The Hopkins County Echo (Sulphur Springs, Tex.), Vol. 201, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, April 5, 1996 Page: 4 of 4
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Light
turnout
eyed for
runoffs
By BRUCE ALSOBROOK
5,1996
Because It Could Happen Here
Area volunteer
fire departments,
EMS groups stage
disaster in Como
y
The absence of local candidates
will likely mean slow going in three
Democratic and four Republican
runoff races when early voting begins
Monday morning at Hopkins County
courthouse.
“We’re expecting a very light
turnout compared to what we got for
local races,” Hopkins County Clerk
Debbie Shirley said Friday. “The sen-
ale and congress races might get
some interest, but probably not near-
ly as heavy as before.”
Early voting in the runoffs will
begin Monday in the Hopkins Coun-
ty courthouse and continue through
Thursday. Voting will be held from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. each of the four days in
the northeast comer of the first floor,
the same site as early voting before
the March 12 primaries.
General voting in the runoff will be
held Tuesday, April 9, at voting loca-
tions across the county.
* Runoffs are held when no one can-
didate receives at least SO percent of
the vote in the primary races, which
were held March 12 this year. The top
two vote-getters in each race then
meet in a runoff.
People who voted in one of the two
party primaries in March are eligible
to vote only in the same party runoff.
For example, those who voted in the
Democratic primary may vote in the
Democratic runoff, but not the
Republican runoff. People who did
not vote in either of the March pri-
maries are eligible to vote in either of
the party runoffs, but not both.
The closest thing to a local race is
for the office of First Congressional
District U.S. Representative, the seat
being vacated by Jim Chapman.
Democrats Max Sandlin, who
received 43 percent of the vote dis-
trictwide in March, and Jo Ann
Howard, who took 34 percent, meet
for their party’s nomination. Republi-
cans Ed Merritt and Dennis Boemer
are the finalists in their party’s runoff.
Merritt had the most votes in March,
taking 46 percent to Boemer’s 29 per-
c ait.
Two other races will appear on the
Democratic runoff ballot. The biggest
is for the party’s U.S. Senate nominee
between Mesquite schoolteacher Vic-
' tor Morales and U.S. Rep. John
Bryant. Morales won 34 percent of
the vote last month to earn the right to
face Bryant, who took 29 percent.
Democrats will also choose
between Gary Taylor and Charles
Holcomb for a nominee to the Place 2
Court of Criminal Appeals judge.
By DAWN CHALAIRE
News-Telegram Stuff
A freight train collides with a school bus at a rural
railroad crossing. Several teen-agers die on
JL impact, while many others suffer injuries ranging
from scrapes and bruises to compound fractures and head
injuries.
The nearest hospital doesn’t have room for all the
injured, and the patients’ lives depend on them being cate-
gorized and transported to other locations as quickly as
possible.
It could happen, and Blinker volunteer fireman and
Titus County Emergency Medical Service paramedic Lisa
Meeks is helping to make sure Hopkins County is ready
for it.
Meeks, with the help of seven instructors from Titus
County EMS, organized just such a scenario to train local
EMS crews and volunteer fire departments at a disaster
drill Saturday morning in a field near the intersection of
County Road 2318 and 2319.
“I just felt like that there was a great need in Hopkins
County ...,” Meeks said Friday. “As far as the county fire
departments are concerned, they had never been involved
in anything like this. With the speed limit going up and the
handgun laws ... the fire departments are becoming more
and more active in first responding. Lots of times, we’re
on scene before the ambulance gets there.”
Radio communications were set up at the Brinker Com-
munity Center Saturday morning and when the accident
call came in at about 9:45 a.m., volunteer fire departments
from Brinker, Yantis, Emory, Arbala, Miller Grove, Saltil-
lo, North Hopkins, Dike and Como, along with EMS
crews from Hopkins and Titus counties were sent to the
scene in the order of a real emergency.
“We didn’t want it to just be restricted to our depart-
ment, we wanted any department who wanted to come and
take the class to do it,” Meeks said.
Como-Pickton School fjimished a school bus, along
with 25 students to play the dead, the injured and the hys-
terical bystanders.
Norman Cobb, with the Texas Department of Health in
Austin, Cathy Jordan, EMS educator for Texarkana Col-
lege and Meeks met with the students at 6:30 a.m. Satur-
day and took them to the scene where moulage makeup
was applied to the injured.
“We actually use makeup and stuff to make them look
like they really have a head injury,” Meeks said. “We can
make them look like they really have a fractured leg that
has the bone sticking out of it and bleeding.
“We want it to be as real as we can make it.”
Meeks said Friday that she would personally instruct
the bystanders on how best to try to divert the disaster
workers’ attention. 4
“Fm probably the best aggravator anybody’s ever had,”
said Meeks.
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Ready for the worst
A volunteer fireman listens to a col-
league’s advice as his “patient,” a Como-
Pickton High School student, waits on a
stretcher for transport to a makeshift
hospital Saturday morning near Como.
Volunteer fire departments from all over
Staff Photo By Amy Logan
Hopkins County, along with EMS crews
from Hopkins and Titus counties, were
participating in a disaster drill as part of
their START (Simple TViage And Rapid
Transport) training.
Peacock
keeping
police on
lookout
Winged offender
proving difficult
to pin down
By BRUCE ALSOBROOK
Grand jury indicts dairyman Gregory
By BRUCE ALSOBROOK
A Hopkins County grand jury has
returned an indictment against a local
dairyman and former Texas Agricul-
ture Commissioner candidate for mis-
appropriation of public funds.
The grand jury Friday indicted
Marvin Gregory, 57, on one count of
misapplication of fiduciary property
of at least $20,000 but not more than
$100,000. The third-degree felony
carries a penalty of two to 10 years in
prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
“This is basically the complaint he
was charged on in March for'proper-
ty that was taken from the Gafford
Chapel Cemetery Association,” Dis-
trict Attorney Frank Long said Tues-
day morning.
An ostentatious outlaw has flown
the coop in Sulphur Springs, eluding
capture by police for a week.
The rogud goes by the name of
Pavo Cristatus, and Sgt. Rex Morgan
hopes officers catch this beast on the
lam quickly because tragedy struck
when one of his kind last took flight
from the law.
“In the process*of trying to appre-
hend him, between one day and the
next he walked out in front of a car
and got run over,” Morgan said Fri-
day. “This has happened before on
peacocks, and we just don’t want him
to get injured. That’s our main con-
cern.”
Like an ornithological Keyser
Soze, the master criminal in the film
The Usual Suspects, the proudly
plumed peafowl running wild in the
streets has slipped the steely grip of
the law so far, despite diligent pursuit
by agents assigned to the case.
“We’ve attempted to apprehend him
several times, but he keeps eluding us
by his ability to execute aircraft carri-
er-type takeoffs,” said a straight-faced
Morgan.
Of course, the perpetrating pea-
cock, more formally known by the
Latin species name Pavo cristatus, is
completely harmless, Morgan said. It
may look huge when those iridescent
green and gold feathers are splayed
out, but the peacock’s body mass is
about the same as another member of
the Phasianidae family, the common
chicken.
The most damage the bird is likely
to do involves leaving a sloppy call-
ing card on someone’s roof when it
roosts at night.
“They like to get on top of bouses
or ip a high tree to keep predators
away from them,” Morgan explained.
No one had lay claim to the critter
as of Friday afternoon, nor has any-
one reported a missing or stolen pea- s
cock to either police officers or sher-
iff’s deputies. It’s a pretty safe bet,
however, the showy bird escaped
from a pen close by — peacocks are
indigenous to Asia, not Hopkins
County.
“They don’t exactly run wild in this
part of the country,” Morgan said.
COMMUNITYNews
Reports By Our Area Correspondents
REILLY SPRINGS
By Ann Minyard
We finally got that much-needed rain and
now we can get ready to start mowing. I don’t
think I’ll even gripe about that, at least for a
while. We don’t want to mow too soon as the
Easter Bunny needs a place to lay eggs and
he’s going to be hopping around real soon.
Birthday wishes go out to Judi Dalzell,
Bodie Watkins and Valorie Ponder. I'd also
like to wish a very special “Happy Birthday”
to my granddaughter, Lorie Minyard, on her
14th birthday. i
Luther McCullough was in the metroplex
over the weekend to attend the wedding of his
son, Terry McCullough and Leslie Chase,
who were united in marriage at North Ridge
Presbyterian Church Terry is the son of
Luther and the late Billie Fay Attlesey
McCullough.
Visiting with Vivian and Mickey Ledbetter
this week were Guy Massey of Greenville,
Debbie Henderson of Rockwall and Adrian
Whitehurst of Sulphur Springs.
The community garage sale is scheduled
for Saturday, April 20. If anyone has items
they would like to donate, please call or bring
them to the center. We will have beans, corn-
bread and dessert in the kitchen and the pro-
ceeds will be used to keep the center mowed.
So make plans to come and have lunch and
you just might find something you can’t do
without.
Tina and Larry Ponder were host for a
cookout Sunday afternoon honoring their
daughter. Valerie, on her 17th birthday.
Cousin Larry was chief cook and those enjoy-
ing the occasion were Bob and Joyce Ponder.
Tim Ponder, Brook and Heather. Phyllis Mott.
Chris and Dawna. Michael and Tracy Ponder.
Brandy, Stacey and Maranda, Daryl Blakley.
Marie Watkins and Jamie. Bodie Watkins and
Grant Bailey, Happy birthday, Val
Rodney Miller and son. Matt, attended the
drag races at Paris over the weekend. Matt
came home with a first place trophy in the Jr.
Dragster division and Rodney made it to the
quarter finals in no electronics. They will be
participating in the Hallsville races on April
6. Congratulations. Matt.
Visiting with Bobbie Dure this week was
her son. Mike Dure of Houston Over the
weekend. Bobbie visited Susie Mullan and
Sarah Bertram of the metroplex and Bill and
Wanda Dure of Rockwall.
Jeff Berry, grandson of Betty Stamen Story
of Sulphur Springs, has been excepted to the
Department of Public Safety Academy at
Austin. He will train in the academy for six
months, then become a state trooper. Betty is
the daughter of the late Carl and Eula Stareett
of this community.
Georgana Shelton Antrim of Sulphur
Springs is a patient in Baylor Hospital. She is
recovering from a hip implant and will start
rehabilitation this week. Georgana was raised
in this community and still has strong ties
here. We wish her a speedy recovery.
Ray and Dorothy Norton of Premont have
been visiting with James and Delores Miller
this week.
Juanita Carlisle Hudson enjoyed a visit this
week from her granddaughter. Shelly Hudson,
and friend, Gordon, of Nederland.
Betsy and Susan Whitson were in the
metroplex over the weekend to attend the
wedding of Terry McCullough and Leslie
Chase.
A memorial was held in the Reilly Springs
Methodist Church Sunday afternoon for
Frances Patillo, daughter of Vera and Win-
' nifred Hobbs and granddaughter of Jesse and
Mattie Heard, former residents of this com-
munity. She is survived by her husband, Pat
Patillo, three children and a number of rela-
tives in this area.
Mary Bums and daughter Elizabeth were
guests of her mother, Vera Harrington, over
the weekend They attended the fellowship
supper at the Methodist church Saturday
night
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs.
Helen Boggs, who is a patient at Hopkins
County Memorial Hospital.
Interesting quote: “Life is like a bicycle.
You don’t fall off unless you stop pedaling ”
Until next week, have a great week, keep
smiling and make the world wonder what
you're up to.
SULPHUR BLUFF
By Jimmy D. Bass ham
Mr. Ralph Vance is in Carnage House
Manor in Sulphur Springs. Mary expresses
their appreciation for all the communication
from the community. The cards, calls and
prayers and thoughts are especially appreciat-
ed. The Vances are indeed a very special cou-
ple at Sulphur Bluff.
Buff and Paige Hymer went home to
Kansas City. Kan., with Buff's father. Cam
Hill last week. Jane Hill and son-in-law. Mark
Hymer traveled to Kansas City this past
weekend to pick them up and return borne
Chris Hill, son of Cam and Jane, who resides
in Kansas City, also returned to Sulphur Bluff
with them. 1 understand Chris is quite a musi-
cian, playing in a big time band.
The youth at Sulphur Bluff Baptist Church
enjoyed a hot dog supper and games after-
wards at the church Friday evening Roy and
Gina Herman sponsored the youth activity.
Ladies who assisted and brought food were
Sherry Thompson, Sharon Cox and Penny
Collett. Roy reported that there were 16
young people in attendance.
Elaine Garmon, elementary principal at
Saltillo School, and a good friend for many
years reports that she remains active in the
cattle business. Elaine has raised and cared
for cattle for quite a number of years, but says
raising horses looks very attractive today,
especially with the decline in cattle prices.
Last week, congressional candidate Max
Sandlin stopped by and visited at the Domino
Club. Mr. Sandlin was accompanied by his
aid, Randy Noble.
He was also accompanied by Sulphur
Springs residents Nancy Rooks and Pat Ben-
nett, and Bruce Fielden from Sulphur Bluff.
Club members John Ashberry and Danny
Ragsdale asked questions concerning key
issues.
Danny Durham, Domino Club member,
recently purchased a new set of dominoes and
presented them to the organization. The mem-
bers certainly appreciate Danny's generosity.
Archie Huie had purchased the last set of
dominoes in Waco. This set has proven to be
very durable.
David Hare has returned to his home in the
Need more community and reports are that he
is doing great. Mr Hare was employed with
the Sulphur Bluff ISD for many years. He
was loved by students and adults alike and
continues to be a very special man to many
Durwood and Shirley Hare recently had as
their guests Shirley ’s aunt. Juanita Foreman
from Stockton, Calif. Also visiting was her
cousin Wanda and husband. J.D. Duffle from
Hudson. Kan.
Mark and Kimberly Bassham enjoyed a
recent tnp to Austin Mark attended meetings
with the Southwestern Cattle Raisers Associ-
ation of w hich he is an inspector Kimberly
especially enjoyed sightseeing, shopping and
watching her favorite TV programs
Deana Ragsdale and family are reported to
be planning an eventful summer traveling and
touring. A goose-neck hookup, suitable for a
travel trailer, was recently installed in Deana s
truck by John NcNiel and the vocational agn
culture students
*
People at the Bluff are making preparations
for spring. Mowers, weed eaters and garden-
ing tools are coming out of the dust. Hopeful-
ly we can combine spring planting and lawn
care with spring’s rains.
I hope everyone survived April Fool’s Day.
Have a nice week.
ARBALA
By Cathy Haliburton-Halter
Spring really is here! Have you noticed
how fast the trees are budding out and the
grass is finally turning green. The rain and
warm sun have lifted our spirits and given us
a breath of fresh air (and allergy problems).
Happiness and joy could be seen as well as
squeals of delight being heard throughout the
Easter Egg Hunt this past Saturday sponsored
by Arbala Community Center and UMC. All
the children taking part in the hunt filled their
baskets with goodies.
Winners in the 3 and under group were:
Sarah Halter, prize egg; Alex Darden, most
eggs; and Jordan Crist, second place. Winners
in the 4-7 group were: Lindsey Fouse, prize
egg; Ben Hunsaeker, most eggs; and Ariel
Darden, second place Winners in the 8 and
up group were: Richard Allen, prize egg;
Amanda Darden, most eggs; and Ashley Dar-
den and Brittany Hunsaeker. tied for second
place
In addition to lots of candy, the children got
their fill of cookies and punch. Even the
adults kicked up their heels for a while. The
festivities came to a close with kids and adults
alike enjoying a “Confetti Egg” fight. Every-
one attending had a great time and plans are
under way for next year's hunt.
Thanks to Donna Smith for planning the
event.
Thanks go out to all who participated in the
Spring Clean-up at the community center
Trees were trimmed, leaved raked and other
spring cleaning chores were taken care of. All
the hard work is greatly appreciated. Keep up
the good work.
Arbala VFD has been pretty busy the past
week fighting grass fires, assisting EMS on
medical and accident calls and attending
training sessions.
On Saturday. Wyman Darden. Kevin Fite.
J W Ragan. Nathan Crist and Cathy Halter
attended a “Mass Casualty Incident" training
program sponsored by Brinker Volunteer Fire
Department The next training session for
Arbala VFD will be at 6:30 p.m Wednesday.
April 3.
Get well wishes go out to Mrs. Glenna
Webb, who was released from a Tyler Hospi-
tal on Monday. Stop by or give Glenna a call.
She is sure to appreciate it. The same goes for
Mrs. Rhea Williams. Both of these ladies are
very special to us all. We would like to see
them back in church as soon as possible. God
Bless you both.
Special guests for Sunday worship services
at Arbala UMC were Mrs. Donna Gammill
and granddaughter, Jessica, Ray Ragan, Mr.
and Mrs. Bob Husband, Mrs. Clara Lou Sex-
ton and grandchildren, Brittany and Ben Hun-
saeker, Nicole Watson and Olyvia, Mr. and
Mrs. Milford Ragan and Mrs. Mary Chism.
We look for them to come back and enjoy our
new church again.
Don’t forget about Arbala UMC Consecra-
tion Services for the new church at 2:30 p.m.
on April 14. A reception will follow at the
community center.
The community center will host a program
titled, “Protecting the Elderly From Scam
Artists." The program will be given by Sgt.
Rex Morgan of the Sulphur Springs Police
Department on Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. A
brief business meeting will be held at 6:30
p.m.
I was asked why I didn’t wish myself a
happy birthday in last week’s article. A close
friend, who will remain anonymous, said it
was only fair to include myself. So here goes
— Happy birthday, Cathy. OK Donna, are
you satisfied? I refuse to give my age, but
after two daughters I feel as though I may be
a bit older. I did have a very happy birthday
and hope to spend many more with my fami-
ly and friends.
Don't forget about the dances that are held
at Arbala Community Center on the first and
third Friday nights at 7 p.m. Morris Gammill
told me he likes to do the jitterbug, so come
on out and give him a chance to find a part-
ner.
Congratulations to the Pickton UMC on
their recent remodeling job. The fever to build
and remodel must be catching We know they
must be proud of the “face lift ”
In closing, I would like to urge you to
attend Easter Sunday worship service* at a
church of your choice.
If you have no church preference, you are
welcome to attend Arbala UMC. This Easter
will be special, so come out and be part of it.
Until next week, enjoy the wonderful
weather and the never-ending abundance of
Easter candy. Happy Easter to you all and
may God bless
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Keys, Scott & Lamb, Bill. The Hopkins County Echo (Sulphur Springs, Tex.), Vol. 201, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, April 5, 1996, newspaper, April 5, 1996; Sulphur Springs, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth780156/m1/4/: accessed June 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Hopkins County Genealogical Society.