Boil Notice Issued For Cumby Water Customers On FM 275 North
Cumby Alderman Julie Morris posted the following notice on the City of Cumby Facebook page Jan. 9 warning for Cumby water customers on FM 275 north to boil water before using it for human consumption due to a water main break:
Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears Basketball Team Opens District Play With Road Win At Avinger
The Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears Basketball Team opened district play this week with a win on the road at Avinger, 46-20.
The Lady Bears jumped out to an 11-2 lead after one quarter. They led 17-7 at the half and 30-14 after three quarters. The Lady Bears also outscored Avinger 16-6 in the fourth quarter to wrap up the win.
Skylar Stanley led the Lady Bears with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 2 steals. Bailey Neal and Jada Wade had 6 points each. Neal made 2 three-point baskets and had 4 rebounds and an assist and Wade also had 7 rebounds, 6 steals and 2 assists. Alley Collett, Angel Brown and Tori Raine all had 5 points. Collett also had 9 rebounds, a three-pointer, 3 steals and 2 assists. Brown had a three-pointer, 6 steals and 4 assists. Raine had 3 rebounds, an assist and a steal. Dalena di Donato had 4 points, 6 steals, 5 rebounds and an assist. Molly Kelley had a steal.
Lady Bears Coach Zandra Peyton said her team played great defense and started reading passes in the second half of the game. She noted the Lady Bears have been without their senior point guard Ann Dorner, out with an injury, since Dec. 12. Still, she said, each game someone steps up and plays big. She said she hopes to get her point guard back soon.
Wildcats and Lady Cats Soccer Teams Have Thursday Tournament Games
Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats Soccer Teams are playing in tournaments on this game day Thursday, Jan. 9.
For the Wildcats, it’s their second tournament of the season. Last week at the Frisco ISD Dr, Pink Tournament, the Wildcats won one, lost two and tied one. The Wildcats, 1-2-1, begin play in the three day 2020 Lobo Invitational in Longview against Lufkin at 4 p.m. Thursday on the Longview Turf Soccer Field. The Wildcats are also scheduled to play Jacksonville and Forney in the tournament.
Meanwhile the Lady Cats Soccer Team is playing in the three-day 2020 Pine Tree Lady Pirate Showcase. Thursday the Lady Cats take on Jacksonville at 3 p.m. at the Pine Tree Auxiliary Stadium. The Lady Cats are also expected to play Cleburne and Pine Tree during the tournament. The Lady Cats’ season record is 0-0-1 after a 2-2 tie at home against North Lamar at Gerald Prim Stadium Tuesday night.
Emory Woman Accused Of Theft Of $600 Worth Of Clothing From Sulphur Springs Walmart
A 47-year-old Emory woman was accused Wednesday evening of trying to steal approximately $600 worth of clothing from the Sulphur Springs Walmart.
The woman was allegedly seen packing clothes into bags without scanning them, then trying to leave the store just before 5:30 p.m. Jan. 8, without paying for the items in the bags. Store asset protection staff reportedly detained the woman for police, according to arrest reports.
Upon arrival, a Sulphur Springs police officer reported hearing the woman admit she’d tried to steal the items and that she had “messed up.” The value of the items totaled more than $600, police noted in arrest reports.
The 47-year-old Emory woman was taken to jail for theft of $100 worth or more but less than $750 worth of property. She remained in the county jail Thursday morning, Jan. 9; bond on the misdemeanor theft charge was set at $1,000, according to jail reports.
California Man Arrested On I-30 In Hopkins County On A Controlled Substance Charge
An interstate traffic stop during lunch time Wednesday resulted in a 37-year-old Compton, California man being jailed on a controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
A Hyundai that was being driven too close to another vehicle on Interstate 30 was stopped near mile marker 133 at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 8, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Britain Marlow noted in arrest reports.
Officials contacted 37-year-old Pedro Antonio Fuentes Reyes of Compton, California. Reyes was reportedly transported by ambulance to the hospital for “an asthma episode,” according to arrest reports. His backpack was reportedly checked for weapons prior to him being placed into the ambulance, according to arrest reports. Inside the backpack officials found a small, clear baggy containing suspected methamphetamine, Marlow alleged in arrest reports.
After being medically evaluated at the hospital and released, Reyes was taken into custody and transported to Hopkins County jail for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. The suspected meth, when weighed, was reported to be 1.5 grams, the trooper noted in arrest reports.
Reyes was released from the county jail Jan. 9. His bond was set at $10,000 on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
NE TX Children's Museum: A New Year, A New Location for Daddy-Daughter Dance, Pickleball, Mommy 'n Me
January 9, 2020 – As the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum opens it’s doors for the New Year, it is beginning the 17th year of serving the children and families of the area. In fact, it holds the distinction of being the only state-of-the-art children’s museum in a wide region of Texas. Located in Commerce, Texas, the new address is 100 Maple Street, situated on seven acres with frontage along Highway 11 East of Commerce. Sharline Garrison Freeman is Director.
“We hear all the time from parents and grandparents that ours is the only place they’ve found where imaginative play flourishes for their little ones. They often say that their children are almost never seen without an electronic device in their hands, or watching a screen. We realize that NETCM offers something vital to childhood, a place for youngsters up to age 8 to enjoy creative, imaginative play in the numerous settings and play areas we have for various age and developmental stages of childhood. We have a Main Street, which is like a town where children can pretend to shop, visit the Veterinarian, pizza parlor or grocery store. We have a Pirate Ship to discover indoors, and a play area outside too”, stated Freeman.
Now the NETCM offers something new for those parents and grandparents too, and it’s Pickleball, an indoor team sport for fun and exercise for all skill levels. Pickleball is somewhat similar to tennis, in that you have a court with a low net and a large paddle for hitting a ball. A whiffleball takes the place of a tennis ball, thus players have more time to react to the ball and move about the court. It’s excellent exercise for adults, and is something new and different too! A Pickleball League is forming at the NETCM. To prepare newcomers to the game, two free introductory sessions for learning rules, etc. are scheduled for January 15 and January 22 at 10 am. Then, a Tournament will be held January 27-31 with a cost of $25 per team. A Pickleball League will be forming, with a 6-week season from February 10 and end of March 20. Teams can get more information and register by calling 903-886-6055.
Mommy and Me is another new offering at the NETCM, for first–time Moms and their babies up to age five months. Moms can hear discussion on topics of interest as well as meet and network with other moms. Cost for the six-week program is $15. The first session is Wednesday, January 29.
Other new offerings are Healthy Kids A-Z for young pre-schoolers, and a “Weird Science” program for fifth graders. A Daddy-Daughter Dance will be held on Saturday February 1, 2020 with a “Frozen” theme. Advance tickets are $35 for a dad and one daughter to attend. Additional ‘daughters’ will be at an extra cost of $10. There will be “Frozen” crafts, dancing, food and photo opportunities. Also, playtime in the Museum will be included. Tickets on the day of the event or at the door will be $40. For details, contact 903-886-6055 or netxcm.com.
Hearing Slated Tonight To Give Community A Chance To Voice Concerns, Questions Regarding Old Mine Property
Reclamation Responsibility, Land Leases, ETJ Boundaries, Maintenance Discussed During First Hearing On Annex
City residents who have questions regarding the old Thermo Mine/ Luminant property that is now owned by the city are encouraged to attend Thursday’s special city council meeting.
The 6 p.m. session Jan. 9 is designated specifially as a public hearing for community members to voice any questions, comments or concerns they may have regarding the property and the proposed annexation of that property into the city.
At least three community members and a local businessman approached the council during the first public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday regarding the annexation of the old Thermo mine property.
Concerns focused on status and extent of reclamation and who is responsible for it, land lease agreements individuals had with Luminant, extent of annexation and extra jurisdictional territory and what that means for nearby residents or property owners, and maintenance of land bordering the old mine property.
Reclamation Responsibility
Tim Kelty asked what the situation is with the land that needs to be reclaimed, how much of the land is like that, and what part of it will be the city’d responsibility.
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell noted that Area H on the property map is the last area that’s yet to be reclaimed at the mine. Once the former owner’s plan is approved by the Railroad Commission, it will take a few months to do the work on the reclamation.
“Then, waiting begins. There will be a five year period where they monitor the land, then they go into an extended period of responsibility for two, three, four years and continue to monitor it. I expect as a part of that they will have to reshape the pond and they will have to seal the pond because it’s exposed to a coal seam at the bottom. They will probably reduce the height of the mountain and grade it out somewhat to what amount, we just don’t know yet, because they don’t have their approved plan yet from the Railroad Commission,” Maxwell said.
Kelty asked how many of the total acres are not in any of the reclamations.
“There are just short of 5,000 acres total, and 400 that have yet to be reclaimed. Although other property has been reclaimed and is in the extended period of monitoring. The city has about 2,500 acres that are free and clear,” Maxwell said.
Councilman Doug Moore noted Luminant is bonded, which Maxwell noted means that the project is covered with funding to complete the process. Areas that have completed the reclamation process to state’s satisfaction are call “off-bond.”
City Attorney Jim McLeroy said the former Luminant mine owners are 100 percent responsible for all reclamation. What the city is receiving is reclaimed and ready for whatever future use the city chooses.
“We have no financial obligations, no financial risk, as far as those environmental concerns for the fact that this used to be a mine. When it comes off bond, when it’s completely through the reclamation process it will look like land there on the east side of that development, which looks like that pasture land across the street, beautiful country and it looks great. It is fully reclaimed. We’re not going to have do anything to it to complete that,” McLeroy said.
“So basically, you’re going to receive 25 hundred acres that we can do whatever we want with, no strings attached or anything, other than what the city puts on it?” Kelty asked.
McLeroy affirmed that to be true. He noted the city owns the other 2,500 acres and will receive it in the future once the property is fully reclaimed and off bond. The city granted the company an easement so they have the right to go in and do the work required to finish their legal obligation for the property.
Andy Smith asked for verification that the city is “free and clear” of responsibility for any “clean up” required and the company responsible is financially solvent to ensure all required work is completed.
McLeroy said the bonds they have posted by the previous owner are financial guaranties that there’s a source of funding to complete their obligation.
Land leases
As promised, Jean Barnes’ concern regarding land she has been leasing from Luminant for the last 14-15 years was addressed during the regular city council meeting which followed at 7 p.m. Jan. 7.
The City Council, during their regular Tuesday night, agreed to renew land lease agreements for use of certain portions of the old Thermo Mine/Luminant property at the same rate for 1 year. The lease contracts would be the same, except each lease would have to be renew pending council approval each year.
Three of the four lease agreements were for grazing cattle and hay production: Jonah Massey 82-acre lease on the southwest corner of the property, Jean Barnes 4.7-acre agriculture lease and Legend Cattle Company has a 959-acre lease in the middle. Hopkins County also has a lease for $2 a year for use of a sand pit, Maxwell noted.
The four agreements are expected to generate about $17,900 in revenue annually for the city. Maxwell was given authority to sign documents for those leases.
Barnes said a one year-lease at the same price was sounded “very good” to her and what she was looking for.
ETJ, Boundaries
A Lynda McKay, who owns property near the mine, expressed concern regarding the identified extra territorial jurisdiction for the proposed annex and what that will mean for people with property within it.
Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski explained that he ETJ simply means if someone were to create a housing develop within a mile of the property, they would have to meet the city’s subdivision requirements. The city has no planning or zoning jurisdiction in the area; they would only have to meet city standards when subdividing property.
Irene Hanson, who owns property on State Highway 11 east, asked if her property would be annexed into the city as well. She has a “small cut out” of property in that area, and was concerned she’d have to pay city taxes.
“You are not going to be annexed into the city for two reasons,” Maxwell said. “We cannot legally annex you unless you ask us to.”
“Unless you want to be in the city in the future, we don’t have the power to annex you. If you want to be in the city, you have the right to petition to be in the city and the council will have the right to decide if they want to accept you into the city. The reason we can annex it is because we own it,” McLeroy said.
In order to annex the property into the city, hearings must be held for community input, then it will be presented to the City Council for approval for that property only. The annexation does not include any other property around the mine or between the mine and the city.
Maxwell said also the city is “not of a frame of to go out and annex places, because then we have to provide services. Typically, the property taxes generated from the annexation are not sufficient to pay for the services. So, it’s been our frame of mind, and certainly mine for decades now.”
Maintenance
Irene Hanson too expressed concern for condition of old mine property that borders her land. She said they’ve had to “shred around” and mowed along the back property line due to the weeds for years, and wanted to know if the city would be providing routine maintenance of that nature.
“I wouldn’t expect us to get out there with shredders and mowers,” Maxwell said.
Irene Hanson asked if the city would be fending off the old mine property.
“We have no plans to fence,” Maxwell said.
McLeroy asked if the land is part of the mine property that’s been leased for agricultural purposes.
“Nobody has done anything to maintain this for several years. There are fences, but they’re old, old, so I’m wondering where does our responsibility lay?” Hanson asked.
Maxwell noted along the property line would be the city’s responsibility. He said the reclamation process means they move dirt, plant trees and nativegrasses. That is the former owner’s respnsibilty. The state has been monitoring that process.
Hanson said the land had previously used for hay, and was maintained during that time. However, it hasn’t been used for that purpose in five years. During that time, the weeds have become terribly overgrown.
Maxwell said if the neighboring property owner is interested in cutting it for hay, he’d welcome them to come talk to him to work out an agreement.
“Well, I wish somebody would because it looks terrible, and it’s a fire hazard for one thing,” she said, adding that hogs have run rampant in the area.
Hanson’s son Christopher Hanson, who lives on her property as well, said the hogs and coyotes come up close in the yard at night. They’ve shot several of them.
“If that is a problem, we’re going to have to figure out how to address it,” Maxwell said.
Christopher Hanson said a pond on the old mine property is also a problem. It’s become more of a swamp, resulting in an extremely bad mosquito and pesk problem. Last year, he said they killed 36 snakes. The condition of the adjoining mine property is a fire hazard, he added. He said when the former owner’s were contacted, they claimed they were unable to do anything about the issues because of the property’s proximity to the Hanson property.
Maxwell encouraged the Hansons to visit with him next week to identify their property on a map in proximity to the city property and discuss the issues.
Daughters of the American Revolution Local Chapter Meets Saturday January 11
The Captain David Philips Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet Saturday, January 11, at 2 pm at the Senior Citizens Center in Sulphur Springs. This is the annual business meeting. All members are encouraged to attend. Barbara Cockrum is President. For information, phone 903-439-5669.
