3 Residents, TREAD Official Speak Out Against Solar Projects During Commissioners Court
Four people addressed Hopkins County Commissioners during the public forum portion of the regular court meeting this week regarding large solar complexes planned to go up in Hopkins County.
Two Dike residents who expressed disapproval of Commissioners’ decision to grant a tax incentive for Hopkins Energy, LLC, the solar facility planned in the Dike area and a third pointed out information gleaned from investigation into rising costs of solar panels and components. The fourth speaker represents Texas Real Estate Advocacy and Defense (known as TREAD) Coalition, a member-based nonpartisan organization that represents land owners in rural communities all over the state.
Dike resident Michele Barnes said she’s seen ads for the upcoming total eclipse in 2024, but would personally be embarrassed for anyone she knows to come to Sulphur Springs for the event due to the number of solar power stations in Hopkins County that would surround them on their way to Sulphur Springs and the Centerline.
She asked whether Hopkins County will become barren and jagged with changed topography like Big Bend National Park, when all of the solar projects are complete. She asked whether the court has considered the aftermath of all the solar power plants – which she contends will destroy vegetation, wetlands and animal habitats – or if their only interest in green is printed on paper.
“The only way to get those in authority to listen to the people they represent is to keep speaking up. Sometimes, that means inviting experts to come in and make you aware that we are not just blowing smoke. We have done our research and gathered data to show that there is devastation coming to Hopkins County, in large part due to your negligence of not doing the same due diligence,” Barnes alleged.
Barnes said she and other residents, including those involved with Save Dike From Solar, are determined to make the public aware of what she calls the Commissioners Court’s “Ill-informed decisions” the elected officials are making.
“I do hope you remember that you work for us, we do not work for you,” Barnes said. She also asked about records of meeting agendas posted. She noted they are to required to be posted 72 hours in advance, with 24/7 access by citizens. She said she missed the last court meeting because she did not see it posted on the public notice calendar, although a workshop was listed.
Also addressing the court was Jessica Karlsruher, executive director of the TREAD, which is lending help to the local grassroots efforts of Save Dike From Solar, which seeks to bar Engie from building a solar facility in the Dike community. Karlsruher noted she is also a sixth generation Texan, a landowner and concerned citizen about the state’s resources being jeopardized. As such, she expressed concern regarding the proposed Dike solar project.
Karlsruher said she’s aware of renewable energy projects popping up in Limestone, Erath, Camanche Lamar and other counties across Texas. Some civic leaders have turned down tax abatements and worked with communities to support land owners, while others have not.
“Hopkins County is not an ideal location for a solar plant due to its topography, its weather and surrounding water sources and overall environment,” Karlsruher contends. “It’s ironic that these projects are considered good for the environment when the project involves stripping the land of soil, disturbing the fauna and animal habitat and water sources that surround it.”
The TREAD official contends that the placement of the solar projects on 2,000-10,000 acres of land will affect waters, streams, watering holes, farm and ranch land, and will alter where people fish, hunt, and recreate in general.
Karlsruher said while some point to West Texas as a perfect location for solar plants due to the flat openness, taxing entities in far West Texas aren’t offering big tax breaks to solar companies the way they are in some other areas of the state.
“This is not about energy production, it’s about tax breaks. Even when tax breaks are no longer available, you will be looking at a solar project complex, displacing thousands of acres of precious Texas land,” Karlsruher said.
Each starts with the creation of a commercial reinvestment zone but, Karlsruher argued, they don’t fulfill the requirement for the designation established in Chapter 312 of the State of Texas Tax Code. A reinvestment zone designation is in place for five years and is supposed to contribute to the retention or expansion of primary employment or attract a major investment in the zone.
Karlsruher contends property taxes around the solar projects go up or down depending on the commercial designation for the project, “contamination of natural resources is almost inevitable, and the landowner is held responsible for the project when, not if, it is abandoned.”
She alleged that officials who make decisions without consideration for public input are not being true public servants representing their community.
She questioned whether the companies proposing the solar projects are foreign and if the local community will benefit from the energy generated from them. Karlsruher said her sources say it won’t.
While TREAD understands the need to diversify energy sources, the organization leader said, that should not come at the cost of rural communities.
“Water runoff is inevitable by the nature of the projects being erected and how they are constructed. There is no oversight and no mitigation of error and there is no plan B. There is only one Texas with nearly 700 acres a day being lost to development. It’s not only that – it’s our best land being lost. You have an opportunity and a responsibility to preserve our land and our state,” Karlsruher told the Commissioners Court.
Dike resident Kirk Reams said a month ago when he walked out his back door, all he heard was silence. He expects that will change significantly within the next 1 ½ years, to motors running and humming machinery, if the solar project is constructed in Dike as planned.
“And, right now I’m so mad, and Wade, you know I’m mad,” Reams said to Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley. “You and I have had our disagreements many times. I thought you were a servant of Dike Texas and you’re not. I’m so mad right now I could spit. This is ridiculous.”
Reams said a country resident should be able to walk out of their home and hear birds singing, see the deer running around, ducks flying over, fish jumping out of a pond. Instead, Dike residents will soon see solar panels.
“You are ruining my homeland. My family settled here in 1870 and now you’re treading my family’s stuff. I don’t appreciate it. I don’t appreciate it at all,” Reams said.
The Dike resident said it’s his understanding that every bit of the power generated will go to the Dallas area, not the local community. Reams challenged the Commissioners Court to give him three good reasons besides money why locating a solar farm in Dike is good for the Dike, Sulphur Springs and the Hopkins County community.
The final speaker during the public forum portion of the May 23 Commissioners Court meeting was Michael Pickens, often the spokesperson for Save Dike from Solar, a grassroots organization he and his mother, Cynthia Martin started along with other Dike residents in an effort prevent a planned solar plant from being constructed in their community.
Pickens said he wanted to make sure the Commissioners Court is aware of the findings of a Commerce Department investigation into the “price jumping on the solar panels that are coming across the ocean.”
Austin Solar out of California has initiated an investigation request to the Commerce Department to the Biden Administration. Investigation, Pickens said, revealed that 100 percent of the components of solar panels being bought by solar companies from businesses in Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are made in China. The products are then shipped to the US, allowing the businesses to get around the tariffs implemented a few years ago on Chinese products entering the United States, Pickens reported.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom thanked the four individuals for their comments, then proceeded to the next item on the court agenda.
Results Of May 24 Party Primary Runoff Election Results
Below are the results of the Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Democratic and Republican Party Primary Runoff Elections, which determine who will represent their party on ballots on Nov. 8, 2022. It should be noted that all results are unofficial until canvassed.
Texas Lieutenant Governor
In the Democratic Runoff for lieutenant governor, Mike Collier received 104 votes and Michelle Beckley 74 votes in Hopkins County.
The total for the state was Collier receiving 263,503 votes and Beckley 217,398 votes giving Collier 54.79% and Beckley 45.21% of the overall vote in Texas.
The Democratic winner in November faces incumbent Dan Patrick, who won the primary against five other candidates by securing 76.61% of the votes cast in the March 1 Republican Primary for Lieutenant Governor.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Hopkins County voters selected Janet T. Dudding as the Democratic Party favorite for Comptroller of Public Accounts with 72.99% (127 votes) of the votes cast going to Dudding compared to Angel Luis Vega, who received 27.01% (47 votes) of the votes cast in Hopkins County for the office.
The results across the state weren’t quite as close, with Dudding receiving 290,088 votes to Vega’s 182,404 votes. That, however, still has Dudding finishing ahead with 61.4% to Vega’s 38.6% for the Democratic nomination for the state comptroller.
That should put Democrat Dudding facing off in November against incumbent Glenn Hagar, who beat out challenger Mark V. Goloby by taking 81.69% of the overall Republican votes cast in the March 1 Primary for the Republican nomination, for the office of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Texas Commissioner of General Land Office
Hopkins County Democrats also approved Jay Kleberg over Sandragrace Martinez in the race for Commissioner of General Land Office. A total of 128 votes (72.32%) were cast in Hopkins County for Kleberg and 49 votes (27.68%) for Martinez.
Overall, across the state, these results were much closer for the Democratic nomination for Land Commissioner. Kleberg received 252,420 votes and Martinez 224,689 votes, putting Kleberg ahead with 52.91% to Martinez’s 47.09% of the overall 477,109 votes cast across the state in the Democratic Runoff for General Land Commissioner.
In Hopkins County on May 24, Republicans selected Dawn Buckingham 777 votes to 298 votes. That gives Bukchingham the county Republican nomination on a vote of 72.28 % to Westley’s 27.72%
Across the state, Dawn Buckingham received 592,683 votes to Tim Westley’s 268,914 votes. That has Buckingham finishing the May 24 runoff with 68.79% to Westley’s 31.21% of the Republican votes.
With those results, Martinez should appear on the ballot as the Democratic candidate and Buckingham as the Republican candidate on Nov. 8.
Texas Attorney General
On May 24, 2022, Hopkins County Republican voters selected incumbent Ken Paxton over challenger George P. Bush 884 votes to 310 votes or 73.14% to 26.86%.
Across the state, the result was closer. Paxton received 630,064 votes giving him 67.96% of the overall Republican votes cast for Attorney General on May 24 while Bush received 297,025 votes, giving him 32.04%.
In the Democratic Primary Runoff, Hopkins County Joe Jaworski finished just ahead of Rochelle Mercedes Garza for the party nomination for Attorney General. Jaworski received 92 votes (51.69%) and Garza 86 votes (48.31%).
Across the state, however, Rochelle Mercedes Garza finished head of Joe Jaworski. Garza received 303,386 votes to Jaworski’s 180,339 votes, giving Garza 62.72% of the overall Democratic votes for Attorney General and Jaworksi 37.28% on March 24.
Based on the preliminary votes reported to Texas Secretary of State’s Office, Democrat Garza is set to face Republican Paxton on the ballot in November.
Texas Railroad Commissioner
In Hopkins County, 675 Republican voters selected incumbent Wayne Christian and 437 selected Sarah Stogner as their choice for Railroad Commissioner. That gives Christian the win in Hopkins County 60.7% to Stogner’s 39.3%.
Texas Republicans selected Christian 571,705 votes to Stogner’s 307,258 votes, giving the incumbent the party nomination for Railroad Commissioner 65.04% to 34.96%.
Christian will face Democrat Luke Warford on the November ballot; Warford had no challengers in the March 1 Party Primary.
Request For A New, Different Type Of Ambulance Considered by Hospital District Board
A new, different type of ambulance was considered by Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors Tuesday night.
Typically, EMS submits for HCHD Board approval in the budget process a truck remount. Monday evening, the board was asked to consider purchasing a new truck at a higher rate but with many additional safety features and more in line with current industry standards, at the recommendation of the department’s apparatus committee.
Heather Smith explained how the committee came by that decision. The Hopkins County EMS Apparatus Committee was formed in May of 2021 to look at best practices in ambulance safety due to the increasing number of first responder and ambulance collisions being reported across the state and country. The group started with 9 members, most of the department’s leadership, two EMTs and the rest were paramedics to research and study different ambulance manufacturers and inspect some on site.
Two 11-year industry studies one published in the summer of 2021 and the other 10 years before, showed that 58% of fatalities in ambulances occurred during emergency response and 60% of most crashes involving ambulances occurred during EMs response. Another study said 74% of EMS fatalities are motor vehicle crash-related.
Medic 2 in 2019 was struck while traveling with lights and sirens on transporting a “code stroke” patient to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs. The medic in the back with the patient had just moved to the CPR seat to check the patient’s blood pressure before arrival at the hospital when Medic 2 was hit on the back curbside door, causing it to land on its side, sliding before stopping. An airbag placed on the floor without a designated housing location at the time was thrown about within the back of the ambulance. The EMS employee sustained only a bruised knee from the stretch slamming into the medic’s knee upon impact with the other vehicle.
Smith noted that if everything in the back of the ambulance had been within arm’s reach of the EMS staff, he would never have had to leave his seat. A more secure console in the front of the compartment should hold items in place.
Accidents, the board was told, do happen and are more likely to happen the more calls the department makes. Lights and sirens do not mean people pay attention and stop to give the ambulance the right of way. They were shown another scenario in which an ambulance on the way to Tyler was almost struck head-on by a vehicle driving in the wrong lane on State Highway 154. Luckily, the driver reacted quickly and was able to move onto the ditch to avoid the collision as did the family member of the patient in the ambulance at the time.
The Apparatus Committee was tasked with evaluating current apparatus and decide what would be the best apparatus for Hopkins County EMS moving forward based on safety and functionality, comfort and placement design, and chassis and stretchers.
The committee members were given the opportunity to attend the largest Texas EMS conference and tradeshow offered to view more apparatuses from all over the nation.
After numerous meetings to evaluate current units compared to what can be done better to maintain safety in all aspects of driving and riding in the MICU, the committee recommended staying with a Type III unit, rearranging the entire module to make it more accessible for the attendant in the back with the patient, continue using the Stryker cots HCEMS already had and to add more safety features to each unit.
In February, HCEMS sent out requests for proposals to 10 different ambulance manufacturers, but only 2 responded. Siddons-Martin were unable to place a bid because they don’t know when chassis will be available so they aren’t taking on any new customers, Heather Smith and HCEMS Director/HCHD CEO Brent Smith reported.
Excellance & SERVS (AEV) came in with a low bid with everything HCEMS asked for. In April, the local EMS official met with a representative to work out details and some modifications so the truck would be CAAS certified (the current standard), while ensuring the safety of the crew and patients would be upheld.
A new ambulance with all of the items sought is priced at $284,000, whereas a remount has typically been $165,000, which with a purchase order would guaranty the price for the unit and put it in the que to be built. Due to supply chain, chips and related issues, the truck isn’t expected to go into production until November 2023, although that could be later before it’s ready due to current delays in chassis being produced for first responder vehicles.
Hopkins County EMS would then test and study the ambulance’s performance for 6 months or so, to see if that will be the department’s recommendation of a new ambulance on regular schedule to replace aging equipment that’s been around since 1999. In addition to a designated place for everything, including a waste disposal, lights which would improve scene safety and allow medics to see around and under a truck once on scene, a 360 degree camera in the back installed not to record what is occurring but so that the driver in the front can monitor the situation occurring with the patient and coworker in the back, interior brake and blinker lights, liquid springs which would help counterbalance to keep the ambulance from rolling over should it become involved in a crash or other perilous situation.
The industry has changed dramatically in the last 20-25 years in terms of design and safety features for apparatus. When consulting, EMS Committee was told the cost would be a lot cheaper to start fresh with a new ambulance than to try to reconfigure the units they currently have to make them safer. However, the plan would be to study the one ambulance, see if it meets best practices and safety needs of patients and EMS personnel or if a redesign would, while continuing to monitor to see if something else comes along between now and that time that’d be in something considered between the old and new apparatuses.
If the new ambulance is deemed a good fit, HCEMS then will likely ask that the rest of the department apparatus be replaced one at a time over a 9 year period with new models with the safety features instead of asking annually that funding be allocated for unit remounts. If not, another recommendation will be made based on best practices, safety and comfort and utility and accessibility. The industry appears to be going toward the CAAS systems, Smith said.
HCEMS/HCHD would be given trade-in value of the old ambulances if they trade them in to apply toward purchase of a new unit.
HCHD Board member David Black made the motion which board member Eimy Medina seconded to approve the purchase of a new model ambulance as recommended by the Apparatus Committee. The motion received full approval of the board.
CP Senior Recipient Of First Hopkins County Patriot Scholarship
The 2022 Hopkins County Freedom Ball was graciously supported this year by various families and businesses in the community who donated to the organization’s scholarship fund. The first Hopkins County Veterans Patriot Scholarship is awarded to a student in Hopkins County who is involved in activities that support veterans in our community – like organizing or working at the Veterans Day School Program, or volunteering at the “Wall that Heals” event held back in the fall.
On behalf of the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial Freedom Ball, Como-Pickton CISD Assistant Superintendent Lydia Walden presented a $500 Hopkins County Veterans Patriot Scholarship to senior Kara Tifft.
Summertime Fun For 4-H Youth
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
Fortunately, 4-H activities don’t stop with the end of the school year. There are several events during the months of June, July, and August for 4-H members and other youth. Pay close attention to dates and registration deadlines. We don’t want anyone to be left out because of a missed deadline!
Multi-County 4-H Camp
This camp has been a favorite for 30+ years! Held in the beautiful East Texas setting of Lakeview Baptist Conference Center in Lone Star, this camp offers workshops, swimming, canoeing, paddle-boating, team-building activities, and much more. Workshops for the 2022 camp will include: Archery, Sportfishing, Horticulture, Healthy Lifestyles (team games), Zip Line/Rock Wall, and Crafting. Dates of the camp are July 11-13, 2022. The cost is $125 which covers, two nights lodging, 6 meals, all workshop materials, recreation, and great camp experiences. The facility also offers a gift shop, snack shack, swimming pool, and lake for outdoor recreation.
The deadline to submit the registration form is noon on June 1. Forms are available at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, as well as all Extension Offices in northeast Texas. Ages are 3rd through 12th grade. Adult chaperones must take the Child Protection Training before attending.
4-H Record Books
This is a great opportunity which can lead to recognition on the county, district, and state levels! The 4-H Record book includes your 4-H Story (about yourself, your family, why and when you joined 4-H, and your project experiences), your top 2 to 4 projects, leadership, community service, 4-H awards and recognition, non 4-H experiences, and career exploration. Entry categories include: Animal Agriculture; Beef; Citizenship, Civic Education and Community Service; Dog Care and Training; Consumer Education; Entomology; Fashion and Interior Design; Foods and Nutrition; Gardening and Horticulture; Goat; Health and Personal Safety; Horse; Leadership; Natural Resources; Photography; Plant and Soil Science; Poultry; Public Speaking; Rabbit; STEM; Sheep; Shooting Sports; Swine; Visual and Performing Arts; and Veterinary Science.
Age divisions are junior (3-5 grades); intermediate (6-8 grades); and senior (9-12 grades). Record books are to be submitted online beginning June 1. Registration closes on June 15.
4-H Project Tour Day
This is a highlight of the summer for many 4-H members. Tour Day includes various 4-H projects each year, with the 2022 event focusing on natural resources (Sulphur Springs Municipal Water Treatment Plant); companion animals (Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter); and aeronautics/STEM (Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport). This event is open to all 4-H members, but the deadline to sign up is June 1. We will provide lunch and County 4-H Council officers will be elected during the lunch meeting.
District 4-H Ultra Leadership Lab
This experience is designed for youth who will be grades 9-12 for the coming school year. The purpose is to help youth build leadership skills, gain information to take back to their respective counties, and to have fun while meeting and interacting with other youth across our district. Dates are June 27-29, at Camp Copass, in Denton, Texas. Special theme days will include Hawaiian Day, Country vs. Country Club, and Camp t-shirt day. The cost is $145 per 4-H’er, but due to the generosity of the Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign, our 4-H program will reimburse Hopkins County youth who attend. More information is available at the County Extension Office.
Youth Sewing Workshop
Set for August 8-10, this workshop is designed for youth 3rd-12th grade regardless of sewing experience. Make-and-take projects will be available each day. We’ll begin at 10 a.m. the first day and end around 2 p.m. Bring a sack lunch, sewing scissors, pins, seam ripper, and a tape measure. Times for the following days will be determined by participants. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Spaces are limited. (Workshop for adults will be August 2-4 – More on that to come!)
County-Wide 4-H Achievement Banquet
This event is a great way to wrap up the 4-H year! 4-H members will be recognized for county, district, and state participation. We will also recognize 4-H Rookie of the Year, Outstanding Junior, Outstanding Intermediate, and Gold Star recipients, as well as year pins for those who submit an application. Meal and entertainment will be provided. The date is Saturday, August 20, at the League Street Church of Christ, 6 p.m. The 4-H Foods project group will prepare desserts, and the County 4-H Council will decorate for the banquet.
Whew! Those are some fantastic opportunities for our youth! More information is available at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B West Houston Street, Sulphur Springs. Give us a call at 903-885-3443. 4-H membership registration information for the 2022/2023 4-H year will be available soon, so stay tuned!
Closing Thought
Children are not distractions from more important work. They ARE the most important work!
– C. S. Lewis
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, at the Hopkins County Extension Office by mail at P.O. Box 518, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; in person at 1200-B West Houston in Sulphur Springs; by calling 903-885-3443; or by email at [email protected].
Chamber Connection – May 25: Lots Of Activities Coming Up
By Butch Burney
Graphic artists are invited to submit a logo for the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse that will occur that afternoon. The deadline for submissions is May 31.
Sulphur Springs is on the centerpoint of the Path of Totality, which means we will assuredly have thousands of visitors that weekend. What that means is that Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County needs to gear up for that event. People travel from literally all over the world to witness a total solar eclipse, and we need to make sure that our county is at the forefront.
We have commissioned a domain, SSTotalEclipse.com and are working on the website to make sure people know we are prepared for them. To get it the website done, we need a logo.
So, we are opening up the Eclipse Logo Contest with the tagline “See You on the Centerline.”
If you are interested in participating, send your submission to me at [email protected]. The official logo will be used on the website and official SSTotalEclipse.com merchandise.
See you on the Centerline!
Golf for a Good Cause
The Reinforcement Foundation is hosting a benefit golf scramble on Friday, June 10, at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Hopkins County EMS and Cumby Volunteer Fire Department.
Tee time is 1:30 p.m., followed by a banquet dinner and a concert by Tyler and The Tribe.
Registration fee for the four-person scramble is $500, which includes four tickets to the banquet and eight raffle tickets. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded. There will be plenty of contest holes.
Register on Facebook on the Reinforcement Foundation page or call 903-259-9904. Sponsorships are also available, starting at $100.
Baby Benefit
Heritage Home Health and Hospice is hosting a baby wipe and onesie drive benefitting Heart of Hope, a pregnancy resource center in Sulphur Springs.
Donations of baby wipes and white onesies (sizes 0-3 months) may be dropped off at Heritage Home Health & Hospice (1325 Shannon Rd E, Suite A, Sulphur Springs) or at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce (110 Main Street, Sulphur Springs) now through June 24.
Children’s Grief Camp
“Mending the Mess,” a grief camp for children ages 6-12, will be held June 23-24, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, at t First United Methodist Church. The camp is part of Cypress Basin Hospice’s Camp Brave Heart.
For more information, go to the website CBHospice.org.
Clown Alley
Memory Makers Clown Alley will be performing at Main Street Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday, May 27, and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28. They are an association of professional and amateur clowns from Hopkins County.
For more information, visit CommunityPlayersInc.com.
International Day of Yoga
One Soul Yoga & Wellness Center invites everyone to come and join the celebrations for 8th International Day of Yoga on Tuesday, June 21. The global theme this year is “Yoga for Well-Being” and everyone in the community is encouraged to come join. One Soul will offer free classes all day.
International Day of Yoga is celebrated world-wide every June 21 to help spread awareness of the mental and physical benefits of practicing yoga.
One Soul’s schedule for the day includes:
- 6:30-7:30 a.m. Solstice Kundalini Yoga-DeAnna
- 9:30-10:30 am: Beginner Flow-Rachel
- 12:10-12:50 p.m. Family Yoga-DeAnna
- 6-7 p.m. Open Flow-Allison
- 8-9:15 p.m. Candlelight Flow & Nidra-DeAnna & Rachel
Classes that day are free and open to everyone. One Soul Yoga & Wellness Center is located at 1008 Main St., in Sulphur Springs. To learn more about the classes or to sign up go to www.OneSoulYogaStudio.com.
Ribbon Cuttings
- Fulgham’s Social Lounge will host a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at 1123 South Broadway. Please join us for their ribbon cutting.
- Aaron’s Rent to Own will have a ribbon cutting at its location at 1402 Mockingbird Lane at noon on Friday, May 27. Please welcome them to the Chamber.
- Family Dental will host a ground breaking for their new office on State Highway 154 South at 1 p.m. Friday, May 27.
- Project One Roofing hosted a ribbon cutting at their location at 209 Jackson St., on Friday, May 20. Please welcome them to the business community.
Wylie Teen Applying For Driver’s License Receives Ride To Jail Instead
A Wylie teen applying for his driver’s license received a ride to jail instead, according to jail reports.
Nathaniel William Caldwell went to Texas Department of Public Safety Office in Sulphur Springs to obtain a driver’s license. A records check showed the 19-year-old Wylie resident to be wanted in Collin County on a sexual assault charge. He was detained while DPS communications operators awaited confirmation from Collin County that the warrant was active.
The Wylie teen was taken into custody at 2:20 p.m. May 23, 2022, by DPS Trooper Arturo Ugalde and transported to Hopkins County jail, where he remained until May 24, 2022, on the Collin County sexual assault charge. His bond was set at $30,000, according to arrest reports.
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.
Keeping Tomatoes In The Garden
By Mario Villarino, AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, [email protected]
Tomato growing is a very common practice in Hopkins County gardens. As I was preparing this piece, the Hopkins County Extension Office was receiving frequent phone calls related to tomato health and tomato growing.
As I was going through some of those questions, a common one was related to leaf curl up and nutrition of the tomato. Tomatoes need phosphorus, nitrogen, potash and minor elements to grow.
Starting your plants off with an ample shovelful or two of compost will go a long way toward making sure the soil will provide for their needs. It will also aid the soil in holding onto moisture, which will prevent problems such as blossom-end rot.
Many gardeners also add a synthetic or organic fertilizer. Some types, such as water-soluble granules or fish emulsion, can be applied when watering. There are also granular forms that can be mixed with the soil before planting or used as a side dressing, and time-release fertilizers, which can be added to the soil at planting time. No matter what kind of fertilizer you use, always follow the directions on the label. Do not over-fertilize because this will cause lush plants with little fruit set. It’s best to select a fertilizer that contains more phosphorus (P) than nitrogen (N) or potassium (K). Phosphorus promotes flowering and fruit set.
Remember that tomato fruits are a sought-after food for wildlife and birds, and many tomatoes get damaged by those pests while still on the vine. A good strategy is to collect the tomatoes and allow them to ripe inside BEFORE wildlife and birds can even get a change to hurt them.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
June Is The #1 Month For Swimming And Summer Fun At Cooper Lake State Park
By Steve Killian, Complex Superintendent, Cooper Lake State Park, [email protected]
Cooper, Texas — What better place to enjoy all summer has to offer than Cooper Lake State Park! The lake water temperature is just perfect in June to cool off, splash around, and enjoy! Our amazing park rangers have finished prepping the swimming beaches for you through the addition of soft white sand just in time for the summer season. With high gas prices this year, make Cooper Lake State Park your nearby destination for summer fun!
Cooper Lake State Park will present 25 educational and recreational programs during the month. June’s spotlighted programs are “Archery 101”, “Fishing with a Ranger”, and “Stargazing”! Archery 101 is a very popular program where kids are introduced to the sport of archery. An in-depth class will precede learning the physical nature of archery. Targets will be set up for everyone to hone their shooting skills. Space is limited for this extremely popular class, so please reserve your child’s spot by emailing our education ranger ASAP – Ranger Alicia (alicia.o’[email protected]v). “Fishing with a Ranger” is a visitor favorite. Bring your own poles and bait or just show up and use the fishing gear and bait supplied by the park. Remember, no fishing licenses are required for this event or anytime you’re fishing at a Texas State Park from the bank or pier! Experience dark skies at Cooper Lake State Park and gaze through our high-powered telescope at stars, planets, and other astronomical bodies while being educated by Ranger Alicia. She has been known to weave in star stories from Native American cultures and others during this awe-inspiring program.
Bring each fun and learning-packed Saturday to a fitting conclusion with your family and friends by relaxing at a picnic table watching your food cook on one of our many day-use picnic grills. If you are camping, relaxing around a campfire in the evening is unbeatable! The flickering light and warmth of a campfire will lift your spirits and reconnect you to feelings shared by past generations. There is no better place to share a story or eat a meal!
Fish from the bank, off our piers, fishing wall, or rent a kayak and try your luck along the shoreline. Fish attractors have been placed around the Doctors Creek floating fishing pier and the fishing wall at South Sulphur to help increase fishing success. Crappie, bluegill, white bass, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish are commonly caught at both park units. June is a great time to fish at Cooper Lake!
Kids can play on one of three playgrounds found at the park complex. Other popular activities are hiking our trails or just resting under a giant Post Oak tree or camping at one of our tree-canopied campsites. Texas State Parks are great places to relax, recreate and recharge!
Park entrance fees are $5 for adults, with kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. Unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in a vehicle you’re in can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70. This pass is good for over 12 months from the day of purchase. All programs are free with a valid entrance permit. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit and like our Facebook pages, or call Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur, 903-945-5256, or Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek, (903) 395-3100).
Doctors Creek
- Friday, June 3
- Beginning Bird Watching – 9:30 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Parking lot near the Trail Head. Bring your binoculars, water, and sunscreen. We’ll walk, stop, and talk a bit about the birds we see along the Cedar Creek South Loop.
- Saturday, June 4
- Fishing with the Ranger – 1-3:30 p.m. Meet at the Blue Bonnet Fishing Pier. A Day of Free Fishing! Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
- Sunday, June 5
- Reading with the Ranger – 1 p.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Join us for a story about the nature around us.
- Saturday, June 11
- Go Take a Hike – 9 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Parking lot near the Trail Head. Join a ranger on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek North Loop getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
- Sunday, June 12
- Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. A chance to let loose your inner artist!
- Friday, June 17
- Stargazing – 8 p.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Swim Beach. We’ll have the telescopes out. How many constellations can you see and name?
- Saturday, June 18
- Pollinators and the Flowers that Attract Them – 9 a.m. Meet at Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Why are pollinators important? What flowers or plants attract pollinators? Is planting a pollinator garden easy? Learn the answers to these and more.
- Saturday, June 18
- Photography 101 – 10:30 a.m. Meet at Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Learn about composition, the rule of thirds, leading lines, the golden hour, and space. We’ll take a short walk on the lookout for photo chances.
- Sunday, June 19
- Wildlife Detectives – 10 a.m. Meet at the Pelican Point Parking Lot. We’ll take a short walk on the Cedar Creek North Loop. Explore how to determine the types of animals that may have been here from the signs they leave behind.
- Friday, June 24
- Dutch Oven 101 – 1-4 p.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Happy trails on a cattle drive, yes indeed. Cast iron cooking was a part of that happiness. Reserve your spot for a hands-on cooking demonstration by calling (903) 945-5256 and or by emailing Alicia O’Connor at alicia.o’[email protected].
- Saturday, June 25
- Roving with the Ranger – 2-3:30 p.m. Stop Ranger Alicia while she roves around the park and ask questions about the interpretive items she’s carrying.
- Sunday, June 26
- Back Yard Bass Fishing – 1 p.m. Meet at Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Learn how to fish on dry land. Join us as we learn to tie a hook onto the line, cast, catch, and release our fish while exploring fishing rules and fishing ethics.
South Sulphur
- Thursday, June 2
- Beginning Bird Watching – 9:30 a.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Bring your binoculars, water, and sunscreen. We’ll walk, stop, and talk a bit about the birds we see around the day use area.
- Saturday, June 4
- Fishing with the Ranger – 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Meet at the Heron Harbor Fishing Wall. A day of Free Fishing! Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
- Sunday, June 5
- Reading with the Ranger – 10 a.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Join us for a story about the nature around us.
- Saturday, June 11
- Go Take a Hike – 11 a.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. Join a ranger on a short leisurely hike on Coyote Run Trail getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
- Sunday, June 12
- Art in the Park – 1 p.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. A chance to let loose your inner artist!
- Friday, June 17
- Kid Fishing – 3-5 p.m. Meet at the Heron Harbor Fishing Wall. Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
- Saturday, June 18
- Pollinators and the Flowers that Attract Them – 12:30 p.m. Meet at Heron Harbor. Why are pollinators important? What flowers or plants attract pollinators? Is planting a pollinator garden easy? Learn the answers to these and more.
- Saturday, June 18
- Photography 101 – 2 p.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Learn about composition, the rule of thirds, leading lines, the golden hour, and space. We’ll take a short walk on the lookout for photo prospects.
- Sunday, June 19
- Wildlife Detectives – 1 p.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. We’ll take a short walk on Coyote Run Trail. Explore how to determine the types of animals that may have been here from the signs they leave behind.
- Thursday, June 23
- Dutch Oven 101 – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Happy trails on a cattle drive, yes indeed. Cast iron cooking was a part of that happiness. Reserve your spot for a hands-on cooking demonstration by calling (903) 945-5256 and or by emailing Alicia O’Connor at alicia.o’[email protected].
- Saturday, June 25
- Archery 101 – 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Meet at South Sulphur Buggy Whip Restroom. Registration is required, program limited to 15 participants. Reserve your spot by calling (903) 945-5256 or click on the following link to email Alicia O’Connor – alicia.o’[email protected]. No experience needed. Ages 10 and up. Equipment provided.
- Sunday, June 26
- Back Yard Bass Fishing – 10 a.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Learn how to fish on dry land. Join us as we learn to tie a hook onto the line, cast, catch, and release our fish while exploring fishing rules and ethics.
- Thursday, June 30
- Hike with a Master Naturalist – 10 a.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. Enjoy a short walk – Topic TBD
Tuesday Is Election Day for Party Primary Runoffs In Texas
Tuesday, May 24, 2022, is Election Day for Party Primary Runoffs in Texas. Registered Hopkins County voters may cast ballots in either the Republican or Democratic runoff until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Voting has been consolidated to six centers. Registered Hopkins County voters may cast ballots at any of the following six consolidated voting locations:
- Lutheran Church (Front Foyer), 1000 Texas Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- H.W. Grays Building (Meeting Room), 411 Beckham Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- Hopkins County Courthouse, (1st Floor Courtroom), 114 Church Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- Grace Family Church (Fellowship Hall), 2201 Loop 101 East Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- Hopkins County Civic Center (West Hall), 1200 Houston Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482; and
- League Street Church of Christ (Front Foyer), 1100 South League Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Only Hopkins County voters who had registered to vote on April 25 are eligible to cast a ballot at a county polling location. Voters may cast ballots in only one of these elections, and will be declaring themselves as either a Democrat or Republican by voting in that election.
Under Texas law, voters who cast a ballot in either party’s primary election may vote again, but must vote in the same party’s primary runoff election. Voters who did not cast a ballot in the March 1st Primary Elections may vote in either party’s Primary Runoff Election.
“The candidates you will be voting on have made it to the final round of their parties’ primary elections, and this is your chance to decide who you want to compete for those public offices in November. Make sure to do your research on the candidates, make an informed decision, and prepare to make your voice heard in the runoff elections by visiting VoteTexas.gov!” Texas Secretary of State John Scott said in a news release.
The winner of each election will then face the top candidate from the other parties on the Uniform Election ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.
Democratic Runoff
Democrats will be able to vote for their choice in four different state races.
On the Democratic ballot for Lieutenant Governor are Mike Collier and Michelle Beckley.
Democrats too will decide between Rochelle Mercedes Garza or Joe Jaworski as their candidate for Attorney Genera.
Seeking the Democratic nomination for the office of Comptroller of Public Accounts are Janet T. Dudding and Angel Luis Vega.
Jay Kleberg and Sandragrace Martinez are vying for the Democratic nomination for Commissioner of the General Land Office.
Republican Runoff
Republicans will be able to vote for their choice in three different state races.
Vying for the Republican Party nomination for Attorney General are Ken Paxton and George P. Bush.
Republicans Dawn Buckingham and Tim Westley are in a runoff for the Republican Party nomination for Commissioner of the General Land Office.
Sarah Stogner and Wayne Christian are the two Republican candidates for Railroad Commissioner.
Voter ID Requirements
When voters arrive at the polling place, each will be asked to present one of the seven acceptable forms of photo identification, which are:
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States Passport (book or card)
For voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo ID can be expired up to four years. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time.
If a registered voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven approved forms of photo ID, that individual may fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) (PDF) at the polls and present an alternative form of ID, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or voter registration certificate.
