Texas House Passes Legislation To Create Historic Texas Land And Water Conservation Fund
May 3, 2023- With an overwhelming vote of 131-13, the Texas House passed HB 3165 to create the Texas Land and Water Conservation Fund. The vote follows a 139-2 vote for HJR 138, which would put the fund on the November ballot as a constitutional amendment, allowing Texas voters to declare their support for conserving land and water for future generations. The legislation will now proceed to the Senate for a vote. District 2 Representative Bryan Slaton voted against the bill.
“The Texas House acted boldly to preserve what we love about Texas,” said Rep. Justin Holland who authored the bill. “This fund supports land and water conservation efforts for both public recreation and natural resource conservation that will allow Texas to thrive for generations to come. Because 95% of Texas is privately owned, it is vital we encourage private conservation along with the expansion of public parks, and this legislation achieves that goal.”
More than 240,000 acres of Texas land is lost to development each year. Texas needs additional parks, open spaces, and natural habitats to preserve our quality of life, provide food and fiber, clean water, and to support the multi-billion-dollar agricultural and outdoor recreation economy. According to a recent study by the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, less than four percent of land in Texas is under some form of protection.
“Any meaningful impact on conservation will include close collaboration with private landowners,” said Lori Olson, the Executive Director of the Texas Land Trust Council. “By partnering with private landowners to steward their lands, we maintain our state’s strong commitment to private property rights, while mitigating the impacts overdevelopment has on our economy, water resources, natural environment, and wildlife. “
“There is a tremendous public benefit to private land conservation,” said Suzanne Scott, Texas State Director for The Nature Conservancy. “A 2019 report found more than $1 billion in annual benefits to Texas taxpayers from lands protected and conservation easements held by Texas land trusts. These trusts also strengthen rural economies generating an estimated $150 million annually in agriculture, timber, and ranching productivity and $11 million annually in hunting and wildlife leases.”
Recent polling shows that 83% of potential voters support ballot language for the Texas Land and Water Conservation Fund. Over 50 of the state’s leading land and water conservation, agricultural, wildlife, and sportsmen’s organizations have formed the Texas Land and Water Conservation Coalition to support this effort. These groups represent thousands of Texans from all walks of life, connected by a desire to protect Texas for future generations.
HB 3165 would provide grants for existing programs and projects that would preserve our water resources, agricultural lands, and wildlife habitats and provide additional outdoor recreational opportunities for all Texans. The bill provides base eligibility guidelines for projects and ensures that 50% of the funds go toward the conservation of agricultural lands, water resources, and wildlife habitat, and 50% of the funds go toward state and local parks, wildlife management areas, and other public access conservation projects.
HJR 138 would establish a dedicated fund for conservation. With an historic budget surplus, Texas legislators have a once in a generation opportunity to act now to constitutionally dedicate $2 billion to create this historic fund. HJR 138 would place the fund on the November ballot, allowing Texas voters to dedicate these funds to protect and preserve the Texas landscape.
Sulphur Springs City Council Denies Rezoning Ordinance
May 3, 2023- Sulphur Springs City Council voted on City Ordinance No. 2832 ZC# 230402 a rezoning request by Collyn Seth McDaniel. The rezoning request would change a portion of the property at 928 College and 934 College Street that abuts Putman Street containing approximately 1.74 acres from single family to multi-family.
Council member Tommy Harris spoke on his disapproval of the ordinance, stating that the intent of the developers is unknown with what they will be building. The council voted against approving the rezoning on the first hearing.
Dallas Resident Travels to Hopkins County Attempts Bank Fraud
April 3, 2023 – A Sulphur Springs Bank contacted SS Police after a man attempted to withdraw cash at one of their locations. The bank suspected the man’s identification card was fraudulent. When police arrived, JARVIS LAMONT SINGLETARY advised he had no idea why Police had been called. Police asked Singletary to be honest about the incident. He displayed signs of deception and was visibly nervous. Singletary, age 51, was Mirandized and led to a patrol car.
Singletary, who was advised of his rights, agreed to talk with officers. He told police that he and a group of individuals traveled together from Dallas to the bank with the hopes of obtaining money with the use of the fraudulent IDs. If he had been successful, he would have received a portion of the money. Singletary went on to detail the other actors and the vehicle they had arrived in. SS Police were unable to locate them.
When questioned about the wallet he carried, Singletary admitted the wallet was his, but the contents of the wallet did not belong to him. That wallet contained numerous ID and Credit cards that did not belong to Singletary.
A glass pipe, commonly used to smoke crack cocaine was also located on his person.
Singletary was arrested, transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident and charged with:
1 32.51(C)(3) FRAUD USE/POSS IDENTIFYING INFO # ITEMS 10<50
1 POSS OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
Singletary, who lists himself as unemployed, is a registered sex offender. His online registration shows he was convicted of CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE THIRD DEGREE/FORCE OR COERCION in Minnesota in 2010.
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.
CHRISTUS Sulphur Springs Retires American Flag With Help of Local Veterans
April 3, 2023 – CHRISTUS Sulphur Springs proudy flies an American Flag outside the main entrance to the Hospital. That flag had become a little worn and faded as of late.
Three Local Veterans performed a brief flag ceremony to remove the worn flag and install a new one this week. CHRISTUS Staff members took time off to step outside and observe.
Two of the veterans served in the US Air Force, the third served in the US Army.
With a final salute the new flag is set to greet everyone who visits CHRISTUS Sulphur Springs.
As with any American Flag, the retired flag was folded in the proper manor and given the respect it deserves. The retired American Flag will be destroyed in a dignified manner with the help of the Boy Scouts.
Jim Chapman Lake/Cooper Dam Stilling Basin/Outlet Area to Close Temporarily
May 3, 2023- U.S. Army Corp of Engineers officials with the Fort Worth District, announced today that starting May 8, the Stilling Basin/Outlet Area at Jim Chapman Lake will be closed temporarily for repaving of the parking lot.
For the safety of the public and work crews, the Stilling Basin/Outlet Area will be closed for approximately 30 to 45 days for fishing and all recreation activities. The lower road below the dam leading to the Stilling Basin/Outlet Area will also be closed and unavailable for public use. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of all while we make the necessary repairs to the parking lot in a timely and safe manner,” said Maintenance Technician, Taylor Josey.
Questions may be addressed to the lake office at 828 CR 4795, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 or by calling Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 903-945-2108.
Fall Enrollment at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
FALL ENROLLMENT
Jermaine Cleveland of Sulphur Springs, right, discusses enrollment with PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Financial Advisor Elizabeth Joslin as he prepares to attend the Sulpur Springs campus this fall.
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.
A&M-Commerce to Hold Spring 2023 Commencement on May 12 and 13
COMMERCE, TX—A&M-Commerce will hold Spring 2023 commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13. Candidates include 515 master’s students, 26 doctoral students and 722 undergraduate students. From these students, 370 will graduate with academic distinction, including 110 cum laude, 139 magna cum laude and 121 summa cum laude.
All ceremonies will be conducted in the University Field House at 1804 Lee Street, Commerce, Texas. Doors will open to guests one hour before the start of each ceremony.
Guests who do not have a ticket may view the live ceremony virtually at the Rayburn Student Center in the second-floor conference rooms or via the live links posted below.
Graduation Schedule
Graduate School Ceremony
Doctoral and Master’s Ceremony
Location: A&M-Commerce Fieldhouse
Date: Friday, May 12, 2023
Time: 4 p.m.
Watch Live: https://youtube.com/live/mot1MkANa48?feature=share
_____________________________
Undergraduate Ceremonies
College of Business
College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts
Location: A&M-Commerce Field House
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Watch Live: https://youtube.com/live/Nrkvh-FP8B4?feature=share
______________________________
College of Innovation and Design
College of Science and Engineering
Location: A&M-Commerce Field House
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Watch Live: https://youtube.com/live/QWTslhJGXmw?feature=share
______________________________
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
College of Education and Human Services
Location: A&M-Commerce Field House
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Time: 2 p.m.
Watch Live: https://youtube.com/live/FjWhiMyIqN8?feature=share
______________________________
Find more details and information on the graduation page at www.tamuc.edu/Graduation.
Chamber Connection – May 3, 2023
Every business, it seems, starts as a small business, but no business is insignificant. And this is a week designated to celebrate those businesses that are the lifeblood for our communities.
This is National Small Business Week and we are excited to honor them!
When you shop local, you:
- Help support your neighbors and friends who provide jobs for others.
- Generate tax dollars that provide infrastructure for your city and county.
- Encourage local artists and artisans.
- Make your community more friendly and tight-knit.
- Help others become more self reliant.
If you’re going to spend your money, do it locally where the effects are felt more profoundly, helping your community flourish.
Cheers to all our small businesses, their owners and employees!
Business After Hours
Get your networking on at the next Business After Hours, set for Thursday, May 18, at CANHelp on Gilmer Street.
The event is scheduled for 4:30 to 6 p.m. and is open to the public. This is an excellent opportunity to network as well as get familiar with CANHelp and its mission.
If you are a Chamber of Commerce member and want to host a Business After Hours (or Before Hours), we have some openings for you!
We are scheduling our monthly networking events for the remainder of the year, and are looking for host businesses in the fall and winter. The cost of the event is free; we just ask that you provide some refreshments.
You simply open your business from 4:30-6 p.m. on the designated day (or 7:30-8:30 a.m.), and welcome the guests.
If you’re interested, send me an email at [email protected] or call 903-885-6515.
Skeet Shooting
Heart of Hope will have a Skeet Shooting Event, starting at 11 a.m. on May 6, at the Church at Klondike. Entry fee is $15 and includes lunch and a raffle ticket. The contest will be sporting clay shoot, wolf chase and buddy shoot. There will also be a kid shoot for 14 and under. Bring your own ammunition.
Proceeds benefit Heart of Hope in Sulphur Springs. For more information, call 903-440-1665.
Freedom Ball
This year’s Hopkins County Freedom Ball is going to be bigger and better than ever! Come help celebrate our local heroes at the Hopkins County Civic Center on May 20.
This years theme is “Top Gun” and Jason Walden & The Alibis will be providing the music for the evening.
Tickets are $125 each, and 200 tickets are set aside for veterans and their wingman each — first come, first serve. So, get your tickets now.
For tickets, contact Danny Davis at 903-438-4003.
Lunch and Learn
The Chamber is rescheduling a Lunch and Learn originally set for April 18. The program will be a roundtable discussion on marketing, both conventional and social media. The seminar will be informational and practical to help business marketers increase their profile by doing it themselves. The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers.
Call 903-885-6515 or email [email protected] to sign up.
Patriot Sporting Challenge
The 5 th Anniversary Patriot Sporting Challenge is set for June 3, 2023 at Lake Fork, supporting Folds of Honor and Heroes Ranch.
The Challenge is limited ot 72 teams who participate in fishing and golf at Lake Fork, then meet for Casino Games at 2 p.m. at the iconic Neon Moon in Yantis.
It’s a unique opportunity to support the two military veteran organizations.
Register on the website PatriotSportingChallenge.org.
Ribbon Cuttings
The Kennington Insurance Agency hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, April 28, at their office located at 122 Lee St., Suite A. They had a large turnout with several vendors in attendance.
American Airlines Pilots Vote Overwhelmingly To Authorize Strike
May 2, 2023- All across North America and Europe vacation plans have been thrown for a loop as pilots of the airlines American Airlines have begun to strike.
“The summer travel season is almost here, and we’re all wondering whether this will be another summer of uncertainty for American Airlines,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, APA President. “Fortunately, there is an alternative. By embracing the win-win scheduling and work rule improvements APA has presented at the bargaining table, management can take steps to improve the airline’s operational reliability and efficiency.” Stated a press release by Allied Pilots Association.
Strike authorization voting began on April 1 and ended at midnight Central on April 30 with more than 96% of members of the Allied Pilots Association have voted in favor of authorizing the union to strike. They aim to put pressure on the Texas-based carrier for higher salary and better working conditions – even as the chances of an actual labor disruption remain slim. It would be hard for pilots to actually leave their jobs due to a complex labor process in the US that makes it difficult for airline workers to strike.
Airline pilots have been discussed quite a lot in the travel industry, as a study from last year found that over 75 percent of airports in the U.S. have experienced diminished or lost air service due to the severe pilot shortage.
The Regional Airline Association has stated that 76 percent of U.S. airports have been impacted by the pilot shortages, with more than 500 regional aircraft parked and an “associated air service retraction at 324 communities.”
Currently it is unknown when the strike will begin as federal law places strict requirements on collective bargaining between airlines and pilots, and a specific sequence of events must occur and fail before a strike can begin.
Dallas Resident Stopped With Over 700g of THC Containing Product
April 2, 2023 – Around 8pm May 1st, A Cumby PD Officer noticed a vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 30 with a defective headlight. A traffic stop was initiated on the tan Malibu around mile marker 112. During a conversation with the sole occupant, 25 year-old BRIESHA LUCIA RUSH, a brown paper sack was seen on the floorboard of the vehicle. When asked what the sack contained, Rush handed it to police.
Inside the sack were gummies believed to contain THC. A probable cause search was initialed on the vehicle and additional THC gummies were found along with two clear beverage type bottles filled with a clear liquid. That liquid was suspected to contain THC.
Rush was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. Her Malibu was impounded. She is charged with:
481.116(E) POSS CS PG 2 >= 400G
Because the combined weight of contraband was over 400g, she could be sentenced for life or for a term of not more than 99 years or less than five years, and a fine not to exceed $50,000.
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.
