Tatum: House Bill 1325 Will Not Affect Sheriff’s Office’s Law Enforcement Operations
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum Wednesday morning said while House Bill 1325 legalizes possession of hemp, it “does not decriminalize marijuana” nor will it “affect law enforcement operations of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office.”
HB 1325, passed and effective June 10, stipulates that hemp production and possession of a cannabis plant and any substance derived from it with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of 0.03 percent or less is no longer considered marijuana or a controlled substance.
Tatum said after reviewing the changes legalizing hemp create in Texas law, the department will continue to enforce Texas laws.
“Texas Law still prohibits the possession of marijuana. Each of us took an oath to enforce the law of the State of Texas and will continue to do so,” Tatum stated.
However, that difference between marijuana, THC and legal hemp — that 0.03 percent rule — is hard to determine without a lab test.
Local law enforcement agencies send specimens for testing to a DPS lab. It will be months before the DPS crime labs have the equipment needed to definitively distinguish between hemp and marijuana, that 0.03 percent THC content.
Tatum said while the law change likely will slow prosecution of marijuana and controlled substance cases, and potentially cause a backlog of evidence processing while the crime labs are being properly equipped and evidence tested, the sheriff’s office does not expect it to slow “the seizure of marijuana or the arrest of those people in possession of it.”
A state regulatory program hasn’t been developed yet, but has been ordered by the legislature. When they are in place, licensing, inspection, registration, transportation, distribution and other regulations and guidelines will apply.
Nine Como-Pickton FFA Students Selected for Top Honors during July State FFA Convention in Ft Worth
Chanda Neal, Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor at Como-Pickton CISD reports that a number of students were selected for special honors during the 91st annual Texas State FFA Convention held in Ft Worth during July 2019.
Four female students who applied for the Texas FFA Foundation Ambassador Program were selected. Presley Cummins, Summer Gilbreath and Kara Tifft were among 60 students selected as Junior Ambassadors and Sydnee Neal returned as a Senior Ambassador. Upon selection, the students receive an extensive 2-day training focused on donor relations, personal skills development and professional networking. During the convention, Ambassadors serve as the official liaisons to sponsors, special guests and dignitaries on behalf of the Convention.
During the convention, four Como-Pickton FFA students received the Lone Star Degree; Daniel Galvan, Kayleigh Brewer, Kobie Miller and Jesus Gonzales. The FFA Lone Star Degree is a prestigious award given to students who have had an outstanding high school FFA career through agriculture education and supervised agriculture experience.
During the convention, it was announced that another Como-Pickton FFA student, Breanna Bowen will be a recipient of the American FFA degree at the National Convention in October. In addition to this great honor, Bowen has also been named a National Finalist in the Dairy Proficiency Award Program.
According to the FFA website, the American FFA Degree is the gold standard. As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence.
Sulphur Springs To Begin Leasing From Enterprise Instead Of Buying Vehicles
Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday night agreed to change the way the city’s vehicle fleet is attained and managed in the future, a measure estimated to be a significant cost savings to the city.
The City Council approved Resolution No. 1173, which gives City Manager Marc Maxwell authority to handle details to switch from purchasing and maintaining city vehicles to a lease agreement in which Enterprise Fleet Management would finance and manage the city’s fleet.
The matter was first discussed during the July council meeting.
Rami Saad with Enterprise Fleet Management in July asked the city to consider using the company to handle those services for the city.
Saad said Enterprise Fleet Management currently has more than 1,000 government clients and manages over 73,000 vehicles for them. In Texas, the company has more than 90 clients, with more than 7,500 vehicles they oversee.
The benefit to clients, Saad told the council at the July meeting, is to utilize Enterprise’s network infrastructure to reduce costs and streamline the fleet management and replacement process. He explained a schedule for replacing city vehicles over three years and potential savings for doing so. Reducing the age of the vehicles in the fleet, Saad said, will helped reduce costs in maintenance and expenses while improving safety of the vehicles in the fleet.
City Finance Director Lesa Smith told the council at the July meeting that the city department heads, after looking into the matter, were in agreement in recommending the program. Based on the estimates provided, an agreement with Enterprise would save the city money in costs of maintaining older vehicles.
After discussion, the city council at the July meeting opted to table the matter, requesting further study be conducted and additional information and options provided by city staff.
Maxwell said at the July meeting Moore had many questions regarding the program, but the primary one was whether Enterprise could purchase the vehicles at a price lower than what the city could independently.
To address than, city officials asked Enterprise to provide figures on how much the company paid for five specific vehicles, the models most recently purchased by the city. A comparison showed a “significant saving on a couple of the vehicles, the savings approaching 25 percent,” the city manager told the council Tuesday evening.
“I showed the table to Councilman Moore, He’s satisfied it will in fact save us money. If he were here, the discussion would be a little bit different than it was last time,” Maxwell told the council Tuesday night, noting Moore’s absence from Tuesday’s meeting.
“Last time, I had it tabled because it seemed like it was going to have a back and forth between Doug and Enterprise. That also gave me time to talk to Doug — Mr. Moore. Doing so, I consulted with my son and the company that my company leases vehicles from. It’s hands down, it’s not even a question whether we should do this,” City Councilman Jimmy Lucas said Tuesday.
Lucas said he had lengthy discussions with his son and discussion with Moore regarding the matter.
“I wanted to make sure were were making the right decision, because once we start going this direction, I want to stay going that direction,” Lucas said.
Councilman John Sellers, who was unable to attend the July meeting, asked if other leasing agencies had been contacted.
“I had understood from my leasing company, that my company leases from, what we were doing, they were the best. That came from my leasing company,” Lucas noted.
“Enterprise Fleet Management has a contract for a purchasing cooperative, that’s why. They’re the lowest,” Smith said.
“I just didn’t know about the local dealers, have we talked to any that have leasing situations?” Sellers replied.
The resolution authorizing Maxwell to “executive master agreement Enterprise Fleet Management to finance and manage the replacement of the City’s” vehicle fleet was approved on a 5-0 vote; Councilmen Doug Moore and Freddie Taylor were not in attendance at the meeting.
“Next year’s budget just got better by about $200,000,” Maxwell quipped after the motion passed.
Cumby ISD to Hold Community Meeting Aug. 8 In CHS Library
Cumby Independent School District school board and Facilities Committee are hosting a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, in the high school library to discuss a potential November bond election.
A bond would provide funding to help to update facilities, including additional renovations to better address safety and security at the elementary campus, specifically moving classrooms out of the portable buildings.
However, before the school board decides whether or not to call for a bond election for facilities improvements, school officials would like additional community input regarding the matter.
Thus, community members are asked to voice their input and concerns for facilities improvements and a potential bond election, and help prioritize needs during the Aug. 8 meeting.
“Nothing is final. This will be a community-wide meeting. We invite everyone to attend, ask questions and discuss fundamentals,” said Cumby ISD Superintendent Shelly Slaughter.
In order to get a bond election on the Nov. 5 election ballot, the official order calling for an election would have to be approved by Aug. 19. The school board likely will be asked to consider calling for a bond election at their next meeting on Aug. 15.
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Opens Regular Season With A Pair of Victories
The career of Lady Cats Head Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner is off to a fine start as the Lady Cats opened the regular season Tuesday with a pair of wins at a tri-match with Sherman and North Lamar.
The Lady Cats defeated both teams, 3-0 at North Lamar in Paris. The Lady Cats won over Sherman, 26-24, 25-20 and 25-21. The Lady Cats bested the host Pantherettes, 27-25, 26-24 and 25-17.
Coach Dorner said the Lady Cats overall played really well all the way around. She said junior Sadie Washburn had two outstanding games, totaling 26 kills. The Lady Cats, now 2-0 for the season, will play in a Garland ISD tournament on Friday and Saturday.
Hopkins County Ponytails Make it Into Championship Wednesday at Dixie Softball World Series
The Hopkins County Ponytails qualified for Championship Wednesday in the Dixie Softball World Series Tuesday night at Coleman Park in Sulphur Springs with a thrilling 8-6 win over South Carolina.
Hopkins County Ponytails, 3-1 in the World Series, broke a 6-6 tie with two runs in the top of the sixth. When they shut down South Carolina in the bottom of the sixth, the game was theirs.
The local Ponytails now face undefeated Alabama, 5-0 in the World Series, Wednesday at 6 p.m. on Field 1. To win the Ponytails World Series, Hopkins County will have to defeat Alabama twice on Wednesday.
Alabama had to win a game and a post game protest to go into the Wednesday final undefeated. On the field, Alabama overwhelmed Tennessee, 16-2. After the game, the Tennessee coach filed a protest saying the Alabama coach had failed to announce a pitching change. A successful protest would have reversed the Alabama win on the field and sent both Tennessee and Alabama along with Hopkins County into Wednesday all with a loss apiece. Dixie officials denied the protest indicating that the protest occurred too late, after the game was over.
Also on Tuesday, the Hopkins County Angels and Debs were eliminated after close defeats. The local Angels lost to Virginia, 4-2. Virginia broke a 2-2 tie with two runs in the bottom of the third. Neither team could score after that. Virginia, 3-1, will face Alabama, 5-0, on Wednesday at 6 p.m. on Field 3. Virginia will have to defeat Alabama twice to win the Angels World Series crown. Alabama stayed unbeaten in the World Series with 5-3 win over South Carolina Tuesday.
The Hopkins County Debs were eliminated Tuesday when Tennessee won a rematch, 3-1. Hopkins County had defeated Tennessee, 5-4 Sunday night. Tennessee, 4-1 in the Debs World Series, will match up with undefeated South Carolina Wednesday night. South Carolina remained unbeaten at 4-0 with a 7-5 victory that eliminated Louisiana. Tennessee and South Carolina will play Wednesday at 6 p.m. on Field 5. Tennessee must defeat South Carolina twice to win the Debs World Series.
RECALLED: 1 Lot Of Lemon 50 Due To Possible Presence Of Undeclared Milk
PreGel America, Inc. of Concord, North Carolina has issued a recalling for single lot of Lemon 50, a powdered flavoring due to the possible presence of undeclared milk in the product. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
The product was distributed to customers in 28 states including Texas, as well as Canada, Guatemala and St. Lucia.
The recalled Lemon 50 has the product code 306038 and lot number 381081U279N. The lot number is located on the back of the packaging. The product was produced on April 18, 2018 and has a “best before” date of April 17, 2020. The product is packaged in 2 kg (4.4 lbs) bags, 8 bags per case.
The recall was initiated several units from the identified lot number tested positive for the presence of milk and were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk in the product. An investigation is ongoing.
No adverse events or reports of illness or injury related to the milk issue have been reported to date, according to a PreGel America, Inc. announcement.
Anyone in possession of recalled lot #381081U279N should call PreGel America at 704-707-0655 for further instruction. Businesses with the recalled product should return it to the North American headquarters in Concord, NC, for product replacement or credit. PreGel America will arrange for the return of the product at no cost.
Questions or inquiries may be directed to 704-707-0655, email [email protected], Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Wildcats Team Tennis Is Able To Take Some Matches Against Strong McKinney Boyd Program Tuesday
The Wildcats Team Tennis squad played a strong McKinney Boyd team on the road Tuesday, Aug. 6, and picked up a few match wins in a 16-3 loss.
The Wildcats’ mixed doubles pair of Jeauxleigh Cantu and Jonah Kirkpatrick continued to play well getting a win. Cantu also won her girls singles match. Aaron Lucas also got a win in boys singles.
The Wildcats are 0-3 for the young season.
The Wildcats will have another two match day on Thursday. They will again be tested as they play at Whitehouse at 8:30 a.m. and then travel to John Tyler to take on the Lions at 2:30 p.m.
Bidding On Student-Built House At 128 Fore Street Concludes Aug. 9
Those interested in purchasing the fruits of Sulphur Springs High School students work over the course of two years still have until 3 p.m. Friday to submit a bid.
The house at 128 Fore Street was the project of Harold Smithson’s construction students, and was constructed mostly be the high school students. Because of the dollar value and the fact that the site is being sold by Sulphur Springs Independent School District, the school is required to sell it via a bid process instead of the traditional listing with a realtor.
All bids proposals must be sealed and received in the Sulphur Springs Independent School District Business Office, at 631 Connally St. no later than 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2019. Bids may be delivered during normal school business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and until 3 p.m. Friday.
Bids are slated to be presented to SSISD Board of Trustees for consideration at their Aug. 12 board meeting.
The project was possible thanks to numerous local businesses who helped to sponsor the project, who are listed on the sign in front of the house.
SSISD Administrators recently hosted an open house on July 26 to give those interested in purchasing the house a chance to tour it and to give the community a first hand look the finished work of the SSHS students, who built the structure from the ground up, with trades services such as electrical and plumbing work conducted by licensed professionals as required. The minimum bid starting price for the home is $154,900.
“Bonus” room with swinging doors 
Kitchen includes stainless steel appliances
The 1,550-square foot farm-style home has two bedroom, two baths and a detached garage. There’s also a “bonus” room that can be used an a home office or extra bedroom that opens with sliding barn doors.
The home comes complete with stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, which opens into the open living area with fireplace. The kitchen and bathrooms have granite counter tops donated by Texas Rock Tops in Cumby.
The master bath has not only a sunken tub, but double sinks and a tile and glass shower. The second bathroom includes a shower and is centrally located, making it accessible from almost anywhere in the home.
Master Bathroom 
Master Bathroom
Small Bathroom 
Small Bathroom
The walk-in closet in the master bedroom is large, with shelving and rods on which to hand clothes on both sides, and a window. Most of the other closets do not include shelving, leaving it to the owners to install whatever best fits their lifestyles.
The laundry room and both bathrooms also have custom tile. Flooring throughout the house is easy-care wood-look vinyl plank and tile.
Walk-in Closet 
Closet 
Utility Room
The wraparound porch provides plenty of room to sit and enjoy an afternoon with family or friends.
A small walking path from the utility room leads to the one-car garage with roll up door located behind the home. Located on a corner lot, the garage is accessible via a concrete driveway from the side street.
For information or to have a bid emailed, visit SSISD’s website or contact Maria Garcia-Hidalgo at 903-885-0996 or at SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
