2 Candidates Vying For Place 2 On Cumby City Council
Filing Deadline For A Place On May 2 Ballot Nearing
As of Friday, two candidates had filed for candidacy for Place 2 on Cumby City Council. Sheryl Lackey is the only candidate to file for the Place 1 on the city council.
Amber Hardy and Audri Mayo are the candidates for Place 2.
Candidate filing for Places 1 and 2 for the May 2 election will continue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through March 3 at the Cumby Municipal Building, at 100 East Main St. Candidate applications may also be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website, completed, notarized and mailed to Cumby Municipal Building, arriving by the deadline, according to city staff.
The terms will be the remainder of the two-year term for Place 1 and Place 2, which end in November.
Alderman Place 1 became open when Doug Simmerman was elected mayor in November. The Place 2 seat opened with the resignation of Kristin Thompson last fall. The council on Sept. 21 appointed Audri Mayo to the Place 2 council vacancy. The council had planned to rescind that appointment at the October meeting, but Mayo resigned first. A special election was called for place 2 at the October council meeting.
Special Meeting
Cumby City Council conducted a special meeting Feb. 25 to discuss and consider possible action on pursuing a connection with Cash Special Utility District for emergency situations and providing possible water supply.
The Council did approve continuing to find out the costs for two different options: being able to get water from CSUD in emergency situations and potentially blending with the bigger system. This would start the process to consider possibilities involving Cash Special Utility District, but any decisions would have to be made after the additional information is gathered, city staff reported.
Cumby Building Collapses During High Winds
The side of a brick building on West Main Street in Cumby collapsed Wednesday and is being torn down Thursday. No one was injured.
The building at 124 West Main Street in Cumby, next to the city park, has continued to deteriorate over the years. During high winds Wednesday, one wall of the building collapsed, according to Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley.
Cumby and Hopkins County firefighters were dispatched at 10:07 a.m. to the location to ensure all utilities in the building were disconnected. Cumby police secured the area to ensure no one could enter the area, according to the county fire chief.
The building owner contracted with someone to have the building torn down Thursday, according to city and fire reports.
Dallas Man Arrested In Cumby For Suspected Cocaine Possession
February 27, 2020 – Cumby Police Sgt. Ray Embro arrested 20-year-old Tristan Lee Allman of Dallas at 11:50 a.m. Feb. 27, after finding a bag containing suspected cocaine, Xanax and a marijuana pipe in his vehicle during an Interstate 30 west traffic stop.
Embro said the beige Oldsmobile caught his attention as he was walking back to his patrol vehicle from another traffic stop at mile marker 110 on Interstate 30. The driver allegedly committed traffic violations when he illegally passed Embro.
Embro reportedly caught up to the Oldsmobile around mile marker 108 on I-30. While talking to Allman, Embro reported smelling what he believed to be a marijuana odor coming from the car. Suspecting Allman to be engaging in criminal activity, Embro detained Allman and conducted a probable cause search of the car, the CPD officer alleged in arrest reports.
Embro alleged finding a small bag containing a white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine, two yellow pills suspected to Xanax and a multicolored marijuana pipe. Allman was placed under arrest. He allegedly had a plastic bag containing marijuana on him. The car was towed and Allman was taken to jail for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Allman remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning, Feb. 27. His bond on the felony controlled substance charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
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.
Fort Worth Man Sentenced For Theft Of Trailer From Apartment Complex
A 41-year-old Fort Worth man was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in a state jail for a 2019 theft of a trailer from a Sulphur Springs apartment complex.
Rusty Allen Fisher was stopped on State Highway 11 by troopers around 9:30 p.m. March 27, 2019 for not having brake or trailer lights. The vehicle’s registration also reportedly expired in February 2019. When asked by the trooper why the unit he was driving didn’t have a front license plate, Fisher allegedly told the trooper he took possession of the trailer from another man to work on it but had no knowledge of the trailer’s contents nor did have a key to open it, the trooper alleged in March 2019 arrest reports.
Fisher and the passenger reportedly gave conflicting stories about where they got the trailer. Fisher allegedly claimed they got it from a house behind the library, while the passenger said they picked the trailer up from behind some abandoned apartments near Interstate 30. Fisher claimed he didn’t know why his daughter gave a different story about the trailer. When asked, the trooper reported, Fisher was unable to produce a registration or any proof of ownership for the trailer. Then, Fisher claimed he was actually repossessing it, but didn’t have a license to do so, the trooper alleged in the 2019 arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police went to the apartment complex to check out the passenger’s story. The complex owner at that time was contacted and allegedly told police she was in the process of selling the complex, along with a an enclosed trailer containing $15,000 to $20,000 worth of tools and remodeling materials. She told authorities no one was supposed to have the trailer, the arresting trooper wrote in arrest reports. Consequently, Fisher was jailed on a felony theft charge and on a Tarrant County theft warrant, according to jail reports.
Fisher was arrested March 27, 2019 and remained in Hopkins County jail until May 21, 2019. He was scheduled at 1:30 p.m. March 26, 2020 to appear in the 8th Judicial District Court for sentencing on the charge.
He was taken into custody and jailed at 2:17 p.m. Feb. 26 by Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Sgt. Richard Greer, after being sentenced to 18 months in a state jail on the felony theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 charge, according to jail reports.
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.
Saltillo High School “The New Margo” Advances
Saltillo High School One Act Play advanced to Bi-District round. Their production of “The New Margo” by Stephen Gregg earned the advancing position from District 24A and three individual acting awards.
All Star Cast Award honors go to Bianca Castro and Graycie Hodges. Ofelia Cabrera earned Honorable Mention honors.
The next round takes place March 24 at the Sulphur Springs ISD Auditorium. Performance times will be announced after the District 23 competition next week.
Architect, Demolition Company Approved By Hospital District Board
Chapter 381 Tax Abatements Granted BY HCHD To Pine Forest, Dike solar farms
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors approved Chapter 381 Economic Development Tax Abatements for two solar farms, and selected an architectural firm for a new EMS headquarters/Hospital District Building and a company to demolish three houses on Airport Road.
EMS/District Facility
The requested information was posted seeking qualifications for potential architects to design a new EMS headquarters/Hospital District facility, to replace the current building, which has outlived its life span and is in need of many repairs.
Brent Smith, chief operating officer for HCHD and director of EMS, reported both architects who responded are “very qualified.” He said he would be happy with either BRW Architects or REES to design a new District and EMS headquarters.
Board member Kerry Law asked if either one was more expensive than the other and if Smith had a projected ballpark price for the project.
Smith reported BRW has been recognized in magazines for several national awards for their architectural work. The firm is reported to be a bigger operation, which could potentially cost more, Smith said without more solid plans he could not be certain but anticipates the cost to be around $2-2.5 million.
Smith said he will be attending a conference in May which will help provide additional information regarding architectural design for public safety facilities.
The suitability of the proposed site, near the current location, was discussed. Law noted there to be a pipeline along that area and expressed concern it might present a problem for construction.
Steven Hudson with EST Inc. said it would depend where on the district property the new building is planned. One big factor is that a significant portion of the proposed site is in a flood plain.
Adam Panter is with REES. Panter is originally from Hopkins County and known for his work on a downtown structure as well as a local funeral home and other structured in town. That would make him more familiar with the area and its needs, Hudson and the hospital district officials noted.
Hudson also pointed out that working with REES would also likely mean some jobs going to people in Hopkins County.
Dr. David Black recommended selecting REES for the project based on the local factor and Panter’s past work experience with the community. Law agreed, provide an agreement can be met regarding REES’ fee. The measure passed, with one board member abstaining from voting.
Demolition Work
The Hospital District Board after discussion approved Garrett Demolition of Burleson for demolition of three structures on Airport Road on district-owned property. Garrett’s bid of $37,875 was the lowest of the three received, and also included a pre-demolition asbestos survey but excluded fill dirt. The next lowest bid by Underwood Sand and Gravel was for $46,414 and MS Landscaping bid $68,000, according to HCHD CEO/CFO Ron Folwell.
Attorney Tommy Allison asked if by excluding the fill dirt had Garrett met all specified terms in their proposal.
An asbestos survey will be required and permits stating the area is clean of asbestos, officials noted. If asbestos is found, it would need to be removed prior to demolition. Board member Chris Brown pointed out a state law requiring the asbestos check anytime the property is within 500 feet of a government one.
The board approved Garrett Demolition’s bid, with one abstention, provided the company’s references are verified and the additional top soil cost is considered.
Tax Abatements
The Hospital District Board was asked to consider approving Chapter 381 economic development tax abatements for Hopkins Energy LLC and Pine Forest Solar I, LLC. The hospital district is the last of the local taxing agencies to consider granting a tax incentive to the solar farms. The county commissioners court and school districts’ board of trustees have all approved tax incentives for both solar projects.
The Pine Forest project is slated to get started in April and the other in mid-summer if all other required items and preparations move forward as proposed. In the past, tax abatements were for 100 percent. This left no impetus for the business receiving the abatement to provide certain information proving the terms required for the abatement were and continued to be met for the length of the agreement, EDC Executive Director Roger Feagley told the hospital district board.
The solar program would be for 30 years and would provide only two full-time employees who would be responsible for maintenance of the solar farm, including cleaning and replacing panels. The hospital would receive full tax on the appraised value for the last 20 years of the project, which would include some depreciation as the panels and equipment age.
Board member Joe Bob Burgin said he didn’t see the benefit of the agreement to the hospital; there are only two employees and only able to collect full appraised taxable amount after the project begins depreciating. He said he’d also heard there’d been a number of complaints from residents regarding solar farms in their neighborhoods.
Feagley said the main solar project to receive “push back” from the community was the proposed Arbala project.
A community meeting held at Como-Pickton school regarding the proposed Pine Forest Solar project was well attended. Only one family attended the meeting at Sulphur Bluff school and they indicated they were in favor of the the project.
Several community members attended a December 2019 public hearing at Sulphur Springs ISD regarding Solemio solar project in Arbala to voice concerns regarding the project. That is a more populated area, with more residences in the area. One measure proposed to address the concern that having a solar farm so close to properties would decrease values was to plant more trees between the panels and the homes, the EDC representative noted.
Burgin asked how much of the area around the proposed solar farms in Dike and Pine Forest is residential. Feagley noted that area is more sparsely populated, where the Arbala area is more heavily populated, just at the edge of town near a housing development.
Attorney Tommy Allison, talking earlier with Brown regarding the proposed agreement, had suggested a few minor changes, one stipulating action if property taxes are defaulted. There would be a 30 day period to allow the property owner to take care of it.
Land on which the farms are proposed currently is considered agricultural, but as the project progresses would be considered commercial. That would net more tax dollars than an agricultural property, it was noted.
Board member Chris Brown asked who would be responsible for paying the tax on the property if the solar plant is built. Feagley noted the property owners would, but it’s his understanding they were made aware of that before agreeing to let the land be used to put solar panels on.
Burgin expressed concern for property values of those living near solar farms, that it would cause their values to decrease.
Brown made the motion that both Chapter 381 Economic Development Tax Abatements be approved, provided the requested minor changes are approved, per the attorney and hospital.
The measure passed by a majority vote, with one vote against, granting the Chapter 313 agreement for the proposed Dike and Pine Forest solar farms.
Chamber Connection- February 27, 2020
Guess what time of the year it is? Oh yes! It’s Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament time! Letters have gone in the mail this week for the 31st Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. Save the Date for Friday, April 10th at Sulphur Springs Country Club, and let us know right away if you would like to have a team. It’s a wonderful tournament to be shared with friends and family!
The Chamber is offering something brand new for the business community of Hopkins County. We are currently accepting individuals to participate in the Chamber Book Club: A Leadership Journey. This book club will focus on six different business-influenced books to provide an intentional path for leadership growth. Topics studied will include what to look for in establishing a team, performance habits, leadership styles, and how to have crucial conversations with your team. There will be no cost except for price of the books, and the capacity for the club is 20. If you have even a tiny bit of interest, call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515! We can tell you all about it, and we would love to welcome you on this leadership journey!
Sulphur Springs Library presents Hopkins County Reads
The Sulphur Springs Library is hosting their last Hopkins County Reads program on Thursday, February 27, at 6 p.m. They will welcome Ken Hanushek, PJC history professor, to talk about past Olympic inspirational moments along with the wonderful book, “Boys in the Boat,” by Daniel James Brown. Don’t miss it!
Main Street Theater Presents Death by Chocolate
The Main Street Theater Community Players Presents Death by Chocolate. Performances will be Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29, Friday March 6, and Saturday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m..; Sunday, March 1 and Sunday, March 8 at 1:30 p.m. Online reservations can be made at www.communityplayersinc.com or by calling (903) 885-0107. Main Street Theater is located at 225 Main St. in Sulphur Springs.
Workforce Solutions is hosting the 2020 Career & Community Resources Expo
Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas is hosting their 2020 Career & Community Resources Expo on Tuesday, March 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ROC, located at 116 Oak Ave. in Sulphur Springs. Registration is free and a great way to find the perfect candidate for your job opening and to promote your organization to hundreds of job seekers. Space is limited! For more information call (903) 885-7556 ext. 414.
SatPro is hosting a re-grand opening
SatPro Wireless Technologies is hosting a re-grand opening at their new location, 942 Main St. in Sulphur Springs, on Wednesday, March 11, at noon. Make plans to come see all the new items SatPro now has to offer.
Cypress Basin Hospice is hosting a Cornhole Tournament
Cypress Basis Hospice is hosting a Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, March 14, at Caps & Flasks in Sulphur Springs. The tourney begins with a warm-up at 10 a.m. and a start time at 11 a.m. There is a $50 entry fee per team, and the first-place team takes home a $500 cash prize. For more information and to register, visit www.cbhospics.org or [email protected].
HC Health Care Foundation Hosting Spring Fashion Show
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation and Lou Nell’s are hosting their Spring Fashion Show on Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs. The show begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at Lou Nell’s or by calling the Foundation at (903) 438-4799.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office hosting Reintegration Informational Meeting
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Reintegration Program for Hopkins County. They will be having an informational session about the Reintegration Program to explain the benefits of hiring an ex-offender through the Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas. This session will be held on Thursday, March 19, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Lunch will be provided.
Jettribe will have a Launch Banquet event
Jettribe will have a Launch Banquet on Thursday, March 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cedar Canyon in Sulphur Springs. This event will serve as the new release of the 2020 sport wear line with a fashion show, prize giveaway, food, and DJ music. RSVP is requested by March 12. For more information contact [email protected] or by calling (214) 709-3523.
Wynar Unique Senior Living is hosting their ribbon cutting
Wynar Unique Senior Living is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, March 20, at noon. Their location is 143 Lee St. in Sulphur Springs.
Ribbon Cuttings
Cornerstone Insurance hosted their ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, February 21, at noon. They are located at 2104 Monroe St. in Commerce.
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for February 27, Cooper Lake State Park.
Tira News — Feb. 26, 2020
By Jan Vaughn
The quarterly Tira City Council Meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, 2020, at the Tira Community Center. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Yvonne Weir met Brenda Allen of Yantis at Plain and Fancy on Monday for a late birthday celebration of Brenda’s January birthday.
Our daughter and granddaughter, Tiffany and Jaidyn of Malvern, Arkansas, came for a visit on Friday evening. Our grandson, Kenden Joslin, and his girlfriend, Emma Hall, joined Chip, Grace and me for a birthday supper for Chip that night.
On Saturday, Tiffany and Jaidyn left to spend the weekend with their friend, Stephanie Weaver, in McKinney. That afternoon, I took our great-granddaughter, Dixie, to meet her mother, brothers and grandparents in Kilgore. She was here from Sour Lake near Beaumont with Landon, Laiken, Rylan, Brailon and Slaiden Joslin during her winter break from school. Unfortunately, they all (except Dixie) experienced the stomach virus during the week, after just recovering from the flu a couple of weeks ago.
Chip, Grace and I visited John and Linda Vaughn on Sunday afternoon.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Saltillo Lady Lions Win a Triple Overtime Thriller to Advance to a Tough Regional Tournament
The #11 ranked Saltillo Lady Lions Basketball Team won a thriller Tuesday night (February 25) at Trenton over #21 ranked Slidell, 51-43 in triple overtime in a regional quarterfinal game. The game was close all the way with the score tied 30-30 at the end of regulation. It was 36-36 after the first overtime and 40-40 after the second overtime. Finally the Lady Lions outscored Slidell, 11-3 in the third overtime for the 51-43 win. Jocelyn Ochoa had a big game for the Lady Lions with 19 points. Chandler Bain had 9 points. Anna Reeder scored 8 points. Kristina Wade and Brittney Peeples had 6 points each. Maddy Smith added 2 points. Julianna Giles scored 1 point. Coach Bill Giles said it was a very exciting game for the fans. He said the Lady Lions gave up too many easy baskets in overtimes but he said they hung in there, played physical and did the little things right in the third overtime for the win. The Lady Lions season record is now 31-7. The Lady Lions now head for a Regional Tournament on Friday and Saturday at Mansfield Legacy High School. This is a killer tourney featuring #2 Dodd City, #3 Lipan, #8 Eula and #11 Saltillo. The Lady Lions play Eula Friday. The Regional final game will be Saturday at 2 p.m.
Asbestos Abatement Underway
In order for the new Senior Citizens Center to be built, the building at the corner of Oak ave and Fuller St must be razed. Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell confirmed with KSST that asbestos abatement is underway. Windows, doors and even roof vents are now sealed, as a contractor carries out the work.
Asbestos-containing buildings that are to be torn down usually have to be sealed, and then have asbestos safely removed before ordinary demolition can be performed. Asbestos removal may take longer and cost more than the actual demolition.
A separate contractor is ready to demolish the building as soon as the all clear is give. Sulphur Springs construction crews are busy on other street projects, so a decision to hire an outside team to remove the building was made.
Marc Maxwell expects the demolition to begin in 10 days.
