Van Zandt Newspapers » Wills Point Chronicle

Teen’s Uncle Arrested For Capital Murder

Amanda — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:38:59 +0000

By Julie Vaughan
Editor
GRAND PRAIRIE—Michael Vincent Moore, the uncle of 16-year-old Greenville teen Alicia Chanta Moore, was arrested Monday night on a Capital Murder charge.
Moore, 57, is being charged with the death of his niece, who was last seen getting off a school bus on the afternoon of November 2, 2012.
Alicia’s body was found in a box November 6, by Texas Department of Transportation employees working along the Magbee Creek area on Farm-to-Market 47 outside Wills Point.
Van Zandt County Sheriff Michael Lindsey Ray said Moore was arrested Monday night at his house on Oakview in Grand Prairie.
“He was home and informed that he was under arrest for Capital Murder,” Ray said. “He was then taken to the Grand Prairie Police Department while we completed a seach warrant of his home and evidence was recovered at the home.”
When asked if Moore seemed shocked that he was being arrested for the murder, Ray said “he didn’t.”
Ray did confirm that Moore does have an extensive criminal history, but could not elaborate.
“This family has needed closure and it is unfortunate that it is a family member that was arrested,” Ray said.
He is a primary suspect in the case, and the Sheriff’s Office is still pursuing other investigative leads and developing additional evidence.
Moore is being held in the Van Zandt County Jail on a $10 million bond.

Michael Vincent Moore

Early Voting Set To Begin Monday

Amanda — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:30:54 +0000

By David Kapitan
Staff Writer
Monday morning will mark the beginning of the early voting period for the upcoming school board and city council elections.
School Board
The election will include two seats on the board of trustees: Seat 4 currently held by Bryan Southard and Seat 5 currently held by Paul Sharp.
Southard, who first took office in May 2010, has been challenged for his seat by James Harris while Sharp, who was first elected in May 2004, has been challenged for his seat by Chuck Allen. Trustee terms are for three years.
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at Wills Point Administration between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. beginning on April 29, 2013 and ending on May 7, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.
On election day, Saturday, May 11, voting will be conducted at three locations:
-The Wills Point Municipal Court Building located at 307 N. 4th Street, Wills Point.
-The Elmo Volunteer Fire Station located on Highway 80 in Elmo.
-In Myrtle Springs at VZCR 3447/Hwy 64 in Myrtle Springs.
Voting on May 11 will run from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
City Council
In the Wills Point City Council election, city voters will elect three council seats (those belonging to Oscar Rogers, John Pope, and Paul Addison) and the position of mayor.
Candidates on the ballot for this year’s city council race include incumbent Oscar Rogers, Sherry Bailey Walker, Scott D. Stevens, Guy A. Crosby, John Foster and Kyle Anderson.
Council positions are selected at-large, with the top three vote getters this year earning a two-year term.
In the mayoral race, former council member Mark Turner will campaign against incumbent Wills Point mayor Deby S. Frye. The winner in the mayor’s race will also serve a two-year term.
Early voting for the city elections will take place at the Wills Point City Hall from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30. From May 1 through May 7, voters can cast their ballots between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
On election day, Saturday, May 11, voters can cast their ballot at city hall from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Texas Hunt For The Cure Sets Sights On Helping Children

Amanda — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:00:39 +0000

By David Kapitan
Staff Writer
For the past 19 years, the Wills Point Bluebird Festival has drawn an eclectic group of organizations to the city raising awareness for a variety of worthwhile causes.
On Saturday, April 27, the 20th anniversary of the festival, a relatively new non-profit named Texas Hunt for the Cure will aim to get the word out about its mission to provide children facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses the opportunity “to experience nature, the outdoors and the joy of hunting and fishing while surrounding them with positive understanding and support.”
Former Wills Point resident Stacy Stanberry launched Texas Hunt for the Cure in 2012 after the death of 22-year old family friend Derek Cline.
Cline was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma cancer in November of 2009. In the final months of his life, Cline told family members of his desire to shoot a buck prior to his passing.
After being told of the request, Stanberry volunteered to take Cline on a hunt. Just a month after their hunting trip, Cline lost his nearly three-year long battle against cancer in August 2012.
Inspired by the hunting trip and Cline’s joy, Stanberry began work on a non-profit organization to provide similar experiences to ill children and young adults with similar dreams.
With the help of Larry Green, Texas Hunt for the Cure director and owner of Brother’s Hang ‘Em High Taxidermy, each child will receive a mount of the animal they harvested during their hunting or fishing trip.
Stanberry, along with fellow Texas Hunt for the Cure board members Kristi Hoggatt, Larry Green, Andrea Sanford, and Ginger Hoggatt, have worked hard in recent months to establish a base for their organization.
Stanberry noted, “So far, we’ve had the opportunity to take a couple of kids out hunting. We’ve been in contact with area hospitals, Children’s Medical Center, Cook Children’s, to let them know about our group. A big thing for us has been making sure that all of our things are in order to operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.”
Stanberry hopes that their booth at the Bluebird Festival will help the organization raise its profile in the area.
In addition to their fundraising efforts, Texas Hunt for the Cure relies on support from the community, sponsorships and donations from private individuals and businesses to make their mission successful.
Director Kristi Hoggatt said, “We currently have no paid employees in our organization allowing us to apply every dollar raised towards a trip for a child who is facing a life threatening or terminal illness.”
A donation link can be found on the organizations website, as well as information about referring a child or young adult who may be suffering from a life threatening illness.
Those interested finding out more about Texas Hunt for the Cure are asked to visit the groups website, www.texashuntforthecure.com, or visit the organizations booth at the Wills Point Bluebird Festival on Saturday, April 27.

Courtesy Photo
Members of Texas Hunt For the Cure, a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, help children facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses with an opportunity to “to experience nature, the outdoors and the joy of hunting and fishing while surrounding them with positive understanding and support.”

Wife Of Discredited Official Charged With Capital Murder In Kaufman County

Amanda — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:00:01 +0000

By Pearl Cantrell
Staff Writer
KAUFMAN—Investigators into the murders of top prosecutors in Kaufman County have charged Kim Williams, 46, in connection with the shooting of all three victims. During a press conference at 12:30 p.m., officials released her arrest warrant and set her bonds at $10 million.
Kim is the wife of discredited Kaufman County justice of the peace Eric Williams, who was arrested April 12, and charged with the offense of terroristic threats in connection with the murders, and held on bonds totaling $3 million. Official word on the investigation has been tight-lipped, but sources close to the action expect a capital murder charge to be assigned to Eric Williams, as well.
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office has not officially confirmed that he is a suspect in the case, however according to her April 17 arrest warrant, Kim Williams said she was involved in her husband’s shooting of prosecutor Mark Hasse, Jan. 31, and of District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife, Cynthia, on March 30.
During the press conference, Kaufman spokesman Lt. Justin Lewis called Kim Williams the shooter, which seems to be in conflict with the written affidavit. Lewis said officials plan to brief family members of the victims as to the evidence they’ve uncovered and a scenario they believe took place before making any further public statements. Another news conference was set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, at a location yet to be determined, Lewis added.
Sgt. Matt Woodall, with the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office, swore out the arrest warrant after having interviewed Kim Williams on Tuesday and being closely involved in all aspects of the investigation.
He bases his affidavit on four avenues of evidence. The last being an interview with Kim Williams in which “she described in detail her role along with that of her husband, Eric Williams whom she reported to have shot to death Mark Hasse on Jan. 31, 2013 and Michael and Cynthia McLelland on March 30. During the interview, the defendant gave details of both offenses which had not been made public,” as stated in the affidavit.
Eric Williams’ arrest came after investigators searched his home April 12-13 and storage units in Seagoville, rented on Williams’ behalf. According to media reports, at least 20 weapons were found and sent for ballistic tests. In addition, a Ford Crown Victoria was located, which reports indicate Eric Williams’ purchased in February under an assumed name. Surveillance recorded a similar vehicle on the McLelland’s street, prior to the finding of the slain victims.
Media sources also report that investigators uncovered a computer connecting Eric Williams to an anonymous email sent to county officials March 31, after the McLellands’ murders. The email threatened another attack if the writer’s demands were not met. Authorities have not said what the demands were.
In Woodall’s affidavit, he reports that Mike McLelland and Hasse both believed Eric Williams blamed them for his removal from office, and that the two prosecutors began to carry a weapon following Williams’ jury trial because they believed Eric Williams to be a threat to their personal safety. Williams was convicted of theft of county property last April. He was sentenced to probation and his case is on appeal. Both prosecutors urged for the maximum two-year prison sentence.
Additionally, a Dallas Morning News report said Eric Williams’ attorney, David Sergi, no longer represents Williams. In a statement made the day before Eric Williams’ arrest, Sergi said that Williams “vigorously asserts his innocence and denies any involvement in the killings.”
Williams said in news reports that he submitted to gunshot residue tests and turned over his cell phone after both Hasse and McLelland were found dead.
Last year, both prosecutors gave closing arguments before a jury convicted Eric Williams for the theft of three computer monitors from the county. They questioned his character and suggested he was prone to threatening others.

Board Approves Facility, Curriculum Expansion

Amanda — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:45:42 +0000

By David Kapitan
Staff Writer
The Wills Point ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday night, approving a proposed expansion of the district’s Career Technology program.
Superintendent Suzanne Blasingame presented board members with a presentation on expanding the districts Career Technology program to offer several new courses, including cosmetology and auto shop.
Blasingame’s presentation included the construction of a new building, tentatively placed behind the high school.
The new facility would be home to the administration building, as well as housing the cosmetology school, expanded culinary arts room, auto shop, and four computer labs.
Early estimates place the cost of the building at $2,881,782. Another building proposal, without the computer labs, held an estimated cost of $2,137,682.
Blasingame was confident that, if board members chose to proceed, cost of the new facility could be maintained in the $2.5 million range.
Board members were pleased with the presentation, citing that the new coursework would provide students another career path.
Blasingame referenced a tentative timeline:
-April: board approves proposal
-May: develop plans
-Summer 2013: board approves plans/bidding process
-Fall 2013: begin construction
-Summer 2014: renovate home ec. classroom in main high school building
-Fall 2014: occupy building
Following the discussion, board member unanimously approved Blasingame’s proposal.
In other business:
-The board briefly discussed closing of the Elmo and Myrtle Springs voting precincts in 2014. The agenda item died after no board member made a motion on its behalf.
-The board approved several improvement projects, including accepting bids to redo carpet and tile at the primary and intermediate campuses, and approving a lighting project at the junior high campus.
-Four speakers took the opportunity to speak during public comment, including Cindy Nottingham and Sharon Bradfield, who spoke about the high school’s successful UIL program. Bradfield also addressed a recently dismissed staff member.
Scott Pemberton spoke in support of Wills Point High School head football coach and athletic director Kevin Garvin, whose contract is currently under consideration by the district.
A fourth speaker, Mr. Sheppard, asked the board to dismiss a proposal to close down the voting precincts in Elmo and Myrtle Springs.
-The next regular board meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 14.

Police Issue Warning After Spike In Burglaries

Amanda — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:10:00 +0000

By David Kapitan
Staff Writer
The Wills Point Police Department issued a warning to citizens this week, advising that the city has seen a significant rise in the number of thefts reported in recent days.
Wills Point Police Officer Rob Powell stated, “Over the past week, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of reported thefts in the city.”
Powell continued, “Most of these thefts have a common element – they’re crimes of opportunity. The latest rash of thefts have been non-forced entries, where people have left the windows down or doors unlocked on a vehicle, or the doors unlocked and windows open at a house.”
The thieves have struck cars, buildings and residences systematically, hitting neighborhoods in the afternoon, when people are likely to be at work.
Reported items stolen include cash, cell phones, and handguns left in vehicles.
Citizens are asked to pay extra attention to their property, making sure that valuables are locked up and not visible in vehicles, and doors and windows are secured in both their homes and vehicles.
Powell stressed that people need to be aware of their surroundings, and report any unusual activity to the Wills Point Police Department. Powell stated, “We don’t want people to approach the suspects. We are asking that the citizens observe and report any of the suspicious activities.”
Anyone with information about the thefts, or wishing to report suspicious activity, can contact the Wills Point Police Department at (903) 873-2588.

Motorcyclist Killed In Collision

Amanda — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:55:02 +0000

By Julie Vaughan
Editor
One person was killed in a two-vehicle collision on Farm-to-Market 47 Saturday morning near Wills Point.
Department of Public Safety Trooper Matthew Skinner said a 2011 Ford F-350 was traveling north on FM 47, followed by a 1996 Honda motorcycle.
Skinner said according to the driver of the truck, and witnesses, the truck had turned on his left signal and was attempting to turn left onto Van Zandt County Road 3838.
The driver of the motorcycle, 37-year-old Zack Owens Sewell, attempted to pass to the left striking the driver side of the truck.
Skinner said Sewell was a bit of a distance away, witnesses said and when he attempting to go around the turning vehicle in a no passing zone, he met the driver side door and was killed upon impact.
Sewell was pronounced dead at the scene by Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Ronnie Daniell.
The crash is still under investigation.

Photo Courtesy of the Department of Public Safety
A Wills Point man was killed on impact when he attempted to go around a truck making a left turn, striking the left side of the vehicle.

EDC Helps Fund 4th Street Sewer Project

Amanda — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 07:05:58 +0000

Photo by David Kapitan
The Wills Point Economic Development Corporation (EDC), represented by board vice-president Thomas Mitchell and secretary/treasurer Dyde Manning, presented the city of Wills Point with a check totaling $51,584.67 on Wednesday morning to help fund the 4th Street sewer project. The check represents a portion of the $119,942 that the Wills Point EDC pledged towards the project late last year. Manning explained the EDC’s desire to contribute in the project, noting, “We just wanted to help the city finance the project and get the job done.”

Annual Chamber Luncheon Set For March 21

Amanda — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 07:03:56 +0000

The Wills Point Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Annual Civic Awards luncheon, titled the Wills Point “SACK” Awards 2013 sponsored by ONCOR, on Thursday, March 21 at noon at the Wills Point Church of Christ.
This luncheon is for all of the Chamber of Commerce family of membership. Rotary Club and Pilot Club of Wills Point will be presenting their club awards along with the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and other awards.
Wills Point is a rural community and farmers are a big part of the economy in this area. The Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the American farmer with the luncheon theme and all local farmers are invited to attend, as well.
“We want to be very mindful to the needs in our community. In an economy that has struggled, our families have been forced to reach out for help to feed their families and keep their homes running,” stated Wills Point Chamber President Jennifer Ross.
The chamber board chose to be good stewards of the sponsorship money received through ONCOR by being creative with the theme and decorating in a way that will allow them to give back by donating all items used to the Wills Point International Outreach food pantry that services 100 plus families every week more than 60 tons of food per year.
“This luncheon is our opportunity to thank our supporters, recognize some of our outstanding citizen’s and share our future plans with our membership,” said Ross.
When asked what the goals of the chamber are the obvious answer is community development. Attracting wealth to our community through assisting with small business development, retention and expansion; tourism programs and increased awareness of the impact shopping locally can make to our community are key to our future success.
However, beyond the cookie cutter answer there is a much broader scope to what the goals of the chamber are. Connecting our community in a positive way so that we are all working towards a common goal is in our top three goals. Identifying the strengths, weaknesses and future needs for Wills Point to thrive is a priority.
Every community member or organization has their niche, their strength. No one person can do everything, but together we can accomplish great things and experience success in a big way.
It is a focus of the chamber to identify those strengths and help to encourage and nurture them and get our community motivated to participate to improve the quality of life in Wills Point. When we are approached with a concern or request, rather than working from within to meet the need, it is our job to look to our community and find the strongest avenue for involvement.
“When I was approached by EDC Board member Dyde Manning about a community clean-up effort I tried to identify what organization best fit that niche. Keep Wills Point Beautiful immediately came to mind. What better way to keep our town beautiful than to clean it up? One phone call to Viki Arnold, KWPB Representative, and they were off and running with a plan to involve the entire community. I am so proud of them the job they have done. The willingness to work together is what it takes to be successful!” stated Ross.
The chamber is very proud of the growth we can see in Wills Point. One clear sign of positive growth are the sales tax revenue numbers. 2012 ended with an 8.24 percent increase over 2011 overall. The latest numbers (March 2013 deposit) shows an 11.46 percent increase so far in 2013 over 2012.
A large part of this growth can be attributed to our small businesses. We have several new businesses and some of our established businesses made positive additions to their facilities, products and services. Programs like the “CASH MOB,” the 3/50 Project and growth in our Chamber events have also attributed to these numbers.
The increased income ($22,279.44 so far in 2013) comes directly to the city of Wills Point. This helps to answer the question “what does the chamber of commerce do for our community?” Though all the growth can’t be attributed to the chamber, a good portion can and the chamber will continue the work to achieve it.
Looking to the future, one chamber focus is to equip their leaders through education. Recently, Ross participated in year one of the Texas Community Development Institute.
This course is designed to equip community leaders with the skills and tools necessary to succeed. The curriculum included study in community development, community assessments, vision/strategic planning, marketing tools, community partnering and much more.
This is a three-year commitment on behalf of the chamber to build a strong foundation in successful community development for the future.
“In order to be effective in competing with other cities for business we need to be proactive rather than reactive to our changing economic climate. The world is changing fast around us and we better be prepared adapt, keeping and respecting the historic significance of Wills Point while integrating new, fresh ideas into our plans for the future,” stated Ross.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bobbi Byford, added, “The Wills Point Chamber of Commerce through the efforts of Jennifer Ross, president, and its members was and continues to be committed, active and thriving. The chamber is about the business of unifying the businesses and the public in a likeminded community spirit.”
The chamber membership is at 125-plus business members as well as additional individual members. Business membership rates begin at $12/months or $144/year, individual membership is $25/year and non-profit membership is $99/year.
Every local business or citizen is invited to participate in the Chamber through membership or volunteering. When asked “what can the Chamber do for my business?” there can be a multitude of answers.
Beyond the basic marketing and connection to the community, attending to the task of growing Wills Point is vitally important and all growth has a positive impact on local business! Support from the business community is what allows the chamber to continue that work.
Anyone interested in receiving more information about membership is invited to contact the chamber at (903) 873-3111 or visit www.willspointchamber.com and click the membership link. Wills Point Church of Christ is located State Highway 64.
Any chamber member planning to attend the “SACK” Awards luncheon is asked to RSVP on or before March 19 by phone or email.

Group Working To Pay Off, Maintain Local Playground

Amanda — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 06:47:15 +0000

By David Kapitan
Staff Writer
The community built playground located at Lester Park has been a staple of the Wills Point area since it was constructed in 2007.
Over the years, thousands of parents and children have taken advantage of the site, enjoying the fresh air and various forms of entertainment available at the site.
The community playground, initially the brainchild of Jeff Pennington, originally cost $115,000. Many fund raisers and events where held, eventually raising approximately $65,000 of the startup cost.
The remaining balance of $50,000 was obtained via a 10-year loan that currently lacks two payments, or close to $10,000, to be paid in full.
In recent years, the board responsible for the playground has seen its membership dwindle, limiting the number and types of fundraising efforts that could be launched.
As a direct result, payments of the loan and maintenance of the facilities has become increasingly difficult.
For the last three years, the city of Wills Point has paid a portion of the yearly note. Other organizations, notably Keep Wills Point Beautiful, have also stepped in to the help with fundraising for the playground.
Julie Addison, one of the two remaining members of the board (along with Pennington), noted, “I’m so glad that we have something like the playground in our community. I think that, over time, people just saw the playground and forgot that the equipment isn’t fully paid for. I’m not trying to say poor us, because there have been a lot of people that have stepped up and helped with the playground over the years.”
Pennington added that routine maintenance on the playground has also been a costly affair, specifically the specially engineered wood fiber that is put on the floor of the playground facility, and the sealant used on wood decking of the playground’s structures.
Compounding the years of use and natural wear that comes from the unpredictable Texas weather has been a rise in vandalism.
In recent years, Pennington noted that vandalism to the equipment at the park has risen years. Pennington stated, “There was a shovel broken and several of the bridges on the playground have been damaged.”
Addison and Pennington are hopeful that upcoming fundraising events, notably the car show at April’s Bluebird Festival, could go a long way towards clearing the remaining balance owed on the playground equipment.
Addison also noted that one of the park and playground’s signature events, the annual Easter egg hunt, is on the schedule for this year. The hunt will be conducted in collaboration with the Stone Point Church.
Those wishing to help donate time or money to the playground board can contact Jeff Pennington or Julie Addison at 972-345-0345.

Photo by David Kapitan
The Lester Park Community Built Playground has been a staple of the Wills Point landscape since its construction in 2007. As of press time, a balance of nearly $10,000 still remained on the original note of $50,000.