News & Articles


CITY TO TAKE FURLOUGH DAY FEBRUARY 15, 2010

On February 15, 2010 the City of Corsicana will take a furlough day. All City offices will be closed. Employees will have the day off without pay. The furlough day is a result of lower than anticipated sales tax revenues for the first quarter of the new budget year. The City Manager and Staff have taken this proactive step in helping to manage a tough budget year.


WINTER FARMER-RANCHER MARKET STARTS STRONG
Additional Vendors and Customers Sought from Navarro, Surrounding Counties

Corsicana, Texas— Building upon a strong opening day, week two of Corsicana’s new Winter Farmer-Rancher Market stands to offer even more locally grown products to an even larger customer base. The Market continues 8 a.m. to Noon Saturdays November 21 and December 5 and 12 at 311 N. Main Street.

Market organizer Jackie King said support for the market in its first week exceeded her expectations.

“We had a steady stream of customers the entire four hours, and our vendors were encouraged by their sales” King said.

Products at the inaugural market included beef, winter squash, peppers, cherry tomatoes, arugula, mizuna, basil, honey, pear-pecan and other breads, pet treats, antique silverware wind-chimes, hand-made rugs and quilts.

Customers from as far away as Garrett, Waxahachie, Mexia and Fairfield were entertained by Patrick and Nancy McCurrin singing country-gospel standards and had the opportunity to enjoy wagon rides through historic downtown Corsicana, courtesy of Starbuck Carriages.

A children’s area included coloring books and a “petting garden” that allowed them to touch and feel fresh farm produce. Gourmet concessions were available.

Additional products are anticipated at future markets. This week’s expected additions include firewood, eggs, handcrafted jewelry and seven breeds of rabbit on display. Wine and woodcrafts are also scheduled in coming weeks, and VOICE Inc. will provide an inflatable bounce house for children on Dec. 5.

King said she hopes the success of the first market will attract the attention of more farmers and ranchers in the area.

“We have plenty of covered vendor space available, and we’ll take any ag producer within 150 miles of Corsicana, as long as they grow or produce the items themselves,” King said.

Interested farmer and rancher vendors may contact King for market rules and applications by calling 903-229-7505 or emailing popacres@peoplepc.com.


{Courtesy of City of Corsicana - Click to view the release}


PRECINCT 2 TOWN HALL MEETING SET
Branding of East Side District to Be Discussed

By Steve Dietrichs, Tourism and Promotions Coordinator

Corsicana, Texas— Precinct 2 City Council Member Ruby Williams will host a town hall meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, September 28, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, located at 1114 East 6th Avenue. The topic of the meeting is rebranding and positioning the east side residential district.

To begin this process, the City of Corsicana and its marketing agency, HCK2 Partners, is developing a new name for the area that highlights the contributions of east side residents to the city’s heritage. The agency conducted both formal and informal interviews with those who know the district best and understand its benefits for Corsicana. They found that through its churches, community involvement and its civil service and education pioneers, Corsicana’s “East Side” creates another connection to a unique history for the city, all its own.

“G.W. Jackson opened the door to more than education in Corsicana’s East Side, his pioneering efforts promoted community pride,”said HCK2 Account Director Shawn Paul Wood.“Because of his work, the East Side continues to be an important part of the history of Corsicana and a light that should be allowed to shine brighter in Corsicana.”

HCK2 has also identified seven other areas of the city to brand as distinct districts, each benefiting the city with visibility among business developers, tourists and potential residents. These areas include downtown, the arts, retail shopping, historical homes, recreation and medical services.

Utilizing only hotel occupancy tax funds, the City of Corsicana and Corsicana Development Commission hired the integrated marketing communications agency earlier this summer to lead the development of a city-wide and district brand. Additionally, HCK2 is working to increase state wide awareness for Corsicana’s tourism and economic development, business ventures and opportunities, educational rankings and other areas important for growth.

For additional information about the town hall meeting or the community branding project, please call Steve Dieterichs at (903) 654-4803.


{Courtesy of City of Corsicana - Click to view the release}


Corsicana awarded Community Development Fund grant

By City Staff

The City of Corsicana has been awarded a Community Development Fund grant in the amount of $350,000 for sewer system improvements.  These funds are made available from appropriations for the Community Development Block Grant Program of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.  This program is administered for the State of Texas by the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) through the Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program.  These funds will be used to replace an existing 24” concrete sewer line with a 30” PVC sewer line.  The project will start on Commerce Street just south of Avenue G and extend east toward Business 45.


Corsicana Police Department Awarded $372,000 Grant

By Randy Bratton, Chief of Police

On Tuesday, July 28th, City Manager Connie Standridge and Police Chief Randy Bratton were notified that the Corsicana Police Department had been awarded funding for two (2) police officer positions as part of the US Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program.   The grant period covers a three year period from the date of official acceptance and is estimated at $372,924.00.   There are no required matching funds from the City for this grant.

Chief Bratton drafted and submitted the grant application, which dedicated the additional officers to drug enforcement.  It is anticipated the City will receive the formal grant acceptance paperwork prior to September 1, 2009.   City Council will then be required to vote on acceptance of the grant, which will effectively increase the police department’s authorized sworn strength from 45 to 47 officers.


{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Click to visit the article}


MarijuanaArrest
Seat Belt Violation Leads to Marijuana Arrest

By Randy Bratton, Chief of Police

On Sunday, July 26th, at approximately 9:06 p.m. Field Training Officer Angela Reed and Recruit Officer Erin Glasgow were patrolling the area of W. 2nd Avenue-24 Street when they observed a 1993 Chevrolet Silverado traveling north in the 1400 block of W. 2nd Avenue.   At that time the driver was observed not wearing a seatbelt.  A traffic stop was initiated and upon contact with the driver, Edrick Hervey, 36 years of age, of Northwood Blvd, Corsicana, a strong odor of marijuana was detected coming from inside the vehicle. 

A search of the vehicle revealed 6.98 ounces of marijuana in a plastic bag under the driver’s seat, individual baggies, and a digital scale.

Hervey was arrested for Possession of Marijuana over 4 Ounces and under 5 Pounds and transported to the Navarro Regional Jail for booking.


{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Click to visit the article}


HCK2 Partners Becomes Agency of Record for City of Corsicana
Dallas-based integrated marketing communications agency saddles up in Navarro County’s seat

(DALLAS) – Under the leadership of Corsicana’s Strategic Planning Group (SPG), Corsicana Development Committee (CDC) and Corsicana City Council, the city has announced Dallas-based HCK2 Partners as its creative, interactive and public relations agency of record.

The partnership is focused on developing a city wide and district brand. Additionally, HCK2 will work to increase state wide awareness for Corsicana’s tourism and economic development, business ventures and opportunities, educational rankings and other evolving needs for growth.

“When Corsicana was first founded more than 160 years ago, it was rich with opportunity because of what lied underneath our city,” said Corsicana Mayor C.L. “Buster” Brown. “Today, the opportunities for growth, progress and expansion are because of what’s in our city. From business relocation to residential development, Corsicana is ready to reach its potential, and we’re pleased HCK2 will help us make that difference.”


{Courtesy of HCK2- Click to visit the article}


Passenger Killed in Shooting

By Randy Bratton, Chief of Police

Officers Erin Glasgow and Corporal Scott DeChaume were dispatched to 1110 E GW Jackson Drive at 2:04 a.m. on June 15, 2009 in reference to an assault that just occurred.  Upon their arrival they discovered the victim, Carl Wiggins, 22 years of age, of Corsicana, had been shot in the head.  Corsicana Fire Rescue responded and transported the victim to Navarro Regional Hospital.  The victim was then airlifted to Parkland Hospital by PHI Air Ambulance. The Police Department was later advised the victim had died at the Parkland Hospital Emergency Room at about 4:00 a.m.

Det. Chester Jones responded to the scene and determined the victim had been riding as a passenger in a pick-up truck in the area of E GW Jackson Drive and N Bunert Street when the shooting occurred.  At this time a suspect has not been identified, however, an African-American male and African-American female that were seen walking in the area at the time of the shooting need to be questioned.

If anyone has any information about the shooting or the male and female walking in the area, please contact Det. Chester Jones at 903-654-4916 or Dispatch at 903-654-4902.  Callers may also remain anonymous and contact CrimeStoppers at 903-874-8477.  Information received may result in up to $1,000 for the caller.


{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Click to visit the article}


Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest in Trailer Thefts

By Randy Bratton, Chief of Police

At 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2009, Captain Kenneth Kirkwood observed a pick-up truck pulling a gooseneck trailer containing a 750 gallon tank and a gas powered pump in the 3000 block of W. Highway 22 without trailer tail lamps. Captain Kirkwood initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and discovered the license tag on the trailer belonged on a trailer that had been reported stolen on June 8th from J & S Plumbing, 300 E. 3rd Avenue.

The driver of the truck, Ryan Rogers, 33 years of age, from Scurry, Texas, was initially arrested for Driving With License Invalid and Theft Over $1,500 but less than $20,000.  The passenger in the vehicle, Patricia Mathis, 26 years of age, from Scurry, Texas, was also arrested for Theft Over $1,500 and less than $20,000.  A search of Mathis’ purse revealed a small amount of methamphetamine and she was subsequently charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled substance under one gram.  Both Rogers and Mathis were booked into the Navarro County Jail.

Detective Jason Grant was assigned the case and after further investigation, charged Rogers with Theft Over $1,500 but less than $20,000 in connection with the trailer theft from J & S Plumbing.  The trailer and a trench digging machine also owned by J & S Plumbing and taken during the trailer theft was recovered at Rogers’ residence in Kauffman County with the assistance of the Kauffman County Sheriff’s Office.

Detective Grant also was able to connect Rogers to a gooseneck trailer theft on June 8th from Haynie Drilling Co., 1725 S. U.S. Highway 287. That trailer was recovered in Henderson County with the assistance of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office.  Rogers was also charged with Theft Over $1,500 and less than $20,000 for the Haynie theft.

The trailer and the 750 gallon tank that Rogers was towing at the time of his initial arrest by Captain Kirkwood was stolen from Olsen Feed and Lawn Care Center, 220 E. Collin Street on the evening Rogers was stopped.  The initial theft charge that Rogers and Mathis were charged with by Captain Kirkwood was dismissed pending further investigation.

Det. Grant also discovered a 4 wheeler that was recently stolen from Blakes Boats, 1200 South 7th Street, was also at Rogers’ residence in Kauffman County. The Kauffman County Sheriff’s Office also recovered it.  That investigation is pending also.

Det. Grant estimated approximately $30,000 in stolen property was recovered. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible.

If anyone has any additional information regarding a theft of a trailer, please contact Det. Grant at 903-654-4913.


{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Click to visit the article}


Officers Seize Drugs and Cash after Trespass Call

By Randy Bratton, Chief of Police

Corsicana Police Officers Angela Reed and Bruce Culpepper responded to 1600 East 13th Avenue, Lago De Plata Apartments, on Monday, June 8th at approximately 9:30 a.m. to issue a criminal trespass to a subject. Upon their arrival they discovered Demmond Marquis Williams, b/m, D.O.B. 3-10-80,  of the 1200 block of MLK Blvd, Corsicana, had a capias warrant issued for his arrest regarding child support out of Limestone County.  After Williams was arrested for the capias warrant, Officer Culpepper discovered a small amount of cocaine on Williams.

Officer Reed and Detective Roderick Tyner then continued to investigate further and searched a nearby apartment discovering a small amount of Ecstasy pills, a small amount of crack cocaine, and approximately 11 ounces of marijuana hidden in a bedroom.  A total of $3,220 in U.S. Currency was also discovered hidden in the apartment and on Williams.  The currency and narcotics were seized for prosecution and the currency for later forfeiture consideration to the police department.

Williams was transported to the Navarro Regional Jail, where he was booked for the following charges:

Possession of Marijuana over 4oz and under 5lbs;
Possession of a Controlled Substance under 1 gram;
Manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance over 1 gram and under 4 grams;
Limestone County Sheriff’s Office warrant for child support.

Officers credit the management of the Lago De Plata Apartments for their efforts to reduce crime and improve the safety of their residents by calling police when suspicious circumstances exist.

Anyone with information regarding illegal narcotics is encouraged to call Cpl. Trent Parker at 903-654-4916.  Callers may remain anonymous.


{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Click to visit the article}


APX Solicitors In Town

By Ladena Baggett, Assistant Chief

Approximate 20 young men representing APX Alarm, Security Solutions out of Provo, Utah have requested permits to solicit in the city limits of Corsicana.  They will begin their door to door soliciting on Saturday, June 6th.  They are selling security products. Corsicana Police Department does not endorse this company nor have they supplied APX with the City’s crime stats to assist them in determining what neighborhoods to target for their sales.  

If one of these solicitors comes to your residence, you should ask to see their permit.  If they do not have a permit with Chief Randy Bratton’s signature, then they are violating the city ordinance and you should notify the police.  Criminal histories are checked on all applicants and only those with no criminal history are issued a permit.

Solicitors are allowed to go door to door during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  They are not allowed to solicit on Sunday.   If you do not want a person to solicit at your home, you should post a weatherproof card, not less than three inches by four inches in size, upon or near the entrance to your residence , with the wording “NO SOLICITORS”.  If a solicitor comes to your residence, after you post this notice, then you should contact the police.

APX solicitors are expected to be in town for six days.  If you have a complaint regarding these solicitors, you should contact the police non-emergency number at 903-654-4902.

{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Read the full article}

HOME SWEET HOME: City receives grant from Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs

By City Staff

CORSICANA, TX ‐‐ The City of Corsicana has been selected as a recipient of funding from the
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) HOME Investment
Partnerships Program. This funding will assist five eligible, economically disadvantaged
homeowners with the reconstruction of their dwelling. Two public meetings will be held at
the Corsicana Public Library on Wednesday, June 10 at 3pm and at 6pm, to discuss the
eligibility requirements and application process.

While the public meetings are not mandatory for participation, applicants are encouraged
to learn more about the following topics: how to qualify for this program, income limits,
available funding, and all eligible funding activities.

“The three main qualifications for this grant are that applicants must own their own home,
must live within the Corsicana city limits, and must be at or below the state’s average
median family income,” said Elizabeth Borstad, City Engineer. “Applications will be
available at the information session on June 10. If someone can’t make those meeting times,
but still wants an application, they can contact our office at (903) 654‐4858.”

{Courtesy of City of Corsicana- Read the full article}

Pursuit Leads to Two Dallas Suspects Arrested

By Randy S. Bratton, Chief, Corsicana Police Department

At approximately 9:10 p.m. on Saturday, May 2nd, the Navarro County Sheriff’s Office was advised that a “robbery” had just occurred at the Goodlow Beer and Wine store in Goodlow.  The suspects were described as two black males that had just left the store in a small, black passenger vehicle, possibly an Infiniti.   It was reported that it was unknown if the suspects had any weapons or not.

Sgt. Mark Nanny of the Corsicana Police Department was monitoring the Sheriff’s Office radio frequency and heard the robbery report.  He immediately directed Field Training Corporal Scott DeChaume, who was riding with Recruit Officer Daniel Herrera, to respond eastbound on Highway 31 in an attempt to locate the suspect vehicle.  At approximately 9:16 pm Officers DeChaume and Herrera reported they had spotted the possible suspect vehicle westbound on Highway 31 near the area of Meridian Rail. ...

{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Click to visit the Full article}

IMPERSONATING A POLICE OFFICER

By Jason Grant, Detective, Corsicana Police Department

Corsicana Police have been notified by a local citizen that she was pulled over by a subject who may be impersonating a police officer.  This is the third report Corsicana Police have received recently about a subject impersonating a police officer. The first incident happened on March 17 in the 2800 block of North Business 45.  The second incident was on April 19 at the Excalibur Club.

The citizen advised that on Monday morning, April 27th, she was traveling south on S. 15th St, when she was pulled over by a tan Ford passenger car that had a red light flashing on the dashboard, after she had passed another vehicle.  After she pulled over, she was approached by a white male wearing a tan uniform with a star shaped badge.

This white male advised the citizen that she had passed in a no passing zone and asked for her driver’s license and insurance.  He then told her that he was going to issue her a ticket and returned to his vehicle.  After several minutes, he came back to the citizen’s vehicle and told her that his printer was broken and then let her leave.

{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Read the full article}

CPD Received Multiple Reports of Burglaries

By Greg Cloud, Detective, Corsicana Police Department

On 4-9-09, CPD received multiple reports of burglaries of buildings and coin operated machines.  The burglaries were reported at Cains Car Wash, 624 N. Beaton St and 2901 W Hwy 22, Super Clean Laundry, 500 N Main St, Charlie’s Car Wash, 1380 N 45th St, J&M Country Store, 1023 N 13th St, and Canselors Car Wash, 301 Oaklawn.  Officers were able to get a description of a possible suspect and vehicle.  Night shift officers, being supervised by Sgt Nori Rhodes, located a vehicle matching the description and began their investigation.  Their investigation led them to the arrest of Clay Zona, 23 yoa.  He was questioned by officers and then admitted to the burglaries.  Night shift Officers were assisted by Det Greg Cloud.  Zona was charged with Burglary of a Building X 4 and Burglary of a Coin-operated Machine x 3.  A large amount of coins was recovered.  The burglary cases are still be investigated for other possible suspect involvement.

{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Click to visit the article}

Pedestrian Accident With Injuries

By Capt. Kenneth Kirkwood, Corsicana Police Department

On 4-8-2009 at approximately 8:15pm, CPD Officers were notified of an accident involving a pedestrian with injuries in the 800 block of W. 7th Ave. at S. 18th St. The pedestrian, a 14 year old juvenile, was attempting to cross W. 7th Ave. at S. 18th St. northbound. The pedestrian, who was not using the crosswalk, was then struck by a GMC pickup driven by a Navarro COunty resident who was driving westbound. The pedestrian sustained incapacitating injuries and was careflighted to Parkland Hospital. Several attempts to obtain the pedestrian’s current condition were made and were unsuccessful. His condition, at this time, is unknown. Charges will not be filed against the driver of the pickup due to the fact that the pedestrian failed to yield right of way to the vehicle. Officer Seth Fuller was the lead investigating officer at the accident scene. He was assisted by other CPD Officers.

{Courtesy of Corsicana Police Department- Click to visit the article}