KSST News’s Top 20 Stories for 2015
[Editor’s note: KSST thanks Don Julian for his diligence as News Director. We are happy that he will continue as Sports Director. He files the following report.] Here is my list of the top twenty stories of 2015. #20. The Sulphur Springs ISD Auditorium renovation project seems to be moving at a snail’s pace. It also proved to be more expensive than first thought. #19. The city of Sulphur Springs begins a large pavilion...
TxDOT To Replace Bridge on CR1152
A bridge replacement by the Texas Department of Transportation will close Hopkins County Road 1152 at Redding Creek beginning January 4th. The bridge is located near the east end of CR 1152. This project was planned before the recent heavy rains that have also created the need for a bridge replacement near the west end of CR 1152 near CR 1127, according to Beth Wisenbaker, Commissioner Precinct 1. Alternate routs will be marked by...
County Court at Law Judge Smith Interprets Ruling; Commissioners Leave Sign in Place
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court took action Tuesday morning on the new state open carry law set to take effect January 1. The court was swayed by the opinion of County Court at Law Judge Amy Smith who had read the Attorney General’s opinion on the matter. Judge Smith said that according to the Attorney General’s opinion any premise of any government offices and grounds that are utilized by the courts allows a ban on open...
Commissioners Discuss Open Carry At the Courthouse
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court is trying to figure out what to do about new open carry law in Texas January 1. The court is expected to reach a decision Tuesday concerning signage and placement for the new law. An Attorney General’s opinion is expected. The Governor has spoken. Monday morning the County Commissioners Court met with County Attorney Dusty Rabe and District Attorney Will Ramsey for the work session. We hear...
Hopkins County Seeks Grant For Courthouse Roof Repair
Monday morning the Hopkins County Commissioners Court agreed to pursue a $250,000 grant from the Texas Historical Commission to fix the hail-damaged roof on the County Courthouse and to reinstall some leaky windows that were not put in correctly during restoration in 2003. The county will have to match the grant amount. County Judge Robert Newsom said the county has tried to secure the grant before but failed. He thinks Hopkins...
United Way Currently $17,485 Over Goal
This year’s Hopkins County United Way Campaign soared past its’ $160,000 goal by quite a bit as dollars poured in at a final report meeting Wednesday morning. The reported total Wednesday was $177,485 but more is expected to come in later. Drive Chairman Price Orwosky said that with $17,000 over goal several packets remain out. He noted Flo-Serve employees gave over $19,000 and SSISD employees gave around $10,000. Orwosky...
Pat Tolson
Funeral services for Pat Tolson, age 69 of Sulphur Springs will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home with Rev. Pete Adrian officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park with Tyler Rhoades, Dustin Gant, Jordan Thompson, Barry Charlton, Vicente Yanez and Mason Rawson serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at...
Hopkins County Courthouse Rededication Highlights Celebration
During a celebration of the 120th birthday for the Hopkins County Courthouse Saturday, the courthouse was rededicated during a brief ceremony. State Senator Bob Hall read proclamations for the occasion from the State Senate and from Governor Greg Abbott. State Representative Dan Flynn donated a flag flow over the State Capitol. County Judge Robert Newsom read a resolution. County officials (note picture, left to right, Danny...
County Road Work Challenging Due to Heavy Rainfall
Precinct 1 Hopkins County Commissioner Beth Wisenbaker says it’s been a real challenge trying to keep county roads in any kind of shape with all the rain we’ve had. She says this is the wettest year she’s seen in her 18 and a half years in office. Ms. Wisenbaker says she has already had to spent funds she was counting on using this summer. She says pot holes are numerous and are deeper than usual. Regarding the...
Time Running Out on SB1158
Having received no new word on the progress of SB1158 in the Texas Senate Finance Committee, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom notes that time is running out on the bill that would allow county voters to approve or disapprove an increase in sales tax up to one-half percent to pay for the new county jail. The sales tax would take the place of a property tax increase this year and could be used only for the cost of the jail. Although...
