Adams Sentenced For Criminally Negligent Homicide
December 1, 2023 – Judge Eddie Northcutt sentenced Gerald Lee Adams to seven years in prison in connection with a vehicle crash that resulted in the deaths of four people in December 2022. Adams was involved in multi-vehicle accident on SH 19, near CR 4764, just south of Birthright. Four were killed and nine were injured. See the original story here. Adams turned himself in to authorities in August of 2023 to face four charges of criminally negligent homicide stemming from the accident. KSST News’ original report of the accident was as follows: At least four people are reported to have been killed in a 5-vehicle crash, which shut down State Highway 19 north for more than 3 hours Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. Nine others were transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment of injuries, eight with what were reported as non-incapacitating injuries and one with capacitating injuries.
The details of the accident proved to be horrific as the chain-reaction crash took the lives of four Hopkins County residents in a single vehicle. Pronounced dead at the crash site by Judge Cummings were were all four occupants in the 1998 Toyota Avalon: Celestino and Celia Reina, both 60-year-old Sulphur Springs residents; 22-year-old Maria Reina; and a 7-year-old Sulphur Springs boy, according to DPS reports. The youth was identified by Cummings as Dariel Rodriguez, reported to be the son of Maria Reina.
Sulphur Springs Closing Portion of League Street For Urgent Repairs
December 1, 2023 – Sulphur Springs Capital Construction Director, Bryan Craig, announces that a portion of League Street (from Main St to Buford Circle) will be closed starting at 7:30 am on Monday, December 4, 2023 for urgent repairs to begin on the drainage system in that area. These repairs are expected to take several weeks as the work will be extensive.
Paris Junior College Students Registering Early May Win Free Laptop
November 30, 2023 – To encourage early registration for popular classes in the Spring 2024 semester – while seats are still available – Paris Junior College is giving away 50 free laptops to eligible students, whether full- or part-time.
To be entered in the drawing, a student must have registered for Spring 2024 classes by midnight on Dec. 15, 2023. The drawing will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. Winners will be notified through their student email.
The contest is not open to dual credit students taking PJC courses through their high school. Any student who withdraws from classes will also not be eligible.
All locations of Paris Junior College will be closed for Winter Break from Dec. 15, 2023 at 5 p.m. and reopen on Jan. 2, 2024. Fall commencement will take place at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 in the Hunt Center.
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 Car Club Donates to Blue Santa
November 30, 2023 – Members of the local Corvette Club braved the rain to donate $1000 to this year’s Blue Santa program. The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse along with members of the Sheriff’s office and other local law enforcement are on hand this Thursday and Friday from 7am-7pm in the Walmart parking lot to accept toys for boys and girls ages 1-14. CJ Duffey is also on hand selling Brisket Sandwich lunch for $5 with all proceeds going to Blue Santa. Sulphur Springs Corvette Club President Tim Gee presented the check to Sheriff Lewis Tatum marking another year that the local car club has opened up their checkbook to the very worthwhile charity. Gee stated, “It is important to remember the true spirit of Christmas, and do all we can to make sure every child has something under the tree this Christmas.”
Blue Santa distributes toys to over 600 kids in Hopkins County during the holidays, and this year’s need is as great as ever. Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum said, “Our officers and staff work for months leading up to Christmas on this campaign to do what they can to make sure everything is in place for these kids, but there is always a need for more donations.” New, unwrapped toys for children ages 1-14 are being accepted, as well as monetary donations. If you miss the opportunity to drive by and donate, you can still spread some Christmas cheer by scanning this QR code. You can also contact the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 438-4040.
Blue Santa Toy Drive Up And Running
November 30, 2023 – The Blue Santa Toy Drive is up and running on the south side of Sulphur Springs this morning. Even a few rain drops did not keep local law enforcement and Pastor CJ Duffey from setting up.
Blue Santa will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls across Hopkins County Thursday and Friday this week. They will also accept monetary donations.
Pastor CJ Duffey of Color Blind Ministries will be on hand serving chopped beef sandwich lunches for $5.
To grab a lunch and make a contribution, head to the Walmart parking lot in Sulphur Springs. Look for the emergency vehicles at the northwest corner.
Texas Youth Robotics Alliance Tournament Coming to Sulphur Springs This Saturday
November 29, 2023 – Sulphur Springs Middle School will be hosting the Texas Youth Robotics Alliance (TYRA) Kickoff Tournament at SSMS on Saturday, December 2nd.
This tournament is using Peggy Reimers from TCEA’s ruleset, Hi, Bye, Pizza Pie!
In this ruleset, teams of robotics students will form random alliances with other teams to run qualifying matches that score points based on manipulating objects autonomously and with driver control to complete specific objectives. After they run 3 matches each, the top scoring teams are allowed to pick an ally to compete in a bracket, knock-out style tournament against each other, until we get a championship alliance! We run 2 divisions, Intermediate and Advanced.
Mr. Moreno’s Intro to STEM students at SSMS have been working hard to get their robots ready for this tournament, and we have teams from Clarksville, Mount Pleasant, Eustace, and Red Lick as well, with more registering all the time!
Parking Infraction Leads to Arrest For Theft
November 29, 2023 – An investigator from the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to investigate a complaint that a county resident on FM 275 was parking vehicles on his neighbor’s property.
The neighbor also reported that the vehicles were missing license plates and some parts had been removed from some vehicles. The investigator contacted the owner of the property, Jose Alonso Palacios-Esparaza, and the resident claimed ownership of the property but said a friend had placed several vehicles on his property and was unsure whether the vehicles were stolen or not.
The investigator continued his investigation by running VIN numbers and checking for other property that may be reported stolen. A John Deere tractor located on the property turned out to be reported stolen from the Dallas area and the land owner did claim ownership of the tractor so he was placed under arrest and transported to the Hopkins County Jail.
Numerous other stolen vehicles and equipment were recovered from the property as wreckers were called in to remove and impound the stolen property. Jose Alonso Palacios-Esparaza remains in the Hopkins County Jail awaiting bond to be set on the felony theft charge. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office investigators continue to sort out the stolen vehicles.
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.
Chamber Connection – November 29th
November 29, 2023 – Dr. Ray Perryman is coming back to Hopkins County after about a five-year absence, and if you’re a business professional, you won’t want to miss what he has to say about the local economic outlook.The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation are happy to announce that the renowned economist will be headlining the Economic Outlook Conference scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Perryman was a regular speaker at the conference but hasn’t appeared here in five years. It’s time for his return. Perryman is an author, syndicated columnist, consultant, financial analyst, and economic forecaster. His syndicated daily radio commentary, “The Perryman Report,” is broadcast daily on the Texas State Networks. He also appears regularly on National Public Radio’s “Marketplace” and is frequently quoted in print, broadcast, and electronic media. Perryman is a former professor at Baylor University and is currently Senior Research Fellow of the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin and Distinguished Professor at the International Institute for Advanced Studies. He serves on numerous corporate and civic boards and has won many prestigious awards for his achievements in academics and public service. Sponsorships are available for $500 for a table of eight, $375 for a table for six and $250 for a table for four. Sponsorships will include corresponding recognition at the conference and leading up to the event. Individual tickets are $25 each. For more information, contact the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or [email protected].
Energy at No Cost
Due to government cash payouts and tax incentives, Hopkins County businesses can see if their facility can get alternative energy, such as solar, for free. The Chamber is partnering with Signatech Solar to offer a Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, Dec. 6, to inform business owners of the financial incentives that are now offered through the USDA REAP program and tax programs. The Lunch and Learn is free to businesses, but registration is required so meal arrangements can be made. To sign up for the Lunch and Learn, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Cocktails and Conversation
Plan now to attend our next Cocktails and Conversation, the new name for our revamped Business After Hours, at Clarion Pointe on Industrial Drive on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5-6 p.m. Cocktails and Conversation will be held the first Thursday of every month, from 5-6 p.m., and for December, the Clarion Pointe staff will welcome everyone to their meeting room on Dec. 7. This is a casual networking event and happy hour. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend.
2023 Award Nominations
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Woman of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Caregiver of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Christmas Activities
n The Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 1, starting at Buford Park. Line-
up begins at 4 p.m. with the parade starting at 7. Registration must be received by noon on
Tuesday, Nov. 28. Categories will be Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit, with cash
prizes awarded to winners. Registration sheets are available at the Chamber office, 110 Main
St.
n The CASA Cookie Walk and Silent Wreath Auction is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1, at First
United Methodist Church, from 9 a.m. to noon.
n Christmas in the Park is set for Dec. 2 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun
under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
n The Christmas Market on Main Street will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown. You can
do your shopping with our local merchants and vendors that day.
n Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their “A Celtic Christmas” production 7 p.m. Dec. 2
and 2 p.m. on Dec. 3, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Visit the website SingersCount.org for
ticket information.
Blue Santa and Chopped Beef Lunch at Walmart Thursday and Friday
November 29, 2023 – Bring an new, unwrapped toy to donate to the children of Hopkins County to the Walmart parking lot this Thursday and Friday.
Please call or text us today to pre-order your chopped brisket sandwich lunch by CJ Duffey for tomorrow and Friday. You can reach us at 430-252-9096.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum and other members of local law enforcement will be on hand to accept your donations. “Because of everyone’s generous support, we can help a child receive a toy for Christmas,” said Tatum.
CJ Duffey will once again sell his chopped beef sandwiches during the toy drive. All proceeds will be donated to Blue Santa.
Blue Santa / Sulphur Springs / Hopkins County is a sub organization of the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association in partnership with the Sulphur Springs Law Enforcement Association. The purpose of the organization is to provide toys for underprivileged children in Hopkins County. The families who benefit from the toy drive are vetted through the CanHelp organization. Financial support for the organization is derived from an annual financial and physical toy drive conducted between Halloween and Christmas. We do not receive guaranteed annual support from any organization.
Texas Commuters Saved $3 Billion in 2022
Road projects, travel options held delays below pre-Covid levels
Nov. 28, 2023
AUSTIN – Commuters across Texas reaped time and cost savings valued at more than $3 billion last year, thanks to transportation improvements and pandemic-related trends that made their drives quicker than just a few years ago, according to a new report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI).
The report analyzed commuting trends in 2022 and compared them to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The study found that, while motorists drove more miles last year, roadway construction and expansion projects like those in TxDOT’s Texas Clear Lanes — a Gov. Greg Abbott initiative — helped make travel smoother and more efficient.
The study, which converted time savings from smoother commutes into dollar values and coupled those benefits with average fuel cost savings, also found the most significant savings in the state’s biggest cities (see chart below).
The findings are drawn from TTI’s legislatively mandated annual analysis, which measures traffic delays in more than 2,100 of the most congested road segments in the state.
“It’s encouraging to see the impact our work is having on Texas roads throughout the state to help ease congestion,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “But our work isn’t done. As more and more people move to Texas, we need to keep moving forward with projects that address traffic congestion and improve safety in areas that need it most.”
Roadbuilding continued at a brisk pace in recent years, highlighted by the $100 billion 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) and TxDOT’s Texas Clear Lanes initiative. Through that effort, TxDOT has invested more than $32 billion to plan, construct and complete non-tolled projects in the state’s largest population centers since 2015. Overall, 18 Texas Clear Lanes projects are now complete, 25 are under construction, and another 62 are planned.
This annual study puts Houston’s West Loop atop the most congested list for the second consecutive year. Also in Houston, the Eastex Freeway comes in second place, followed by Dallas’ Woodall Rogers Freeway, Austin’s I-35 through downtown, and the Southwest Freeway in Houston.
Nine of the 10 most congested road segments in the state were repeats from the year before. And in each of the last four years, at least 83 of the 100 most congested segments were concentrated in the four largest urban areas (Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio).
“As we would expect, nearly all of the 100 most congested road segments are in the state’s largest urban areas,” Texas A&M Transportation Institute Senior Research Scientist David Schrank said. “But a deeper look at the full listing clearly illustrates how congestion is not just a big city problem. Traffic delays impact our economy and our well-being no matter where we live.”
Overall traffic delays statewide last year were up 7% over 2021 conditions. Even with last year’s increase, 2022 estimates of overall delay were still 23% lower than in 2019, a comparison even more noteworthy due to the fact overall traffic volume on roadways has increased 2% compared to 2019. Truck delays, on the other hand, were up 15% over 2021 and 1% higher than three years before.
As completed projects provide a more efficient rush hour, researchers also point to pandemic-related trends that have helped reduce roadway delays. Flexible workplace schedules continue to shape a new commuting standard. In addition, consumers are relying more on home delivery of goods.
A comprehensive listing of the 2,100-plus road segments statewide, with previous year comparisons, is available online.
| 2022 Conditions | ||
| Area | Congestion Cost Savings ($ million) | Annual Savings per Commuter (1) |
| Statewide | $3,007 | $223 |
| Top 100 | $341 | $109 |
| Austin District | $429 | $331 |
| Dallas District | $593 | $188 |
| Ft. Worth District | $156 | $118 |
| Houston District | $1,018 | $284 |
| San Antonio District | $248 | $187 |
| Non-Metro Districts | $562 | $93 |
| 1 – assumes a 20-mile commute, 5 days a week | ||
