FREESTONE/ PAST & PRESENT J.R. “Sonny” SESSIONS Some Experiences with Prison Tracking Dogs Many of the Prison Farms have or had packs of Tracking Dogs they trained for such use; they liked to be called out and usually responded as quickly as possible. Most of the dogs were hunting type Hounds and usually raised there under the Dog Sgt. The Dog Sgt’s a different breed who loved the hunt, good horsemen who usually called out at night to ride in rough country following the dogs as closely as possible. The Dog Boys lived with the dogs, most habitual offenders who worked for this position as coveted by other prisoners. They knew every dogs name and its habits. When called out rode in the trailers with the dogs and horses. Over the years knew several on first name basis, knew some before they went to the pen. They were used many times, some when not really needed as many time the first thing many wanted to do was call them out, they did not consider the location and fences, roads and traffic. Several times I cancelled their involvement due to these things. Following the dogs the Sgt’s, cut fences as they came to them creating problems with the landowners and livestock. We tried to have a fence crew follow them repairing as needed the next day, some times we were blamed for damage we did not know about or responsible for. Will try to follow up with some actual man hunts. *** Original Sheriffs Report l969 Short visit with dr. P,D. Browne, longtime Fairfield educator and School; Superintendent whom have come to respect more as time goes by. Paid compliment that he read and enjoyed this column, thanked him and told him I `hoped Miss May Pridgon hadn’t seen them, wouldn’t want her to know how badly she failed trying to teach some people English. Joined ranks of the Catamount Club with sighting of large Cat creature on FR 27 early one morning this week (first seen as Sheriff but not the last). Hearing before Judge Ferguson for man wanting to enter suit against Judge Young, Patrolman Faulkner and others for violating the wife. Suit denied because of insufficient grounds (this harassment continued for years and really worried Judge Young, an uneducated but honest man who called the Highway Patrol the Highway Petroleum. Regretted this week to learn the old J. C. Anderson home torn down and grounds being subdivided. Early landmark in the area where spent happy hours as child here in company of Miss Lizzie, Miss Mattie and Miss Nanny Anderson genteel ladies of the old South who liked their homestead were of the past. Wish everyone been lucky enough to know them. Man returned from Memorial Day party to family discussion with upset wife, tried to get her straight with few licks which upset sister who injected his back with ice pick. Man then creased sister in law with claw hammer inflicting knowledge bumps, both treated at local hospital disturbing all, including grand father who having to foot all the bills... Common for people seeking help for mental patients wanting to “get them tested”. Car windshield kicked out y irate husband, wife upset as she in it... More conflict between elderly women neighbors, been brewing for years with on end in sight. Recent closing of Union Station made Dallas the largest City in nation without passenger train service. Contrast to busy days of WWII when the “Flying Red Horse” atop the Magnolia Building dominated the sky line and was looked for with anticipation by service men returning on leave, ect. Have had to breach the generation gap a few times with fairly good success, Formula is old fashioned as goes back to principle of breaking young mules where first step is to get their attention, once this accomplished it easier to communicate Remember one incident where Dallas dude tripped me walking by, a bad mistake. Gregory’s new color TV in for repair found shorted out by large video minded cock roaches. When office was in the Courthouse basement had prisoners change mind about going to restroom at night when hall would be full of them. THP Charlie Ray says he had to shoot a few. Ivy’s Dry Goods and England’s Jewelry burglarized with thief chased away leaving some of property in alley. *** Grandpa’s Report Musical ‘High School Musical” held Mexia High School with students from all local area involved a big success. … Ken who also Constable, investigated, and jailed young woman who drove vehicle into side of Masonic Lodge in Kirvin with damage done and leaving scene. … Regret the closing of McCord’s Café in Kirvin as was real asset to community.