10 SSHS Students, 3 Teams Qualify To Compete At State Academic UIL Contest
The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat UIL Academic Team competed at the Region 2 UIL academic championships this past Friday and Saturday, April 22-23. Wildcat competitors finished 2nd place overall with 190 points. Highland Park took first with 245 points. Hallsville finished 3rd with 128 points. Ten SSHS students qualified for State UIL in 7 events. The State UIL meet will be held at the University of Texas at Austin on May 5 – May 7.
First place teams advancing to state include the Spelling & Vocabulary Team consisting of Dawson Carpenter, Kami White, Lani Horn and Alyssa Isonhood; and the Literary Criticism Team made up of Shelby Ray, Dawson Carpenter, Alexis Villarino and Kami White.
Individually, Carpenter won third in spelling and vocabulary and second in literary criticism; Ray first and Villarino third in literary criticism. Gail Herman is the coach for both teams.
The Social Studies team consisting of Alfredo Renteria, Lexi McCoy, Crawford Johns and Artesia Cheak is advancing to state as a wildcard team, for having the best second place team social studies score in the state. Individually, Renteria won third place honors and McCoy placed fourth. Madison Millsap is the coach for this team.
The SSHS Journalism team, coached by Gail Herman and Madison Millsap, also finished in first place at regionals. Lexi McCoy won first place honors in copy writing and third place honors in news writing; Dawson Carpenter won first place honors in editorial writing and second place honors in copy editing; and Lausen Ost placed fourth in headline writing.
McCoy also placed fifth and Alexis Villarino sixth in ready writing, which Gail Herman coaches.
SSHS One Act Play finished the season on Thursday with an outstanding effort at Regional competition. Contributing to the overall team result with an All-Star Cast award was Lucy Brady, Honorable Mention All-Star Cast awards were AllieGrace Woodard and Austin Crum, and a Tech Award. was Markida Hood. Lesha Woodard was the director for the OAP competition.
Congratulations to all the students who participated at regionals, as well as their coaches.
Early Voting Under Way In SSISD Bond Election, 2 Constitutional Amendment Propositions
Last Day To Register To Vote For May 24 Runoff Is Monday
Two elections will be held on two different days in May: the SSISD bond proposal, 2 proposed constitutional amendments, and Winnsboro ISD trustees elections on May 8; and runoffs from the March party primary elections will be held on May 24. There are two actions local voters can take today to vote in each. For registered voters, early voting in the May 7 elections starts today; April 25 is also the deadline to register to vote in the May 24 runoff elections.
May 7 Elections
Early Voting
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted in Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Courtroom, located inside the Hopkins County Annex Building at 128 G Jefferson Street. Early voting is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25, April 27, April 29-30, and May 2-3; from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2022; and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, and Thursday, April 28, 2022.
Election Day Voting
Voting on Election Day has been consolidated to 6 boxes:
- Sulphur Springs Middle School cafeteria, 835 Wildcat Way, Sulphur Springs.
- Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Courtroom, 128 G Jefferson St., Sulphur Springs.
- First Floor Courtroom, Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St., Sulphur Springs.
- West Hall, Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston St., Sulphur Springs.
- Cumby Meeting Room, Cumby Municipal Building, 100 East Main Street, Cumby.
- Art Room, Como-Pickton CISD, 13017 Texas Highway 11 East, Como.
Mail Ballots
Hopkins County voters who are eligible to vote by mail must have mailed applications for a ballot by mail to Hopkins County Clerk Tracy Smith, 128 Jefferson St., Suite C, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Applications for ballots by mail must be received by the clerk no later than the close of business tomorrow (Tuesday, April 26, 2022). Those selecting this option should keep in mind Federal Post Card Applications must be received no later hte close of business on May 9, 2022.
Constitutional Amendment Propositions
All registered Texans will have the option to vote on two propositions which would amend the Texas Constitution.
- State of Texas Proposition 1 asks Texans to vote for against
- “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the reduction of the amount of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled to reflect any statutory reduction from the preceding tax year in the maximum compressed rate of the maintenance and operations taxes imposed for those purposes on the homestead.”
- State of Texas Proposition 2 asks Texans to vote for or against:
- “The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $25,000 to $40,000.”
Click here to see the full text of the 2 Proposed Constitutional Amendments (available in English and Spanish).
Sulphur Springs ISD Election
The Sulphur Springs ISD Election asks voters to cast ballots either for or against Proposition A, which would allow the district to issue $93 million in bonds for school facilities and school buses, with the funds to be repaid through a property tax increase, estimated to be 8.5-cents. Only registered voters who live within SSISD’s boundary will vote in this election.
Additional information about the SSISD Bond Proposal can be found at www.sulphurspringsisdbond.com or by clicking here. To view KSST’s video of the two town hall meetings held regarding the bond or a video of a Lunch and Learn presentation about the May 7 $93 million bond proposal, click t he appropriate link below:
March 31 Town Hall Meeting
April 18 Town Hall Meeting
April 20 Lunch & Learn Meeting
Winnsboro ISD
Hopkins County is also on of three counties Winnsboro ISD has contracted with to hold a board of trustees election. Voters will be asked to select up to two candidates for full three year terms on the Winnsboro ISD Board of Trustees.
- Hopkins County voters who reside within Winnsboro ISD who vote:
- Early by personal appearance at the designated Hopkins County early voting location (Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Courtroom) April 25-May 3,
- Election Day, May 7, 2022, at any of the six voting locations within Hopkins County.
- Applications for ballots by mail must be received by County Clerk Tracy Smith, 128 Jefferson St. Suite C, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Federal Post Card Applications must be received no later than the close business April 26, 2022 as well.
- For more information contact Hopkins County Clerk at 903-438-4036, [email protected], or go online to http://hopkinsocuntytx.org/page/hopkins.Elections (also can be found by clicking the Voter Information link on Hopkins County‘s main page)
- Franklin County voters may cast ballots:
- Early by personal appearance at Franklin County Annex Building, 502 East Main Street in Mount Vernon from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, April 25-May 3, 2022.
- Election Day voting will be conducted at Franklin County Building at 1013 North Main St. in Winnsboro; Franklin County Commissioner Precinct 3 Building, 513 Highway 900 West in Mount Vernon; and South Franklin Community Center, 3150 FM 1448 in Scroggins.
- Applications for ballots by mail must be received not later than the close of business by Betty Crane, Franklin County Election Coordinator, PO Box 1047, Mount Vernon, TX 75457. The Federal Post Card Applications must be received no later than April 26, 2022.
- For additional voting information, contact FC Election Coordinator Betty Crane at 903-537-8357 or [email protected], or go online to https://www.co.franklin.tx.us/page/franklin.Election.
- Wood County voters may cast ballots:
- Early by personal appearance in the Winnsboro ISD trustees election at Wood County Annex Building, 200 West Bermuda Street in Quitman from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, April 25-May 3, 2022.
- Election Day voting will be conducted at Winnsboro City Auditorium, 515 to Wheeler Drive in Winnsboro; Carroll Green Civic Center, 602 McAllister Street in Quitman; and Holly Lake Volunteer Fire Department, 126 Private Road 7869 in Holly Lake Ranch, Texas.
- Applications for ballots by mail must be received by Laura Wise, Wood County early voting clerk, at PO Box 970, Quitman, TX 75783. Federal post card applications must be received no later than the close of business on April 26, 2022, as well.
- For additional voting information, call Wise at 903-763-2400, send her an email at [email protected], or go online to https://elections.mywoodcounty.com.
May 24 Runoff Elections
If you are planning to vote in the May 24 party primary runoff election and haven’t done so yet, you’ll want to be sure to do so no later than Monday, April 25. Voters may vote in either hte Democratic or Republican Party runoffs. Those who voted in the March 1 primary are registered and do not need to re-register.
If you’re not sure if you are registered to vote in your county, Hopkins County voters can select the Voter Information on the Hopkins County website and all Texas voters can check their voter status by selecting Am I Registered To Vote link on Texas Secretary of State’s website, then enter your information. Votetexas.gov is also another good source for pertinent election information, including a link allowing eligible voters to Register To Vote.
You also can contact your local voter registrar to register to vote. In Hopkins County, visit Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Mitchell’s Office inside the Hopkins County Annex Building, no later than the closer of business on Monday, April 25, for assistance completing an application.
Sulphur Springs Senior Center, Corvette Club Partner On Annual Fan Drive
Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and Sulphur Springs Corvette Club are partnering once again to host an annual fan drive to benefit senior citizens of Hopkins County.
“It is getting hot and people have already started asking me for fans this year. If you would like to donate a Fan please help us keep our seniors cool this summer,” Weatherman said.
Without these donations some senior citizens would have no other means of cooling themselves during the hot humid summer days.
Donations of new box fans and stand fans are being accepted at the Senior Citizens Center, 150 Martin Luther King Drive in Sulphur Springs.
Any individuals, business or group who would like to make a monetary donation instead of purchasing a fan may do so, with all funds going to provide much needed fans for senior adults in need in Hopkins County. Donations may be made at the senior center or by contacting any member of the Sulphur Springs Corvette Club, who purchase a fan or fans for you.
Any senior citizens who needs a fan may contact Karon Weatherman at senior center at 903-885-1661 weekdays until about 3 p.m.
Meal A Day Menu – April 25-29, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of April 25-29, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and a roll.
- Tuesday – Cheesy beef and potato casserole, corn, broccoli.
- Wednesday – Lasagna, Italian vegetables and garlic sticks.
- Thursday – Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans and a roll.
- Friday – Chicken salad, pasta salad, potato salad, tossed salad, fruit salad and crackers.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Paris District Road Report for April 25, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting April 25, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road near West Staples Street and transitions back to the existing mainlanes near West Cherry Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Center Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Center Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. To detour, eastbound Center Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Park Avenue, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Houston Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street.
Beginning the night of April 27, weather permitting, crews will work on reopening the Center Street area to traffic. Northbound mainlane traffic will be moved to the newly constructed mainlanes the night of April 27, with lane closures beginning at 7:30 pm. The following week on May 4, southbound mainlanes will be moved to the newly constructed mainlanes. The Center Street intersection under US 75 is scheduled to be reopen to traffic the week of May 11.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing main lanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between North Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The Skyline Drive intersection with FM 1417 is closed to traffic for about a week to allow crews to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. Traffic is asked to use Lamberth or Taylor Street during this closure.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install an eight-foot-wide minimum sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. During work on this project, occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections with flaggers present to control traffic.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from Preston Avenue to John Douglas Road. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as construction crews work to install sidewalks, curb ramps, and landscape features.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday and Wednesday during the nighttime.
The annual contract to perform bridge repairs in Grayson County is underway. The following locations will have bridge repairs performed, so travelers should expect occasional lane closures while this work is underway. US 75 northbound mainlane bridge at Iron Ore Creek, US 75 southbound frontage road bridge at Iron Ore Creek, the SH 289 bridge approximately 1.75 miles south of FM 120, and FM 1417 at Post Oak Creek.
FM 1897, Grayson County, from US 69 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 902, Grayson County, from SH 5 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews repair edge drop-offs along the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers complete the remaining work on the project.
CR 3810 at Loring Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3810 at Loring Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3800.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on re-establishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from FM 2029 west to CR 2275. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on profile milling the roadway and paving the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
IH 30, Hopkins County: from Loop 301 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and traffic delays as crews begin surfacing operations.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lanes closures and short delays as crews begin performing upgrades to cross drainage structures.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas while final work is being performed.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Wolfe City, Texas, location. The contractor is currently working on Santa Fe street and is nearing completion in this area. The project is moving towards the downtown area of Wolfe City. The contractor has been working on forming and pouring concrete on sidewalks and driveways weather permitting. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations: Hunt County, SH 34 at Crockett Street to SH 34 at FM 816 in Wolfe City. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor has set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor is working in the ditches and finishing base for the prime coat and will perform ride test soon. Prime coat will be scheduled. The contractor will also be reworking base and flex base haul on mile two. The contractor will be pouring three cross culvert extensions and wingwalls, and working on driveway pipe and safety end treatments.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed widening and reworking existing base for the last section of the project. New flex base hauling and placing has begun. Drill shaft installation has been completed and beams will be set soon. The contractor has completed the 150-foot bridge deck pour, as well as setting safety end treatments and driveway pipe on the north and south side of the project. The contractor continued embankment and grading ditches that were prime coated. Crews also performed prime coat patching, sweeping, repairing items and reinstalling silt fence removed for grading ditches. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared the right-of-way. The contractor has performed a traffic switch for northbound and southbound traffic on Spur 264 to complete the concrete pavement on the east half of Spur 264. The contractor continues grading flexbase on SH 276 from east of the bridge approach to the proposed CRCP section, fine grade embankment work on the west end of the project, and prep work for geo-grid and flexbase. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has placed prime coat on the beginning mile. Prep work for temporary strip should be placed late next week for the first mile section. Contractor is working on mailbox turnouts, backfilling shoulders, seeding, and repairing silt fences along the left and right sides of miles one and two.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing base repair operations on FM 2358 and overlay operations on FM2194 from FM 903 to FM 36. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on I-30 and guard rail repair at various locations around Hunt County. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing seal coat prep work on FM 36 from SH276 to I-30 frontage road. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations on various roadways. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Sulphur Springs Woman Jailed On US Marshals Warrant
Sulphur Springs Man, Louisiana Woman Booked On Felony Warrants
Three people were arrested on one felony warrant each, including a Sulphur Springs woman jailed on a US Marshals warrant, a Sulphur Springs man and Louisiana woman were also booked into jail on felony warrants.
Marshals Warrant
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Dustin Green and Thad Cook reported stopping a Jeep Patriot early Saturday morning, April 23, 2022, on Elm Street for a traffic violation. A records check by communications operators revealed that occupant Tiffany Shunta Gasaway had an outstanding warrant for her arrest.
The 36-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was taken into custody at 1:19 a.m. and booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:09 a.m. Saturday on the Marshals warrant for violation of probation on a smuggling aliens charge. Gasaway was held in the county jail late Saturday for the US Marshals Service, according to arrest reports.
Jail Arrest
Ennis Adam Coleman turned himself in at 11:15 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, at the county jail. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Justin Wilkerson was notified and escorted the 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man into Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 11:23 p.m. on a a burglary of a habitation warrant, as well as warrants for not taking care of speeding, failure to maintain financial responsibility and driving while license invalid charges.
He was released from jail Saturday, April 23, 2022 on a $25,000 bond on the second-degree felony burglary charge, which arrest reports show was alleged to have occurred on Oct. 20, 2021.
(Cooke County jail photo)
Jail Transfer
HCSO Deputy Terry Thompson took custody of Chelsey Nicole Cole at 9 a.m. and transported the 34-year-old Rain, Louisiana woman from Cooke County jail to Hopkins County.
Cole was booked into jail Friday morning, April 22, 2022 on a warrant for bond forfeiture on a June 9, 2021, possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, April 23, 2022, on the charge.
Como Man Accused Of Choking Woman While Holding Their Child
A 46-year-old Como man was accused early Saturday morning of choking a woman while holding their child, according to arrest and jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis, Thomas Patterson and Justin Wilkerson and Sgt. Scott Davis responded at 2:04 a.m. April 23, 2022, to a report of an assault on Jeffries Street in Como. Upon arrival, deputies were told the male resident had choked a female to the point she could not breath and push-kicked her in the back, causing her to fall to the ground. He was also allegedly holding their 4-year-old daughter while he committed the assault. The woman had visible injuries consistent with being choked, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
When talking with deputies, the male suspect allegedly admitted to drinking and did appear to the deputies to be intoxicated. The man, identified in arrests reports as Robert Joseph Hull, also admitted to shoving the woman to the ground, but claimed he only grabbed her by the shirt, which caused injuries to her neck, Deputy Davis noted in arrest reports.
Based on the woman’s injuries, the man’s admission to choking his child’s mother, and the allegation that he placed the child in danger of injury by holding her during the assault, Hull was taken into custody at 2:28 a.m. Saturday and transported to jail, deputies wrote in arrest reports.
The 46-year-old Como man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:06 a.m. April 23, 2022, on a family violence assault-impeding breathing and endangering a child charges. Hull, who is also noted in jail reports to be known by Robert Hall and Robert Hulls, remained in Hopkins County jail later Saturday; bond was set at $30,000 on the felony assault charge and $10,000 on the child endangerment charge.
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.
Pickton Man Located, Arrested 2 Days After Release From Jail Thanks To GPS Tracking Device
A 35-year-old Pickton man was located and arrested 2 days after his release from jail, thanks to a GPS tracking device, sheriff’s officers alleged in arrest reports.
Local authorities’ first encountered Mauro Lopez-Perez Tuesday evening, April 19, while Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Arturo Ugalde and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office investigators were conducting an investigation at a County Road 4208 residence. A man pulled into the driveway in a Dodge pickup, stepped out of the truck and identified himself as Mauro Lopez. Aware the 35-year-old Pickton man had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, which HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford reportedly had in hand at the time, Ugalde placed the man into custody at 7:30 p.m. April 19, 2022, and transported him to jail without incident.
Lopez-Perez was booked into Hopkins County jail at 8:09 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2022, on the outstanding injury to a child, elderly or disabled person charge. He was released from Hopkins County jail on that charge Wednesday, April 20, 2022; bond was set at $50,000, according to jail reports. He apparently also was required to wear a GPS tracking device.
An additional warrant was issued in the mean time for Lopez-Perez’s arrest on an additional charge, which was alleged to have occurred at the first of the month. HCSO officers used the GPS monitoring system, placed on Lopez-Perez due to the prior injury to a child charge, to track him to his place of employment on County Road 1080 Northwest in Franklin County Friday just two days after his release from custody. HCSO Deputies Elijah Fite and Zach Steward and, Sgt. Richard Greer contacted him and took him into custody at 10:40 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, on the charge on the warrant, Fite noted in arrest reports.
Mauro Lopez-Perez, in addition to Mauro Lopez was also noted in jail reports to be known by by Mauro Lopez-Lopez and Mauro Perez, was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:21 p.m. April 22, 2022 on the indecency with a child by exposure warrant. The 35-year-old Pickton man remained in Hopkins County jail April 23, 2022, in lieu of the $1 million bond set on the third-degree felony charge, according to Hopkins County jail 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.
Sulphur Springs Bustles With Activities Saturday
Sulphur Springs bustled with activities Saturday. A spring market, Earth Day Celebration, renovation of Kids Kingdom and a first responders event were among the many happenings on April 23, 2022 in Sulphur Springs.
Kids Kingdom
In Buford Park, volunteers began arriving early April 23, 2022, to get assignments to do their part to restore the playground for current and future generations of children to enjoy as much as youth have for the past 25 years. The Adult Leadership Class took the project on and welcomed all help.
Saturday is actually the second day of the community clean up effort. Numerous Sulphur Springs High School students, including members of FFA, Student Council and Key Club were joined by a group of high school seniors, and art and ag construction students, arrived Friday to help the Leadership Class kick things off performing numerous tasks to kick things off. The art students brightened things up, painting the dragon on one side of the play area.
Saturday, a 50-member team from Clayton Homes arrived to assist volunteers, Leadership members and workers from S-&-S and Pro Classic Painting advance the project. Also reported to be among the contributors were Bob Evans. Sponsors included Alliance and City National banks, Sherwin Williams and SSISD. Work included spreading soil and fresh mulch around the play area; replacing and repairing aging, broken or missing equipment; painting; and re-staining.
Although the volunteers weren’t able to update everything during the scheduled renovation event April 22-23, Kids Kingdom is by far a safer playground that the community came together to ensure children would be proud to play on.
Downtown
A few blocks away on Main Street and Gilmer Street, both the SSDBA’s Spring Market featured with various vendors setting up between 8 and 9 a.m. This offered everything from several different types of clothing from local shops to soap, jewelry, plants, home décor, services, carpentry work, cosmetics, quilts and quilting items, produce, edible treats, animals such as rabbits and goats, goat products, and specialty items.
People began strolling the market Main and Gilmer Streets, enjoying the local wears and offerings from local merchants before 9 a.m. Foot traffic picked up as more people ventured downtown to do a bit of shopping during lunch to enjoy a meal at local restaurants or street vendors.
Just across the street on Celebration Plaza, people brought their kids to the Earth Day with the Plant Niche. Kids frolicked on the grass while adults visited the vendor booths offering everything from information on solar options to windchimes and other items made from items found in nature, plants, sweet treats, hair items rugs and a street taco vendor.
Trees were available for planting as were seeds for butterfly gardens and bee pollinators. Hopkins County Master Gardeners were on hand handing out goodies and information, and promoting their upcoming plant swap. Event Coordinator Erika Mayorga said this year was a good start she hopes to see grow annually with more people participating and taking an interest in Earth Day.
Pacific Park
Further to the east in Pacific Park, families and community members came out starting at 10 a.m. to get to know Sulphur Springs police and firefighters, and Hopkins County firefighters and EMS personnel and enjoy a tasty barbecue lunch free courtesy of the City of Sulphur Springs.
Families and neighbors walked over and other community members drove to the park.
Kids went home with bags of take-home goodies, jumped in the bounce house and checked out the Fitness Court and enjoyed touring fire trucks, ambulances, the police departments’ Polaris and looking into patrol vehicles. Youth also had an opportunity to enter a drawing by age category to win bikes donated as door prizes.
April 23-25 Is Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday In Texas
Natural disasters will continue to happen. Prepare yourself during the 2022 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday for emergencies that can cause physical damage like tornadoes, high winds, winter storms, flash floods and wildfires. Certain emergency preparation supplies can be purchases tax free this weekend during the sales tax holiday. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that may be purchased, and exemption certificates are not required to claim the exemption.
This year’s emergency supplies sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 25.
What Qualifies For Tax Exemption?
The following emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price of:
- Less than $3000
- Portable generators
- Less than $300
- Emergency ladders
- Hurricane shutters
- Less than $75
- Axes
- Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
- Can openers – nonelectric
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Coolers and ice chests for food storage – nonelectric
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kits
- Fuel containers
- Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
- Hatchets
- Ice products – reusable and artificial
- Light sources – portable self-powered (including battery operated)
- Examples of items include: candles, flashlights and lanterns
- Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
- Radios – portable self-powered (including battery operated) – includes two-way and weather band radios
- Smoke detectors
- Tarps and other plastic sheeting
Note: Several over-the-counter self-care items, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes, are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a “Drug Facts” panel in accordance with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
Supplies That Are NOT Tax Exempt
The following supplies do not qualify for tax exemption during the April 23-25, 2022 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday:
- Medical masks and face masks
- Cleaning supplies, such as disinfectants and bleach wipes
- Gloves, including leather, fabric, latex and types used in healthcare
- Toilet paper
- Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles
- Camping stoves
- Camping supplies
- Chainsaws
- Plywood
- Extension ladders
- Stepladders
- Tents
- Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies
- Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies
Online Purchases and Telephone Orders
During the holiday qualifying emergency preparation supplies may be purchased in-store, online, by telephone, mail, custom order, or any other means. However, the sale of the item must take place during the specific period. The purchase date is easy to determine when the purchase is made in-store, but becomes more complicated with remote purchases. The purchaser must have given the consideration for the item during the period, even if the item may not be delivered until after the period is over, according to Texas Comptroller’s Office.
For example, if a purchaser enters their credit card information in an online shopping website on Monday April 25, 2022 at 5 p.m.to purchase a qualifying generator, but the generator will not be shipped until Friday April 29, 2022 and will not arrive until Tuesday May 3, the purchase will still qualify for the exemption. However, if the charge to credit card is declined by the payment processor at 11 p.m. Monday April 25, 2022 and the purchaser does not resubmit payment until Tuesday April 26, the purchase is taxable.
Additional Charges Affect the Sales Price
The state comptroller’s office also notes that delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. If the total price exceeds the price limit on the item, sales tax will be due on that total.
For example, a rescue ladder is purchased for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, for a total sales price of $309. Because the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price.
Consumers should consider these charges when determining whether an emergency preparation supply can be purchased tax free during the holiday.
Sales Tax Holiday Refund Requests
Purchasers can buy certain emergency preparation supplies tax free during the annual Texas Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday. If sales tax is charged and paid on qualified items during the sales tax holiday, ask the seller for a refund of the tax paid. The seller can either grant the refund or provide a Form 00-985, Assignment of Right to Refund (PDF) that allows the purchaser to file the refund claim directly with the Comptroller’s office.
Visit the Comptroller’s Sales Tax Refunds web page for further details on filing a refund claim. Additional questions about refund requests may be directed to the Comptroller’s office at 800-531-5441, ext. 34545.
For more information, check out the Tax Help (https://comptroller.texas.gov/web-forms/tax-help/) link on the Comptroller’s website or call 1-800-252-5555.
