Home Blog Page 115

Drug paraphernalia in your car? Giving consent to search? Not a good decision

Steve Ramos
-
0
Drug paraphernalia in your car? Giving consent to search? Not a good decision

Dylan Chesshire might be having second thoughts about giving a Dumas police officer consent to search his car. According to a police report, an officer stopped Chesshire for an improper turn Tuesday. He consented to a search, and the officer found a marijuana pipe with marijuana remains in the car’s center console. The officer ticketed Chesshire for paraphernalia and gave him a warning for the improper turn. One ticket out of a possible two isn’t bad.

May 16

  • 400 E. 1st– Accident – Officer was dispatched to Dollar General in reference to an accident in the parking lot. Vehicle backed into another vehicle causing minor damage.
  • 700 Morton – City Ordinance Violation – Officer was dispatched in reference to a junk vehicle. Officer arrived and located a white Dodge Ram with expired registration. Officer spoke with owner and gave them 72 hours to remove the vehicle or get the registration current.
  • 400 N. Dumas – Parking – Dispatched in reference to a parking violation. Upon arrival, officer observed a blue Chevy Cavalier parked on private property. The vehicle was towed by Pack’s Wrecker Service per property owner’s request. Nothing Further
  • 300 Binkley – Accident – Minor accident. A 2010 Nissan Titan was traveling west in the 300 block of E 3rd St. A 1998 Chevy S10 was traveling south in the 200 block of Binkley. The Chevy S10 failed to yield right of way of the Nissan after making a complete stop at a stop sign. The Chevy S10’s FL struck the Nissan’s RP. No injuries.
  • 1800 E. 1st– Accident – Dispatched in reference to a minor accident involving a blue Nissan Titan that fled the scene. Officers investigated the scene, and it was learned that a 2009 Nissan Titan pulled out of the Jasmine Apartments on to 1st St to travel west. The Nissan failed to control speed striking a light pole.
  • 100 Elm – Prowler – Dispatched in reference to a possible prowler in the area. Officers canvassed the area. Unable to locate.
  • 2000 S. Dumas – Possible DWI – Dispatched in reference to a possible intoxicated driver entering the south city limits in a white SUV. Officers located vehicle traveling east on 19th Street and was observed to be swerving within its lane. Traffic stop conducted in the 1600 block of South Maddox, and contact made with driver, who was found to not be intoxicated but merely sleepy.

May 17

  • 1700 S. Dumas Ave. – Disturbance/Narcotics – Officer was dispatched in reference to a domestic disturbance. Officer arrived and made contact with Jacob Breland. Breland refused officers to check for the safety concern of the female in the room. Officer had to remove Breland from the door to gain access. Once in the room, officers located drug paraphernalia, and the female subject, Bertie Barber, resisted arrest. Barber was arrested for resisting arrest and issued a citation for drug paraphernalia, and he was arrested for Interference with Public Duties and issued a citation for drug paraphernalia.
  • 700 S. Bliss – Accident – A blue 2016 Buick Enclave was traveling north and attempted to turn west into the 100 block of East 7th on a green light. A blue 2015 Ford pickup was behind the Buick. The Buick stopped to yield right of way to a southbound vehicle. The Ford followed too closely and struck the Buick from behind. No injuries.

March 18

  • 2003 S. Dumas Ave. – Accident – A gray 2013 Honda Accord backed from a parking space in the parking lot and traveled southeast. A white 2002 Buick Rendezvous backed from a parking space on the south side of the Honda. They both started backing at the same time and collided in the traffic lane. No injuries.
  • 100 S. Maddox – Accident – Dispatched in reference to a motor vehicle accident. Damage was believed to be under $1,000. Blue form was issued. No injuries to report.
  • 600 E. 14th– Juvenile –Dispatched to the above in reference to several tables being stacked on top of each other. Arrived and found two juveniles, who matched the description the complainant had given. They were asked if they had stacked the tables on the east side of the park, they advised they had. Officers then stood by as the juveniles put the tables back in their original locations.
  • 200 Cedar – Prowler – Dispatched in reference to a possible prowler in the area. Officers canvassed the area and were unable to locate.
  • 400 Oak – Public Intoxication/Resisting Arrest – Observed subject on foot in roadway. Officer attempted to check welfare of subject, Dylan Casarez. Casarez stopped walking and began cursing loudly toward officer. Casarez continued to curse while taking off his shirt and throwing it at the officer. Casarez resisted while being taken into custody and was found to be intoxicated and a danger to himself and others. Casarez was taken into custody for Evading Arrest/Detention and Public Intoxication.
  • 2003 S. Dumas Ave. – Theft – Dispatched in reference to a theft. Dispatch advised that the suspect vehicle was a white 2009 GMC truck bearing TX CLM7413 last seen heading north on South Dumas Avenue. The area was canvassed but unable to locate the vehicle.

May 19

  • 2003 S. Dumas – Theft – Dispatched in reference to a criminal trespass. Arrived and discovered that Daren Defries had stolen $41.72 worth of merchandise. He was issued a CTW and a Citation. While on scene another Loss Prevention Officer advised he had a situation outside. Officers assisted him with Lorena Carrillo who attempted to steal a $2 bundle of ribbon. She was issued a CTW.
  • 300 W. 1st– Counterfeiting – Dispatched in reference to counterfeit money. Contact was made with the complainant who advised a Hispanic male purchased food from her restaurant and paid with what she later discovered to be a counterfeit $10 bill. Bill taken to be forwarded to the U.S Secret Service.
  • 900 E. 8th– Accident – Dispatched in reference to a minor vehicle accident. A white Ford Focus failed to control speed, striking a blue Ford pickup. No injuries. Accident report completed.
  • 700 S. Maddox – Accident – Dispatched in reference to an accident with possible injuries. Unit 1, white 2013 Chevy Malibu, failed to control speed and struck Unit 2, gold 1999 Plymouth van, and Unit 3, white 1998 Chrysler van.
  • 400 W. 8th– Traffic/Warrant Service – Made contact with a grey 2006 Pontiac G6 for being Parked Facing Traffic. Warning #086494 issued to the driver. Passenger identified as Tyson Stovall who had an active Moore County Warrant. Tyson was taken into custody and booked into the MCSO Jail without incident.

May 20

  • 100 W. 14th– Traffic/Narcotics – Conducted a traffic stop on a white Dodge for improper turn. Contacted driver and passenger Oscar Ortiz. Ortiz was subsequently found to be in possession of methamphetamine and arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
  • 100 E. 10th– Traffic/Narcotics – Officer observed a black Ford Expedition traveling east in the 300 block of E. 10th. Officer observed the driver known by the officer to have a suspended license. While officer was stopping vehicle, the driver switched seats with Mellissa Garcia, the passenger. Officer made contact with Garcia and subsequent investigation revealed her to be in possession of marijuana. She was arrested for possession of marijuana less than 2 ounces and transported to the Moore County Jail, and the male subject was issued a citation for DWLI. Vehicle was released to owner.
  • 507 N. Dumas Ave. – Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle – Dispatched to the above location in reference to a stolen vehicle. Officer arrived on scene and found that unknown person(s) had cut the master lock off the back gate and stole a 2003 Maroon Chevrolet 1500 pickup (TX-24D4085). The vehicle was entered into NCIC/TCIC as stolen.

May 21

  • 800 N. Dumas – Reckless Driver/Alcohol – Dispatched in reference to a reckless driver. Located vehicle leaving Love’s. Observed gray 2003 Chevy Tahoe 100 NE 8th disregard stop sign. Traffic stop initiated. Contact made with driver who identified himself as Ayok Ayok. Officers observed several open containers. Both driver and passenger, Pioth Majok, were removed. Located OK ID belonging to driver showing name as Nyuol Arop. Driver arrested for Fail to ID/No DL. Passenger arrested for Public Intoxication. Citation issued to Nyuol for Disregard Stop Sign/ Open container. Citation issued to Pioth for Open Container. Vehicle towed to Pack’s.
  • East 1st and Maddox – DWI/Evading Arrest – Officer was dispatched to East 1st and Maddox in reference to a reckless driver. Officer did locate the vehicle, a blue GMC pickup, crossing the intersection at 1st and Dumas. Officer did attempt to stop the vehicle but the driver, Gregory Coker, continued west out of the city at a high rate of speed. Coker later did pull over approximately 10 mile west of Dumas. Coker also was found to be intoxicated, was arrest and booked in to the Moore County Jail for DWI 2nd and Evading arrest/detention in a vehicle.

May 22

  • 100 Cherry – Driving While License Invalid – Conducted a traffic stop on known subject (Jerry Rodriguez). Officer knew that Rodriguez had an invalid license and saw him operating a motor vehicle. Rodriguez was arrested and booked into Moore County Jail for DWLI W/ Previous conviction.
  • 2010 S. Dumas – Disturbance – Officer was dispatched to the Hampton Inn No. 212 in reference to a verbal argument. Officer arrived and made contact with both parties, and they were just arguing about work. Everything was OK and both parties went to sleep.
  • 208 N. Dumas Ave. – Public Intoxication – Dispatched in reference to a person passed out in his vehicle with vehicle running. Arrived on scene and found subject to be intoxicated. Subject was arrested for public intoxication.
  • 1000 N. Maddox – Narcotics – Officers conducted a traffic stop on a grey Mazda. Officers had received information that a wanted subject would be in the vehicle. Contacted driver Ricky Lucero. A pistol was in plain view, and Lucero was arrested. Located in his door was a bag of methamphetamine. Ricky was arrested for on view and booked at the Moore County Jail.

Happy Birthday, Moore County Journal

Steve Ramos
-
0
Happy Birthday, Moore County Journal

A year ago today, I used the proceeds from the sale of my pickup and all my furniture to start the Moore County Journal. I was done with working for corporate-owned newspapers who care only about the bottom line and who refuse to embrace the power of digital and social media. When I started, any investment advisor or banker would have looked at my anemic financials and said there would be no way I could keep the Journal going for a year with the amount of startup money I had. And I almost didn’t make it.

Shortly after launching the Journal, the Moore County News Press sent me a cease and desist letter, telling me I couldn’t use “Moore County” in the name. I still use the name. A few months after that, I didn’t think I had the money to continue and decided to shut the Journal down, but readers asked I not do that. With help from a kind publisher of another newspaper in the Panhandle, I continued. In December, the Journal was hacked, deleting a month’s worth of stories and taking the Journal’s design to a previous version, which sent me into a panic. I had been working to redesign the Journal and was $4,000 into the project, and I didn’t have the money to move forward with it. An advertiser saved me by paying a year in advance for his ad.

There was more. Right after the hacking, someone in Dumas said he had a group of people who wanted to invest in the Journal. I was hesitant at first, but I finally agreed to have a contract drawn up, assured by this person the investors were ready to sign checks. I put out an ad for a sports editor and after many phone calls with a candidate, including having him speak to our head coach, I paid to fly him and his wife into Amarillo for a meeting. It turned out that individual’s talk about investors was just talk, and I was out the $1,000 dollars for the candidate’s travel expenses. It hurt. A lot. Still, I went on.

So, it’s been a struggle. I’m working 14 to 16 hours a day, but it just doesn’t seem like work. I can see the results and the progress, and that makes me wish I didn’t have to sleep, so I could work around the clock. The Journal’s Facebook engagements consistently beat the Amarillo Globe News, and no other paper in the Panhandle comes close. As I’m writing this editorial, the Journal has 3,000 engagements, which includes reactions, comments and shares, and the Globe News has 2,700. The News Press has 13, and the High Plains Observer has 573. The Journal’s website gets an average of 150,000 views a month, and it has sometimes reached 300,000. If you want to be No. 1, you have to put in the work. That’s true of anything.

I am far from putting out a perfect product. I make mistakes and will continue to make them. You readers have been incredibly patient with me as I sometimes stumble along, trying to keep 30 balls in the air at once. I need to be more organized because I sometimes forget I told someone I would be at a function to cover it. I forget to call people. The one thing I wish I would forget is that the Alley Café, one block away, has chocolate cake. I’m doing better, but I was their best cake customer for a while. My waistline shows it.

I passionately believe in a free press — free from advertiser intimidation or threats from subscribers to cancel. I believe in holding elected and appointed officials accountable, making sure they are operating transparently. We have a long way to go in that area in Dumas, but there’s progress. I believe in a press that has the gumption to give the readers the information they need to make informed decisions, even when it angers people. Right now, I’m worried I might have made a mistake on holding a story, but we’ll see. I believe in being a cheerleader for our school districts, and I know I haven’t been to near as many of the events as I should. I make the excuse that there’s only one me, and I can’t get to everything, but it still bothers me that I can’t. Sunray and Cactus need more coverage. Soon.

But more than anything during this year, I’ve met some tremendous people in Moore County. I grew up in Dumas and moved away, but returning to publish the Journal has put me in contact with incredibly kind people. We recently raised money to help someone who needed to be shown people care and believe in him, and the generosity flowed in. We kept the contributions as anonymous as we could, but you’d be surprised who contributed and who declined. To the people who immediately pitched in, thank you so much. You know who you are, and your kindness probably changed someone’s life. Moore County is full of generous and kind people.

Thank you to all the subscribers and advertisers. Some of you subscribed the first week after I launched the Journal, and advertisers quickly came on board. I think A&G Auto Repair was the first one, and they’re still on board. You subscribers, advertisers and readers have no idea how grateful I am for your support. During those times when money was low, and I didn’t know how I’m was going to cover everything, it was your support that kept me going, that made me want to hang in there. Your support continues to give me the energy to work long days and keep my eyes straight ahead.

The Journal has built a strong foundation during its first year. All of you are a part of it. Without you, there would be no Journal. I never, ever forget that.

 

 

MC Sheriff’s Department represents, places in barbecue’s Battle of the Badges

Steve Ramos
-
0
MC Sheriff’s Department represents, places in barbecue’s Battle of the Badges
Above: The Moore County Sheriff’s Department recently competed in a barbecue contest against seven other agencies, including the Dumas Police Department.

The Dumas Police Department and the Moore County Sheriff’s Department might work hand-in-hand to fight crime, but they were locked in a battle recently to see whose barbecue could fetch the top prizes at a cook-off in Amarillo.

The Battle of the Badges BBQ Style drew representatives from eight agencies that included law enforcement agencies, first responders and firefighters. It’s the second year the Texas Panhandle 100 Club hosted it, and it’s the first year the sheriff’s department competed.

Moore County Sheriff Bo DeArmond, Chief Deputy Carmen Napp, Lt. Morgan Hightower, Deputy Goldston and Jaime Garcia made up the team that took second place in brisket and fourth place in ribs.

Each of the competing teams had a bucket for donations, and the sheriff’s department collected $105. The money goes to the 100 Club, and they help certified peace officers, firefighters who are killed or injured in the line of duty. They also help their families and offer assistance with life-protecting equipment and educational opportunities.

The sheriff’s department’s team said they’ll return next year to claim the first-place awards.

Moore County has paid $47.2 million for a fishing hole in Hansford County — now what?

Steve Ramos
-
0
Moore County has paid $47.2 million for a fishing hole in Hansford County — now what?
Above: The Palo Duro River Authority constructed a dam on Palo Duro Creek, 10 miles north of Spearman, which created a reservoir that was supposed to supply water to Moore County, Hansford County and the city of Stinnett. As of March 2016, Moore County’s taxpayers have paid $47.2 million dollars to the PDRA but haven’t received any benefits from it. The question now is what does Moore County do about it?

How do you make lemonade out of a 41-year-old lemon? It’s a question Moore County is trying to resolve as it tackles what to do with its involvement in the Palo Duro River Authority. As of March 2016, Moore County taxpayers have paid $47.2 million dollars to the PDRA and haven’t received any benefits from it — water or otherwise.

The Texas Legislature established the PDRA through HB1531, and Moore County joined it in 1975 through HB985. Proponents said the construction of a reservoir would alleviate the demand for water from the Ogallala Aquifer, and in 1985, Moore County, along with Hansford County and the city of Stinnett, voted and passed $22.3 million in bonds to build a dam on Palo Duro Creek that would create the Palo Duro Reservoir. The vote in Moore County passed 465 to 142. Since its inception, the PDRA has received 75 percent of its money from Moore County, and the county was supposed to receive more than 60 percent of its water needs from the reservoir. It hasn’t happened. In fact, not a drop of the reservoir’s water has been pumped out. Why? There has never been enough water in it to pump out, and even if there was, there are no pipelines to get it out.

Moore County Judge Rowdy Rhoades attended a PDRA board meeting in 2013 and told them changes need to be made because Moore County is getting nothing for its money. Nothing changed. Now, though, there is an opportunity to petition the Sunset Advisory Commission and possibly change the role of the PDRA, or even abolish it. For the first time, the Commission is reviewing the PDRA, and its recommendations to the Legislature weigh heavily on its future. The Legislature can abolish the PDRA, revise its role or allow it to function undisturbed. And that is where Moore County can step in.

The Moore County Commissioners’ Court held a special meeting May 11 to get taxpayers’ input about the PDRA and to tell them the entity is under the Sunset Advisory Commission’s review, allowing people to weigh in on the PDRA’s future. Moore County Attorney Scott Higginbotham explained the review, and state Rep. Walter T. “Four” Price, who has served on the Commission, clarified how the review works and how taxpayers can submit their concerns and ideas.

Price said the Commission will hold public hearings June 23 and June 24 in Austin, and Moore County residents can attend them, but Price and Higginbotham said people can and should submit their thoughts about the PDRA and solutions before those hearings. You can submit then online through the Commission’s website.

The Commission is comprised of five senators, five representatives and two members of the public appointed by the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house. No Commission members currently are from the Panhandle. The history of the PDRA, its evolvement into what it is today and what its future should be is a ball of string local elected officials are trying to unwind in order to present a clear understanding to the citizens. But focusing solely on what the PDRA could be and how to get it to somehow benefit Moore County should be a secondary consideration, Higginbotham says.

Moore County, even though it paid 75 percent of the bond and now pays 75 percent of the dam’s maintenance costs, has only four board members on the PDRA out of nine. That number is set by the Legislature, and Higginbotham says that increasing board representation should be one of Moore County’s first considerations. He recommends the county petition for one of following options before considering what the PDRA could become: 1.) The Legislature allows Moore County additional board members to reflect its burden of the majority of the costs to build the reservoir and maintain the dam and facilities, 2.) Moore County pays less of those costs, 3.) Moore County is allowed to leave the PDRA. Any of those options are possible now that PDRA is under review.

sunset-works

As part of the review, the PDRA had to submit a self-evaluation, which the Sunset Commission staff reviewed. The staff made recommendations and published a staff report that is submitted to the Commission, which will hold public hearings to take testimony on the staff report and the PDRA overall. That, Higginbotham says, is when the public should get involved. The Commission will meet again six to 12 weeks after the June23-June 24 hearings to consider and vote on the recommendations.

The Journal has supplied a graphic that illustrates how the process works, but Higginbotham says that since this is the first time the PDRA has come under the Commission’s review, it is the key time for Moore County to weigh in on its future with the PDRA. Concentrating on how to get the PDRA to be financially self-sufficient and to provide a service to Moore County is a moot point at this time, Higginbotham says.

In the next installment of this four-part series of the PDRA, the Journal will report on the Commission’s staff report. Among its findings the report says, “Neither UCRA nor PDRA provides a formal opportunity for the public to appear and speak before the board.” Also, “PDRA has no website.”

You can read more about the Sunset Advisory Commission here.

The phone number for the PDRA is 806-882-4401.

AC graduates 9 Dumas students in Industrial Technology

Steve Ramos
-
0
AC graduates 9 Dumas students in Industrial Technology
Above: Students in AC’s Industrial Technology program work on a water distribution system they designed as their final project. The students graduated Friday.

Human resources directors working with local industries might want to take note that nine students completed a two-year course in Industrial Technology at Amarillo College Moore County Campus and are ready to dive into skilled jobs. The students graduated Friday, six of them receiving associate degrees in Industrial Technology, and three receiving advanced certificates.

The students worked on a final project right up to the day of graduation, testing a water distribution system they designed and built, which models the engineering cities use to move water from towers to consumers. In that final project, the students applied all the skills they learned during the two-year program.

“They built everything from scratch,” James Finchum, the instructor, said. “They started at the beginning of the spring semester, and the goal was to incorporate every discipline that has been a part of the program.”

During their two years of instruction, the students took classes in electrical theory, power distribution, telecommunications, welding and instrumentation. The program allows them to pick an area of study such as wind, solar, instrumentation, industrial maintenance and HVAC.

One of the students, Jube Mendoza, said he plans to apply for a job at Valero or Phillips 66.

“I gained a lot of knowledge at AC,” Mendoza said. “We have a strong understanding of how instruments work, and that’s given me a lot of confidence to go out and get a job in this field.”

Registration has started for the Fall 2016 classes, which begin Aug. 22, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. For more information, call Danielle Arias at 806-379-2726. Or you can go to the campus at 115 Success Blvd. at the Moore County Career and Technical Training Center on the north side of Dumas.

 

BAM! Dickey’s Body Shop donates $3K worth of add-ons to Dogie Days truck

Steve Ramos
-
0
BAM! Dickey’s Body Shop donates $3K worth of add-ons to Dogie Days truck
Above: Chad Henry, Joe Santome and Shawn Henry of Dickey’s Body Shop stand in front of the Ford F-150 that will be given away during Dogie Days. Dickey’s donated about $3,000 in add-ons and labor to the truck.

The person who wins the Ford F-150 truck to be given away during Dogie Days will get something new this year: about $3,000 worth of add-ons, courtesy of Dickey’s Body Shop.

Dickey’s donated the labor and the custom features, which include a bed liner, running boards, grill guard, leveling kit, WeatherTech floor mats and a bed cover, and they made it a community-wide project by showing people the options and letting them vote.

“We put it on our Facebook page, and we showed everyone the different options available,” Henry said. “We wanted to get their input because we want the truck to have the features people want. That way, more people will buy tickets, and that will help a good cause. About 12,000 people weighed in, and we went with what they said they wanted.”

Talk about the power of social media.

Henry said Dickey’s Body Shop contributed because they want to help boost ticket sales and to help the Dumas Noon Lions Club, which sponsors Dogie Days. The truck will be given away June 11 at 9 p.m. on the midway during Dogie Days. Tickets for a chance to win the truck are $5 each. You can buy six tickets for $25 and 25 tickets for $100.

Dogie Days begins June 8 and runs through June 11.

 

 

Dumas PD invogorated under Chief Nelson

Steve Ramos
-
0
Dumas PD invogorated under Chief Nelson
Above: Dumas Police Officer Luetkahans gets ready to begin his shift, loading his gear into the one of the six patrol units recently painted and given new decals. When the city of Dumas’ budget didn’t allow for the purchase of new patrol cars, Chief Jim Nelson used a much less expensive approach to rehabilitate the department’s vehicles.

He won’t admit it, but Dumas Police Chief Jim Nelson’s officers will say that during the three years he has led the department, morale is up, training is a priority, and his management style — strict but fair — is drawing talented recruits.

The Dumas City Commission appointed Nelson interim chief in January 2013 and then moved him into the chief’s position April 1, 2013, just one month shy of his 27th anniversary with the DPD. To date, he has worked in law enforcement 38 years, and it’s that experience he taps into to build a department that has not only fused to work efficiently but has strengthened its relationships with other agencies. Networking with other agencies is somewhat uncharted territory for the DPD since previous chiefs didn’t encourage it, but it’s working for Nelson.

“We have reinstituted the relations among the other law enforcement agencies, and this has benefited the citizens because it utilizes all law enforcement personnel in the event of a disaster or any other need for additional personnel,” Nelson said. “We now actually have officers eating lunch and conversing with members of other agencies, and the citizens are really liking this concept.”

The proof of citizens taking notice is reflected in the drastic drop in their complaints against the PD. The Journal reported that a year into Nelson’s administration in 2014, citizen complaints dropped 84 percent from the year before he took over. Nelson credits that drop to his officers engaging with the community and making strong efforts to understand the citizens’ needs and communicating with them outside of traffic stops.

“Officers are constantly receiving requests to speak to students as well as other community organizations that also extend outside of Dumas,” Nelson said.

One has to forgive Nelson’s dive into copspeak — he’s been at it too long. A person becomes a “subject.” When someone tells a police officer something, he “advised” the officer. As civilians we say we met with someone. Nelson and his officers say they “made contact with them.” Some people might think the conversation with a cop is stiff, but that rigid speak melts when the officers take part in community events.

In 2013, the DPD took part in the opening ceremonies for Special Olympics, running alongside the competitors with the torch and presenting the colors. Also in 2013, a team of four officers jumped into the March of Dimes Chili Cook-Off in Perryton and took first place. Nelson calls it the Community Policing Philosophy, which has the officers more involved in community events.

“This is not to say we have neglected our sworn duties to enforce laws,” Nelson said, “but the good citizens are treated with the respect they deserve, and even the bad ones with as much dignity as they will allow.”

The word that is a constant in talks with Nelson is “dignity”, and it’s one of the reasons turnovers in the department have dropped and why quality recruits are signing on with Dumas PD. Nelson recently hired three officers who were offered positions with other departments but chose to join Nelson’s staff.

“There were several things that convinced me to come to Dumas,” Officer Tickner, one of the new hires, said. “This department has a reputation for professionalism and superior training. As a new officer, I knew I would be getting everything I need to be a good officer.”

Tickner and Officer Heathington recently graduated from the Panhandle Regional Law Enforcement Academy, but the third hire, Officer Stephenson, had worked for the Amarillo Police Department. He left that agency and wasn’t planning on working for another — until one of his friends on the Dumas PD force, Officer Hamilton, convinced him that Dumas is a good place to work.

“I was convinced that what Hamilton was telling me was true after I spent some time talking to the Dumas officers,” Stephenson said. “There really is a strong presence of professionalism here.”

But for all the “good cop” policies Nelson has implemented, he has a word of advice for people who might misconstrue his department’s policies.

“We would like to emphasize to those who choose to engage in criminal activity by preying on the weak and vulnerable, please do not confuse our many acts of kindness as a sign of weakness because if you do choose to engage in criminal activity, we will investigate, arrest and file cases with the proper prosecutors,” Nelson said.

Translated from copspeak to civilian language, Nelson is saying he and his officers with help you in any way they can, but don’t think they won’t slap the cuffs on you if you break the law. Anyone who knows Nelson, Cpl. Williams, Sgt. Clark and others working for the department will tell you they won’t hesitate to stop their friends and family members if they see them doing something wrong.

“The law is the law,” Nelson said.

Perhaps it’s the 38 years Nelson has worked in law enforcement, tempered by a strong sense of fairness, that gives him that ability to uphold the law while treating people with dignity. He grew up in Dumas, and he has sometimes had to arrest childhood friends.

“They went one way, and I went another,” Nelson said. “But I don’t judge. I understand hard times because I’ve been there. I understand making sacrifices because I’ve had to make them, but you always have to do what is right, and that can often be difficult. I tell my officers that it doesn’t matter who the person is who is getting cuffed or what they’ve done, they deserve to be treated with as much respect as possible. We have to follow procedure, and that doesn’t always make us popular, but we have to keep the community safe as well as ourselves. I worry about everyone’s safety. I don’t want to be the one who has to knock on someone’s door to give them bad news, and I certainly don’t want to be the one who has to give an officer’s family bad news.”

Nelson makes himself available to his officers and the community but again, his strong sense of following procedure can irk people who want to bypass it. Any complaint against an officer has to be documented and reviewed. The officers wear body cameras, and the video often can often disprove the complaint. Still, Nelson never forgets that a huge part of his, and the officers’ jobs, is to help.

“The most satisfying part is working with the public, helping out where we can and supervising an outstanding bunch of guys and ladies who make my job much easier,” Nelson said.

In addition to the achievements mentioned above during Nelson’s administration, the DPD also has:

  • Constructed a law enforcement firing range that is used by all personnel and allows other agencies to cross train to be better prepared for an actual event.
  • Obtained a COPsync computer system for all patrol vehicles, which allows for better and quicker communication between agencies who are on the COPsync program. Dumas ISD also uses the program, which allows for better protection of the children and staff.
  • Partnered with Safe Place so officers get hands-on training. They tour the facility, giving them familiarity in the event law enforcement is needed.
  • Created interlocal agreements with the cities of Cactus and Sunray and Sherman County.
  • Assist the DISD and Sunray Police Department with annual firearms qualifications. Neither has a firearms instructor.
  • Created and presented a Business Protection Program for local businesses.
  • Took part in the Citizens Against Retail Theft Organization in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce.
  • Sgt. Cooley took on responsibilities for Crime Prevention along with her other duties and has spoken to numerous organizations.
  • Involved with the Drug Box Program, which lets people drop off their expired or unwanted prescription drugs. They are then destroyed at no expense to the citizens.
  • Improved the working relationship between the department and all media.

Departmental Improvements

  • “Beefed” up the night shifts with extra personnel.
  • Purchased patrol rifles for patrol vehicles so officers are properly equipped and trained for situations that might arise.
  • Reinstated the SWAT team and purchased equipment for the team. The equipment was purchased with seizure funds and didn’t cost the city or the citizens any money. The department also wrote a policy for SWAT since there wasn’t one in place. Officers are required to train a minimum of eight hours per month as well as obtaining SWAT certification through the schools.
  • All sworn personnel have attended ALERRT training for Active Shooter Response, which will enable them to perform their response in a more systematical manner.
  • All sworn personnel have physically visited and walked through every school campus in Dumas in order to get the layout of each of them. They also have maps of each campus.
  • Had key personnel consisting of two lieutenants attend ALERRT conferences in order to present a table-top discussion to other law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS and EOC for a more unified response in an active shooter response.
  • Conducted a joint practical exercise with the fire department, EOC, EMS and other law enforcement agencies regarding active shooter response.
  • Obtained more up-to-date camera equipment for major crime scene investigation and ensured key personnel have the proper training in the collection of evidence and documentation of the crime scenes.
  • Obtained body cameras through seizure funds to better protect the officers against false allegations and to provide better case presentation to the prosecutors as seen objectively from an officer’s point of view.
  • Continuation with the Community Orientated Policing method.
  • Presented Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events to the public to educate them on what to do in an event.
  • Created a safe zone for Craigslist and similar transactions for the citizens’ safety.
  • In the 2016 budget, the department wasn’t allowed to buy new vehicles but were given funds to paint and re-decal six vehicles. The vehicles are mechanically strong, and they now look new, giving the officers pride while driving them.
  • Installing bullet-proof glass to protect the municipal clerks from potential harm. This was paid for from funds collected in the Courtroom Security Fund.

Dumas police officers medal at barbecue cook-off

Steve Ramos
-
0
Dumas police officers medal at barbecue cook-off

It’s pretty much well known that barbecue people take their stuff seriously, but when a contest is called the Battle of the Badges BBQ Style, you know the heat is turned up. A bunch of law enforcement officials, first responders and firefighters vying for a top finish is bound to get messy.

But even in that tough arena, a team comprised of officers from the Dumas Police Department barbecued their way to a first place award in ribs, Overall Reserve Grand Champion and third place in brisket. Eight teams competed in the contest put on by the Texas Panhandle 100 Club in Amarillo. The club helps certified peace officers and firefighters and their families who are killed or injured in the line of duty. They also offer assistance with life-protecting equipment and educational opportunities.

Dumas Police Officer Fisher, Officer Gray, Cpl. Williams and ACO Carlile teamed up for the barbecue contest, and it was their first year to compete.

“I’m very proud of them,” Dumas Police Chief Jim Nelson said.

The 100 Club supplied the meat, which was served up to the public after the competition.

fisher-carlile
Dumas ACO Officer Carlile and Dumas Police Officer Fisher are two of the officers who competed in a barbecue cook-off in Amarillo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome home, Paul

Steve Ramos
-
0
Welcome home, Paul
Above: Paul Mills, DHS Class of ’74, will be inducted into the DHS Hall of Fame on Friday. He composed the score for “War Room”, “Woodlawn” and other movies, and he recently received an award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

For the past several days, I’ve tried to write this story as a news piece, but I haven’t been able to get past the lede. It sometimes happens, usually when you’re too close to the issue, and it blocks you from staying objective. But I think in this case it’s because I’ve known from the beginning I didn’t want to write a news story but thought I should, so after several days of rewriting two sentences about 100 times, I gave in to what I should have done in the first place. It’s a story of memories, hopes and dreams that eventually come true, and how can that be written as news?

In 1973-1974, I was a sophomore at Dumas High School. I don’t know how it is now, but in those days, the senior boys kept the sophomore boys in check. There were rules, like only juniors and seniors could sit in the student lounge — we sat in our section in the gym; they sat in theirs. We didn’t see it as bullying. Not at all. It was tradition, and one we all embraced. Every boy who graduated from DHS in those years probably has, to this day, a dent in his head from where a senior boy “dobbed” him with his class ring. It hurt, but so did the licks from the coaches’ paddles. The word “hazing” never entered our minds. We probably didn’t know what it was.

As sophomores, we were a bit in awe of the seniors. To us, they were grown ups. At that time, the legal age to buy beer and liquor was 18, which meant a good number of seniors kept the local liquor stores in business. I’m not saying it was a good thing, but the seniors were able to do things that made us impatient to get there— sit in the student lounge, “dob” sophomores and buy beer. Well, some of us.

In those days, music was my life. I was involved in other activities, but I lived for band. I had a dream I would go to the Eastman School of Music and then get snatched up by a major symphony. We had an incredible program in Dumas that was preparing some of us to pursue careers in music, and there was major talent in the DHS band: Penny Smith, Kim Craig, Lynette Miller, Jan Miller, Martha Dunn, Jim Lovell, Duane Hill, Kathy Lewis — I could go on, but there was one senior who stood out, not only because of his musical genius but his kindness, too.

Paul Mills played trumpet, was a drum major and was involved in a dozen other activities. His smile radiated, and he treated everyone with respect — even us sophomores. I’m not just saying that. He truly was a nice guy, not because his church told him he should be but because it percolated from a good heart. I hadn’t spoken to him since he graduated in 1974 until I interviewed him in November 2015. He had composed the scores for “War Room” and “Woodlawn”, as well as other movies, but when “War Room”, a faith-based movie, beat the odds and took the No. 1 spot in the U.S. for a week last year, Paul’s reputation as a composer climbed up there with it. When I interviewed him, I felt I was once again the sophomore in the presence of a senior, and Paul, once again, quashed that feeling with his kindness.

Since that interview, the blessings have continued to rain on Paul. I spoke with him again a couple of weeks ago, and he said that out of the blue, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers called him and said they were giving him an award. If you don’t know, ASCAP is a big deal, the home to the greatest names in American music, past and present — from Duke Ellington to Katy Perry, from George Gershwin to Jay-Z. That kind of big deal, and they had an award for Paul. He flew out to Los Angeles from his home in Tennessee to accept it, and he was in the company of people like Mike Post, composer of “Law & Order”, Joseph Trapanese, composer of “Straight Outta Compton” and Michael Giacchino, composer of “Jurassic World.”

Paul3
Paul Mills, third from left, on the red carpet at the ASCAP Screen Music Awards on March 24 with Paul Williams, left, ASCAP president and other officials.

No doubt, the recognition means a lot to Paul, but he’s receiving another honor Friday that means as much. He will be inducted into the DHS Hall of Fame, and it’s fitting he’s receiving it in May. Forty-two years ago in May, he graduated from Dumas to begin a career that’s taken him into the company of the world’s greatest musicians and composers. And those accomplishments are bringing him back to his Dumas roots where it all began.

I decided to save the news story for after the awards Friday. For now, I just want to say how proud and excited I am for Paul. Like him, I know our incredibly gifted teachers set the embedded-in-granite foundation he’s built on for over four decades. Don Craig, Pauline Moser and Larry Guess inspired all of us who loved music, and we sweated blood to meet their expectations. You never forget the people who awakened and nurtured your passions. For Paul, me and many others, it was music.

Someone who has reached the career levels Paul has might have said he was too busy to accept the DHS Hall of Fame award. After all, he was just in Los Angeles with the big dogs in the industry. Dumas who? But not Paul. He’s never forgotten where it all began. He’s never forgotten Mr. Craig, Mrs. Moser and Mr. Guess. Dumas has much to be proud of in Paul. The city produced a man whose musical genius puts him in the company of stars and a strong Christian whose convictions keep him humble.

I was in awe of Paul when I was a sophomore, and he was a senior. I’m in awe of him still, not only because of what he’s accomplished but because 42 years of life have only polished what always was a diamond. Congratulations, Paul, and welcome home.

 

 

County Commissioners approve purchases, new hires

Steve Ramos
-
1
County Commissioners approve purchases, new hires
Above: Rainy Trujillo started working May 2 as a Moore County deputy treasurer. The County Commissioners approved her employment during their meeting Monday.

Some of the actions the Moore County Commissioners’ Court take aren’t ones that require a full write-up. Every action the commissioners take is important and need to be reported to let the taxpayers know what their county representatives are doing. The Journal will pull some of those actions out and write a report, but the rest of them will be published in this form.

During their May 9, 2016, meeting, the Moore County Commissioners’ Court took the following actions:

  • Approved employment of Elena Rivas as deputy tax collector with a start date of May 16, 2016 and beginning salary of $2,960.84 per month with a $50 raise every six months for two years.
  • Approved purchase of four pickup bed covers by the sheriff’s office from Dutcher’s Collision and Repair at a cost of $3,400.
  • Approved purchase of additional shelving for the Cactus Branch Library from Library Interiors of Texas at the cost of $1,511.51 to be paid out of the Cactus Branch Library’s budget.
  • Approved the purchase of a new camera system for the Cactus Branch Library from Bullseye Security Systems LLC at the cost of $1,600 to be paid out of the Cactus Branch Library’s budget. Bullseye Security Systems LLC requires that $1,200 be paid before any work is done, and the remaining $400 be paid after the job is completed.
  • Approved hiring Angie Longoria with a start date of May 2, 2016, as the part-time substitute Librarian for Britain Memorial Library. She will be paid $7.25 an hour.
  • Approved employment of Rainy Trujillo as deputy treasurer with a start date of May 2, 2016, with a beginning salary of $2,960.84 per month with a $50 raise every six months for two years.
  • Approved employment of Hilary Cox as secretary for the County Attorney’s office with a start date of May 2, 2016, and a beginning salary of $2,960.84 per month with a $50 raise every six months for two years.
  • Approved purchase of a router for Emergency Management at a cost of $672.24.
  • Approved purchase of a budged laptop computer for Emergency management at a cost of $1,299.99.

 

 

 

1...114115116...150Page 115 of 150
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv