Video Presentation: Senator Cruz Recounts Successes and Looks to Legislation Ahead
It was a Fire Marshall’s nightmare. Wednesday, July 4th, Pioneer Café in Sulphur Springs was packed wall-to-wall with shoulder-to-shoulder supporters of Senator Ted Cruz and State Senator Bob Hall. The Republican U. S. Senator and State Senate District 2 incumbents were on a whirlwind tour of Northeast Texas when they made the hour long stop in the city. Across Main Street a gathering of approximately 10-15 supporters of their...
Updated: Ground Breaking For Dobyns Rods Adds to Employment Strength in Sulphur Springs
With a ground breaking in the near future for Dobyns Rods, at Pioneer Park next to Cell-O-Core, on the corner of CMH Road and Main Street, employment numbers in Hopkins County should continue to reflect a low unemployment rate. The ground breaking was set for 11 a.m. Thursday, January 18. However, according to the Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation, the ground breaking has been postponed due to the cold...
Saputo Dairy Foods, PJC Partner to Provide Job Training
Saputo Dairy Foods USA LLC (Saputo Dairy Foods) has partnered with Paris Junior College to provide job training using an $86,289 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will benefit workers in the Northeast Texas area. This grant will be used to provide customized training to 88 new and incumbent workers for industry-related topics with focused instruction on food processing technology....
EDC Sees Strong Interest in Local Area for Expanding/Relocating Business and Industry
In recent weeks, the local Economic Development Corporation has been busy with prospective manufacturing and business companies inquiring about and visiting Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. With the approach of spring and the first of the year in the rear view mirror, companies are beginning to explore options for expansion and/or relocation. Roger Feagley, EDC Director, told KSST News he has no set pattern in his approach to...
Hopkins County Bond Rating Upgraded As County’s Financial Position Improves
Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded from A2 to A1 Hopkins County, TX’s General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds. The rating action affects $18.3 million in rated debt. The upgrade reflects the county’s improved financial position and the stable outlook for the county’s financial position based on healthy revenue levels. The rating incorporates the stability of the county’s moderately-sized agricultural tax base, below average wealth...
Local Leaders Optimistic Following Economic Outlook Conference
Having had a day to digest the Tuesday Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference, both Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell and Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom told KSST News the Conference with Dr. Ray Perryman, President and CEO of The Perryman Group, provided powerful optimistic vision for the local area. Roger Feagley also heard optimism in local growth as did Realtor Tim Kelty. Perryman’s organization is an economic...
Study Ranks Hopkins County 91st in State for Overall Health Outcomes
Out of 240 counties in Texas Hopkins County ranks 91st in overall health outcomes according to a recent report published by a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program. Neighboring Franklin County ranks 15th with Rains at 83, Hunt at 125, Lamar at 199, and Delta at 204. Several factors were noted in the study. Franklin County, according to the report, only outscored Hopkins County on length of life, education percentages and children in...
EDC Presents State of the Economy Report to City Council
With only 3.8 percent unemployment in December, Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County face a good news/bad news situation. Economic Development Director Roger Feagley presented his State of the Economy Report to the Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday Night. He pointed to the employment rate as an indicator of the stability of jobs in the area. Although the numbers are not exact, Feagley said people whose benefits have expired, who are...
PJC Tuition and Fees Called a Bargain
The Paris Junior College Board of Regents, at a regular January meeting, was told that PJC continues to be a bargain in tuition and fees. “An annual review of statewide tuition, fees and taxes shows that PJC remains below average for in-district, out-of-district and out-of-state tuition and fees,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “In-district is $65 per semester credit hour versus the statewide average of $82. The tax survey showed...
Surprise At New Jail Site, Newsom Talks County News
Workers doing dirt work for the new Hopkins County Jail project north of the current jail unearthed a surprise recently. They found what appears to be a railroad spur that had been buried. County Judge Robert Newsom says it shouldn’t raise any environmental issues. He can’t find any records for the spur. Judge Newsom says County Commissioners will be removing the rails and selling the steel. In some Hopkins County notes, County Judge...