UIL Region IV Marching Band Competition Streamed Live- Updated with Results
Posted October 25, 2012 by easttexastoday |   

Hanszen Broadcasting Company and Tatum Music Company are proud to provide live coverage of Texas U.I.L. high school marching band competitions held in this area.

The Region IV competition will be this Wednesday and Thursday, October 24th & 25th at Sam Parker field at  Mt. Pleasant High School..

Click Here For Link To Live Marching Band Video.

If you’d like to attend this event, admission is free.  Hanszen Broadcasting Company’s family of radio stations will be broadcasting many of the bands’ performance live on the radio, but you can watch the entire event live, for free, by clicking here.  Commentary will be provided by Jerry Hanszen & Doice Grant, both former band directors.

RESULTS 10/25/12

Mt. Vernon = 1
Prairiland = 1
DeKalb = 2
Hawkins = 3
Harmony = 1
New Boston = 1
Alba-Golden = 2
Waskom = 2
Hooks = 2
Paul Pewitt = 1
Elysian Fields = 1
White Oak = 1

RESULTS 10/24/12

James Bowie = 1
Maud = 2
Harleton = 1
Big Sandy = 3
Ore City = 2
Jefferson = 2
Chisum = 2
Sabine = 2
Clarksville = 1
New Diana = 1
Queen City = 1
Como-Pickton = 3
Quitman =  1
Dangerfield = 2
Union Grove = 1
Redwater = 1
Hughes Springs = 2
Rivercrest = 4
Linden-Kildare = 2
Winnsboro = 1

 


Watch The Game! Carthage vs Huntington Is Online!
Posted October 15, 2012 by easttexastoday |   

Carthage, TX – On Friday October 12, 2012 the Carthage Bulldogs hosted the Huntington Red Devils.  This game was broadcast live on KGAS 1590 AM, Carthage Cable TV’s Channel 21 and on this website.  This game was also recorded on video with the KGAS broadcast team providing commentary.  Your play-by-play announcers are:  Larry Allen, Mark Harris, Jerry Hanszen & Tate Barber.  This game was also the Carthage Homecoming Game.  Homecoming activities precede the actual game play on this video.  Actual game play begins 43 minutes into the video.


House Bill 308 Signed Into Law
Posted June 13, 2013 by kgasradio |   

Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 308 on Thursday, which allows public school students and staff to use traditional holiday greetings and display religious scenes and symbols on school property. Heartbeat of East Texas Reporter Blake Holland spoke with Texas State Representative Chris Paddie about the bill. Click here to listen> House Bill 308


The Heat is On!
Posted June 11, 2013 by kgasradio |   

Although the official start of summer isn’t until June 21st, meteorologists are forecasting temperatures to reach the triple digits this week. C.S. Ross a hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport talked with reporter Blake Holland about the hot temperatures, and gives a forecast for the summer of 2013. Click here to listen>THE HEAT IS ON!


Local Reaction to House Bill 5
Posted June 11, 2013 by kgasradio |   

On Monday Governor Perry signed off on House Bill 5, which will lower the number of standardized test Texas students have to pass to graduate. Carthage ISD Superintendent Dr. Glenn Hambrick shared his viewpoint on the passing of the bill with KGAS News Reporter Blake Holland. Click the link to listen>House Bill 5 Passinghb 5


Timpson Pony Express Comes to Carthage
Posted June 11, 2013 by kgasradio |   

Tuesday morning, members of the Timpson Chamber of Commerce visited the Texas Country Music Hall Of Fame to invite the citizens of Panola County to the Timpson Frontier Days on July 4th, 5th, and 6th. Listen to the full report from KGAS News Reporter Blake Holland HERE> TIMPSON FRONTIER DAYS INVITATIONTimpson Visit


2013 Texaco Country Showdown
Posted June 11, 2013 by easttexastoday |   

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ENTER ONE OR MORE OF OUR LOCAL COMPETITIONS!

May 11, 2013 – KMHT Radio - The Winners for Texaco Showdown:   1st Taylor Heard from Omaha, TX.  Runner up – Madison Mabry from White Oak, TX

Deidre Thornell

Deidre Thornell

July 12, 2013 – KPXI/KWRD Radio – Location:  Henderson Civic Theater, 122 E. Main St., Henderson, TX.  Time:  TBA  Entry fee of $20, entry form, and music should be submitted to KPXI/KWRD Radio, 215 S. Market St., Carthage, TX 75633 by July 5, 2013.  Info:  (903) 655-1800.  julie@mykpxi.com.

The winner will receive $500.00 in local prize money with the first runner up receiving $150.00.  The winner will then advance to the next level of competition. Event is held in conjunction with the Jim Reeves Tribute Show with John Rex Reeves. $12 advance / $ 15 door.  Henderson’s 2012 winner, Deidre Thornell, was a National Finalist.

August 17, 2013 – KGAS Radio – Location:  Texas Country Music Hall of Fame 310 W. Panola Carthage, TX.  Time:  9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Entry fee of $20, entry form, and music should be submitted to KGAS 215 S. Market St., Carthage, TX 75633 by August 9, 2013.  Info:  (903) 693-7176.  melissa@kgasradio.com  Local Prize Money:  TBA  FREE ADMISSION

Official Rules     Entry Form     FAQ

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The 32nd Annual Texaco Country Showdown is America’s largest Country music talent show. It’s designed to find the most promising country music talent in the nation and to give these performers a chance to launch their professional music careers.The Country Showdown begins each spring with over 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the US. Winners advance to their respective State competitions held at leading fairs and venues. Acts then compete for a $1,000 prize, the State Title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals. It’s the last step before the prestigious, televised National Final. The audience cheers on the Regional Winners, as they compete for the Grand Prize of $100,000 and the title of “Best New Act in Country Music.”



Man Shot Near Mt. Enterprise – Brother Charged
Posted June 10, 2013 by easttexastoday |   

generic-shooting-graphicSource: Rusk County Sheriff’s Office

On Monday June 10, 2013 at approximately 06:34 hours the Rusk County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Lewis residence in the 15000 Block of County Road 3167, Mt-Enterprise, Texas. According to the reportee two subjects later found to be brothers were involved in an altercation which later left one of the subjects deceased.

 

 

Upon the arrival of deputies the actor identified as 24 year old Brian Jerome Townsend of Mt-Enterprise was arrested for the murder of his brother 32 year old Alonzo Lewis and booked in the Rusk County Jail on first degree Murder.

 

 

With the assistance of the Rusk County District Attorney’s Office and Texas Rangers this Investigation is on-going.

 

 

Townsend bond has been set in the amount of $500,000.00


Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Harrison County
Posted June 10, 2013 by easttexastoday |   

mugshotHarrison County 911 received a call to the address of 210 Hillside Dr. in Harleton, Texas on June 9, 2013 at approximately 1:00 AM for an ambulance and deputies. The call was regarding a stabbing victim at that address. The caller stated the stabbing had occurred at 109 Sid Craver Rd. in Harleton which is the home address of the victim, Rickey Don Johnson, B/M/06-08-1960. Mr. Johnson had left the location of the stabbing and drove himself to his brother’s home at 210 Hillside Dr. for help. He stated he had been stabbed by his girlfriend, Doretha Bowman, B/F/02-01-1968, after they had been outside the house drinking and she became irate due to a female neighbor wishing him a “Happy Birthday”. Bowman allegedly went inside the residence of Rickey Johnson and when Johnson came into the residence, Bowman reportedly stabbed Johnson in the upper left arm.

Upon arrival at the address where the assault had occurred, deputies found Doretha Bowman on the porch, crying and very upset, while she was waiting for her daughter to come to the location. The suspect then produced a knife that is believed to have been used during the assault.

Johnson was transported to Good Shepherd in Marshall and was treated and released. Bowman was arrested at the location and transported to the Harrison County Jail. She was arraigned by Judge George and bond has been set at $50,000.00.


Texas 4000 Rolls Through Carthage
Posted June 7, 2013 by kgasradio |   

Thursday afternoon, a police escort lead over 20 bicycle riders through the city of Carthage. It was all a part of the Texas 4000 charity ride for cancer. The riders are traveling all the way from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska raising awareness, and money for cancer research. The Central Baptist Church and Rotary Club hosted the group overnight, allowing the bikers to get some rest, and a meal before heading out Friday morning. Mayor Carson Joines was also on hand to present a key to the city to the riders. texas 4000 1 texas 4000 2 texas 4000 3


Carlisle Baseball Team Wins State Championship!
Posted June 6, 2013 by easttexastoday |   


Carlisle4
The Carlisle Indians defeated Stamford by a score of 6 to 1 to win the State Baseball Championship. Read More

The game was played at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas with Jason Wade calling the play-by-play.  You can listen to an  online replay on Teamline or  Click Here To Listen Online.

 

Carlisle3 Carlisle5 Carlisle6 Carlisle7 carlisle handshake Carlisle1 Carlisle2


Registered Sex Offender Arrested for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Posted June 5, 2013 by easttexastoday |   

mugsMarvin Silmon, a 36 year-old Harrison County man was arrested last week, and has been charged with seven counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a six-year-old child.

The probable cause for arrest report, written by Harrison County Investigator Bill Turner stated, “on March 28th, 2013 while working as a Criminal Investigator with Harrison County, an interview was conducted with a suspect concerning Sexual Assault of a Child. The suspect was read his Miranda warning, which he signed stating that he understood. The suspect identified as Marvin Lamont Silmon. During the interview, the suspect did verbally admit to having sexual intercourse with a six-year-old male child. The suspect admitted that the intercourse had occurred on at least seven different occasions within Harrison County. After the interview, the suspect was placed under arrest and escorted to the Harrison County Jail. The suspect was charged with seven counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a child. The suspect was then released to jail staff.”

According to the Texas DPS Sex Offender Registry, Silmon was sentenced in 2005 to five years in prison for the sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl. He was released from TDCJ with no restrictions from the parole board and was current on his sex offender registration.

According to authorities with the Sheriff’s Office, the victim in this latest alleged abuse is not Silmon’s biological child, but the child of a girlfriend.

Silmon is currently being held in the Harrison County Jail on $700,000 bond, set by Justice of the Peace Nancy George. Bond was set at $100,000 dollars for each charge.


Gunfights and Blood Feuds of Old East Texas
Posted June 4, 2013 by East Texas Today |   

Gunfights and Blood Feuds of Old East Texas

             Bill and Chuck Parsons  On Saturday morning, June 29, from 8:30-11:30 am, Panola College will present to the public a conference on “Gunfights and Blood Feuds of Old East Texas.” The event will be hosted by Bill O’Neal, State Historian of Texas. O’Neal has written numerous books on frontier violence, and he has spoken on the subject throughout Texas and the West, as well as on numerous television documentaries.

               A featured guest speaker will be Chuck Parsons, whose most recent book is a biography of East Texas gunfighter, John Wesley Hardin. Parsons is the author of many books on outlaws and lawmen. His biography of Texas Ranger Captain John Hughes won the 2012 Book of the Year Award of the Wild West History Association.

               Topics will include: John Wesley Hardin in East Texas; the Regulator-Moderator War; the murderous bank robbery in Longview by the Dalton Gang; the 1888 murder and lynching at the Panola County courthouse; the 1869 death of desperado Cullen Baker; and the 1878 shooting of famed actor Maurice Barrymore in Marshall. In addition, O’Neal will demonstrate the evolution of revolving pistols and holsters.

               Bill and Chuck will be on hand to greet fellow gunfighter buffs in the ballroom at the Phoebe Sue Perlman Student Center located on Panola College’s main campus in Carthage, Texas. Admission is free, and the conference will begin at 8:30 am. So that we can know how much seating and refreshments to provide, if you plan to attend please RSVP to Bill O’Neal (billonealbooks@yahoo.com, or 903.693.5266) or Jackie Sanders (jsanders@panola.edu, 903.693.2017).

Photo: Bill O’Neal (right) and Chuck Parsons at the 2012 convention of the Wild West History Association, where Chuck had just won Book of the Year honors, and Bill was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award.


East Texas Legend, Mattie Dellinger Dies at 101
Posted May 28, 2013 by easttexastoday |   

Mattie Dellinger Pictured With Willie Nelson

Legendary radio talk show hostess and newspaper columnist, Mattie Dellinger has died at the age of 101.

Mattie wrote a weekly column for the Light and Champion newspaper in Center and formerly hosted “Mattie’s Party Line” on radio station KDET in Center.

Mattie garnered national attention while hosting her radio show as, “the oldest working talk show host in the world”. It was during this time that she formed a friendship with the late Texas Governor Ann Richards and of course Willie Nelson.

Mattie has received numerous honors and recognitions throughout her career.

Mattie Dellinger
October 1, 1911 - May 28, 2013

Mattie Imelda (McLendon) Dellinger, 101, lifelong resident of Center, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at her residence.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2013 at First Baptist Church of Center with Bro. Michael Hale and Bro. Carl Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Two visitation times will be Friday May 31, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

Ms. Mattie was born October 1, 1911 in Center, Texas to M.B.” Bartow” McLendon, (born in Troy, Alabama from 1868-1933) and Carrie Elizabeth (Smithson) McLendon, (born March 22, 1885 in Grand Rivers, KY to 1985). Mattie joined and was baptized into the First Baptist Church, Center, at the age of 12. Mattie was a 1929 graduate of Center High School. She worked as a clerk after graduation at Perry Brothers for 6 months and Bridges Drug Store for 2 years; Mattie married L.L. “Pete” Dellinger, husband of nearly 33 years until his death in 1966, (he was born in Ben Lomand, AK, Pete was a pharmacist and grocer); She worked for the 2 Center newspapers for over 50 years and the radio stations for over 17 years. Some of Mattie’s credits include; worthy matron Order of Eastern Star in Center from 1940-41; secretary in County School Superintendent’s office; charter member of CHS Band Booster; PTA officer; WMU officer; active Sunday School member: charter member of Shelby County Historical Society; she operated her own news bureau for newspapers (state); member of Texas and National Press Women; was the first woman appointed to the Board of the 4-H Foundation at A&M College; was named Texas Press Woman of the Year in 1983 for District 9; was honored by B &PW Club in Center by being named their Outstanding Woman of Year and in 1985 the Center Alumni Association elected Mattie to their Hall of Fame as a an outstanding Alumni. Mattie began her popular radio talk show, Mattie’s Party Line, in 1987. Social life and fun was the ’29 club of Flappers & Jelly Beans that lasted for 10 years. Mattie enjoyed all the trips made by 1st National Bank (Citizens Bank) Travel Club and in later life Mattie enjoyed the Monday Noon Lunches with her friends, Mildred Pinkston, Bobbie Covington, Syble Holt and Kathleen Parker.

She is preceded in death by her Parents, M.B. and Carrie McLendon, Husband, L.L. “Pete” Dellinger, Son, Dan Dellinger, Daughter-in-law, Ruby Dellinger, Sister, Lucy Lee (McLendon) Gregory, Brother, George Martin McLendon and Brother, Maurice Bartow McLendon.

She is survived by:
Daughter:
Dixie Lee Dellinger of Center
2 Granddaughters:
Denise Dellinger Oates & husband, Shepherd of Mesquite
Deborah Dellinger Young & husband, Jeff of Center
2 Great Grandsons:
Stephen Daniel Oates & wife, Leslie of Mesquite
David Young of Nacogdoches
Great Great Granddaughter:
Ryiot Oates
2 Nieces:
Lou Nell McLendon Jones of Houston
Cindy McLendon McCracken of Baton Rouge, LA
Nephew:
Stan McLendon of Humble
Great Nephew:
Shane McClendon of Houston
Cousins:
Jack Barron of Center
Billy McClendon of Houston
Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins & Friends
Pallbearers:
John R. Smith, Buster Bounds, Jerry Pinkston,
Rob Payne, Chris Watlington & Ronnie Daniels
Honorary Pallbearers:
David Jacobs, Larry Ballard, Randy McLeroy,
Billy Poindexter, Joe Louis Jones, Tom Still, Willie Nelson,
A.J. Procell, Don Pinkston & James Paul Wilson


ETBU Football Players Arrested for Drive By Shooting at Officer’s Home
Posted May 23, 2013 by easttexastoday |   
mugshotsTwo East Texas Baptist University Students were arrested Monday evening, after they allegedly committed a drive-by-shooting at the home of a Waskom Police Officer.  Kailob Wallace of Quinlan, and Brooks Holder of Beeville, were charged with Deadly Conduct – Discharge Firearm. The charge, a third degree felony, carries a punishment of two-ten years in The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.  The pair are accused of firing three shots from a .22 caliber long rifle towards the officers home.
The probable cause arrest affidavit’s for Holder and Wallace are identical, and state the off-duty officer said he heard three shots outside of his home Monday.  The affidavit goes on to say, “My child was outside in the front.  My daughter said she saw a white car and a red SUV drive by.  I called Wskom PD and HCSO for backup.  About 20 minutes later Officer Berry made a traffic stop on a white Mustang.  A search of the vehicle revealed three fired, .22 rounds.  Subjects said they just got the vehicle.  We drove back to their house and spoke with the owner.  He admitted to driving and also having a passenger in the vehicle.  After an interview, the passenger, Brooks Holder, admitted to shooting the gun in front of my house and he admitted the driver, Kailob Wallace, knew what he was doing and he accelerated off after the three shots.”
Justice of the Peace Westy Meisenheimer set bond for both Wallace and Holder at $25,000, they were released from the Harrison County Jail after posting bond earlier this week.
Both men were a part of the ETBU football team this past season, with both being listed on the team roster as Quarterbacks in their Freshman year.  KMHT reached out to East Texas Baptist University Public Relations Director Mike Midkiff for comment.  ETBU released a statement saying ” East Texas Baptist University is aware of the situation, and will cooperate if needed.”
Yesterday, Wallace posted a message to his friends and family via his public facebook page, saying “You really find out who is there for you when times get hard.  Thanks to everyone who has.”

Ross Gift to Benefit College Band
Posted May 20, 2013 by East Texas Today |   

The Panola College Foundation recently received a gift of $50,000 from Mrs. Frances Ross that will be used to purchase new instruments for the Panola College Band. When asked about the gift Professor Mike McGowan, Director of Instrumental Music, stated, “This wonderful gift from Mrs. Ross will go a long way toward the replacement of our band instruments, many of which are more than three decades old. On behalf of the music department, our students and myself, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for this donation.”

“Over the years Mrs. Ross has been very generous to the College,” said Dr. Van Patterson, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Her gifts have made it possible for the College to purchase a stage which improved the overall professionalism of our graduation ceremonies. Another donation was used recently to purchase new tables and chairs to outfit a science lab, and this newest gift will allow us to replace many aging instruments. I am grateful for Mrs. Ross and her generosity to Panola College. I have no doubt that her legacy will be one of improving the lives of thousands of Panola College students.”


Rodeo Jamboree held Saturday in Carthage
Posted May 18, 2013 by kgasradio |   

The downtown square in Carthage was full of vendors, food, and live music Saturday. Performers included, Dusty Boots, Joe Murphy, Lacy Carpenter, and many more. Visitors were treated to arts/crafts, food, and live entertainment. The event was just a portion of a weekend full of rodeo fun. jam 1 jam 2 (2)


Four ETBU Students Attend Sigma Tau Delta 2013 International Convention
Posted May 17, 2013 by easttexastoday |   

MARSHALL, Texas (5/17/13)- Four students of East Texas Baptist University attended the Sigma Tau Delta 2013 International Convention recently held in Portland, Oregon.  Caroline Guidry, Mara Hartsell, Laura Stevens and Kelsey Shaw attended the convention which brings together English majors and minors from all around the world.

            “Three of these students submitted papers to the conference and all three were accepted,” said ETBU Professor of English Dr. Stan Coppinger. “It is an honor for ETBU to have three papers accepted for presentation at such a prestigious conference.”

            Shaw, a senior from Jasper, presented a paper titled “Down the River to Hell: Huck Finn as a Tragic Hero.”  “The Use of Contrasting Characters in Pride and Prejudice” was the paper presented by senior Laura Stevens of Kirkland, Wash. Senior Hartsell of Marshall presented “Aestheticization of Violence in Poetry: Interestingly Provocative or Simply Gross?”

            Sigma Tau Delta is an International English Honors Organization that accepts into membership the brightest English majors and minors from all around the world.


ETBU English Professor Chosen for Seminar Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities
Posted May 17, 2013 by easttexastoday |   

ETBU CentennialMARSHALL, Texas (5/17/13)- The School of Humanities of East Texas Baptist University announces that Associate Professor of English Dr. Cassie Falke has been selected to attend one of seven “Summer Seminars for College and University Teachers” that are sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. A large number apply but only a few are chosen to attend, which brings together teachers from a broad variety of institutions to work in collaboration with peers and to study with experts in various humanities disciplines.

            Dr. Falke, who is also the director of ETBU’s University Scholars Program, will participate in a seminar entitled “Reassessing British Romanticism” held at the University of Nebraska. The seminar will be directed by Stephen C. Behrendt, George Holmes Distinguished University Professor of English at the University of Nebraska.

            “I look forward to being able to devote myself to research for five weeks,” said Dr. Falke. “I’ll have a three million volume library and the accumulated knowledge of 15 other Romantic Period scholars to draw upon.”

            Seminar participants will work on both individual and collective research and teaching projects in the area of later 18th and early 19th century British literature and culture.  Dr. Falke shared, “My project focuses specifically on the relationship between reading literature and moral development, and that’s always a refreshing subject to think about if you spend your life teaching literature.

            Dr. Falke will attend the “Reassessing British Romanticism” seminar July 10 through July 12.


Weekly Roadwork Report – TxDOT Atlanta District For May 19-25, 2013
Posted May 17, 2013 by easttexastoday |   

txdot Bowie County 

IH 30 – Near Hooks, construction of new frontage roads.

US 59 – At FM 989 (Kings Highway), reconstruct intersection replacing asphalt pavement with concrete. Traffic restricted to one lane each direction. Expect traffic delays.

FM 2240 (Moores Lane) – in Texarkana between FM 559 (Richmond Road) and FM 1397 (Summer Road), widening roadway to add left-turn lane. Expect traffic delays.

Cass County

US 59 – From south of FM 2148 in Bowie County to south of FM 3129 in Cass County, construction of new overpass at FM 3129 and concrete overlay on southbound lanes of US 59. Traffic restricted to one lane each direction.

US 59 – At Emma Lena Way in Atlanta, construction of offset turn lanes.

Harrison County

IH 20 – From Eight Mile Creek to 0.5 mile west of US 80, concrete pavement repair and resurfacing. Traffic restricted to one lane near construction zones. Expect traffic delays.

FM 449 – At Moccasin Creek, replacing bridge and approaches.

FM 134 – At FM 1998, construct left-turn lanes.

Morris County

SH 77 – From US 259 to 0.3 mile west of US 67. Adding shoulders.

Panola County

FM 10 – At Murvaul Creek and Relief, replacing bridge and approaches.  Road closed to through-traffic.

Titus County

US 271 – At US 67 west of Mt. Pleasant and at FM 3417 south of Mt. Pleasant, construction of new

bypass around town.  Traffic restricted to one lane each direction.

Upshur County

FM 1404 – At FM 2685, rebuilding intersection.


Sheriff Clinton Tendered His Resignation
Posted May 16, 2013 by East Texas Today |   

A hearing was held Thursday morning May 16, 2013 in the 123rd Judicial District Court of Panola County before visiting Judge Diane DeVasto and a courtroom packed with interested citizens concerning matters raised by the allegations contained in the Original Petition for removal of Ronald Worth Clinton as Sheriff of Panola County, Texas. The petition was filed by Specially Appointed Prosecutor Cynthia Stevens Kent on April 30, 2013.

The purpose of the hearing was to determine if the Temporary Restraining Order issued by Judge DeVasto on May 2, 2013 should be continued as a Temporary Injunction pending final resolution of the Removal Action.

After a lengthy delay (of over 2 hours) of the beginning of the hearing, the attorneys representing the State and those representing Sheriff Clinton returned to the courtroom and Judge DeVasto formally announced the commencement of the hearing.

It was announced that Sheriff Clinton had tendered his resignation as Sheriff of Panola County, Texas effective at 12:15 pm (today) May 16, 2013.

Following that announcement and the acceptance of that resignation by County Judge David Anderson, Special Prosecutor Cynthia Stevens Kent announced the dismissal of the civil case which had sought to have Sheriff Clinton removed from office, such action having been rendered unnecessary following Sheriff Clinton’s resignation from the office.

Immediately following that action, the Court took up the criminal offenses which had been alleged against Mr. Clinton and which had formed the basis of the removal action.

Mr. Clinton, upon being advised of his rights by Judge DeVasto and her acceptance of Mr. Clinton’s waiver of those rights, entered a plea of guilty to the State Jail Felony of Tampering with a Governmental Record. Mr. Clinton acknowledged that he was freely and voluntarily entering his plea of guilty and that he had not been threatened, coerced or otherwise forced to enter his plea of guilty.

Upon accepting his plea of guilty the Court heard from the attorneys representing the State and those representing Mr. Clinton the terms of a plea agreement which the Judge accepted.

The terms of the plea agreement were that Mr. Clinton would resign immediately as Sheriff of Panola County, Texas, surrender his Peace Officer license and be placed on 3 years of deferred adjudication.  Additionally, Mr. Clinton agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $1,000.00.

The charge to which Mr. Clinton entered his plea of guilty was related to Mr. Clinton’s signing a receipt of $1,000.00 obtained through his representation that such funds were to be paid to a confidential informant for information to assist in the prosecution of oil field related thefts in Panola County when, in fact, such representation was false.

All other criminal charges against Mr. Clinton were dismissed in consideration of his plea of guilty to that one offense.

Mr. Clinton then read a statement to the effect that:

He wanted to apologize to his family, his friends, his supporters and the people of Panola County. He stated what he did was wrong and that he blamed no one but himself and that he accepted full responsibility for his actions.  He stated that no blame should be placed on the prosecutors, the Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers or the FBI.

He stated what he did was wrong and his own fault.  He accepted full responsibility for his actions and stated that he may should have acknowledged his guilt sooner.

Following his statement Judge DeVasto concluded the proceedings and the Court was adjourned.


PANOLA COLLEGE ANNOUNCES DEAN’S LIST
Posted May 14, 2013 by East Texas Today |   

Panola College is proud to announce the names of those students named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2013 semester. To qualify a student must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.79. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation.

LOUISIANA

BOSSIER CITY –                               Nicole Mitchell

                                                            Lauren Shepherd

FRIERSON –                                       Kayle Harrington

KEATCHIE –                                      Hope Fossman

                                   

LOGANSPORT –                                Morgan Barbee

                                                            Carol Canton

                                                            Jack Horn

PLEASANT HILL –                            Reggie Anders

SHREVEPORT –                                Dannisha Jackson

STONEWALL –                                  Alana Bankson                      

 

TEXAS

BEAUMONT –                                   Trevin Sonnier

BECKVILLE –                                    Cassie Griffin

                                                            Kayla Hallman

                                                            Johnathan Hamilton

                                                            Jenna Stewart

BROWNSBORO –                              Hillary Shaffer

BULLARD –                                       Dylan Essman

CARTHAGE –                                    Justin Beason

                                                            Candace Clark

                                                            Raderrius Colbert

                                                            Chandler Cooper

                                                            Caitlin Davis

                                                            Christina Fulsom

                                                            Rokarian Gates

                                                            Dillon Holcomb

                                                            Christopher Johnson

                                                            Stephen Mahaffey

                                                            James Moss

                                                            Paul Rivard

                                                            Kenzi Snider

                                                            Chelsea Stuart

                                                            Penelope Tomlin

                                                            Johnathan Wilson

                                                           

CENTER –                                          Maria Almaguer

                                                            Piper Andrews

                                                            Nakristianna Crawford

                                                            Emily Harding

                                                            Maria Herrera

Brandon Holt

Ruby Johnson

Mary O’Connor

Suzanne Peace

Guadalupe Perez

Britney Vaughn

Stephen Wilburn

CONROE –                                          Delia Rivas

CUSHING –                                        Mark Jackson

                                                            Ray Jackson

                                                            Deryl Pettit

DEBERRY –                                       Kevin Planas

DIANA  -                                            Tyler Lyons

DIKE –                                                Cara Duncan  

ELYSIAN FIELDS –                           Haley Bagley                                     

GARRISON –                                      Jennifer Cools

                                                            Angela Hughes

GARY –                                               Dolar Robinett

HALLSVILLE –                                  Kristyana Birmingham

HEMPHILL –                                      Salve Croskey

                                                            Shirley Mitchell

HENDERSON –                                  Taylor Jimerson

HOUSTON –                                       Michael Donovan

HUNTINGTON –                                Hunter Palmer

JEFFERSON –                                    Terri Rodriguez

                                                            Drew Tidwell

JOAQUIN-                                          Kalita Thompson

                                                            Brookelyn Wildes

                                                            Justin Wilson

KARNACK –                                      Chawnta Lewis

LONGBRANCH –                               Stacy White

LONGVIEW –                                     Mandy Huffman

                                                            Roshunda Lewis

                                                            Claire Sagers

MARSHALL -                                    Rica Jones

                                                            Kara McDowall

                                                            Kathryn Morton

MILAM –                                            Tammy Doiron

MOUNT ENTERPRISE –                   Timmy Beard

                                                            Mackenzie Hannah

NACOGDOCHES –                            Victoria Rios

                                                            Dillon Ward

                                                            Britny Yarbrough

                                                            Racheal Stanley

                                                            James Thorn

                                                            Brittany Whatley

PORT NECHES –                               Stephen Schlett

ROCKWALL –                                   Steven Bain

SAN AUGUSTINE –                           Lindsey Thompson

SHELBYVILLE –                               David Bragg

                                                            Jeffrey Cagle

                                                            Lindsey Dry

SULPHUR SPRINGS –                       Alyssa Burney

TATUM –                                            Lorrie Neal

TIMPSON –                                        Jessica Montoya

                                                            Mary Smith

TYLER –                                             Kourtny Munsinger

VIDOR –                                             Vernnon Maxwell

                                               

WASKOM –                                        Jessica Kindley

WOODLAWN –                                  Cherahn Mitchell

WYLIE –                                             Robert Petty

SERBIA

BELGRADE –                                     Ana Kiso