Commissioners Court Approved Four Items Related To Road And Roof Repairs
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved four items related to road and roof repairs, a request to install a water line extension and a plat request during their regular meeting Monday.
Road Survey
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley reported past flooding damaged culverts at one of the creek crossings on County Road 3525. The county had enquired about FEMA funding to help replace the culverts. Funding is awarded for those projects only to restore the damaged area to the “state of being it was in when the event happened.”
Larger culverts are needed at the location to adequately handle the water flow through it. Two culverts are needed. Bartley proposed expanding the culerts from 8 feet to at least 10 feet in diameter. FEMA requires a hydrologic and hydraulic study for such requests. To go through the application process, a survey is needed, Bartley explained.
“I think FEMA is pretty well on board to help us with this and the increased cost. We’ve just got to go through this process,” Bartley said.
“That is correct. We have to put it on the agenda and you have to approve this for him to be able to move forward,” Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook affirmed.
Bartley acknowledged there may may be some expense of the hydrology study that has t be paid for up front. Aulsbrook noted that if approved for the federal funding, the county would likely be reimbursed for it.
Bartley proposed paying MTG Engineers and Surveyors, a firm out of Texarkana, to conduct an hydrologic and hydraulic study of the area.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said he has a similar situation in his precinct as well, which he may consider seeking funding for as well.
Bartley made the motion to hire MTG Engineers & Surveyors for the H&H study. Seconded by Barker, the motion received unanimous approval of the court.
Reclaimer Purchase
Bartley also asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving the purchase of a Caterpillar Reclaimer.
The Precinct 3 Commissioner explained that he’d shopped around online for the reclaimer. Sourcewell is a company similar to Buyboard with a purchasing co-op. Through that, he finally ended up working with Holt Caterpillar in Sulphur Springs. They found one locate in Dalhart.
“We have the machine in possession. They delivered it Friday,” Bartley said
He proposed using funds raised from the sale of old equipment two months ago for a down payment one reclaimer, then financing the rest to be paid out over time.
Bartley asked the court to allow him to purchase the machine so he “can go to work.” The motion received unanimous approval of the Commissioners Court.
Rehab/Paving RFP
The court was asked to consider accepting RFP-2020-002 for reh/paving of county roads.
“We went out for bid for paving on miscellaneous county roads, the county as whole, if you wanted to hire someone to come in and do asphalt paving for you. Mickey kind of headed this up,” Aulsbrook said.
Two proposals were received for a half-a-mile of paving, including pulverizing grading and shape it, then, installing a two-inch layer of Type B hot mix asphalt, according to Aulsbrook.. Paul Pogue with Area Wide Paving bid $88,175 and Kevin Mohl with Texana Land and Asphalt bid $98,789.
“I know this is a high price, but what you are getting is worth labor, materials and equipment to lay asphalt with dedicated side and proper runoff, things of that nature,” Barker said.
Barker said while it’d be unreasonable to think that the county would, in the near future plan, to do any large scale asphalt paving of county roads, the bids give a good idea of the cost of asphalt paving should a commissioner choose to use it for between one-fourth of to 1 mile of road. By accepting the RFP, the contractor would be available if any of the commissioners opted to have any of their roads asphalt paved.
“It is my intention to try to at least address the first quarter or half mile of all county roads off of main highways, because that is the portion of the road that everyone uses down that particular county road. Therefore, it is worn faster or damaged more so than the rest of the county roads,” Barker said, when making the motion to accept the lowest bid for asphalt paving.
The Commissioners Court accepted the bid proposal from Area Wide Paving bid, which each can opt, if they choose and funding allows, to use for potential asphalt paving of county roads.
Roof Replacement
The court was asked to approve the $32,622.63 contracted cost of The Horn Brothers Roofing repairing the roof at the Probation Office, located at 228 Hinnant St.
“I went down and looked at it this morning. I thought they did a real good job — painted the trim. It looks good. They lightened the color on the roof a little bit. I make a motion that we accept it,” Precinct 4 Commission Joe Price said.
Aulsbrook explained that the county had received insurance proceeds to apply toward the roof repair. Of the $32,622.63 roof repair, insurance will pay all except 7 percent depreciation and $10,000. The county should get the depreciation back after they’ve proved it’s been paid for.
The motion also received unanimous approval of the court.
Water line
North Hopkins Water Supply Corporation asked permission to install a line extension on county right-of-way on FM 71 east at County Road 3605.
Bartley reported he had inspected the area in question, which is within Precinct 3. Bartley said he was good with the request and made the motion to approve the request, submitted as part of the consent agenda, which also included minutes from the April 13 Commissioners Court meeting and work session.
Seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin, the full consent agenda received unanimous approval of the Commissioners Court.
Plat Request
Leighton Stevens asked the court to approve plat P. Venables A-1010, which would allow him to divide off small lots on a property he owns, an old shooting range on State Highway 154 outside the city limits.
County Clerk Tracy Smith noted Stevens had presented his application and originals. He received approval from environmental officer Jim Dial and has talked with Barker about the proposed plat change.
“As far as I can tell, all requirements have been met,” Barker said.
Dial reported the lot sizings meet OSSF requirements and all lots already have a public access road.
Barker made the motion, seconded by Anglin, to approve the plat request as presented. The motion received unanimous approval of the court.
Commissioners Court Delayed Making A Decision For Disaster Declaration
Hopkins County Commissioners Court continue delaying a decision on whether or not to approve an amended public health emergency disaster declaration Monday.
During the morning Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom initially recommended extending the second amended disaster declaration he put in place April 20 following Governor Greg Abbott’s April 17 updated orders related to COVID-19 measures. This would allow it to stay in place reflecting the current orders in place from the state, and could be updated if the Governor in his address this afternoon makes changes to the restrictions. The court then could hold a special session or emergency meeting as needed to update the declaration for those changes.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked whether the order needed to be extended this morning to reflect the Governor’s previous orders if they very likely will change this afternoon.
Newsom acknowledge that the order for the county would likely need to be amended a third time to match any changes announced at the 2:30 p.m. press conference at the state level.
He said he is very grateful Hopkins County is doing very well, with all four of the diagnosed positive patients well and recovered from COVID-19. The county needs to keep doing well. There have been no new cases in over 3 weeks.
It was pointed out that a nursing home in Paris over the weekend had numerous patients test positive for COVID-19, escalating the numbers for that county significantly higher. While Hopkins County nursing homes and senior citizens hoe have done very well, Hopkins County still must protect residents.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin said while he doesn’t want to go against the state order, he feels it is important to get the ball rolling toward reopening all businesses in Hopkins County as soon as possible.
Bartley noted that the businesses hurt worst by the shutdown of all except essential businesses have been mom and pop style small businesses.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said it is his opinion that the businesses should be responsible for what goes on at their location. Each should be expected to sanitize things regularly. People should wear masks if they wish when going out in public. It should be up to the individual or business what health safety measures they take.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price said he’s taken at least one call from individuals who indicated they were very close to having to go out of business due to the COVID-19 regulations for business closures.
“Is it the government’s responsibility to control common sense?” Barker asked.
Bartley said extending the order wouldn’t match if the Governor today issues guidelines resending the closures and allowing businesses to open back up.
After the discussion, Newsom’s motion and the second to withdraw the motion to extend the amended declaration were taken back. The court entered into recess, with the intent to reconvene after the governor’s press conference this afternoon, to determine what if any action will be taken regarding an extension of the public health safety disaster declaration. If no action is taken, the second amended county disaster declaration put on by Newsom last week will expire.
A work session with the various county departments convened in the interim.
The court reconvened in regular session following the Governor’s afternoon press conference. They discussed the changes outlined by Governor Greg Abbott in executive order 18, which will start May 1. Retail businesses libraries, museums, dine-in restaurants, movie theaters and shopping malls are allowed to reopen for in-store shopping and business with occupancy limited to 25 percent in each, with options to open up to 50 percent occupancy in counties that have five or fewer COVID-19 cases. Certain guidelines must be followed as well.
Local government operations for permitting, records and document filing services may reopen as well. Golf courses can reopen, and outdoor sports with up to four participants with distancing parameters observed may be reopened. Individuals working alone in an office too may provide services under the new order.
Nursing homes and facilities of that nature will remain closed to visitors during Phase I of the Governor’s plan to reopen state services and businesses.
Churches can conduct religious services provided they observe social distancing.
Hopkins County Regional Civic Center General Manager Lonnie Fox asked what that would mean for events at the Civic Center. Most gatherings, especially large gatherings, are still a ways off — until at least May 18 when the Governor said Phase II could potentially go into effect if Texans continues to do their part, observing guidelines, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Concern was expressed by the commissioners and judge for some businesses that were not specifically listed to reopen.
The Commissioners Court agreed to once again recess the meeting, which is to resume at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 28. That will give Newsom and the commissioners more time to delve into the guidelines and potentially recommend and consider approving a second amended disaster declaration in accordance with the Executive Order 18.
Governor Abbott Outlined Plans To Reopen Texas
Governor Greg Abbott outlined plans to reopen Texas during his press conference Monday afternoon. The stay at home safe order in place will be allowed to expire at the end of the month. He outlined a plan to begin opening businesses starting May 1.
Abbott said the stay at home safe order had done it’s place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. He announced three phases to reopen businesses in increments,
All retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls can reopen May 1, provided they minimize exposure and limit occupancy to no more than 25 percent.
If Phase I works, Phase II will allow businesses to open with 50 percent occupancy. This could happen around May 18, depending on COVID-19 remaining containing. The state then would continue to expand as long as COVID-19 remains contained.
This allows businesses to re-open, but does not require them to do so. If a business feels unsafe or does not want to reopen, that business is not requirement to do so, Abbott said.
All museums and libraries can reopen with occupancy up to 25 percent. Hands-on exhibits in museums are to remain closed. Museums do not have to reopen, but do have permission to do so
Churches and places of worship, kept open to an extent under the existing order, will be able to expand capacity even more. Abbott emphasized the importance of safe distancing practices to ensure church members remain protected.
Services provided by an individual working alone in an office; and local governmental operations relating to permitting, recordation, and document-filing services, as determined by local government, are also within the scope of reopenings authorized in the April 27 Governor’s Executive Order 18.
Before another stage is authorized, test tracking will be conducted and analyzed, with more testing sites and tests to be available. Among the data to be considered will be hospitalization rates, new cases, whether the numbers or flat and the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 during the first couple of weeks in May.
Outdoor sports will once again be allowed in Phase 1. However, they can involve no more than 4 participants at any 1 time, so long as distancing practices follow. Abbott used golf and tennis as examples. If COVID-19 remains contained in Phase I, that number will be expanded in Phase II expand to allow more sporting activities.
Nurses, doctors and dentist in the first phase will be able to get back to work. All licensed health care professionals allowed to return to work with a few capacity guidelines.
Hospitals will be required to reserve 15 percent capacity for COVID-19 patients.
Essential services will continue to operate as they have been doing in Phase I.
Abbott acknowledged that Texas is a big state with a diverse geography, and not all counties are affected the same by COVID-19. even in low population counties COVID-19 can spread rapidly.
Abbot noted that counties with 5 or fewer COVID-19 patients — about half the state — could potentially be allowed to increase their capacity in facilities to 50 percent, provided they comply with the safety standards outlined by doctors. For specifics, refer to the manual available at gov.texas.gov/opentexas.
If an area or the state has a sudden huge rise or significant outbreak of COVID-19, then those areas or the state would revert back to more limited capacity.
“Some businesses want to open. Texans want them to open, but. it’s not safe enough to open them all at this time. Barber shops, hair salons, bars and gyms are to remain closed. We are working to open business as soon as possible. We hope to open them on or no later than mid May,” Abbott said.
Because they require such close contact and proximity, it’s very difficult to open those at this time, the Governor noted, but plans are being explored to allow those businesses to open soon as well.
The most important element to re-opening business is to continue to protect the most vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. Seventy-five percent of deaths are peple 65 and older.
“If we redouble our efforts to protect our most vulnerable citizens, we can reduce deaths while expanding the workforce and the number reentering the workforce,” the Governor said.
Abbott said re-opening businesses safely will depending on Texans’ commitment to continue safe distancing practices to reduce the potential spread COVID-19.
Visitation is still restricted at nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities, which are to follow the infection control policies set by Texas Health and Human Services Commission. That includes minimizing the movement of staff between facilities when possible, according to Executive Order 18.
Schools will remain closed to in-person student classroom attendance through the end of the 2019-20 school year, per the CDC and President’s guidelines.
Free Mobile COVID-19 Testing In Sulphur Springs
Free mobile COVID-19 testing in Sulphur Springs is offered on Thursday, April 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston Street. You must first register and be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
This testing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. You will not be able to register until late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning.
For screening information and registration, go to www.txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400.
Firearms And Marijuana Were Found During Traffic Stop
An Interstate 30 traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old Pine Bluff, Arkansas man after firearms and marijuana were found in his vehicle.
Cumby Police Officer Jonathan Painter reported initiating a traffic stop on a white Cadillac CTS at 7:01 p.m. Saturday. The stop occurred on Interstate 30 west near mile marker 130.
After allegedly smelling a strong marijuana odor emitting from the vehicle, Painter reportedly conducted a probable cause search. Painter alleged finding two firearms and a large clear bag containing marijuana.
Following a roadside interview, Painter took driver Marcus Jerome Jackson into custody at 7:18 p.m. April 25, 2020 and transported him to jail. The passenger and vehicle were released at the scene, according to arrest reports.
Jackson was charged with possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana, a felony offense, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. The 23-year-old Pine Bluff, Arkansas man was released from the county jail Sunday, April 26. Bond was set at $5,000 on the felony marijuana charge and $2,000 on the weapon 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.
State Highway 11 Traffic Stop Resulted In An Arrest
A State Highway 11 traffic stop resulted in an arrest for controlled substance possession Saturday evening, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Elijah Fite reported, while on patrol around 7:15 p.m. April 25, 2020, seeing a tan Honda Civic with a defective tail light. The vehicle was traveling west on State Highway 11 east near the Sulphur Springs, TX Walmart. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and the car pulled into Walmart parking lot.
Upon approach of the vehicle, Fite identified both occupants of the car. Both allegedly showed signs of nervousness when questioned. Fite asked permission to search the car and the occupants consented. Fite also asked the female to allow a search of her purse. Inside the purse, the deputy found yellow bag containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine.
Thus, the woman, identified arrest reports as Brandi Rose Ann Propes, was arrested at 7:45 p.m. April 25, 2020 for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Deputy Zack Horne transported the 44-year-old Pickton woman to the county jail, where she was booked on the charge.
Propes was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, April 26. Bond on the felony charge was set at $10,000, 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.
Como-Pickton Elementary New Student Registration To Be Conducted Online
Como-Pickton Elementary new student registration will be conducted online via the link on the school website. Parents will need to complete registration forms along with required documents via email to [email protected].
Washburn, Westlund At Top Of SSHS Senior Class Of 2020
Sydney Claire Washburn was announced this week as valedictorian and Andrew Bryan Westlund as salutatorian of SSHS Senior Class of 2020.
Valedictorian
Sulphur Springs High School Principal Derek Driver made the announcement for the top honor graduates at a small gathering, with social distancing observed, in front of the high school Monday morning.
Valedictorian Sydney Washburn, daughter of Troy and Kris Lopez and Scott and Ashley Washburn, finishes her career at SSHS with a 4.0 grade point average.
During an interview this week, Washburn expressed appreciation to her teachers for not only helping her to be successful but to grow as a person as well. She gives special credit to Renee Maeker, her Spanish teacher for the last three years. This year being in a class of two students allowed them to become closer, she noted.
“It’s just nice. She’s very involved. She cares about me as a person as well as a student,” Washburn said of Maeker.
During high school, Washburn competed in academic UIL and was a state finalist in the Barbara Jordan essay competition. She served as president of the National Honor Society, and was a member of the Key Club, Student Council and Hopkins County Leadership group. She also enjoyed working with friends in putting on a dress code talent show the first day of senior year.
Washburn has been active in athletics during her time at SSHS, playing volleyball, and running cross country and track. She was recognized as a four-year regional qualifier, served as team captain and for three years was named MVP in varsity cross country. Washburn qualified for area three years and region one year in varsity track. In varsity volleyball, she was named Second Team all District. She also was recognized for Academic All-State.
The 2020 SSHS valedictorian said while she considered participating in games and meets fun, her sports activity in college will likely be through participation in intramural events and she will probably run on her own. She plans to focus more on academics than running when she attends Baylor University in the fall.
She has been awarded three scholarships to apply toward her studies at Baylor, where she will major in medical humanities and religion. She wants to become a pediatrician, so she can work as an international missionary.
“I’ve always been interested in health care. A missionary came to our church a few years ago and I just knew that that’s what I wanted to do. We went to Kenya in December and January, and I just loved it. So I knew that is where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do,” Washburn said.
While she loved Kenya, she said is will go “wherever the Lord sends me.”
The 2020 valedictorian likes children and views becoming a pediatrician as “an opportunity to provide a more general care in areas that need it.”
Washburn offers appreciation to her family, for their support and encouragement. They help calm her when her homework get hard. She comes from a large immediate family: two sets of parents, three sisters and a brother were in attendance at the honors announcement Monday to show see her recognized. She expressed appreciation to her siblings, who have a knack for making her laugh.
“I really have just enjoyed being able to grow up with them and having some of my best friends be my siblings. My parents, they are just the best. They sacrifice so much for me my siblings. I am so thankful for all that they have done for us,” she said.
When congratulated for being named valedictorian, Washburn is quick to point out where credit for the honor is due. She said it’s important to her that people known, “It’s not about me. Truly the Lord has put me in this position, and I just want to give all the credit to Him, because without Him, this means nothing,” Washburn said, adding, that for her it’s an opportunity to be “thankful for this opportunity to recognize that it is from the Lord.”
Salutatorian
Sulphur Springs High School also announced Andrew Bryan Westlund as the SSHS Senior Class of 2020 salutatorian.
Westlund, who was unable to attend the honors annoucement Monday, graduates with a 3.96 GPA. He is the son of Daniel Westlund and Misty Westlund.
The 2020 SSHS salutatorian too has been active in school activities.
Westlund achieved successes in UIL competition. He was a member of the state championship literary criticism team. He competed in UIL number sense and computer science.
He includes among his achievements serving as co-founder of a Destination Imagination team.
The salutatorian is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership group and National Honor Society.
A member of the SSHS Wildcat Band, Westlund also served as tuba section leader. He too lends his musical skills as the church pianist. He’s also a Sunday school helper and was a Summer Camp intern.
Westlund plan to attend Oral Roberts University, where he will study to become a quantum computer programmer.
Meal A Day Menu
The Senior Citizens Center may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but the dedicated Meal A Day volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. The Meal A Day menu for April 27-May 1, 2020 includes:
Monday — Chicken Broccoli and Noodle Supreme, Pinto Beans and Corn
Tuesday — Apricot Glazed Chicken On a Bed of Rice, Providence Vegetables and Roll
Wednesday — Corny Dogs, Sweet Potato Fries and Cole Slaw
Thursday — Chicken and Dumplings, Crackers and Tossed Salad
Friday — Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Roll
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Commissioners Expected To Extend Second Amended Disaster Declaration Monday
Retirement Benefit Limits For Hopkins County Employees To Be Discussed During Work Session
Hopkins County Commissioners Court are expected to extend the second amended disaster declaration, in addition to authorize a major equipment purchase and two others items related to county road repair, and roofing contract for the probation office.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom, following the Governor’s latest orders related to COVID-19, amended the county’s public health disaster declaration a second time to match the governor’s orders. The court will be asked on Monday to consider approving a proclamation extending the second amended county disaster declaration.
A contract for roof replacement at the probation office located at 228 West Hinnant St. is also up for consideration by the Commissioners Court.
At least three items on Monday’s 9 a.m. Commissioners Court agenda have to do with county roads and repairs. The court will be asked to consider approving an agreement with MTG Engineering and Surveyors for an H&H study of FEMA Case #4416-County Road 3525, purchase of a Caterpillar reclaimer through Sourcewell Co-Op for Precinct 3 and an RFP for rehab and paving of county roads.
The court is asked to consider approving a Plat P Veneables A-1010 request and North Hopkins Water Supply Coroporation’s request to be allowed to install a line extension in the county right-of-way on the west west side of FM 71 east at County Road 3605.
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court meeting will begin at 9 a.m. April 27, in the Commissioners Courtroom at Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St.
Immediately following the regular meeting, the commissioners court will enter into executive session to discuss retirement benefit limits for Hopkins County employees.
Also on the work session agenda are updates regarding the fire department, sheriff’s office and Civic Center operations, including any relavant revenues and expenditures, proposed improvements and repairs or events; discussion on any environmental concerns; and budget work session as needed.
The work session is slated to be conducted in the first floor courtroom as well, which will allow those participating in the work session to observe social distancing guidelines.
