Sheriff's Report Number 447- Just in from Corpus Christi for Sheriff's Association of Texas Annual Training Conference. This is top-notch training every year. About 70% of the Sheriffs statewide were present, plus a large number of Deputies. It lets you get to know other Officers statewide….This pays dividends at times. The modern catch-phrase for it is 'networking'. Neighboring Sheriffs from Navarro, Limestone, Henderson and Anderson Counties all present. The trip down let me see with clarity just how bad the drought really is. We are fortunate in Freestone County by comparison. The severity was very evident in Milam County and Counties south, which is very close to us. They are feeding hay in Refugio…..What few cattle were left.

Had a good visit with friend Tommy Moore whom have known since 1973. Tommy's been a little under the weather for a few years but perking along now like a fresh pot of coffee! Always been helpful to his friends in any way he could, willing to help anyone who asked, as long as he had the ability.

Smoke in garage, FCR- 261, Butler VFD to same, but no sign of fire. Tree fell, blocking road, on Moody. Drinking causing problems on Busby, funny how they always go together! TPD Cox and Sykora, Deputy Aldrich to same. FEMS and Southern Oaks VFD to breathing problems. Loose cattle put up by passerby, IH-45 and Hwy. 179, repaired fence with loose coat hangers. DPS Purnell jails motorist off US-287, Anderson and Houston County Warrants.

Man calls again, ranting about TV reception, wants to know if it is legal to build a gallows! Perfectly legal…..Long as you don't make use of it! FEMS and Butler VFD to FCR-381, chest pains. TPD Sykora to Jail with one, Marijuana charge. THDEMS to diabetic troubles on Oak Street. TPD Aaron Reed arrests DWI who just struck tree, N. 3rd. Sewer problems on Ronnie, Fairfield.

Mr. Elom has loose cow impounded, FCR-911. Dep. Robertson headed to Burn Ban Violation near Streetman when diverted to report of Burglary on FM- 80….Upon arrival the property owner reported he'd seen a guy on the road while driving who was walking, had a backpack, carrying some sacks. He decided to return and help this poor fellow. Asked if hungry and then gave him five dollars. This was the Christian thing to do…..But when he finally got to his nearby residence, he noted that he was missing canned goods, bananas, soda pop, shoes and so forth. He remembered that the fellow he'd offered the money to a few minutes before…..Had a bottle of Apple Juice in his hand…..He checked and some of his was missing! A few hours later another citizen reported a fellow of the same description as the burglar. Teague Officers arrived first, spotted him as he fled down the Rail Road Tracks….Finally apprehended. Admitted to the Burglary, jailed by Dep. Scott Shaw. Our Thanks to all who assisted. Also found to be involved in same stuff, Navarro County. Now all this started out with Deputy Travis Robertson, you know, he was the one trying to get to the Burn Ban Violation…..He finally did get there…..but the brush pile had long since been consumed.

Was gone out of County but understand the Ike Carden Rodeo another good show. Glad to hear it. Dep. Shipley and Yancy to FCR- 430, missing 4-Wheelers. Problematic visitor at Family Reunion, FCR-446. Black dog bites person, kills pet dog, East Main, Teague. FPD Gallegos arrests one on McDonald, Assault Family Violence….That Infernal Triangle once again….Two females and one male. Arrests one of the others on Teague City Warrant.

Dep. Diana Willis arrests man on Assault Warrant. Big rain in various parts of County. Heard everything from 1 to 6 inches, plus trees and limbs down. Mexia EMS to FCR-975, young Lady cut arm and mouth on glass. Dep. Harrison to folks causing much commotion and noise, FM-3059. TPD Martin to report of abused horse. Deputy Clayton Aldrich stops/arrests speeder, FCR-930, Probation Warrant. DPS Thornton to accident, US-84, near Railroad. Trash dumped, FCR-862.

Buffalo EMS and DPS to accident, Mile 182. 911 Bounce reports large piece of pipe in middle of IH-45, Mile 246, Ellis County SO advised. DPS Adams arrests man on Narcotics and Assault Warrants, Freestone and Limestone Counties, Hwy. 164, just East of Donie. TDC Officer arrests one visitor to Boyd Unit, trying to smuggle in a cell phone to an Inmate….Very much a violation of the law. TPD Martin to Jail with female, three Hot Checkin' Warrants, part of a Family Disturbance.

TPD Sykora and Martin to another Family Disturbance. THDEMS to MLK, Lady with high fever. Building flooded, FM-27 near Love's. FPD to local gym, Lady just arrived, reported someone had just tried to pull her from a vehicle. Southern Oaks VFD to US-287, trailer load of hay, bottom bale on fire. Loud music on Chelsea, Southern Oaks. More Family Troubles on FCR-984. THDEMS to N. 4th, Lady having health problems. TxDOT to debris in road, Mile 196.

WPD Ladasau to Ave. C, Family Battle. OnCor to broken power pole, US-84 East. THDEMS to Pecan, Lady feeling ill, not able to drive herself, needs an ambulance. Parked vehicle blocks doors of Kirvin Fire Station, Const. Ken Sessions to check on. TPD to report of purse stolen from car on Webb. Multiple problems, various locations, over who gets the kids. Never a good idea when divorced or divorcing to do anything other than exactly…..EXACTLY….what the Judge has ordered as regards visitation, permitting visits on certain weekends, etc. If you disagree, get your attorney to again go before the Judge to present requested amendments…..But, the bottom line is; Follow the Judge's Orders explicitly. If you don't, they certainly have the power to make you stand on your tip toes in front of the Lick Log.

Lady on 75 thinks someone is coming into her house and stealing the spoon out of her sugar bowl. My Grandmother had a similar situation years ago…. She wasn't losing the spoon….She was losing the sugar. I know it for a fact…..I was one of the culprits!

Dew VFD and FEMS to IH-45 Rest Area, man very nauseated. Dep. House to report of prowler, Fisherman's Point. FPD to report of items stolen, Gregg Street. Donie VFD and THDEMS to possible heart attack. Workers to Railroad Crossing Arm problem in Freestone. Cleaning cycle on electric oven smokes up the house, FCR-650, Teague VFD helps clear out the smoke. Wortham and Kirvin VFD's to pasture on fire, FM-27.

Dispatcher Retha has amorous affair in Sheriff's Office right under our noses and we never suspected a thing. Not one thing! Nary a hint. Sounded like a torrid affair. It all came into the open over a simple 911 call. Retha responded to a 911 call and the caller on the other end came straight to the point and told Retha that he loved her! Welp, Retha responded in exactly the same manner, and told him that yes indeed, she loved him, too! There you have it, all out in the open. I'm still not sure exactly when the knot will be tied. He may not be able to buy the license just yet…..He's only four years of age! I haven't asked Retha, but I'm sure she'll wait on him! Retha did manage to get her suitor's Dad on the line, and he assured her that she would receive no more amorous calls. Well, that may not have been just exactly what our single Dispatcher wanted to hear!

Butler VFD to fire, FCR- 301. If any of our readers was pulling 4 golf carts on US-84, 7-22-09, and you lost a few tops, look closely in the grass west of Fairfield on US-84…..probably somewhere between Fairfield and the Country Club. Caller reported it looked like all were fixing to come off. Truck stalled, blocking traffic, Exit 198.

Deputies Robert Willis and Clayton Aldrich observe vehicle on Johnson run Stop Sign at Bateman. While attempting to stop him, saw him empty a cellophane wrapper of contents and eat same. Next, took a big swig out of a cup to wash it down. Stopped same, found the cellophane wrapper, still with residue of narcotics in same. A struggle ensued, now in Jail, Tampering With Evidence.

Deputy Howerton, attempting to serve Civil Papers, heard complaints from the citizen that chest pains happening, THDEMS to same. DPS Putz to accident near Donie. FEMS and Butler VFD to FCR-261, possible stroke. Excellent work by DPS Nelson when he stops vehicle, IH-45 and US- 84, finds 1.5 pounds of Meth in vehicle, three arrested, First Degree Felonies for each, Possession of Controlled Substance, Over 400 grams.

Deputy Wade Harrison stops motorist for not dimming headlamps, Old 75, lots of pills but no prescription bottle, to jail, Possession of Controlled Substance.TPD Solly to prowler report, rock thumped against house, on Maple. Gunshots rocking the trailer house, FCR-1240, Deputy Harrison to same, shooter agreed to make amends. FEMS to FCR- 1080, breathing troubles. FPD to missing items on N. Bateman. Southern Oaks VFD to report of burning boat. Dep. House to Big Lake, stolen license plate, screen removed from window.

DPS Thornton jails Lady motorist, FM-488, Cherokee and Van Zandt County Warrants. TPD Solly arrests man on Violation of Protective Order, Maple Street. FEMS to South Fairway, 18 year old passed out….Okay, she's coming back around now. Deputies Willis and Aultman to FCR- 960, gate ran over, three cows missing, believed stolen. Dog problems, FCR- 185. Deputies Robert Willis and Cory House, assisted by TPD Solly, stop vehicle in Dew area, two arrested, Manufacture/Deliver Controlled Substance, 5.9 grams of Meth hidden inside pickup door.

Bats on back porch, Lakewood. Shades of Count Dracula of Transylvania…..Game Warden John Thorne to go by, drive the silver stake….No, no, that's wrong….Think he's going to use a broom. DPS Sparkman to accident with Dep. Willis, US-84 at FCR-866. Fists reported flying on Newman, Fairfield PD to same. 911 Call reports vicious Pit Bull, FCR-602. Had chased a Lady into her own residence and attacked her dog and cat. Upon arrival, Dep. Shaw was immediately charged by the animal from around the corner of the house, 40 feet away. Dep. Shaw drew his weapon but could not fire due to firing in the direction of the house and occupant (the terrified woman). He sidestepped the dog at the last second, the dog charged past, carried by momentum, turned and recharged. The Pit Bull was shot at a distance of 4 feet, three rounds in center mass. The dog owners were notified of the loss of their dog. No Officer enjoys shooting a dog. It was a matter of shoot to kill or be eaten alive. No choice.

Man calls, wants someone to take him to Palestine to eat, no kids or wives, will spend up to $100.00. Well, that is a very generous offer, but guess we'd better hang around in the County to handle the calls coming in. Loose cattle, FCR-341. THDEMS to Maple, severe back pain. Trailer with broken axle towed, 84 East. Strange dog in yard, Roberts Lane….now he's in the swimming pool….TPD Howard to same.

THDEMS to Teague Hunting and Fishing Club, man spitting up blood. Road Rage reported, Mile 198. Dep. Elom to/from Leon County, prisoner transport. Lady motorist arrested, Hwy-179, Possession of Controlled Substance.

Until Next Week . . . RALPH BILLINGS