Ward Back in Hopkins County Jail; Bond Denied
July 15, 2023 – Nikolaus Kayne Ward, a resident of Brashear, is back in Hopkins County Jail. Sheriff’s Deputies retrieved him from the Byrd Unit in Huntsville, TX. According to online inmate listings, he was serving time for:
2020-05-28 EVADING ARREST DET W/VEH 2023-05-11 ROCKWALL 2-21-0262
2020-05-28 POSS CS PG1 1-4G 2023-05-11 ROCKWALL 2-21-0261
Ward was arrested in 2021 and charged with multiple counts of theft. See that story here.
Also in 2021, Ward was arrested in Hunt County and charged with:
THEFT PROP >=$2,500<$30K (THREE COUNTS)
ROS/EVADING ARREST DET W/VEH-2018
ROS/POSS CS PG 1 >=1G<4G
ASSAULT CAUSES BODILY INJURY FAMILY VIOLENCE
CRIMINAL TRESPASS
THEFT PROP <$100 W/PREV CONVIC
THEFT PROP >=$100<$750
In 2020, Ward was arrested after the mini-bike he was operating was determined to be stolen. See that story here.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Friday From The Chamber July 14th, 2023
Ribbon Cutting – TODAY
We hope you’ll join us for a ribbon cutting at East Texas Surgery Center on Friday, July 14th, at Noon! Details for their Open House celebration are below.
Business After Hours
Join us for a fun and interactive Business After Hours next month at Red River Credit Union from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20.
Business After Hours is a great way to interact and network with other business professionals and members of the community. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend and there is no cost.
Red River Credit Union is located at 822 Gilmer St.
Adult Leadership Applications Due AUGUST 1ST!
Leadership Sulphur Springs is back on this year, with applications online!
The leadership class is for Hopkins County men and women who want to learn and become more invested in their local community. It’s an intensive nine-month program that immerses the participants in the business and government of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
The tentative dates for this year’s program are attached to the application, which can be accessed at HopkinsChamber.org.
The registration fee is $500 and that covers the cost of the food, drinks, transportation, etc. for the year.
Now Accepting Stew Market Vendors!
We are now accepting applications for this year’s Stew Market!
Booths are $100 each or $75 for Chamber members.
A few things to keep in mind: we do not allow food vendors or food trucks (other than baked goods and these spaces are fully booked).
Spaces are 10×15, outdoor and located on the south side of Buford Park with no access to power.
This year we have chosen to no longer accept marketing / promotional booths other than our “Market Sponsor.”
For more information or to apply visit: https://www.hopkinschamber.org/stew-market/
Please email [email protected] or call 903-885-6515 with any questions.
Stew Cook Registration is NOW OPEN!
Register here: https://www.hopkinschamber.org/stewcooks/
Mark these important dates on your calendar because before you know it, the festivities will be upon us:
August 8 – “Stewcomers” meeting (for anyone interested in learning more about cooking in the competition – no registration required)
September 29 – Stew cook registration deadline
October 6 – Goody bag deadline for sponsors
October 17 – Goody bag pickup and New Cooks meeting
October 27 – Friday Night Appetizer Contest
October 28 – Game Day! The Stew Contest
$18 Billion Tax Cut For Property Owners Heading To Greg Abbots Desk
An $18 billion tax cut for property owners in the state is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk late Thursday.
Both chambers adjourned on Thursday evening, ending the second special session Abbott had called this summer to hammer out an agreement on property tax relief.
A cheer went up on the chamber floors upon the passage of the three bills that make up the package: Senate Bill 2, which details the proposed property tax cuts; Senate Bill 3, a franchise tax relief bill; and House Joint Resolution 2, a constitutional amendment required to authorize the tax cuts.
The package puts $12.6 billion of the state’s historic budget surplus toward making cuts to school taxes for all property owners, dropping property taxes an average of more than 40% for some 5.7 million Texas homeowners, and offering brand-new tax savings for smaller businesses and other commercial and non-homesteaded properties. The voters would need to approve the package in November for the cuts to take effect this year.
It also offers additional cuts for seniors and property owners with disabilities, averaging about $170 more per year, Bettencourt said.
The most novel part of the plan, an idea introduced publicly for the first time on Monday, is a first-ever temporary 20% cap on appraisal increases for properties valued at $5 million or lower that aren’t considered homesteads. Those would include second homes, vacation properties, rental houses, or commercial retail or business properties.
Including more than $5 billion approved four years ago, the legislation also allocates nearly $12.6 billion to reduce the school property tax rate by 10.7 cents per $100 valuation for all homeowners and business properties.
Lawsuit Filed in Franklin County Opposing Solar Plant
July 15, 2023 – Residents of Franklin County have filed the first of several contemplated lawsuits attempting to halt the “proposed assault on nature and man in Franklin County, Texas”.
The petition, filed in Franklin County District Court on June 29, 2023, is provided below.
Reception and Discussion
A reception and panel discussion with leaders from statewide environmental groups will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023 (12:00 noon — 2:00 p.m.) at Penelope’s Coffee, 405 Tx Hwy 37, Mt. Vernon, Tx.
Topics will include:
- Please attend as we report on opposition to mine our natural resources and leave devastation.
- Questions regarding clean up, damage and destruction and nothing resolved; land ruined, trees bulldozed and burned and water polluted.
“We will do better by our land and people, share the petition as you see fit.” Petition provided by BF Hicks.
Governor Abbott Unveils Texas Fentanyl Data Dashboard
Governor Greg Abbott today announced the launch of the Texas fentanyl data dashboard by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) as part of the statewide “One Pill Kills” campaign. This dashboard, available on Texas Health Data, reflects the expansion of data on fentanyl and other drug poisoning deaths published by DSHS online. Texans can now access information that includes fentanyl-related deaths from 2014 to 2023 and lets users view them over time, by demographics or by geography.
“More than five Texans die every day from deadly fentanyl, and Texas continues to ramp up our efforts to combat the growing fentanyl crisis plaguing our state and the nation,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans must come together to raise awareness of this deadly opioid to our family, friends, and communities, and the data published on this website will help Texans lead the fight against this deadly drug. I thank the Texas Department of State Health Services for their hard work to make this data more accessible to those who are working hard every day to keep fentanyl off our streets and educate Texans about the strategic manufacturing and distribution of this horrific drug.”
“Measuring a problem is an important step in understanding and improving it,” said DSHS Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Shuford. “DSHS is in a unique position to analyze and share information about fentanyl-related deaths as part of Governor Abbott’s One Pill Kills campaign. I hope making this data easily accessible will allow Texas experts and leaders to continue to craft solutions to this deadly crisis.”
Information on fentanyl and other drug poisonings comes from death certificates, which DSHS maintains, and will be updated four times per year. It shows that fentanyl-related deaths have exploded over the last few years, increasing more than 575 percent over a four-year period from 317 in 2019 to 2,161 in 2022. The numbers also reveal that every region of Texas is affected by this fentanyl crisis.
DSHS has added the new fentanyl dashboard to existing substance use data on Texas Health Data, including information on opioid-related emergency room visits, overall drug-related deaths, and student surveys on drug and alcohol use.
DSHS’ Texas fentanyl data dashboard comes after Governor Abbott directed state agency leaders last fall to ramp up efforts to respond to the fentanyl crisis, including coordinating efforts to raise awareness of fentanyl’s lethality and prevalence. The dashboard will support Texas’ coordinated “One Pill Kills” campaign launched by the Governor in October to combat the growing national fentanyl crisis.
Visit the Texas fentanyl data dashboard.
HC Health Care Foundation Board Of Directors Votes To Fund Free Mammography Clinic
Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Director’s held its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on July 11. As part of the agenda, the Board discussed how to utilize the funds earned through the 4th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo slated for August 3.
The annual Free Mammography Clinic will be funded with proceeds of the event. In October, two Saturdays will be designated to conduct the clinic which provides mammograms to uninsured Hopkins County women over 40 years of age. Women must sign up in advance for the limited number of appointments.
Designer Handbag Bingo raised over $38,000 last year and is on target to net even more this year. Additionally, last year’s attendees made donations to help fund the clinic.
Handbag Bingo quickly sells out each year to dismay of many. To allow more women to participate, even if not attending, a mystery handbag raffle was added this year. Tickets are still available for the raffle at handbagbingo23.givesmart.com.
Jordan’s Place Pediatrics provided funding for the luxury designer mystery bag, which is valued at almost $3,000. The winning ticket will be drawn at the bingo event.
To learn more about the event or to get your raffle ticket, visit the Designer Handbag Bingo website at handbagbingo23.givesmart.com.
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit that is now in its 26 th year of serving Hopkins County. Although the Foundation supports the work of the Hopkins County Hospital District as well as CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, the Foundation is not affiliated with either of the two organizations.
Several Car Manufacturers Announce Recalls Of Vehicles
Several car manufacturers have announced recalls of multiple models of vehicles due to faults within said vehicles. Some of these manufacturers are as follows Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Lincoln, BMW and Porsche.
Honda has issued a recall on over 124,077 vehicles including five models from 2020 to 2023 due to brake issues. The issue lies in a loose fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder. This could cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly, possibly causing loss of brake function and risk of a crash.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2020-2021 Civic
- 2020-2023 Ridgeline
- 2021-2023 Passport
- 2021-2022 Pilot
- 2020 Acura MDX vehicles
Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall on 8,178 of its 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 sedans, produced between June 24, 2021 and Sept. 27, 2022, because the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, which can result in the electrical wiring harness overheating. The transmission wiring harness may be the incorrect length, which can result in harness damage and a loss of drive power, and increase the risk of a crash.
Additionally Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1,552 of its 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 sedans, produced between July 9, 2021 and June 6, 2023, because the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, which can result in the electrical wiring harness overheating. That can lead to a fire.
Dealers will inspect and repair the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 29, 2023; owners may also contact Mercedes-Benz USA customer service at 1-800-367-6373.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43
- 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz C300
Ford is recalling 14,452 of its 2019-2020 Fusion Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) because the battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow. A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury, the company said in a report to NHTSA.Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy, currently under development, is completed. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 10, 2023 and second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 23S33.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2019-2020 Fusion
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 366 of its 2023 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles because the rear shock absorbers may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in damage to the rear brake hose, rear axle half shaft, wheel speed sensor, as well as stabilizer bar end links. A damaged brake hose can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear shocks, rear brake hoses, rear wheel speed sensor, and rear half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 23S32.
The realled vehicles are as follows:
- 2023 Lincoln Nautilus
Porsche is recalling 700 of its 2022-2023 911 GT3 Touring vehicles because a software error in the rear spoiler control unit may allow both the vehicle and spoiler center high-mounted brake lights to activate simultaneously when the rear spoiler is manually deployed at speeds below 56 mph. Simultaneous activation of both lights may cause confusion for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash, the company stated.
Dealers will reprogram the rear spoiler control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is APA8.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2022-2023 911 GT3
Porsche is recalling 37 vehicles including certain 2016-2020 Macan S and 2017-2020 Macan SUVs, 2017 Panamera Turbo sedan, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo crossovers and Panamera 4 sedans, 2018 Macan Sport Edition SUVs, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo sedans. The reason: the screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly. If the screw loosens over time, in the event of a crash, the seatbelt anchor could detach from the affected seat, increasing the risk of an injury, the company said in a safety report.
Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche’s customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is APA9.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2016-2020 Porsche Macan S
- 2017-2020 Porsche Macan
- 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo
- 2018 Porsche Macan Sport Edition
- 2018 & 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo
- 2018 & 2020 Porsche Panamera 4
- 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
- 2019 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
BMW recalling 69 of its 2022-2023 iX xDrive50 and iX M60 SUVs, i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 coupes, and 2023 i760 xDrive hybrid electric sedan because the high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU) may not have been manufactured correctly, which could interrupt electrical power while driving and result in stalling. If stalling occurred, this could increase the risk of a crash, the company stated.
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The recaled vehicles are as follows:
- 2022-2023 BMW i4 (54)
- 2022-2023 BMW iX (14)
- 2023 BMW i760 (1)
First Lady Abbott, Secretary Nelson Tout Texas’ Robust Economic Ties With United Kingdom In London
First Lady Cecilia Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson yesterday met with business leaders and dignitaries to highlight Texas’ strong economic ties with the United Kingdom while in London. Joined by Texas Economic Development and Tourism Executive Director Adriana Cruz, this is the second stop in the economic development mission led by the First Lady and Secretary Nelson.
The First Lady, Secretary Nelson, Executive Director Cruz, and members of the Texas delegation first met with executives from Drax, the United Kingdom’s largest renewable power company. The company plans to open a location in Houston next month to serve as the North American headquarters for Drax’s Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage projects across the United States and Canada. First Lady Abbott also presented Drax executives with a Texas flag and proclamation in recognition of the company’s expansion in Texas.
First Lady Abbott, Secretary Nelson, and Executive Director Cruz then joined the rest of the delegation of Texas business and community partners for a meeting with executives of the United Kingdom’s Octopus Energy, which employs 4,000 people across 15 countries and has its U.S. corporate headquarters in Houston. Following a tour of Octopus’ offices and lunch with company leaders, the First Lady presented a Texas flag and proclamation celebrating the company’s significant operations in Texas.
Following the meetings with key economic leaders, the First Lady, Secretary Nelson, Executive Director Cruz, and members of the Texas delegation sat down with Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade Nigel Huddleston MP to discuss the strong economic partnership between Texas and the United Kingdom and ways to further strengthen the relationship. First Lady Abbott, Secretary Nelson, Executive Director Cruz, and the Texas delegation also met with U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Jane Hartley, who expressed strong support of the delegation’s visit and discussed the vast economic opportunities available in Texas.
In the evening, the First Lady, Secretary Nelson, and Executive Director Cruz attended a reception hosted by the Texas Economic Development Corporation in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in London and the Institute of Directors (IoD) for about 100 leading companies in the United Kingdom. In her remarks before attendees from business, government, and members of the IoD, First Lady Abbott emphasized the strong economic ties between the United Kingdom and Texas. In 2022, Texas trade with the United Kingdom totaled $21.2 billion, and the United Kingdom has more foreign direct investment projects in Texas than any other country.
The trip is sponsored and paid for by the Texas Economic Development Corporation, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for marketing and promoting Texas as a premier business location. Along with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, these two organizations make up the cornerstone of Governor Abbott’s economic development agenda to build the Texas of tomorrow.
Texas Game Wardens Conclude Busy July 4th Weekend of Statewide Enforcement
AUSTIN – While thousands of Texans and out-of-state visitors traveled to Texas lakes, rivers and coastal bays to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Texas Game Wardens were out in force to ensure everyone stayed safe on the water.
“Texas Game Wardens partnered with thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country for Operation Dry Water to focus on impacts of alcohol on boaters during high-traffic weekends like the Fourth of July,” said Cody Jones, Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). “These efforts are represented in the work we did during the holiday weekend.”
Texas Game Wardens issued 1,521 citations and 1,891 warnings for various boating safety laws. Wardens also arrested 56 individuals for Boating While Intoxicated and filed four other charges for Driving While Intoxicated. An additional 36 individuals were arrested for a variety of other charges.
Texas Game Wardens also conducted multiple search and rescues over the holiday weekend and assisted with 18 boating accidents at several Texas lakes and rivers.
Statewide, Game Wardens were involved with numerous waterway assists and other incidents.
- Game Wardens patrolling Lake Palestine observed a dock fire started by fireworks and were able to extinguish the blaze before major damage occurred.
- Comal County Game Wardens responded to a missing swimmer after a caller reported that a family member was swimming but could not be located. They located the missing person 125 yards offshore swimming outside of the designated area. The swimmer was exhausted and requested a ride back to shore where they were united with family and friends.
- Game Wardens on Lake Travis helped locate a missing seven-year-old female who was found safely with a friend. TPWD aviation assisted Game Wardens in Zavala, Uvalde and Real counties patrolling the Nueces River for riverbed enforcement activities.
- The TPWD Boater Education program had booths at Canyon Lake and Joe Pool Lake over the weekend to promote boating and water safety.
Texas Game Wardens handled one boating fatality and five open-water fatalities on Texas waterways over the Independence Day weekend. The boating-related fatality occurred on Lake Stillhouse. Open-water fatality locations included Lake Lewisville (2), Lake Travis, Marlin City Lake and Cedar Creek Lake.
Governor Abbott Announces Statewide Film Friendly Texas Workshop
Governor Greg Abbott today announced a statewide Film Friendly Texas Workshop to be held virtually on Thursday, August 10. The workshop, hosted by the Texas Film Commission, is open to community representatives from across the state interested in learning about the media production industries of Texas and how to become Film Friendly Texas certified to attract new jobs and investments.
“In promoting Texas as a premier moving image production destination, the Texas Film Commission has attracted $1.95 billion in local spending and created more than 183,000 production jobs across the state from 2007 to 2022,” said Governor Abbott. “By completing the Film Friendly Texas training and certification process, certified communities are prepared to help match local businesses with production-related needs, stimulating the local economy by creating jobs for Texas-based crew members and local residents, as well as creating on-site spending at local businesses.”
The statewide Film Friendly Texas Workshop is being held virtually and in partnership with the City of Marfa, a Film Friendly Texas certified community, along with Visit Big Bend.
Marfa and the Big Bend Region have long been featured in films, including Giant in 1956, No Country For Old Men in 2007, and Abilene in 2022. As noted in a recent Variety feature about the burgeoning film industry in Texas, cooperation between Texas communities is one secret to the success and growth of the Film Friendly Texas program: “A production bolstering the local economy by filming in a particular town disseminates those spending dollars into the next, paying for lumber, food, and lodging in the surrounding areas. The economic boost links the communities together.”
The target audience for this workshop is community representatives who will serve as the community’s point-of-contact for facilitating media production requests. Most communities choose a member of their city or county government, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, or Economic Development Corporation.
This workshop includes presentations from Texas Film Commission staff and discussions with media industry professionals in the region addressing topics such as:
- Media production as an economic development opportunity for your community
- What to expect when working with different types of media productions
- How to create filming guidelines and permit systems for your community
- How to facilitate and expedite production requests
- How filming locations are chosen
- How to take and submit photos of potential filming locations in your community
- Understanding location agreements, production insurance, and other documents
- Film tourism opportunities for your community
Statewide Film Friendly Texas Workshop ─ Virtual, Co-Hosted by the City of Marfa and Visit Big Bend
Thursday, August 10, 2023 9:30AM – 12:30PM
For registration and admission information, please visit: gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_workshops
For more than 50 years, the Texas Film Commission has helped communities across Texas grow local jobs and economies by promoting the Lone Star State as the premier destination for film, television, commercial, animation, visual effects, video game, and extended reality (XR) production. For more information about the Film Friendly Texas program, visit: gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_overview
