Van Zandt Newspapers » Van Zandt News

Women Arrested In Connection With String Of Thefts

Amanda — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:26:43 +0000

By David Kapitan
Staff Writer
Two women were arrested this week and remain behind bars for a string of thefts and burglaries throughout Van Zandt County believed to date back to the first of the year.
Wills Point Police arrested 25-year old Edria M. Blackwell and Terrell Police arrested 26-year old Angela L. Owings on April 9, in connection with a string of thefts and break-ins in the Canton, Wills Point, and Van areas.
The arrests come on the heels of the Wills Point Police Department issuing a warning last week about a sharp increase in crimes of opportunity, where thieves have been targeting unlocked homes, buildings, and vehicles.
Initial reports noted that the suspected thieves struck cars, buildings and residences systematically, hitting neighborhoods in the afternoon, when people were likely to be at work, and cars in the evening.
Reported items stolen include cash, cell phones, and handguns left in vehicles.
Blackwell and Owings, both of Wills Point, are suspects in more than 20 burglaries in the city, and dozens of others around the county.
At press time, Owings was still being held in the Kaufman County Jail after being arrested on three different charges by the Terrell Police Department on April 9.
Owings is being held on a total of $115,000 in Surety Bond amount by Kaufman County for Van Zandt County.
Also, at press time Blackwell remained jailed in the Van Zandt County Jail.

Family Left Homeless After Fire

Amanda — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:18:50 +0000

By Julie Vaughan

Editor

EDGEWOOD—Wednesday afternoon fire departments fromEdgewood, Fruitvale and South Van Zandt responded to a house fire onState Highway19, just south ofUS Highway80 that destroyed the home of a man and his teenage daughter.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., a structure fire was reported inEdgewood.

Fire departments, along with Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen, responded to the residents.

Allen said the fire began in a bedroom, and the cause is “undetermined” at this time.

According to a press release from Allen’s office, “The homeowner stated that he had been having electrical issues in the bedroom and had not had time to get it checked.”

No one was home at the time of the fire, and no one was injured during the fire.

Fire departments were able to save a large storage building and another residence, which sat less than 50 feet away from the burning residence.

The Van Zandt County Constables Office Precinct 1 and Edgewood Police Department responded to assist with traffic control. The American Red Cross has been assisting the family.

Photo Courtesy of the Van Zandt County Fire Marshals Office
Two people were left homeless after their house caught fire Wednesday afternoon due to what is believed electrical problems. No one was home at the time of the fire and it is still under investigation.

Cozby-Germany Doctors Take Ownership Of Hospital

Amanda — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:39:43 +0000

By Terry Britt
Staff Writer
GRAND SALINE—Cozby-Germany Hospital’s is now under new ownership pledging to turn things in the right direction at the facility.
With most of the hospital’s approximate 40 employees gathered, hospital board president Michael Swain announced that the two on-site physicians, Dr. Qasim Nayeem and Dr. Abbas Mian, was to take ownership of the hospital at the opening of business Friday (March 1).
The announcement, made at 10 a.m. Thursday morning, drew a big round of applause from those seated.
“I judge by that reaction that everybody is in approval about this,” Swain joked.
The change also severs a somewhat-stormy relationship during the past several years with former owner Dr. Tariq Mahmood.
On Feb. 12, the Mahmood-owned Renaissance Hospital Terrell, operating as RH Terrell Management LLC, was closed down by federal, state and local officials for unpaid tax bills and a number of safety violations, according to published reports.
After the 30-minute meeting with Cozby-Germany employees, Swain said the forced closing of the Terrell hospital “played a lot with our decision” to part ways with Dr. Mahmood.
“There were a lot of things that added up to a decision that we could not see this hospital going forward in the direction it was going under Dr. Mahmood.”
During the brief meeting, board member Tom Elliott outlined the difficult journey in the past two years to get to Thursday’s announcement.
“We have been looking to get somebody in. But all of the big hospitals we talked to didn’t want anything to do with a small community hospital like this. They would not be able to make the money they want to make from it,” he said.
Cozby-Germany Hospital was very much on the edge of closure itself at one point, Elliott revealed.
“It got to where we were within five days of having to close and declare bankruptcy,” he said.
Dr. Nayeem spoke for most of the meeting and answered a few questions from the employees.
He said it would likely take about three months to get new Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement numbers for the hospital under the new ownership.
Those reimbursements determine and fund staff pay. However, Dr. Nayeem added, “Dr. Mian and I have put personal funds together to suffice for three months of pay.
“Cross your fingers that Medicare doesn’t delay things any further than that,” he added.
Dr. Nayeem and Elliott both commented that they never want to see employees holding paychecks for deposit, as had been the case occasionally in recent years.
Dr. Nayeem also added that there was “no intention of letting anybody go,” another statement that was met with expressions of relief from those assembled.

Three Arrested For Oil Storage Tank Explosion

Amanda — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:58:46 +0000

By Julie Vaughan

Editor

VAN—Less than 24 hours after arrest warrants were issued for suspects in connection with the oil storage tank explosion that occurred January 29 north of Van, all three subjects were taken into custody.

Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen issued a press release late Wednesday morning stating that warrants had been issued for three individuals responsible for the explosion and fire of the oil storage facility owned by Three Folks Operating Company, L.L.C.

The warrants called for the arrest of Brandy Wolfe, HR Price and Heather Wolfe, for criminal mischief-over $200,000, which is a first degree felony, and criminal trespass of a critical infrastructure, which is a Class A misdemeanor.

Allen said all three subjects surrendered themselves to Van Zandt County Constable Precinct 4 Pat Jordan by Thursday.

The individuals were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Judge Scott Shinn. They were then transported to the Van Zandt County Justice Center inCantonand were in the process of posting bond.

The bonds were set at $50,000 for the criminal mischief and $10,000 on the criminal trespass.

Allen said during the investigation, it was reported that only two individuals were walking the catwalk of an oil storage tank.

Those people, a man and woman, were seriously injured when they lit a cigarette and the oil storage tank ignited.

The two victims were taken by EMS ground ambulance toEastTexasMedicalCenterinTylerand then transported on to Parkland Memorial inDallasby groundEMS.

Allen said their injuries included burns to their face, head, chest and arms.

A 9-1-1 call came in just before 3 a.m. (January 29) with the report of “an explosion and fire at an oil storage facility,” Allen said. It is not knows if the thirdindividual wanted in this case was the 9-1-1 caller.

The tanks, which contain 400 barrels of oil each, were all full at the time of the explosion.

The fire ended up completely destroying three 400 barrel storage vessels. Three other 400 barrel storage vessels were damaged in the fire.

It took Van Fire Department, along with the help of Grand Saline, Lindale andTylerfire departments several hours to get the tank fires under control because after the first oil tank blew, two others beside it exploded. The crew was also assisted by theTylerFire Department HazMat (hazardous material) team.

Readers Weigh In On Van School Security Decision

Amanda — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:51:25 +0000

By Terry Britt

Staff Writer

VAN—Van ISD’s decision Monday night to allow some campus employees to carry a concealed handgun has drawn a storm of comments this week on the Facebook pages for the Van Zandt News, Van Banner, Canton Herald and Wills Point Chronicle.

In total, those Facebook pages have seen more than 700 “likes” on that news announcement since Monday night and about 300 posted comments.

Van ISD became the first school district in Van Zandt County to approve the carrying of concealed handguns by certain employees. The decision comes in the wake of in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14.

Twenty children and six adults lost their lives that day, along with the shooter, Adam Lanza, who committed suicide as police arrived at the school.

The Van ISD measure calls for employees licensed to carry a concealed handgun, and authorized by the school to do so on school property, to be required to complete additional training in “crisis intervention, management of hostage situations and other training as the Board or designee may determine necessary or appropriate.”

It also limits the ammunition in a concealed handgun on campus to “frangible” types to reduce the chance of a bullet ricochet.

On each of the newspaper pages, comments were mostly in favor of the school district’s decision.

“It’s so refreshing to see a school being proactive instead of sitting back and hoping they’re not next,” wrote one person on the Van Zandt News Facebook page.

“They (school personnel) could be the first responders in the event of a problem. Van has the right idea. It could very well save a few lives,” another person wrote.

However, some questioned the wisdom of allowing teachers and staff members to carry a handgun. One Facebook respondent labeled it “terrifying.”

“I believe the kids need all the protection we can give them, but, I think it should be in the form of armed resource officers at each school. The thought of random teachers or specific employees is a little unnerving to me as a parent,” another reader stated.

A question posted on the Canton Herald Facebook page asking if readers thought other school districts should adopt a similar policy drew more than 60 responses as of Thursday morning.

“I think it’s a great idea…It would for sure make crazy people think twice about going in and opening fire if they knew that there were teachers armed and trained how to use a gun,” one reader stated.

Some readers felt it was a bad idea for schools, or that schools should hire an on-campus police officer instead.

“Teachers jobs are to teach. Police are trained to protect and serve,” stated a reader opposed to the idea.

On Thursday morning, State Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Van) issued a press release stating his support for Van ISD’s decision.

“I completely support the members of Van ISD School Board for their leadership and courage to face today’s concerns and challenges head on,” Flynn said in the press release.

Flynn also cited an e-mail Van ISD Superintendent Don Dunn sent to district faculty and staff on Tuesday.

In it, Flynn said, Dunn “reiterated his hope that ‘an armed intruder does not come to one of our campuses. And in regards to our new policy, I also pray we never have to fire a single shot.’”

Flu Season Hitting Texans Hard

Amanda — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:41:01 +0000

An active and early start to flu season has put healthcare professionals into high alert entering 2013.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, “Although epidemics of flu happen every year, the timing, severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what influenza viruses are spreading, whether they match the viruses in the vaccine, and how many people get the vaccine. Influenza activity began relatively early compared to recent seasons during the 2012-2013 season.”
The most recent data from the CDC, released for the final week of 2012, notes that Texas currently ranks at the highest reported levels of influenza-like illnesses in the country.
Many local clinics and healthcare providers have already reported spikes in flu and flu-like cases, adding that they’ve run out of the flu vaccine and are currently waiting for additional shipments.
Although several Van Zandt County schools have reported high absences since students have started back to school since the holiday, they have not been able to confirm if it is due to the flu.
The CDC website advises, “People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk…Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.”
Flu symptoms can include, but are not limited to, fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
Outside of getting the flu vaccine, the CDC recommends “People should wash their hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately.”

County Preparing For Big Two-Day Trip To Austin

Amanda — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:46:21 +0000

By Julie Vaughan

Editor

A bi-annual tradition in Van Zandt County is a trip toAustin, this year set for February 19-20.

The purpose of the trip is for citizens to travel together and meet with their representatives, while in session, to discuss issues that affect the county and voice their concerns.

Council ofVanZandtCountyCommunities Visions President C.A. Cockrell said although many believe the group taking the trip is only a part of a political group, he assured thatVisions is an “apolitical group.”

“We not only meet with our legislators, but we also get to do various things around the Capitol,” Cockrell explained. “We get in one or two short briefings and this year we’ve asked to see someone from the Attorney General’s office or the Governor’s office and the Department of Education, and let the citizens talk to those people.”

Additionally, Cockrell said Van Zandt County citizens are recognized on the floors of the House and Senate, and a proclamation is presented to them by representatives. There is also a Pastor of the Day for the Senate and House who opens the session with prayer.

VanZandtCountywill also host a reception honoring Senator Bob Deuell and Representative Dan Flynn in the Senate and have the opportunity to send out invitations to every legislator. During the reception, citizens will have an opportunity to talk to each attending about various things of concern.

In addition, theVanZandtCountyChoir will perform in the Capitol Rotunda at noon on the first day.

“TheVanZandtCountyChoir brings everyone to a standstill,” Cockrell said. “They do a tremendous job.”

Choir members are needed and anyone interested is asked to contact John Ross at (972) 757-7771.

On the second day, those attending will have an opportunity to tour the Capitol, and Cockrell said he is hoping to get a Governor’s mansion tour in the list of things on tap.

Additionally, there is a tour of the Capitol on the itinerary.

Cockrell said those traveling with the group can either follow along with the list of things scheduled or venture off on their own excursions.

“We want anyone to go down toAustinwith us who is interested,” Cockrell said. “It is a great time to bring people together.”

A bus will be chartered for anyone interested in attending to travel with the group toAustinand rooms will be booked at the Doubletree Inn.

Anyone interested in attending VanZandtCountyDays in Austinshould contact Karen Samples at (214) 534-8990 or e-mail her at wpkaren@att.net by January 18.

Business sponsors are also being sought to help cover expenses for the reception, choir and travel. Those sponsors will be recognized at the reception and on programs. Any businesses interested are also encouraged to contact Samples at the above contact information.

Flynn Set For Sixth Term, Big Decisions

Amanda — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:15:32 +0000

By Terry Britt
Staff Writer
AUSTIN—State Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Van) embarks on his sixth term in the Texas House of Representatives with a large list of matters to help determine.
Fortunately, Flynn said in a telephone interview Thursday morning, the budget outlook is not as bleak as it was in 2011. That will be a key to addressing subjects such as a 50-year water plan for the state.
“Water will continue to be a vital issue, no question about it,” he said. “We’ve got to find a way to fund that 50-year water program.
“There are a lot of people with a lot of ideas on how to do it. There is money in the ‘rainy day’ fund and a double digit increase in sales tax revenue, so there is money there to do it.”
However, that is just one of several areas of state government that will require funding. Flynn referred to issues regarding public education and higher education as something he expects to be revamped in the coming session, which starts Tuesday.
Transportation issues also must be considered, he said.
“We’ve got to find a way to relieve the congestion around the state and I think that will continue to be looked at,” he said.
Flynn said he also would like to see a reduction in what he terms “over-regulation and unnecessary programs” at the state level.
“We don’t want to become like the federal government. I think we also need to have zero-based budgeting,” he added, “and let the taxpayers know the money is going to programs in common sense areas.
“We need to end using special fund balances to certify state government. I want state money to be used for what it was intended,” Flynn added.
He also mentioned big concerns about healthcare in Texas, particularly as to the possible budgetary effects of the federal health care legislation enacted last year.
“Every session is different. This will be my sixth session and I will be looking at the list of bills that have been pre-filed and will be working with those,” Flynn explained.
“When the big issues come up, I will have to look at those, look at the interim reports we have and see what the recommendation of the committees are,” he added.
Flynn, who represents Van Zandt, Hunt and Hopkins counties in House District 2, has been recognized for his work in Austin by being unanimously chosen as “East Texas Legislator of the Year” by the East Texas Council of Governments.
That honor was announced by Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches during Tuesday’s Van Zandt County Inauguration Ceremony, which Flynn attended.
“To be unanimously selected is an honor that I am overwhelmed by. I appreciate all the support given to me,” Flynn said.

Edgewood ISD Receives Facilities Assessment

Amanda — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:02:20 +0000

By Pam Millican
Correspondent
EDGEWOOD—The Edgewood ISD board members received the results of a recent facilities assessment during their board meeting Monday night.
Kevin Smith, Richard Crump and Dixie Paris with Claycomb Architects gave a thorough presentation of the Edgewood facilities. This was Phase 1 or discovery phase of the project.
They noted that the elementary building is 45 years old and the intermediate school is 27 years old, and all of the buildings are in need of updating to bring them into compliance with state regulations.
All facilities need to be brought up to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance including; parking, ramps, handrails and drinking fountains.
The gymnasiums need handicap accessible seating as well as the locker rooms need to be updated with restrooms, lockers and showers. All the exterior doors throughout the campus need new ADA access hardware.
The assessment also found that most existing HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) units are inefficient, damaged and at the end of their life span. The units aren’t allowing enough fresh air into the buildings.
There are possible code violations with the electrical system including not enough clearance around outlets and the exterior outlets aren’t weatherproof. The light fixtures are outdated and also inefficient.
Regarding fire safety, the audit found that the facilities should be equipped with sprinklers or smoke detectors. The doors in all the facilities are not fire rated material.
According to the Texas Administration Code, which details the amount of square feet per student each space should contain, the media center and classrooms in the intermediate school are undersized. Several other spaces throughout the campus are borderline. The nurse’s office also is in need of additional space according to the report.
Asbestos needs to be abated in the older buildings. The asbestos appears to primarily be located in the wall material. Site drainage is a major problem throughout the campus.
There is erosion between the high school and tennis courts along with the south side of the stadium. The drainage problems could be contributing to additional foundation problems with the structures.
The next step will be for Claycomb to meet with the district’s superintendent after the first of the year to determine the priority list and determine whether the problems can be corrected via remodeling or if new construction would be the best option. The maintenance team will start working immediately on the items they can address.
The board will determine the short and long term goals in regards to the facilities. The facility upgrades will be planned around the school year. The HVAC system will be updated during the winter and the asbestos will be abated during the summer while the students are on break.
Also, Lisa Short, head of the ISD Instructional Technology, also gave a presentation at the board meeting.
The technology division received a $50,000 grant in which they purchased laptops, iPads and wireless cards for student and teacher use. The computers are stored in carts called Computer on Wheels which charges all the units at one time. The computers and wireless cards assist students with the online component of their textbooks.
In other news, the campus currently has 888 students enrolled with 96 percent attendance. The schools are experiencing a lot of absenteeism in students and teachers due to the flu.
The board also voted to endorse a letter the Van Zandt county school superintendents wrote to Representative Dan Flynn on various school issues including funding and teacher retirement.

Five Burglary Suspects Arrested After Chase

Amanda — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:37:51 +0000

By Julie Vaughan
Editor
CANTON—While on an early morning patrol Wednesday along Interstate 20 near Canton, a Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed suspicious activity which led to a manhunt and eventual arrest of five suspects.
Deputy Steven Prock said he noticed two vehicles, a 2008 Pontiac and a 2001 Ford Explorer slowing down along the I-20 service road between Farm-to-Market 17 and 1255.
“They were stopped at My Storage Place and so I pulled up behind them and went up to the driver to ID him and when I went back to my car to check their vehicle he bolted and then four more bolted out,” Prock said.
He said the suspects were traveling on foot and headed out west on FM 17.
Prock was able to radio for aid where he received assistance from fellow deputies along with Canton, Grand Saline and Van police departments as well as Department of Public Safety Troopers and the DPS helicopter.
“We were able to set up a parameter and the DPS helicopter located two suspects in the woods west of FM 17,” Prock said.
Deputies took one suspect into custody and Canton Police took another into custody.
Canton Police dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from Denny’s restaurant that a black man with a torn shirt covered in leaves, dirt and morning dew had come into the store wanting a ride but told staff not to contact police.
That suspect was taken into custody. Then, a Grand Saline Police Officer took another two suspects into custody when he noticed them walking into Circle K truck stop in Canton covered in leaves, grass and dew.
“They actually burglarized a building by breaking into the storage building office and had pulled out the cash drawer (of the ATM), but there was nothing in it,” Prock said.
Van Zandt County Sheriff R.P. “Pat” Burnett said deputies believe this theft is connected to other thefts within the region.
The suspects include James Miller, 25, Dallas; Labradford Lamont Hunter, 20, Dallas; Marque Kaleb Hart, 21, Terrell; Earl Wayne Few Jr., 23, Dallas; and Jonathan Christopher Adams, 29, Terrell.
All five subjects were charged with burglary of a building and evading arrest or detention. At press time they were still awaiting arraignment.
Although the exact cost of damage has not been determined, Prock said it is estimated to be hundreds of dollars worth.
Based on recovered property from the vehicles and suspects, it is believed that they have committed several offenses in the area.
Upon search of the vehicle, deputies located tools and a large amount of cash in the vehicles.