Former Home Plate to be Stripped and Moved
Construction is underway on the building that was once home to Burton’s Restaurant and Home Plate Restaurant. The building’s interior is being completely stripped out in order for the building to be moved to an unknown location. The building’s current site is set to be the home of a future expanded E-Z Mart. Currently, E-Z has a location on Shannon Road East across Helm Lane from the future site.
In other news, Roma’s Italian Restaurant on Industrial Dr. is being inspected by the fire department. This is the last step in a series of mandatory city inspections, meaning that Roma’s is much closer to opening its doors.
Work Convoy, Semi Truck Accident on I-30
With the large amount of road construction underway in the past few months, many work convoys can be found on major lanes. Earlier today, Monday December 7, an accident occurred on I-30 East where a semi truck rear-ended the impact shock absorber on a Texas Department Of Transportation work convoy truck. Half of the semi truck’s front bumper was ripped off and the work convoy was brought to a halt on the side of the interstate. There were no apparent serious injuries.
With the Christmas season fast approaching, TxDOT and The Department of Public Safety advise drivers to take care when driving on busy highways and service roads.
Furniture Arrived Monday for New Jail Offices
A large truck arrived at the new Hopkins County Jail full of furniture for the new facility. Meanwhile the new jail appears to be very close to a transfer of inmates from Franklin County and the old county jail to the new jail. Sheriff Butch Adams was keeping an eye on new furniture being unloaded into the new jail’s sally port.
The visitation phone system that will allow communications between inmates and visitors has now been installed. Pictures of the system have been sent to the state jail standards commission as local officials seek to open the jail soon. The video system for the phones has not been installed but will be soon, according to Adams.
Lonidier Sentenced to 18 Months State Jail Time
Joshua Cullen Lonidier, 31, was sentenced to 18 months state jail time following his guity plea before 8th Judidical District Court Judge Eddie Northcutt Monday afternoon, December 7th. Lonidier pled guilty to theft of a firearm. He was arrested for the offense in August of this year.
At the same time, he was also arrested and charged with releasing a private sex tape owned by his ex-girlfriend. Lonidier was charged with three counts of improper photography or visual recording. He reportedly sent the video to his ex-girlfriend’s family after they broke up. The video was acquired by Lonidier when he went through the personal property of the ex-girlfriend. He then copied the videos and pictures before sending them out.
Special Crimes Unit Arrest Two in Drug Buy/Bust
The city and county Special Crimes Unit conducted a drug buy and bust operation Sunday in Hopkins County. Two people from Dallas were arrested.
Lt Harold McClure with the Special Crimes Unit said a confidential informant passed information to members of the unit that lead to the arrest and confiscation of half pound of marijuana and one half ounce of meth and cocaine along with perscription medication. Members of the special crimes unit, SSPD Chief Investigator Rusty Stillwagoner and other members of the SSPD, along with Lewis Tatum, Chief Criminal Investigatorfor the Sheriff’s Department made the arrest. The pair made the offer to sell to undercover agents locally.
22-year old Chelsea Chanel Crisler of Dallas and 29-year old Dominique Donta Gage of Dallas were charged with two counts of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance over four grams but under 200 grams, one count for cocaine and one count for methamphetamine and with delivery of marijuana more than one-fourth ounce but less than 5-pounds. JP B.J. Teer set total bond on each at $170,000.
A & M Commerce Offers Graduate Students Funding Your Future
Texas A&M University-Commerce is pleased to offer a number of free courses and scholarships for graduate students through Funding Your Future.
“We are excited about the Funding Your Future Initiatives which are available Spring 2016 through Spring 2017,” said Associate Dean of Graduate School Dr. Mary Beth Sampson. “The funding opportunities include scholarships for graduate students in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, agricultural sciences and doctoral programs along with free graduate courses for Texas teachers in high need areas such as science, mathematics, reading, bilingual education, special education and Spanish.”
New graduate students beginning doctoral or master’s level classes in the spring are eligible to apply for the scholarships. Free courses for Texas inservice or preservice teachers are available to new or current A&M-Commerce graduate students.
“The Funding Your Future initiatives demonstrate Texas A&M University–Commerce’s commitment to our region and state by providing financial support to help graduate students and Texas teachers obtain expertise in high need fields,” said Sampson.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
For more information about Funding Your Future, visit www.tamuc.edu/fundingyourfuture or contact [email protected].
Saltillo Defeats Como-Pickton in Tourney Play
Lane Bench poured in 23 points as the Saltillo Lions concluded their play in the Miller Grove Tournament Saturday with a win over Como-Pickton, 48-31.
Also scoring for the Lions, Jonathon Vanholten, 9; Michael Simmons 8; Walker McGill 6, and Adam Valenzuela 1. The team hit 4 of 10 from the free throw line.
The Lions are 4-8 on the season. Tuesday, they host CHESS at Saltillo High Gym
Cooper Lake State Park Open for December Events
by Jim Beach, Park Police Officer/Park Interpreter Cooper Lake State Park/South Sulphur Unit
‘Twas three weeks before Christmas and all through the park, all the creatures were busy getting ready for winter. There was water galore and birds all around. All of them looking to see what could be found!
Now you know why I don’t make my living at being a poet!
With about 6.5 inches of rainfall and even more than that falling on the watershed Cooper Lake has experienced the highest lake level since the opening of the lake. As a result Doctor’s Creek Unit on the north side has closed while the water recedes and some portions of the South Sulphur Unit are closed. At this time the lake level remains 6.3 feet above normal. The park remains open and programs at the park continue.
Coyote Run hiking trail is closed for the public archery hunt held each year on the east end of the trails. This will conclude on December 20th and the trails will be reopened to hikers and bikers on the 21st. There are also some flooded areas on the trail but hope that by the time it reopens that we will only be contending with muddy areas.
The Dutch Oven program is scheduled for December 12th and Geocaching on the 19th. The day after Christmas Day bring the family out and explore the night sky with us at the afternoon program “Night Sky Activities” and then that evening at the “Wonders of the Night Sky” program.
I wanted to especially bring to your attention a special program that we will be holding on Friday, January 1. We have participated in this Nation-wide event for many years and this year will be no exception. Come out and join with us on New Year’s Day and let’s go hiking. This is called the “First Day Hike”. There will be a guided hike at 9:30 a.m. but feel free to come anytime during the day. Please mention to the attendant that greets you at the park office that you are coming in to do a First Day Hike. Help us set a new record attendance and bring your family and friends. In the event the trail is not suitable for hiking we will hike on the road in the park.
From all of the folks at Cooper Lake State Park we want to wish you and yours the very best and joyful Christmas and New Year! We look forward to seeing you out at the park!
Corvette Club Revs Up for Blanket Drive
The Sulphur Springs Corvette Club is getting ready for it’s first (destined to be annual) Blanket Drive. To help with an often over-looked segment of our population, Seniors living alone, the club hopes to collect dozens of blankets for distribution to those in need. Starting on Monday evening, the club will be set up at Celebration Plaza to get the word out and collect donations of the following:
New Blankets
New Electric Blankets
Cash Donations to purchase similar items
The club will continue to be available on Celebration Plaza on Tuesday and Wednesday night as well. Each night, club members will be available from 6pm-9pm. The Corvette Club encourages adults to bring their children by for a candy cane and to learn how they can help those in need. KSST Radio will be broadcasting live each of the three nights.
Meal A Day Menu December 7th – December 11th
Meal A Day Menu
December 7th – December 11th
