Hopkins County Court Set to Grant Another Tax Abatement for Another Solar Power Plant
August 25, 2024 – During a regular meeting of the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court set for August 26th, one agenda item will be for the court to consider a tax abatement for Sligsol, LLC on a 515 acre solar farm to be built on County Road 4725. A public notice with limited information was posted on the Hopkins County website in early July, but detailed information about the project has been difficult to obtain for KSST News. The one-page public notice listed the value of the project at $108,000,000 in improvements on a 515 acre tract of land “located in western Hopkins County, north of Cumby and Interstate 30.” The public notice also stated that “the draft abatement agreement and a list of corresponding property owners, parcels, and legal descriptions are provided in the attachments to this public notice” The above referenced documents were, in fact, not attached to the public notice and were not available on the Hopkins County website. Obtaining copies of this information turned into a scavenger hunt for KSST News as several phone calls to county officials resulted in being told to call someone else. KSST News, was finally able to get the supporting documentation from Jeff Snowden, a consultant who has negotiated the tax abatement with Sligsol LLC on behalf of Hopkins County.
The 26-page 312 agreement shows Sligsol, LLC plans to build a solar facilty capable of producing 81 Megawatts of electricity. The agreement also shows Hopkins County agreeing to accept a PILOT or “payment in lieu of taxes” of $2,153 per Megawatt production. By KSST News calculations, the net effect of abating 100% of the taxes owed on the $108 million in improvements and accepting the PILOT results in Hopkins County forgoing collecting the difference of more than $350,000 for the first year of the abatement. The PILOT agreement is slated for the first ten years of the project.
Other supporting documentation for the project received by KSST News only shows one land owner involved in the project. The two tracts of property involved in the project include one 248.0 acre tract and one 266.67 acre tract, both owned by BK HIll Real Estate, LLC. A records check show the same owner owning property north of Highway 11 where another solar facility has been constructed as well as commercial propery in Sulphur Springs that houses the Fix and Feed Hardware Store.
The project, one the tax abatement is approved, is expected to start construction right away. The terms of the agreement dictate that the project would need to be finished and operating by 2026 to qualify for the tax abatement.
The regular meeting of the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court start at 9:00am, Monday August 26, 2024.
Pruning Pepper Plants From Master Gardener David Wall
August 25, 2024 – We’ve all heard about early and later season pruning of tomato plants, but pruning pepper plants? Actually, though, trimming can improve pollination, with the increased air, water and sunlight resulting in increased plant and fruit growth.
Examine your pepper plants by bending over to look at the plants below canopy level. Can you easily see through the plants to those in the next row? Is the foliage so dense, it’s difficult for honeybees and other pollinators to get to plant flowers? When you allow branches and leaves to grow without limitations, it makes pollinators’ jobs much harder. Selectively pruning opens the plant and improves pollinator access while strengthening the remaining limbs.
As for where to begin pruning, start below the top canopy level. Quite simply, you don’t need foliage at the bottom. For small pepper fruit varieties, trim up to 8-10 inches. For larger fruit varieties consider 12-18”. Make sure your cutting tool is sharp and has been sterilized to prevent transferring disease. It’s too late this year, but next year, when the plant reaches 12” in height, trim the bottom 4-6”.
Light trimming in the middle plant areas can also help. Again, just make sure you’re opening up the plant to air flow. The objective is to keep the plant from becoming overgrown with foliage. Middle plant trimming can help, but the main emphasis on trimming is at plant bottom.
Also, consider is removing early first fruits. When pepper plants are young and growing, any initial fruit that forms should be removed. Plants at this stage need to put their energy into growing. Having to nurture fruit takes plant energy that should be put into plant growth and more flowers.
Finally, make sure you support each plant by staking or caging to contain and help support fruit laden branches.
Paris District Road Report for Week of August 26, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Aug. 26, 2024. 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.
Safety Message: Impaired driving and penalties – DUI & DWI
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can risk your life and the lives of others, and it can send you to jail. If you are under 21, it is illegal for you to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.
When am I legally intoxicated?
You are legally intoxicated in Texas when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent, but you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your driving — or flying or boating — ability.
What are the penalties for a DWI?
First offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine.
- Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days.
- Loss of driver license up to a year.
Second offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine.
- One month to a year in jail upon conviction.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
Third offense
- A $10,000 fine.
- Two to 10 years in prison.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
These fines do not include a state fine of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 assessed upon sentencing.
Impaired driving with a child passenger
- You will be charged with child endangerment if you’re driving impaired with children under 15.
- You will be additionally fined up to $10,000.
- You could be put in jail for up to two years.
- You will lose your driver’s license for another 180 days.
Driving with an open container
Carrying an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, even if you’re not impaired, is illegal. Learn more about Texas open container laws.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. 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.
As the US 75 project continues to move into the final stages there will be nightly lane closures on both north- and southbound lanes as construction crews perform pavement marking, barrier removal and sign installation. Drivers should expect delays.
The southbound US 75 exit ramp (Exit 57) for Park Avenue is closed to allow crews to complete the final pavement surfacing at this ramp. Motorists traveling southbound are asked to use the southbound exit for State Highway 91 and North Travis Street, and continue along the southbound frontage road to Park Avenue. They may also use the southbound exit for South Travis Street/FM 1417.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
US 377, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work to perform pavement repairs, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as pilot cars and flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to backfill the overlay and place striping and rumble strips on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
Enterprise Road at Tributary to Harris Creek. Enterprise Road at the Tributary to Harris Creek has been reopened to traffic as construction of the bridge replacement is complete.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the eastbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek, the westbound US 82 lanes at Post Oak Creek, and the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at FM 1417. Motorists should expect daytime lane closures on FM 1417 at the US 82 underpass, while crews are replacing the bridge rail at this location. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect daytime lane closures while this work is underway.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. 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.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 901, from US 377 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform edge repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, from SH 56 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek bridge is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use FM 2645, FM 898, US 82, and FM 1752 as the detour route.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. FM 274 at Sandy Creek bridge is closed to thru traffic while the contractor replaces the existing bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use FM 1753 and SH 78 as the detour.
SH 56 at Bois d’Arc Creek. SH 56 at Bois d’Arc creek is reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic as crews work to remove and replace the bridge railing. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
SH 56 at Hutchins Creek and Caney Creek. SH 56 at Hutchins creek and Caney creek will be reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic beginning the week of Aug. 26, as crews work to remove and replace the bridge railing as well as perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 87, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform paving operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: I-30, at FM 269. Crews will be performing tree trimming and tree removal operations on the eastbound side.
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.
Lamar County:
Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
FM 38 at West Fork of Sanders Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 34, from FM 1570 to FM 2101. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs. The contractor has completed the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. The contractor has finished the placement of HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes. The contractor has finished placing final striping and has completed backfilling pavement edges throughout the project. Seeding and mulch has been placed and watering has started. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and has begun some prep right of way work and has begun road widening and ditch grading in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. The contractor has placed SW3P devices and prepped the right of way. Culvert work on the project and excavation and road widening is in progress. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. Final punch list items are underway. Oncor is working to supply power to the signal lights. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has completed cross culverts and culvert extensions and will be placing riprap soon. The contractor has sealed and shouldered up the first mile of the project and has placed flex base and placing geogrid at various locations. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been working on the placement of storm sewer and culverts will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. Nighttime operations are currently being used for several cross-culvert locations. The contractor is placing geogrid and flex base on FM 2642 near Royse City high school moving north. The contractor placed barrier and crash cushions on FM35. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractor has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has begun work on the final section of roadway, this work will begin with subgrade widening and treating the subgrade and vegetation establishment. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The westbound I-30 main lanes have been realigned to detour paving around the existing westbound I-30 main lane bridge over FM 1570. This detour will remain in place until the new FM 1570 overpass is constructed. Detours are in place for NB and SB FM 1570 traffic around the closure. The westbound frontage road at FM 1903 is one-way only along with the frontage roads along the project corridor. Traffic on FM 1903 from north of I-30 will have to turn right on the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 in order access I-30 east. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements from CR2511 to FM 36: The contractor is currently grading and placing embankment between the frontage roads and mainlanes. Culvert work is ongoing. Paving for detours near FM 1565 exit has started, please be aware oof workers in the area. Contractor will be placing low profile barrier on the EB frontage road near FM 1565
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County. Hunt County MNT will be overlaying FM 118 and US 69 and I-30 frontage road near SH 34. Rains County maintenance crews will continue to perform seal prep and patch on FM 513 and perform culvert work on FM 1564.
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Apex Clean Energy Education Event Registration Closed
August 23, 2024 – After a healthy response the Wind Power Plant Educational Event offered by Apex Energy and the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, registration for the event is closed.
See a map provided by APEX of the scale and location of the proposed wind power plant by clicking here.
This poll is no longer accepting votes
The venue for the event had to be changed to the Civic Center after RSVPs exceeded the capacity of the HW Gays Building in Pacific Park.
Find out more about APEX Clean Energy by clicking here.
Sulphur Springs man gets 10 years probation after pleading guilty to an inappropriate relationship with a student in 2022.
August 23, 2024 – Former Yantis ISD employee Christopher McIntosh, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested in October 2022 following an internal investigation by Yantis ISD.
McIntosh was originally charged with online solicitation of a minor but was indicted on charges of improper relationship between educator and student in December of 2022.
On Aug. 15, McIntosh pleaded guilty to the charges of improper relationship with a student and received 10 years probation with 240 hours of community service.
McIntosh was placed on leave for other matters prior to the investigation, according to Yantis ISD.
He resigned his employment with Yantis ISD in Sept. 30, 2022.
See details on the investigation and his arrest by clicking here.
State Representative Jill Dutton Helps Secure a $25MM Proposed Investment for Short Line Railroad in Texas
August 23, 2024 – Northeast Texas is one of the fastest growing regions in Texas and freight by rail will play an essential role to our economy, job growth, and transportation safety. The NETEX Rural Rail Transportation District is a multi-county District, enabled by the Texas Legislature, which includes Titus, Franklin, Hopkins, Delta, Hunt, and Collin counties. The NETEX rail currently carries 1,800 – 2,000 cars per year with immediate demand for 5,000 cars per year via a new trans-loading facility constructed by the Hopkins County EDC, just east of Sulphur Springs, Texas. Covering 65.7 miles, the short-line rail carries raw materials such as lumber, steel, grain, and hazardous materials needed for industrial use. For every rail car of materials, this is eliminating 4 truckloads from our state highways and county roads. Based on our conversations with the region’s EDC’s, we currently have interest, letters of intent, and letters of authorization for industrial development at the former Thermo (Luminant) coal mine area that would include five thousand+ acres, millions of square feet, and billions of economic dollars. These estimates in turn are expected to demand approximately 35,000 cars per year from the NETEX Rural Rail transportation District by years 2027 and 2028!
This rail line is well over 100-years old with hundreds of cross tie marker nails still in place dated from 1927 to 1949. This short line is considered an “Excepted” Trackage and is limited to 5 miles per hour due to the defective cross ties and current bridge deficiencies. “Due to lack of funding and lack of dedication to rehabilitation, the rail has continued to deteriorate over the decades”, said Dutton. The first step in the state’s budget process begins with the agency recognizing a need and seeking approval to devote resources toward that need. Today, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) proposed to their executive board a budget for the next biennium that included a requested $25 million for short line rail rehabilitation. With a unanimous vote, the Texas Transportation Commission approved the proposal and recognized the role of the state in taking care of its rail lines. Today, the $25 million for short line rail moves along to the next stage, as we advance toward final approval for this much-needed financial relief for the short lines such as the NETEX rural rail. Next month, the funding will be vetted and approved by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). I will continue to shepherd these funds in the right procedural direction as the required legislative steps are taken toward finalizing the state budget. “Today’s victory is one that I am proud of, but more importantly, a win that signifies that TXDOT values the NETEX and all short line rail systems in Texas. Commissioners Bugg, New, Vaughn, Meade, and Alvis deserve the gratitude of House District 2 and the NETEX Board. Along with the hard-working staff of TXDOT, the Commission established a record for supporting short rail, and acknowledged the dire needs of the NETEX”, said Dutton.
I will keep you informed as we move ahead in the budget process. As always, if you have any questions
or would like to communicate with me, please call (512) 463-0880 or email [email protected].
My District and Capitol offices remain dedicated to monitoring this vital round of funding for short line
rehabilitation and we welcome you to participate in the process. Thank you for your faith and support as I work to help the constituents of HD 2.
CEA Mario Villarino Visited with John Mark on Another Episode of A Second Cup of Coffee
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez visited with John Mark on another episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. The two talked about what trees are losing their leaves right now, and why. They also talked about the current moisture conditions in Hopkins County, the threat Army Worms present, and much more. Be sure to check the video out down below.
COURT ACCEPTS REQUEST TO REVIEW APPEAL OF CRYSTAL MASON ACQUITTAL
AUGUST 21, 2024 – FORT WORTH, Texas – The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has decided to reexamine the voting case of Fort Worth resident Crystal Mason that it had previously sent back to the Texas Second Court of Appeals to review. That lower court reversed Crystal Mason’s conviction in March 2024.
Mason, a mother of three , faces five years in prison for submitting a provisional ballot in 2016 that was never counted as a vote.
In April, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office announced that it had asked the state’s highest appeals court to overturn the recent decision. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals today accepted the case for review, which means further briefing will occur before the court.
“While I am ready for this case to be over and for my acquittal to stand, I will continue to maintain my faith that justice will be done,” says Crystal Mason.
Mason had been convicted of illegal voting despite believing she was fulfilling her civic duty and not realizing the state considered her ineligible to vote.
In the appeal of her conviction, Mason is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the ACLU, Texas Civil Rights Project, criminal defense attorney Alison Grinter Allen, and civil attorney Kim T. Cole.
The following statements can be attributed to members of her legal team:
“We respect the Court of Criminal Appeals’ decision to further review this case,” says Tommy Buser-Clancy, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas. “We remain confident that the court of appeals made the right decision in vacating Ms. Mason’s conviction and rendering an acquittal. We look forward to briefing our position to the court.”
“Crystal Mason’s acquittal was based on a record that did not support her conviction,” says Sophia Lin Lakin, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project. “We are confident the Court of Criminal Appeals will agree and uphold the decision.”
“We respect the Court of Criminal Appeals’ decision to review Ms. Mason’s case and trust that the Second Court of Appeals’ decision to acquit Ms. Mason will be upheld upon review,” says Christina Beeler, senior supervising attorney at Texas Civil Rights Project.
“We have faith that the court will uphold Crystal ‘s acquittal and all Texans will see a day when they can feel confident in the franchise and go to the polls unafraid that they could face prison time for any mistake or misunderstanding,” says Alison Grinter Allen, criminal defense attorney.
“The last time this case was before the Court of Criminal Appeals, they rightfully remanded the case back to the 2nd Court of Appeals for review under the accurate interpretation of the law,” says Kim T. Cole, attorney . “I trust that this time they will confirm that the 2nd Court of Appeals’ decision in reversing Crystal’s conviction is the correct and just outcome.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton Launches Investigation Into Reports that Organizations May Be Illegally Registering Noncitizens to Vote
August 22, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into reports that organizations operating in Texas may be unlawfully registering noncitizens to vote in violation of state and federal law.
Investigators from the Texas Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit recently conducted undercover operations to identify potential voter registration of noncitizens in Texas. The investigation has already confirmed that various nonprofit organizations have been located outside Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License offices, operating booths offering to assist in voter registration for persons doing business at the driver’s license offices. But all citizens have already been presented an opportunity to register to vote as part of the process of renewing or being issued an identification card or driver’s license, so there is no obvious need to assist citizens to register to vote outside DPS offices—calling into question the motives of the nonprofit groups.
“Texans are deeply troubled by the possibility that organizations purporting to assist with voter registration are illegally registering noncitizens to vote in our elections. If eligible citizens can legally register to vote when conducting their business at a DPS office, why would they need a second opportunity to register with a booth outside? My office is investigating every credible report we receive regarding potential criminal activity that could compromise the integrity of our elections. The Biden-Harris Administration has intentionally flooded our country with illegal aliens, and without proper safeguards, foreign nationals can illegally influence elections at the local, state, and national level. It is a crime to vote—or to register to vote—if you are not a United States Citizen. Any wrongdoing will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Paxton.
It is a crime in Texas to lie about your citizenship when you register to vote—or to help someone else do so. You can be sentenced up to two years in a state jail and pay up to a $10,000 fine. It is a crime to vote in Texas if you are not a United States Citizen and a Texas Resident, or to help someone vote who is not. You can be sentenced up to 20 years in prison and pay up to a $10,000 fine.
The undercover operations have been conducted throughout major metropolitan areas of Texas and are ongoing.
Nominations Now Open For The 41st Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards
August 22, 2024 – Nominations are now being accepted for the 41st Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Administered by the OneStar Foundation, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards are an opportunity for the State of Texas to honor exemplary individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving their communities through outstanding service and volunteering.
“Texans recognize that the heart of our communities lies in the selfless acts of service rendered by countless volunteers,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “Greg and I are inspired by the unwavering dedication and profound impact of organizations and individuals across the state who keep making a difference in the lives of so many Texans, and we are honored to recognize them through the Governor’s Volunteer Awards. The work of all Texas volunteers inspires us all to build a better, brighter future through one act of kindness at a time.”
“As we embark on the 41st Governor’s Volunteer Awards in partnership with the Governor and First Lady of Texas, we will continue shining a spotlight on individuals and organizations whose commitment to service illuminates the resilience and compassion that is the essence of Texas,” said OneStar President and CEO Chris Bugbee.
Nominations are open in nine categories:
- Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
- First Lady’s Rising Star Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Volunteer Family of the Year Award
- Community Champion Award
- Education Champion Award
- Corporate Champion Award
- Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award
- AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award
To submit a nomination and view detailed descriptions and criteria for each award category, visit onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards.
Nominations will close on Monday, September 30, 2024. Awardees will be honored during National Volunteer Month in April 2025 at the Governor’s Mansion during an awards ceremony hosted by First Lady Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards.
