Jail Inspection, LED Light Renovations, Website Service Agreement Discussed By Commissioners
LED Light renovations for three county facilities, a website service agreement, recent jail inspection, and the Texas opioid multi-district litigation settlement agreement offers were discussed this week during the regular Hopkins County Commissioners Court meeting.
Jail Inspection
The Hopkins County jail received another exceptional rating of 100 during a recent Texas Commission on Jail Standards inspection, according to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum.
“I think we only had one technical and they had to find something bad. They added one more day to inmates that got in trouble so, they had them in there for 6 days instead of 5,” Tatum said.
The jail inspector was also very pleased with the jail’s nurse to the point they would like to use her protocols, especially handling of inmates medications, to train personnel at other jails, the sheriff noted.
When asked about a comment the inspector made as he was leaving the jail facility, Tatum said he commented that the jail “looks better now than it did when we moved into it, cleaner that it was when it was brand new.” The sheriff attributed that to Jail Administrator Kenneth Dean’s leadership.
“Congratulations, Sheriff,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said.
LED Light Renovations
Grants Consultant Beth Wisenbaker told Hopkins County Commissioners Court that the county had learned the grant the county sought to help fund renovation of the historic Hopkins County Courthouse, County Annex Building and AgriLife Extension building had increased by 10% to $77,660. The county is required as part of the terms to provide a 20% match, which is a little higher than usual. The total amount would be $93,192.
“The bid we have in is $88,250, so we’re covered. Probably the most we would have to be out is $15,000, but that may come down a little. I’ve got the number to Shannah (Aulsbrook, the county auditor). so there might be a little slide in there. I might be thinking exact numbers,” Wisenbaker said, recommending that the court accept the grant and bid.
“Plus, we pay 20%,” Newsom said.
Aulsbrook noted that the only bid the county has received for the project is from National LED, the only company that attended a mandatory pre-bid meeting.
Wisenbaker said even with approval, the county is still waiting to receive a letter from Texas Historical Commission that would detract from the renovated historic courthouse or the other two buildings, which are not listed as historic.
She said essentially, THC just wants to ensure the change won’t change the overall historic look of the structure. All are aware that the courthouse did not have lighting when first constructed. THC wants to ensure the two other buildings aren’t historical, and if they are that changing the lighting in the three buildings won’t change any historic feature of the building.
Tom Glosup also reported that National LED has been in contact with Texas Historical Commission and has been told THC has no problem with the planned renovation. A letter from THC is needed, however, to move forward with the project. Local officials are still waiting for the documents granting an exemption to all three buildings to arrive. Glosup said he’d spoke with the head guy at the lighting company earlier that morning, and he indicated the company was ready to go with the product the business manufactures as soon as the documentation is dispatched properly.
The motion, made by Anglin and seconded by Bartley, to replace current lighting with LED lighting throughout the courthouse, Extension Office and County Annex Building was approved, contingent on the THC approval and grant.
Newsom asked Wisenbaker to please let him and the other members of the Commissioners Court know as soon as she hears from THC regarding the project.
“This is going to help us a lot, but we’ve go more buildings to do,” the county judge said. “We need to get all LED across the board as soon as we can.”
Opioid Lawsuit
Following an executive session that lasted about 30 minutes, called so that the court could confer with their attorney about settlement offers related to the opioid lawsuit filed several years ago and what’s come out of it so far. Newsom asked the county treasurer and auditor to join the court and attorney for the closed session.
Jack Walker, an attorney, whose firm Martin Walker, PC, in Tyler, along with Simon Greenstone Panatier of Dallas, are involved with the county in the ongoing opioid litigation.
“Today, we are here to seek three settlements that we have reached with three defendants in the case — Endo Pharmaceuticals; Teva Pharmaceuticals; and what we call the Big 3 Contributors, McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen. We are seeking authorization for the settlement of the case and to authorize the county judge’s signature on a Texas release form and participation form that allows us to effectually settle it,” Walker said during the Feb. 28 Commissioner Court meeting.
With no further further discussion, the court agreed to the request authorizing Newsom to execute the order regarding settlement offers in the matter of Texas opioid multi-district litigation for the county in the matter of County Of Hopkins V. Purdue Pharma, Inc., Et Al., MDL Pretrial Cause No. 2018-63587, In The 152nd District Court Of Harris County, Texas.
Weaver Ranch Plat
A request was made for a final plat for Weaver Ranch. County Clerk Tracy Smith said her office has all of the paperwork that accompanies the request, and the person making the request has been in touch with Fire Marshal Andy Ensley and county officials regarding the request. The property is about 55-acres with no infrastructure, located off county roads, consisting of 8 lots, one of which has a home on the property. The business behind it has already receive approval from the water and electric companies, and taxes are figured. The property is north of Weaver Baptist Church on County Rod 3528.
Commissioner Wade Bartley said he’d met with the developer, and commended him for doing “everything asked of him in a timely manner” so that the final plat can be approved so the project can proceed with the vision for it.
With no further discussion Bartley then made a motion, which Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price seconded, to approve the final plat request for Weaver Ranch property as presented. The motion received approval of the members of the court present at the Feb. 28, 2022 meeting; Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker was unable to attend due to illness.
Newsom then offered thanks to the developer for building homes in Hopkins County.
Budget Amendment
Aulsbrook asked the Commissioners Court to approve a budget amendment for Precinct 4. She explained that initially, the insurance company wasn’t sure what status they would place a wrecked county vehicle on when it was put in the shop in October following a crash.
Precinct 4 received $4,674.38 in insurance funds at that time. That amount was moved back into the Precinct 4 budget in October. Since then, the insurance company has deemed the vehicle as a total loss, which resulted in an additional insurance payment of $2,575.62, increasing the total amount received from insurance to $7,250. Aulsbrook said with approval, that amount would be put back in the Precinct 4 machinery and equipment fund.
Price made a motion, which Anglin seconded, to approve the budget amendment. The motion passed.
Other Items
Another item on the agenda was for a website service agreement with Texas Association of County, CIRA (County Information Resources Agency), an organization which provides services and resources to Texas counties and local governments, including email and website hosting. Aulsbrook said she had not seen the paperwork, but TAC CIRA is who the county website is through. Bartley made a motion, seconded by Anglin to approve the website service agreement; it was approved by the court.
The court acknowledged for the official record, kept by the County Clerk’s Office, that the Pine Forest Solar farm has been purchased by a subsidiary of Clearway Energy Group.
Newsom also recognize on record Homeland Security Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Kristy Springfield and Fire Marshal Andy Endsley for successfully completing the Pipeline Emergency Response and Damage Prevention Training Program held January 12, 2022, in Sulphur Springs. Springfield also completed a Spotter Training Program presented by the National Weather Service on February 18, 2022.
The Commissioners Court also approved as part of the consent agenda the meeting and special work session minutes from Jan. 24-Feb. 14, 2022; a request from Farmers Electric Cooperative Inc. to construct electrical power distribution facility across County Road 1155, south of County Road 1118 in Precinct 1; a request from Spectrum Gulf Coast LLC to construction power distribution facilities in the County Road 1120 right-of-way and County Road 1142 in Precinct 1; and a request from Spectrum/Charter to construct and place an underground conduit on County Roads 1117, 1127, 1123 and 1125 in Precinct 1, as well as on County Road 4719 in Precinct 4.
Republican, Democratic Party Primary Election Results For March 1, 2022
While some US and state races for party nominations were determined in the March 1 Primary Elections, others will require a runoff election in May to determine whose name will be on November ballots. The local candidates for county officers ran unopposed for their party’s nomination and face no challengers from the other party either.
County Elections
Below are the votes received for local county offices held by the candidates, who drew no opponents:
- County Chair Democratic Party Tommy Long – 457 total votes: 84 absentee, 180 early voting and 189 election day, with 56 undervotes.
- County Judge Robert Newsom, Republican – 3,326 total votes: 71 absentee, 1,164 early voting, 2,091 election day, with 447 undervotes.
- County Court-At-Law Judge Clay Harrison, Republican – 3,240 total votes: 63 absentee, 1,146 early and 031 Election Day, with 533 undervotes.
- District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher, Republican – 3,218 total votes:64 absentee, 1,138 early and 2,016 Election Day, with 555 undervotes.
- County Clerk Tracy Orr Smith, Republican – 3,169 total votes: 62 absentee, 1,116 early and 1,990 Election Day, with 605 undervotes.
- County Treasurer Danny Davis, Republican – 3,154 total votes: 66 absentee, 1,114 early and 1,974 Election Day, with 619 undervotes.
- County Commissioner Precinct 2 Greg Anglin, Republican – 728 total votes: 15 absentee, 234 early and 479 Election Day, with 118 undervotes.
- County Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Price, Republican – 838 total votes: 13 absentee, 273 early and 552 Election Day, with 124 undervotes.
- Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 BJ Teer, Republican – 1,600 total votes: 34 absentee, 571 early and 995 Election Day, with 269 undervotes.
- Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Brad Cummings, Republican – 1,653 total votes; 31 absentee, 571 early and 1,045 Election Day, with 251 undervotes.
- County Chair Republican Party Donnie W. Wisenbaker – 3,165 total votes: 64 absentee, 1,127 early and 1,974 Election Day, with 608 undervotes.
US Representative District 4
Republican Pat Fallon will face Democrat Iro Omere for the US District seat in November.
Omere, unopposed March 1 on the Democratic ballot, received 15,295 votes state-wide, including 407 in Hopkins County (74 by absentee ballot, 153 during early voting and 178 on Election Day).
Republican Pat Fallon, however, had two opponents for the Republican nomination for US District 4 Representative. Fallon received 2,359 votes, John E. Harper 439 votes (and Dan Thomas 627 votes in Hopkins County. Across District 4, Fallon received 41,049 total votes, which accounted for 58.92 percent of the overall ballots cast. Harper received 7,526 (10.08%) and Thomas 21,089 votes (30.27%).
State Representative District 2
Incumbent Bryan Slaton received 85.09% and Clyde Bostick 14,91% of Republican votes for District 2 State Representative in Hopkins County. Across District 2, Slaton received 82.37% (16,557 votes) and Bostick 17.63% (3,543 votes) of the overall votes cast by Republicans. The Democratic Party did not have a nominee for this race, so it appears Slaton will be elected to another term in office.
State Senator District 1
Bryan Hughes, the Republican incumbent, drew no opponents for the Republican nomination for State Senator District 1, but did receive 3,017 votes in Hopkins County and 87,905 total votes across the district, which includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Hopkins, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Panola, Red River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur and Wood counties.
Governor
Republican incumbent Greg Abbott will face Democrat Beto O’Rourke the November Election for Governor.
O’Rourke received 92.39% (948,590) of overall votes cast for the Democratic nomination for Texas Governor, including 457 of the 491 Democratic votes cast in Hopkins County for Governor. Inocencio (Inno) Barrientez received 1.24% (12,873 total votes, 2 in Hopkins County), Michael Cooper 3.04% (31,619 total, 16 Hopkins County), Joy Diaz 3.18% (948,590 total, 11 Hopkins County) and Rich Wakeland 1.24% (12,839 total, 3 Hopkins County) of overall votes cast by Democrats for Governor.
Abbott received a total of 66.54% (1,266,726 total votes) to secure the Republican Party nomination for Governor, including 2,650 (70.76%) of the 3,745 Republican votes cast in Hopkins Count . Challenger Paul Belew received 0.57% (10,927 total votes, 9 in Hopkins County) of the Republican votes cast in Texas, Danny Harrison 0.55% (10,445 total, 11 Hopkins County), Kandy Kaye Horne 1.2% (22,930 total, 22 Hopkins County), Don Huffines 11.84% (225,491 total 369 Hopkins County), Rick Perry 3.2% (60,952 total, 55 Hopkins County), Chad Prather 3.82% (72,719 total, 220 Hopkins) and Allen B. West the next closest with 12.27% (233,560 total and 409 Hopkins County) of overall votes for the Republican nomination for Governor.
Lt. Governor
Incumbent Dan Patrick received 76.51 percent of all Republican nominations for lieutenant governor, including 2,937 of the overall 3,605 Republican votes cast in Hopkins County for the office. In November, Patrick will face either Mike Collier or Michelle Beckley, who it appears are headed to a May runoff for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.
Collier received 41.69% (407,250 overall votes), Michelle Beckley 30.23% (295,318 votes) and Carla Brailey’s 28.09% (274,383 votes) of votes across the state for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. In Hopkins County, Collier received 232 votes (49.89%), Beckley 140 votes (20.11%) and Brailey 93 votes (20%).
Republican candidate Trayce Bradford received 6.5% (118,339 votes overall, including 2,937 in Hopkins County) of the overall votes across the state for lieutenant governor, Todd M. Bullis 2.3% (41,803 overall votes, 44 in Hopkins County), Daniel Miller 6.82% (123,561 votes, 248 Hopkins County), Aaron Sorrells 3.95% (71,575 votes, 122 Hopkins County votes), and Zach Vance 3.87% (70,019 votes, 94 Hopkins County).
Attorney General
The Attorney General’s race is another that will require May runoffs for both parties, between Garza and Merritt for the Democratic nomination, and between incumbent Ken Paxton and challenger George P. Bush.
Among the five Democratic Party candidates for AG, Rochekle Mercedes Garza received 43.26% of overall votes (427,855 votes, 125 in Hopkins County), with Joe Jaworski and Lee Merritt in second and third place following the March 1, 2022 Party Primary Elections. Jaworski received 19.62% (194,290 votes, 88 in Hopkins County) of overall Democratic ballots cast in the AG’s Election, Merritt 19.39% (192,022 total, 117 in Hopkins County). Challenger Mike Fields also received 12.28% (121,580 votes, 101 Hopkins County), and S. “TBone” Raynor 5.49% (54,315 votes, 30 Hopkins County).
Paxton received 42.66% (801,368 votes, 1,683 in Hopkins County) of the overall votes cast by Republicans for the Attorney General nomination. George P. Bush received 22.82% (428,682 votes, 861 Hopkins County) of overall votes cast in the Republican AG Election, Eva Guzman 17.46 percent (328,026 votes, 518 Hopkins County) and Louie Gohmert 17.06% (428,682 votes, 646 Hopkins County).
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Incumbent Glenn Hegar easily took the Republican nomination for Comptroller of Public Accounts, receiving 81.65% (1,350,175 total and 2,734 votes in Hopkins County) of the overall Republican votes cast in Texas on March 1, 2022 to challenger Mark V. Goloby’s 18.35% (303,376 total votes, 568 in Hopkins County).
Democrats Janet T. Dudding and Angel Luis Vega appear to be headed for a May runoff for the party’s nomination for Comptroller of Public Accounts. Dudding received 46.05% and Vega 34.78% of the overall votes cast across the state, with Tim Mahoney receiving 19.18%. That’s 438,953 overall votes and 194 votes in Hopkins County for Dudding, 331,502 overall votes and 83 Hopkins County votes for Vega. Mahoney received 182,804 overall votes including 164 Hopkins County votes for the Democratic nomination for Comptroller.
Commissioner of the General Land Office
With four Democratic candidates and eight Republican candidates, no one candidate in either party garnered 50% or more of the votes from their party.
Dawn Buckingham lead Republican candidates with 41.79% of overall ballots cast (660,651 total, 1,243 in Hopkins County) for Land Office Commissioner. Tim Westley received 14.82% (234,279 total, 420 Hopkins) of Republican votes for Land Commissioner, Jon Spiers received 12.63% (199,717 votes, 322 in Hopkins County), Don W. Minton 10.61% (167,806 total, 448 Hopkins), Victor Avila 7.55% (119,436 total, 150 Hopkins), Weston Martinez 6.56% (103,747 total, 202 Hopkins) and Rufus Lopez 6.56% (48,253 total, 67).
Sandragrace Martinez received 32.03% (306,921 total, 99 Hopkins) of the Democratic votes for Commissioner of the General Land Office. Jay Klebert received 25.85% (247,675 votes, 194 Hopkins), Jinny Suh 21.9% (209,871 votes, 81 Hopkins), and Michael Lange 20.22% (193,781 votes, 65 Hopkins) for the Democratic nomination for land commissioner.
Commissioner of Agriculture
Democrat Susan Hayes will face Republican Sid Miller in the November election for Commissioner of Agriculture.
Hays secured the Democratic nomination for Commissioner of Agriculture, receiving 82.75% of the overall votes cast, 790,459 overall, including 124 Hopkins County votes. Ed Ireson received 17.25 % of the overall Democratic votes for Ag Commissioner; that’s 164,794 overall votes, including 124 Hopkins County votes.
Miller appears to have secured the Republican nomination for Ag Commissioner with 58.52% of the overall vote, compared to James White’s 31.08% and Carey A. Counsil’s 10.4%. That’s 969,504 total votes for Miller, including 2,036 by Hopkins County Republicans; 514,996 votes for White, 1,055 from Hopkins County; and 172,334 for Counsil,200 from Hopkins County.
Railroad Commissioner
Of the five candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Railroad Commissioner, incumbent Wayne Christian received 47.13% or 754,115 of the overall votes, including 1,259 cast in Hopkins County. Sarah Stogner was the next closest with 229,285 votes overall (741 in Hopkins County), giving her 15.15% of votes. Finishing third for Railroad Commissioner was Tom Slocum Jr., who garnered 14.22% overall, with 229,285 total votes (527 Hopkins). Marvin “Sarge” Summers received 11.9% with 190,457 votes (454 Hopkins) and Dawayne Tipton 11.49% with 183,820 votes (350 Hopkins).
A runoff appears to be imminent for Christian and Stogner for the Republican nomination for Railroad Commissioner. The winner will face incumbent Luke Warford, a Democrat, in November. Warford received 894,859 votes on March 1, 2022, including 427 in Hopkins County.
Supreme Court Justices
Place 9 is the only Supreme Court Justice seat on primary ballots that had more than one candidate seeking the party nomination.
Incumbent Evan Young was challenged by David Schenck for the Republican party nomination for Place 9 Justice on the the Supreme Court. Young carried the majority with 54.79% (838,722 votes, 1,907 cast in Hopkins County) of overall Republican votes cast in the election to Schenck’s 42.21 percent (1,483,440 votes, 1,907 cast in Hopkins County).
Young will face Democrat Julia Maldonado in the November Election for Place 9 Justice of the Supreme Court. Maldonado received 900,254 total votes, including 423 votes cast in Hopkins County.
As no opposed raised developed in either party for Supreme Court Justices for places 3 and 5, the following match ups will be on November ballots:
- Place 3
- Republican Debra Lehrmann, incumbent – 1,500,101 total votes, including 3,030 cast in Hopkins County
- Democrat Erin A. Nowell – 892,387 total votes, including 424 Hopkins County votes
- Place 5
- Republican Rebeca Huddle, incumbent – 1,483,440 total votes, including 2,975 in Hopkins County
- Democrat Amanda Reichek – 892,098 total votes, including 424 from Hopkins County
Court of Criminal Appeals Judges
Incumbent Mary Lou Keel not only had no Republican challenger for Place 2 Judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals, there was no Democratic candidate for the office. Keel received 2,948 votes in the March 1 Party Primary Election.
Incumbent Scott Walker received 55.82% of votes to Clint Morgan’s 43.3% votes, securing the Republican nomination for Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5 Judge. Walker received 875,779 total votes, including 1,665 from Hopkins County Republicans while Morgan received 668,787 votes, including 1,138 from Hopkins County voters.
In November, Walker will face Dana Huffman, who drew no opponent for the Democratic Party nomination for Place 5 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge on March 1; Huffman received in 889,800 votes, including 429 cast in Hopkins County.
The primary elections for Place 6 Judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals drew one candidate per party, who will face each other in November. They include:
- Place 6
- Democrat Robert Johnson – 884,508 votes overall, 428 from Hopkins County.
- Republican Jesse F. McClure, III – 1,458,110 total votes, 2,893 in Hopkins County.
6th Court Of Appeals District Chief Justice
Scott E. Stevens was unopposed on the Republican Party ballot for 6th Court of Appeals District Chief Justice. Stevens received 2,935 votes in Hopkins County and 69,552 total votes across the district.
State Board of Education District 12
Roberto Velasco received 257 votes in Hopkins County to Alex Cornwallis’ 185 votes for the Democratic nomination for State Board of Education, District 12. Across the district, Velasco received 27,053 votes giving him 48.59% to Cornwallis’ 28,624, giving him 51.41% overall.
Pam Little had no Republican opponent for the State Board of Education District 12 seat. She received 2,899 votes in Hopkins County, and 120,905 across the district.
District 12 includes Bowie, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar and Red River counties.
Statewide Propositions
Republicans statewide were asked to also cast ballots on 10 propositions:
- Proposition 1 – In light of the federal government’s refusal to defend the southern border, Texas should immediately deploy the National Guard, Texas Military Forces, and necessary State Law Enforcement to seal the border, enforce immigration laws, and deport illegal aliens.
- Yes – 1.741,272 total votes (92.21%)
- No – 147,015 total votes (7.79%)
- Proposition 2 – Texas should eliminate all property taxes within ten (10) years without implementing a state income tax.
- Yes – 1,393,522 Total votes (75.67%)
- No – 447,980 Total votes (24.33%)
- Proposition 3 – Texans should not lose their jobs, nor should students be penalized, for declining a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Yes – 1,676,536 (88.58%)
- No – 216,254 (11.43%)
- Proposition 4 – Texas schools should teach students basic knowledge and American exceptionalism and reject critical race theory and other curricula that promote Marxist doctrine and encourage division based on creed, race, or economic status.
- Yes – 1,710,903 Total votes (91.1%)
- No – 167,242 Total votes (8.9%)
- Proposition 5 – Texas should enact a state constitutional amendment to defend the sanctity of innocent human life, created in the image of god, from fertilization until natural death.
- Yes – 1546,858 Total votes (83.3%)
- No – 310,088 Total votes (16.7%)
- Proposition 6 – The republican-controlled Texas Legislature should end the practice of awarding committee chairmanships to Democrats.
- Yes – 1,487,737 Total votes (81.29%)
- No – 342,449 Total votes (18.71%)
- Proposition 7 – Texas should protect the integrity of our elections by verifying that registered voters are American citizens, restoring felony penalties and enacting civil penalties for vote fraud, and fighting any federal takeover of state elections.
- Yes – 1,811,210 Total votes (95.71%)
- No – 81,205 Total votes (4.29%)
- Proposition 8 Texas should ban chemical castration, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and genital mutilation surgery on all minor children for sex transition purposes.
- Yes – 1,738,040 Total votes (92.56%)
- No – 139,718 Total votes (7.44%)
- Proposition 9 Texas parents and guardians should have the right to select schools, whether public or private, for their children, and the funding should follow the student.
- Yes – 1,614,623 Total votes (87.53%)
- No – 139,718 Total votes (7.44%)
- Proposition 10 Texans affirm that our freedoms come from god and that the government should have no control over the conscience of individuals.
- Yes – 1,725,148 Total votes (92.47%)
- No – 138,529 Total votes (7.43%)
Texas High Rallies, Beats Lady Cats Soccer 2-1
Women’s soccer led 1-0 at the half before giving up two goals en route to a 2-1 loss to Texas High on Tuesday, Mar. 1
Kylie Clark scored thanks to a perfectly placed kick on an even better corner from Haylee Schultz.
Unfortunately for the Lady Cats, their excitement didn’t last long as the visiting Lady Tigers put in two unanswered in the second period to beat Sulphur Springs 2-1 on Tuesday.
The loss on Mar. 1 officially eliminates women’s soccer from postseason contention.
After Tuesday’s loss to Texas High Coach Javier Aguayo’s team are now four games back of the Lady Tigers, Mount Pleasant and Pine Tree (all 5-4) with just three games to go.
Tuesday’s loss drops the Lady Cats’ record to 4-14-1 overall (1-8 district).
Next up, Sulphur Springs is back on the road in Marshall on Friday, Mar. 4.
That game kicks off at Maverick Stadium on Friday at 7:15 P.M.
With women’s soccer officially eliminated from playoffs, next Tuesday’s Senior Night contest against Hallsville now is their season-finale.
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.
March 2 Chamber Connection – 2022 Leadership Class Project Will Be To Rehab Kids Kingdom
By Butch Burney
Lights. Stain. Action.
If you grew up in Hopkins County or now have kids or grandkids, you have no doubt visited and played at Kids Kingdom. Now, it’s time to give back.
The 2022 Leadership Class has adopted the rehabilitation of Kids Kingdom, everyone’ favorite playground at Buford Park, as its class project. And just like when it was constructed in 1995, everyone is invited to help.
The Leadership Class has designated the weekend of April 22-24 as the work days to re-stain all the wood in Kids Kingdom. It will be professionally power washed before that weekend to prepare for the staining.
The class is also planning to replace and/or repair the equipment, such as the handicap swing, chains, swings, tires, etc. for the playground, restore the ground mulch and install lighting for safety and security.
The class needs your help not only with the physical part of the restoration but also the financial part. A cornhole tournament and silent auction is scheduled for March 26 at Backstory Brewery. There are also sponsorship levels for businesses/corporations that might want to pay for specific items for Kids Kingdom.
For cornhole registration or sponsorship, go to the chamber website at HopkinsChamber.org or call the chamber at 903-885-6515.
There will also be a grand re-opening hamburger lunch sometime in May when the work is complete.
Thanks in advance for helping showing love to Kids Kingdom.
Tee It Up
Get your registration in now for the 33rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, coming to Sulphur Springs Country Club on Friday, April 8.
Last year, we had 35 teams participate in the fun day of golfing, and we hope to have more this year. The tournament format is a six-person scramble, with the low net team putting their names on the trophy.
There are two tee times: 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The morning group is limited to 18 teams, while the afternoon group can have 25 teams maximum. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Register early to get your choice of tee times.
Registration is $750 per team, and that includes three carts, 12 mulligans, six meals, range balls, company banner on hole No. 1 and sponsor list recognition. There are also opportunities to contribute goody bag items, hole sponsorships and for interactive hole sponsorships.
To register, go to the Chamber website at HopkinsChamber.org or call the office at 903-885-6515.
Patriot Sporting Challenge
The 4th Annual Lake Fork Patriot Sporting Challenge will be the day after the Chamber Golf Tournament, so you can make it a whole sporting weekend.
The Patriot Sporting Challenge, on April 9, is a special one-day event benefiting the families of military heroes with a morning competition of shooting, golfing and fishing and an even celebration of patriotism.
Each four-person team competes in two of the sporting challenges (shooting, golfing and fishing), and they all come together that evening at the Hopkins County Civic Center for a dinner and address from keynote speaker Greg Stube, Green Beret. Following that, there will be a concert/dance by Cooper Wade and band.
All proceeds from the event go to the Folds of Honor, a nonprofit providing education scholarships to the children and spouses of those killed or disabled in action.
For more information, go to PatriotSportingChallenge.org, email [email protected] or text to 817-296-8985.
Marketing Strategy
Marketing expert Melissa Forziat will be in Sulphur Springs on Thursday, March 31, for an in-person presentation on how to Create a Profitable Marketing Strategy. Her visit is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center at Paris Junior College.
Forziat will speak at 5 p.m. March 31, at City Hall. There is no charge for the event, but registration is requested. To sign-up, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
The session will talk about how to build a marketing funnel for your business to grow the relationships with your audience and generate more sales. You will discover how to build more sales, referrals and loyalty from your audience.
Grow and Go
The Chamber has a vacancy in one of our Grow and Go offices. The Grow and Go is a business incubator that is designed to help small businesses get off the ground.
The 10 ½ x 12 ½ office is housed in the Chamber building at 110 Main Street. The rent is $250 per month for the first year, and that price includes use of the Chamber wifi and printer.
If you’re interested, contact me at [email protected] or call 903-885-6515.
Blood Drive
Carter BloodCare bus will parked in the CHRISTUS’ front parking lot for local blood donations on Tuesday, March 15, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. As a thank you, all donors will receive a stainless steel water bottle while supplies last.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, contact Patricia Wilson at 903-438-4380 or call/text 800-366-2834.
Health Seminar
In partnership with CHRISTUS Health, Columbia Lodge #81 invites you to attend an event aimed to build a community that is more secure, productive, healthy, and hopeful. We will have local experts speaking on a variety of health-related topics that will educate and empower community members to take charge of their own health and well-being.
The event will be held Saturday, March 12, from 8 a.m. to noon at the HW Grays Building at Pacific Park, 413 Beckham Street in Sulphur Springs. This event is free to anyone, and everyone is welcome.
For more information, contact Bryan Vaughn at [email protected].
Business of the Week
Rhythmic Productions and owner Calvin Hickerson are the Business of the Week for March 2. Keep up with our Business of the Week by following the Chamber on Instagram, Facebook and by visiting our website.
Wildcats Soccer Beats Texas High 3-2
Men’s soccer got a much-needed win Tuesday, Mar. 1 to stay in the hunt for the 3 seed.
Sulphur Springs beat Texas High in Texarkana 3-2 on Tuesday thanks to two big penalty kicks for the Wildcats.
Alex Yanez scored the first goal of the game thanks to a PK.
Yanez was not alone, as Edgar Salazar put one in on a PK as well to give Sulphur Springs the edge in the 3-2 victory.
Salazar also assisted on a goal, with Bryan Gonzalez scoring the second goal for the Wildcats.
The win on Tuesday, Mar. 1 snaps a 3-game losing skid for men’s soccer.
Men’s soccer coach Alexi Upton said Tuesday’s win in Texarkana was a great one. The win over Texas High gives Sulphur Springs a 5-14-2 overall record (4-5 district).
More crucially, Tuesday’s win gives the Wildcats a great chance to end their regular season as the 3 seed headed into the playoffs.
For now, Coach Upton and his squad shift their focus to Marshall, whom they host on Friday.
That game kicks off at Gerald Prim Stadium on Friday, Mar. 4 at 7:15 P.M. Friday’s home match versus Marshall is Teacher Appreciation Night.
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.
Wildcats Basketball Hits Third-Round Roadblock in 42-32 Regional Quarterfinal Loss to Lufkin
Sulphur Springs saw their basketball season come to an end to Lufkin 42-32 on Tuesday, Mar. 1.
The loss in the Regional Quarterfinal to the Panthers ended men’s basketball’s postseason run.
In a game reminiscent of the Grit ’n’ Grind era of basketball, both teams struggled to make shots early as defense proved to be the victor early.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s team led 17-14 at the half.
While both teams struggled to sink buckets in the first two quarters, that changed in a big way in the third as the Panthers pounded away getting 14 points, matching their first half total output.
Sulphur Springs continued to struggle finding a rhythm, ultimately costing them a potential victory as they scored just 15 points the rest of the way en route to a 42-32 loss in the Regional Quarterfinals.
Scoring came at a premium for men’s basketball in the third round loss thanks to an athletic and talented defense Lufkin possesses.
Senior Justin Haire in his final game suiting up for the Wildcats led the way with 12 points, followed closely by Kordrick Turner at 11. Juniors Branson Lynn Malachi Myles rounded out scoring with seven and two points, respectively.
It was a disappointing end to an otherwise fantastic season.
Men’s basketball end their season with a 28-10 (10-2 district) record, with Sulphur Springs winning their first district championship in three seasons. The Wildcats won their Bi-District and Area playoff matches before falling in the Regional Quarterfinal to Lufkin.
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.
Announcing This Year’s Mr. and Miss Paris Junior College
Photo cutline 1:
Nominees for 2022 Mr. and Miss PJC are shown before the ceremony. From left are Seth Daugherty, Rachel Roebuck, Beau Brewer, Stephanie Sanders, Sean Curtis, Stephanie Chico, Justin Eudy, Jessika Roberts, Brandon Matkin (standing in as escort for Connor Kirkley, who was not present), and Jayda Carter.
Photo cutline 2:
2022 Mr. and Miss PJC Jessika Roberts and Beau Brewer are shown after being crowned.
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.
Columbia Lodge, CHRISTUS Hospital Hosting Community Health Day
Columbia Lodge #81 and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs are partnering to host a Community Health Day. This event, originally planned for January, is to be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 12, 2022, in the HW Grays Building in Pacific Park, 413 Beckham Street in Sulphur Springs.
The event is “aimed to build a community that is more secure, productive, healthy, and hopeful.” All are invited to attend. Local experts will speak on “a variety of health-related topics that will educate and empower community members to take charge of their own health and well-being.”
Among the topics to be discussed are internal medicine, orthopedics, mental health, GI and cardiology.
Lipid panel, blood glucose and PSA testing will be available. Those planning to take advantage of these tests should fast before the event in order to obtain the most accurate test results.
Wildcats Baseball Falls to North Lamar 8-4
Baseball teed off their lone regular season contest in Paris, but fell to North Lamar 8-4 on Monday, Feb. 28.
The Panthers put runs on the board early, scoring their first of eight in the bottom of the first thanks to a double and helped by two wild pitches from the Wildcats.
In the top of the 3rd Sulphur Springs capitalized on errors committed by North Lamar to the tune of three walks and two Wildcats hit by pitches.
After a couple of strikeouts Coach Jerrod Hammock’s team headed into the bottom of the 3rd leading 2-1.
The Panthers struck back, putting up three more runs in the bottom frame of the 3rd to lead 4-2.
While the Wildcats scored a run in the top of the 4th to pull back within one at 4-3, North Lamar scored four runs over the fifth and sixth innings to pull ahead for good with a final score of 8-4.
Colby Albritton got the loss in Paris, pitching four innings and giving up nine hits and six runs, 5 of which were earned. He walked three and struck out one batter in Paris.
Albritton led the way in hitting, notching two hits and walked once versus North Lamar. Second baseman Moore walked twice and crossed home twice as well.
Colt Silman and RF Stroud were the other two batters with hits, and Stroud, Matthew Mitchell, Brady Driver, and Matthew Sherman all got RBIs in the loss to the Panthers.
The loss Monday drops baseball’s season record to 1-2.
Next up, Coach Jerrod Hammock and his team are next in a action Thursday in their second tournament of the season.
The first contest Thursday has the Wildcats taking on Naaman Forest in the Wylie East tournament at 12 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – Feb. 21-27, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department provided the following media report for the week of Feb. 21-27, 2022:
Arrests
- Aaron Bennett, 34 years of age, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested on Feb. 21, 2022, for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance; possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance; resisting arrest, search or transport; and a Hopkins County warrant for violation of probation-aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
- Clifford A. Plant, 62 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Feb. 23, 2022, for driving while license invalid with previous convictions.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 124 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 25 citations and 35 warnings during this reporting period.
