Week 4: Hopkins County United Way Receives $16,346.42 In Donations, Pledges Toward Goal
Hopkins County United Way campaign workers turned in another $16,346.42 in donations and pledges, which were applied toward this year’s overall $150,000 goal to benefit 18 local non-profit agencies. Overall, that makes $70,181.69 HCUW had received as of the fourth weekly campaign workers’ report meeting this week, which put the campaign at just shy of 50% of the goal, with only 2 weeks left in the campaign.
“Every week, I am just blown away,” HCUW Campaign Chair Emily Glass said of the generosity shown by the community in the faithful giving, and offered thanks to each contributor for their donation to help HCUW meet the goal to provide the allocated funding to 18 local nonprofits that serve every facet of the community, from meeting basic needs to enrichment and educational programming.
Glass at the Oct. 25 meeting encouraged the many volunteers who serve as campaign workers to follow up with businesses and organizations they left donation packets with to try to get those back in over the next 2 weeks if possible, so their donations can be counted toward this year’s campaign as well.
HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning noted that there are still packets still out at lots of businesses, some that have traditionally been among the lead donors, that they know are being worked, but aren’t yet ready to be turned in.
For instance, one volunteer noted donations from clinics have yet to be picked up. Local banks are reported to be finishing up their campaigns and should be finished within the next 2 weeks, as should a few schools and industries.
“We are standing very strong and are so appreciative. Lots of good will be done with it,” Glass said.
While most campaign donations and pledges are made through workplaces and civic organizations, Glass reminded at Tuesday’s meeting that anyone who is not contributing through one of the traditional channels may still make a contribution to help support HCUW. Check donations may be mailed to Hopkins County United Way campaign headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may also be made by debit or credit card or PayPal on the the United Way website, hcuw.org, by clicking “Make a Donation”, or via the Hopkins County United Way Facebook Page by clicking “Shop on Website.”
Campaign workers who have received packets but are not able to attend the weekly meetings can contact Berning by phone or text message at 903-243-4066, or by email, to arrange to get the pledges and contributions to her, contact Glass or drop them by Landers Creek Outfitters on Main Street.
Glass reported on donations turned in to her by other campaign volunteers. Andrew Yoder turned in a donation from Texas Farm Credit. Amy Glenn turned in donations from Water Oak pre-school and Water Oak Elementary. Lyndsay Palmer, a first time campaign worker, turned in donations from Sulphur Springs Vet, Broadway Vet Clinic and Hopkins County Vet Clinic. Glass picked up funds from Chad’s Media and Catacon.
Kayla Mitchell turned in donations from Hopkins County Appraisal District, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and Balkcom Insurance.
Debra Evans brought in contributions from Giles Insurance, Feeders Supply, Johnson Law Firm, Craig Johnson/Ed Jones. Danny and Debra also made a personal donation.
Among the contributions Amy Griggs turned in from the Hopkins County offices of Kelly Caslon, Human Resources; Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley; Treasurer Danny Davis; Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer; Precinct 1 Constable Norman Colyer; County Court At Law Judge Clay Harrison; ; Precinct 2 Constable John Brian Beadle; Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings; and County Judge Robert Newsom. She too noted contributions from 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay Judge Eddie Northcutt.
Donations HCUW President Kristy Moseley reported turning in included those from Babe on the square, Price Pawn Shops, Marlene’s, Saltillo ISD, North Hopkins ISD.
The hospital’s contest, allowing staff to bid on a reserved parking space for a year, is ongoing. Certain departments are also allowed to pay a cash donation to be able to wear jeans to work.
Carolyn McKinney reported the Extension office staff made a contribution. Not only does Extension benefit from the fund drive through funding allocated to the 4-H program, but Extension staff also serve as campaign workers.
Mary Ferguson turned in packets for All State and Pizza Inn.
Susan Berning reported among donations picked up by Sara Goggans were Hampton House, Sulphur Springs Muffler, Blacklands Railroad Inc., Apex Supply, The Pawn Shop.
Mike Jumped turned in contributions from Dr. Will Longino and Dr. Matth Johnson’s offices.
Tina Phillips turned in packets from at least 3 different businesses, including Julia Wilhite State Farm.
Helen Sapaugh made a generous personal donation; she faithfully gives annually..
Larry and Carrie Crowson reported on contributions from Lou Nell’s and Sulta Manufacturing.
The last two campaign report meetings are slated for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, and 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, at Hopkins County AgriLife Extension.
Winter Squash – Delicious & Nutritious
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
This time of year, many folks are gathering for football-watching parties, high school sporting event celebrations (by the way, congratulations to the Sulphur Springs Lady Wildcats Cross Country team for qualifying for state!), and autumn get-togethers with friends and families. And of course, Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! Many of these celebrations include food of some sort.
When teaching my diabetes classes, I explain that summer squashes (yellow straight or crookneck and zucchini) are low in carbohydrates, while winter squashes (butternut, acorn, kabocha, and pumpkin) have more carbs. Both types are delicious and contain vitamins and minerals that are helpful for the body. One of my personal favorites is butternut squash. Butternut Squash is not only low in calories, but packed with fiber and loaded with nutrients such as vitamins A, C, magnesium, and potassium.
Who knew squash could be creamy and cheesy? Just add a little spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for your new favorite fall recipe. Add these ingredients to your list for an easy and healthy appetizer that will tempt all your guests. Enjoy this recipe to share with your friends or family!
Butternut Squash Dip
Ingredients
(Credit: Dinner Tonight – Texas AgriLife Extension)
- 2 cups butternut squash cubed, steamed
- 4 sundried tomato halves in olive oil drained
- 2 cups spinach leaves frozen, thawed, and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese low-fat
- 1 Tablespoon Ranch Dip Mix
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese nonfat, shredded
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Put cooled steamed squash, sundried tomatoes, drained spinach leaves, ricotta cheese, ranch dip mix, and water into a blender. Combine until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Stir ½ cup of mozzarella cheese into the dip.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the dip.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated, and the cheese is browning on top.
This recipe makes six ½ cup servings. Nutrition information: calories 60; total fat 1.5 g; sodium 260 mg; carbs 6 g; protein 7 g
Enjoy this recipe and enjoy the cooler temperatures!
Closing Thought
Good friends are the rare jewels of life…difficult to find and impossible to replace!
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County office at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443: or [email protected]
Chamber Connection: The 53rd Annual Stew Festival Was Fantastic
By Butch Burney, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
Wow, what a great day at the park!
Despite some gusty winds and a little bit of a warm day, the 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, sponsored by Alliance Bank, was fantastic!
Thanks to our 167 cook sites, our adult volunteers and student volunteers, about 7,500 people were able to enjoy beef and chicken stew, with crackers and cheese, while also shopping the vendor market while kids played Gellyball and jumped in the bounce houses provided by Jerry’s Jump Zone.
On Friday night, we had a great concert from Dubb and the Luv Machines, sponsored by Bob Evans Farms, and great food from many sites that were cooking for friends, family and the public.
This was one of the largest stew festivals ever, both in the number of cook sites and the number of visitors to the park.
Congratulations to our stew winners, and thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed the day. Put it on your calendar for next year – Oct. 28!
Heritage Car Show
The Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance invites everyone to attend the 17th Annual Heritage Car Show on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Celebration Plaza.
This is an outstanding display of antique and classic cars set to compete in several classes.
It is a free, family-friendly event in downtown Sulphur Springs surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Free Mammography Clinic
Due to demand, additional appointments were added to the Free Mammography Clinic hosted by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation in partnership with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. A few openings are still available. If you are an uninsured woman over 40 years of age that lives in Hopkins County, you are eligible for a free mammogram through this program.
The staff of the Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center, a part of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, will be welcoming women to the clinic on October 29.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a good time to schedule an annual mammogram. If you are eligible for a free mammogram, call 903-438-4325 to schedule an appointment.
LEAP Youth Expo
Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas is sponsoring a LEAP (Learning Endorsements and Professions) Youth Expo at the Hopkins County Civic Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 28.
The expo is sponsored by Pilgrim’s Bank, RPM Staffing Professionals and the Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County EDC.
Halloween Costume Contest
Goodwill Industries is having a DIY Show Us Your Halloween Costume Contest that began Oct. 25 and continued through Oct. 31, for a chance to win a $50 gift card to any of the Northeast Texas Goodwill stores.
Use items from Goodwill to make the costume, then upload a photo to their Facebook page.
University Day at TAMU-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce is partnering with Sulphur Springs for the CommUniverCity Day on Saturday, Nov. 5, when the Lions football team hosts Northwestern State.
The Lions will highlight and honor local educators, youth programs and residents. There will be on-field photos, hospitality areas, team interaction and a family fun zone.
For more information, contact Chris Tobiaz at 903-468-8756 or [email protected].
Epilepsy Awareness
There will be an epilepsy awareness fundraiser set for Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church’s The Roc. The fundraiser will include a car show, vendors and a spaghetti lunch.
All proceeds go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas.
Be The Service
Do you know of a family in need of a meal this Thanksgiving? Be The Service is here to help. Join the Hopkins County Christian Alliance on Saturday, Nov. 19 as they give out 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to those who are in need. Each box of food comes with a turkey and other items for a Thanksgiving meal.
The food distribution starts at 10 am until 2 pm. The line for the distribution begins in the Sulphur Springs High School Parking Lot. When you arrive, follow the traffic attendant’s directions. Also, please fill out all the information on the registration card that an attendant will give you that morning.
Be The Service is an annual event sponsored by local churches right here in Hopkins County.
Earl W. Martin 42 Tournament Winners Announced
The top three teams in the Earl W. Martin 42 Tournament, held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at the Senior Citizens Center have been announced. Approximately 15 teams participated.
The team of Earnest Young and Gary Mobley won first place honors in the domino tourney.
Second place went to Calvin Bain and Debbie St. Clair.
Third place in the Oct. 22 tournament went to Jan Helmer and Jared Austin
Event coordinators offer thanks to all who attended and played.
SSHS Wildcat Theatre’s Fall Production Will Be ‘CLUE: Onstage’ Nov. 12, 13, 17 and 18
Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Theatre invites the community to the department’s fall production, “Clue: Onstage (High School Edition).” This suspenseful comedy, based on the classic board game and the 1980s movie, is a hilarious farce-meets-murder-mystery, notes Lesha Woodard, SSHS Director of Theatre and Auditorium Manager.
The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party — murder and blackmail are on the menu. When the host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by the Butler, Wadsworth; Ms. Scarlett; Professor Plum; Mrs. White; Mr. Green; Mrs. Peacock; and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body counts stacks up.
“Clue” will be presented by two different casts, the Blue Cast and the Yellow Cast, who will alternate days of performances, although some thespians will pull double duty, performing and/or and be working behind the scenes for each presentation. The main cast includes:
- The Butler, Wadsworth — junior Jolene Reed, Blue Cast; sophomore Aiden Woodard, Yellow Cast.
- Ms. Scarlett — junior Caroline Prickette, Blue Cas; senior Danielle Verlander, Yellow Cast.
- Professor Plum — senior Austin Crump.
- Mrs. White — sophomore Audrey Tanton, Blue Cast; junior Talley Brown, Yellow Cast.
- Mr. Green — junior Oliver Falter
- Mrs. Peacock —freshman Emma Boatman, Blue Cast; Khira Young, Yellow Cast-senior.
- Colonel Mustard — freshman Nathan Bilyeu.
Senior Ricardo Chavarria; juniors Addison Bradley and Kaela Gardner; sophomores Aspen Mayhew and Ally Goldsmith; and freshmen Conner Curtis, Cara Feagin, Stori Shropshire, Kai Goodman and Amani Finnie round out the cast.
Crew members include junior stage manager Cadyn Spigner; senior Mike West; juniors Daniel Gardner and Max Crocker; sophomores Alaya Mims and David Farmer; and freshmen Russell Petry, Taylor Price, Connor Quick, Chloie Pierce, and Ravn Snyder.
The play is rated PG for mature humor, gunshots, and comic violence.
Performances will be performed by the Blue Cast at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12; by the Yellow Cast at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 13; Blue Cast at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 17; and Yellow Cast at 7 p.m. Friday, November 18.
Tickets are on sale for $10 now and can be purchased from any cast or crew member or online at https://sshscats.wixsite.com/wildcattheatre.
“Please come support these talented, hard-working kids!” Woodard invites.
County, Hospital District Approve Tax Abatements For Ashoka Steel Mills
Negotiations Ongoing With City Regarding Land Acquisition
The county and hospital district this week approved tax abatements for Ashoka Steel Mills, LLC, clearing two more steps for the company to invest $245 million in construct of its first plant in the United States on the city-owned old coal mine property on FM 1870 in Sulphur Springs.
Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley asked Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning, Oct. 24, 2022, to consider approving a 10-year tax abatement for the company.
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors then was asked Tuesday night, Oct. 25, 2022, to consider granting a tax abatement to Ashoka Steel Mills, LLC.
The company plans to build a 350,000-square foot steel mill facility in multiple buildings on the property. Feagley Monday told the Commissioners Court that Ashoka anticipates taking 24-36 months to to get the project up and going. Between now and that time, the county will continue to receive 100% of the taxes for the property.
The agreement with the county shows the company is to attain a certificate of occupancy by March of 2026. The company agrees to hire 315 full-time or equivalent employees, at an average annual salary of $55,000 a year, with sick leave, vacation time and benefits, excluding personnel earning a salary and not an hourly wage beginning Dec. 31, 2026, and maintain the 315 personnel.
In exchange for the sizeable investment and jobs creation, Hopkins County Commissioners Court and Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors each agreed to grant the steel manufacturing business a 10-year tax abatement, waiving 70% of county taxes the first five years of the agreement and 50% the remaining five years of the agreement. The abatement would begin after Ashoka is issued a certificate of occupancy, according to the agreement between the county and Ashoka.
When a commissioner Monday asked why the agreement was different from the usual abatements granted, Feagley said officials had negotiated the best deal they could with Ashoka, which was the one presented.
Ashoka’s first US plant is to be located off FM 1870, and the property will be accessed from FM 1870 and State Highway 11 east, roads that Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining.
The proposed building site for the property is located within the old Thermo/Luminant coal mine, property now owned by the City of Sulphur Springs. The City Council on July 5, 2022, approved an ordinance establishing a reinvestment zone for a commercial-industrial tax abatement. The property in question to be used is within the zone. In August, Sulphur Springs City Council passed an Ordinance No. 2808 amending Ordinance No. 2395, expanding the list of local incentives offered and nominating Ashoka Steel Mills LLC to the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism, through the economic development bank as an enterprise project.
On August 23, 2022, a land sale agreement was struck in principle between the City of Sulphur Springs and Ashoka, which notes a two phase plan by the business to attain and construct facilities on a total of 400-acres of the mine property. The agreement allows the business to build on 250 acres of the 4,857-acre city property during Phase 1 of construction. In Phase 2, Ashoka would expand the business onto 150 adjacent acres within 5 years.
The property, according to the agreement struck in August with the City, comes with a $6 million lien until the plant is complete and production begins. If that doesn’t happen, the property reverts back to the City of Sulphur Springs. City Manager Marc Maxwell was authorized to negotiate with Ashoka and sign necessary documents regarding those negotiations, which were still ongoing earlier this week.
The City of Sulphur Springs is still scheduled at their next regular meeting to consider approving a tax abatement for Ashoka Steel Mills LLC. City and Ashoka officials continued working on and were believed to have reached an agreement on the process for Ashoka to obtain the land from the City. With city approval of a tax abatement and final approval of the land agreement, Ashoka plans to move forward with construction, which they would like to include a groundbreaking in January 2023, Feagley told the Hospital District Board Tuesday night.
The proposed electric arc furnace steel mill would produce approximately 350,000 tons of rebar annually. The Ashoka Steel Mills, Inc., facility, according to documentation in a Chapter 313 application submitted in April 2022 to Sulphur Springs ISD, would use an electric arc to heat metals instead of a blast furnace. That means no smoke stack emitting into the air. The mill estimates 402,500 tons of scrap metal from local areas would be used to produce the rebar; the steel recycling, according to the application, would reduce carbon emissions, further making it a clean green manufacturer.
The scrap metal would be brought in mainly by rail, amounting to an estimated 8,000 railcars a year, and about 40 trucks. A spur would be built off of the current short line rail that runs through the old Thermo mine property. The company would contract with what is currently known as the Kansas City Southern rail as North East Texas Connector, the division of Freedom Rail that serves as operator for the Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation’s (NETEX) railroad.
HCHD Board member Chris Brown noted use of the railroad would be beneficial in helping to build up capacity along the NETEX line, which would allow for more improvements to the rail itself and allow for additional potential uses of it as well.
They were told the facility will not require a huge amount of water, and what is used in cooling will be recycled. There will be no air pollution from the plant, which will require a permit from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, HCHD Board was told Tuesday night.
A lot of utilities infrastructure will have to be put in place before actual construction can begin on the manufacturing facility, however. In fact, part of the terms of the agreement with the City requires the City of Sulphur Springs to build the road, Feagley and Maxwell noted this summer.
The City of Sulphur Springs received notification in early September that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding the City a $2.4 million grant for roadway improvements needed to boost business growth at the Thermal Industrial Park. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan and EDA’s $300 million Coal Communities Commitment program.
This project will redevelop East Haul Roadway to accommodate heavy truck traffic in a region impacted by the declining use of coal. The EDA investment will be matched with $595,392 in local funds and is expected to create 180 jobs and generate $250 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
In addition to the road, the City of Sulphur Springs will also have to replace a major water line. There’s an 8-inch line to the site, but it needs help, possibly replacement with a larger line, ECD and city officials said in August.
Ashoka Steel Mills LLC is being developed in collaboration with MELWA Group, established as a global premium steel manufacturer in 2002 in Sri Lanka. The MELWA Group is headquartered in Sri Lanka and Ashoka Corporate Group in the USA is headquartered in Plano and registered as ASM, LLC, in 2021. The business operates 7 steel mills in Asia and Africa, producing 1 million metric tons of rebar per year. ASM, LLC, in the USA will be working with Melwa group to establish steel mills across the United States, according to the company’s website. The Sulphur Springs mill is planned as the first of at least five planned in the USA
The two Ashoka officials who joined site consultant Linda Burns Monday in the Commissioners Court and Hospital District Board meetings indicated they anticipated, where possible, around 90% of the contractors such as metal and plumbing to be used during construction will come from the Sulphur Springs area. For instance, the business group noted, when concrete is needed, they prefer to utilize a local contractor. The Ashoka officials told the Hospital District Board Tuesday night that people from a company out of Italy would also be working on site during construction of the Sulphur Springs plant.
Ashoka’s first US facility as planned would require 60 megawatts of power. HCHD was told the business wants to have an area established to take advantage of solar energy as well.
At the conclusion of Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning, Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley made a motion, which Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker seconded to approve the resolution approving the tax abatement agreement with Ashoka Steel Mills, LLC, and authorizing Judge Robert Newsom to execute a tax abatement agreement with Ashoka. The Commissioners Court Unanimously approved the motion Oct. 24, 2022.
Hopkins County Hospital District Board member Chris Brown made the motion, which member Dr. David Black seconded, to approve a tax abatement for Ashoka Steel Mills, LLC. The HCHD Board members present at the Oct. 25, 2022 meeting also unanimously agreed to grant the tax abatement.
Lady Cat Cross Country Continues Making History, Qualifying For State Meet For First Time in School History
Coach Ross Hicks and his team continue to make history. For the first time in school history, Lady Cat cross country has qualified for the state meet.
The team was led by Haylee Schultz, who won an individual district championship at the 15-4A meet.
At the Regional meet though, the junior placed 12th with a time of 12:19.08.
Coach Hicks said that Schultz gave it her all and ran the best cross country race of her life, tying the school record on the track.
Not too long thereafter Edith Martinez crossed the line for Sulphur Springs at 23rd, coming in at 12:50.16. The sophomore finished second or better almost the entirety of this fall season.
Coming in at 23rd, Martinez would have qualified as an individual even if Lady Cat XC were not to have moved on to the state competition.
Two places later came Jolea Moore, a freshman who finished four seconds after Martinez. Coach Hicks said Moore felt a bit anxious going into the Regional competition, but once she expelled her nerves her demeanor changed and competed well Monday, Oct. 24.
Senior Laney Hurst finished fourth for the Lady Cats at 43rd, with a time of 13:20.86.
The cross country coach said Hurst has done an incredible job over her four years running for the Lady Cats, seeing ups and downs yet continuously leading by example on and off the track.
Jaicee Jasmer rounded out the top-5 on the women’s team at 52nd, crossing the line at 13:32.21.
The final two runners for Lady Cat XC, Dylan McKinney and Jasmin Yañez, finished 93rd and 124th, respectively.
Sulphur Springs cumulated 150 points Monday, edging out Canton for third place at the 4A Region II Championship. Finishing top-4 at the meet, the Lady Cats move on to state.
It’s the first time in school history the women’s team has qualified for the state championship meet.
“We had some strong competition, and the girls stepped up,” Coach Ross Hicks said Wednesday morning.
That they did, as three runners ran personal bests at the Regional meet, with two more finishing just seconds away from doing the same.
To save their best for (almost) last is a great sign for Lady Cat XC, who have now qualified for the state competition for the first time in Sulphur Springs history.
Candelario Monsivais also qualified for Region and ran well, but falling along the way put him back at the meet. The Wildcat finished 82nd Monday.
Next up, Lady Cat XC heads to the state competition Thursday, Nov. 3 to get a practice run on the course prior to competing in the first ever state meet for the women’s team on Friday, Nov. 4.
The final rolling start on the season has Lady Cat XC competing against top 4A teams from across the state Friday, Nov. 4 at 8:30 A.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
HCSO: Attempt To Serve A Warrant Results In Gunfire And 1 Death In Hopkins County
An attempt to serve a warrant resulted in gunfire and the suspect being found deceased, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies, accompanied by Sheriff Lewis Tatum, reportedly went to a residence in Harmony community Tuesday morning with the intent to serve the 48-year-old resident with a warrant for unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual materials.
Officers attempted to contact the man, believed to be in the home, with no response from the suspect. A sheriff’s unit pulled into the drive and reportedly used a microphone to try to contact the suspect and get him to exit the residence. The attempt was met with shots being fired from the residence around 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25, 2022; gunfire was returned by HCSO, according to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum.
The local SWAT team also responded to assist, as the man remained at his location. Officers gained entry to the residence. The man the deputies sought was found deceased, according to the sheriff.
As is standard procedure in cases of this nature, the Texas Rangers have been contacted to conduct an investigation into the incident and death. An autopsy has been ordered.
The deceased was identified as 48-year-old Hollis Blaine Sartin of the Harmony community of Hopkins County.
Sartin has a lengthy history with local law enforcement. Jail records show he has been booked into the county jail approximately two dozen times since 1992, on offenses ranging from traffic offenses, theft, drunk driving, tampering with evidence, burglary, engaging in organized criminal activity and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle to aggravated assault, sexual assault of a child, terroristic threat and assault of a public servant.
In 2018, Sartin was jailed for aggravated assault, after he left his wife at a party in Franklin County, then locked her out of their SH 11 east residence and refused to answer the door. A deputy took the woman home. She found an open window with keys nearby, so a deputy held the window so she could get the keys. Sartin allegedly yelled at his wife to get out, then slammed the window on the deputy’s hand, causing swelling, redness and bleeding. As a result, Sartin was arrested for assault on a public servant, authorities reported following Sartin’s arrest on May 12, 2018.
In January of 2015, the Sulphur Springs Walmart was evacuated after Sartin parked what turned out to be a stolen truck at the grocery side entrance to the store, put what witnesses said appeared to be a gun in his hoody and entered the store. The weapon turned out later to be a BB gun. He left through the other end of the store before the local SWAT team arrived. He was ID using store video and found around 6:30 a.m. the next day getting into a vehicle from the store parking lot and traveling in it east on SH 11, where he was stopped and arrested. He was jailed on the Arkansas stolen truck charge as well as a terroristic threat charge.
He was indicted in March 2015 for unauthorized use of a vehicle and terroristic threat, in connection with the January incident. Authorities at that time noted Sartin had previously been convicted of aggravated assault in January of 1999.
Sartin was sentenced in June 2015 to 6 months in a state jail for the stolen truck charge, then to serve time in a substance abuse felony punishment facility, then placed on 10 years probation for the terroristic threat charge, according to court records and reports from the District Attorney’s Office.
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.
Early Voting Error With Bond Election Has Been Fixed
Some voters who voted early when polls opened Monday morning discovered they were unable to vote for the SSISD bond election. The programming error on polling machines affected those residents living in Precinct 1 and within the boundaries of the Sulphur Springs Independent School District. Some voters, realizing the ommission, immediately contacted election officials and were able to vote in the bond election. Once the error was discovered and election officials determined the solution, the polling machines were reprogrammed and no voting errors have since been reported.
According to staff in the Hopkins County Clerk’s office, only a handful of voters living in Precinct 1 and within the Sulphur Springs Independent School District boundaries were not able to vote, but those voters that meet those criteria can return to early voting and will be given a paper ballot to vote in SSISD’s bond election.
Early voting in the Nov. 8, 2022, General Election and four school elections continues at The ROC (First Baptist Church’s Recreational Outreach Center). Early voting by personal appearance will continue through Nov. 4.
Early In-Person Voting
Any registered Texas voter may vote early by personal appearance (in person) at the early voting location in the county of registration.
All in-person early voting in Hopkins County is being conducted in The Game Room inside of The ROC, 115 Putman St. in Sulphur Springs, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, with voting extended four of those days to better accommodate those working during regular business hours. The early voting location will also be open from:
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022;
- noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct 30, 2022;
- 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022; and
- 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022.
Acceptable Forms Of Voter ID
In order to vote in Texas, registered voters must provide one of the seven forms of ID:
- A Texas Driver’s License
- A Texas Election ID Certificate
- Texas Personal ID Card
- Texas Handgun License
- US Citizenship Certificate with Photo
- US Military ID Card with Photo
- US Passport in either book or card format
In the event the voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven “acceptable forms of photo ID,” the voter may qualify for a reasonable Impediment Declaration by showing a copy or original one of the the following supporting forms of identification:
- Certified Domestic Birth Certificate or Court Admissible Birth Document;
- Current Utility BIll
- Bank Statement
- Government Check
- Paycheck
- Government document with the voters’ name and an address, including a Voter Registration Certificate.
Voters ages 18-69 may present a photo ID that has been expired for up to four years. For voters age 70 and older, photo ID can be expired for any length of time if otherwise valid.
Election Day Voting
Voting on Election Day will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at the following designated voting centers:
- PRECINCT 1 — LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1000 TEXAS STREET, SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX (FRONT FOYER);
- PCT. 2A — H.W. GRAYS BUILDING, 413 BECKHAM STREET, SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX (MEETING ROOM);
- PCT. 3 — HOPKINS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 118 CHURCH STREET, SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS (1ST FLOOR COURTROOM);
- PCT. 3A — PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE- SULPHUR SPRINGS CAMPUS, 1137 TX-301 LOOP, ROOM 101A, SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX;
- PCT. 4 — HOPKINS COUNTY CIVIC CENTER, 1200 HOUSTON STREET, SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX (WEST HALL)
- PCT. 4A — LEAGUE STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST, 1100 SOUTH LEAGUE ST., SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX (FRONT FOYER)
- PCT. 5 — SALTILLO ISD, 150 CR 3534, SALTILLO, TX 75478 (AG LAB)
- PCT. 11 — CUMBY MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 100 EAST MAIN STREET, CUMBY, TX 7543, (CITY MEETING ROOM)
- PCT. 12 — SULPHUR BLUFF ISD, 1027 CR 3550, SULPHUR BLUFF, TX 75481 (FOYER OUTSIDE GYM)
- PCT. 13 — COMO-PICKTON CISD, 13017 TX HWY 11 EAST, COMO, TX 75431 (ART ROOM)
- PCT. 16 — MILLER GROVE ISD, 7819 FM 275 SOUTH, CUMBY, TX 75433 (FOYER OUTSIDE GYM)
- PCT. 17 — NORTH HOPKINS ISD, 1994 FM 71 WESTS, SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX (ADMIN. BUILDING)
Additional Information
Hopkins County voters can find additional information about the Nov. 8, 2022, General Election by selecting the “Voter Information” menu option on the main page of the Hopkins County website, https://www.hopkinscountytx.org/page/hopkins.VoterInfo.
Lady Cat Volleyball Sweeps Pittsburg, Plays in Bi-District Round Tuesday
Coach Bailey Dorner’s team wrapped up their regular season Tuesday by sweeping Pittsburg.
Seven seniors were honored Tuesday, Oct. 25 in the SSHS Main Gym as they looked to close out the season strong with a big win prior to the playoffs.
Coach Dorner applauded her squad’s efforts, calling Tuesday’s senior night win a total-team victory.
“It was just great to end out on a good note,” the head volleyball coach said following Tuesday’s win.
Sulphur Springs fell in two-straight contests to the top two teams in 15-4A last week, so to bounce back with a senior night win is great for this squad.
Seven seniors played in their final home game Tuesday: Laney Hurst, Lexi McCoy, Briley Vice, Kinley Friddle, Mali Maeker, Addysin Wall and manager Rebekah Stanley.
“They’re just a great group of athletes,” Coach Dorner said, “but more than that they’re just a great group of girls… just young women who we love and are gonna miss, and so it was a big deal tonight to get to honor them and all the hard work they’ve put in.”
The volleyball coach said to see the team go out, play well and get the win is the cherry on top.
Thanks to those seniors and a solid team effort, Sulphur Springs cruised the first two sets in their Senior Night contest.
Lady Cat volleyball in the huddle with Coach Bailey Dorner. Photo Credit — Sheri Looney
Both of the opening sets saw Coach Dorner’s team blow by visiting Pittsburg, outscoring the Lady Pirates 50-26 to take a huge 2-0 set lead.
Set three proved to be a battle until the end, as Pittsburg began to claw their way out of the hole they had dug themselves, only to watch the Lady Cats complete the sweep anyways.
The win brings the Lady Cats’ season record to 20-16 (6-4 district).
The senior night victory also snaps a two-game losing skid for the volleyball team.
Tuesday’s win in the SSHS Main Gym wraps up the regular season for Lady Cat volleyball. Sulphur Springs prior to opening the playoffs travels to Edgewood Friday for their warm-up game.
That begins Friday, Oct. 28 in Edgewood at 4:30 P.M.
Coach Dorner’s team locked up the third seed 10 days ago, and are prepped and set to play Van in Bi-District. They represent District 16-4A as the third seed, and are fresh off a district season that saw them win at least eight of their 12 games.
The opening round of playoffs between Sulphur Springs and Van is scheduled to begin Tuesday, November 1 at Wills Point HS at 7 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
