By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

A 46-year-old West Tawakoni man was killed Friday night in an automobile crash on Rabbit Cove Road in West Tawakoni near Raintree, according to Chief of Police Brandon Kilpatrick.

Kilpatrick said Jerrol Lane Calk was ejected from his pickup after it struck a parked truck and rolled over five times.

According to police reports, a woman had parked her pickup about 20 feet in front of a friend’s car. Kilpatrick said Calk’s pickup missed the car but struck the pickup truck.

“When he struck the vehicle, he struck at an angle to cause his vehicle to become airborne,” Kilpatrick said.

It was believed the pickup did a spiral and began flipping over, he said.

The road was closed during parts of Monday afternoon to allow Kilpatrick and Texas Department of Public Safety officers to take measurements.

Justice of the Peace Wayne Money pronounced Calk dead at the scene at 10:47 p.m.

The West Tawakoni Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the scene including Fire Chief Jeff Felts, Assistant Chief Kevin Willbanks, James Felts, Skully Robinson, Kyle Harrison, William Howell, Brandon Murphy, Mike Fagan, Cody Reynolds and Cody Jordan.

By David Smith

Guest Correspondent

Baily Cruise

The Boles Hornets scored 40 unanswered points to defeat the Corsicana Mildred Eagles 40-26 on Friday, Sept. 19.

The Hornets were led by senior RB Cameron Walker who rushed for 3 touchdowns on carries of 14, 28, and 61 yards including both 4th quarter touchdowns. The Hornets were lead by Senior MLB David Hernandez and Junior DE Baily Cruise On defense.

Mildred received the opening kickoff and Eagle QB Kent Bonner took off around the left side for a 60 yard TD. The extra point was no good putting Mildred up 6-0. Boles had a mishap receiving the kickoff and were downed at the 10 yard line. A few plays later Boles fumbled the ball and it was recovered my Mildred at the Boles 14, but Boles forced a turnover on downs at their own 5 yard line with about 10 minutes to go in the first. After a Boles Punt, Mildred had the ball at the Boles 40.  Mildred scored on a 10 yard TD pass from Bonner with about with about 4 minutes left in the 1st. Bonner carried in the 2 point conversion to put Mildred up 14-0. It would be the only conversion that Mildred would be successful on all night.

On the next Hornet possession, Walker ran around the left side on his way into the end zone from 60 yards out but the TD was called back on a Hornet holding penalty. After the 10 yard penalty Boles was forced to punt, but the long snap sailed over the Boles punter’s head before he recovered it at his own 14 yard line. Mildred after losing some yards on its first play after the turnover on downs scored from 20 yards out on a rush by Bonner, leaving Mildred up 20-0 with less than a minute left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Mildred recovered a Boles Fumble at the Hornet 26 yard line and quickly scored on a scored on a 26 yard strike from Bonner to Eagle WR Dalton Dickerson. Mildred was up 26-0 with about 10 minutes left in the first half. After the next kickoff Boles had the Ball on its 34 and finally put a good drive together before Walker scored his first TD of the night carrying the ball up the middle on a direct snap from 14 yards out. Walker added the 2 point conversion to make the score 26-8 with about 7 minutes left in the first half.

On Mildred’s Next possession, Boles Safety Jacob Cowen intercepted a tipped Bonner pass and returned it 50 yards to the Eagle 20 yard line with about 4 minutes left in the second quarter. On the next play, Walker would take a toss from Hornet QB Josh Monroe and sprint untouched into the endzone before a clipping call on Boles would call the TD run back and put the Hornet Offense 15 yards back. Boles would only make it back to the 27 yard line before turning the ball over on downs with about two minutes to go in the half. Boles then forced Mildred to punt the ball and it was downed at the Eagle 44 with 22 seconds left in the half. Monroe was hit as he attempted a pass and it hung up in the air before an Eagle intercepted it and returned it to the Boles 47 yard line. Mildred decided to kneel the ball with eight seconds left in the half and looked to be in control with a 26-8 halftime lead.

Boles came out for the second half hyped up and Boles RB Nelson Dotson proceeded to return the second half opening kickoff to the Eagle 37 yard line.

The Hornet offense took little time to put the ball in the endzone as Boles RB Tyler Stevens went around the right side for a 11 yard rushing TD with 10 minutes left in the third. Monroe fumbled the ball before scooping up and running in the 2 point conversion to make the score 26-16. After forcing a Mildred punt and mishandling the return, Boles had the Ball on its own 6 yard line with about eight minutes left in the third.  Stevens still hyped from his touchdown run, then weaved in and out of the Eagle defense for a 20 plus yard run to get the hornet offense out of trouble. Boles made it into the redzone with 3 minutes left in the third before Monroe plunged in to the endzone from 1 yard out. Dotson ran around the right side to complete the 2 point conversion and pull Boles within 2 at 26-24 to complete the third quarter scoring.

With the Boles defensive intensity still at a high to start the fourth quarter, the hornet defense again forced a Mildred punt with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Moving from their own 15 the Hornets would quickly drive the ball before scoring the go ahead TD on a 28 yard run by Walker with 7 minutes remaining. It was the first time Boles had led all season. Stevens ran in the 2 point conversion to make the score 32-26 in favor of Boles. Mildred had a chance to tie the game or move ahead but the Boles defense came through forcing a turnover on downs at the their own 30 with less than 5 minutes remaining. The Eagle defense would then force Boles 4th and 1 at their own 39 yard line. After a timeout the Hornets decided to go for it and Walker busted through the left side of the O-line for a 61 yard TD. Monroe completed a pass to FB Avery Christensen to convert the 2 point conversion and put Boles up 40-0 with less than 4 minutes remaining in the game. On Mildred’s last drive they converted a fourth down before turning the ball over to Boles at their own 39 yard line with less than a minute remaining. Boles  kneeled the ball to run out the clock and the game was over.

With the win, Boles improves to 1-3 on the season and will face Blue Ridge next Friday at Quinlan Ford’s Stadium. Blue Ridge dropped to 2-2 with a 36-8 loss to Celeste this Friday. With the damaged Boles scoreboard still not fixed, Boles’ homecoming has been moved from Sept. 26 to Oct. 10 versus Honey Grove.  Mildred falls to 0-3 with the loss.

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

The official Catfish Capitol of Texas – the city of West Tawakoni – is hosting its annual Catfish Festival this week.

“Although there is a small cost to see the circus, the park board along with great sponsors has made it possible for everyone to come out and have a great time for three days with little to no cost,” said Billy Creed, West Tawakoni Park Board President said.

Gus Wolman, owner of Winners Circle Country Music Publishing of Quinlan, said Greenville recording artist Trey Houston would make a guest appearance at the Catfish Festival at 5:30 p.m. today (Friday).

“Trey and his wife Marielena Houston, via Trey Houston Records, are donating 65 percent of gross digital download revenues of his song ‘Living On Empty’ to Hunt County Kids and Lake Area Shared Ministries Food Pantry. They are also donating $1 from the sale of each single song CD,” he said.

Wolman said Sheila Clark and her band would perform from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday and DJ Rodney would crank out hit after hit starting at 11.

The gates open Friday at 5 p.m. featuring a bounce house, large blowup slide and many vendors.

On Saturday gates open at 9 a.m. Entertainment will also include music and vendors will also be open.

The car show will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a CASI-sanctioned chili cook-off at noon.

Field games for adults and children will be held at 2 p.m., and the Redneck Golf Cart Races begin at 3. Creed said, “Bring your golf carts and enter the race.”

The Miss Catfish Festival Pageant is planned for 4:30 p.m.

Catfish weigh-in will be at 6 p.m.

Cotton Creek band will entertain from 7 to 11 p.m. The Catfish Festival Swimsuit Competition (18 and older) will begin at 11 p.m. The late night party will again begin at 11:30 p.m. with music by DJ Rodney.

Creed said sponsors for the event included McKenzie Lake Works, circus and overall event; Aaron’s Rent, men’s fish tournament; Vetcon, women’s fish tournament; Lake Tawakoni Regional Chamber of Commerce, kids fish tournament; Travers Excavating, bounce houses; Monroy’s Mexican Restaurant, bands and stage; O’Reilly’s of Greenville, car show; and J&L Paving, extra prizes and emcee.

Creed said, “We would like to thank all of the sponsors, and invite everyone to the park for some fun before winter sets in on us, and we are forced to stay in. Remember, we are doing this to raise money for upgrades to the park so that our children will have a safe place to go to have fun. We cannot do it without your support. So, for three days this week, come out and help us by supporting your kids and our future kids. A real circus, bands, golf cart races, chili cook-off, fishing tournament for everyone, vendors, and a car show, there is something for everyone. Thanks for your support, and see you out there.”

By David Smith

Guest contributor

#6 Tyler Stevens

The Boles Hornets outscored the Blue Ridge Tigers pulling away for the 58-34 win on Friday, Sept. 26 .

Boles ran for 446 yards and 8 TDs.

The Hornets Senior RB Cameron Walker rushed for 4 touchdowns on carries of 43, 11, 2, and 2 yard and was 1-1 passing for 46 yards. Boles Junior FS Jacob Cowen had an interception and now has two in the last two games.

Blue Ridge Junior QB Ty Agan was 23 of 40 passing for 4 TDs and 2 INTs, and scored on a QB keeper with less than 10 seconds left in the game to pull Blue Ridge within 30 points down. The Tigers Junior WR Brevin Wiggins had 8 receptions for 158 yards and 3 TDs, while leading Blue Ridge on defense with 12 total tackles.

Boles received the opening kickoff and both teams exchanged multiple punts before Hornet RB Nelson Dotson scored on a 65 yard punt return. Boles RB Tyler Stevens ran in the 2 point conversion and Boles was up 8-0 with 4 minutes left in the first. Blue Ridge took very little time to answer as Agan passed for a 14 yard TD and a 2 point conversion to tie the game at 8.

On the first play of the second quarter, Boles RB Tyler Stevens rushed for a TD from 3 yards out.

Boles QB Joshua Monroe converted the 2 point conversion with a pass to WR Bailey Isom to put Boles up 16-8. Blue Ridge again answered rapidly as Agan threw for a 20 yard TD to Wiggins, but Agan was sacked on the 2 point conversion attempt leaving the Hornets up 16-14 with more than 11 minutes left in the third.

Both teams then traded interceptions before Walker scored on a 43 yard rushing touchdown with 4 minutes left in the second to put Boles ahead at 22-14 after the 2 point attempt was unsuccessful. Agan connected on an 18 yard TD pass to Colby Quillin to answer again and pull within two points at 22-20, but the Tigers failed on the 2 point conversion attempt. With less than a minute left in the first half, Walker scored on an 11 yard TD run to give Boles a 28-20 halftime lead.

After forcing a Tiger punt, Boles was stopped by Blue Ridge at the Tigers 1 yard line with 5 minutes remaining in the third after a long drive. After forcing another Tiger punt, Walker plunged into the endzone from 2 yards out with 3 minutes left in the third. Boles TE David Hernandez snared a pass from Monroe for the 2 point conversion to put Boles ahead at 36-20. Shortly afterward, Agan found a wide open Wiggins for a 29 yd TD pass to bring Blue Ridge within 10 at 36-26 to complete the third quarter scoring.

In the fourth quarter, Boles scored 22 straight points to put the game out of reach. On the first play of the quarter Dotson raced around the right side for a 25 yard TD run to put the Hornets up 42-26 after a failed 2 point conversion attempt. Boles then recovered an onside kick before Walker’s jogged into the endzone from 2 yards out behind some great O-line blocking with about 10 minutes left. Boles led 50-26 after RB Avery Christensen ran in the 2 pt conversion. Monroe powered his way in for a 5 yard rushing TD before converting a fake PAT attempt with a reception from Cowen to finish Boles scoring at 58 with about 3:30 minutes left in the game.

With the win Boles improves to 2-3 on the season. The Hornets have a bye this Friday and their next game will be Oct. 10 versus Honey Grove for homecoming. Honey Grove, who had a bye week this past week, improved to 2-2 two weeks ago with a 28-7 win over 2-3 Trenton and will play 2-2 Paris Chisum this Friday, Oct. 3.

Paws in the City’s “Fixin’ to Save” initiative visited Quinlan on Wednesday, Oct. 1, with the help of the Spay Neuter Network and its mobile clinic to provide free spay-neuter surgeries and rabies shots to 45 needy animals in the Quinlan-Tawakoni area.

A spokesperson said the program is having a major impact in the Dallas area to reduce the stray animal population in the city of Dallas by almost 100,000 over the next three years.

The Quinlan-Tawakoni area was able to be a part of this life saving initiative through this same partnership, according to the spokesperson.

“All of north Texas, but especially Hunt County, has the same problem — too few homes for too many dogs and cats. Animals unlucky enough to be born in low income, high stray count zip codes often face lives filled with hunger, fear and abuse that end in early death on the streets or in a high kill county shelter,” a news release states. “Texas Best Choices Animal Rescue (TBC) in Quinlan is rescuing approximately 600 animals every year in our area but stays full and has a waiting list of needy animals due to the high number of abandoned and stray animals in this area. TBC promotes spay and neutering for all companion animals for the betterment of the community at large and to prevent the needless suffering of unwanted animals.”

Paws in the City states the potential offspring of unsterilized dogs and cats is exponential.

“An unspayed dog, her mate and their unsterilized puppies can produce 16 puppies in one year, 128 in two years, 512 in three years, 2,048 in four years and 12,288 in five years,” the news release states. “An un-spayed cat, her mate and their kittens can produce 12 kittens in one year, 67 in two years, 376 in three years, 2,107 in four years and 11,801 in five years.”

The impact of sterilization surgeries made possible by Fixin’ to Save is also exponential.

“In 2014 in the Dallas area, they will prevent 2,800 births, which would grow to 415,500 births in year 2017 if the animals were left unspayed or neutered. In Quinlan, the one-time Oct. 1 clinic will prevent 560 births of puppies and 120 births of kittens in 2014 alone,” the group states.

Quinlan Ford volleyball serves up win at Anna

Lady Panthers take three-game match over Lady Coyotes

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

Quinlan Ford varsity Lady Panthers served up a perfect volleyball game Friday at Anna.

Coach Corey Jenkins’ Lady Panthers won the three-game match 25-14, 25-18 and 25-20.

Marianna Walls led the team with 12 kills, 13 aces and five assists.

Jessica Susanaga had five kills, nine aces, two assists and one dig.

Breo Clough had three kills, 14 aces and one assist.

Adyela Ayala had three kills, nine aces and two assists.

Jenna Ackenback had two kills, nine aces and one assist.

Shae Rutter had two kills, 10 aces and one assist.

Janey Ford had four aces; and Cheyenne Burden, Brittney Cruse and Ashley Friedrichs had one ace apiece.

The Lady Panthers were scheduled to be in Bonham on Tuesday. Games were scheduled for ninth and junior varsity and varsity at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.

They are to travel to Princeton tonight (Friday) for games at 4:30 and 6 p.m.

Quinlan Ford is scheduled to host Community Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 5 and 6 p.m.

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

The late Bobby J. Aldridge who will be inducted this week into the Quinlan Independent School District Hall of Fame is one of Quinlan’s own.

He grew up in Quinlan, was educated in Quinlan and spent the first 15 years of his career in Quinlan schools.

Aldridge was born Feb. 1, 1940. He attended Quinlan schools from 1945 to May 1958 when he graduated. He was a four-year letterman in basketball and tennis and achieved All District recognition in basketball. He won the UIL Debate Award and the Balfour Award in 1958.

He continued his education directly out of high school at Cook County Junior College where he received his Associate of Arts degree in 1960, followed by a Bachelor Science degree in 1966 from East Texas State University at Commerce as well as Master of Education degree in 1972 and Administrative Certification and Doctoral Program in 1975.

Aldridge went to work in Quinlan ISD in 1960. While here, he was a math teacher and coach. He was head coach and athletic director when he accepted the superintendent’s job for Bland ISD in 1975.

After four years at the helm of Bland ISD, he accepted the superintendent’s position at Princeton ISD in 1979 where he remained for 13 years. In 1992, he was named superintendent of Texarkana, Ark., schools where he remained until 1997.

Aldridge was an active volunteer and participant in community affairs. He joined the Texas National Guard in May 1959 where he served until June 1967. He was a Fort Polk graduate and achieved the rank of Sergeant E-6 and Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserve.

He was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at the First Baptist Church of Princeton

Aldridge served on the Educational Advisory Committee for the Second Senatorial District of Texas. He was director and vice president of the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Princeton Lions Club and was Masonic Lodge Master and a 32nd Degree Mason at Quinlan. He was chairman of Region 10 of Texas Association of School Administrators and was a Texas Association of School Boards Superintendent of the Year nominee in 1986.

Aldridge’s many achievements were recognized in the communities he served. He was given special service recognition by the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, was an honorary life member of the Arkansas Congress of Parents and Teacher Association and was given special recognition for Dedication to Service by the Texas Association of School Boards.

The Fairview Elementary School in the Texarkana ISD has created and named their learning center, “Bobby Aldridge Environmental Learning Center.”

In his nomination for the Hall of Fame, it was stated, “Bobby was not only an active member of the Quinlan community, but also served as the math teacher, coach, athletic director from 1960 to 1975. During this period, not only did the community of Quinlan experience growth, but so did the district. Bobby was instrumental in working with Supt. W.H. Ford Jr. and the board of trustees to build a plan for the future of Quinlan ISD.

“With that said, those items are only physical contributions. Bobby was dedicated to providing every child an opportunity to succeed in life. He understood that a child needed someone or something in their life that offered support and encouragement. He stood as a leader for his administrators and teachers as they continue today to face the many challenges to provide quality education and support for every child. His attitude and forethought touched many Quinlan ISD students and faculty during his tenure. There are countless numbers of Quinlan alumni that sought and received counsel and guidance from Bobby Aldridge.”

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

The Quinlan Ford Panthers lost Friday night’s varsity football game to the Princeton Panthers 49-17.

Princeton scored first on an 8-yard run. The extra point was good.

Head football Coach Todd Wallace said, “I thought kids played hard Friday and we did some good things. Other than the opening kickoff, we cut down on our turnovers, and we had five long drives against a really good football team. We finished with well over 300 yards rushing. Unfortunately, we did not score once inside their 10-yard line and missed a short field goal as well. Defensively, we simply could not cover their receivers. They ran good routes, and the QB was very accurate. We have to try to prevent giving up so many big plays. We are going to keep working hard each week to get better. That is all I know to do.”

Brandon Melton took the ball into the endzone for Quinlan on a 2-yard TD run. The PAT was good to tie the score at 7-7.

Princeton added a second first-quarter score with on a 17-yard TD run. The kick was good. The score was 14-7 at the end of the first period.

Melvin Benitez scored a field goal for three Quinlan Ford points in the second quarter.

Princeton added two TDs to their score on TD passes of 40 and 43 yards. Both extra points were good. The first half ended with a score of 28-10.

Third-quarter scoring was all Princeton, again in the air with two TD passes of 47 and 24 yards. The PATs were good. The score at the end of three was 42-10.

Both teams added a touchdown in the fourth. Princeton ran the ball in 7 yards. The kick was good.

Zach Claire scored on a 3-yard TD run for Quinlan. The kick was good. The final score was 49-17.

Quinlan Ford picked up 324 rushing yards and 8 passing. The team had 57 carries for an average of 5.7 with the longest at 33 yards.

Johnny Solis led rushing with 85 yards on 15 carries for a 5.7-yard average, the longest at 20 yards. Solis had a kickoff return for 17 yards.

Dillon Norris carried four times for 53 yards, averaging 13.3 yards per carry, and had a long run of 33 yards.

Roman Aguillon picked up 48 yards on six carries for an 8-yard average and long run of 22 yards.

Trevor Stanford had 47 yards on four carries for an 11.8-yard average. His long distance was 20 yards.

James West carried 17 times for 34 yards rushing to average 2 yards per run. His longest was 9 yards. West also picked up 8 yards passing on one attempt in the air.

Claire carried seven times for 32 yards, an average of 4.6 yards. His longest was for 11 yards. Claire scored a touchdown. Claire also connected on one pass for 8 yards. He made a kickoff return of 30 yards.

Melton carried the ball four times for 25 total yards, an average of 6.3 yards. His longest was 19 yards. Melton scored a touchdown.

In the offensive pancake blocks column, Tyler Hobbs had five; Dalton Rath, three; Melton and Dakotah, two apiece; and Taner Renfro, Jansen Smith and Kevin Stanley, one each.

On defense, Stanford had two tackles and three assists; Sean Pobst, two solo tackles and two assists; Nick Guynes and Solis, two apiece; Melton and Renfro each had one solo tackle and four assists; Norris, one tackle and one assist; and Kevin Landeverde, Logan Lane and Justin Parker, one apiece. Roble Acosta made a tackle for loss of one yard.

Renfro recovered a fumble for 20 yards. Norris and Parker each had a pass defended. Lane was credited with causing a fumble.

Benitez kicked off four times for 95 yards, his longest 30 yards. He kicked the PAT twice and scored a field goal for five total points.

The Panthers will be at North Lamar High School tonight (Friday) to play another Panther team. Game time is 7:30.

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

Life jackets and technology may have averted what could have been a tragic incident late Thursday night when a boat overturned at Lake Tawakoni.

Three fishermen were rescued from the water a short time before midnight after their boat began taking on water and overturned.

They were all wearing life jackets and were able to call for help.

Doug McQuitty of Amarillo and other family members were fishing about three-quarters of a mile north of the Two-Mile Bridge when the boat took on too much water.

West Tawakoni fire department first responders Chief Jeff Felts, Skully Robinson, James Felts, Cody Jordan, Cody Reynolds and Troy Pruitt responded and were ready to launch a rescue boat.

However, McQuitty also was able to call his brother, Dean McQuitty of Shawnee, Okla., who was staying at Anchor Inn Marina. He took his boat and picked up the stranded members of his family.

Robinson was onshore and maintained contact with the men in the water until help arrived. They used a flashlight and signaled from their location, which could be seen from the shore.

AMR ambulance personnel and West Tawakoni Police Sgt. Adam Dominguez also responded.

They disembarked at the west end of the Two-Mile Bridge where they declined medical treatment and gave details for the fire department report.

Dean McQuitty said the family visited Lake Tawakoni about four times a year for fishing.

When asked if they had had any luck fishing before the accident, Doug McQuitty said they had caught a lot of fish, “The live well was full.”

By David Smith

Guest Correspondent

#23 Cameron Walker

The Boles Hornets outscored the Como-Pickton Eagles 20-0 in the first quarter on their way to a 34-0 win in a shortened game this past Friday.

The game was called at 10:31 left in the third quarter due to a power outage at Eagles Stadium.

Boles Senior RB/QB Cameron Walker led the team with 251 yards rushing on nine carries and four Touchdowns (53, 48, 58, and 50 yards). Junior DE Baily Cruise was a standout on defense with a fumble recovery and four tackles for loss including a sack.

Boles started the second half with the ball at their own 42 after receiving the opening kickoff and faced a fourth and 2 after three runs for only 8 yards. On fourth down, Walker took a toss to the left and broke two tackles in the backfield before cutting back to the right and diving in for a touchdown near the right pylon.

Boles QB Joshua Monroe was not successful rushing for the two- point conversion attempt leaving Boles up 34-0 with 10:31 left in the third quarter.

Right afterward the power to all of Como-Pickton ISD started having difficulties and the game had to be called. On Saturday, there was talk of finishing the game but both teams decided to call it a final.

Como-Pickton received the kickoff to start the game and was forced to punt after three plays, including a 5-yard loss on a tackle in the backfield by Cruise on first down.

After the punt, Boles had the ball at their own 46 and Boles RB Avery Christensen got the offense going with a 14 yard to the Eagles 40 on first down. Boles then got a 15-yard penalty on third and 8 setting up a third and 23. On the next play, Walker, who was at QB in the shotgun formation, dropped back to pass before scrambling around the left tackle on his way to a 53-yard touchdown run.

Boles RB Tyler Stevens was tackled short of the goal line on the two-point conversion attempt leaving Boles up 6-0.

On theensuing kickoff, Cruise recovered an Eagle fumble at Como-Pickton 23 yard line setting up the Hornet offense with great field position. It took Boles only two plays to find pay dirt as Boles RB Stephan Riley ran around the left side untouched for a 9-yard touchdown run after Stevens rushed for a 14-yard gain.

Monroe’s pass was too high on the two-point conversion attempt leaving Boles up 12-0 just minutes into the game.

On the Eagles next drive, Cruise had a sack and the Hornet defense forced an Eagle punt after a three and out. After the Eagle’s punt was downed at the Boles 32 yard line, Boles took only three plays to score. After 11- and 9-yard runs by Walker and Stevens, respectively, Walker ran around the left side for 48 yards on a planned quarterback keeper from the shotgun formation. Boles was up 18-0.  The score was 20-0 midway through the first quarter, after Christensen’s run for the two-point conversion was successful.

The Eagles passed for their initial first down of the game on their next drive on a 10-yard completion but the Hornet defense – including Cruise who had twp tackles for loss on the drive –  stepped up and forced a punt.

Boles had the ball at their own 26 after the punt, but gave the ball back to the Eagles when a Monroe pass was picked off and returned to the Boles 32 before Boles TE/MLB David Hernandez brought down the Eagle defender from behind.

On the ensuing drive the Eagles passed for another first down to move into the red zone before a losing 20 yards on a snap over the quarterbacks head and turning the ball over on downs at the Boles 32.

On the Hornet’s following drive, Stevens rushed for a 10-yard gain before Walker scored again on a 58-yard run, untouched, down the left sideline. Riley was successful running for the two-point conversion to put Boles ahead 28-0 with 9:16 left in the second quarter.

Boles recovered another Como-Pickton turnover when Hernandez recovered a fumble caused by Boles LB Chance Hurley at the Eagles 39 yard line on the Ensuing kickoff.

Monroe had runs of 15 and 12 yards after the fumble recovery to move Boles into the red zone. Then Monroe threw a jump ball to Boles WR Bailey Isom in the end zone but was intercepted by Como-Pickton CB Dantae Hall.

Como-Pickton put together their best drive of the game on the following possession converting a fake punt attempt and running for two more first downs before turning the ball over on downs at the Boles 20 yard line.

After the turnover on downs, Stevens had a 20-yard run to the Boles 47, before Walker had a 33-yard run to the Eagle 20 as time ran out in the half leaving Boles up 28-0 at halftime.

Boles had 379 yards rushing on 24 carries as a team. Stevens had 73 yards on nine carries. Monroe had 27 yards on two carries, but was 0-3 passing with two interceptions.

On defense Boles recovered two fumbles and forced two turnovers on downs.

With the win Boles improves to 4-3 on the season and will face 5-2 Wolfe City Friday at Kevin Kiper Stadium. The winner will gain control of the district race at 3-0. Wolfe City won 34-22 last week against 1-6 Clarksville.

With the loss, Como-Pickton falls to 1-6 on the season and will travel to Honey Grove to face the 2-5 Warriors Friday. Honey Grove lost 39-15 last week in a district game against 1-6 Rivercrest.

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

Former West Tawakoni City Councilwoman Laura Denise Bailey Beckett has pled guilty to one count of failure to stop at an accident causing serious bodily injury or death, Hunt County District Attorney Noble D. Walker Jr. said Monday in a prepared news release.

A trial was scheduled to have begun Monday in Hunt County 354th District Court.

Walker said Beckett waived her right to a jury trial. A sentencing hearing will be held Dec. 4 in the 354th District Court following the completion of a presentence investigation report.

“The defendant chose to plead guilty with no agreement as to her punishment,” Walker said. “She can receive any punishment from a probated sentence to 10 years in prison.  Although we were prepared to prove our case to either the judge or a jury, the defendant has now admitted her guilt.  We will now focus our efforts on presenting evidence at the sentencing hearing.”

Walker added that even though the state would dismiss another count of tampering with physical evidence against the defendant, the judge would take that charge into consideration in deciding the punishment of the defendant.

West Tawakoni Councilwoman Beckett was arrested in February by the West Tawakoni Police Department on two sealed indictments issued by a Hunt County grand jury.

West Tawakoni Chief of Police Brandon Kilpatrick said Beckett was arrested in West Tawakoni without incident and was taken to the Hunt County jail.

She resigned from her Place 2 position on the council.

Beckett was indicted by the grand jury on charges of accident involving serious bodily injury-death and tampering with physical evidence.

The indictment by the grand jury on the accident involving SBI-death charge states Beckett on or about March 17, 2013, “did then and there intentionally or knowingly drive a vehicle that became involved in an accident resulting in death to Jackie Lynn Blaylock, and the said defendant did thereafter, knowing said accident had occurred, intentionally or knowingly leave the scene of said accident, without giving her name, address, registration number of the vehicle of the defendant, or the name of the defendant’s motor vehicle liability insurer to any person, and without rendering reasonable assistance to Jackie Lynn Blaylock when it was then apparent that Jackie Lynn Blaylock was in need of medical treatment…”

The indictment on the tampering with physical evidence charge claims Beckett on or about March 18, 2013, “did then and there, knowing that an investigation was pending and-or in progress, to wit: an investigation into the death of Jackie Lynn Blaylock, intentionally or knowingly alter, destroy and-or conceal evidence of a crime, namely: 2003 Chevy Suburban, with intent to impair its availability as evidence in the investigation…”

The case was transferred from the 196th District Court to the 354th District Court of Judge Richard A. Beacom.

The 38-year-old Blaylock was found by a West Tawakoni Police officer at the intersection of State Highway 276 and Waterline Road early Sunday morning, March 17, 2013.

At the time of the accident, Kilpatrick said Officer Barbara Peacock was patrolling when she observed a pair of shoes lying in the roadway. “Officer Peacock turned her vehicle around and investigated and observed a female in the roadway,” he said.

After further investigation, she found a vehicle had struck the woman.

“When Officer Peacock approached, she noticed she had injuries and notified AMR Ambulance,” the police chief said. “When AMR arrived, they determined the female was deceased.”

The district attorney praised the West Tawakoni Police Department and Texas Ranger Laura Simmons for their investigation in this case.

“We appreciate the hard work that both the West Tawakoni Police Department and Ranger Simmons put into this case,” he said. “The work they performed very likely influenced the defendant’s decision to admit her guilt without the necessity of a trial.”

By David Smith

Guest Correspondent

#23 Cameron Walker

In a game that likely decided the district championship, the Boles Hornets defeated the Wolfe City Wolves 36-34 in overtime Friday.

Both defenses were stout in the first half leaving the game tied at 8-8 before both teams scored three touchdowns apiece in the second half, leaving the game was tied at 28-28 at the end of regulation.

Boles got the ball first in OT and scored, converting the two-point conversion. Wolfe City then answered that score with one of their own, but wasn’t successful on their two-point attempt, giving Boles the win.

Boles running back Cameron Walker ran for 246 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries, while going 2-2 passing for 23 yards and one TD. Wolfe City QB Brandon Fisk went 12-20 passing for 187 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, while rushing for 145 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries.

Boles defensive end Baily Cruise caused havoc in the Wolves’ backfield all night.

In overtime, Boles was faced with second and 15 from the 30 after a 10-yard holding penalty, but Boles running back Avery Christensen converted a first down after two carries. Boles was next faced with fourth and 7 from the 11-yard line and Walker completed a 7-yard pass to Boles Joshua Monroe who carried a pack of Wolves for the last three yards.

After a chain measurement, Boles was given a first down by inches. Then, on third and goal from the 1, Monroe drove into the endzone on a quarterback sneak to put Boles up 34-28. Christensen dove into the endzone converted the ensuing two-point conversion to put Boles up 36-28 with Wolfe City’s possession to follow.

On Wolfe City’s possession, Fisk had a good run to set up Wolves with first and goal from the 1. A bad snap for a 15-yard loss left the Wolves with a third and goal from the 16.

On the ensuing play, Fisk scrambled to the right sideline and back to the left before hitting Wesley McCrary on a 16-yard touchdown pass. Fisk’s pass attempt to convert the two-point conversion and tie the game to send it into a second overtime, went off the Wolf receiver’s fingertips, falling incomplete.

Game over.

To start the game, Boles received the opening kickoff and both teams traded punts.

Then Wolfe City drove deep into Boles territory until Hornets corner back Audis Burton recovered a Wolves fumble at the Boles 24 yard line with 3:11 left in the first quarter. On fourth and 1 from the 47, Monroe ran a sneak for three yards to the 50. Then just 30 seconds into the second quarter, Walker took a toss to the left and ran through a gaping hole untouched for a 40-yard touchdown.

Christensen ran in the two-point conversion to put Boles up 8-0.

On Wolfe City’s following drive, after a long run, Boles free safety Stephan Riley caught McCrary from behind at the Hornets 16. On the next play Fisk found tight end Colton Quirl in the endzone for a 16-yard touchdown pass. Fisk ran in the two-point conversion to tie the game at 8 with 9:41 left in the second.

Boles drove into Wolfe City territory on their second possession of the second quarter before facing a fourth and 3 from the 40.

Monroe pushed his way to the 37, but came up just short of the line. This forced a turnover on downs with 6:14 left in the second. Both teams traded punts before Boles safety Jayce Gibson intercepted a Fisk pass and returned it to the Boles 40 yard line with 57 seconds left in the half. Wolfe City corner back and wide receiver Hunter Bostick then intercepted a Monroe pass and returned it to the Wolves 49 yard line as time ran out for the half.

Wolfe City received the second half kickoff and Fisk found Bostick on a 35-yard touchdown pass putting Wolfe City up 14-8 just a minute and a half into the third.

Fisk’s pass on the conversion attempt fell incomplete.

Boles answered very quickly as Walker burst though for a 74-yard touchdown run behind left tackle to tie the game at 14-14 with 30 seconds later. Walker’s run to convert the two-point conversion was not successful.

Wolfe City answered with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Fisk to Wolves wide receiver Dalton Blassingame set up by a 47-yard run by Bostick to the 16. Fisk’s pass again fell incomplete on the conversion leaving the Wolves up 20-14 with 7:12 left in the third.

The Hornets were forced to punt on the following possession, but then forced a Wolfe City turnover on downs at the Boles 32 with 3:54 left in the quarter.

Boles had the ball for nearly seven and half minutes before Walker punched it in from the 1 with 8:35 left in the fourth. During the drive, the Hornets overcame a fourth and 4 with 17 seconds left in the third and Walker had a 28-yard run to the 15 a minute into the fourth.

The Hornets were successful on the two-point conversion to put Boles ahead at 22-20.

Then on the Wolves next possession, they converted a second and 34 on the following drive before Fisk ran it in from 7 yards out. Fisk ran in the conversion putting the Wolves up 28-22 with 5:39 left.

Boles started their last drive of fourth from their own 36 and made it to the Wolves 30 yard line with 4:53 left behind a 20-yard run by Christensen.

Boles had a first and goal from the 10 with 3:31 left and called a timeout with 2:24 left after a Walker run to 1 on second and goal. Boles then had a false start penalty after the timeout to move the ball back to the 6.

The Hornets scored on the next play but it was called back on a holding penalty.

On third and goal from the 16, Walker took a toss to the right before stopping and throwing back across the field to Boles wide receiver Bailey Isom who caught the ball in the left corner of the endzone for a touchdown to tie the game at 28-28 with 2:09 left.

Boles could have moved ahead on the two-point conversion but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Wolfe City had the ball at their own 28 with 2:05 left, but could not advance enough and decide to run out the clock to end regulation and force overtime play.

“These were two evenly-matched teams and because of games like, this is why you coach,” said Boles head coach Brad Peirson. “In overtime, I didn’t think that they could stop us and I thought we might stop them one time. Thank God we pulled it off.”

Both teams are now 5-3 for the season with Boles 3-0 in district and Wolfe City 2-1.

Boles travels to Bogata to face the 1-7 (1-2) Rivercrest Rebels tonight (Friday.) The Rebels are trying to keep their playoff chances alive after losing 27-16 to Clarksville last week. A Hornet win secures a playoff berth for Boles and knocks the Rebels out.

Wolfe City will host a 2-6 (1-2) Como-Pickton team. Como-Pickton is coming off a 20-19 win over Honey Grove.

By David Smith

Guest Correspondent

#23 Cameron Walker

The Boles Hornets kept the Bogota Rivercrest Rebels scoreless in route to their sixth straight win, 27-0, on Halloween last Friday.

Boles running back/linebacker Cameron Walker had an 82-yard touchdown run along with a 79-yard fumble return touchdown to lead Boles. The Boles defense also had a punt return touchdown, an interception and forced four turnovers on downs.

Rivercrest attempted an onside kick to start the game but the ball was caught and downed by Boles middle line back/tight end David Hernandez at the Boles 46. Walker mishandled the snap on Boles first play from scrimmage and it was recovered by a Rebel at the Boles 43.

The Rebels drove into the redzone before turning the ball over on downs on an incomplete pass on fourth and 8 from the Boles 16.

On Boles second possession, Walker took a toss around the right side for an 82-yard touchdown run on third and 8. Hernandez’s kick on the extra point attempt was good putting Boles up 7-0 with 7:22 left in the first.

Rivercrest started their second possession at their own 37 and made it the Boles 39 yard line on a defensive pass interference penalty. The Rebels then drove all the way down to the four-yard line before the Boles defense forced a second turnover on downs. Boles was then faced with fourth and inches from their own 14 and Walker raced down the right sideline 86 yards into the endzone.

An illegal motion penalty brought the touchdown back and forced Boles to punt. The Rebels returned the punt to the Boles 30 yard line to end the first quarter. Rivercrest then had a bad snap on their punt attempt and turned the ball over on downs for the 3rd time at the Boles 48 yard line.

On Boles’ first possession of the second quarter, Walker had an 18-yard run to the Rebels 32 yard line before the Hornet offense turned the ball over on downs at their own 49 after a mishandled punt attempt. Boles safety Jayce Gibson then intercepted a Rebel pass at the Boles 20 yard line after a deflection by Boles cornerback Bailey Isom.

Boles drove into the redzone before Walker had a 29-yard touchdown called back. Then, Boles quarterback Joshua Monroe’s pass was incomplete on fourth and 18 from the Rebel 30 for a turnover on downs. The Rebels had a long run to the Boles 35 before being forced to punt.

Boles corner/running back Stephan Riley then returned the punt 82 yards for a touchdown. The Rebels punted away from Riley the rest of the game.

Boles running back Tyler Stevens caught a pass from Monroe to convert the two-point conversion and put Boles ahead at 15-0 late in the second. Hernandez’s onside kick attempt didn’t go 10 yards, setting up the Rebels with good field position at the Boles 46. Rivercrest made it to the Boles 28 before the first half ended.

Rivercrest received the second half kickoff and was downed at its own 35. The Hornet defense forced the Rebels to punt. Boles had the ball on its own 44 after the Rebel punt sailed out of bounds.

The Hornets drove into the redzone before Stevens sprinted around the right side for a 10-yard touchdown. The Hornets were unable to get the hold down on the point-after attempt leaving Boles up 21-0 early in the third.

The Rebels were downed at their own 14 yard line after a deep kickoff to the 1 by Hernandez. The Rebels then went on a long drive, setting up first and goal from the 10 before the Boles defense raised their intensity and forced fourth and goal from the 9.

On the ensuing play the Rebels fumbled the handoff on a reverse and after the ball bounced around, Walker scooped it up at the Boles 21 and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown. Hernandez’s kick on the point-after attempt sailed wide right leaving Boles up 27-0 with 10:10 left.

Boles forced Rivercrest to punt on their third possession of the second half. On Boles ensuing possession, Walker had a run to the Rebel 35 yard line, before Riley lost a fumble at the 31. The Rebels then completed a pass to the Boles 39, before the Hornet defense forced their fourth turnover on downs at the Boles 37. Walker had a run to the Rivercrest 43 before Monroe took a knee to end the game at the Rivercrest 32.

Boles improves to 6-3 on the season and 4-0 in district while Rivercrest falls to 1-8 and 1-3 in district. Boles clinched a playoff berth and at least a share of the district championship with the win while knocking Rivercrest out.

Boles will face the Clarksville Tigers today (Friday. Nov. 7). Clarksville, who is coming off a 56-0 win over Honey Grove, is 3-6 overall and is tied with Wolfe City for second place in district at 3-1.

A Hornet win gives Boles the district crown outright while a loss will most likely force a three-way tie for first between Boles, Wolfe City and Clarksville.

Clarksville beat Rivercrest 27-16 but lost 34-22 to Wolfe City, while Boles beat the Wolves 36-34 in overtime.

Expanded Save Mart Pharmacy building proposed at former location

  By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

The Quinlan Economic Development Corporation heard a request Monday night for a grant and loan package for construction of a pharmacy.

Longtime Quinlan pharmacist Craig Waters presented the proposal for an expanded version of Save Mart Pharmacy at the original pharmacy location and potential new site at the intersection of Hwy. 34 and Hwy. 276.

The business is temporarily located at 741 E. Quinlan Pkwy.

Waters asked for a $250,000 grant “to offset the building costs associated with the project outlined in this plan. Additionally, Save Mart Pharmacy would ask that consideration be given by the city of Quinlan to also provide Save Mart Pharmacy with a $150,000 low-interest loan that will assist with the building development.”

The company owners include Waters, Gary Daley and Starkey Smith. Smith also owns the land where the construction is proposed. The Smith family owned and operated a supermarket, Save Mart, there beginning in the 1970s.

Waters said Starkey Smith retained ownership of the one-acre corner site proposed for the pharmacy but sold the remaining Save Mart location and remainder of the building.

A request for grant assistance from the new owners for development of a new retail center was also made recently to the QEDC. The proposal included letters of intent to locate Beall’s and Hibbet Sports in the center.

“Craig and his team have already spent considerable time evaluating the Quinlan market to determine the optimum location that would best serve the citizens of Quinlan,” the plan presented by Waters states. “We are proposing a 3,500 square-foot building with drive-through service.”

The anticipated construction start date of the new pharmacy is Dec. 1. The completion target and grand reopening of Save Mart Pharmacy is August 2015.

“While large pharmacy chains attempt to serve the basic prescription needs of our community, Save Mart Pharmacy can also meet these basic prescription needs as well as the many specialized needs of our Quinlan residents and our citizens in nursing homes, group homes, personal care centers and school systems,” the proposal states.

“Our customized approach to patient care is what today’s physicians demand and deserve. It is the unique approach of Save Mart Pharmacy and the flexibility of our delivery model that is so important to retaining quality healthcare providers in Quinlan, both now and into the future.”

No action was taken on the request or on the one previously presented.

Other business

QEDC projects currently underway and under discussion were discussed by members.

One of the projects is a joint venture with Quinlan Independent School District and the city of Quinlan for development of a community park.

Member Tommy Underwood said survey work had been completed on the park and said the school board was expected to discuss it at its meeting next week.

A city welcome sign is in the works for Quinlan.

Member Jacky Goleman showed a picture of a welcome sign in Terrell on SH 80 and suggested one similar might be suitable for Quinlan. The QEDC has discussed locating the sign at the southwest corner of the SH 276 and SH 34 intersection across from the former cotton gin.

A grant from the Texas Department of Transportation was recently approved for landscaping that could be utilized for the sign.

A proposal for an industrial park presented at last month’s meeting was again discussed.

Goleman commented the QEDC already had two projects underway including one for waterlines in Last Frontier and one for the community park. He said the waterlines would cost about $300,000, and the group had contributed $250,000 toward the park. He questioned whether the QEDC would have funds for the industrial park left out of its $1.3 million in the bank.

Member Carol Petty said the cost would not be getting any cheaper.

Goleman said the project would also require expenditures for roads and sewer to the location as well as other improvements.

City Administrator John Adel suggested one alternative would be to request a short-term option from the seller “to give you guys time to consider.”

Member Charlie Thompson asked if the property was the best location.

Petty said it was probably the cheapest available at this time.

Thompson reviewed his earlier suggestion that bylaw changes be made to allow appointments to the QEDC board from an area outside the city limits. He said he felt it would be advantageous to the city to allow such appointments.

Goleman asked that members be provided with state law regarding the proposal.

President Richard Whitehead presided.

All members of the board were present except Carolyn Strickland.

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

The Quinlan Ford Panthers ended the season Friday with a 29-20 loss to Pittsburg.

Panther scoring came on two touchdown runs by Johnny Solis and one by James West. Melvin Benitez was two for two on PAT kicks.

James West carried seven times to pick up 58 rushing yards and completed five of nine attempts in the air for 61 yards. West’s longest run was for 19 yards, and his longest pass was 18.

Solis carried the ball 10 times to gain 86 yards. His longest run was for 33 yards.

Roman Aguillon had 43 yards rushing on 10 carries. His longest was for 18 yards.

Logan Lane connected on three passes for 32 yards. His longest was for 12 yards.

Trevor Stanford connected on a pass to pick up 29 yards receiving and carried the ball seven times for two yards rushing. His longest pass caught was 28 yards.

Blaine Burch carried five times for 22 total yards.

Justin Parker had 22 yards rushing on seven carries.

Brandon Melton had two carries for 14 yards; and Zach Claire, one carry, 6 yards.

On defense, Taner Renfro made four solo tackles and five assists; Solis, three tackles, two assists; Stanford and Brandon Melton, two tackles and four assists apiece; Melton also caused a fumble; Stanford also had a pass defended; Lane, two tackles, two assists and caused a fumble; Blaine and Calvin Olsen, one tackle, five assists each; Parker, one tackle, one assist; Benitez, one tackle; Roble Acosta, four assists; Gavin Ellis, three assists; Kolby Wall, two assists; and Kevin Landeverde, one assist.

Coach Todd Wallace said, “I thought the guys might have played their best game of the year Friday night. Pittsburg was big and physical and fast, but our guys fought hard throughout the game. We put ourselves in position to have a chance to tie the game and just could not make the play or two when we needed to. Despite not having success on the scoreboard, this group is winners. They played as hard as possible every week and never gave up. They kept coming back each week and I thought they got better as the year progressed.”

Wallace had a message for his players, “To the seniors, I would like to say a special thank you, and I know they will be successful because of things they have learned in football. To the rest of our young team, the future is bright, but it is time to go to work in the off-season.”

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

A Quinlan mom and dad wage a battle for time every day for their 12-year-old son. The fight is in its eighth year for Misty and Michael Russell.

Twelve-year-old Andrew was diagnosed in Sept. 2006 with a rare form of brain cancer, ependymoma.

“It’s obviously stressful,” Misty said, even between wife and husband.

A friend, Tracy Nowlin Hawkins, describes the ordeal this way on a website fund to help the Russells with mounting medical bills, “I know we all have stresses in our lives that sometimes seem unbearable to overcome.  Health issues (kids getting sick, missing work from the common cold, flu season), financial burdens (past due bills, cars in the shop and the cost of living steadily rising without our pay increasing to match).  But imagine going through all the everyday hardships of life when you have a sick child; and not just the ordinary sick, the ‘C’ word sick. My dear sweet friends, The Russells, are experiencing just that.”

The fund web address is www.gofundme.com/h937no.

Misty said the couple decided to homeschool Russell this year after issues developed at school. That meant she lost her job. Now, although she has a job at the Point Post Office, it is only parttime.

“I can deal with everything except the bills,” she said. Misty said it was always stressful when she had two car payments, and when two months behind, she had to deal with making sure one of them was paid.

“The hardest part of the struggle is juggling bills and trying to make memories for Andrew by taking him all the places he wants to go,” she said. “With a grim prognosis were not sure how long we will have him and want to make sure we make memories. Not only for him, but for us.”

Both Michael and Misty graduated from W.H. Ford High School.

Hawkins states in her plea for help for the Russells, “Only their closest family and friends know their struggle and their financial situation.  Michael and Misty Russell are so humble and modest that the thought of asking for help would be devastating.  That is why they do not have too. I will do it for them.”

Andrew has his hard days “but for the most part, he is pretty upbeat and positive,” his mom said.

“He loves any super heroes,” she said of his passion. The Russells are trying to get free tickets to a super hero event in early 2015.

He loves video games and anything electronic like laptops as well as being a part of Quinlan Boy Scout Troop 392 activities. Andrew does not have to fight off siblings for the controls as he is an only child as are both Misty and Michael.

Andrew is able to participate in most activities, although Misty said he has chronic pain and high blood pressure, making it hard for him as he gets out of breath.

Misty said they had been lucky with Andrew’s immune system even though he is in his 18th chemo treatment, and with the use of a wheel chair, were even able to take him to Disney World over the summer.

The family is getting ready for the holidays. Thanksgiving will be across the street at the home of Misty’s mother.

The want list for Christmas? “Our biggest wish is for a cure,” Misty said.

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

Texas State Rep. Dan Flynn previewed issues for the 84th Texas Legislature Monday at a town hall meeting here.

“I didn’t come here with a big agenda. I came to listen to you,” Flynn told the assembly of about 25 people at Boles Home. Flynn had had engagements earlier in the day at the Sulphur Springs hospital and Paris Junior College.

“The new session will be a little different deal than the last couple of sessions,” he said and explained the session would seat between eight and 10 brand new senators.

He said he did not recall that kind of change although it was commonplace to have 50 new House members at each new session.

“It can have a very different effect,” he said and noted the state would also have a new governor.

Flynn said 2003 was the first time control of the House changed in 130 years.

“The decisions made in the 2003 session hurt everybody,” he quipped. “The changes set in motion a great pattern that did us well.”

The representative said the state faced some real challenges. He emphasized the way to deal with financial issues was “being responsible in what you spend the same way as in a family.”

Flynn said the first issue facing g the legislature was border control, immigration. He noted that both he and his chief of staff, David Erinakes, serve in the Texas State Guard. He said he had visited the border so many times, he could not remember how many.

“The border is a criminal area,” he warned. “Seventy percent of those crossing are other than Mexican.” He said they came from the Middle East and other countries.

“They are not coming looking for jobs,” he said. “They are coming to kill us. That’s a serious problem.”

He said youths were used to bring drugs across the border, and then they were abused and killed.

Health care is the second issue Flynn addressed and called it the Big Gorilla.

“The currents system is not geared for you,” he said. “In fact, it’s against you. I call it the Unaffordable Health Care Plan.”

He said he did not know what could be done other than to talk to Senators and House members “and bug them” to get something done.

Flynn said there was plenty of money for the state’s problems. “It depends on how to spend it.” He said the government “could not be a nanny government and do everything for everyone.”

The next issue the representative discussed was public education.

“We have judges running our school system,” Flynn said. “Right now, a lot depends on how a judge reacts to what we have to say.”

The Texas school finance system was declared unconstitutional in 2013 in response to a lawsuit against the state. The state appealed the ruling. The Texas Supreme Court is yet to hear the appeal.

Other legislation discussed by the legislator included a bill he filed to address Sharia law.

“My thought is that this is America and we should follow American law,” he said.

Flynn discussed the 10th Amendment dealing with state’s rights, abortion legislation and requirements for voter identification.

Flynn said Texas was the envy of the nation. He described himself as one of the conservative member of the Texas House.

The new legislature is scheduled to convene Jan. 13. The regular session will end June 1.

Suspect arrested on theft charge in Terrell, coming to Hunt County

By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

An 18-year-old Terrell man is expected to be jailed in Hunt County this week on a murder warrant. He was arrested on a Terrell theft warrant and placed in the Ellis County jail, according to Hunt County Sheriff Randy Meeks.

Meeks said the murder warrant was issued in the Thanksgiving homicide that occurred at a residence on CR 2400 west of Quinlan.

Kyle Anthony Kauffmann has been charged with murder in the death of William Dow Schauer, 70, a Hunt County resident of Terrell.

“Mr. Schauer was found by relatives deceased in his home on the day before Thanksgiving,” the sheriff said.

Kauffmann was identified as a person of interest in the death by late last week.

Meeks’ office received a call the day before Thanksgiving about 1:25 p.m. of an unattended death on CR 2400.

“Upon arrival, deputies discovered a white male deceased inside his home,” Meeks said. “Family members had found the victim after not hearing from him for a couple of days. It was discovered that the victim’s 2012 white Lincoln four-door along with other items were missing.”

The body was taken to the Dallas Medical Examiner’s Office in Dallas where it was determined that Schauer’s death was a homicide.

“Investigators with the sheriff’s office found the vehicle in a parking lot at an apartment complex in Terrell,” Meeks said. “The vehicle was seized and a search warrant was issued to search the vehicle Kauffmann had committed a theft in Terrell and Terrell Police Department had a theft warrant issued for him, and he was picked up on that warrant and placed in the Ellis County jail.

In the meantime, we were able to get a murder warrant issued for the suspect and we served the warrant on him in Ellis County. We should be transporting the suspect to the Hunt County Detention Center this week on the murder charges.”

Meeks commended Lt. Roger Seals and his Criminal Investigation Division “for working countless hours on this case and gathering enough information to get a warrant for the suspect. I would also like to thank Texas Ranger Laura Simmons for her help in solving this case.”

The Quinlan Ford Lady Panthers varsity basketball team won 39-36 over Crandall last week at home.

The win brings the team record to 3-3.

Coach David Ivey’s Lady Panthers led 9-5 at the end of the first quarter and 21-12 midway through the game but had the lead cut to 27-23 after three.

Outscored by one point, 12-13, in the fourth, the Lady Panthers held on to win.

Kattie Valentine led the team with 15 points. Valentine had six rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Carley Torbert was also in doubledigits with 12 points and pulled down seven rebounds, had three assists and two steals.

Jenna Ackenback scored 7 points and had five rebounds; Molly McDonald, 3 points, four rebounds; and Charity Timmons, 2 points, five rebounds.

Quinlan Ford was scheduled to play Dallas Christian Tuesday night and was to participate in the Edgewood Tournament Thursday through Saturday. Freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams will play Crandall again Tuesday, Dec. 16, there with game times of 5, 5 and 6:15, respectively.