Proposed Guaranteed Maximum Price Contract For Construction Of Trusty Building Approved
The proposed guaranteed maximum price agreement for construction of a trusty building was approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Court, readying the project for the start of construction in approximately 1 month.
The Commissioners Court was asked to “consider and take appropriate action on the proposed Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and Amendment Number 1 to the construction manager-at-risk agreement with SEDALCO Construction Services for construction of the Hopkins County Trusty Building; and to authorize the County Judge to execute required documents related to Amendment Number 1 of the agreement.”
County Commissioners, the sheriff and his personnel met a couple of weeks ago with DRG Architects and Sedalco to review bids submitted to Sedalco for the project. Monday, the Commissioners Court was presented with the GMP. Jeremy Smith, project director at SEDALCO Construction Services, was present at Monday’s meeting to formally present the report and any questions related to it.
Wayne Gondeck with DRG Architects, which was also involved with construction of the current 200 bed Hopkins County Justice Center (new jail/sheriff’s Office), were on hand Monday morning during the regular Commissioners Court meeting.
“What that means is you have a base contract with the construction manager-at-risk for the pre-services and construction services for hte construction of this building. What this does is this sets the price for that, the guaranteed maximum price, and it initiates the actual construction of that project. But All the terms and conditions of that construction have already been reviewed and determined by the base contract. This is basically setting the price today of the project,” Gondeck said.
Smith presented the proposed contact with a GMP of $4,799,477 for a 48-bed trusty facility, which is still within the budget for the project. After the previous meeting, he noted, his company got back pricing for fiber to connect security between the current jail and law enforcement center with the new building to be constructed across the street. With that added expense, Smith said as discussed, he did adjust some other things as discussed to keep costs within budget.
“I just want to make note that the funds for this are the American Rescue Funds and there’s $4,900,000 sitting in there right now. It’s not coming from the general fund, or road and bridge fund. It’s coming from the American Rescue Fund that’s been set aside for this project,” County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook noted.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley and Aulsbrook emphasized said that means no bonds were needed or sought, nor any other debt incurred to fund the project, only funds awarded to the county by the America Rescue Fund.
“What we have basically, is what we talked about. The first month will be all paperwork. Actually, Will Burgess is back here and will be the contract manger,” Smith said, pointing to the individual in the courtroom. He’s already started working on contracts and letters of intent to the subtractors to get those guys locked in and ready to go for us. So, once this is signed we’ll actually go to release those contracts to those vendors and get those submittals and everything going so we can get materials started.”
Smith noted two alternate options discussed by the construction and architects and the county officials at the recent meeting: stockpiling on site, which could save $48,879, and is not included in the price as it was being presented for consideration at Monday’s meeting; and certain permit costs, whether the city is willing to provide some assistance with that expense, which would be credited back to the county if granted. The first would stockpile soil dug out, which if hauled off by the county could result in the nearly $49,000 savings noted.
Work crews likely wouldn’t be on the job site until December, Smith noted.
Bartley said that could mean some county employees would not be available to haul the dirt away immediately, due to people being off at different times during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Smith said the dirt wouldn’t have to be hauled off right away. It could be stockpiled in the back and hauled off in later.
The county judge said as he understands, the sooner hte project can get moving the better, as the jail has been at maximum capacity for a while.
“We’ve been needing this for quite a while. It’s exciting to get this under way so we can continue our growth down there,” Sheriff Lewis Tatum said.
“I think it’s going to be a plus for our trusty program that the sheriff’ implements, that it will keep trusties a little bit more separate from the general population. To me it should help those men and women, maybe in their self confidence maybe to get rehabilitated, to be productive citizens once they get out of jail,” said Bartley.
“It will go a lot of things for us. They will be able to maintain themselves a lot better and prepare themselves to go back into the city and our civilization instead of being incarcerated so much. Also, it will make it so much easier for us to get them in and out of the jail. You are going into a maximum security facility. This way, minimum security, it will be easier for the people picking them up and letting them off,” Tatum said.
The sheriff noted that the facility will benefit the city, county and all residents, through the trusties who save the city and county money in the labor they provide in various areas and departments.
“I know it’s a lot of work he and his staff are going to do, but in the long run helps everyone out,” Tatum said.
Bartley made the motion which Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price seconded, to approve the GMP and authorizing the county judge to sign the documents related to that. The motion was unanimously approved by the Commissioners Court.
Fruitvale Man Jailed On Felony DWI Charge
4 Others Booked On Misdemeanor Intoxication Charges
A 38-year-old Fruitvale man was jailed on a felony DWI charge and four others were booked in on misdemeanor intoxication charges over the Nov. 11-13 weekend.
SH 19 DWI Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Drew Fisher and Isaac Foley reported stopping a silver Chevrolet sedan at 11:42 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, for reckless driving, after first observing the vehicle tires spun at a four-way stop sign, then seeing the car continue at a speed of10% or more above the posted speed limit on State Highway 19 north of Sulphur Springs.
Upon contact with the driver, the deputies alleged the 38-year-old Fruitvale man displayed clues of intoxication. He agreed to attempt standard field sobriety tests. Justin Scott Tanner was taken into custody at 11:57 p.m. Friday for further investigation of DWI, according to arrest reports.
Tanner initially agreed, then refused to perform a blood draw to check blood content. The deputies obtained and executed a blood search warrant requiring the blood draw. The man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:43 a.m. Nov. 12, 2022, for third or more driving while intoxicated. He was released from the county jail later Nov. 12, 2022 on the felony charge, according to jail and sheriff’s reports.
Birthright Intoxication Arrest
HCSO deputies responded at 8:31 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, to a complaint of a disturbance at Joe Bob’s in Birthright. After speaking with both parties reported to have been involved, the deputies determined a 41-year-old man to be the aggressor in the disturbance, deputies noted in arrest reports.
Deputies reported the man was belligerent and intoxicated in a public place, making him a danger to himself and others. Thus the Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody at 8:42 p.m. Friday and transported to jail. He was booked in at 9:20 p.m. Nov. 11 on a public intoxication charge. He was released from jail the next day on the misdemeanor charge, according to jail and arrest reports.
Weaver Drive DWI Arrest
The driver of a Jeep Wrangler was contacted at 9:54 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, on Weaver Drive by Sulphur Springs Police, who asked him to perform field sobriety tests.
When the 30-year-old Sulphur Springs man refused, but stated he’d had several intoxicating beverages. He was also alleged to be unsteady on his feet, was thick tongued, had bloodshot, glassy eyes and alcohol emitted from him. The Sulphur Springs man was reported to have vomited several times, SSPD officers noted in arrest reports.
The 30-year-old was taken into custody at 10:19 p.m. Saturday. He agreed to a blood draw. Afterward, he was transported to the county jail, where he was booked in at 3:52 a.m. Nov. 13, on a DWI charge. He was released from jail later Sunday on the Class B misdemeanor drunk driving charge, according to jail and sheriff’s reports.
I-30 DWI Arrest
Cumby Police responded to a reckless driver complaint on Interstate 30 east. The officer spotted what he believed to be the vehicle in question, a red Nissan Titan, near mile marker 111 and followed it. Near mile marker 112, the Cumby policeman alleged the driver failed to maintain a single lane of traffic, almost striking an 18-wheeler.
The officer initiated a traffic stop at 9:50 p.m. .Nov. 12, 2022. The pickup stopped near mile marker 114. While speaking with the driver, the Cumby policeman reported smelling a strong alcohol odor that increased as the 28-year-old Irving man spoke. He tested all six possible clues on standard field sobriety tests administered, and had no vertical nystagmus on horizontal gaze nystagmus tests. A walk and turn and one-legged stand tests were not administered due to the man’s health conditions, which were not specified in the affidavit for probable cause on the arrest reports.
As a result, the Irving man was taken into custody at 10:07 p.m. Nov. 12, and transported to the county jail, where the 28-year-old was booked in at 11:39 p.m. Saturday on a DWI charge. He was released from the county jail on the misdemeanor charge Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, according to jail reports.
SH 11 East DWI Arrest
HCSO deputies reported seeing a Ford van at 11:52 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, on State Highway 11 east near FM 1870 fail to maintain a single lane of travel. The van pulled onto the shoulder prior to the deputy activating the emergency lights on his patrol vehicle.
Upon contact with the driver, a deputy alleged the man spoke with a thick tongue and admitted he’d consumed alcohol. He was was taken into custody at 12:10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 for suspicion of drunk driving, after refusing to complete field sobriety tests. He did, however, agreed to a blood draw, when was taken at the hospital at 12:37 a.m. The 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:22 a.m. Nov. 14, 2022, on a DWI charge.
He remained in the county jai later Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, on the misdemeanor DWI charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
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.
Walk-Ins For Flu Shots Welcome From 1 to 3 Weekdays At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic
Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Flu Shots: Do Not Delay, Get Yours Today!
Flu shots are available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 105 Medical Plaza. Schedule an appointment with your provider today at 903.885.3181. If your provider has seen you in the last six months, you may walk in for a flu shot weekdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
BIBS Mom Support Group: Guest Speaker Haley Jackson
We welcome postpartum and breastfeeding moms to attend our BIBS mom support group. Come meet other moms and learn something new!
Kristi Couch, R.N. leads BIBS meetings, and this week she has invited Dr. Haley Jackson to be the guest speaker. Dr. Jackson is a Physical Therapist from Texas Pelvic Health. She will be talking about pre and postnatal care and pelvic physical therapy.
This meeting will be held on Friday, November 18, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Medical Plaza, 113 Airport Rd, Sulphur Springs. Please RSVP to Kristi Couch at 903.348.4767.
Are you expecting?
At CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, we want to be there to help celebrate one of life’s special milestones: the birth of your baby. We created our Birthing Center with your family in mind. Our friendly and experienced physicians, midwife, and nurses are ready to provide the care you need before your delivery, during your stay and after your baby is born.
- Level II NICU (32 weeks and greater) with
- Dedicated local pediatricians ready to care for your newborn
- Level II Maternal designation
Before your delivery
- Free birthing and breastfeeding classes (in person or virtual). Call 903.439.4090 for more information.
- Tour the Birthing Center (in person or virtual)
During your stay
- LDRP rooms for one room throughout stay
- Board Certified Physicians and certified Nurse Midwife
- Different pain options for labor including Nitrous Oxide
- Meals for Mom — special meal planned just for you
- Well Baby Nursery
- New state-of-the art Birthing Beds and Panda Infant Warmers
Want to see our Women’s Birthing Center? Schedule a tour today! For more information on
classes and tours, please call 903.439.4090.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals-Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties.
For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
The Welding Shop at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
WELDING PROJECT
Ethan Leach of Pickton works on his structural welding project at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop. For information about the welding program or other workforce education programs call 903-885-1232.
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.
Rep. Slaton Again Files Legislation To Designate Child Gender Modification As “Child Abuse”
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Today, Representative Bryan Slaton of House District 2 filed legislation that, if passed, will bring an end to the practice of child gender modification in the State of Texas.
HB 42 will designate genital removal surgeries, chemical castration, puberty blockers, and other sex change therapies as child abuse.
Representative Slaton commented, “For years, Texas has failed our children by allowing them to be subjected to cruel child abuse in the form of sex-change surgeries and therapies. This child gender modification is child abuse, plain and simple. It is finally time that the Texas House, like the Senate, step up and defend innocent children from these bogus medical practices.”
Similar legislation passed the Texas Senate last session, but the bill failed to move through the Texas House, and died.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report for Nov. 7-13, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Nov. 7-13, 2022, included:
Arrests
- Juanita Perez, 30 years of age, of Dallas, was arrested on Nov. 9, 2022, Possession of 1 Gram or More But Less Than 4 Grams of a Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance.
- Brandon Albrightson, 45 years of age, of Crowder, Oklahoma, was arrested on Nov. 12, 2022 , for Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 133 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 15 citations and 19 warnings during this reporting period.
Wildcat Football Falls Short of Victory in Bi-District Playoff Thriller
Wildcat football took on Dallas Carter HS in the opening round of playoffs but fell just shy of victory on Friday, Nov. 11.
Sulphur Springs football for the first time in four years qualified for the postseason, but just like in 2018 when the Wildcats last made the playoffs, they fell in Bi-District.
A crucial fourth down stop as Sulphur Springs failed to get the game-winning touchdown with just over three minutes to go put a thriller away as Dallas Carter prevailed 37-33.
The Wildcats played their hearts out and fought until the final whistle, even if they came up shy of a Bi-District championship in Forney.
The two teams played it close throughout the entirety of Friday’s contest at City Bank Stadium.
While the Wildcats jumped out to a 20-7 halftime lead, both offenses opened up for a combined 43 points in the second half.
While the second quarter belonged to Sulphur Springs, the third was all Cowboys as they scored three rushing touchdowns to retake the lead 29-26 for the first time since the first quarter when they scored on the opening drive, then leading 7-0.
Carter’s rushing attack proved too much for Coach Brandon Faircloth’s squad, as Cowboy RB Landry rushed for 257 yards and four TDs in the win over Sulphur Springs. Wildcat football scored two touchdowns in the second half, but explosive runs from Landry consistently turned momentum on its head.
Going into the fourth quarter, it was anyone’s ball game.
WR CJ Williams did everything he could to will his team to victory, scoring four times in the Bi-District loss, including a 79-yd receiving TD, but a crucial 4th down inside the Carter 20 would decide who gets all the marbles.
Sulphur Springs failed to convert on 4th down, with the game and their season on the line, as a pass from QB Kaden Mitchell was incomplete to his intended receiver in the end zone, followed by Carter kneeling the game and sealing the 37-33 victory.
Wildcat football ends their season with a 7-4 record (3-2 district) falling in a shoot thriller in Bi-district.
Winning six of their first seven games, Sulphur Springs struggled down the stretch taking on the top two teams in District 8-4A once QB Brady Driver was lost for the season with an ankle injury.
Even with the loss of such a talented dual-threat QB, Sulphur Springs played overall fairly well, with their best offensive performance since losing their starting QB coming in the opening-round loss to Carter.
Friday’s loss in Forney is a disappointing end to an otherwise phenomenal rebound season after going 0-10 last year.
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.
Flu Vaccinations Encouraged Ahead Of Thanksgiving
Public Health flu monitoring indicates the Texas flu season kicked off a few weeks earlier than usual this year. That’s why the Texas Department of State Health Services encourages Texans to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and their families from flu as the holidays approach.
“Vaccination remains our best defense against severe illness from flu, especially for more vulnerable populations like older adults, very young children, people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women,” said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, DSHS Interim Commissioner. “That’s why we recommend that everyone six months and older receive their flu vaccine each year. And it’s especially important to get vaccinated now since it takes the body two weeks after vaccination to fully produce antibodies to fight flu.”
Reporting from around the state confirms more influenza-like illness occurring earlier than recent flu seasons, which matches flu reporting from across much of the country. The flu vaccines for this 2022-2023 season have undergone substantial changes since last season, which will allow them to better protect against the flu viruses that are now circulating.
Anyone feeling ill or experiencing flu symptoms should stay at home and contact their health care provider. There are effective anti-viral treatments available for the flu, which are highly recommended for people at higher risk of flu complications, such as people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Other ways people can protect themselves and the people close to them from flu is to wash their hands often, cover their coughs and sneezes and stay home if they don’t feel well.
Eligible Texans can also safely and conveniently get their flu shot and updated COVID-19 booster at the same time. The updated COVID-19 booster is designed to protect against the Omicron variants, which are causing the most COVID-19 illness in Texas right now.
Visit Vaccines.gov to find locations near you where flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster doses are available.
Those Impacted By Nov. 4 Tornadoes Encouraged To Report Damage By Submitting iSTAT Surveys
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, [email protected]
Governor Greg Abbott today extended the State of Texas’ response and recovery efforts following severe storms across Northeast Texas throughout Friday and overnight into Saturday, Nov. 4-5, 2022. Last week, the Governor directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy state resources to support local officials’ response to these severe storms.
“The State of Texas stands with Texans and communities impacted by yesterday’s and last night’s severe weather across northeast Texas, and I have deployed all available resources to help respond and recover,” said Governor Abbott on Nov. 5, 2022. “Texans impacted by this severe weather event are strongly encouraged to report damage to TDEM’s iSTAT survey so that we can provide the resources needed for our communities to recover. I thank all of our hardworking state and local emergency management personnel for their swift response to keep Texans safe and for their continued service in helping Texans recover in the aftermath of these storms.”
Preliminary damage assessments conducted by local and state officials are ongoing, and the State of Texas continues to have numerous response and recovery resources engaged across the impacted area to support requests for assistance from local officials.
Texans impacted by the severe weather are encouraged to fill out the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. The information provided in the survey helps emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that have occurred and aids officials in determining if the state meets federally-required thresholds for various forms of disaster assistance, as well as identify any immediate resource needs. The iSTAT damage survey can be filled out in multiple languages online by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov and clicking on November 3-5, 2022: Severe Weather Event.
“TDEM requests the public’s assistance, particularly those who have been impacted by these severe weather events, to provide details through the iSTAT damage survey when it is safe to do so,” said TDEM Chief Nim Kidd. “This information will help officials determine where needs are and how to best assist. This survey is a valuable tool for local and state officials to gain a better understanding of the extent of damages in order to seek the resources necessary for those in need.”
Reporting damage through the iSTAT tool is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency. It does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. TDEM has published a tutorial video in English and Spanish explaining the iSTAT surveys on the survey landing page.
Commissioners Renew 1 Local Disaster Declaration, Enact Another
Hopkins County Commissioners Court renewed one local disaster declaration for the damages resulting from Nov. 4 tornadoes, and enacted another due to “threat of disaster from the unprecedented levels of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling coming across the U.S. border from Mexico.”
New Disaster Declaration
Hopkins County Commissioners Court was asked during the regular court session Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, to approve a declaration of local state of disaster due to illegal immigration, human trafficking and drug smuggling across the border from Mexico.
“Basically, what this is it’s a declaration of a local state disaster and I might ask the sheriff for his input on this. According to what I have before me today, since January 2021, more than 3.2 million illegal aliens apprehended after unlawfully entering the United States, and more than 800,000 illegal aliens have avoided apprehension while unlawfully entering the United States and remain unaccounted for within our nation,” County Judge Robert Newsom said. “Basically, the proclamations calls for simply a proclamation that we are under a very serious situation in Texas, in Hopkins County as well as the United States. We ask that this declaration be noted to our state and to our nation, that we have a very serious situation across the state.”
The disaster declaration, citing the Centers for Disease Control statistics, states that “the unprecedented amount of human trafficking, combined with the smuggling of fentanyl and other opioids infiltrating our border with Mexico had killed over 71,238 American citizens.” According to the declaration, Customs and Border Protection have identified more than 50 known terrorists who have unlawfully entered the US through an unsecured border with Mexico. It claims sophisticated international human and drug trafficking organizations spearheaded by “violent international drug cartels” have operational control over the unsecured US-Mexico border. The document declares “the ongoing immigration crisis” an unacceptable security threat and humanitarian disaster, the consequences of which impact Hopkins County residents.
“Along with the immigrants coming across undocumented, we have had a large influx of drugs. Drugs are so plentiful now they are free now basically,” Sheriff Lewis Tatum said. “It’s just causing all kinds of havoc. We’ve had two ODs (over-doses) in this county recently, and one of them came back with fentanyl and we’re not sure about the most recent one; the tests aren’t back. We’ve got to get a handle on it. I spoke with the Sheriff’s Association this morning and they’re asking for help on the border states. They’re overwhelmed and officers and sheriff’s down there are just give out. They can’t handle the deceased bodies that they are finding let alone stop the immigrants coming across illegally.”
The disaster declaration noted the county judge has “determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to ensure the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of county residents.” It calls on Texas Governor to “declare the existence of an invasion on its border with Mexico and taken necessary actions to preserve and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Texas.” Citing Article 4, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution and Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the US Constitution, the declaration asks the governor to use constitutional authority to immediately prevent and remove all people invading Texas and the US.
The local disaster declaration authorizes the use of “all lawfully available resources and authority” granted by both the Texas and US Constitution. The declaration is to remain in effect until the county judge terminates it, and grants the judge authority to issue additional directives related to the issue at any time necessary or relevant.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price made a motion, which Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley seconded, approving the local disaster declaration “regarding Texas invasion.” The declaration was issued with full approval of the Commissioners Court.
Renewed Disaster Declaration
The Commissioners Court also considered renewing the disaster declaration the county judge issued last week for damages caused by the tornadoes, high winds, fallen trees and water from the storm cells which spread through Northeast Texas and Oklahoma on Nov. 4, 2022.
Two tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service to have touched down within a 2-mile radius in Hopkins County, primarily in Precinct 1, although one dairy barn was damaged in Precinct 2 in the Pickton area as well In Precinct 1, four buildings — three residences and a shop — were completely destroyed and two sustained heavy damage, according to Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley.
“There’s a lot of damage. I know most of the commissioners have been out there that night helping with that. We appreciate everyone out there, including the sheriff’s office. We could not have done what we done that night without everyone’s help. It is greatly appreciated,” Endsley said.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker extended thanks to Endsley and the fire department personnel for their work in a chaotic situation.
“We have about three houses totaled this go-round and several houses and barns and other properties damaged. We will be getting some information out about how they can ask for assistance,” Barker said.
Endsley said Hopkins County was very blessed in the limited loss sustained, compared to that of neighboring Lamar and Red River counties. Hopkins County officials, after things were more or less settled Nov. 4 in Hopkins County sent fire department personnel to Lamar County and Red River County to assist. In Lamar County, where a tornado was on the ground for 22 miles Nov. 4, 37 homes were completely destroyed and over 40 heavily damaged just outside of Paris. In Red River County, a tornado was one the ground for 46 miles and destroyed 12 residences on Nov. 4.
Endsley said he has flown in a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter since the tornadoes swept through the area, observing the path the twisters took over the Red River, then touched back down in Idabel, Oklahoma, where one person was killed, and a lot of destruction was reported. He said from the sky he was also able to see where a tornado touched down after going over Highway 82 in Clarksville, covering a wide path.
County Judge Robert Newsom issued a local disaster declaration on Nov. 8, which would allow the county to apply for financial assistance if it become available. The disaster declaration has to be approved by the Commissioners Court within 7 days or it expires.
“This will help us if there’s any back side to mitigation grants, things like that. We won’t see anything on the front side, but possibility of grants and things like that that come in later as soon as the governor declares — and I anticipate pretty sooner because we had seven tornadoes through our area right here around us. Since we touch the very bottom tip of Lamar County, we will be included in that,” Endsley said.
Endsley said there are links on social media platforms where people access links to report damage. This helps give local and state officials an account of loss and damages. Damages have to reach a certain level for an area before FEMA funding becomes available, the fire marshal noted.
According to Extension Agent Mario Villarino, Texans impacted by the severe weather are encouraged to fill out an Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. The information provided in the survey helps emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that have occurred and aids officials in determining if the state meets federally-required thresholds for various forms of disaster assistance, as well as identify any immediate resource needs. The iSTAT damage survey can be filled out in multiple languages online by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov and clicking on November 3-5, 2022: Severe Weather Event.
Precinct 1 Commissioners Mickey Barker made a motion, which Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin, seconded approving the renewal of the local disaster declaration due to damages from the tornadoes on Nov. 4, 2022. The motion was unanimously approved by the court.
