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GILMER–115th District Judge Lauren Parish sentenced 11 defendants on felony charges and two on misdemeanor charges between Aug. 21 and 28, including a woman who pleaded guilty to 26 felony counts of forgery, said Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd’s office.

Angela Kay Walls, 31, of Ore City, was placed on 26 concurrent terms of 5 years probation of a 2-year state jail term Aug. 28, the office reported Sept. 11, adding these details:.

Ore City police investigated the offenses, 9 of which occurred March 23, 2017 and 17 of which occurred March 30, 2017, Byrd’s office said.

As were all others placed on felony probation between Aug. 21 and 28, some of Walls’ terms of probation include court costs, a $50 fee to Crimestoppers and training in “life skills.”

Some other terms of her probation included paying $100 to the crime victims fund, a $500 fine, $1,438 restitution to the victim, an atttorney fee, 200 hours of community service and classes for theft defendants.

Assistant District Attorney Sarah Lyn Cooper represented the state in the cases. Marshall attorney Brendan Roth represented Walls.

Details of other felony sentencings were as follows, and all pleaded guilty or, in cases involving probation revocation, admitted violating terms of probation, Byrd’s office said:

Caleb Seth Snow, 26, of Big Sandy, was placed on 3 years “deferred adjudication” probation Aug. 28 for theft of property of the value of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000.

Defendants receiving deferred adjudication have no final conviction on their records if they successfully complete probation. However, if such probation is revoked, they can receive up the maximum sentence for the offense.

Some terms of Snow’s probation include paying $100 to the crime victim fund, a $1,000 fine, an attorney fee, 200 hours of community service and classes for theft defendants.

The sheriff’s office investigated Snow’s Oct. 7, 2016 crime.

Assistant District Attorney Catherine McQueen represented the state at sentencing. Roth represented Snow.

As detailed in last week’s Mirror, Gene Authur Smith, 57, of Longview, drew the maximum term of 10 years in prison for driving while intoxicated–subsequent offense Aug. 21 after a non-jury trial on punishment. He pleaded guilty to the April 1, 2017 crime, investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, but contended he was too old for prison.

Dee Anna Young, 42, of Longview, was placed on 4 years “deferred adjudication” probation Aug. 28 for possession of a controlled substance–less than one gram of methamphetamine. However, as a term of probation, she was to remain in county jail until an opening occurred at the Bowie County Women’s Center, where she must complete a program and any aftercare.

The sheriff’s office probed the Feb. 20 offense. Some terms of probation include a $500 fine, $100 payment to the crime victim fund, 300 hours of community service and an alcohol/drug evaluation.

Byrd represented the state at sentencing. Longview attorney Leslie Bullard represented Young.

Susan Louise Lee, 46, of Winnsboro, was placed on five years deferred adjudication probation Aug. 28 for tampering with physical evidence. Gilmer police investigated the Oct. 7, 2017 crime.

Some terms of probation include paying $100 to the crime victim fund, a $1,000 fine, a $180 fee to the Texas Department of Public Safety for testing the drug involved in the case, an attorney fee, 600 hours of community service, an alcohol/drug evaluation and counseling for drug offenders.

Cooper represented the state at sentencing. Gilmer atttorney Matthew Patton represented Lee.

Jarnaveus Watson, 20, of Memphis, Tx., was put on three years deferred adjudication probation Aug. 28 for evading arrest/detention with vehicle.

The sheriff’s office probed the April 18 offense. Some terms of probation include paying $100 to the crime victim fund, a $500 fine, attorney fee, 250 hours of community service and an alcohol/drug evaluation.

Cooper represented the state at sentencing. Longview attorney Craig Bass represented Watson.

Jorge Luis Silverio, 25, of Pittsburg, was placed on three years deferred adjudication probation Aug. 28 for evading arrest/detention with vehicle.

Gilmer police worked the April 20, 2017 case. Some terms of probation include paying $100 to the crime victim fund, a $1,000 fine, attorney fee, 300 hours of community service and an alcohol/drug evaluation.

Byrd represented the state at sentencng. Longview attorney John Moore represented Silverio.

Tara Hggins Reed, 39, of Diana, was placed on five years deferred adjudication probation Aug. 28 for abandoning or endangering child. However, she must remain in county jail until an opening develops in a substance abuse treatment program called SAFFP and complete it.

The district attorney’s office investigated her May 30, 2017 offense. Some terms of probation include paying $100 to the crime victim fund, a $1,000 fine, attorney fee, 300 hours of community service, an alcohol/drug evaluation, counseling for drug offenders and a parenting class.

Byrd and Roth handled the sentencing.

Clifford H. France III, 54, of Hawkins, received two years in prison Aug. 28 for unlawful possession of a firearm by felon. The sheriff’s office investigated the March 17, 2016 crime.

Byrd represented the state at sentencing. Dallas attorney Tony Wright represented France.

In a revocation, Caitlyn McKenzie Pruitt, 18, of Longview, drew six years in prison Aug. 28 for prohibited substances and items in correctional facility. The DPS investigated the Jan. 26 crime.

Byrd represented the state. Longview attorney Rick Hurlburt represented Pruitt.

In another revocation, Derek R. Hare, 39, of Pittsburg, drew five years in prison Aug. 28 for driving while intoxicated–open container–subsequent offense. The sheriff’s office worked the June 2, 2010 crime.

Cooper represented the state at sentencing. Longview attorney Brandt Thorson represented Hare.

In the misdemeanor cases, both handled Aug. 28, said Byrd’s office:

–a Pittsburg man who turns 33 Sunday was placed on 2 years probation of a 1-year term in county jail after pleading guilty to assault/family violence, and a 35-year-old Diana woman who admitted violating terms of probation drew 12 months in state jail for possession of a controlled substance–less than one gram of methamphetamine.

 

 

 

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GILMER–The Upshur County Grand Jury on Sept. 6 returned 25 indictments, six of them sealed, said District Attorney Billy Byrd.

Defendants, charges and bond information in the open indictments was as follows, his office reported:

Mystical Jo Adams, 30, of Gladewater, evading arrest/detention with vehicle on July 3. She remained in county jail under $15,000 bond.

Robert Joseph Bison Jr., 48, of Gladewater, unauthorized use of vehicle on July 10.  He, too, remained in county jail under $10,000 bond.

Jessica Paige Marsh, 36, of Gladewater, aggravated assault with deadly weapon on April 4, $15,000

Joshua Brooks Freeman, 29, of Diana, was named in two separate indictments, one charging him with aggravated assault with deadly weapon and another charging him with both that offense and assault/family violence with previous conviction.

He is charged with committing the crimes March 25. Bond was set at $25,000 on each indictment.

David Gilbert Gomez, 46, of Big Sandy, assault/family violence–occlusion on May 23. He remained in county jail on other charges.

Janet Maria Dean, 33, of Gilmer, assault/family violence–occlusion on June 24, $10,000

Christopher Lonnie Watson, 43, of Gilmer, assault/family violence–occlusion last Oct. 1, $25,000

Levi Dale Andrews, 34, of Gilmer, possession of controlled substance–methamphetamine last Dec. 3, $5,000

Lonnie Jim Green, 43, of Pittsburg, possession of controlled substance–methamphetamine on June 8, 2017. Bond was set at $5,000, but Green is in Bradshaw State Jail in the Henderson area.

Patricia Lynn Wilson, 46, of Jefferson, possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine) on Aug. 29, 2017, $10,000

Abron T. Palmer Jr., 71, of Gilmer, driving while intoxicated–subsequent offense on May 26, $1,500

Michael Ray Sinclair, 60, of Big Sandy, unlawful possession of firearm by felon on July 8, $15,000

Mary Catherine Donnelly Davis, 23, of Gilmer, unauthorized use of vehicle on July 10. She remained in county jail under $10,000 bail.

Bart Lindsey Vaughn, 50, of Gilmer, deadly conduct on July 4, $10,000

Samantha Kayle Laster, 26, of Gun Barrel City, debit card abuse on July 13, $5,000

Rondarius Derand Darden, 27, of Longview, theft of property less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions on July 19, $5,000

Kenneth Earl Ellis, 53, of Mt. Pleasant, theft of property less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions on July 3, $1,500

Derrick Parnell Lee, 54, of Mt. Pleasant, theft of property less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions on July 3. He remained in county jail under $1,500 bond.

Identity of anyone named in the sealed indictments was not revealed since no arrest had been made in those cases, Byrd said. They included two for assault/family violence–occlusion, two of two counts each for fraudulent use/possession of identifying information, and one each for abandon/endanger a child and unlawful possession of firearm by felon, said his office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On Patriot Day the flag of the United States is flown at half-staff at the White House and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments throughout the world; flags are also encouraged to be displayed on individual American homes. Additionally, a moment of silence is observed to correspond with the attacks, beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Join us and our many fine sponsors in saluting all our First Responders who like those brave men and women on 9/11 rushed into danger and gave all they had for their fellow man.

 

 

 

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Funeral services for East Mountain City Councilman Charles Medlin, 73, are set for 10 a.m. Friday at the Assembly of God in Gilmer.

Burial will be in Old East Mountain Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Thursday (tonight) at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.

Medlin died unexpectedly at his home Tuesday morning. A full obituary will appear in next week’s editon of The Mirror.

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A  Gladewater woman who was arrested in June on a murder solicitation charge was indicted this week by a Gregg County Grand Jury.

Deeanna Ann Aldredge was arrested at her home on Quitman Street in Gladewater after an investigation by the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office and remains  in the county jail on a $250,000 bond.

She reportedly lost custody of her child and offered to pay $500 to have the child’s father killed,  according to the arrest warrant filed in the Gregg County District Court.

The arrest warrant says a confidential informant, identified as “C.I,” contacted the sheriff’s office June 13 and said Aldredge asked him to kill her child’s father.

The informant met the next day with two sheriff’s investigators, a sheriff’s office lieutenant, a Texas Ranger and a Longview police detective and told them Aldredge called him twice and offered to pay him to kill the father.

C.I. said the father had full custody of the child and Aldredge believed the father “stole” the child from her, the arrest warrant said. He said Aldredge had been unable to regain custody after failing a drug test.

C.I. said Aldredge initially approached him about killing the father a month earlier when they met at a Kilgore restaurant, the arrest warrant said.

Aldredge showed C.I. where the father lives in White Oak and provided a location where he works, according to the arrest warrant. She also described the vehicle the father drives.

“C.I. advised that Deeanna offered him cash to kill (the father) or have someone kill him but advised that she never gave an amount that she would pay,” the arrest warrant said.

C.I. told authorities Aldredge called him June 13 to solicit the father’s murder, and asked again whether he would do it or knew anyone else who would, the arrest warrant said.

CI. said he immediately reported the incident to the sheriff’s office lieutenant, and investigators arranged for C.I. to place a recorded call with Aldredge, according to the report.

“Deeanna advised that she still wanted to have (the father) killed and offered $500 to have him killed,” the report read. She said she wanted to meet C.I. in person to discuss the issue further, and they agreed to meet this past Saturday.

Authorities issued C.I. audio-visual recording equipment before his meeting with Aldredge, the report said. Investigators watched the meeting of C.I. and Aldredge and conducted surveillance.

C.I. was directed to tell Aldredge that he had someone interested in killing the father and entered her vehicle, which was registered to the father, the report said.

“During their meeting, Deeanna advised C.I. that she didn’t want to speak about it over the phone or text messages because she did not want to leave a paper trail,” the arrest warrant said.

Aldredge reportedly declined the informant’s request to take him by the father’s house because the father was home and celebrating his birthday, the arrest warrant said. She showed him a photo of the father on Facebook and provided his work schedule.

C.I. told Aldredge that “his guy” needed an act of good faith, and she agreed to pay $100 before the hit and the remainder of the amount after the father was killed, according to the report.

Responding to a question from C.I., Aldredge said, “I want him dead; I want it to look like an accident,” the arrest warrant said.

She added she wanted the father killed when her son was not with him, the report said.

Aldredge gave a description of the father’s vehicle and made arrangements to meet with the person who would kill the father, the arrest warrant said. She wrote a note with the work and home addresses of the father and what he drove and handed it to C.I.

After she dropped C.I. off, investigators picked him up and obtained the recording and the note Aldredge handed to C.I., the arrest warrant said.

 

Others inducted include:

GRAND JURY FOR THE 124^THDISTRICT COURT

JULY-DECEMBER TERM

AUGUST 22^ND& 23^RD, 2018

 

THE GRAND JURY RETURNED 45 INDICTMENTS WITH 14 SEALED DUE TO NO ARREST AT TIME OF GRAND JURY MEETING
DEFENDANT	OFFENSE	CITY
1.     DAVID EUGENE HOPKINS (42)   ***JAIL	INJURY TO A CHILD, ELDERLY, OR DISABLED INDIVIDUAL 06-17-2018	TATUM
2.     JUSTIN HAYES REED (31)     ***JAIL	UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A FELON 05-29-2018	LONGVIEW
3.     TOMMY LEE WOBBINGTON JR. (44)   $5,000 (BOND# 18000548)	BURGLARY OF A VEHICLE HABITUAL 04-11-2018	HALLSVILLE
4.     ANCIO ANTONIO TOWLES (42)   ***JAIL	UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A FELON LPD – 18-9935 07-01-2018	LONGVIEW
5.     ANCIO ANTONIO TOWLES (42)   ***JAIL	BURGLARY OF A VEHICLE HABITUAL; EVADING ARREST OR DETENTION WITH PREVIOUS CONVICTION 07-01-2018	LONGVIEW
6.     STEVEN LEE DUVALL (33)   ARRESTED OUT OF COUNTY	FORGERY 10-02-2017	LONGVIEW
7.     STACEY WALL (34)   $15,000 (BOND# 2018-609-4319)	BURGLARY OF A BUILDING 7.1.18	KILGORE
8.     DALTON WAYNE WUENCH (18)   $5,000 (BOND# 2018-101-0627)	BURGLARY OF A BUILDING 7.1.18	KILGORE
9.     ENNIX BLACKMON, JR. (68)   $5,000 (BOND# 2018-611-191132)	THEFT HABITUAL 5.29.18	LONGVIEW
10.  LESLIE DEWAYNE BUTLER (36)   $20,000 (BOND# 16000908)	FORGERY 6.9.18 5.23.16	BECKVILLE
11.  JAMES TRINTON JOHNSON (29)   *** JAIL	POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN AN AMOUNT OF LESS THAN ONE GRAM 5.30.18	AUBREY
12.  CHRISTOPHER RENOIR JONES (35)   *** JAIL	DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE 5.29.18	OVERTON
13.  MARKEYTA TRENICE WARD (31)   $5,000 (BOND# 2018-508-1012)	INJURY TO AN ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL 07-10-2018	LONGVIEW
14.  JOHNNY LEN KELLOGG (47)   ***JAIL	MURDER 05-09-2018	LONGVIEW
15.  LI ANTHONY GLOSSON (23)   $7,500 (BOND# 2018-101-0591)	TAMPERING WITH A GOVERNMENTAL RECORD; TAMPERING WITH A GOVERNMENTAL RECORD; TAMPERING WITH A GOVERNMENTAL RECORD; TAMPERING WITH A GOVERNMENTAL RECORD 03-04-2018	NEW YORK, NY
16.  LI ANTHONY GLOSSON (23)   $3,500 (BOND# 2018-101-0590)	POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 03-04-2018	NEW YORK, NY
17.  JAMES DONNELL WHITAKER (50)   ***JAIL	UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A MOTOR-PROPELLED VEHICLE; POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 06-03-2018	LONGVIEW
18.  JOHN KENNETH OLSEN (52)   ***JAIL	THEFT OF PROPERTY OF THE VALUE OF $2,500 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $30,000 06-05-2018	ATLANTA
19.  DAN MICHAEL EDWARDS (56)   $5,000 (BOND# 2018-117-3352)	POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 04-02-2018	KILGORE
20.  CARLTON RAY CHAMPION (54)   $100,000 (BOND# 18000828)	POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH INTENT TO DELIVER 04-06-2018	LONGVIEW
21.  MINDI SUE GRIFFITH (42)     $20,000 (BOND# 18000881)	POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH INTENT TO DELIVER 04-14-2018	LONGVIEW
22.  JOSEPH WAYNE BURNETTE (41)   *** JAIL	FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER 7.20.18	LONGVIEW
23.  CHRISTOPHER CHARLES CLARY (18)   $5,000 (BOND# 2018-609-3881)	POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN AN AMOUNT OF LESS THAN ONE GRAM 4.5.18	KILGORE
24.  DEEANNA ANN ALDREDGE (23)   *** JAIL	SOLICITATION TO COMMIT MURDER 6.18.18	GLADEWATER
25.  ANTHONY JAMES LOCKLEY (19)     $15,000 (BOND# 2018-609-4359)	UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY FELON 6.20.18	TYLER
26.  QUARDARIAN LADAYL MITCHELL (27)   *** JAIL	EVADING ARREST OR DETENTION WITH A VEHICLE 6.2.18	EL DORADO, AR
27.  JUSTIN JAKE NEWMAN (39)   *** JAIL	BURGLARY OF A HABITATION 3.27.18	HARLETON
28.  GLORIA WILLIAMS NORRIS (53)   *** JAIL	AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 6.30.18 CONTINUOUS VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDER 7.17.18 & 7.22.18 EVADING ARREST WITH VEHICLE 7.22.18	LONGVIEW
29.   JOSEPH WAYNE BURNETTE (41)   ***JAIL	MURDER 10.28.06	LONGVIEW
30.   JOSEPH WAYNE BURNETTE (41)   ***JAIL	MURDER 7.13.2018	LONGVIEW
31. BRANDON WILSON WHITEHORN (24)     ***JAIL	CRIMINAL MISCHIEF $30,000<$150,000 GCSO-08A-013-18 3.27.2018	GLADEWATER

 

 

 

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NACOGDOCHES – Today, State Representative Travis Clardy (R – Nacogdoches) announced his intention to run for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

“It is with the utmost respect for the Texas House of Representatives and its members that I humbly submit my name for consideration as Speaker of the House for the upcoming 86th Regular Session of the Legislature,” Rep. Clardy said.

Clardy emphasized his passion to serve and the desire to enable members to develop a strong legislative agenda noting, “Together, we will keep Texas moving forward. We are 150 leaders united behind a common bond and set of shared core values, including a commitment to service, the goal of improving the lives of others, and our love of Texas.”

“We face critical challenges that will shape and define the future of Texas,” Clardy added. “Now is the time for a new vision that requires bold leadership. The best days of our great state are ahead, and I look forward to continuing to build an even better Texas for the next generation.”

First elected in 2012 to represent House District 11, which includes Cherokee, Nacogdoches and Rusk counties, Clardy currently serves as vice chair of the House Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, and a member of the House Higher Education and Energy Resources committees.

Rep. Clardy grew up and attended public school in Lubbock, Texas, and received his undergraduate degree from Abilene Christian University where he met his wife, Judy. He earned a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law and is a practicing attorney in Nacogdoches. Travis and Judy reared their family in East Texas; they are the proud parents of four sons and have recently welcomed three daughters-in-law and two grandsons into the family.

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COLLEGE STATION – Wine grape growers around the state experienced challenging conditions, but the 2018 season was expected to produce high-quality fruit, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Michael Cook, AgriLife Extension viticulture program specialist, Denton, said harvests are far from complete but the 2018 growing season threw wine grape growers several curveballs that likely led to a 10 percent reduction in yields overall.

Good spring moisture levels started the season off well, and the normal winter temperatures helped abate insect pressure into March and April compared to last year, he said. But then Mother Nature kept growers on their toes the rest of the season.

Growers in the northern parts of the state experienced spring frost incidents that caused damaging losses, he said. Late frosts were followed by extreme heat and drought.

“Grapevines awakened as predicted this year and everything looked great, but frost events along the Red River down to Stephenville damaged around 10-20 percent of the crop in those areas,” he said. “Then Mother Nature turned the heat up, and it’s been challenging due to hot, dry and windy conditions since.”

Cook said temperatures reached 100-plus degrees around June 1 and have not let up.

“In North and Northeast Texas, we’ve dealt with a fair amount of drought and high temperatures,” he said. “Central and North Central Texas temperatures have reached 116 degrees and remained above 100 degrees for three to four weeks depending on location, which has elevated vine stress and kept growers on their toes.”

Cook said overall yields will be lower than 2017, which was a bumper year, but that grape quality is expected to be very high.

“Grapes are smaller, but they are packed with sugar and flavor,” he said. “The season was a struggle for many, but growers are excited about the potential quality of their grapes.”

Dr. Pierre Helwi, AgriLife Extension viticulture specialist, Lubbock, said smaller grapes typically mean better quality, but there is still concern about rapid-ripening in grapes destined for red wines.

“Ripening will be very fast because of the high temperatures,” he said. “Grapes have shown good sugar and acidity levels, but phenolic maturity may be quicker than normal, which could negatively affect quality.”

Helwi said there were few disease and pest issues in the Panhandle and Southern Plains because conditions have been extremely dry. Growers have relied on irrigation to maintain their vines.

Brianna Hoge, AgriLife Extension viticulture specialist, Fredericksburg, said constant irrigation has lowered sugar brix counts in Central Texas grapes. Producers are reporting sugar counts lower than the optimal 21-22 brix for white grapes and 23 or more brix for reds.

“They’re doing what they can to manage sugar counts, but we’re advising growers they shouldn’t stress the vines further to get their grapes’ sugars up,” she said. “Overall, quality looks good. Exposure to intense sun caused some sunburn to white varieties, but the biggest impact was how drought affected yields as it did in other parts of the state.”

Hoge said some Central Texas growers noted they were expecting 4 tons of grapes per acre but harvested 1 ton per acre. Harvests in Central Texas were also earlier than typical due to rapid ripening.

Cook said AgriLife Extension specialists are focusing now on helping wine grape growers maintain the health of their vines to prevent problems associated with stresses this season to resonate into the 2019 growing season.

Hoge said specialists are also advising thorough cleaning of vineyards to remove possible diseased debris that could become a problem next season. They are also stressing that if the drought continues, growers should be mindful to provide necessary amounts of water throughout dormancy.

“We’re helping growers keep their vines healthy going into winter and next season,” he said. “Vine health prior to dormancy will be a big factor in next year’s production, and so we want to help them recover as much as possible.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

CENTRAL: Drought conditions continued with high temperatures. Very few pastures have any available grazing left, and most stock tanks were very low or dry. Producers were cutting cattle herds. Prices were holding on, but sheep and goat prices dropped a bit. Corn and milo stalks were baled for livestock feed. Fire hazard conditions continued. Livestock were being supplemented. Dryland cotton looked good two weeks ago but was showing heat and drought stress. To this point in the growing season, all dryland crops were 100 percent losses. Most counties reported poor soil moisture and overall rangeland and pasture conditions. Most crop and livestock conditions were fair overall.

ROLLING PLAINS: Hot, dry weather prevailed, though temperatures moderated from the 110-plus degree range experienced in previous weeks. A few southern counties reported receiving 0.5-1.1 inches of spotty rain. Pastures and rangeland were in poor condition. With no moisture, grasses turned dormant and ranchers were forced to increase supplemental feed. Lack of hay for baling and for sale were becoming serious issues. An increased number of cattle were being shipped to market. Irrigated cotton was fair to good, but dryland fields had a very hard start and conditions haven’t improved. Plants were beginning to show signs of lack of moisture, and boll counts were very slim. Native trees were showing signs of drought stress. Forecasts were calling for cooler temperatures and rain.

COASTAL BEND: Hot and dry conditions continued, with some scattered showers reported in a few areas. Corn and sorghum harvests continued, and rice harvest began. Below-average yields were reported so far. Cotton in the southern end of the district was being harvested. Cotton fields in other areas looked good, and bolls were starting to open up with some defoliation applications being made. The pecan crop looked good, but orchards needed some heavy rainfall as trees entered kernel development. Pasture conditions were beginning to deteriorate, and supplemental feeding began in some areas. Hay baling was in full swing with an average crop. Livestock remained in fair condition, although flies have become a nuisance.

EAST:  Drought conditions and growing fire danger continued despite scattered showers throughout the district. Panola County reported one small area of the county received 6 inches of rain in a half hour, but the majority of areas only received 0.25-1 inch of rainfall. Cherokee County producers were forced to move livestock due to ponds and creeks going dry. Marion and Harrison county producers were concerned about declining stock and pond water. Lack of hay continued across the district causing Gregg and Marion county producers to feed hay. Sabine County reported continued high production levels of forage and hay. Pasture and rangeland conditions were good in Sabine County, fair in San Augustine, Gregg and Shelby counties and all other counties reported poor to very poor conditions. Some Marion County producers started preparations for fall gardens. Subsoil conditions were reported to be adequate in Sabine, Jasper, San Augustine and Gregg counties, while all other counties reported short to very short conditions. Topsoil conditions were adequate in Sabine, Jasper and San Augustine counties, and all other counties reported short to very short conditions. Producers began culling cattle in Cherokee and Gregg counties. Cattle market numbers in Houston and Shelby counties remained steady, and calf prices were up per hundredweight in Houston County. Armyworm infestations were devastating forages in Cherokee and Sabine counties. Wild pigs continued to cause difficulties in Shelby County.

SOUTH PLAINS: Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels remained adequate to short. Lack of rain, high temperatures and wind continued to dry out already parched land. Producers continued to supplement with irrigation. Sorghum, cotton, peanuts and corn continued to mature. Producers were conducting weed and pest management. Some cotton was plowed up after insurance adjustments.  Pastures and rangeland needed moisture. Many cattle producers were shipping herds due to drought conditions and declining tank water. Cattle were in good condition.

PANHANDLE: Conditions were warm and windy with average temperatures. Some moisture was received. A good, general soaking rain was needed throughout the district. Soil moisture levels continued to be short to very short. Armstrong County received some rain but was still experiencing wildfires. Hall County drought conditions continued with spotty rains in some areas. Rangeland and pastures were still in very good condition in some areas, and cattle were performing well. Cattle body conditions and pastures continued to decline in other areas. Irrigated crops looked good. Moore County received scattered showers but little accumulation. Ochiltree County wheat pre-plant activity continued. Some late-season irrigation was provided for corn and cotton. Many cotton fields were nearing cut out. Insect scouting and control continued in all crops.

NORTH: A cold front brought cooler temperatures but very little rain. Daytime temperatures fell to the upper 90s, and nighttime temperatures ranged in the mid- to upper-60s. The cooler weather helped, but more rain was needed. Crops, pastures and hay fields were showing signs of stress, and stock ponds were receding. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were mostly short, with some counties reporting very short. Corn was 40-45 percent harvested. Cotton and soybean fields were showing stress. Soybeans and corn stalks were being harvested for forage.  Cattle looked good considering the tough conditions and low-quality forage they were eating. Hay production was about 30 percent of normal. Pastures looked green but, were not growing. Some ranchers were considering early weaning and/or culling lower producing or open cows.

FAR WEST: Temperatures were in the upper 90s to 100 degrees with lows in the 60s. Scattered showers averaged 0.2-2-plus inches of rainfall. Drought was negatively impacting farm and ranch operations. Producers continued to irrigate crops. Producers harvested some haygrazer. Pecan trees were showing drop due to lack of water and pecan nut casebearer. Producers noted grey ash lady beetles and limited aphids. Dry weather with wind was causing fire danger concern. Calves, sheep and goats were shipped to market.

WEST CENTRAL: Hot and dry weather continued. There was virtually no forage production as grasses of all kinds shut down due to heat and lack of moisture. Cotton remained in poor condition due to moisture stress, and many acres failed. Very little hay was available to buy, and available bales were selling for $100-$125 per round bale. Stock tanks were dry or at critical levels making water availability a serious issue for many producers. Livestock producers continued to cull herds as supplemental feeding of livestock increased.

SOUTHEAST: Pastures were very dry. Most hay producers were waiting on more rain. Rice harvest was moving along very well. Corn and sorghum harvests started. Pastures were dry, but livestock appeared to be in good health. Rangeland and pasture ratings varied from fair to very poor, with fair ratings being most common. Soil-moisture levels ranged from adequate to short with short being most common.

SOUTHWEST: Moisture conditions continued to decline. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to decline as well. Below average crop yields were being reported. Some ranchers started feeding hay and were selling livestock.

SOUTH: Weather continued to be hot and dry, and soil moisture levels were short to very short. Temperatures were above 100 degrees most days in most areas. Scattered rain showers were reported in Jim Wells County. Peanut fields continued to be irrigated. Corn and sorghum harvests were complete in most areas. Cotton harvest started on some early planted dryland fields. The rest of the cotton crop was in the open-boll stage. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor, and livestock supplemental feeding continued. Local livestock markets were steady, offering slightly above-average volumes in all classes of beef cattle with fair to good body conditions on most livestock. High temperatures were stressing surface water sources as evaporation rates continued to rise. Body condition scores on cattle remained fair. Hay harvest was slowing due to scorching heat. Pecan growers continued to apply water to orchards.

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Surrounded by hopes, dreams and years of tradition, 36 young women became the newest members of the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes dance and drill team this morning.

The announcement, made in a closed ceremony in Dodson Auditorium on the Kilgore campus, culminates a weeklong process of 96 “Hopefuls” vying for a coveted position on the 2018-19 Rangerette line.

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