County Clerk Office Finding Duplicate Applications for Ballot by Mail

As the November General Election deadlines approach, applications by mail for ballots by mail are being received by residents and many are forgetting that they have already applied in March, according to Debbie Shirley, Hopkins County Clerk.
Shirley said those 65-years of age and older are eligible to receive ballots by mail. She noted that there are three different types of applications being received by local residents. Each states that it is an annual application. However, Shirley noted that an annual application ends on the last day of the calendar year. Those who registered in March are still registered. Those who register for the first time now will have to register again in January, 2019.
The big problem for the county clerk’s office is the duplicate applications that are being received. She said her office has received a large stack of duplicate applications. She did point out that at least one of the cards being received is misleading. The postcard has both the age qualification and the annual application box checked.
She encourages people to call her office if they question whether or not they have filed an annual application.
Ballots for the November General Election will be posted on the County website and on ksstradio.com within the next week. Ballots will differ according to precinct. City and School Board elections that are conducted in November will also be on the same ballot for those living within those voting areas. You will receive the proper code for your ballot when you sign in to vote.
Last day to register to vote in the November election is, due to Columbus Day, Tuesday, October 9th. Early voting begins Monday, October 22nd. The last day for early voting is Friday, November 2nd. General Election Day is Tuesday, November 6th.
Video Presentation: Commissioners Proclaim October 7-13 Hopkins County 4-H Week
Hopkins County Commissioners Court proclaimed October 7-13, National 4-H Week in the county. County Judge Robert Newsom read the proclamation on the courthouse steps Monday afternoon, October 1, 2018
WHEREAS, The Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court is proud to honor the 4-H Youth Development Program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for 111 years of providing experience-based education to youngsters throughout the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, This admirable program, which seeks to provide a learning experience for the whole child, including head, heart, hands, and health, helps young Texans to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes to enable them to become self-directed, productive, and contributing members of our society; and
WHEREAS, Its more than 550,000 urban, suburban, and rural youth participants, ranging in age from eight to nineteen, hail from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and truly represent a cross-section of the state; and
WHEREAS, The program undoubtedly could not have achieved the success that it has today were it not for the service of its more than 22,000 volunteers, who have given generously of their time, talents, energies, and resources to the youth of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its proud history, the 4-H program has developed positive role models for countless Texans and through its innovative and inspiring programs, continues to build character and to instill the values that have made our state strong and great; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court, hereby designates October 7-13, 2018 as National 4-H Week in Texas and commend the 4-H Youth Development Program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the many men and women who made the program a success.

Video Presentation: Cumby Safety Rest Stop
Texas Department of Transportation officials and staff, elected representatives, and county officials officially opened the new $23 million Hopkins County Safety Rest Areas on Interstate Highway 30 near Cumby. Noel Paramanantham, TxDOT Paris District Engineer said,“More than 31,000 vehicles a day, including 11,000-plus big trucks, travel on I-30 every day. It is a major traffic and corridor in Texas… This new facility, one of 78 statewide, will provide a welcome break for all kinds of travelers in a safe, convenient environment.”
State Rep. Dan Flynn, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom and Commissioner Danny Evans addressed the history of the partnership with TxDOT that sited the safety rest areas in Hopkins County. Flynn and Newsom then cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the facility to the traveling public at 11:30 a.m. The new facility replaces the aging rest area facilities in Franklin County, which closed the same afternoon.
Designed by SLA Architects and constructed by general contractor Haydon Building Corporation, the dual facility rest areas are 1 mile east of Cumby, Texas. A rest area north of the I-30 frontage road serves west-bound traffic, and one south of the I-30 frontage road serves east-bound traffic. Each 49-acre site is equipped with restrooms, vending, a Texas Department of Public Safety office, playgrounds and picnic arbors, and walking and exercise areas.
Each site also includes separate parking for 25 cars and 28 trucks, on-site security surveillance, an irrigation system that uses recycled storm water, and on-site aeration treatment system for wastewater.
The main lobby at each site features interpretive exhibits on natural surroundings and flora and fauna found in Hopkins County, as well as information on notable people and historic places in Hopkins and nearby counties. Other exhibits focus on the dangers of driving, and encourage visitors to travel safely by making driving their only objective when behind the wheel.

Tennessee Man Arrested for Possession of Methadone

At the 123 mile-marker on I-30 Monday morning at 3:42 a.m. a Hopkins County Deputy stopped a 2007 Series 3 BMW for a traffic violation. The driver began perspiring profusely when contacted by the deputy.
Matthew Gene Holbert, 34, of Knoxville, Tennessee, gave the deputy permission to search his vehicle and then withdrew consent. Canine Chiv was deployed and performed an open-air sniff of the vehicle. The canine alerted on the driver door. A probable cause search revealed multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia. A search of Holbert revealed suspected Methadone in his front pants pocket.
Holbert is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams. He is being held on a $10,000 bond.
Pride of TxDot, the New Cumby Rest Areas Open

Wendy Starkes, Engineer Maintenance Division, and Richard Bagley, Inspector, Statewide
On Grand Opening Day, the beautiful facility situated on the North side of Interstate 30 at Cumby, Texas was populated, not only with visitors, but with employees of Texas Dept. of Transportation, or TxDOT. I was greeted by designers, building contractors, District engineers and others who had gathered to meet the public and enjoy the finished product of more than two years of hard work.
As I entered the park area, cones and barricades which had blocked public access for the past several months were being removed, opening the way for drivers to enter the North Side rest area, and later in the afternoon, the South Side rest area. Part of the past ten years of design and planning of this new breed of rest area is pairing “twin constructions” along north/south as well as along east/west Interstates in Texas. Research done to determine placement and location of the rest areas is based, in part, on calculations for driver fatigue as a benefit for passenger cars, business drivers and long-haul truck traffic. Right now, there are between 15 and 20 of the new rest areas across the state, and more are in various phases of construction. As they are completed, they will replace older rest areas, as has been done locally with the closing of the roadside rest stop in the western edge of Franklin County along I-30.

As each of the new rest centers is designed, the natural terrain and local culture is considered. Wildlife, woodlands and natural water features are studied, then illustrated inside the rest area for visitors to enjoy. These may be interactive kiosks, video screens and even works of art which depict the locale. Design research even includes polling the local population to find out what makes their area unique and interesting. The new Cumby Rest Areas feature trees, taken from the fact that the town was once called Black Jack Grove and is situated on a Post Oak Savannah. A life-like representation of a huge tree is located in the center of the main lobby, with a bench and educational kiosk inside. Other features in the main lobby are constructed of field stone and wood. Outdoors you’ll find a playground and climbing feature for the youngsters, attractively landscaped.

Of course, there are restrooms, drinking fountains and seating areas inside the lobby, and safety for travelers using the center has a high priority. There is a tornado shelter located inside which can hold up to 50 persons. Security is top priority, with mounted cameras that document foot traffic inside and at the picnic pavilions out on the grounds, as well as all the parking lots, entrances and exits. Security and maintenance personal will be on duty at all times, and the presence of law enforcement presence is encouraged in the center. A “hospitality” office for visiting law enforcement was included in the plans, allowing a secure place for Texas Rangers, Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Department and local police to stop and take a break, or do necessary computer work while they are in the area.

The TxDot officials invite you to take some time in the near future to visit the state-of-the-art Texas Rest Area located in Hopkins County along Interstate 30 at Cumby, Texas. Even if you’re not traveling, families are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the sights and features at both the North and South units, which are similar but not identical.



Wood County Sheriff’s Report September 19-25, 2018
Wood County Sheriff’s Report September 19-25, 2018
September 19th
At 1:02 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 3056 near Hawkins.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 14 near Quitman; at approximately 3:18 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Holiday Village Dr. near Quitman, at approximately 3:19 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any signs of burglary or theft.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1210 near Quitman; at approximately 4:00 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 6:04 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 778 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2540 near Mineola, at approximately 6:31 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Tabitha Crow, 27, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 7:44 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the day.
At 11:04 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:12 a.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 3250 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Loop 564 near Mineola, at approximately 11:13 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:46 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole several items from the reporting party’s store. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 2:22 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:14 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the area. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 6:17 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 7:21 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 8:19 p.m., in reference to a theft. A known actor stole a travel trailer frame from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4895 near Quitman; at approximately 10:42 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1210 near Quitman; at approximately 11:43 p.m. Deputies provided a courtesy transport and cleared the area.
September 20th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 779 near Alba; at approximately 1:41 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4858 near Winnsboro; at approximately 2:43 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the area.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4200 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:21 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Cody Pyron, 22, of Winnsboro, was arrested for Criminal Mischief and Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:03 a.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies spoke with all parties and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1970 near Yantis; at approximately 11:13 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4430 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:17 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 2:50 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Joshua Scott, 26, of Alba, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:26 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on FM 17 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 7:51 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3985 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:15 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief that occurred on CR 1917 near Yantis. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s vehicle.
September 21st
At 12:40 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 3860 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2660 near Mineola, at approximately 3:14 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Rodrick Martin, 39, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family/Household Member by Impeding Breath/Circulation with Previous Conviction.
At 8:57 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3550 near Hawkins.
At 8:57 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2935 near Alba, at approximately 10:23 a.m., in reference to a theft. A known actor rented construction equipment from the reporting party and did not return it. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2111 near Quitman, at approximately 11:16 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole jewelry from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:55 a.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on PR 5881 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:04 p.m., in reference to fraud that occurred on FM 2869 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 1:12 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2360 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4530 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:42 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 3:27 p.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 4:26 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1515 near Alba, at approximately 4:58 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2150 near Quitman, at approximately 8:24 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 9:31 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2210 near Mineola, at approximately 10:25 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
September 22nd
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:16 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, parties were separated.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:25 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and this case was forwarded to investigators.
At 10:37 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3193 near Quitman.
At 11:10 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3120 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1247 near Quitman, at approximately 12:03 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s client. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5551 near Alba, at approximately 12:37 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 1:09 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 1:23 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 3875 near Mineola.
At 1:41 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:27 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle on Holiday Village Dr. near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:36 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located the individuals and everything was OK.
At 4:44 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Quitman.
At 6:20 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 182 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2840 near Mineola, at approximately 6:59 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
September 23rd
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2620 near Mineola; at approximately 1:20 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to Walnut St. in Yantis, at approximately 1:50 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 1801 near Mineola; at approximately 2:19 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 9:48 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7865 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:22 a.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole an extension ladder from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 11:46 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3193 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2880 near Mineola, at approximately 2:34 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies located the individuals and advised them it was private property.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3164 near Quitman, at approximately 3:50 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:37 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 5:21 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Quitman.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 2088 near Winnsboro; at approximately 6:43 p.m. Ruben Rodriguez, 37, of Mineola, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:49 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Brian Shelby, 18, of Dallas, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury. Zunte McClenton, 18, of Dallas, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury. Rodrell Jackson-Moore, 19, of Dallas, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury. Treveon Thomas, 18, of Dallas, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
September 24th
At 5:37 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 17 near Yantis.
At 7:26 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 2128 near Quitman.
At 7:28 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1801 near Mineola.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 1801 near Mineola; at approximately 7:49 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the area.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 8:12 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:05 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to PR 6254 near Mineola; at approximately 9:08 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person near Lake Quitman beach area; at approximately 10:39 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 near Mineola, at approximately 11:42 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 59, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and an autopsy was ordered.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2350 near Mineola; at approximately 4:18 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately 6:45 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies provided a courtesy transport and cleared the area.
At 7:42 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 7:45 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 11 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:40 p.m. Veronica Rios, 22, of Leesburg, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:50 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on FM 2869 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 9:28 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Lane Ogle, 20, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Quitman, at approximately 9:29 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole 2 guitars from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 8692 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:06 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3482 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:31 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located an abandoned vehicle and it was towed by Wyatt’s Towing.
September 25th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 1:29 a.m. Deputies located the individual. This case is active.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 69 near Alba; at approximately 1:39 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 2:37 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
At 7:51 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4591 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:53 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies spoke with all parties and cleared the incident.
At 8:41 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched o CR 2275 near Mineola, at approximately 9:07 a.m., in reference to harassment. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2724 near Mineola, at approximately 10:10 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several firearms from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3277 near Mineola, at approximately 10:13 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3476 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:18 a.m., in reference to burglary of a vehicle. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s vehicle and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Cheyenne near Quitman, at approximately 12:33 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies spoke with the reporting party and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Johnson St. in Yantis; at approximately 1:01 p.m. Lance Penney, 32, of Yantis, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:06 p.m., in reference to scam that occurred on CR 4460 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:36 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s residence, but nothing appeared to be missing.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5980 near Yantis, at approximately 7:41 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies located an open door, checked the building and cleared the area.
At 7:46 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
At 8:13 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 514 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3277 near Quitman, at approximately 9:21 p.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
At 10:26 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2590 near Mineola.
Between the dates of September 19 and September 25, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Upshur County, Smith County and Department of Public Safety.
Total Jail Count –112 inmates –90 males and 22 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.

PJC-Sulphur Springs Voter Registration Underway

VOTER REGISTRATION
Students at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus had the opportunity to register for the upcoming election day slated for November 6 during a campus voter registration drive this week. Filling out their registration forms are (from left) Jonathan Plumlee, John Koonce and Sarah Leano, all of Sulphur Springs.
Congressman Ratcliffe Says the Protecting Family and Small Business Cuts Act of 2018 Benefits Northeast Texas
Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we’ve experienced drastic economic growth in our country that’s toppled records untouched since the Ronald Reagan era, according to U S Representative for Texas District 4 Congressman John Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe said he voted for the House passage of legislation that will help unleash further economic development, wage growth and tax savings for middle class families and small businesses in Northeast Texas by locking in the policies of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Ratcliffe says the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2018 (H.R. 6760), will create 1.5 million new jobs across the country and build wage growth beyond last year’s average $3,500 increase in Texas’ 4th District.
He stated, “Amid democrats’ denial that our country’s economic boom is a result of tax cuts, you can count on me to continue standing against any proposals made to strip away our fairer, simpler tax code from the middle-class families and small business owners who benefit from it the most.”

Former State Senator Deuell Endorses Scudder

GREENVILLE, TX – Dr. Bob Deuell, the former Republican State Senator for District 2, calls incumbent Bob Hall “one of the most ineffective and incompetent state senators in the history of Texas.” Deuell is crossing party lines to endorse Democratic nominee Kendall Scudder and urging voters of all political affiliations and philosophies to do the same.
Citing Hall’s ignorance of issues and disloyalty to district, Deuell says there’s a viable choice in “informed and independent” Scudder:
“With only thirty-one Texas state senators, it is very important to have a state senator who is effective and competent as well as knowledgeable on the many issues facing our state. Bob Hall is none of the above.
It is also important to have a state senator whose primary goal is to represent the senate district and its constituents and not be focused on lobbyists and special interest large donors. Bob Hall is none of the above.
It is essential for a state senator to be more concerned with doing the right thing for the people of his district and for Texas than being first on fabricated conservative scorecards produced by the very people who financially support his reelection campaign. That is not Bob Hall…
What is critical in this election is that all the people of Senate District 2 have strong and effective representation and not ignorant scorecard voting from a legislative puppet with strings attached to West Texas, Austin and Houston as Bob Hall has given us.
Mr. Scudder and I do differ on some issues especially ProLife issues. After speaking with Mr. Scudder, I think he is fine with second amendment issues facing the state. Quite frankly, those issues are more on the federal level now.
Regardless of your party affiliation or your political philosophy, if you care about the important issues to our communities, you will vote for Kendall Scudder for state senator.”
“I’m ready to work across the aisle to deliver results for this district, because the issues we face in Texas aren’t red or blue—they’re red, white, and blue,” Scudder said. “I’m proud to have Dr. Deuell’s vote and ask for the vote of each and every voter of this district.”