Harrington Sentenced in Plea Bargain Agreement
Tony Jay Harrington, 29, will serve the next four years in prison following the revocation of two felony probations in a plea agreement in Eighth Judicial District Court Thursday.
Harrington was placed on probation November 18, 2015 for a January 27, 2015 conviction of delivery of less than a gram of methamphetamine in a drug free zone charge and for an April 8, 2015 conviction of possession of less than a gram of meth in a drug free zone. He had been sentenced to five years in each case. He will now serve all five years day-for-day but the two sentences will run concurrently and he has been given jail credit for one year that he has already served.
Empower Texans Heavy Investing in Texas Senate District 2 Incumbent Hall and House District 2 Candidate Slaton
Two ultra conservatives seeking to serve Hopkins County and the Texas Senate and House District 2 are among the recipients of the largest campaign contributions made by Empower Texans. The political PACT, Empower Texans, describes itself as “a non-profit service” organization. Through multiple media formats, we educate and inspire Texans to exercise effective citizenship. Using research, reporting, and advocacy, we empower taxpayers to advocate for good governance and hold their elected officials accountable.” However, Empower Texans is working as a PACT.
Empower Texans is acting as a PACT, a political action group made up in 2017 of 190 individuals out of the projected 28 million plus residents of Texas in 2018. Yet, much of their over $2-million in contributions came from limited sources. Giving to Empower Texans in 2017 included: Tim Dunn, $1,065,000.00; Farris Wilks, $725,000.00; David Middleton, $200,000.00 ; Kyle Stallings, $100,000.00; Holloway Frost $50,000.00; David Pendery, $50,000.00. Other contributions were $1,000 or less. Not only has Empower Texans contributed to the local campaigns but contributing members have also given individually to the local candidates.
State Senate District 2 incumbent Republican Bob Hall will receive $150,000 from Empower Texans, the largest amount give to one candidate in the most recent report period. State Representative District 2 challenger Bryan Slaton will receive the fifth largest amount at $50,000. In the last report period, Empower Texas is handing out just over $1-million. In fact, Hall has not only received a large contribution from Empower Texans but as individuals, Tim Dunn has contributed 150,000 and Farris Wilks has contributed $125,000 to Hall’s campaign. Other members of Empower Texans have also made contributions to Slaton’s campaign. Some people believe that with these contributions, both representatives will be indebted to Empower Texans and a few of the members of the organization. The contributions of Empower Texans and the individuals in the organization make up a substantial body of financial support for the two.
Empower Texans seem to have an agenda against public education. Recent letters to every teacher the state have invited those teachers to be whistleblowers against their administrations. Both Hall and Slaton are strong in their announced support of a voucher system and Hall has expressed his disregard for Pre-K and Kindergarten by his votes in the Texas Senate. Superintendents in west Texas schools said in October of last year, “Groups like Empower Texans are not empowering the state due to the organizations support of a voucher system and “is attacking public schools in that way.”
Slaton, who has spent much of his life in Christian youth ministry, says he will “stand up to Government abuse, constant overstepping and the overall burden it places on taxpayers.”
Sulphur Springs Area Retired School Personnel Plan Meeting on February 13
Please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, February 13! All retired school personnel living in Hopkins and Rains Counties are invited and encouraged to attend.
This meeting will include a program by Menzie Chase, who works as part of a certified therapy-dog team with her trained basset hound, Joker.
The meeting location is The Oaks Bed & Breakfast, 516 Oak Ave. Sulphur Springs, TX
Time: 10:00 a.m.
The meeting will also include information regarding upcoming elections and issues, health insurance, and opportunities to volunteer, if you wish.
Menzie Chase with ‘Joker’
Chamber Connection February 8, 2018
The time to buy tickets is now!
It’s time for the 92nd Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet! “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” dinner and community awards set in the roaring 1920’s will be held at the Hopkins County Civic Center on Thursday, February 15th at 6:30 p.m. Awards including Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Caregiver of the Year, Community Pride Award, Agriculturist of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Educator of the Year will be presented to deserving citizens of Hopkins County. So please join us for a beautiful escape to the 1920’s in Hopkins County. Period dress is welcomed but not required. We look forward to seeing you there! Individual tickets are $30 and available at the Chamber of Commerce. Whole tables that seat 10 people are available for $500 and include visible labeling of your business and preferential seating. To make reservations, call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515 and talk to Vickie, Cathey, or Lezley. You are also welcomed to stop by at 300 Connally Street and make your reservations in person!
Southern Roots is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration
Southern Roots is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, February 9th at noon. Southern Roots is located at 1217 S. Broadway, Suite Q, in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to come by, enjoy snacks and fellowship, and welcome this new business to Hopkins County!
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 10th
The next Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This free workshop will cover marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Engaged couples who attend the workshop will be given a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. Contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to enroll.
Shannon Oaks Church hosts “Under the Oaks”
Shannon Oaks Church is hosting a fundraiser event called “Under the Oaks”. There will be dinner, live entertainment, a silent and live auction, as well as a ‘country store’ with baked goods and crafts. Dinner and childcare will also be provided for children under 11. The event will be on Saturday, February 17th starting at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults (11 & up) and $5 for children (under 11). Tickets are on sale at Shannon Oaks Church, 1113 Shannon Rd E. in Sulphur Springs or at www.shannonoakschurch.com.
Ribbon cuttings:
Chiropractic Associates and The Rub Club hosted their ribbon cutting and Grand Opening
Chiropractic Associates and The Rub Club hosted their ribbon cutting on Thursday, February 1st at noon. They are located at 207 Jefferson Street East in Sulphur Springs. The Chiropractic Associates and The Rub Club offer daily chiropractic, massage, and wellness needs. Make appointments by calling their office at (903) 919-5066.
Lady Cats Score 5 in Victory Over Marshall
The Lady Cats’ soccer team improved to 2-0 in district play with a 5-0 victory over Marshall Wednesday evening at Gerald Prim Stadium. The Lady Cats scored three first half goals and added two more in the second half.
Mileena Zirretta scored a goal in each half and also had an assist on a goal by Gracie Boyer. Erika Lara and Jo McMillan also scored for the Lady Cats.
The Lady Cats now have two shutouts in two district games. The Lady Cats season record is 10-2-3. The Lady Cats play at Texas High Friday night. The Lady Tigers are coached by former Lady Cats coach Jesus DeLeon.
Pink ImpACT Scholarship Provides Opportunity for Future Breast Cancer Survivors
Through a generous gift from the Pink ImpACT Breast Cancer Advocates, future survivors of the disease or their dependents will have the opportunity to receive a scholarship to attend Paris Junior College.
Pink ImpACT Executive Director Sherry Thompson (at left) and PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin (right) sign the endowment agreement as Pink ImpACT Board Chair Woodye Mercer looks on.
“This endowed scholarship is a gift to the college that will benefit students for many years and make a difference in someone’s life each year,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “We are so appreciative of Sherry Thompson’s dedication to helping breast cancer survivors and their dependents attend college.”
Helping others is what Sherry Thompson, from Pottsboro, Texas had in mind when she created the Pink ImpACT Breast Cancer Advocates in 2014. As a breast cancer survivor herself, now seven years cancer free, she fully understands the plight of those suffering with the disease and their families.
Her efforts are a direct response to her own battle with breast cancer. When diagnosed, her children were in high school. Her four-year battle made Thompson realize just how it could have affected her and her children.
“The worst thing would have been if my kids would not have been able to start college because of my illness,” she said. “I want to grow this endowment to help survivors and their children as we go forth.”
Throughout her treatments, then-divorced Thompson had her own financial battles in finding resources to see her children received a college education.
“Thanks to the help of scholarships, we made it happen!” Her daughter was attending Texas A&M University and graduated in 2014 and her son is working in a family construction business.
In attempts to afford other survivors the same blessing and opportunity, she has created an endowed scholarship fund and hopes others who are survivors to donate to this fund at PJC. Each gift is tax deductible.
“I was very blessed with the love and support of family and friends during my journey with breast cancer,” said Thompson, “so I wanted to pay it forward.”
In addition to Thompson’s efforts to assist with education, she is also a certified mentor for survivors.
Going forward Pink ImpACT, a faith-based organization headquartered in Grayson County, invites others who have suffered breast cancer or have been touched by this disease – or any cancer for that fact – to consider making a charitable donation to PJC to add to the corpus of the endowment.
Woodye Mercer, a 17-year breast cancer survivor and Pink ImpACT board chairman, said, “Many women who have undergone breast cancer treatments are unable to take part some events, such as a 5K run. But the opportunity to casually stroll through such a place of natural beauty as Hagerman and observe wildlife, birdwatching, a butterfly garden and much more while raising resources to help others is a wonderful mix.”
Thompson has already put the Lamar County Relay for Life on her calendar and plans to take part in the event.
While Pink ImpACT is based in Grayson County, Thompson has strong Lamar County ties. She is married to Todd Thompson, son of Jo Ann (Thompson) Parkman.
Thompson is anxious to have the opportunity to share her story with organizations and service clubs in Lamar County and can be reached at 903-821-8837 or by email: [email protected].
Should you wish to donate to the new PJC fund, please mail your gifts to: Derald Bulls, Director-Institutional Advancement, Paris Junior College, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460-6258, or call (903)782-0276 to make a gift by credit card or for more information.
National Signing Day: SSHS Has Five Student-Athletes to Sign Wednesday
Humphries to SHSU
On National Signing Day Wednesday, Wildcats senior quarterback Ryan Humphries signed a letter of intent to play college football at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. Humphries said he first talked with Bearcats’ coaches early in his junior year. He also attended their camp this summer. Humphries said they called him after Christmas and told him they wanted him. He said he likes Huntsville. Humphries said he was recruited as a quarterback but he added they are aware of his versatility. Humphries also played as a receiver for the Wildcats. Humphries likes that Sam Houston has a good, solid football program. He said they are losing their main quarterback. Humphries expects to compete with 4 or 5 others for the starting job. He said the Bearcats run a spread offense adding they may throw the ball 50 times a game. Sam Houston is a member of the Southland Conference. Their big rival is Stephen F. Austin. Humphries said he also received some baseball offers but he said his heart was with football from the start. He plans to study business marketing.
Dugan to Ark Tech
Perhaps the heart and soul of the Wildcats defense, senior defensive lineman D’Idrec Dugan signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play college football at Arkansas Tech. Dugan said he liked the atmosphere there along with the school and the football players. Arkansas Tech is in Russellville. Dugan said there are also some lakes near the city. Dugan said he was recruited as a defensive end. He said Arkansas Tech has a good team finishing 8-3 last year. Dugan said Arkansas Tech defeated Harding, a school that went to the semi-finals in the playoffs. Dugan feels he can be a starter this year if he works hard. He said he plans to major in engineering or business management.
Turman to So. Ark
For quite a few years now, Terrell Turman has been a starter at cornerback for the Wildcats. Wednesday, on National Signing Day, Turman signed a letter of intent to play college football at Southern Arkansas. He admitted Southern Arkansas was not on his radar until they talked to him. Turman said when he visited the university at Magnolia, he knew he had found a football home. He said the coaches were honest with him. They were looking for a cornerback and said he could start right away. Turman said he likes the challenge of playing on the corner and he called it the toughest position to play in football. Turman said playing college football has been one of his goals for some time now. He plans to major in accounting and take the CPA test.
Hollins to TSU
Lady Cat softball player Macee Hollins signed a letter of intent Wenesday to play college softball at Texas Southern University in Houston. She said they saw her play in a tournament her sophomore year. Hollins visited the campus in the fall and she said she liked the coaches and the girls on the team. She said she was recruited to play in the outfield. Hollins said she plays left field and center field for her travel team. She did a lot of catching for the Lady Cats last year but Hollins left no doubt she prefers the outfield. She said coaches have not yet decided whether she will hit from the right side or left side at TSU. Hollins said she wasn’t sure if she would be able to start right away noting that Texas Southern is pretty good. She said they have won several championships. Hollins said she has always wanted to play softball in college. She said she might have to transfer at some point to achieve her career goal. Hollins wants to go into nursing and she said Texas Southern does not have a nursing program.
Kagar to Ouachita
Makenna Kagar is a four year starter for the Lady Cats’ soccer team and Wednesday she signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Kagar said she first learned about Ouachita from research from her club team. Kagar said Ouachita watched her in a club team tournament and then contacted her. She said she made two visited to the campus and found a great atmosphere and a beautiful campus. Kagar said everyone made her feel welcome there. She said Ouachita has a great program. Kagar called Arkadelphia a nice town. She said she expects to earn her playing time with hard work. They intend to have Kagar play forward. She plans to major in biology. Lady Cats Coach Joel Bailey called Kagar a valuable player with quality experience and a club background. He called her a vocal leader who also leads by example. Coach Bailey also called her a goal scorer. Concerning college, Coach Bailey said Kagar would fit in and be valuable from day one.
Zirretta to Brookhaven, Signed Tuesday
Mileena Zirretta, a four year starter and prolific goal scorer for the Lady Cats’ soccer team, signed a letter of intent Tuesday (February 6) to play soccer at Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch near Dallas.
Woodmen Life Donates to Senior Center Building Fund
Woodmen Life made a $ 500.00 donation to the Building Fund for a NEW Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, according to Karon Weatherman, Director of the Senior Citizens Center.
Smith Named City Finance Director for City; Council Approves Project That Brings 150 Jobs to Sulphur Springs
Lesa Smith was named city finance director during Tuesday night’s Sulphur Springs City Council meeting. The council also approved two industrial/manufacturing items, set the city council election, approved the concession stand contract for local parks, and other times.
Ms. Smith began working for the city when she was 16-years old and has remained in city employ while attaining her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. According to City Manager Marc Maxwell, she has been training for the city finance position for the past five years working closely with former City Finance Director Peter Karsten, who recently retired. She was presented as director to her staff Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. Her employment as Finance Director was a unanimous decision by the council.
Another unanimous decision by the council was the approval of a new Economic Development Corporation project that will result in a 150,000 square feet building at Heritage Business Park. Three local banks, Alliance, City National, and Guaranty Bank and Trust will provide a loan for $7.8-million for the building. The city will not be responsible for the debt which will be paid from the lease of the facility to Load Trail, a builder of dump trucks. New jobs at the facility will total 150. Council members John Sellers and Emily Glass recused themselves during the discussion and vote due to their employment at local banks. However, council member Dan Froneberger asked EDC Executive Roger Feagley a number of questions regarding the agreement. Froneberger also included a Guaranty Bank and Trust loan officer in attendance in the questioning. The loan officer gave hearty approval to the integrity of Load Trail and the loan.
Froneberger also questioned a 380-agreement with Backstory Beverages Company, LLC. The company is taking a property valued between $48,000 and $50,000 and investing $950,000 in improvements. Backstory plans to hire 8-10 employees. Froneberger voted no but the remainder of the council approved the new manufacturing facility.
Council approved Whitaker Homes for construction of homes based on a Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs HOME Program. Two homes are currently approved and one is waiting funding. Income and conditions of the home must meet specific criteria set forth in the program and ownership of the home is granted when the resident has lived in the home five years.
The municipal airport will install a next generation traffic control system and the transfer of two lease agreements at the airport was approved.
Council approved a state reimbursement and expenditures for the moving of a sewer lift station and sewer lines along State Highway 11 near Stone Brier. The move is necessitated by changes to the roadway by TxDOT.
All other items on the agenda were approved including a Homeland Security grant for the Police Department.
In public form, a local resident requested attention be given to the Senior Citizens Center.
