Cars Registered In Texas After 2025 Will No Longer Need To Pass A Safety Inspection, But Owners Will Still Pay The Fee
June 1, 2023- Many Texas drivers will no longer be required to have their cars pass an annual safety exam after state lawmakers removed the rule from Texas code.
Texas is one of 13 states that mandate annual inspections for cars. That will change in about 18 months now that the Texas Legislature has given final approval to House Bill 3297.
Supporters of the bill called the safety inspections time consuming and inconvenient. Opponents of the bill say it could set Texas drivers, and future Texans, on a dangerous path.
What did the Legislature change?
The Legislature repealed provisions in state law that mandate annual vehicle inspections. However, there will still be a fee of $7.50 that will remain intact under a new name: the inspection program replacement fee.
The 17 counties that require emissions inspections will still mandate annual tests regardless of the Bill becoming law. These counties are as follows: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson.
Who is affected?
All Texas drivers outside of the exempted counties stand to be affected by the legislation. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, there are 22 million registered cars in the state. Annual inspections are used to determine if certain features of a car, such as the tires, seat belts or brakes, are safe to drive with.
A study mandated by the Texas Legislature in 2017 shows that cars with defects, such as bald tires or bad brakes, were three years older than the average registered vehicle, which is nine years old.
Almost a quarter of the people surveyed in the study were asked by a mechanic to fix slick or defective tires during an inspection, potentially preventing more accidents. Another report found that defective cars in Texas were more than three times as likely to be involved in a crash that resulted in a fatality.
Who influenced the bill’s outcome?
Republican Rep. Cody Harris of Palestine and Sens. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and Bob Hall of Edgewood sponsored the Bill to do away with annual vehicle inspections.
Other groups and businesses — such as former Texas Sen. Don Huffines’ Liberty Foundation, Continental Automotive Group, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Conservative Coalition and Tesla — were all in favor of the Bill. Huffines, who owns a car dealership empire in North Texas, has been a vocal supporter of the Bill.
How much will it cost texans?
Drivers will still be required to pay the annual $7.50 when they register their vehicles. The money will go toward the Texas mobility fund, general revenue fund and the clean air account.
For drivers with new cars — either the current model or preceding model year that has not been previously registered in Texas or another state — there will instead be an initial fee of $16.75 to cover two years.
The Bill passed in house with a vote of 109-32 while in the senate passed with a 20-11 vote.
The Bill was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk Monday after lawmakers approved a compromise version of the Bill on Sunday. Pending the governor’s approval, the legislation goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
No Driving Licence Stop Lands Two in Jail
June 1, 2023 – ALEXANDER GARZA, age 43, was arrested in the parking lot of a Sulphur Springs grocery store this week after a traffic stop. A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy observed Garza driving a blue Chevy Suburban. The Deputy knew Garza did not possess a valid driving licence. The traffic stop occurred within 1,000′ of Austin Academic Center, a drug free zone.
Contact was made with Garza, and he appeared to be agitated. The reason for the traffic stop was given to the passenger, and she became agitated. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle, and he complied. During a brief interview, Garza explained he needed to work to continue to provide for his family. When asked, Garza refused permission for his vehicle to be searched.
A open container of alcohol was visible in the vehicle. A K-9 unit was called, and alerted positive on the vehicle. A probably cause search was conducted. A bag of methamphetamine was located and a handgun wedged between the front two seats was also found. A records check confirmed the weapon was reported stolen out of Kilgore, TX. A tactical flashlight was located on Garza; that light matched a light installed on the stolen handgun.
The front seat passenger, JHERICO LASHEA HARVELL, confirmed ownership of the stolen handgun. Harvell, who is not related to Garza, is a 28 year old resident of Sulphur Springs. She has been charged with:
1 481.134(D) POSS CS PG1/1B <1G DFZ IAT 481.115
1 31.03(E)(4)(C) THEFT OF FIREARM
Garza is charged with:
1 481.134(B) MAN DEL CS PG 1-B >=1G<4G DFZ HE IAT 481.1123 23FE0035 1 481.1123(C) MAN DEL CS PG 1-B >=1G<4G
1 46.04(E) UNL POSS FIREARM BY FELON
1 481.134(D) POSS CS PG1/1B <1G DFZ IAT 481.115
1 NO DL
No photos of the accused were available.
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.
Upcoming Athletic Camps at Paris Junior College
Paris Junior College
Public Information Services
PJC athletic camps kick off June 12
Three athletic camps are being offered at Paris Junior College this summer, a boy’s basketball camp, a baseball uncommitted showcase camp, and a girls basketball camp.
Boys Basketball Camp, June 12-15
The Dragons All-American Boys Basketball Camp offers a week full of basketball and fun for boys in first through ninth grades. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 12-15 in the Hunt Center. Campers will receive a camp t-shirt and basketball as well as lunch daily; concessions are available.
Instructors will include PJC men’s basketball coaches and high school coaches. Campers will have skill development, stations and drills, fun contests and games, and daily awards.
The cost is $175 per camper, with group and employee discounts available. For more information contact Coach Bill Foy at [email protected] or 903-782-0395 or call the PJC Athletic Office at 903-782-0218. The registration form is available to download at https://www.parisjc.edu/downloads/sports/m-bball-camp.pdf.
Baseball showcase camp, June 13
PJC Baseball will hold an uncommitted showcase camp on Tuesday, June 13 at Hub Hollis Field. Players will go through a pro-style workout and be evaluated by the PJC coaching staff.
There will be a recruiting seminar for parents and players as well. The camp is open to all 2023, 2024, 2025 and junior college eligible transfers. Cost is $50 or $75 (if working out at two or more positions) by cash or check.
To register please send the following information to [email protected]: Name, Graduation Year, High School, Travel Team, Position(s) to work out at, email address, and cell phone number.
Girls basketball camp, July 31-August
PJC is offering a girl’s basketball camp for those aged six to 16 later in the summer, July 31 – August 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hunt Center.
“We’ll follow the same daily structure of instruction, character and team building, and competition games,” said PJC Women’s Basketball Coach Brittany Christian. “There will be a daily skills emphasis such as ball handling, defense, shooting, and plyometrics.”
Campers will receive a free t-shirt, and are asked to bring their own lunch. They will need to wear athletic gear and shoes and bring water and their lunch. Camp cost is $150, with an early bird rate of $130 through July 15, as well as group or multiple child discounts. The registration form may be downloaded at https://www.parisjc.edu/downloads/sports/w-bball-camp.pdf. The completed form, with a deposit of $75, may be mailed to the PJC Women’s Basketball Camp, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460.
For additional information, contact Coach Christian at [email protected] or call 903-782-0207.
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.
Sponsorships for the 4th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo Sought
Sulphur Springs, TX – Plans for Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s ever-popular Designer Handbag Bingo are well underway. Sponsorships are now available for this event which will be held on Thursday, August 3.
A Luxury Bag Sponsorship runs $2,500 and includes a front row reserved table with 8 bingo packets. Sponsors’ names and logos will be displayed next to the designer bags, and the sponsors’ logos will be printed in the program. Additionally, the sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
The Tote Sponsorship is $1,500 and includes a premium reserved table with 8 bingo packets. Sponsors’ names and logos will be displayed next to the designer bags, and the sponsors’ logos will be printed in the program. Additionally, the sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
A Satchel Sponsorship is $500 and is a bag sponsor only, with no tickets. The sponsor’s name will appear next to the bag, printed in the program, and acknowledged from the podium. Clutch Sponsorships are $250 each and are bag sponsors only, with no tickets. The sponsor will receive the same marketing benefits as with a Satchel Sponsorship.
The various level of sponsorship determines the value of the purse being sponsored. Examples of past designers include Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hobo, Fendi, Brighton, Gucci, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade.
Approximately 500 women and men will attend the event and enjoy the fun of bingo and great designer handbags.
Proceeds of the event go toward initiatives of the Foundation which is to improve Hopkins County healthcare.
To sponsor go to handbagbingo23.givesmart.com and for more information, email [email protected] or call 903-438-4799.
Governor Abbott Announces Immediate Special Session Agenda
May 31, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott has announced special session #1 and issued a proclamation identifying agenda items for the Special Session that began at 9:00 PM on Monday, May 29. Governor Abbott issued the following statement:
“I will soon be signing laws that advance our state and the future of all Texans, including laws that:
- End COVID restrictions and mandates;
- Provide more than $5.1 billion to secure the border and fund the Texas National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the border wall;
- Designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations;
- Prosecute fentanyl deaths as murder;
- Protect women’s sports and female collegiate athletes;
- Focus community colleges on preparing Texas students for high skill careers;
- Increase electric power generation to secure the Texas power grid;
- Hold rogue district attorneys accountable;
- Protect children from life-altering gender mutilation;
- Ban illegal DEI hiring practices in our colleges and universities;
- Add $1.4 billion to make Texas schools safer;
- Require armed security at all schools;
- Provide access to mental healthcare for students at all schools; and
- Require regular safety checks of school buildings.
Despite these major achievements, more must be done for the people of Texas. Many critical items remain that must be passed. Several special sessions will be required. To ensure that each priority receives the time and attention it deserves to pass into law, only a few will be added each session.
Special session #1 will focus only on cutting property taxes and cracking down on illegal human smuggling.
We must cut property taxes. During the regular session, we added $17.6 billion to cut property taxes. However, the legislature could not agree on how to allocate funds to accomplish this goal. Texans want and need a path towards eliminating property taxes. The best way to do that is to direct property tax reduction dollars to cut school property tax rates.”
Special Session #1 agenda items include:
- PROPERTY TAXES: Legislation to cut property-tax rates solely by reducing the school district maximum compressed tax rate in order to provide lasting property-tax relief for Texas taxpayers.
- BORDER SECURITY: Legislation solely for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the penalties for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house.
How To Prepare For Mosquito Season By Mario Villarino
Warmer temperatures and rain means mosquito season is underway in most of the state. With an increase in mosquitoes comes an increase in bites. While these insects pose a big annoyance for Texans, here are five tips on how to protect your home from mosquitoes this summer.
Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes develop in stagnant water. Limiting water-filled breeding sites around the home can reduce populations in proximity. It takes an immature mosquito around 10 to 14 days to develop in water, so it is a good rule of thumb to replace or remove water that has been sitting for longer than five days. Potential areas to check for standing water include water dishes, bird baths, plant saucers, leaky faucets, and gutters. Observe your surroundings for water that is standing for more than a few days and dump the water or make sure it is free of larvae.
Utilize screens and closed doors: Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide that is emitted when we breathe. While screens on open windows and doors are an effective barrier to keep mosquitoes from entering homes, it is vital to ensure that screens do not contain holes and that doors stay closed. It is highly recommended that you use screens on your windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside. Mosquitoes are going to do what they have to in order to get to us.
Keep a well-trimmed yard and shrubbery : While preferences with personal property may vary, it is vital to prevent the type of habitat where adult mosquitoes thrive. Potted plants, thick, tall grass and overgrown landscape plants provide shelter for mosquitoes. By managing these types of environments around your home, you prevent the likelihood of mosquitoes following you into your home. It is important not to have too many potted plants or overgrown shrubs because those serve as harborages for adult mosquitoes to thrive in. If provided with a still water source, mosquitoes can reproduce at a rapid rate. Reducing this, in addition to managing other ideal living environments, plays a big part in protecting your home from mosquitoes.
Utilize repellents and be consistent: Texas is home to over 80 species of mosquitoes that thrive throughout the warmer months both during the day and at night. If you are outdoors, using is one of the only sure-fire ways to prevent mosquito bites. Spray products like “Off!” are recommended because they are better able to mask our scent from mosquitoes. Citronella candles are not nearly effective since the scent does not travel far enough to provide any protection in an area.
Be aware of mosquito activity: it is important to be aware that mosquito activity varies from species to species. Some are active early in the morning while others are active at dusk and during the night. Preventative measures can reduce mosquito populations in or near your home, and consistent use of repellents can reduce bites. If you see or notice a public area where mosquito populations are heavy, notify your local public health department to report sites. Action by public health professionals can reduce mosquito populations and mitigate their spread to other areas. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Chamber Connection – May 31
If you have an artistic side, you can join be a large part of the annual stew festival.
While the 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival is still five months away, the annual logo contest is underway.
The theme for this year is Bowl Games, a take-off on college football bowl games along with stew bowls.
The Chamber is accepting logo submissions through 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 6. You can submit a logo on the Chamber website, HopkinsChamber.org.
The winner of the logo contest will be awarded four stew tickets, four T-shirts, a quart bowl of stew and a parking pass.
Leadership Sulphur Springs
Even if you think you know Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, you are sure to learn a lot through Leadership Sulphur Springs, which is back on this year, with applications online! The leadership class is for Hopkins County men and women who want to learn and become more invested in their local community. It’s an intensive nine-month program that immerses the participants in the business and government of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The tentative dates for this year’s program are attached to the application, which can be accessed at HopkinsChamber.org.
The registration fee is $500 and that covers the cost of the food, drinks, transportation, etc. for the year.
Summer Storytime
Summer Storytime at Sulphur Springs Public Library is just around the corner. “Once upon a time … at the library” kickoff is 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3.
Journey Road Golf Tournament
The 3rd Annual Journey Road Ministries Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 26 at Sulphur Springs Country Club. It is a four-person scramble with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The $400 registration fee covers lunch and two golf carts.
Register at JourneyRoadMinistries.com.
Patriot Sporting Challenge
The 5th Anniversary Patriot Sporting Challenge is set for June 3, 2023 at Lake Fork, supporting Folds of Honor and Heroes Ranch.
The Challenge is limited ot 72 teams who participate in fishing and golf at Lake Fork, then meet for Casino Games at 2 p.m. at the iconic Neon Moon in Yantis.
It’s a unique opportunity to support the two military veteran organizations.
Register on the website PatriotSportingChallenge.org.
Wedding Expo
The DIY Wedding Expo is coming back to the Civic Center from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 23. For more information on sponsorships or vendor spaces, contact Tracey Treadway at 214-683-7669 or [email protected].
Ribbon Cutting
US Dermatology Partners had a ribbon cutting at their office at 601 Airport Road. Please welcome them to the community.
The Diamond and Star E Ranch Event Venue will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, June
2, at 13342 FM 1567 in the Miller Grove community. Please join us for the event Bubble Speech Therapy will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, June 6, at the Chamber office. Please help us welcome Kacie Crowson and her business.
Como Street Traffic Stop Lands Two in Jail
May 31, 2023 – At around 5pm Wednesday, a Sulphur Springs Police Officer observed a black Chevrolet SUV on Como Street. The Officer performed a traffic stop for a traffic violation. The SUV came to rest on Fuller St.
The driver, 43 year-old Eric Anderson Bailey, was asked to exit the vehicle. Bailey gave consent for the vehicle to be searched. The passenger, 19 year-old Faith Emily Greaves, was asked to exit the vehicle. On the passenger floorboard Officers located a cold can of beer. A bag of methamphetamine was located in the back seat of the SUV.
The bag of meth weighed approximately 1.7 grams. The traffic stop and arrest of the occupants occurred within 1,000 feet of the Douglas Early Childhood Learning Center.
Greaves, who lists herself as unemployed, is charged with:
481.115(C) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=1G<4GBailey, who gave his address as a local hotel, is charged with:
1 481.134(D) POSS CS PG1/1B <1G DFZ IAT 481.115
1 FTMFR (SSPD)
1 NO DL (SSPD)
1 1020 THEFT (SSPD)
1 POSS DRUG PARA (SSPD)
1 CPF DISPLAY FICTITIOUS,ALTERED , OR OBSCURED LICENSE (JP PCT 1) Both occupants were taken to Hopkins County Jail and booked without incident. The vehicle was impounded.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Governor Abbott Sets Special Election For Texas House District 2
May 31, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott last night issued a proclamation announcing Tuesday, November 7, 2023 as the special election date to fill the unexpired term in House District 2 of the Texas House of Representatives.
Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Early voting will begin Monday, October 23, 2023.
To read the full proclamation click Here
6 Big Reasons to “Jump Start” College This Summer at A&M Commerce
6 Big Reasons to “Jump Start” College This Summer at Texas A&M University-Commerce
COMMERCE, TX—Starting college can feel intimidating. After all, you’re moving to a new place, meeting new people and facing big new experiences. It’s exciting but scary! With this in mind, Texas A&M University-Commerce recently introduced Jump Start College, a summer program designed to help new students smoothly transition into college life.
Six reasons to join Jump Start College:
- Start College Early: The five-week Jump Start program lets you start college early and get a “jump start” on the busy fall semester. Your classes start on July 10!
- Take Advantage of Free Tuition: The President’s Promise Scholarship is available to qualified students and pays tuition for Summer II 2023 and beyond!*
- Enjoy Free Housing and Meals: Students who receive the President’s Promise Scholarship are also eligible for on-campus housing and meals—at no cost—in Summer 2023 and one additional year* through the Regents’ Access Scholarship.
- Get Support from Caring Staff: You’ll never need to feel lost or overwhelmed during your first days in college because caring staff from several student support services are available to help you every step of the way.
- Settle in Early: If you choose to live on campus during the summer, you can settle in early, before the busy fall semester. Note: Residential living is available at the main campus in Commerce, Texas, but not at A&M-Commerce at Dallas.
- Relax and Have Fun: The Jump Start program includes a full roster of fun summer activities so you can relax and make friends before everyone else arrives in the fall. *Terms and conditions apply. See tamuc.edu/Jump-Start for complete details.
“Jump Start College will help students gently ease into college life, taking advantage of the summer months,” said Nechell Bonds, vice president of Enrollment Management at A&M-Commerce. “This program will help many new students start their education journey on the right foot!”
New, incoming first-year and transfer students are encouraged to participate in the Jump Start College experience. Learn more about Jump Start College at tamuc.edu/Jump-Start.
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