Standing Order For Civil Litigation In JP Courts Extended To June 1
The Supreme Court of Texas has issued a new order in regards to civil litigations in Justice Courts in Texas. Therefore, Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings have amended the standing order for the Hopkins County Justice Courts.
The April 1 order amends the first emergency order to delay all service and statute-of-limitations deadlines in civil cases from March 13 until June 1. The order does not affect deadlines for filing appeals or other appellate proceedings, but the order notes that requests for any such relief from those deadlines should be generously granted by the particular court.
Essentially, that means that all civil proceedings, including evictions, civil debt claims and small claims are halted and to be reset until June 1. Any case pending in either court will be rescheduled accordingly. All litigants will be notified by mail of the new date and time for court.
Below is the Temporary Standing Order regarding COVID-19 litigation in the Justice of the Peace Courts in Hopkins County.
A&M-Commerce student goes for wild ride in unique honors thesis
COMMERCE, Texas — Who says a thesis needs to be a standard research paper? One student at Texas A&M University-Commerce undertook one of the most unique honors thesis ideas in recent memory, documenting her entire journey from adopting a wild mustang, earning its trust and then excelling in competition.
Nicole Glenn is a senior from Pflugerville, Texas in the Honors College at A&M-Commerce, majoring in Visual Communications with an emphasis in Art Direction and minoring in Equine Studies. She says that she didn’t grow up around horses much, but one special day during her childhood cemented her lifelong dream.
(Photo courtesy of Nicole Glenn)
“I was taken to a wild mustang adoption day when I was in kindergarten, and I knew this was it,” Glenn said. “I knew that this is what I had to do. It became my dream to adopt my own wild mustang.”
Growing up, she took occasional horseback riding lessons and worked on a farm as part of a mentorship program in high school, but her dream still eluded her.
That changed when it came time to formulate an idea for her thesis project, a requirement of all students in the Honors College.
“For our thesis, we were encouraged to do something interdisciplinary, that combined multiple subjects,” Glenn said.
It’s safe to say she managed that aspect, as she fulfilled her lifelong dream of adopting a wild mustang and filmed her process of breaking, riding and eventually competing with said horse, turning the recordings into a half-hour documentary. The main goal was to show the feasibility of training wild horses, even with limited background knowledge.
She said that pitching the idea raised some eyebrows.
“[Honors College Dean] Dr. Green said that the Honors College has never had someone do something like this before, but they gave their blessing to it,” Glenn said.
Glenn adopted her horse, named “Valentine,” in February of 2018 at the Wild Horse & Burro Adoption Center in Paul’s Valley, Oklahoma. It was a defining life moment for Glenn.
“I remember it so clearly still,” Glenn said. “We just clicked. I probably have never been more emotional in my life.”
In the early days, Valentine was kept by the Raine Family on their land in Sulphur Bluff, Texas. Glenn said that it was hard to keep her confidence at first.
“The biggest challenge was just knowing if I was doing everything right or not,” Glenn said. “There are guides and tutorials out there, but still, every horse is different.”
On day 3, Nicole began to have Valentine become accustomed to objects around and on his back. On day 25, he first wore a saddle. Day 28 was the first time Glenn sat atop Valentine’s back.
Finally, on day 30, Glenn and Valentine had their first ride together.
“Finally having the first ride after so much work was amazing,” Glenn said. “I felt like a kid in a candy store.”
On the 61st day, Valentine was moved to A&M-Commerce’s Mary Bonham Equine Pavilion, where he currently resides. This allowed for better facilities and training for the horse, and Glenn said the assistance from people like Equine Studies Instructor Nathan Wells and Assistant Farm Manager Lindsey Bernbaum was a tremendous help.
“The support we got from the Equine Studies Program was huge,” Glenn said. “The professionalism of Nathan and Lindsey was an incredible help.”
The months went by and the pair’s bond grew. In September 2018, Glenn entered Valentine into the Extreme Mustang Makeover Open Show in Fort Worth, Texas. In that contest, Glenn and Valentine finished 2nd in Trail, 4th in Freestyle and 5th in Walk Trot Pleasure.
Now, Glenn and Valentine compete together on the A&M-Commerce Stock Horse team.
Wells, who helped train Valentine, had high praise for the dynamic duo.
“I have known Nicole throughout the process, and was blessed to have her as a student in several of my classes,” Wells said. “She has worked her tail off with this horse and I am proud of her accomplishments.”
Dean Dr. Ray Green also lauded the work that went into this project.
“One of the goals for our Honors College is to help shape the whole individual. Nicole’s thesis exemplifies where this goal can lead,” Green said. “In Nicole’s journey to train her mustang and to shed light on the feasibility for others to do so she honed both her mind and her body.”
Green continued: “Her hard work and determination led her to improve her skills in multiple areas including painting, filming and editing, and horsemanship. It was a joy to work with Nicole and to see the fruits of her labor.”
Glenn presented her documentary and findings in a thesis defense on March 24, and passed her defense. She says that the most rewarding thing has been seeing the enjoyment the pair get from riding and competing.
“He takes everything in stride,” Glenn said.
Glenn’s documentary, “Wild Heart, Wild Ride,” can be viewed for free here.
City Of Cumby Issues Boil Water Notice For Residents On Grove Road, FM 275S
The City of Cumby Thursday morning, April 2, issued another boil water notice. Cumby residents who live on Grove Road and FM 275 south are recommended to boil their water before consuming it.
Cumby Alderman Julie Isham Morris posted the notice on the city’s Facebook page around 9 a.m. that “Water on Grove Rd and 275S will be shut off this morning to do repairs. The city will be issuing a boil water notice as soon as the repairs are done.”
The boil water notice was posted about an hour later.
Cumby City Council in late February began discussions of about the possibly pursuing a connection with Cash Special Utility District for emergency situations and providing possible water supply. The City Council agreed to continue the process to find out the possible costs, but did not commit to decisions regarding CSUD, city staff reported.
Lake Fork’s ‘Patriots Sporting Challenge’ to Benefit ‘Folds of Honor’ Has Been Postponed Til 2021
from Garry Schnabel, PSC Board Chairman
We are sorry to report that we are postponing our 2020 Lake Fork Challenge event so as not to exacerbate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Like most, we have been monitoring the spread of the virus and following closely the recommendations of the President, his team of advisors and CDC. While we realize that up to this point the incidence of the disease has been low within our geographical area, we feel this step is necessary to help with the containment program our country has undertaken. The health and safety of each and every one involved is our primary concern; the funds we raise for our cause is purely secondary.
Since it cannot be predicted how long this virus issue will last, we are postponing this event until the spring of 2021. We will advise all as to the exact date of our event as soon as we check out major events already scheduled at that time, but for planning purposes, expect it to be close to the same time period as this year’s event. We will post updates on our website and Facebook page and continue to recognize all medal and team sponsors already paid as 2021 sponsors.
We thank everyone impacted for your patience and understanding as we all work through this critical health issue.
‘Claws for a Cause’…SS Rotary Club’s Annual Crawfish Boil Cancelled
The annual Crawfish Boil fundraiser planned by the Sulphur Springs Rotary Club has been cancelled for Spring 2020. ‘Claws for a Cause’ tickets purchased and sponsorships will be refunded. Everyone is urged to stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
Basics About The Economic Impact Payments Approved For Individuals In CARES Act
By now most have heard that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act was passed, which for many individuals will mean a much needed extra check for many. According to the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service, economic impact payments approved in the CARES Act will start rolling out in about 3 weeks. And, most people won’t have to do anything to receive this COVID-19 rebate except wait a few weeks. Checks are being deposited directly into bank accounts as listed on 2019 tax returns or 2018 for those who have yet to turn in a 2019 return.
The IRS and Treasury officials have provided the following information to help answer some of the questions US citizens have about the economic impact payments:
Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?
Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible. Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a tax return are also eligible and will not be required to file a return.
Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 for each qualifying child.
How will the IRS know where to send my payment?
The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible.
For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.
The IRS does not have my direct deposit information. What can I do?
In the coming weeks, Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online, so that individuals can receive payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail.
I am not typically required to file a tax return. Can I still receive my payment?
Yes. The IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 to generate Economic Impact Payments to recipients of benefits reflected in the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 who are not required to file a tax return and did not file a return for 2019 or 2019. This includes senior citizens, Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are not otherwise required to file a tax return.
Since the IRS would not have information regarding any dependents for these people, each person would receive $1,200 per person, without the additional amount for any dependents at this time.
I have a tax filing obligation but have not filed my tax return for 2018 or 2019. Can I still receive an economic impact payment?
Yes. The IRS urges anyone with a tax filing obligation who has not yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 to file as soon as they can to receive an economic impact payment. Taxpayers should include direct deposit banking information on the return.
I need to file a tax return. How long are the economic impact payments available?
For those concerned about visiting a tax professional or local community organization in person to get help with a tax return, these economic impact payments will be available throughout the rest of 2020.
Where can I get more information?
The IRS will post key information on IRS.gov/coronavirus as soon as it becomes available.
Yantis Catfish Classic Set for May 3/4 Postponed Til Fall
Jerry E. Miller, former Mayor of Yantis and Director of the Yantis Catfish Classic announced that the 2020 Catfish Classic Tournament has been postponed and will now be held on the first weekend in October 2020, from The Minnow Bucket Marina on Lake Fork. If you have already entered the tournament, contact the Minnow Bucket to move your reservations to the October 3/4 dates. The annual Classic has long served as a well-attended fishing recreation open to Youth through Seniors, as well as a successful fundraiser for the Yantis Fire Department. In 2019, the Classic yielded $15,000 in fund for the local volunteer fire department. For information, phone 903-950-9500.
Cancellations/Closures on Community Calendar
If your church, group or non-profit organization has an announcement for the public, please send it to us at [email protected]. Or you can print or write out your announcement and leave it in the message box on the KSST front door, and we will make the announcement for you.
As of April 1, 2020, Hopkins County officials are reporting three cases of Coronavirus in the county. Local Emergency Management officials urge everyone to follow the Governor’s order to “Stay Home, Stay Safe”, to diligently limit exposure to COVID-19 and to follow CDC hygiene guidelines for safety.
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HOSPITAL NEWS: For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission
among our patients, associates, and guests.
(1) Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
(1) One visitor per patient
Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
Visiting hours are 7am to 7pm (subject to change)
We want to be perfectly clear: CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. From physicians and nurses, quality and safety experts to those responsible for ordering supplies and keeping the hospital clean – all our Associates are involved in making sure we provide a safe environment for our patients. Every single day.
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Local banks have restricted in-person banking in lobbies of all branches. The limited in-person service is part of the state and national effort to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Customers may use drive-thru banking services and online banking tools. If in-person banking is necessary, you may call your bank to make an appointment.
Hopkins County offices and courts are now closed to walk-in business and in-office interaction. Contact any of the Hopkins County departments by phone or by checking the departments on the website hopkinscountytx.org. If you need in-person assistance, you may request an appointment.
City of Sulphur Springs offices are now closed to walk-in business. Staff of all departments including water, police, fire, animal control, public works and others are on duty. Contact any of the departments of the City at sulphurspringstx.org. You may call the City of Sulphur Springs at 903-885-7541 with questions.
The Sulphur Springs Public Library is closed to walk-in visitors. However, the staff is still working to serve you. You may reserve books and materials, and the Library is offering curbside service. Go online to sslibrary.org for complete directions or contact by phone at 903-885-4926.
Effective immediately, the office/lobby at North Hopkins Water Supply Corporation is closed to walk-in traffic. Payments may be made through the mail or placed in a drop box on the south side of the building. The water corporation is considered an essential business during these times and will continue to serve it’s customers.
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society Research Library, located inside the Public Library, is closed until further notice, and Society meetings suspended at this time.
The Sulphur Springs Rotary Club’s annual “Claws for a Cause” Crawfish Boil Fundraiser set for April 2020 will not be held. Tickets purchased and sponsorships will be refunded.
The City of Sulphur Springs “Spring Clean-Up Week” has been re-scheduled to the week of July 13-18, 2020. During that week, City services for disposal of trash and debris will be offered near the old Flo-Serve location, as in past years.
The Yantis Catfish Classic Fishing Tournament has been moved from the first weekend in May to the first weekend in October, 2020. If you have already entered the tournament, you should contact the Minnow Bucket Marina at Yantis to change your reservations to the October date.
The AARP Tax Aide service which had been offered at Wesley UMC has been cancelled by the AARP Organization.
Dinner Bell is now serving on Wednesdays in a take-out-only service, on the front parking lot of First United Methodist Church starting at 11:45am. Anyone in need of a hot meal can participate free of charge. Just line up and remain in your car. You may take as many meals as you have persons in your car.
The Sulphur Springs Seniors Center remains closed for activities and for walk-in meals. Meal-a-Day meals are still being prepared and delivered to Senior shut-ins. Meal a Day has an opening for a Tuesday Route Driver volunteer starting at end of April. If you can help cover this in-town route, please contact Karon Weatherman at 903-885-1661.
The Hopkins County Freedom Ball scheduled for April 4, 2020 has been re-scheduled for August 29, 2020 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
The Kerry Garmon Foundation Scholarship Dinner set for April 4 has been postponed for a future date in Spring 2020.
The 55-Plus Health Fair and Hot Dog Lunch for Senior Citizens set for April 7 at The ROC is cancelled, according to Karon Weatherman, Director of Senior Citizen’s Center.
Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association’s 10th Annual Easter Egg Hunt has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later time.
The City of Cumby Easter Egg Hunt has been cancelled.
The Sulphur Springs Community Players and Main Street Theater will go dark through May 2020 pending further notice. This is in compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, according to Joe McCorckle.
The Northeast Texas Choral Society ‘Spring Concert’ set for the first weekend in May will not be held in 2020.
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Texas A&M UNiversity-Commerce continues the semester with on-line instruction. TAMUC announced March 12 that all face-to-face classes were suspended due to the COVID-19 situation and that the university would be transitioning to online instruction at all A&M-Commerce locations, including the RELLIS campus, starting March 16, until further notice. TAMUC President Dr. Mark Rudin confirmed that A&M Commerce and all of its location will remain in an online-only format for the rest of the semester due to the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Rudin also announced that May 8-9 Commencement ceremonies, like all campus activities scheduled through May 31, have been postponed.
TAMUC students who have met the graduation requirements will receive their diplomas from the Registrar’s Office after final grades are posted for the Spring 2020 semester. Commencements scheduled for Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2020 will be rescheduled for December 2020, for those who wish to celebrate their achievement with family and friends. No decisions have yet been made regarding August 2020 commencement exercises.
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All UIL activities are suspended. The University Interscholastic League on the official UIL Facebook page has announced that all UIL activities will continue to be suspended until May 4 due to COVID-19. That means no practices, contests, rehearsals and workouts until at least May 4, potentially longer, depending on the situation regarding COVID-19.
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SSISD Food Services is providing FREE meals for ALL SSISD students AND any community children who are between the ages of 1 – 18. Meals will be available for pick-up each Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. until further notices. Students will be able to pick up one breakfast and one lunch meal at this time. Students do not have to attend any one of these campuses to participate. Pick-up areas will be curbside grab-and-go and will be held at the following locations across Sulphur Springs:
- SSES (Lee Street bus lane)
- Bowie (Mockingbird Lane student drop off/pick up lane)
- Bush (South bus lane circle to awning), and
- Douglass (Calvert Street awning)
All Hopkins County school districts also have food service plans in place for their students who are studying on-line during the extended school closure through May 4, 2020 or until further notice. Check your school’s website for details.
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Local day care facilities have new guidelines to follow from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. This includes pick-up and drop off of children outside the facility and restriction on who can enter the facility. Click here for the latest guidelines.
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Governor, AG Provide Guidance For Houses Of Worship During COVID-19
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued joint guidance regarding the effect of Executive Order GA 14 on religious services conducted in congregations and houses of worship during COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott 
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
“All Texans must work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, and houses of worship face a particular challenge as we work to combat this pandemic,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This guidance provides clear direction for houses of worship to protect the health and safety of Texans as they continue to hold religious services, exercise their religious liberty, and serve their faith communities.”
The Executive Order GA 14 defines essential services to include “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.”
Orders given by state or local governments prohibiting people from providing or obtaining certain services must ensure that the orders do not violate the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, Article I of the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which protect the rights of Texans to freely exercise their religion.
The government must give special consideration to houses of worship when issuing orders related to the COVID-19 crisis.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I of the Texas Constitution protect the right of Texans to freely exercise their religion. In addition, the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act (“RFRA”) provides even stronger protections to faith communities, and government must ensure that it complies with RFRA when it acts. Thus, when state or local governments issue orders prohibiting people from providing or obtaining certain services, they must ensure that these orders do not violate these constitutional and statutory rights.
Houses of worship provide “essential services.”
On March 31, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA 14, which defines essential services to include “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.”1 Institutions providing these essential services can provide them under certain conditions described in Executive Order GA 14 and local orders by counties or municipalities that are consistent with GA 14. To the extent there is
conflict between the Governor’s Executive Order GA 14 and local orders, GA 14 controls.
Houses of worship must, whenever possible, conduct their activities from home or through remote audio or video services.
Houses of worship often gather as large groups of people in one building during a religious service or activity. But during this public health crisis, in accordance with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), and Texas Department of State Health Services (“Texas DSHS”), providers of essential services must follow certain mitigation strategies to slow the spread of the virus. Thus, under the Governor’s Executive Order GA 14, houses of worship should conduct remote audio, video, or teleconference activities whenever possible.
If a house of worship cannot conduct its activities remotely, then the White House and CDC guidelines still control in order to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
If a house of worship cannot conduct its service remotely due to a lack of capability (technological or financial), then it should follow the Governor’s Executive Order GA 14, that houses of worship are to conduct their activities in accordance with the White House Guidelines. For example:
- Instruct sick employees, volunteers, and guests to stay home;
- Practice social distancing by maintaining appropriate distance between people;
- Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, using your elbow to cover coughs, and not touching your face; and
- Clean and disinfect work areas frequently.
Houses of worship, like providers of other essential services, are to follow additional guidance from the White House and CDC whenever possible.
Some houses of worship must avoid large gatherings.
Texas is a big state and the transmission rate of COVID-19 varies in different
communities. Given this, houses of worship should work with counties and
municipalities to evaluate the rate of local community spread and determine the appropriate level of mitigation strategies to implement. For example, more detailed guidance from the CDC currently recommends that if a community is experiencing substantial community spread of COVID-19, then the houses of worship in that community should cancel all in-person gatherings of any size. But if a community is experiencing moderate to substantial spread, then the CDC recommends a reduction of activities in coordination with local health officials, possible smaller gatherings incorporating social-distancing measures, cancelation of activities with 10 or more people when high-risk populations attend in person (including those over 65 and those with underlying medical conditions), and use of creative means to deliver other faith-based services. For more information, houses of worship should consult CDC guidance.
For example, a church may hold Easter services in its parking lot, with attendees remaining in their cars (windows down), parked in every other parking spot, with the minister using amplification to preach. Or because Executive Order GA 14 permits drive-thrus to operate, then a house of worship may, according to their faith practices, provide communion or a blessing through a similar drive-up service. Or pastors with smaller congregations may consider conducting multiple services of 10 people or
fewer in their sanctuaries, so long as they maintain appropriate social distancing, properly sanitize the building between each service, and provide hand sanitizer.
These restrictions do not violate the religious liberty of houses of worship.
Under the extraordinary circumstances in which we temporarily live, these
restrictions do not violate the religious liberty of houses of worship because the government has a compelling interest for implementing the rules (stopping contagion) and the rules are the least restrictive means of burdening religious practice (they allow houses of worship to stay open for ministry, but suggest ways that help stop the spread of COVID-19).
Winnsboro Man Jailed For Alleged Theft At Walmart
A 48-year-old Winnsboro man ended up in the county jail Tuesday evening on a felony charge of theft at Walmart, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cameron Robinson responded at 5:40 p.m. March 31 to a theft report at Walmart. Store asset protection staff had James Edward Lancaster Jr. in the store office. The store employee alleged Lancaster took numerous items with a total value at more than $100 and passed all points of sale without paying from them, including less than $50 worth of consumable goods, a speaker and paint, according to police and offense reports.
A records check showed Lancaster has two previous convictions, Robinson noted in arrest reports. Consequently, resulting in him being arrested at 6:22 p.m. March 31 and taken to jail on the theft of property valued less than $2,500 charge being enhanced to a felony, according to arrest reports.
Lancaster spent Tuesday night in jail and was released Wednesday, April 1, on the theft charge, according to jail reports.
He has two prior arrests in Hopkins County, according to jail reports: on Nov. 18, 2010 on a tampering with or fabricating physical evidence charge; and on June 29, 2012 on a bench warrant indictment for violating probation on a tampering charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
