City Council Appoints Police Chief, Fire Chief/Marshal, Utilities Director
Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday night voted to eliminate the public safety director position, with one council member voting against the measure.
The city will go back to the prior tradition of having a separate fire chief and separate police chief.
For the fire department, the top officer will be the fire chief/fire marshal. David James was appointed to fill that role.
Jason Ricketson, a longtime officer at Sulphur Springs Police Department who has been serving as interim police chief since March, was officially appointed as the city police chief.
Woodside Lane resident Jay Julian prior to their vote, asked the council to consider the financial impact of having two chiefs, and if the decision was made for a separate chief for each department to at least consider conducting a regional search to find the best candidate for each position.
Councilman Doug Moore pointed out that by having a fire chief/marshal that will make a fire marshal available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to conduct inspections on request for occupancy and other construction needs. Currently, businesses have to wait until a certified person is on duty every third day to conduct the inspections
“I feel like that’s more of a scheduling issue, not a personnel. You need to attempt to work on the scheduling issue,” Julian replied.
The motion to split the top job, with one for each department instead of a public safety director over both, was discussed along with the position of director of utilities by the city council during an executive session held 30 minutes prior to the start of the regular June council meeting.
The motion for two separate chiefs was approved, with Councilman Freddie Taylor casting the lone vote against the proposal.
The council also followed the recommendation of city staff that James Jordan be employed as the city’s utilities director.
Judge Rules Kyri Ivery To Continue On Probation on Assault Charges
After a short trial, 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt opted to sentence Kyri Shakur Ivery to continue on probation on the Sept. 21, 2016 aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge and assault of a peace officer charge.
Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris asked the judge to revoke Ivery’s probation and assess her time in prison. He contended she’d been given leniency with deferred probation offered for the aggravated assault of her brother with a steak knife, then biting him and attempting to bite a police officer.
Ivery testified Tuesday that she got the knife on Sept. 21, 2016, after she became angry with her brother, who she claimed was on drugs, stealing and said words that set her off. She attempted to get her mother’s phone, but he prevented her, from getting it, so she got the knife to try to get him to giver her the phone, Ivery testified.
Her mother and brother had wrestled the knife away from her and held her to the couch when police arrived. She said she did not calm down when the police told her to, earning the assault on peace officer charge for her biting. She remained in jail on both assault charges until Nov. 29, 2016
Ivery reportedly violated the terms of her probation by smoking marijuana and consuming alcohol since being sentenced to 7 years probation, officials said. She was assessed time in a Moral Reconation Therapy program, which she quit before completing it. She was assessed 180 days in an Intermediate Sanction Facility, where she said she learned many tools for modifying her behavior. She was on probation, gainfully employed at a job she loves, supporting herself and her daughter, when she was arrested May 20 for violating probation.
She admitted to consuming alcohol after her release at her mother’s home, celebrating her release from custody. Her mother testified that she had not read the terms of her daughter’s probation and did not know the no alcohol stipulation, or would have encouraged her not to consume.
Ivery reportedly admitted to probation officer Mila Garcia that she had consumed beverages after work to help her calm down and relax. She said she did not believe she has a substance abuse problem, and had met all of the other terms of her probation. She was arrested Feb. 5, 2018 and May 20, 2019 for violation of probation.
Ivery said the last wo weeks in jail were helpful, making her more committed to meeting the terms of her probation, if given another chance. Ivery said her daughter, who will be 9 later this month, has been staying with mother while she’s been in jail, and would continue to do so if she were sent to prison.
Sherry Nash, who employed Ivery at a hair salon, said even if Ivery were sentenced to a Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility for up to a year, she’d be willing to employ her upon her release. Nash described Ivery as a good worker, who is willing to work extra hours and come in on short notice. Nash said Ivery has a lot of people request her by name. Since Ivery was arrested for violating terms of her probation on May 20, several customers have come in and, after learning what happened, offered to testify on Ivery’s behalf on request, she testified.
Michele Edwards, who works with Ivery, said she’d never seen the defendant get angry at work. She said she has a daughter Ivery’s age and considers her like another daughter, who she continues to encourage. She said she’s seen a significant difference in Ivery since her last program and asked the judge to consider giving her another chance on probation instead of sending her to prison.
After hearing from the defendant, her parents, a friend and coworkers, as well as her probation officer, Northcutt opted to keep Ivery on 7 years probation instead of sentencing her to prison time. He noted that despite violating term of her probation, Ivery has shown significant efforts to turn her life around and meet the terms of her probation. He also waived the requirement for her to perform any additional community service so she can spend that time in counseling.
Northcutt said an evaluation of her cases showed that Ivery did not appear to have undergone a full psychological evaluation as originally ordered per her release on probation. He said aside from being required to take an anger management class in high school, it appeared she had not received assistance in learning to deal with that anger issues and violent outbursts in response to stress. He ordered her to undergo counseling, telling her to report to a program per the judge to request help developing coping skills, stress management and short temper issues.
Rep. Ratcliffe Announces Rising Lone Star Winners In Hopkins County
WASHINGTON – Rep. John Ratcliffe announced Brennon Newell and Caitlin Weatheread from Sulphur Bluff High School as the 2019 Rising Lone Star winners from Hopkins County today.
“I’d like to congratulate this year’s winning students for standing out as the best and brightest in their class. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors as they graduate high school. I’m confident they’ll go on to make Texas’ 4th District very proud,” Ratcliffe said.
Ratcliffe launched the Rising Lone Star award program to recognize high school students across the 18 counties in Texas’ 4th District who exhibit outstanding leadership or service in their schools and communities. The recipients are nominated for the Rising Lone Star by their principals, administrators or counselors.
Monday In-town Route Driver Needed For Meal A Day Program
“Meal A Day is in desperate need of a Monday route driver,” said Karon Weatherman, program director.” The current driver had back surgery and needs to be off about 2 months. “
The route is in-town, and takes approximately 1 hour, starting a between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Mondays.
Meal A Day is staffed by volunteers who donate their time to prepare and deliver food to senior citizens and individuals who are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves.
Weatherman asks that anyone willing to help, even if for a little while, to contact her at 903-885-1661.
A&M-Commerce Hosts Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station Research Conference
A&M-Commerce hosted the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Research Conference on May 21 and 22. Event coordinator Dr. Brent Donham, dean of the College of Science and Engineering, explained that the conference “brings together engineering and computer science researchers from the A&M System schools and other TEES members across the state.”
Representatives from 13 Texas colleges and universities participated in the conference, including universities from The Texas A&M University System, Del Mar College, Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas. Other attendees included representatives from Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, Texas A&M Energy Institute and Hanover Research.
The annual conference moves between Texas A&M University and another host school every other year. According to Donham, this is the first year A&M-Commerce has hosted a major system-wide event.
“This conference provided an opportunity for researchers across the A&M System and state to learn about A&M-Commerce and the vital role we serve in Northeast Texas,” Donham explained. “It also provided an opportunity for faculty to expand their network among researchers, which will lead to collaborative partnerships in the fields of engineering and computer science.”
The conference began with a Tuesday evening networking reception in the Rayburn Student Center where the A&M-Commerce Panimation Steel Drums performed an exciting show for guests.
President Mark Rudin welcomed attendees on Wednesday and highlighted A&M-Commerce’s new focus on research. He outlined several initiatives that will move A&M-Commerce forward as a research university, including reassigned time for faculty to work on funded research, and plans for a new College of Innovation and Technology. Rudin stated, “It’s a new day. We are going to elevate research. We want to be seen as a viable partner to all our sister organizations within TEES and the A&M System.”
Dr. Donham partnered with Tech Titans to provide the keynote speaker and panelists for the conference. Hubert Zajicek of Health Wildcatters delivered the keynote speech, followed by several volunteer panelists who shared their expertise. A&M-Commerce alum Todd Wynne, vice president of Bluebeam, Inc., spoke about emerging technology in the construction industry. Wynne co-created a successful digital mapping tool that is used in complex construction projects. John Randall of Zyvex Labs and James Walton of ENTOUCH Smart Building Solutions also presented.
During afternoon work sessions, researchers developed collaborative ideas and presented them to judges at the end of the day. Winning teams received funding for the development of their innovative projects.
Several A&M-Commerce faculty members were on the winning teams:
$20,000 (1st Place award), A&M-Commerce Member: Dr. Dan Creider (Computer Science), Thematic Area: Cybersecurity, Project Name: Powering Up: Cybersecurity Education for a Dispersed Workforce
$2,500 (3rd Place award), A&M-Commerce Member: Dr. Perry Moler (Technology Management), Thematic Area: Infrastructure, Project Name: REALI: Model Public Perception and Use of Green Technology to Reduce Water Erosion in San Angelo, Texas
$2,500 (3rd Place award), A&M-Commerce Member: Dr. Marty Yaqub (Industrial Engineering), Thematic Area: Energy Systems, Project Name: Autonomous Vehicles Infrastructure Development (AVID)
$2,500 (3rd Place award), A&M-Commerce Members: Dr. Sojung Kim (Industrial Engineering) and Mr. Pat Carter (Electrical Engineering), Thematic Area: Energy Systems, Project Name: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Energy.
The conference is produced by the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, a state agency that is operated by the A&M System. The agency operates 26 research centers across Texas. According to their website, “TEES researchers conduct relevant research and provide practical answers to critical state and national needs.”
The conference is produced by the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, a state agency that is operated by the A&M System. The agency operates 26 research centers across Texas. According to their website, “TEES researchers conduct relevant research and provide practical answers to critical state and national needs.”
Welding Shop At The PJC Sulphur Springs Campus
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center welding shop instructor John Plemons, left, demonstrates an effective metal cutting process to structural welding students, from left, Brennon Newell, Colten Nolan and Jonathan Johnson.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Paris Junior College Offering Dental Assistant Course
The Paris Junior College Workforce and Continuing Education Department is offering a Dental Assistant program that will be offered on the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus.
Registration is now open for the course that will be taught from August 27 to November 26 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
To learn more about the program call 903-885-1232 or go by the campus located at 1137 Loop 301 East in Sulphur Springs.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Nuisance Abatement Act, TCEQ Contract Approved by Commissioners Court; Update Given on NET Data
Hopkins County Commissioners Court during their regular session Monday renewed a Nuisance Abatement Act and a contract with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Commissioners also heard an update from company officials regarding i3 Vertical’s acquisition of NET Data.
Citizen Comments
During the citizen comments portion of Monday’s commissioners court meeting, Dave Graves and D’Anne Chaney were present on behalf of NET Data. Graves noted the company had been acquired on April 3 by Nashville-based i3 Verticals, with an announcement about the acquisition on April 8.
NET Data was i3 Verticals’ 26th subsidiary. As of Friday, that number had grown to 29 subsidiaries. About six of those subsidiaries are public sector vertical, that is serving municipal or county governments at some level, and one serving state-level government, according to Graves.
“We were really excited about it. We searched long and hard to find a company that would leave us whole and leave us in Sulphur Springs. That was important to our family and our staff have a future with whatever company we picked,” Graves said, noting this month marks the company’s anniversary
Graves said the company’s 36 years in Sulphur Springs “it’s been absolutely amazing.”
“This company with its resources and our vertical, brings more products and services to our suit of products and services, that’s really exciting to behold.We in the near future look forward to showing you guys, and letting your offices know what we have to offer,” Graves said.
Graves said all products and services will continue to be offered in Sulphur Springs, as well as “a lot more products and services” including additional financial and law enforcement products, and licensed municipal products and services.
And, he anticipates being able to offer them at a quicker pace, as the company is committed to growing rapidly. Instead of having to completely rewrite or design products the company can acquire the pieces needed to meet the need in many cases to better serve their customers needs.
“On a positive note, we are continuing to be, to have a large presence in Austin. Your interests are our interests so get a lot of benefit from vendors like us lobbying the state for same things you guys want. We continue those fights and make headway there, and do everything we can for you guys,” Graves said.
“We are excited about what the future brings. We are available to every one of you. Whenever you need, just let us know,” Graves told the commissioners.
Nuisance Abatement
The nuisance abatement act updates the one put in place several years ago in the county, but that document is past it’s expiration date. By approving the document, The act environmental office Jim Dial can work under the local health authority and pursue action against anyone putting waste out over the county illegally that presents a public health danger. Currently, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said, Dial is the only one trained to to do so. Dial would work under Dr. Balkcom for any nuisance abatement action in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked who would be responsible with tearing down a nuisance if one is identified.
Newsom explained the owner would be responsible for costs and whatever is necessary to resolve the public health nuisance. Adopting the nuisance abatement act simply provides Dial with more tools with which to work.
TCEQ Contract
The TCEQ contact the commissioners court approved Monday will allow the county to man an application to receive $5,000 through that agency. County Judge Robert Newsom explained that the county has done this before. The original deadline to submit the application was missed, but the deadline has been extended, The contract is required to apply for funding.
Auction Item
In other action, the court agreed to list the piano that’s been in the courthouse basement for numerous years on an online auction site. The court had originally intended for the piano to be auctioned through Commerce auction site. The piano has yet to be sold.
Consent Agenda
Approval was given to North Hopkins Water Supply Corporation’s request to install two road bores on County Road 3565 and to Farmers Electric Cooperative Inc. to construct electrical power distribution facilities across County Road 1165, north of CR 1160.
These items were approved along with previous meeting minute as part of the court’s consent agenda Monday.
Training Recognition
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer was recognized for successfully completing 20 hours of the Justice of the Peace Seminar held April 23-26, as provided by rules promulgated by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals 2018-19.
June 9 Mahoney Homecoming is 70th Annual Event
Jerry Voss is a third-generation farming landowner in the Mahoney community of Hopkins County, and a member of the Mahoney Cemetery Association. He recounted a bit of history during a KSST Good Morning Show interview on Friday May 31, 2019. “The rural area became a community after Colonel Mahoney settled there in 1857 on ranching land. During it’s peak years, it boasted a school, two churches and a thriving number of families. The Methodist Church, which is still in use today, was started in 1919 and completed by local labor in 1921. Next to it is the Mahoney Cemetery, in use since 1901. Each year, descendants of the original settlers as well as new families gather ‘back home’ for the Mahoney Homecoming at a church and memorial service followed by dinner on the grounds”.
Voss related how one day at church in the 1940’s, his mother Louise Voss and her friend Lucille Jordan, mother of L.B.and Dennis Jordan, decided there should be an annual Homecoming under the oak trees on the property. They got it organized, then perpetuated it all through their lives. Also back then, G.H. ‘Uncle Bud’ Mitchell and the men of the community would hold a workday to clean up the cemetery and church grounds, while others placed flowers and flags in the cemetery in preparation for the Homecoming. Though the founders rest now in the Mahoney Cemetery, since 1949 their wishes have been observed by their families on the second Sunday in June.
The Homecoming will begin at 10:45 am on Sunday June 8, 2019. Jess Tomasik will lead group singing and Ace Hamner, a veteran member of the Texas Aggie Singing Cadets, will provide special music. Recognitions including the oldest and youngest in attendance and the largest family present will be given. Following a program on church and community history, there will be time for memories and stories to be shared by family members. Lunch will be shared family-style under the covered pavilion. Bring a folding table and chairs, and enough food for your family and to be shared! Guests are invited.
