Wins 2nd Place Honors
Sulphur Springs Middle School One Act Play cast and crew, under the direction of Desi Pharis, won second place at a recent contest “with a great show,” Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams reported Monday.
Aiden Woodard received Best Actor for the contest. Autumn Allen received -Outstanding Crew honors. Talley Brown received Honorable Mention All-star Cast recognition and Addison Graves earned All-star Cast Honors.
The SSMS OAP cast and crew whose contributions also helped lead the group to an overall second place finish also included Nathan Bilyeu, Crawford Johnson, Jolene Reed, Jordan VanWinkle, Caroline Prickett, Addison Bradley, Camila Hidalgo, Aspen Mayhew, Cayden Chote, Cadrien Davis, Esmeralda Santacruz, Macey Williams, Kolbi McCoy, Raven McCoy, Reese Offutt, Emma Boatman, Ian Westland, Katie Henderson, Eryn Fikes, Allece Johnson and Jocelyn Garcia.
Williams encourage community members to congratulate these young thespians, along with all of the hard working students at SSMS and SSISD on their many achievements this semester.
For information about campus activities visit the SSMS and fine arts pages on SSISD website.
SSHS' Mindy Meador Among 3 Finalists For TCEA Librarian/Media Specialist Of The Year Honors
Sulphur Springs High School Library/Media Specialist Mindy Meador was recently selected as one of three finalists for the TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) Librarian/Media Specialist of the Year award for the 2019-2020 school year.
This award honors a librarian or media specialist who improves their library using technology; and collaborates with administrators, teachers, and students to support technology integration.
Mindy has been instrumental in the support of the campus 1:1 program as well as continuing to offer many unique opportunities for students and staff. Mindy looks for creative and innovative ways to use the library space and has proven to be a huge asset to the Sulphur Springs High School campus, Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent Rusty Harden stated in an announcement Monday.
Nominations for this award open each fall and the winner is announced during a special evening ceremony during the annual TCEA Convention on Feb. 4, 2020, in Austin.
TCEA is a global, nonprofit, member-based educator organization of over 28,000 members. The annual convention draws over 10,000 attendees, vendors, and speakers each year
Miller Grove, Saltillo Cross Country Winners Honored For Athletic Prowess
Hopkins Count Commissioners Court Monday morning, Dec. 9, recognized two Miller Grove students, two Miller Grove team and one Saltillo cross country teams for being ranked the top cross country runners in the state, following their performances at the UIL State Cross Country Meet held Oct. 9 at Old Settlers’ Park in Round Rock.
The court first recognized Miller Grove junior Jorja Lee Bessonett for the extraordinary efforts this student-athlete displayed: stamina, determination and evidence of hard work while promoting a positive character toward her peers. Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted that the the Lady Hornet crossed the finish line of the 2-mile race with an outstanding official time of 11:58.38, winning the 1A Girls individual title and was named State Champion of the State of Texas.
Newsom noted MG student athlete Isaiah Billingsley “was proven worthy of his accomplishment by the evidence of diliget training and endurance and focus during his performance at the Nov. 9 state cross country meet. The MG Hornet sophomore’s outstanding efforts resulted in a time of 15.28.38 at the finish line, breaking the 2017 Class 1A Boys record time for the 5K run, and making Billingsley the Texas state champion in Class 1A Boys Cross Country competition.
Miller Grove ISD Lad Hornets Cross Country Team members Jorja Bessonett, Kylee Saldana, Lauren Bullard, Jolee Fox and Kyli Melton, along with coaches Gary Billingsley, Blake Hill, Terry Golden and Ana Billingsley, were recognized as the top 1A Girls Cross Country Team in the State in the 2-mile run, which Newsom called a “historical success.”
The county judge commended the team for their “hard work, dedication and attention to the importance of team encouragement as well as self-discipline.”
Newsom noted that Billingsley’s first place win, along with junior Kobe Robertson’s second place win helped lead the MG boys team to a 1A State Championship Cross Country title in 5K at the Nov. 9 event. Also contributing to the overall team win were Hornets Lexton Sly, Riley Hasten, Lance Davis, Anthony Lester and Tanner Hensley, with Gary Billingsley, Blake Hill, Terry Golden and Ana Billingsley as coaches.
The county judge commended the team for achieving “extraordinary results for their school, their community and themselves by combining efforts to secure a first place on the podium.”
Coach Gary Billingsley noted that while the students did put in plenty of hard work, they probably didn’t tun as many miles in preparation for the race as people might think. Typically the students ran among five different groups approximately 23-43 miles, depending on age and ability.
The Miller Grove students have essentially been running daily since February. He said some have been in the MG program since sixth grade, another said she’s been running since fifth grade. The students were rewarded for their extra efforts with top times and finishes.
The Satlillo Boys Cross Country Team finished the 5K State 1A contest just behind MG, with a second place overall finish. Newsom noted the Lions attained the silver medal in the 5K “by focusing to accomplish goals with endurance and determination while promoting positive character toward others.”
Hornet Garrett Tarver was commended for finishing just behind the top boys runners for an overall third place standing. The team also included Andrew Redburn, Dillon Beadle, Beckham Hoover, Jayden Holloway, Coy Collins and Gunner Tarver, with Bill Giles as coach.
Giles expressed extreme pride in the Lions’ achievement, finishing just three points away for the championship. Giles said the Lions start their program in sixth grade, working in April toward the Nov. 9 contest, running every morning during the summer and fall. The team this year includes three freshmen, one fewer than MG’s team. He commended Dillon Beadle for his leadership.
Newsom said schools in the 253 other counties in the state are wondering how Hopkins County earned so many first and second place champions and had top individual winners, which he called an “amazing things.” Newsom said their achievements don’t come easy, but through these outstanding young people’s their perseverance and determination, which he noted, running in 90 and 100 degree temperatures during the summer and cooler temperatures this fall. He said that determination and perseverance will serve them well in life.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker noted that he often sees the MG athletes’ determination as they are out at during the day running. He expressed appreciation for that and representing the county well.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley echoed that sentiment, noting he too has seen the Saltillo cross country teams out in the early mornings running along county road. He said he’d love to have employees all as dedicated to their work as the Lions are to improving daily in cross country running.
Barker expressed appreciation to the parents for motivating the students, steering them in the right direction.
Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt, also in attendance, both schools are special to him, because he graduated from Saltillo and taught at Miller Grove before going to law school.
“It’s not just that though. When the judge says there’s something going on in this county, this literally is the stuff that ESPN ’30 for 30′ should come and do a documentary,” Northcutt said.
The district judge noted that while the Miller Grove Girls, and MG and Saltillo Boys were recognized for gold and silver finishes, the way they did so is notable. The for Miller Grove and Saltillo boys teams “not only finished within three points of each other but, they both beat the previously standing state cumulative average time for the runners. The Saltillo and Como-Pickton Girls also competed at state as did an individual runner from Sulphur Bluff. Having so many from Hopkins County is amazing and wonderful, Northcutt said.
Northcutt applauded the youth for their individual accomplishments as well as their commitment and dedication helping to their team and to the sport. He thanked the commissioners and judge for “making this such a big deal, because it really is.”
“I want to thank you, all you young men and women, and your parents and the teachers. We always see the negative side of things, so much in our line of work,” Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum said. “So, it’s wonderful to see y’all and know y’all are going to come up and take care of us in the future. I do want to let y’all know that Hopkins County is a wonderful place to live in. It’s because y’all. We do appreciate it.”
The commissioners and court presented proclamations to Jorja Bessonett and Isaiah Billingsley for their individual first place achievements as well as to the three top teams for their feforts as well. The county officials encourage community members to join them in applauding the students in their efforts and successes.
12 SSHS Choir Students Compete At Pre-Area Contest, 4 Advance To Area
Twelve members of the Sulphur Springs High School Choir competed in Pre-Area auditions on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Of the 12 SSHS students in attendance, four students advanced to the next level of the TMEA All State program. Senior Alex Walker, junior Freddy Botello, sophomore Aidyn Rogers and freshman Danielle Verlander will compete at Area auditions on Jan. 11 at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
“Their competition will include students from north Dallas suburbs and schools along the Red River. If they advance past Area, they will be members of the Texas All State choir, a very high honor,” said Beth Cole choir instructor.
Lady Cats Basketball Team Goes 1-3 in Tough Glen Rose Tournament
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell said she knew the Glen Rose Lady Tiger 2019 Lions Club Tournament this past weekend (December 5-7) would be a hard one. The field include Class 3A #9 ranked Wall, host Glen Rose and Levelland. Plus the young Lady Cats stayed overnight. Coach Tisdell said things started out well for the Lady Cats as they won their tournament opener over Burkburnett, 33-29. Then the Lady Cats ran into Wall, literally, and the top ten ranked 3A power took a one-sided win. Coach Tisdell noted that some players began to knit pick their teammates. Team unity tended to fall apart. Coach Tisdell said she felt the Lady Cats let one get away against Levelland. The score was tied 29-29 at the half but she said the Lady Cats came out very soft in the third quarter and Levelland was able to compile an 18 point lead after three quarters. Much too much to overcome. Saturday, the Lady Cats ended the tournament with a 39-30 loss to Burnet. Coach Tisdell said Burnet hit some threes while the Lady Cats had a hard time scoring. The Lady Cats are now 4-9 for the season. They return to the home court Tuesday night at 6:15 p.m. against New Boston.
Wildcats Basketball Team Now Ranked #3 in State After Strong Week Last Week
The Wildcats Basketball Team jumped up in the rankings, from #5 to #3 after a week last week that saw them win 5 out of six games. First came the home win against a ranked Paris team at home, 67-61 last Tuesday (December 3) and then the Mansfield ISD Spring Creek Barbeque Classic where the Wildcats won four of five games and finished fifth in the prestigious tourney. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said it was probably one of the most successful tournaments the Wildcats have had. Their only loss, by 6 points, came to Waxahachie, ranked #12 in Class 6A, and the team that ended up winning the tournament. The Wildcats also collected two wins that either one would make most team’s season. The Wildcats bested Pearland Shadow Creek, ranked #2 in Class 5A, and Killeen Ellison, ranked #6 in Class 6A. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats took a giant step in the direction they need to go during the tournament. He said he was especially impressed with how well the Wildcats handled pressure. He noted that in the past some teams have been able to disrupt the Wildcats, such as San Antonio Wagner, at the State Tournament last year. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats have been working on this and the press did not bother the Wildcats. He did notice that the Wildcats came out a little flat in their tournament opener against A&M Consolidated. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats have gotten away with it for the most part so far this season but he said he knew it would cost them in the future. He said he gave his team a talking to and he said they responded to it during the rest of the tournament games. The Wildcats are now 8-2 for the season. They play at Dallas Woodrow Wilson Tuesday night at 8 p.m.
Saltillo Lady Lions Take Fourth Place in Dodd City Tournament
The Saltillo Lady Lions Basketball Team, ranked #16 in Class A, ended up in fourth place in the Craig Reed Invitational at Dodd City this past weekend. On Saturday (December 6), the Lady Lions lost a game for third place to Gunter, 42-36 Gunter led only 8-6 after the first quarter and 23-17 at the half, Both teams scored 19 points in the second half. For the Lady Lions, Chandler Bain led the team with 9 points, Anna Reeder and Brittney Peeples had 8 points each, Maddy Smith scored 6 points, Kristina Wade had 4 points and Julianna Giles added 1 point. Lady Lions Coach Bill Giles said his team got better during this tournament and added they played some good teams. He said even in the losses, the Lady Lions improved. Coach Giles said his team gets more out of losing to really good teams than they do blowing out poor teams. The Lady Lions season record is now 11-6. The Lady Lions play Lone Oak Tuesday in Saltillo with a JV game at 4:15 p.m. with a varsity game to follow.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report For Dec. 2-Dec. 8, 2019
Arrests
- Rickey Wells, 56 years of age, of Como, TX, was arrested on 12/03/2019 on a Franklin County Warrant for Probation Violation and multiple Winnsboro Municipal Court warrants.
- Enrique Ortiz- Montoya, 45 years of age, of Como, TX, was arrested on 12/03/2019 on a Hopkins County Warrant for Bail Jumping and Fail to Appear.
- Randall Evans, 30 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 12/04/2019 for Possession of Controlled Substance PG1>=1G<4G, Evading Arrest Detention w/ Previous Convictions, and a Bexar County Warrant for Violation of Probation
- Alan Hanson, 35 years of age, of Beaumont, TX, was arrested on 12/06/2019 for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
- Jeremy Lewis, 34 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 12/07/2019 on a Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrant for Expired Inspection.
- Neal Brown, 35 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 12/07/2019 on a Hopkins County Warrant for Violation of Probation.
- Nicole Williams, 45 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 12/07/2019 on a Wood County Warrant for Tampering /Fabricate Physical Evidence and Burglary of Habitation
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 181 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 44 citations and 59 warnings during this reporting period.
