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Who won, who lost in the March 2, 2010, primary election
Here are complete but unofficial voting results of the March 2, 2010 primary
election – contested races.
Key: D=Democrat; I=Incumbent; R=Republican
State Rep. District 7
Tommy Merritt (I, R) Smith 1885 Complete but unofficial Gregg 5284 TOTAL
all counties 6996
David Simpson (R) Smith 1712 Complete but unofficial Gregg 5967 TOTAL all
counties 7852
100 percent reporting (all counties)
State Senator, District 2
Bob Deuell (I, R) 37896
Sharon Russell (R) 15517
100 percent reporting (all counties)
Upshur County Judge
Dean Fowler (I, R) 1035
John Melvin Dodd (R) 554
James W. “Jim” Eitel (D) 750
100 percent reporting
Rusk County Judge
John Cloutier (R) 1,103 Complete but unofficial
Tom Brown (R) 1,198 Complete but unofficial
David Powell (R) 817 Complete but unofficial
Joel Hale (R) 2,003 Complete but unofficial
Carolyn Willeford (R) 714 Complete but unofficial
100 percent reporting
Gregg County –County Court at Law No. 2
Vincent Dulweber (R) 2,678, Complete but unofficial
Greg Neeley (R) 1,527, Complete but unofficial
Snow E. Bush Jr. (R) 1,005, Complete but unofficial
Upshur County Clerk
Cathy Mullins (R) 1323
Brandy Lee (R) 1233
Peggy LaGrone (R) 1225
Tina Smith (R) 419
Robin Rodenberg(D) 764
Upshur County Commissioner Pct #2
Cole Hefner (R) 334
DonGross (R) 415
Mark Mitchell (R) 185
Joe W. Newsom (D) 260
Upshur County Commissioner Pct #4
Ron South (R) 280
Mike Spencer (R) 590
Gary L. Drennan (R) 297
Glenn Campbell (D) 240
Upshur County Justice of the Peace Pct #1
Laurie Lee Norred (R) 685
Wyone Manes (R) 385
Upshur County Justice of the Peace Pct #3
RhondaTruitt Welch (R) 761
Martha WilsonGoolsby (R) 350
Upshur County Justice of the Peace Pct #4
Cloddie Henson (R) 685
W.V. (Valton) Ray (D) 251
Republican County Chairman
Chrissy Fincher 734
Ken Ambrose 1332
Brenda Patterson 1699
Smith County Clerk
Russell Buffington (R) 5543
Karen Phillips (R) 11362
100 percent reporting
241st District Judge
Jack Skeen Jr. (I, R) 13,767
T.J. “Jeff” Baynham Jr. (R) 4,065
100 percent reporting
Smith County Criminal District Attorney
Matt Bingham (I, R) 14,689
Lenis William Pierce III (D) 1,881
100 percent reporting
Smith County Commissioner Precinct 2
Bill McGinnis (I, R) 2,406
Cary Nix (R) 3,276
100 percent reporting
Smith County Commissioner Precinct 4
JoAnn Hampton (I, D) 759
Valita F. Waits (D) 398
100 percent reporting
Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct No. 2
Gary Alfred (R) 4,184
R. Dale Fuller (R) 1,799
100 percent reporting
Smith County JP Precinct No. 3
James L. Meredith (I, R) 2977
Stephen “Steve” Dunklin (R) 1925
100 percent reporting
Texas House District 11
Chuck Hopson (I, R) 9580
Dr. Michael Banks (R) 2690
Allan Cain (R) 3377
100 percent reporting
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Weather relents
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| A break in the weather allowed framing to progress well on the Extreme
Makeover House in Mineola Saturday morning. Gary Edwards/ETCN photo |
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City Manager Stokes leaving Gladewater
By Jim Bardwell
Mirror Publisher
Jay Stokes, Gladewater City Manager, made an unexpected announcement last
Thursday afternoon that he was leaving his post after 6-1/2 years on the
job.
Stokes told the Gladewater Mirror he had accepted the city manager’s
job in Deer Park, near Houston. He said he had informed each member of the
Gladewater City Council about his decision earlier in the day of his decision
to leave.
As part of his “State of the City Address” last Thursday, Deer
Park Mayor Wayne Riddle revealed that Stokes would be the city’s new
city manager. He is expected to assume the duties as city manger in two weeks.
Stokes will replace longtime Deer Park City Manager Ron Crabtree. Deer Park
is about five times the size of Gladewater, with a current population of
31,127 and is expected to grow to 32,964 by 2014.
“This was a very hard decision,” Stokes said. “But this
is best for me and my family.”
Prior taking the job in Gladewater in 2003, Stokes worked as City Administrator
in Jefferson and was Director of Community & Economic Development in
White Oak. Stokes grew up in Kilgore, and is a 1988 graduate of Sabine High
School. In 1992 he received his B.A. from Abilene Christian University and
completed his Master of Public Policy & Administration from Baylor University
in 1994.
He is a member of the Gladewater Lions Club, the Texas City Management Association,
and Alpine Church of Christ. He and his wife, Erin, have three children,
Aidan, Colin, and Jaci.
Stokes said he regretted the timing of his leaving – city councilwoman
Judy Burlison remains hospitalized after suffering a stroke while attending
a Gladewater Economic Development meeting and city councilman Charles Meadows
passed away less than two weeks ago after suffering a heart attack. But he
said he simply could not pass up this opportunity, which had presented itself
at this time.
As for finding his replacement...
...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.
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Suit filed after fatal wreck on Hwy. 271
By Phillip Williams
Mirror Correspondent
GILMER – The parents of a 6-year-old Union Grove boy who was
killed when a commercial box delivery truck struck his family's car
last month filed a wrongful death lawsuit here last week against the truck's
owner and its driver.
Jerry D. Croley and Melody Croley, parents of Nathan Connor Croley, filed
the suit Feb. 23 in 115th District Court through their attorney, Brent
Goudarzi of Gilmer.
Defendants are Talley Rents, L.L.C. (also known as RentFirst) and
its employee, Judson William Maurer of Longview.
Young Croley, who was in the back seat of a 2000 Toyota Camry driven by
his father, died when the truck struck the auto from behind
Jan. 29, said the Texas Department of Public Safety. The crash occurred on
U.S. 271 in Union Grove.
Maurer, 28, escaped injury, but received a citation for failure to
control speed, said investigating DPS Trooper Wayne Cavanaugh. The 2006
GMC truck was from the Gilmer branch of RentFirst, said Goudarzi.
It was undetermined whether young Croley was wearing a seat belt, said
Cavanaugh, who said no belt could be found in the demolished rear end
of the car. The child was a first-grader at Union Grove Elementary School,
where counselors were called in for students in the wake of the tragedy.
The 9-page lawsuit charges that Maurer's negligence in at least
six ways--including failure to control speed, to keep a "clear
distance" from the car, and "to timely apply his brakes"--caused
the crash.
The Croleys also allege that Talley Rents "was guilty of
negligent entrustment and knew or should have known that...Maurer was a negligent
and reckless driver."
In addition, the suit says...
...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.
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City election
Two former mayors, one incumbent pick up packets
By Jim Bardwell
Mirror Publisher
If you’re thinking about running for the Gladewater City Council or
the Gladewater ISD School Board, time is running out.
The last day to file for either board is March 8 and the election will be
held May 8 and so far two former mayors and a current mayor appear to have
more than just a casual interest in the upcoming election.
For city council – the following seats are up for grabs: Place 1,
Mayor – currently held by Walter Derrick. Derrick has not filed for
re-election as of presstime - Tuesday.
Place 2, Council Seat – currently held by John Ussery. Ussery has
filed for re-election. Ussery’s name also has surfaced as a possible
candidate for mayor.
Place 3, Council Seat – currently held by Jimmy Williams. Williams
has not filed for re-election as of presstime - Tuesday. Williams has indicated
he will seek re-election but hasn’t picked up the paperwork necessary
to run.
Also under consideration will be the Place 7, Council Seat, formerly held
by Charles Meadows, who passed away recently. His 1-year unexpired term will
be on a special ballot, also decided May 8.
According to Gladewater City Secretary Melba Haralson, current mayor Walter
Derrick and former mayors John Paul Tallent and Jackie Wood have picked up
candidate packets. Haralson said anyone may pick up a packet – either
for themselves or for someone else.
With no one formally filing to run for mayor as of yet – the field
appears wide open. Various scenarios have been batted about, but all of them
hinge on whether or not Derrick decides to seek another term.
Others picking up packets for undisclosed offices include: Kirk Rotramel,
Leon Watson and Mark Carpenter. John Ussery is the only one to actually file,
and he did that on the first day.
Several others have voiced an interest in running for the city council and
are waiting until the last day to make up their minds.
Over in the race for GISD school board, there appears voters will be asked
to make at least one choice so far, as Nick Foster has signed up to run against
Place 2 incumbent Rickie Blackmon. This the first time in several years anyone
has challenged...
...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.
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Annual Chamber of Commerce banquet set March 11
By Aaron May
Staff Writer
The Gladewater Chamber of Commerce plans to hold its 79th annual membership
banquet March 11 at the Gladewater Former Students Building.
Dr. Kirk Calhoun, M.D., president of The University of Texas Health Science
Center at Tyler, is scheduled to be the guest speaker for the event. Calhoun
also is the chief administrative officer at UTHSCT.
He also serves on the State Health Services Council, is the chair-elect
for the National Association of Public Hospitals and served on numerous
other medical boards and committees in recent years.
The event will include remarks from outgoing Chamber President John Ussery
and incoming President Ruby Henry. Awards will also be presented for the
business of the year, educator of the year, “main streeter” of
the year and other honors.
Tickets are now available and cost $18 each. A table seating eight can
be purchased for $145.
For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 903-845-5501.
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Jury gives 4-year term for assault
By Phillip Williams
Mirror Correspondent
GILMER – A 115th District Court jury sentenced Christopher Ridge Moon
to four years in prison and fined him $5,000 Feb. 18 after convicting him
of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon two days earlier, said Upshur
County District Attorney Billy Byrd.
Moon, 23, of Longview, was convicted in connection with a July 4, 2009,
incident in which he rammed a woman's car from behind with his truck, Byrd
said. Defense Attorney Paul Mayben of Pittsburg said his client contended
the incident was "accidental."
Because the jury found that Moon used his vehicle as a "deadly weapon," he
must serve at least half his sentence before becoming eligible for parole,
Byrd said in a press release.
Jurors took two hours to convict the defendant, he said. Mayben said 115th
District Judge Lauren Parish was ill on Feb. 17, so the punishment phase
was delayed till the 18th, and jurors deliberated about an hour and a half
on the sentence.
During the punishment phase, Mayben said Monday, he sought probation or a
prison term of no more than 2-5 years and asked the jury to not "throw
away" Moon's life, pointing out the defendant has a 3-year-old
child. Byrd said he asked for prison time. T
The range of punishment for the crime is 2-20 years.
In the press release, Byrd summarized the case as follows:
Evidence showed the defendant and victim separated in February 2009. Afterward,
Moon assaulted her at his mother's home on Gregg Tex Road in Spring Hill
community on April 28, 2009.
The victim then fled to her car and Moon struck it with a baseball
bat, "attempting to get her out. Based on that assault, the victim filed
for and received a protective order from the Gregg County District Attorney's
Office on May 28, 2009.
"After completing work on July 3, 2009, the victim went to a friend's
house when the defendant called her. She finally answered after repeated
phone calls and the defendant became angry. After leaving her friend's home,
the victim began traveling to her home in Upshur County."
In the Spring Hill area, the victim was traveling on Texas Hwy. 300 toward
Upshur County. "The defendant kept calling her and she finally answered.
When she did the defendant exclaimed 'Gotcha' and struck" the rear of
the car with the truck.
The woman accelerated at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour "trying
to get away. At the intersection of FM 1844 and HIghway 300, the defendant
struck her again from the rear at speeds of more than 100...Her vehicle began
to spin out of control when she was struck again, blowing her tires out and
totaling her vehicle. She came to rest more than 354 feet away from the strike
that occurred in the intersection."
Upshur County sheriff's deputies and a Texas Department of Public Safety "trooper
came to the scene and arrested the defendant that night. The indictment charged
the defendant with...
...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.
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Upshur delays action on grant
By Phillip Williams
Mirror Correspondent
GILMER – Upshur County Commissioners Court on Friday postponed
until at least March 15 deciding whether to accept a $285,333 state
planning grant for historically restoring the aging county courthouse.
Pct. 1 Comm. James Crittenden's motion to immediately accept the grant failed
for lack of a second. The court's four commissioners then voted unanimously
to table action.
Pct. 4 Comm. Glenn Campbell said he wanted to postpone the decision
in order to study the matter and allow public input. "This is
a mighty big decision," he said.
The Texas Historical Commission recently approved the grant subject to
the county's acceptance. County Judge Dean Fowler said It would be used
for planning to restore the courthouse to its state in 1936 (when it was
constructed), with the exception of "modern-day amenities" such
as telephones and the elevator.
The county's match for the planning grant would be $142,500, said Fowler.
And the county would have to pay both that amount, and repay
the $285,000 planning grant, if it decides against receiving
a grant for actual construction, he said.
The judge estimated the county would have to pay about $2 million
of the cost of the renovation in two years if it proceeds with construction.
He said a construction grant would pay the more than $1 million cost
of replacing the courthouse's 30-year-old heating and ventilation system – and
the county would have to spend $1 million without the grant to replace
it.
Crittenden said accepting the planning grant would save money "in
the long run." When Campbell and Pct. 2 Comm. Joe E. (Buddy) Ferguson contended
more time was needed to decide, Crittenden said the county would spend
more on the heating/ventilation system if it used local tax revenues
instead of a grant.
Responded Ferguson, "We're not talking about turning it (the grant) down," but
instead talking about time to get more information.
Also on Friday, the court heard an emotional statement from Sheriff's
Deputy Chad Wade concerning deputies' pay. Wade said he was leaving the
sheriff's office because "there's no financial incentive for me" to
stay, and that deputies' pay was an "embarrassment" to both
him and the county.
Wade said he could earn more changing toilet paper dispensers and other
manual labor than as a deputy. His voice breaking with emotion much
of the time, he said he didn't want to leave the sheriff's office, but
that it was a "necessity" for him and that deputies "need
a financial incentive to stay here."
In another matter, the court voted 3-1 to deny Wayne Arnold's request
to open Lantana Road, the third time the court has heard the controversial matter.
Crittenden opposed the denial.
Arnold said he wanted the opening for him and Kenneth White
to have access to their property. Dr. John McKenzie, who owns property
nearby, again objected to the request, saying it was "taking money
for a private road that two people benefit from."
Fowler finally cut off Crittenden's discussion of the matter...
...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.
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District judge sentences 13 for felonies
By Phillip Williams
Mirror Correspondent
GILMER – 115th District Judge Lauren Parish sentenced 13 persons
on felony charges and one for a misdemeanor offense between Feb. 19
and Friday, said Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd's office.
Details of the felony cases were as follows, the office reported:
Cody Elder, 26, of Big Sandy, drew 17 months in state jail Feb. 26 after
the probation he was serving for criminal mischief was revoked.
Elder admitted violating probation for the Dec. 28, 2004, crime, which
the Gilmer Police Department investigated. Byrd represented the state at
the sentencing while Gilmer attorney David Griffith represented Elder.
Herbert Hobgood, 18, of Gilmer, was placed on 10 years "deferred
adjudication" probation Feb. 19 after pleading guilty to sexual assault
of a child. He is accused of committing the crime Sept. 8, 2009.
"Deferred adjudication" means no final conviction appears on
a defendant's record if he/she successfully completes probation. However,
when such probation is revoked, the maximum term for the crime can
be assessed.
Some of the numerous terms of Hobgood's probation include a $1,000 fine;
800 hours of community work service; registering as a sex offender for
life; sex offender classes; and counseling.
The Upshur County Sheriff's Office investigated the case. Assistant District
Attorney Edward Choy represented the state at the pleading, while Gilmer
attorney Matthew Patton represented Hobgood.
Evaristo A. Villafuerte, 41, of Gilmer, drew five years probation of a
10-year prison term Feb. 23 after pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated – subsequent
offense. However, he must serve four consecutive weekends in county jail
as a term of probation.
The Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the Dec. 26, 2008 offense.
Some of Villafuerte's numerous terms of probation included 500 hours of
community service; a $500 fine; suspension of his driver's license for a year;
and DWI repeat offender school.
Byrd represented the state in the case. Gilmer attorney Angela Smoak represented
the defendant.
Charles Kuykendall, 31, of Gilmer, drew 12 years in prison Feb. 26 after
pleading guilty to burglary of a habitation.
The sheriff's office investigated the July 1, 2009 crime. Byrd represented
the state, while attorney Scott Novy represented Kuykendall.
Jordan Lee Spangler, 18, of Gilmer, was placed on six years deferred adjudication
Feb. 23 after pleading guilty to injury to elderly individual. However,
he must spend 30 days in county jail to begin his sentence.
The Gilmer Police Department investigated the case. Spangler, who was ordered
to perform 300 hours of community service and fined $500 among other terms
of probation, is charged with committing the crime July 16, 2009.
Choy represented the state. Gilmer attorney Tim Cone represented Spangler.
Matthew Doss, 38, of Longview, drew eight years in prison Feb. 23 when
the probation he was serving for driving while intoxicated – subsequent
offense was revoked.
Doss admitted violating terms of his probation...
...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.
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