News

According to a report by the Texas DPS, at approximately 7:48 p.m. Wednesday night, troopers responded to a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on Hwy 67.   The investigation revealed that he driver of a Toyota Tundra pickup, Bruce Wayne Mears, 59, of Simms was traveling west on Hwy-67 when he struck a pedestrian, Laila Lehto Minor, 65, of Simms who was walking in the middle of the westbound outside lane.  The impact caused Minor to be airlifted to Wadley Hospital in Texarkana in serious condition.  Mears was not injured as a result of the crash.  There are no further details at this time, the investigation is on-going. 

Despite conflicting reports, the accident was not a hit-and-run, and Mears did return to the scene,

According to New Boston Police-

On 10/11/18 at approximately 7:00am a  7-year old New Boston ISD student was struck by a vehicle waiting to get on the school bus at the corner of Lion Drive and Wherry street. The suspect did not stop and left the scene. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a grey Chevrolet HHR.

The vehicle was last seen turning North on to HWY 8 from Lion Drive. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the New Boston Police Department at 903-628-3771.

The victim was transported by ambulance to local hospital.

Texarkana College Board of Trustees voted today to name Dr. Jason Smith as the lone finalist for college president. After a state-mandated 21-day waiting period, Trustees will formally vote to hire Smith as the ninth president of Texarkana College on November 5, 2018, with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2019.  Smith currently serves as superintendent of Pleasant Grove Independent School District in Texarkana, Texas.

“Dr. Smith is a great fit for this vital role at Texarkana College,” said Kyle Davis, president of TC’s Board of Trustees. “Not only is he a lifelong educator with proven leadership in establishing a collaborative culture of excellence and student success, but he also understands the importance of developing community engagement that underpins an institution’s values, vision and goals. During his time in our community, he has quickly been recognized as an outstanding regional leader who is endorsed by several major donors and supporters of TC.” 

By Heather Wilson
hrussell@bowiecountynow.com

The Manna Kitchen is hustling and bustling these days.  Under new management since Labor Day, new director Sue Anderson says they’ve gone from providing meals for just over 50 people, to now 80.  Volunteers work diligently on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to cook, package, and deliver meals to local residents who are unable to cook for themselves.

A 79-year-old Hooks, Texas, man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.

Robert D. Whittington, III, a retired Lt. Colonel with the U.S. Army, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven.

For the week of September September 23 through September 30

MONDAY

Warrant Service (traffic)-South Red River Road Maud, arrested: Trenton James Bishop

Death Investigation-South Bowie Street New Boston

Assault Causing Bodily Injury Family Violence-Farm to Market Road 559 Texarkana

Driving While Intoxicated-West 7th Street Texarkana, arrested: Kelsie Don Easley

Warrant Service (traffic)-West 7th Street Texarkana, arrested: Deidrick Brewer

Warrant Service (traffic)- County Road 3001, arrested: Thomas Stills Roberson

Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 Over 1 Gram and Under 4 Grams-Interstate 30 @ Mile Marker 222

Warrant Service (child support)-Hoot Plant Road @ South State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Daniel Robert Baker

Burglary of a Vehicle-Shadow Drive Texarkana, taken: set of keys

By Heather Wilson
hrussell@bowiecountynow.com

Texas A&M University-Texarkana and the Bowie County Master Gardeners will present a program on “Winterizing Your Garden” on Monday, October 8, 2018 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The class will take place in University Center room 232 and is free and open to the public. The Program will be presented by Aarron Corbin, a Texas Master Gardener and the current President of the Bowie County Master Gardeners. Reservations are not required.

By Heather Russell Wilson

hrussell@bowiecountynow.com

Nashville recording artist Deryl Dodd will be live in concert at the DeKalb Industrial Park, wrapping up a day of fun at DeKalb’s annual Saturday in the Park.  The concert will be free to the public, courtesy of sponsors DeKalb Physician’s Clinic, Dr. Kyle and Leann Groom.