News

From Gazette Staff Reports news@campcountynow.com

Pittsburg Police Chief Richard Penn when asked about the training and continuing education of our Pittsburg Police officers especially in active shooter situations such as the recent one in San Bernardino. In response, Chief Penn provided The Gazette the following: “At this point, PPD officers have received over 200 hours (cumulative) of training in responding to an active shooter with another training course scheduled this next week. The majority of the officers in this Department will attend that training. In addition to this, PPD officers are issued the equipment needed to respond to these types of situations. This requires additional training. Not all incidents are dynamic such as an active shooter but this type of equipment is needed for that type of response also.

By ELLIS KNOX reporter@campcountynow.com

Robert and Carla Peoples the owners of the Holman House will host an open house Dec. 17th from 6-9pm. The historic Holman House was built in 1913 by John Miller Holman, the patriarch of one of the most prominent families of Pittsburg’s historic past. The Holman’s acquired or built many of the buildings downtown. The House next door on the left looking from the street was also built by John Miller Holman, he built this house in 1929. The John M. Holman house is 5,400 square feet of Christmas cheer. The Peoples welcome all the citizens of Pittsburg to tour the home and enjoy the decorations. There are 21 decorated trees in the home.

By ELLIS KNOX reporter@campcountynow.com

The Commissioners’ court meeting Monday, Dec. 14, it was short and to the point this month. The Commissioners approved the minutes of the last meeting, there were no reports from any county officials. Commissioner Steve Lindley, commissioner for Precinct 4, accepted the appointment to the Camp County Appraisal District Board of Directors for a the 2016 – 2017 term.

To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Pittsburg%20GazetteID315/default.aspx

Two local candidates will vie for Commissioner Precinct 1 in the March 1, 2016 Primary Election. Incumbent Bart Townsend, Democrat, will have a Republican challenger, George French. Monday at 6 was the deadline to sign up with the local party chairpersons. Candidates running unopposed are: Camp County Sheriff Alan McCandless-D; John Cortelyou-R constable; Angela Hammonds-R county attorney; L. H. “Calhoon” Henderson-D for Commissioner Precinct 3 and Gale Burns-D Camp County Tax Assessor-Collector.

To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Pittsburg%20GazetteID315/default.aspx

Date of birth: Sept. 7, 1956

Full name: Joe Mark Cavender

Connection to Pittsburg: Lived in Pittsburg and went through Pittsburg High School. My parents live in Pittsburg, James and Pat Cavender

Occupation/bio: Owner and president of Cavender’s Boot City which now numbers 73 stores

Hobbies: Hunting, golf, raising and breeding cattle, sports in general

My favorite day in Pittsburg: Not sure whether it was first day or last day of school the school year, but one of those two

My most embarrassing moment in Pittsburg: It’s hard to narrow it down. There are too many to mention but if I had actually gotten caught, it would have been the night we drove a couple of school buses around town for a little while.

10 years

• W. R. “Bill” Parker dies at the age of 92. He was born May 19,1913 in Pittsburg. He owned Parker Furniture and Appliance since 1945.

• Thirty pounds of marijuana are seized after a city patrolman traffic stop.

• Pittsburg Rotary Club has annual Christmas party at Ferndale. Mike Reynolds is named Rotarian of the Year. Along with the local distinction, Mr. Reynolds was presented a Paul Harris Fellowship.

• All district volleyball players were named: Katie Shurbet, Whitley Ivory, Megan Salah, Cruz Alvarez, Jennifer Dube, Ashley Nugent and Haley Clark.

20 years 

• Five vie for precinct 3 commissioners job. They include incumbents O. C. Taylor, James McElhaney, James D. Cooper, Marty Cook, and Hervy Hiner.

• Robyn Oefinger is elected president of the Family and Community Education Club. Sandra Efurd is vice president.

Ronnie Lee Lunsford, 66, was arrested on 12/07/2015, DWI – third.

Christopher Wayne Davis II, 23, was arrested on 12/07/2015, failure to appear, theft >$500 <$1500.

Mary Renea Vale, 31, was arrested on 12/07/2015, possession of control substance.

Henry Manard Mandingo, 42, was arrested on 12/07/2015, JP warrant x2, violation of protective order.

Stormie Lynn Vance, was arrested on 12/08/2015, outstanding warrants, failure to appear, hold for Hopkins County.

Nicholas Alan Ward, 28, was arrested on 12/10/2015, hold for Collin County.

To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Pittsburg%20GazetteID315/default.aspx

By KENNY MITCHELL Publisher of the Bowie-County Citizens Tribune

By DEBBIE KNOX Publisher/Editor dnox@campcountynow.com

Local candidates who are interested in running for public office in the Tuesday, March 1 republican and democratic primaries can sign up through Monday, Dec. 14. Republican Party chairman Dr. Rex Law reported incumbent Alan McCandless has signed up for Camp County sheriff, along with candidate George French for Commissioner, Precinct 1. John Cortelyou, incumbent for constable, will be vying for that position along with incumbent Angela Hammonds for county attorney.

To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Pittsburg%20GazetteID315/default.aspx

By SUSAN TAFT Contributor to The Pittsburg Gazette Gerald Clinton Davis was arrested and transported to the Camp County Jail after approximately two and a half ounces of methamphetamine were found in his vehicle during a traffic stop Nov. 24. He was charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, more than 4 grams, less than 200 grams. Davis, 44, of Pittsburg was stopped on County Road 2121 at 9 that morning by Sheriff Alan McCandless and Chief Deputy Randal Lain Jr. for a narcotics investigation. “Upon approaching the vehicle, Davis was asked to step out of the vehicle,” Sheriff McCandless said. “Davis immediately made some evasive moves; therefore, he was detained for officer safety. “Davis stated he was ‘holding.’ Chief Deputy Lain immediately advised Davis of his Miranda Rights, and I asked Davis what he was ‘holding.’ He stated he had approximately two ounces of methamphetamine and told us where it was located.