Mayor Darla Henry Announces Wastewater Treatment Grant Bringing Improvements for Como
Elected in May 2017, Quality Engineer Darla Henry has approached the elected position of Mayor of Como in a similar way to her job at Flo-Serve….to make sure that the office operates according to the State’s mandates and rules, and to act on the most pressing needs first. A grant application for updating/replacing the wastewater treatment system that serves Como city residents was top of the list for Mayor Henry. The aging wastewater treatment system had previously been patched and repaired frequently. Now, with this $275,000 grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture, the electronic monitoring system can be brought up to standard levels. New construction is expected to begin in January 2019.
Previously, when the waste water treatment’s system detected low levels in the well, residents were placed under a mandatory “boil water notice” by State requirements. The overhauled, upgraded system will be more sensitive to detect fluctuations in the underground lines to the well, providing more reliable service for the residents and taxpayers.
Another area that is getting attention is code enforcement. With the addition of a Code Enforcement Officer in 2019, it is hoped that recurrent issues inside the city limits involving mowing/upkeep violations and recurrent reports of dogs running loose can be remedied. Mayor Henry stated “I became a Como homeowner in 2000. I came into office seven years later thinking I could fix pressing problems in a short time. I was shocked to find that even minor improvements took so much time to address and remedy. Now, I approach my duties by being satisfied with baby steps moving forward, and choosing my battles. Even though progress may seem slow, there is progress taking place through the office of the City of Como for the betterment of everyone who lives there. And there is more to come”. Henry is pleased with that progress thus far, and is hopeful and prayerful that her leadership and sincere efforts to improve the community can be continued beyond 2019 when the office of Mayor is up for election again in May.
Alliance Bank Expands in Northeast Texas: To Acquire and Merge With First National Bank of Mount Vernon
Sulphur Springs, Texas and Mount Vernon,Texas – November 29, 2018. Alliance BancShares Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alliance Bank, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Mount Vernon BankShares, Inc. which owns all of the stock of First National Bank of Mount Vernon, Texas. Pending shareholder and regulatory approval and satisfaction of certain other closing conditions, the bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks are expected to merge in early 2019, with AllianceBancshares, Inc. and Alliance Bank being the survivors of the mergers. Alliance BancShares, Inc. was advised in this transaction by Fenimore, Kay, Harrison and Ford, LLP, as legal counsel, and The Bank Advisory Group, LLC. Mount Vernon Bankshares was advised by Beard, Kultgen, Brophy, Bostwick and Dickson, PLLC as legal counsel. Piper Jaffray & Co. was financial advisor to Mount Vernon Bankshares, Inc. and issued a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors.
As of September 30, 2018, Alliance Bank had total assets of $740 million. On a combined basis, Alliance Bank and First National Bank will have approximately $930 million in total assets.
“I am excited to announce the proposed acquisition of, andmerger with, First National Bank of Mount Vernon and Alliance Bank,” said TomSellers, President and CEO of Alliance Bank. “This merger with First National Bank is beneficial for our customers and employees as both institutions share a storied history of core values, sense of culture, and philosophy related to community banking. Combining our banks will allow us to better serve the growing needs of our customers and communities,providing new opportunities for the development and growth of the employees of our combined organization,” continued Sellers.
“This is an excellent opportunity for First National Bank to become part of an organization that will enable us to offer our customers and the communities we serve a broader array of financial services while still maintaining the convenience of local decision makers. We are so pleased to join forces with a company that shares a similar approach to how we serve our customers, our employees, and our communities,” said Kenneth Greer, President of First National Bank.
Charles L. Lowry, member of the Board of Directors of First National Bank for almost 45 years, stated “I have witnessed the changes in the banking industry and the continuing challenges in offering the best in products and services to our customers. I am pleased to move forward with this association which will allow these challenges to be met,while continuing to provide friendly, hometown service.”
“First National Bank of Mount Vernon is a tremendous community bank, with this merger, we look forward to broadening our ability to better serve our expanding customer base across Northeast Texas. The entire First National Bank family should be very proud of the exceptional bank and reputation they have built,” stated Sellers.
About Alliance Bank
AllianceBank was established in 1927 with corporate offices in Sulphur Springs, Texas and began serving Greenville and Hunt County in July of 1990. It expanded into Wolfe City and Commerce in August of 1993. In February 1996, Alliance Bank purchased Colonial Bank of Greenville and now has (2) branches serving that community. Alliance Bank completed construction of its initial branch in Rockwall, Texas in October 2005 and now operates (2) branches in Rockwall. In July of 2015, Alliance Bank opened a Loan Production Office in McKinney,Texas. Additionally, Alliance Bank owns and operates Galyean Insurance Agency and Alliance Bank’s brokerage services, Alliance Bank Financial Services. For more information, visit www.alliancebank.com.Member FDIC – Equal Housing Lender.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, andare not insured by any financial institution insurance, the FDIC/NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the financial institution, are not guaranteed by the financial institution, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Raymond James is not affiliated with the financial institution or the investment center.
About First National Bank of Mount Vernon
First National Bank of Mount Vernon was chartered in 1900,currently with corporate offices and three banking locations in Mount Vernon and Franklin County. First National began serving the residents and visitors to the Cypress Springs area in 1992 and completed a newly-constructed branch in 2016. First National opened a full-service branch inside the Brookshire’s Grocery Store in Mount Vernon in 1996. For more information, visit www.fnbmv.com. Member FDIC – Equal Housing Lender.
Como Man Arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine
When Leobardo Sanchez, 30, of Como, was stopped by a Hopkins County Deputy for a traffic violation, he had three small children, a baggie containing a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine and a Camo 22-caliber Mossberg 702 Pinkster with magazine inserted and round in the chamber. The serial number on the weapon had paint covering the serial number.
The deputy had asked Sanchez to exit the vehicle and asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle. With consent to search the vehicle, the deputy had the children to exit the vehicle and stand near the rear of the 2018 GMC crew cab Sanchez was driving. The deputy found the suspected meth under the floor mat on the driver side and the loaded weapon in the backseat of the vehicle.
Family was contacted and the children and vehicle were released a family member, who came to the location.
Sanchez is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram.
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.
30-Grams of Meth Found in Possession of Local Man
Under investigation by Special Crimes Unit and Hopkins County Criminal Investigator Wade Sheets, Joe Dan Whitworth, Jr., 68, of Sulphur Springs, was stopped by Sulphur Springs Police K9 Unit Officer Buddy Williams. Whitworth was found to have approximately 30-grams of methamphetamine in his possession.
When the traffic stop was made at the 117 mile marker on I-30 at 10:34 p.m. Wednesday night November 28, 2018, a positive response by Williams’ K9 partner Kilo revealed a quantity of suspected methamphetamine under t he back seat frame of the 2013 Ford Fusion Whitworth was driving.
Whitworth is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams with Intent to Distribute, a Felony 2.
PJC Regents Have Busy November Meeting
Recently elected PJC regents are sworn in for six-year terms Monday evening by PJC Executive Secretary Pam Bennett. Shown from left are Curtis Fendley, Ginna Bowman and Mark Buster.
The Paris Junior College Board of Regents swore in recently elected regents and elected officers for the next two years at their November meeting.
Regents Ginna Bowman, Mark Buster, and Curtis Fendley were sworn in to new six-year terms.
TheBoard then held an election for two-year officer terms and re-elected by acclamation Curtis Fendley as President, Dr. Clifton Wilkerson as Vice President, and Berdie Gibson as Secretary.
Regents also recognized Math Instructor and Division Chair Mallie Hood and Vice President of Student Access and Success Sheila Reece for their part in PJC receiving the Overall Exemplar Award at the 2018 Math Pathways Awards during the Texas Pathways Institute in Dallas. The award was jointly announced by the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC), the Texas Success Center (TSC), andthe Dana Center Mathematics Pathways (DCMP).
Hood came in for additional praise from PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin for her work on co-requisites. In the past, students took developmental math courses and later college-level math courses.
Studies have shown that taking the two at the same time as co-requisites increases student mastery of math concepts. But scheduling both types of courses at the same time across three locations requires more work. Hood has performed the additional work well, according to Dr. Anglin.
In other business, the Board of Regents:
•Received a financial report from Controller Keitha Carlton with an update that the 2017-2018 audit is nearing completion and will be presented at the January meeting.
•Approved a resolution required by TexPool formally authorizing the college’s participation in their investment pool.
•Accepted a new electricity contract with NRG/Reliant from 2022 to 2029 for a delivered price of 3.898 cents per kilowatt hour. Currently PJC pays a little more than four cents and the new contract is expected to save the college about$35,000 per year when it goes into effect.
•Received an update on dual credit, showing that from 2014, dual credit students have doubled and now account for 35.22 percent of total enrollment at PJC.
• Heard a report from Gibson and Louise Taylor on what they had learned at the recent annual meeting of the Association of Community College Trustees.
• Learned as part of the President’s Report of a retirement celebration for Sharon Wood and Beverly Matthews to be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14 in the Student Center Ballroom.
• Accepted the re-assignment of Radiology Technology Instructor Heather Unruh as Radiology Technology Instructor / Program Coordinator effective Nov. 1, and the employment of Jennifer Johnston as Small Business Development Center Director, effective Dec. 3.
• Authorized PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin to move forward with a purchase of property.
Hearts of Life Presents Sophie for Adoption; Photos With Santa December 8
Sophie is still searching for a family to call her own! Sophie is approximately 7 years old. She is great with children but can be a little picky when choosing other 4-legged friends. She is a very active girl and would make an excellent running companion!
Her adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, shots, spay and rabies. Please contact Hearts of Life Animal Rescue to meet this sweet girl! Call 903-439-5019, email[email protected], www.facebook.com/heartsoflife or find us on Petfinder.com!
Hearts of Life will also be at Petsense Saturday December 8th from 10am-4pm for Pet Photos with Santa!Attachments area
Chamber Connection November 29, 2018
The Sulphur Springs Hopkins County EDC andthe Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce are hosting their annual Economic Outlook Conference at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center on Wednesday, December 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are so excited to welcome Mr.Richard Froeschle, current Labor Market Economist, as our keynote speaker at the 2018 Economic Outlook Conference. Mr. Froeschle will present Hopkins County the economic outlook for Northeast Texas for 2019. Sponsorships of the conference and tickets are available. Lunch will be provided. For further information,please call the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515.
Here’s another HUGE announcement from the Chamber! Our Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce has joined in with the Longview Chamber to offer small businesses health insurance through United Healthcare. It is called HealthyVIEW and is only offered to small businesses, 2-50 employees, who are members of our Chamber. This is a huge milestone for our Chamber to offer, and an extremely needed benefit for many. For additional information, contact Lezley Brown at the Chamber, (903) 885-6515. We are thrilled to be able to offer this invaluable asset to our Chamber members!
The Chamber is hiring!
Are you a person who thrives in a hardworking, fast-pace, energetic,and fun working environment? The Chamber may be looking for you! We are hiring a full-time person with exceptional customer service skills, out-of-the-box brainstorming abilities, a good understanding of social media, and event planning interest. Knowledge and execution of email, Microsoft Word, and Excel are required. Quickbooks knowledge is preferred. If you are interested in applying at the Chamber, please email your resume, cover letter, salary requirements, and references to Lezley Brown at [email protected].
Donation opportunity for students at A&M-Commerce
Cleaning out your closet over the holidays? Consider donating your gently worn business casual or professional clothes to the Lion Wardrobe, a program sponsored by CareerDevelopment at Texas A&M University – Commerce. Donations are used to help students look the part for interviews, presentations, conferences, or other professional events and set that very important first impression with employers. You can drop them off at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, 300 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs, Monday –Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, contact Bethany Ferrall at 903-468-3212.
Christmas Market coming to Main Street
The Christmas Market on Main Street will be held on December 1st from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There will be 22 vendors on the street with a variety of items. This is a perfect opportunity to get some Christmas Shopping done and be able to enjoy main street by stopping in the shops and walking across the street from place to place. For more information about the market feel free to call Marlene’s Sass & Class 903-335-8918.
Heritage Park will host Christmas in the Park on Saturday, December 1st
The Hopkins County Historical Society presents Christmas in the Park on Saturday,December 1st, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $3.00, and children under seven are free. Visit with Santa, see the light displays, listen to live music,enjoy hot cocoa, old-fashioned cider, coffee and cookies, and begin your Christmas shopping in the Country Store.
North East Texas Choral Society present Starry Night
North East Texas Choral Society presents Starry Nighton December 1st at 7 p.m. and on December 2nd at 2 p.m.in the SSHS Auditorium in Sulphur Springs. Tickets are $15for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. You may purchase tickets online at www.singerscount.org.
Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra hosts winter concert
The Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra is hosting a free concert called A Winter Classical on Thursday, December 6th, at Shannon Oaks Church in Sulphur Springs. For additional information, call (903)261-7907 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SSY017/.
CASA hosts their annual Cookie Walk
CASA is hosting their annual Cookie Walk on Friday, December 7th, from 9 a.m. to noon at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Cookies are sold for $5.00 a pound. Go by there and load up on Christmas cookies while supporting our local CASA!
Lion’s Club will host the 11th Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 7th
The Lion’s Club is hosting the 11th Annual Christmas Parade Friday, December 7th at 7 p.m. The parade begins at Buford Park and goes East on Connally Street to the square, turns left onto Church Street,and left on Houston Street to end in the Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot. You may pick up registration forms and rules at the Chamber of Commerce. The entry fee is one toy, to be donated to the Blue Santa Program. Charitable cash donations also accepted, and checks should be made payable to the Sulphur Springs Lions Club. Registration forms must be received by noon on Tuesday, December 4.
Ribbon Cuttings:
Love’s Travel Stop hosted their grand opening
Love’s Travel Stop hosted their ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, November 27th at noon. Love’s Travel Stop is open and ready for business just off Interstate 30 at Hillcrest in Sulphur Springs.
Texans Can Prevent the Spread of Oak Wilt Disease
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Oak wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, and it has been known to kill oak trees in Central Texas at epidemic proportions. Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans, hunters in particular, to take preventative measures and be cautious when collecting and purchasing firewood at this time of year to stop the spread of oak wilt.
“It is critical to take the responsibility of acquiring, managing, and storing firewood at your residence seriously,” said Jim Houser, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Forest Health Coordinator. “Hunters at ranches need to leave the wood there. Do not take it back home and be the one to start a new oak wilt infection center.”
Transporting and storing diseased wood spreads devastating oak wilt fungus spores to previously uninfected neighborhoods. Hunters should be careful not to transport wood off of ranch land, especially west of IH 35.
By following these preventative steps, citizens can stop the spread of oak wilt fungus:
- Select well-seasoned firewood. Well-seasoned wood is cut before the summer and is typically dry with loose bark and cracked ends. Avoid oak wood that appears unseasoned, which may have tight bark and cut ends which show no cracks or signs of aging. The extreme heat and dry conditions of a full Texas summer effectively destroy the fungus in cut firewood.
- Safely store unknown sources of firewood under plastic. If oak wood comes from an unknown source and it is not well seasoned, cover the woodpile with a clear piece of plastic. Burying the edges of the plastic will prevent the entry or exit of insects that might have been attracted to diseased wood and fungal mats.
- Destroy diseased red oaks. A knowledgeable arborist or forester should diagnose red oaks (i.e., Texas red, blackjack or shumard oak) that die rapidly (2-3 weeks) or in groups (2 or more trees over several years) for oak wilt. Trees suspected to have died recently from oak wilt should be destroyed by burning, burying or chipping. The heat of a fire destroys the fungus and the smoke emitted poses no threat to healthy trees. When planning to do any outdoor burning, be sure to check with local officials to see if an outdoor burning ban is in place for your county and take care not to burn on windy days with low humidity.
- Avoid wounding oaks during vulnerable seasons. The general recommendation is to avoid injuries to oaks from February through June. The best times to prune oaks are during the heat of the summer (minimal spore production) or the cold of winter (minimal insect activity).
- Paint all oak wounds including pruning cuts. Throughout the year, immediately apply a thin coat of latex or pruning paint to all fresh wounds and other injuries that expose the inner bark or sapwood of oaks. This prevents contaminated sap beetles from infecting the wound with oak wilt spores.
Oak firewood is an important commodity to Texans, whether it’s used for firing up the barbecue pit or warming up the home on a cold winter’s day. By selecting well-seasoned, disease-free firewood and by following the disease prevention guidelines, Texans are taking the correct steps to prevent a new oak wilt disease outbreak in their neighborhood.
Please visit www.texasoakwilt.org and www.dontmovefirewood.org for more information on this devastating tree disease.
Temple’s Trailers Sales Inc. Celebrates 50 Years in Business
Established on December 1, 1968, Temples Trailer Sales Inc. observed the 50th anniversary of the family-owned business by inviting friends, customers, farmers and ranchers, Chamber of Commerce and local media for a ribbon-cutting and lunch in their shop bay. Following the death of her husband Mike six years ago, Judy Temples with her son Larry J. and daughters Lana and Lacy are continuing the successful family business. They welcomed and served their guests to a BBQ sandwich meal catered by Big Smith’s BBQ and Catfish during the celebration held at noon on Wednesday November 28, 2018 at 3964 Texas Highway 154 South of Sulphur Springs.
Temples Trailer Sales website states that each TEM-TRAIL is hand crafted in our shop in Sulphur Springs, TX with diligence and care. Our trailers are sold to retailers all across the United States, and we strongly believe you won’t find a better built product. From our 8′ enclosed trailers to our 40′ gooseneck trailers, we have something for you. Call us today or stop by for a visit. We’d love to show you around.
We specialize in building trailers to fit your custom needs. Whether you need a trailer for landscaping, hauling cattle, transporting equipment, or working an oil rig, our team will sit down with you to build a trailer you can be proud of. Choose your style, size, color, and add ons and we guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Heavy Duty Trailers
Bumper Trailers
Oil Field Trailers
Gooseneck Trailers
Over-width Agricultural Trailers
