Suspect Attempts to Flee Arrest At Stampede Solar Farm on Skid Steer
November 15, 2023 – What turned out to be a very short and slow speed chase started in Saltillo as law enforcement showed up looking for a suspect wanted on a federal warrant for violation of probation. Supervisors of the construction company, IEA Constructors, obliged law enforcement in locating the suspect who was busy at work operating a skid steer. Once the suspect, Jesus Alberto Alaniz, spotted law enforcement in the supervisor’s truck, Alaniz attempted to flee the area in his construction apparatus.
With nowhere to go and unable to evade officers, Alaniz made a large, slow-speed circle in an attempt for a few extra seconds of freedom. Supervisors of the construction company convinced the 32-year old Mount Pleasant man to stop the skid steer and surrender. Jesus Alberto Alaniz was taken into custody with no further incident and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. Alaniz remains in jail on the federal warrant.
Enel Green Power is the developer of the Stampede Solar Project in Saltillo. Zach Precopia serves as project developer and is responsible for all aspects of wind and solar energy development and project management, including land acquisition, title curative, design and engineering, environmental and permitting, and community development.
Texas A&M Forest Service Annual Meeting Honors Personnel and Service
November 14, 2023 – SAN ANGELO, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting today in San Angelo, Texas. Agency employees gathered from across the state to recognize accomplishments of the past year and employee achievements.
Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis emphasized his pride in the agency’s work and the annual meeting being an opportunity to highlight the agency’s progress while setting goals for 2024.
“Our agency has seen many changes and improvements throughout the year, and this year’s personnel meeting was a great opportunity to reflect on our development, recognize the hard work of the agency’s employees and look forward to the year ahead,” said Davis.
Additionally, Davis shared his anticipation about the agency’s new recruiting efforts, as the state legislature recently authorized funding for the agency to hire 40 new employees this fiscal year.
“As we look to expand Texas A&M Forest Service’s workforce, our annual meeting served as an opportunity to reflect on our agency’s values of leadership, excellence, accountability, duty and service,” said Davis. “We look forward to expanding our workforce to continue our service to the state of Texas.”
The meeting also focused on the vision Davis has for the agency. Since assuming the position of director in June 2023, after serving as interim director for two years prior, Davis plans to continue his development with agency recruiting, retention and safety. Also, Davis shared with the agency the three core values of conservation, protection and leadership.
During the meeting, agency leadership recognized 52 employees with more than five years of service, including five employees with 25 years of service or more: Kevin Matthews, Resource Specialist in Pittsburg, for 25 years of service; Dina Nutall, Business Associate in College Station, for 25 years of service; Tina Yount, business associate in Lufkin, for 25 years of service; Robert Edmonson, Biologist in Johnson City, for 30 years of service; and Tammy Russell, Business Associate in Conroe, for 30 years of service.
Scharise Phariss, Business Assistant in Merkel, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Field. Phariss plays an instrumental role in the hiring, onboarding and development of new employees in the Merkel branch. Phariss has been known to create impactful relationships within the agency and with its external partners, all while being a full-time college student.
Jason Calvet, Regional Fire Coordinator in Houston, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Professional. Calvet serves as a prominent ambassador for the agency within his community, as he has responded to fires throughout the Texas panhandle. Calvet is also responsible for successful internal employee development by introducing West Texas agency employees to the forestry practices of East Texas.
Tana Chappell, Administrative Associate in College Station, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Office. Chappell has been an employee of Texas A&M Forest Service for more than 16 years and is an employee that works far beyond the title of her position. By rarely saying “no,” Chappell has created an efficient and caring environment for the purchasing department.
Jacey Tosh, Program Coordinator in Dallas, received the D.A. “Andy” Anderson Outreach and Education Award for her passion for forest conservation education which she has helped make more accessible throughout Texas. Tosh aided in the development and promotion of the Texas Forest Literacy Plan, a forest and nature-based education curriculum in Texas public schools.
Dan Gaskins, Staff Forester in Kerrville, received the Bruce Miles Natural Resource Professional Award. Gaskins routinely conducts forest inventory and analysis throughout the state, and serves as a leading mentor for many employees under him and come in contact with him.
Seth Morris, Resource Specialist in Merkel, received the Charles Krenek Award for Resource Specialist. Morris has provided substantial support to internal training for new employees by co-developing a new employee job-aid. Externally, Morris has formed strong relationships with more than 30 fire departments, assisting with volunteer fire department grants, equipment allocation and the rural volunteer fire department insurance program.
The Virtually Wild! Texas program was recognized as the agency’s best interdivisional project with the Director’s Award for Team Effort. The program provides accessible forest conservation and natural resource education for classrooms and students learning from home and in healthcare facilities with virtual field trips. One of the most successful sessions included a presentation on the use of drones in forest management, reaching more than 350 students and teachers across the state.
Team members are Mike Carter, Resource Specialist; Matt Ford, Regional Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator; Stuart Morris, Regional Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator; Connor Murname, District Forester; Mike Sills, Staff Forester; Shruthi Srinivasan, Geospatial Analyst; and Donna Work, Biologist.
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The Sulphur Springs FFA 2023 Stew and Auction will be Held Thursday, the 16th
November 14, 2023 – The Sulphur Springs FFA 2023 Annual Stew and Auction will take place Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Sulphur Springs High School Cafeteria. Doors and Stew Lines open at 5:30pm. The Auction will be held following the Stew. Entry is free, but donations will be accepted.
The Texas Farm Bureau 90th Annual Meeting Will be Held December 1st Through 3rd
Farmers and ranchers from across the Lone Star State will meet in Frisco in December as part of the 90th annual meeting of the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB), the state’s largest general farm and ranch organization.
WHERE: Embassy Suites and Convention Center
Chamber Connection for November 14
Chamber Connection – Nov. 14
By Butch Burney
Dr. Ray Perryman is coming back, 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 Dr. Ray Perryman, a 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.
Ornaments and Stew Merch
Our 2023 Christmas Ornaments, featuring the Dairy Festival, are on sale at the Chamber office. We also have a limited supply of 2022 ornaments if you missed last year’s sale. They are $40 each.
The Chamber also has a limited supply of 2023 stew merchandise still available. This includes a few shirts, tumblers, mugs and hoodies. We are located at 110 Main St.
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
■ 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.
■ Christmas in the Park is set for Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
■ 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.
■ 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.
Ribbon Cuttings
Owens Insurance hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 1335 Shannon Road East, Suite A. Please welcome them to the business community.
The new county jail trustees’ facility on Houston Street, across from the county jail, hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Monday, Nov. 13.
Southern Glam Boutique hosted a ribbon cutting on Monday, Nov. 13, at their new shop located at 206 Church St. They have a wide variety of clothing and accessories.
You Can Learn Vital Skills in Welding at Paris Junior College
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Welding Instructor John Plemons works with welding student Mary Walker as she practices the structural welding position 3G process. To learn more about the program and enrolling in an upcoming welding class, call John at 903-885-1232.
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.
Dinner Bell Notice For November 22, 2023
There will be no Dinner Bell service for Wednesday, November 22! That is the day before Thanksgiving. Dinner Bell personnel will be spending the holiday with their families!!!
The Dinner Bell staff and The First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs members wish everyone and their families a HAPPY THANKSGIVING 🦃🦃🦃!
We return to Dinner Bell] service on November 29, 2023. Hope to see you then!
MENU
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AS THE FLU AND COVID ARE IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting is Thursday, November 16th
At our November meeting Paula Altenbaumer will reprise her portrayal of Hopkins County pioneer Mary Ann Hargrave. We know many of you were unable to attend our joint meeting in August with the Hopkins County Historical Society. So, Paula has agreed to give a repeat performance. Please join us in person or via Zoom on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 7:00 P.M, 611 N. Davis, Sulphur Springs Texas.
Register here for the Zoom meeting: meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUldO2trDwrGNBMt2XoyMznIvNThLdk7Qsh
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
We hope to see you there!
Paula Altenbaumer as Mary Ann Hargrave McLaughlin. Photo by Rhonda Bechhold
Area Food Pantries Ready For Thanksgiving
November 13, 2023 – It takes scores of volunteers to move food from the North Texas Food Bank to needy people around Hopkins County.
This is the most hectic time of the year for area food banks. Each one is trying to provide that favorite holiday centerpiece, the frozen turkey. The weight and volume of the frozen birds puts a strain on backs, and tests the limits of available storage.
Logistics
For some pantries, food is shipped via semi-truck from Dallas to Sulphur Springs. Pantries meet at a local church with dollies and trailers to divide up pallets. Once the driver moves the pallet to the parking lot, it’s all hand on deck.
Folks from all the pantries help each other, share carts and pitch in to get the food sorted and loaded.
How Can You Help? Contact your local food pantry and volunteer. KSST visited several in the area, and they all need volunteers.
City National Bank Employees Show Support for In My Closet
November 13, 2023 – The employees of The City National Bank have once again generously donated to In My Closet. CNB employees had the opportunity to wear jeans, and pink, on Thursdays during the month of October. The employees raised $1,035 that they donated to In My Closet.
John Sellers, CNB’s marketing director, shared, “CNB employees wanted our donation for breast cancer awareness to stay local to help the local women and men that need the services of In My Closet. This is
also in honor of our employees and customers that have been touched by this disease and thankfully
recovered.”
In My Closet began in 2016 as a project of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation. It is a free service that provides wigs, caps, prosthetics, and other items to Hopkins County women who are undergoing or have undergone breast cancer treatment. It is the only local resource for such items. The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization that may accept charitable contributions under the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation has been serving the healthcare needs of Hopkins County for twenty-six years.
To donate to In My Closet or to make an appointment to visit the closet, call 903-438-4799.
