News

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
Losing her cell phone led a Michigan woman to meet kind, helpful people in Daingerfield on a windy, rainy day. Julia Morris, who lives in Clarksville a small city near Lansing, Mich., said she was traveling through Daingerfield to Tyler to her parents’ house on Feb. 9 and panicked when she lost her cell phone.
“I thought I had put my cell phone on my dash,” she said. “It fell down and later when I stopped for gas, I looked for it, but couldn’t find it. I traveled on and stopped at McDonald’s to get coffee and asked the kids working there if they would call my cell phone. They agreed and I ran out to the car, followed by one young man who came out to the parking lot to help me look.  My phone didn’t ring.

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
A Hughes Springs’ man turned himself in to police Feb. 26 on various charges.
“Mario Hector Reyes Jr., 30, who has a felony warrant out for aggravated assault, had fled from Officer Tony Harrison on foot,” Hughes Springs Police Chief Randy Kennedy said. “Mr. Reyes ran into a wooded area and was able to elude the officer. He had been riding in a vehicle when Officer Harrison made a traffic stop, and he jumped out of the vehicle and ran on foot.”
Mr. Reyes turned himself in to Chief Kennedy.

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

Carey Gose, 37, and Courtney Harrison, 19, both of Hughes Springs, were arrested and charged with prohibited sexual conduct with descendent, according to Hughes Springs Police Chief Randy Kennedy.
“Both were arrested Feb. 25,” Chief Kennedy said. “Prohibited sexual conduct with a descendent is a felony charge punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
“Statements were made and there was enough probable cause established to have warrants issued. DNA was taken and it was established there was proof they are father and daughter.”
Chief Kennedy said Officer Jay Cates and Officer Tony Harrison arrested the pair.  They were placed in the Cass County Jail under $25,000 bond each.
 

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
A proposition will be put on the ballot for the May election for the residents of Lone Star to choose if they want a one half of one percent 4B sales tax, as approved by the Lone Star City Council at its Feb. 21 meeting. The vote was unanimous.  The extra revenue will be used for economic development in the city.
Councilman Karl Stoermer spoke in the citizens’ comment representing the Lone Star Volunteer Fire Department.
“We need both a pumper truck and a brush truck,” Mr. Stoermer said. “The preliminary plan is to finance the brush truck with donations from the community and the pumper truck with grants.”
In other business, the city council authorized Suddenlink to continue to collect the public, educational, and governmental fee currently being charged to Suddenlink customers in Lone Star.

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

Hughes Springs Police Chief Randy Kennedy recovered tractor parts last week and is seeking anyone who may have had these items stolen.
“I recovered some tractor parts and need the gentleman that reported some missing tractor parts a few months ago to make contact with me,” Chief Kennedy said. “If you are missing tractor accessories, please contact my office.”
Chief Kennedy may be reached at his Hughes Springs City Hall office or by calling 903-639-2621.
 

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
Northeast Texas Community College President Dr. Brad Johnson updated the board of trustees on the college’s current strategic planning at their Feb. 26 meeting.
“The strategic planning is moving along and people are meeting,” Dr. Johnson said. “A 25-person task force made up of students, staff, faculty, and community members is meeting this week to discuss suggestions and recommendations.”
The athletic department audit was presented. They again turned a profit. That amount is around $60,000 and will be split 60-40 with the general fund. They use the excess to take care of their facilities and other capital needs.
“Our athletic program is very unique in that it makes money rather than losing it,” Dr. Johnson said.
The academic calendar had a slight change.

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
Joseph Eugene Pearson, 32, of Daingerfield, was arrested Feb. 23 and charged with prostitution enhanced, according to Daingerfield Police Chief Tracey Climer.
“Information had been obtained by Officer Bret Gutierrez which led to more information and an investigation by Officer Amanda Solis,” Chief Climer said. “Mr. Pearson was calling escorts from the Austin, San Antonio, and Houston areas luring them here and then taking advantage of them without paying for their services.
“Prostitution enhanced charges are a Class A misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in the county jail and a maximum fine of $4,000.”