Abbott Announces Agenda For Special Session
October 6, 2023 – Governor Greg Abbott announced on Thursday Special Session #3 and issued a proclamation identifying agenda items for the session that begins at 1:00 PM on Monday, October 9.
“I am bringing the Texas Legislature back for Special Session #3 to continue building on the achievements we accomplished during the 88th Regular Legislative Session and two special sessions this summer,” said Governor Abbott. “Together, we will chart a brighter future for all Texas children by empowering parents to choose the best education option for their child. Texas will also pass laws to mirror the federal immigration laws President Joe Biden refuses to enforce that will reduce illegal immigration and enhance the safety of Texans. For the first time ever, Texas will subject people to arrest for illegal entry into our state from a foreign nation. All licensed law enforcement officers in Texas will be authorized to arrest or remove any person who illegally enters the State, with penalties up to 20 years in prison for refusing to comply with removal. To crack down on repeated attempts to enter Texas illegally, re-entry will be penalized with up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, we must protect the freedom of Texans from forced COVID-19 vaccinations. I look forward to working with my partners in the Legislature to address these critical issues.”
Special Session #3 agenda items include:
- EDUCATION FREEDOM: Legislation providing education savings accounts for all Texas schoolchildren.
- BORDER SECURITY:
- Legislation to do more to reduce illegal immigration by creating a criminal offense for illegal entry into this state from a foreign nation and authorizing all licensed peace officers to remove illegal immigrants from Texas.
- Legislation to impede illegal entry into Texas by increasing the penalties for criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house.
- Legislation to impede illegal entry into Texas by providing more funding for the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure.
- PUBLIC SAFETY: Legislation concerning public safety, security, environmental quality, and property ownership in areas like the Colony Ridge development in Liberty County, Texas.
- ENDING COVID RESTRICTIONS: Legislation prohibiting COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers.
SSPD Reports Non-Emergency Phone Lines are Still Down on Friday October 6, 2023
Officials with the Sulphur Springs Police Department reported to KSST that some of their non-emergency phone lines and some mobile carriers are not functioning for 911 Services. If you can not reach the Sulphur Springs Police Department through 911, call them at 903-885-2768. The issue will be resolved as soon as possible.
SSPD Reports Non-Emergency Phone Lines are Down
Officials with the Sulphur Springs Police Department reported to KSST that some of their non-emergency phone lines and some mobile carriers are not functioning for 911 Services. If you can not reach the Sulphur Springs Police Department through 911, call them at 903-885-2768. The issue will be resolved as soon as possible.
Main Street Closed for 24 to 48 Hours
October 5, 2023 – A portion of Main Street in Downtown Sulphur Springs will be closed for at least 24 hours this week. The closure will be between Gilmer and Davis street.
The West Bound lane should be open during the day, but the East bound Lane will be closed.
To access businesses on this stretch of Main, use the Gilmer St end and travel in the Westbound lane.
Please avoid the area, and be patient as drivers find alternate routes around the center of town.
Hopkins County Unemployment Goes Up But Still Below Texas Average
October 5, 2023 – In the latest report from August 2023, Hopkins County posted an unemployment rate of 3.8%, compared to a rate of 3.7% in July 2023. The new August number is and increase as well over one year ago as the August 2022 rate came in at 3.3%.
Hopkins County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in our nine-county region which includes the counties of Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Lamar, Morris, Red River and Titus along with Hopkins County.
The overall average for our nine-county region stayed at 4.7% for August which was the same 4.7% rate for July 2023 and a slight increase from a year ago at 4.5% for August 2022. The Texas average unemployment rate is 4.5% and Hopkins County has the same rate this month as the National avereage of 3.8%.
September Unemployment numbers are due to be released October 20th.
Biden Administration Approves $9 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness
October 5, 2023 – President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that he approved $9 billion in student loan forgiveness that will affect 125,000 student loan borrowers. That amount equals approximately $72,000 per borrower and is a result of the administration’s changes to several programs including the income-driven repayment plans and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The breakdown of the total $9 billion dollars is comprised of $5 billion in aid that will go to 53,000 borrowers who have worked in public service for a decade or more, $2.8 billion dollars will go to 51,000 borrowers that have enrolled in the “income-driven repayment plans” and the final $1.2 billion dollars will be cancellation of debts of 22,000 borrowers with disabilites.
One expert noted that Biden has forgiven more student loan debt than any previous president and the timing of this latest round of loan forgiveness is likely in hopes of appealing to voters in the next election. The latest forgiveness comes months after the Supreme Court struck down Biden’s plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for tens of millions of Americans. After that setback, Biden said he’d pursue other paths to deliver borrowers relief.
SSHS Wildcat Tennis Takes Second in District
Congratulations are in order for the Wildcat Tennis team! The SSHS Wildcat tennis team took 2nd place in district this week and will now advance the playoffs next week!
Malachi Negrete and Ian Westlund, both juniors, won in doubles for the boys.
Stori Shropshire, sophomore, and Anna-Claire Newsom, freshman, won in singles for the girls.
They play Kilgore at Lindale High School tennis courts on Monday, October 9 at 9:30 am!
Pen of 3 Success For Fourteen Sulphur Springs FFA Members
This past weekend the 3rd Annual Pen of 3 Commercial Heifer Show was held at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Pictured on the left is Catherine Starzyk who won the Senior Herdsman award. She was interviewed in front of two judges and answered questions about her pen of heifers. Pictured on the right is Kohen Moss who was the Open Division Champion.
Fourteen Sulphur Springs FFA Members showed and sold a pen of heifers. They all started with 4-6 head of commercial heifers and raised them to breeding age. This is a huge financial investment for these students and families. The sale was a success this year! These fourteen students received a total of $132,000 that will go toward expenses/investing in the next set of heifers or to their college savings.
This is one of my favorite shows because it brings the true industry experience into the show world.
– John Holland, SSHS FFA Advisor
The Ninth Annual George Dorner “42” Tournament is Coming up November 4th, 2023
The Ninth Annual George Dorner “42” Tournament will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, beginning with registration at 9:00AM. Play starts at 9:30AM. The event will take place at Sulphur Bluff United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall. Proceeds go toward Bibles for Sulphur Bluff graduating Seniors. Early registration is open until October 24th, 2023, at $10.00 a person. After October 24th, registration is $25.00 per team. The top three teams will win metal plaques. Pizza, drinks, and a dessert will be offered for a donation. “If you do not play, come eat, and be a part!” For more information, please call Jimmy Dale and Jamie Fite at 903-335-3068.
Hopkins County Records – August 2023
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County
8/11/23 Thru 8/17/23
- Jason Eddie Adcock and Jennifer Ann Mars
- Jesse James Lee Brown and Cassity Leeann Egan
- Jacob Adam Crawford and Samantha Nicole Pitts
- Cody J Lewis and Kendra Lee Diehl
- Joseph Chance Loraine and Brittany Ranee Perry
- Octavio Machado and Joseline Guzman
- Anthony William Mowrer and Madison Mackenzie Beard
- Johnathan Mikel Simpson and Brooklyn Lyric Martin
Land Deed Transactions 8/31/23 Thru 9/1/23
- Angela K Harrison, and Jon Harrison Also Known As Jon E Harrison to Jordan R Grant and Leah C Grant; Tract in the Winnie Jewell Survey
- Shanti Homes Inc to Salma B HosJusain; Tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin Survey
- Ashley Hammons and Tracy Hammons Jr to Julita Hammons and Tracy Wayne Hammons; Tract in the Daniel Halbrook Survey
- Juan Guzman and Estefana Perez to Gregorio Maravillo Bello, Miriam Uveranice Maravillo, and Blanca Amaro Pineda; Tract in the Ross St Survey
- Santos Alfredo Cruz to Hunter Williams and Maison Williams; Tract in the Marianne Circle Survey
- Glenn Meisdalen to Patsene Kirby; Tract in the E Finley Survey
