Texas Electric Car Tax Law Signed In By Gov. Greg Abbott
May 18, 2023 – Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a legislative proposal into law Saturday requiring new electric vehicle owners to pay $400 to register their vehicles, in addition to other standard registration fees. Current owners would pay $200 a year when renewing their registration. The proposal, SB 505, was passed by the Texas Senate at the end of March and The house in late April.
The new fee, which will take effect September 1st, would not impact people who own hybrid vehicles. They still purchase fuel and pay gas taxes. This Bill also will not affect owners of electric motorcycles, mopeds and autocycles, or neighborhood electric vehicles that have a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.
Lawmakers have sought ways to make up for the lack of gasoline tax payments by electric vehicle drivers. Every person who drives a gas-fueled vehicle pay a 20-cent per gallon tax when filling up at the pump. This gas tax regularly generates upwards of $3 billon annually, with fiscal year 2018 generating $3.7 billion.
Several states throughout the United States have incorporated the $100 or more fee for electric vehicles to help make up for lost gas taxes.
No word yet from Musk on the tax, who was busy earlier this week comparing George Soros to an X-Men villain.
State Fair Of Texas Unveils 2023 Commemorative Theme Art, “Explore The Midway”
For 137 years, one area of the fairgrounds has remained the playground for folks of all ages at the annual State Fair of Texas: The Midway. Each year, the Midway serves as a central location for more than 2.5 million folks from all walks of life to experience the hustle and bustle of the Fair. A place where everyone can choose their own adventure and enjoy the carefree bliss that comes with riding rides, playing games, or simply taking a stroll as you savor a Corny Dog doused in ketchup, while soaking in all the sights and sounds the Midway has to offer. Opening Friday, September 29, the 2023 State Fair of Texas themed “Explore the Midway” is shaping up to be the ride of a lifetime.
Inspired by several iconic elements of the State Fair of Texas, this year’s commemorative theme art highlights some of our fairgoers’ favorite ways to “Explore the Midway,” like the historic neon Midway arch, the 1914 Dentzel Carousel, the Midway Barker, the Texas Skyway, and of course, the Texas Star Ferris Wheel. Set against a black background, the vibrant colors and streaks of brilliance are emblematic of the Fair’s Midway at night when its flashing lights and echoing sounds carry for miles. Over the years, fairgoers visiting from around the globe have won millions of prizes, laughed endlessly as they rammed their bumper car into a friend’s, taken in the view from 500 feet in the air on the Top o’ Texas Tower ride, and created countless memories with their friends and family. The Lone Star spirit of celebration and tradition is represented not only by Big Tex himself but through the rides, games, food, and unique Fair experiences that make the Midway one of the best places in Texas to have fun each fall.
“This year’s commemorative theme art is about more than just rides and games,” said Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas president. “It’s about bringing people together to be young and curious, no matter your age. Whether you’re competing against your daughter in the ladder game, doing a scavenger hunt with your coworkers, riding the Texas Skyway gondola with your grandson, sharing cotton candy with a first date, or joyfully screaming on the pirate ship with your whole family, fun is the common denominator all fairgoers come out to enjoy on the Midway year after year.”
No matter how you choose to explore, this year’s commemorative theme art represents the countless thrills the State Fair of Texas Midway has to offer. Every day of the State Fair of Texas, the Midway radiates youthful energy throughout the entire event for each and every guest to experience. We welcome you to “Explore the Midway” yourself in celebration of the 2023 theme by coming out to this year’s 24-day exposition starting September 29 through October 22 at historic Fair Park in Dallas. “Explore the Midway” merchandise is now available at BigTex.com/Store. More information on season passes and ticketing for the 2023 Fair will be available next month; sign up to be a Big Tex Insider and be the first to know.
Sulphur Springs Pair Arrested After Meth Found in Their Hotel Room
May 18, 2023 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies contacted Sulphur Springs resident MCPHERSON, NESSICA RACHELE age 48, who sometimes goes by the alias Nessica Rachele Hale, at her hotel room on Interstate 30. She gave consent for the room to be searched.
In a drawer, Deputies located a plastic bag filled with methamphetamine. MCPHERSON, NESSICA RACHELE, who lists herself as unemployed, was mirandized, and allegedly claimed the cache of meth belonged to her. In another drawer, Deputies located a plastic container with methamphetamine inside. MCPHERSON, NESSICA RACHELE denied ownership of that container.
McPherson is charged with:
481.115(D) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=4G<200G
481.115(D) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=4G<200GThe second occupant of the hotel room, BRITTON, BRADLEY KEITH age 43, was not at the hotel during the search. He was however located by deputies a few blocks away. Britton, also a resident of Sulphur Springs who lists himself as unemployed, denied any knowledge of the hotel room meth. He was carrying a valid room key. His vehicle displayed fictitious registration information at the time of his stop. He was arrested and taken to Hopkins County Jail without incident. His vehicle was impounded.
Britton is charged with:
481.115(D) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=4G<200G
502.475(D) DISPLAY FICTITIOUS MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
The meth in the plastic pouch weighed 24 grams. The meth in the plastic container, that no one claimed ownership of, weighed 9 grams.
This not the first time Nessica Rachele Hale has been in Hopkins County Jail. In 2015 she was arrested for her role in a burglary scheme involving her son. See that story here. Hale was sentenced to 15 years. 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.
Texas Casino Bill Falls Through Once Again
May 17, 2023 – Gambling Lobbyists have pushed hard to get Texas open to casinos, but have been unsuccessful in convincing the legislative members to cast their votes before the session ends leaving the proposal unable to advance.
House Bill 2843, authored by Rep. John Kuempel, R-Seguin, would have allowed Texas to build casinos throughout the state and allow gambling within state line’s. Rep. John Kuempel has postponed the vote for his bill on Friday’s legislative session until November 29th, six months after legislation will have been closed.
Lawmakers are known to postpone Bills until after legislation ends rather than just killing them on the spot. Kuempel picked the November date for his late father’s birthday, Edmund Kuempel, a former state representative who was succeeded in office by his son and had also carried casino legislation.
Had the bill been passed, the Austin area would have received one of eight casinos that was to be built around Texas. Other areas that would have received a casino are: Houston and Dallas areas would have gotten two apiece, and San Antonio would have gotten one. Corpus Christi and McAllen also would’ve received one each. What would’ve been eight casinos would have been resort type casinos.
Stated in a testimony by economist George Zodrow, the resorts would’ve created 48,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
A related resolution by Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, would have allowed Texans to vote on whether to legalize casinos, however, just like Kuempel, Geren postponed the proposal until after the session ends.
Texas Settles With Marriott International, Sues Hyatt Over “Resort Fees”
May 18, 2023 – On Tuesday The State of Texas and Marriott International INC entered in to a voluntary agreement to prominently display all “resort fees” and to increase price transparency in its advertising and booking process.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that hotel companies are using fraudulent and anti-competitive practices by misleading customers with advertisements which prevent comparative shopping and charging exorbitant amounts in hidden fees.
During the voluntary agreement made with the state of Texas, Marriott denied any misrepresented room rates, mandatory fees or total price in it advertising nor violating Texas consumer protection laws.
Marriott has voluntary agreed to disclose all “resort fees” and the total price of rooms as the most prominently displayed price, according to a statement from Paxton.
On Monday the state also filed a suit against the Hyatt Hotel Corp for supposedly violating Texas consumer protection laws by misleading customers with marketing and charging hidden fees.
In a petition filed in district court, Paxton stated that the U.S.-based Hyatt did not include all fees in advertised room rates, effectively preventing comparative price rates and hidden fees, amounting to millions in fraudulent charges.
Mayor To Visit Nursing Home For National Nursing Home Day
May 17, 2023- Sulphur Springs Mayor Doug Moore will be visiting Sulphur Springs Health And Rehab to read a mayoral proclamation at 1:30 pm. The event will be held in front of building. Snow cones and other refreshments will be available.
Established as an annual weeklong observance by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, NSNCW, formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, provides an opportunity to recognize the role of skilled nursing centers in caring for seniors.
Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab is located at 411 Airport rd
For more information please contact Stacy Wetvel at (903) 335- 1125
Hopkins County Hospital District Board Updates
May 17, 2023 – Hopkins County Hospital District discussed several items during their monthly meeting, some of these items were as follows:
Hopkins County Hospital District Website
The Hopkins County hospital district is set to have their own website in the next month or so allowing any who wish to search for information regarding the board the ability to do so. The website will also list price transparency for select hospitals within the area. Also the website will list the locations of use that is in use by the EMS department.
Recognition
Members of the Hopkins County EMS team received a thank you note from the Winnetka Illinois Firefighters union Vice President Recognizing Riley James, Scott Bishop, Alex Spillman, Eric Marcum and Jeff Sanderson for rescuing their Family members. The EMS members Recued the Niece of the Winnetka Illinois Firefighters union Vice President’s wife as well as her cousin, resuscitating the two as they were being transported to Tyler for emergency care after an auto accident on the interstate. Currently their condition is stable and are making a recovery at this moment.
Carry The Load
Carry the load is a non-profit organization that provides active ways to connect Americans to the sacrifices made daily by our military, veterans, first responders, and their families. Hopkins County EMS will be hosting those who are participant in the event as their last rest stop before walking non-stop to Dallas, Tx. Those participant will be staying at the EMS house to rest before their walk to Dallas.
Outreach And Education
There have been 15 meetings since January 2023 with over 190 people being taught CPR STB and CRASE.
Retirement
After twenty two and a half years of service on EMS, Carol Shaffer is celebrated as she retires from Emergency Services.
Rushin Breaks Protective Order Now Back In Jail
May 17, 2023 – Thirty-nine year old John Andrew Rushin was seen driving within 1000′ of the address where he held a victim hostage in March of this year. Sulphur Springs Police saw Rushin drive past the resident around 11 pm. Police recognized the man, verified the vehicles plates, then performed a traffic stop on Rushin.
Rushin was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. His silver Blazer was impounded.
Rushin caused a major disturbance that included Douglas School being locked down earlier this year. He threatened several lives, discharged a firearm and allegedly started a house fire. See details of that event here.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Fourth-Wednesday Lunch & Learn May 2023
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites members and nonmembers who want to learn more about doing genealogical research to join us on Wednesday, May 24th. Bring your sack lunch, salad or drive-through meal and meet with other members from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the genealogy library, 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. Coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society’s March session featured Rhonda Bechhold presenting “Ancestry 101- Completing Your Family Group Sheet.” Forms were made available to each attendee and instruction was given on how to complete them. In April Rhonda advised others what to research and how to find the records to support your group sheet and pedigree chart.
This month, Shirley Patchen will talk about “Exploring Free Websites for Genealogy Research”. The title is self-explanatory, and you do not have to have attended the previous sessions to benefit from this presentation.
Hopkins County Hospital Board Of Directors Swear In Two New Members
May 17, 2023- Hopkins County Hospital Board of Directors met Tuesday night. After a long wait two members have been sworn in to the board.
Board members Chris Brown and Tammy Wright have been sworn into the Board of Directors as of last night. This is following the canceling of the election for the new members as there was a lack of candidates willing to run for the positions on the board.
Also not pictured is Eimy Medina, who was sworn in at a later time.
