The Next HCGS Monthly Meeting to be Held January 18th
Come join us on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at 611 N. Davis St., for ” The First Years of Hopkins County through the Eyes of John Sellers and his Research.” John will do a storytelling lecture about his early finds in Hopkins County history through newspapers, courthouse records, and online research. Everyone knows what a good story-teller John is (and if you don’t, it’s time to find out), so we hope you will attend either in person or by Zoom. Your invitation to attend via Zoom is below:
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jan 18, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsduysqjssGtPNYffv7h6cjMD3c065c9Ap
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We are all looking forward to this presentation!
Officer Leber Announced as SSISD Chief of Police
“I am enthusiastic about taking on the pivotal role of Chief of Police for the Sulphur Springs ISD Police Department. With a deep commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff, it is my goal to provide and maintain a secure and conducive environment for learning.
In assuming this leadership position, I express my excitement about implementing strategic initiatives aimed at maintaining a safe and nurturing atmosphere within Sulphur Springs ISD. My primary focus will be on collaborative efforts with the school community, law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders to proactively address safety concerns and uphold the highest standards of safety and security.
I am poised to lead the Sulphur Springs ISD Police Department in implementing innovative safety measures, building strong partnerships, and fostering a sense of community.
I would like to express my gratitude for the overwhelming amount of support from our school community.”
Pat Leber Chief of Police Sulphur Springs ISD Police Department
“Pat Leber has been serving as the SSISD Interim Police Chief since September 12th of this school year. He has done a phenomenal job working with our SSISD police officers to ensure that our campuses are as safe as possible.
He has now been officially appointed as our SSISD Police Chief. We will have a brief pinning ceremony at our next board meeting for Chief Leber. We are excited to have him permanently in this role!”
Dr. Deana Steeber, Superintendent of SSISD
Buyer Beware: Texas DMV Recommends How to Check For a Valid Vehicle Title
January 10, 2024 – The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that you always “look before you buy” and perform a title check when purchasing a vehicle from a local dealer, individual or from an online auction website. To do so, you will need to obtain the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle and have that run through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). The national consumer protection database that provides title information from states across the country. There are several companies that provide these services, and the cost starts at only a few dollars for each search. Texas DMV recommends the following websites that are approved by the United States Department of Justice to perform such searches. These approved providers agree to provide NMVTIS reports that meet federal requirements. Select one of the approved providers below. Prices begin at only a couple dollars so you may want to shop the vendors before making a selection. Be sure to note what is offered for the price. When you select an approved provider, you will leave the TxDMV website and be routed to the provider’s website.
- Carsforsale.com
- Carvertical.com
- Checkthatvin.com
- Clearvin.com
- CVRconnect.com
- Titlecheck.us
- Vinaudit.com
- Vindatahistory.com
- vingurus.com
- Vinsmart.com
If you have purchased a vehicle from a Texas dealer and you discover an issue with the vehicle’s title history you may want to file a Consumer Complaint with TxDMV’s Enforcement Division.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles also recommends the following steps to purchase a vehicle from an individual or a dealer.
How to Buy a Used Vehicle
When you buy a used vehicle in Texas, the state does not provide any warranty or consumer protection on the reliability of that vehicle. It is up to you to make sure you are doing everything you can protect yourself – whether you are buying from a dealer or individual.
For passenger cars and pickup trucks, dealers are required by law to post a “Buyers Guide” on the vehicle, which will tell you whether it is being sold “as is” or with a warranty.
- Title Check. Before you buy, take down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and go to Title Check on the TxDMV website to use the national motor vehicle database to make sure the vehicle has a clean title.
- Mechanic Inspection. Have a trusted mechanic look over the vehicle before you sign any paperwork or pay any money, including a down payment.
- Service Report. Use a vehicle history company to get accident repair and maintenance records.
- Sales Contract. Be sure to read all of the documents, including sales agreements or buyer’s orders before you sign them.
- Vehicle Title. Never, ever walk away from a private sale without the title. Have the seller print and sign their name, provide the sales date, and enter the odometer reading on the back of the title.
- Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U). Make sure the seller prints and signs their name, and enters the sales price on this form. You must have this form when you apply for title.
- Vehicle Transit Permit. The seller should keep the vehicle plates. Downloading the Vehicle Transit Permit from the TxDMV website gives you 5 days to legally drive the vehicle so you can go to your county tax office to apply for title and registration.
- County Tax Office. You must apply for a new title within 30 days of purchasing the vehicle or you will be charged financial penalties.
What Happens When Your Landlord Goes to Jail?
It can be trying and confusing time, but as a renter you have rights.
Just because your landlord is now in jail doesn’t mean that their responsibilities have disappeared. If you signed a lease agreement, it’s still binding, and you’re still responsible for paying rent. However, your landlord may not be available to fix anything that breaks.
It might be worth contacting the authorities if your landlord’s absence affects habitability of the property or if anything illegal is happening. Get in touch with the local Housing Authority if your landlord hasn’t been paying utility bills, but you’re still paying for services like water and electricity.
When facing jail time, landlords frequently delegate their obligations to a property management firm. Following this, this company will take on all of the landlord’s duties, including upkeep and rent collection. To prevent any legal issues, it is important to seek formal documents that confirm the transfer of responsibility.
If the landlord is in jail for a long time or facing foreclosure, then it might be in your best interest to explore other housing options. It’s best to figure it all out and prepare before your current lease agreement expires.
In most cases, unless the property in question was involved in fraud or illegal drugs, the property will remain with the jailed landlord.
Sulphur Springs Resident Nabbed For Having High-Value Stolen Cars
January 9, 2024 – The following Press Release was received from Hopkins County Sherrif’s Office Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford.
On Saturday, January 6, 2024, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation regarding a victim of theft claiming they had information their stolen Lamborghini was in Hopkins County, Texas. The victim had previously reported their vehicle stolen in Houston, Texas, and hired a private investigator to assist with the Houston investigation. The owner was able to track their vehicle to a residence in Hopkins County and went to the location. The owner, who had a key to the vehicle used their key to activate the car’s lights and observed the lights and horn inside the garage.
Hopkins County Deputies and investigators attempted to make contact with the homeowner, but no one would come to the door. Investigators made contact with the homeowner, Everett Van Jennings, by phone. Mr. Jennings initially spoke to Investigators by phone but refused to return home. He claimed to be out of state. Mr. Jennings stopped speaking with Investigators and would not answer or return phone calls.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Mr. Jennings’ residence. Additionally, Investigators and Deputies spoke to Family members who also refused to assist law enforcement with gaining lawful entry into the residence. Due to a lack of cooperation, Hopkins County Law Enforcement gained entry into the residence.
Once inside the residence law enforcement confirmed there was no one inside the residence. During a search, Law Enforcement located the stolen Lamborghini and two additional stolen vehicles. The stolen vehicles are valued at approximately $500,000.
Law enforcement found considerable evidence inside the residence of VIN swapping, including paraphernalia used in the practice. VIN swapping is a common practice in the auto theft world to attempt to hide the true identity of a stolen vehicle and elude detection by law enforcement. In this case, the Lamborghini did not have the VIN swapped, like the other stolen cars. However, Mr. Jennings had taken a personal license plate from another Lamborghini and affixed it to the stolen vehicle, in an apparent short-term attempt to mask the stolen car’s true identity.
Sgt. Investigator Todd Evans, who is assigned to the Northeast Texas Auto-Theft Task Force is continuing to investigate this case with the assistance of other Auto-Theft Investigators and Hopkins County Investigator. Based on evidence obtained in this case to date, two felony arrest warrants have been issued for the arrest of Mr. Jennings for Theft of Property over $300K, a First-Degree Felony and Placement of a Serial Number with intent to change identity, a Third-Degree Felony.
On January 9, 2024, Jennings turned himself in to investigators at the lobby of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office.
Jennings remains in the Hopkins County Jail awaiting bond to be set on the two felony charges.
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.
Dinner Bell Menu For January 10, 2024
City National Bank is this weeks sponsor.
MENU
Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole
Bacon Green Beans
Garden Salad
French Bread
Trotter Family Special Cake
HAPPY 2024!!!
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE STILL LURKING IN OUR MIDST!!!
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Roan Oak Masonic Lodge Awards Six Paris Junior College Nursing Scholarships
January 8, 2024 – The Roan Oak Masonic Lodge #860 of Garretts Bluff helped six Paris Junior College nursing students breathe easier last month when they awarded them $500 scholarships. Present to bestow the scholarships were Worshipful Master Logan Thomas, Senior Deacon Pat Thomas, and Master of Ceremonies/Scholarship Committee Chair Alan Tapp.
“It’s always a great pleasure to work with PJC and their nursing program,” said Tapp.
Receiving the scholarships were Kelsey Evans, Crystal Fuller, and Isaac Castillo of Paris; Leticia Hernandez of Sulphur Springs, Jordan Martin of Powderly, and Brenda Martinez of Blossom.
“This allows me to cover costs for my nursing career,” said Castillo, “and it takes away stress and allows me to keep going.”
“Because of this scholarship, I am able to complete nursing school and still take care of my kids at home,” said Evans.
Roan Oak Lodge #860 is chartered through the Grand Lodge of Texas, AF&AM, and raises funds through an annual Fish Fry and pancake breakfast.
“The scholarship takes a big financial burden off and helps me further my education,” said Martinez.
“This is fun,” said Roan Oak’s Thomas, “and it goes to a good cause and supports our community. It’s a privilege to do this every year.”
For more information about scholarships at Paris Junior College, call 903-782-0425; call 903-782-0734 for PJC’s Health Occupations Division.
“We’re always appreciative of the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge’s support of our students,” said PJC Director of Nursing Tamera Lewis. “We’re very grateful. This is a wonderful partnership that goes back a long way.”
Photo cutline: Shown, from left, are Roan Oak Masonic Lodge Senior Deacon Pat Thomas, Worshipful Master Logan Thomas, Master of Ceremonies/Scholarship Chairman Alan Tapp; nursing students Kelsey Evans, Crystal Fuller, Leticia Hernandez, Jordan Martin, Brenda Martinez, and Isaac Castillo; Director of Nursing Tamera Lewis; Dr. Michael Erny, Vice President of Workforce Education; and Dr. Pam Anglin, former PJC President.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Paris Junior College Welcomed Interim President with New Year
January 8, 2024 – When Paris Junior College reopened on January 2, 2024, a new era began at the institution. Dr. Jerry King, former president of Trinity Valley Community College and a dedicated educator, took the helm as PJC’s interim president while a search is conducted to replace Dr. Pamela Anglin, who resigned at the end of 2023.
“The Board is pleased and excited to have Dr. King join our team during this transition period. His wealth of knowledge and experience will help guide us through the search process over the next six months. We as a Board look forward to working with Dr. King and the PJC staff in finding our next President of the College.”
King first joined TVCC in the 1970s, and over the course of his 45-year tenure with the school, he has served as a business and economics professor, dean of Workforce Education, associate vice president of Workforce Education and Business Affairs, vice president of instruction, and chief instructional officer. He became the sixth TVCC president in 2016, and retired earlier this year.
“I am honored and very excited to serve as interim president at Paris Junior College,” said King. “Paris Junior College has an excellent reputation and tremendous 100-year history of serving the region’s educational and training needs and providing life-changing opportunities for its students. I look forward to working with the dedicated PJC board of trustees, faculty, staff, students, and communities during this transition.”
King also served as Mayor of Athens from 1995-2005 and Board Vice-Chairman of Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative from 2008-2012, President of Athens Noon Kiwanis Club, Vice President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Henderson County United Way, President of East Texas Economic Development and East Texas Tech-Prep Consortium. King has served on the boards of the Texas A&M – Commerce Alumni Association, East Texas Economic Development Board, and Workforce Solutions of East Texas, among many others. He has been recognized as Athens Citizen of the Year and received numerous service awards including from his alma mater and the Henderson County Retired Teachers.
A native of Commerce, King is married to retired Athens ISD and TVCC teacher Dosha Hawkins King. They have a son, Clint, daughter-in-law Haley and grandson Cruz, who live in New Braunfels. King holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration in Business and Economics, and Doctor of Education in Community College Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University – Commerce (formerly East Texas State University).
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Sulphur Springs’ Pacific Park Structures Vandalized With Graffiti
January 8, 2024 – The Sulphur Springs Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalism resulting in the damage of several commercial buildings as well as buildings and structures in the newly rebuilt Pacific Park. The incident occurred late Friday night, January 6, 2024.
Sulphur Springs Police Lt. Mark Estes is investigating the case and asks if anyone has any information about this crime to contact the SSPD at (903)885-7602.
Try a Mortgage Lifter Tomato in 2024 From Master Gardener David Wall
January 7, 2024 – If you’re looking for a “different” large (as in huge!) tomato with great flavor, then perhaps the Mortgage Lifter is a plant you should consider. It’s an indeterminate, open-pollinated, heirloom tomato producing fruit weighing up to 2.5 pound that will produce until frost! The plant has a pinkish-red beefsteak-shaped fruit that has few seeds. Maturity occurs in 80-85 days. The plant can grow as large as 7-9-foot.
Mortgage Lifters were developed in the 1930’s during the depression by a man named M.C. Byles. He was a radiator mechanic who worked out of his homebased repair shop in Logan, West Virginia. Funds were tight, and he was looking for a way to pay off his $6000 home mortgage loan. For whatever reason he decided to develop a new, large tomato. His method was somewhat unorthodox in that he chose to do so by crossbreeding four existing large fruited varieties, beefsteak, an Italian variety, German Johnson, and an English variety.
The German Johnson tomato plant was placed in the ground with the other three planted around it. Gathering pollen, he then hand pollinated the German Johnson using a baby’s ear syringe! He then took the resulting seeds from the modified German Johnson fruit, replanted the saved seeds the next year and duplicated this process every year for the next six years.
By the 1940’s, M.C. began selling his plants for $1 each. Word spread, and the plant fruit grew in popularity. Gardeners were coming from up to 200 miles away (obviously prior to the internet!) to buy the seedlings. MC was able to pay off his mortgage, and the plant thus became known as the Mortgage Lifter!
Due to plant growth size, spacing up to 4’ is recommended, with stake or cages to provide support. Mulching is recommended. Water 1-2” per week.
