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News Briefs

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

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1. TXDOT RELIEVER ROUTE

Agriculture in 2021

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1st Bale of 2021

Early 2021 brings drought to West Texas; mid-year rains save the day

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The Sentinel reported on April 11 that the drought which had engulfed the area in early 2021 would significantly affect agriculture production in West Texas. According to the National Drought Mitigation Center, Gaines County registered extreme drought in some regions and exceptional drought in others. However, prayers were answered by May, and rain came in abundance.

LEA COUNTY STUDENTS ENROLL IN TEXAS SCHOOLS TO ATTEND IN PERSON CLASSES

Over 1,600 students in Lea County, NM, enrolled in Texas schools to attend class in person. Seminole ISD Superintendent Kyle Lynch reported on Monday, Jan. 4, that 62 of those students from Lea County had moved into the district since New Mexico only provided online instruction for students during the COVID pandemic.

LOCAL RESIDENTS AID SHERIFF’S OFFICE IN ARREST

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Juan Friesen, age 18 from Seminole, was taken to the Gaines County Jail following a car chase on County Road 303. According to a press release from the Gaines County Sheriff’s Office, deputies had attempted to stop Friesen for speeding when he lost control of the car, spun out into a field, and then fled on foot.

GAINES COUNTY FALLEN SOLDIERS HONORED WITH MEMORIAL SIGNS

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After years of persistence, what started as a dream for Gaines County resident Barry Bryan finally became a reality. TxDOT memorial signs for fallen soldiers Bob Ford, Dell Ross Clairborn, and Butch Hill were revealed and dedicated in a ceremony at the Gaines County South Cemetery on Couty Road 301 on Saturday, July 10.

LOOP ISD BOMB THREAT

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Loop ISD received a bomb threat via telephone. Students were evacuated, and the Gaines County Sheriff's Office, DPS, the Seagraves Police Department, Seagraves Fire Department and Gaines County Emergency Management responded to the threat. "The Gaines County Sheriff's Office cleared the building and contacted ATF and the Texas Rangers. A bomb squad from Ector County traveled to the school early Thursday afternoon, and by 3:30 p.m., the area was declared clear.

GAMBLING GAME ROOM CLOSED

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After hours of surveillance and investigations, the Gaines County Sheriff’s Office seized 45 gambling machines and $7,056 from a game room located in the 1400 block of North Main Street. Arrested was New York resident Jian Min Wei.

Commissioners Court to consider increasing attorney fees

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Local attorney Marlin Carter addressed the Gaines County Commissioners Court on Wednesday, Dec. 22, concerning fees paid to attorneys appointed to represent indigent defendants. In October, the court approved increasing the hourly pay from $80 to $90 with a minimum of three hours. However, Carter asked the court last week to consider upping the amount to a flat fee that would align with that paid to attorneys in surrounding areas.

Public Records

County Court Filings

State of Texas vs. Heinrich Siemens, theft of property.

State of Texas vs. Heinrich W. Blatz, terroristic threat.

State of Texas vs. Martin Delaney Smithson, driving while intoxicated.

State of Texas vs. Jose L. Tovar, criminal trespass.

County Court Dispositions

State of Texas vs. Abraham Hiebert Friesen, driving while intoxicated, dismissed.

State of Texas vs. Anna Froese, driving while intoxicated, dismissed.

State of Texas vs. Russell Jimenez, unlawfully carrying a weapon, dismissed.