Hopkins County Commissioners Court Approves A Resolution To Slow Finalization Of Jim Chapman Lake Master Plan
April 10, 2023- Hopkins County Commissioners Court met Monday to discuss a resolution of the Jim Chapman Lake and White Oak Creek Mitigation Area master plan. This resolution would postpone the finalization of the masterplan by two years to allow Stakeholders and Local Citizens to work with the Army Corp of Engineers and Texas Wildlife and Parks to maximize current assets and future possibilities for the lake.
The Army Corps defines a Master Plan as… “The strategic land use management document that
guides the comprehensive management and development of all project recreational, natural
and cultural resources throughout the life of the water resource development project.”
Jim Chapman Lake (also known as Cooper Lake) was authorized as a multipurpose project in 1955. White Oak Mitigation Area was purchased in an effort to mitigate the loss of bottomland hardwood and wildlife displaced by the creation of the Jim Chapman Lake. Due to funding delays and extensive litigation opposing the lake, the original master plan of 1988 was delayed. The Corp of Engineers proposed a new master plan to further restrict 7,200 acres as “environmentally sensitive”.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court supports the delay of the Jim Chapman Lake and White Oak Mitigation Area Master Plan .
To see the presentation created by the Corp of Engineers for Lake Chapman, click here.
Slaton Hires Law Firm, Remains Silent on Absence From Legislative Session
April 10, 2023 – KSST News learned early Monday morning that District 2 State House Representative Bryan Slaton has retained an attorney to respond to a potential ethics investigation by the Texas House Committee on General Investigating. Patrick Short, a Rockwall attorney has over 30 years of legal experience representing clients in East and North Texas in personal injury, wrongful death, criminal defense, and select civil litigation cases, according to his website: www.patrickshort.com
Bryan Slaton was marked “absent – excused” for the two days preceeding the Good Friday holiday missing out on the discussions of the house bill concerning the over $300 billion Texas state budget. None of Slaton’s 27 amendments were filed due to his absence. House Bill 1 received almost 400 amendments from legislators before being approved and sent to the Senate.
KSST News attempted to reach out to both Slaton’s offices located in Austin and Greenville, but calls remain unanswered. Slaton’s constituency includes most residents of Hopkins, Hunt, and Van Zandt counties which make up District 2. With a population of almost 200,000 constituents in that district, those represented by Slaton will remain unrepresented during Slaton’s absence during Texas’ 88th Legislative Session.
See related story: Slaton Absent From Legislative Session
Moore Back in Hopkins County Jail
April 10, 2023 – DeAnthony Rayon Moore was arrested last week as he returned to his residence. Moore who reports himself as unemployed, lives in Sulphur Springs.
Moore had an outstanding warrant for violation of parole on a manufacture delivery controlled substance charge. Law Enforcement report that when they contacted Moore, he initially refused to follow commands, but eventually relented and was taken into custody without further incident. His current bond is set at $75,000.
Less than two weeks ago, Moore entered a local business and confronted a man. The disturbance started at around 10AM. The confrontation escalated to assault. Moore fought both customers and employees during the disturbance. Individuals at the business eventually broke up the fight and pinned Morre to the ground. All witness to the disturbance cited Moore as the cause and primary aggressor. Moore resisted arrest when police arrived. Once restrained by police, 23 year-old Moore admitted he was intoxicated. Moore was jailed and charged with disorderly conduct.
Moore was arrested in 2019 on a warrant for manufacture or delivery of controlled substance. See that story here.
Moore recieved Defered Probation and ISF treatment on his 2020 charges. See that story here.
Moore’s probation was revoked in 2021. See that story here.
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 438-4040.
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.
Wildcats Track finishes third, at district championship meet Tuesday
Wildcats track & field matched their efforts from last week’s competition, finishing third as a team at their home invitational on Thursday, Apr. 6.
It is a quick turnaround though as both track squads head to Texarkana for the 15-4A district championships this week.
It begins Tuesday, Apr. 11 at Liberty-Eylau’s Harris Field at 4 P.M.
Running Events
Malachi Roland, got the scoring underway in Sulphur Springs in the 100 M dash. The Wildcat crossed the line after 11 seconds for a fourth place finish.
200 M dash saw Trysten Hankins get fifth.
The 110 M hurdles saw the first Wildcat emerge victorious in an event, with a winning mark of 15.11 and getting 10 points for Sulphur Springs. Jackie Knuston added four more with a fourth place finish.
Bybee then went and won the 300 M hurdles, crossing the line at 42.14 and getting 10 more for the Wildcats.
In 4×100 M relays, the team of CJ Williams, Riley Hammonds, Roland, and Keyshaun John picked up another top-3 finish for Sulphur Springs. With a time of 43.52, the Wildcat team got 12 more points and earned bronze medals for their efforts.
The same squad, sub Roland and Williams for Jamorian Jeffrey and Jim Ibarra, came in just after 90 seconds for sixth place.
Field Events
The first scoring event for the Wildcats came in the long jump, as Hankins went 20’2″ for a silver medal. Hammonds got sixth in long jump, with both athletes combining for nine points in the event.
Shot put saw Sean Dial getting fourth, with Caden Spigener finishing in the same spot but in high jump.
Luke Caton proved to be the final Wildcat to emerge victorious in the Sulphur Springs meet. In discus, Caton’s winning mark of 137’1″ got the athlete a gold medal and 10 points for his team.
Bybee came up short of winning three events in a meet. His 13′ even mark in pole vault got him second and eight more for Wildcats track & field.
Sulphur Springs cumulated 78 points, getting third as a team.
Wildcats track and field matched their efforts as a team from last week’s competition, coming up third at their home invitational.
Next up, both track teams participate in the 15-4A district championships on Tuesday, Apr. 11.
The meet gets underway in Texarkana at Liberty Eylau’s Harris Field Tuesday at 4 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Marshall Arrested After I-30 Stop Yields Drugs
April 7, 2023 – MARSHALL, TACORRIE JARORRE DAVON was arrested after an I-30 traffic stop and vehicle search. The stop occurred on the western edge of Sulphur Springs at around 10AM. Marshall, who reports himself an Arlington, TX resident, is 30 years-old.
A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy was on patrol when he observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Interstate 30 near the 116 mile marker. He entered the highway and ran the licence plate of the vehicle through Communications. Communications advised the license plate information given indicated the plate belonged to a Chevrolet. The vehicle in question was a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis. The Deputy activated emergency lights signaling the vehicle to pull over.
The vehicle quickly exited the interstate and turned into a gas station. A driver side approach on the vehicle was conducted. The Deputy immediately detected a strong odor of fresh marijuana.
While speaking with Marshall, a handgun was seen tucked between the front seats. Both occupants were asked to exit the vehicle and step to the rear.
While speaking with Marshall, he was advised a probable cause search of the vehicle would be conducted. A red and yellow duffle bag was located and inside it was two glass jars containing several individual baggies of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana.
Marshall a.k.a. “CoCo” was detained in double locked handcuffs. A search of the trunk revealed a backpack containing a grey plastic bag that contained several THC Vape pens and a large bag of marijuana.
Marshall was notified of his rights and transported to Hopkins County Jail. During book-in, jail staff located a small clear baggie containing ecstacy tablets on Marshall’s person. The Grand Marquis was impounded.
Marshall was charged with delivery of marijuana, two charges of possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful carry of a weapon.
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.
Plant Basil With Your Tomatoes
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
OK, now that you’ve picked out what tomatoes you want in your garden, you’re ready to begin concentrating on support actions such as fertilizers, weeds, etc. You might even be looking at some companion plants to help grow more, healthier, and better tasting tomatoes.
Marigolds, for example, have a pungent odor that makes many pests move on to more favorable areas. One of the best companion plants, however, is one few people consider, which is basil. Basil has the same effect as marigolds, particularly with serious tomato problems such as tomato hookworm, aphids and whiteflies. As an extra, basil repels mosquitos and houseflies! It also helps increase tomato yields, by putting nutrients valuable to tomatoes in the soil, and may improve tomato fruit flavor. On top of all this, tomato plants help basil to grow healthier. First, they provide shade for basil, which extends to helping the soil retain moisture.
So how much basil do you need to plant around your tomatoes? And just how close does it have to be to help? Well, you normally plant your tomatoes three feet apart. Planting one basil plant within a foot of the tomato plant will be plenty. Planting any additional basil plants or seeds, might rob the tomato plant of needed nutrients.
If starting from seed, basil usually germinates in 7-10 days, although it could pop up in as few as 4-5 days. One it pops up, growth is fast. SO, you can wait until transplant time for your tomato plants to sow basil seeds (much cheaper than plants), as those plants will quickly catch up with the tomato plants. To be on the safe side, plant 3-4 seeds instead of one, thinning to two later. When thinning at 3-4mweeks, feel free to place in containers for your house or porch.
Paris District Road Report for April 10, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting April 10, 2023. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The eastbound entrance ramp to US 82 at the US 75 intersection is closed to traffic. This ramp serves as the entrance ramp to eastbound US 82 at US 75. This closure is needed to complete the construction of the US 82 eastbound Frontage Road and new entrance ramp. Motorists are advised to use the eastbound frontage road and continue east through the Loy Lake intersection and use the eastbound entrance ramp from Loy Lake Road to gain access to US 82.
The eastbound US 82 exit ramp to US 75 is temporarily closed in order for crews to make the connection of the new exit ramp to US 82 and the frontage roads. Motorists traveling eastbound on US 82 are advised to use the FM 131 / Travis Street exit (Exit 641) and follow the eastbound frontage road to access US 75.
The northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road intersections with Center Street have been converted to an all-way stop. Traffic on the frontage roads is asked to pay attention to the advanced warning signs and new stop signs, and approach the intersection prepared for a stop there.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. The US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The West Cypress Grove Road intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is closed to through traffic to allow crews to work on paving at the intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Cypress Grove Road is asked to use Mimosa Drive and Redbud Trail as a detour route. Mainlane traffic has been switched to the new concrete section between Lamberth Street and SH 56. The intersection of Taylor Street on the west side of FM 1417 is closed to traffic in order for crews to complete the reconstruction of this intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Taylor Street is asked to use Lamberth Street and Little Lane as a detour route. The Taylor Street closure is expected to last three weeks, weather permitting.
SH 11, Grayson County: from FM 697 in Sherman to US 69 in Whitewright. Work on the pavement overlay project is expected to begin April 10. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers mill and then overlay the roadway with a hotmix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park, Grayson County. Work on the rehabilitation project on Park Road 20 and the side roads within Eisenhower State Park has begun. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hotmix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, Grayson County: at the Old Southmayd Road intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers lengthen the existing left turn lanes on US 82 at the Old Southmayd Road intersection and add right-turn lanes.
SH 56 (Main Street), Grayson County: in Whitesboro from Union Street to Collinsville Street. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 56 as crews work on the rehabilitation project to remove and replace the sidewalks and parking areas along the square. During construction, the front entrances to the buildings will be temporarily closed and customers are asked to enter from the rear entrances. Occasional road closures will be required with a detour route in place to guide motorists around the project. The detour route will guide traffic along Union Street, Thode Street, and Collinsville Street to get around the project.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the replacement of the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project, while the new bridge is built in phases.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: south of Whitesboro at the railroad underpass near US 377. Watch for lane closures with signals controlling traffic while crews work to upgrade the bridge railing.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect lane shifts while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 75 frontage roads, Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 1417. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 121, Grayson County: from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 5, Grayson County: from US 75 to Redden Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot milling on the roadway to remove rough spots. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 1320, Fannin County: at the Caney Creek Bridge is closed to traffic in order for crews to replace the bridge structure and approaches.
FM 271, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, Fannin County: from FM 273 to Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for traffic shifts and traffic signal-controlled lane closures as workers build the bridge approaches for the new SH 34 roadway at the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from SH 34 to CR 3544. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on building the connection of the realigned FM 1550 to the existing roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2645, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Spur 311, Fannin County: from SH 56 to SH 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2029, Fannin County: from FM 1396 to FM 273. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
I-30, Hopkins County: from Hunt County Line to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews perform concrete pavement repair.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, perform bridge maintenance and place bonded concrete surfacing.
Loop 286 / US 271 South Interchange, Lamar County: from Dawn Drive going south to the North Loop 286 turn around. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286 at BU 271 (Clarksville Street), Lamar County: Exit ramp from southbound Loop 286 onto BU 271. Watch for temporary exit ramp closure while crews make repairs to adjacent metal beam guard fence.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
BU 271 (North Main Street), Lamar County: from Santa Fe Street to one-quarter mile north of Stone Avenue. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install sidewalk
US 82, Lamar County: at the FM 1502 intersection. Watch for temporary lane closures, and traffic and lane shifts as crews widen the roadway to install a left-turn lane and improve drainage structures.
Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), Red River County: at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street in Clarksville, Texas. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SP 302: Hunt County (From SH 34 to FM 499, from 499 to I-30, from US 69 to SH 34, from O’Neal Street to US 69). The contractor has begun setting work zone signs and barricades. Milling and paving operations will begin on US 69 on April 10. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, Hunt County (From I-30 to FM 1567): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor has begun placing driveway safety ends and concrete pipe. Cross culvert work and prep right of way and the reworking of the roadway and subgrade widening has begun. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 bridge replacement project, Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 and CR 2132 bridge. The contractor has begun work on CR 1031 by performing prep right of way work and placing detour. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 224, Hunt County: The contractor has placed final hot mix, poured the mow strip and installed metal beam guard fence. All structural work is completed. The contractor plans to seed vegetation and perform minor cleanup at this location. The contractor has removed barricades and opened the bridge to traffic. Please be aware of this construction, the detour route and workers in the area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed installing small signs and mailboxes and project cleanup and punch list items are underway. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor was able to open west and east bound lanes of the SH 276 Bypass. The contractor plans to begin removal of parts of old Business 276. Flex base work will begin on the tie-ins of the bypass and existing SH 276. Please be aware of lane closures and changes to current traffic configuration, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66, Hunt County: SH 66 at FM 1570, SH 34 at FM 1570. The contractor has installed signal poles and signal lights at SH 34 and FM 1570 and SH 66 intersections. Some sodding work will begin soon. Stop-bar striping was added at SH 34 and FM 1903.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Rains County crews will be working seal prep patching on FM 2101 and various bridge and culvert maintenance projects throughout the county. Hunt crews are addressing potholes on SH 34 and performing overlay operations on FM 1564. Both crews are addressing potholes and roadway complaints. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Local Texas House Representative Bryan Slaton Absent For Two Days of Session Before Holiday
April 7, 2023 – District 2 House Representative Bryan Slaton was missing from all proceedings in the 88th Texas Legislature both Wednesday and Thursday before the Good Friday holiday in advance of Easter Sunday. All votes for the very busy two days showed Slaton as “Absent – Excused”. His last record of voting came on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 as he voted on several bills presented on that day including one presented from a committee on which he serves named “Defense & Veterans’ Affairs”. That bill known as HB1315 is described by its author as: A bill to be entitled An Act relating to the creation of the open burn pit registry fund and the issuance of specialty license plates to honor members of the United States armed forces exposed to open burn pits. Slaton voted in the affirmitive to support that bill.
Thursday April 6, 2023 was a very busy day for the Texas Legislature as the Texas House debated over HB1 which concerns the over $300 Billion budget for the State of Texas for the next two years. Hundreds of amendments were presented and added to the bill with most of those influencing how that money is spent and which districts (and counties) would benefit from the huge Texas budget. None of Slaton’s amendments were presented during the proceedings and Slaton was marked as “Absent – Excused” for the 11 votes taken on House Bill 1. As the budget bill has now cleared the House, it will move over to the Senate for further discussions and amendments following the Easter Holiday.
Repeated calls from KSST News to Slaton’s Austin office as well as his Greenville office went unanswered. Hopefully, Slaton will be back as the House session resumes on Monday at 2:00pm to represent his constituents in Hopkins, Hunt and Van Zandt counties.
Senator Ted Cruz Visits Sulphur Springs And Tours Local Facility
April 7, 2023- U. S. Senator Ted Cruz visited Sulphur Springs Tuesday April 4th, touring the M&F Western Products in Sulphur Springs, Texas. He also made a visit to the Priefert Manufacturing facility in Mount Pleasant.
Sen. Ted Cruz said:
“Manufacturing is a pillar of the Texas economy and it’s one I’m proud to support – especially in East Texas. The facilities I toured in Sulphur Springs and Mt. Pleasant today showcase how high the Lone Star State sets the standard for excellence in the industry. I’m glad to see the innovative steps that have been taken to ensure Texas is at the forefront of manufacturing and continues creating jobs to keep Texas moving forward.“
At M&F Western Products Manufacturing Facility, Sen. Cruz spoke with local leaders of Sulphur Springs about supply chain and taxation, following a tour of their newly constructed worldwide distribution center. The center houses products like saddle slickers, hat supplies, belts, and wallets.
Good, high-paying jobs are the top priority of Texans, and because of that, they are also the top priority of Sen. Ted Cruz:
- In the past year Sen. Cruz successfully negotiated the approval of four major LNG export permits, helping Texas and American companies sell American energy overseas.
- Sen. Cruz has fought to protect access to banking for legal industries against political efforts to undermine them.
- He helped enact historic tax reform in 2017, which gave a tax cut to virtually every taxpayer in America. It reduced taxes on small businesses, farmers, ranchers, and job producers, which has helped bring jobs to Texas.
- Sen. Cruz has worked in a bipartisan manner to designate the “Ports-to-Plains Corridor” in Texas as a future highway, boosting transportation efficiency and cutting costs.
- He has fought to make permanent the 2017 historic tax cuts for individuals.
- He is leading the fight against burdensome federal government regulations and EPA overreach.
- Sen. Cruz also helped pass the USMCA trade agreement, which was signed by President Trump, a decisive victory for Texas farmers, ranchers, businesses, and manufacturers.
- For his efforts to support Texas businesses large and small, Sen. Cruz received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious “Spirit of Enterprise” award.
- To lessen the United States’ dangerous dependence on the Chinese Communist Party, Sen. Cruz introduced the ORE Act, or Onshoring Rare Earths Act of 2020, legislation to bring back supply chains for these resources within the United States.
- Sen. Cruz also urged the Trump administration to support development of a fully domestic rare earth minerals supply chain.
- Sen. Cruz successfully advocated for the U.S. Army to give Texas-based Bell Textron the contract to replace the Black Hawk helicopter with a new assault helicopter for military use.
- Sen. Cruz has successfully advocated for Texas innovators and their work to be included in the annual National Defense Authorization Act and the biannual Coast Guard Authorization Act.
- Sen. Cruz worked with a bipartisan group of Texas legislators to call for the Biden administration to pick Texas as a future site for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) and National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP).
- Sen. Cruz introduced legislation to reduce the U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing dependence on China.
- Sen. Cruz authored bipartisan legislation to designate Texas roads as future highways and interstate highways, which will reduce travel costs, bring new jobs to the Lone Star State, and increase the state’s annual GDP.
Men’s Golf wins 15-4A district title
Coach Jeremy DeLorge and his program have secured their first district championship in a long time.
Playing two rounds over the course of just about a week, Sulphur Springs
“It was picture-perfect,” Coach DeLorge said Thursday morning in an interview with KSST Radio. “We went out there and took care of business like we have been all year.”
The Sulphur Springs golf team has seen their district foes several times over this season, and each time the Wildcats came out on top. So they knew if they took care of business they would be district champs.
Wildcats golf performed as well as they did in spite of weather conditions.
Both rounds over the course of the week had rain roll through Mount Pleasant prior to both contests so wind speed became a bit of an issue, as well as fast-rolling greens.
Even with interesting golfing conditions, Sulphur Springs had five players finish top-10.
Starting with the highest score for Coach DeLorge’s squad from the district tourney, Brooks Burgin got 17th shooting 189.
Luke White came up second-to-last for the Wildcats, but shot 174 in the district tourney. His efforts got him a 12th place finish overall. Tatum Tran (166) came up eighth for Sulphur Springs. Noah Newsom got ninth behind Tran. Nick Burney got fifth shooting 163.
The biggest outing though for Wildcat golf came from Gage Gideon, who came up huge with a score of 159. The freshman’s efforts secured him an individual district championship.
“That was a fun experience for Gage, as a freshman to win district, in the fashion that he did by going to a playoff hole and birdieing the first hole to get the individual title, that was a lot of fun to see and it was a good experience for him to help him grow over the next three years after this,” Coach DeLorge said Thursday.
The men’s golf coach said it was great to see a team comprising so many freshmen not only rising up to the challenge but then performing as well as they did. The Sulphur Springs coach said his team has to keep their focus and not get complacent if they hope to move on to the state tournament.
Luckily for the men’s golf coach, his team does not settle for anything less than greatness and look to continue their winning streak to the Regional tourney.
“They’re hungry, they’re ready, and they’re on fire for Regionals for sure,” Coach DeLorge said.
Next up, the men’s golf team heads to Van Zandt C.C. for the Region 1 & 2 Championship.
The two-day tourney runs Wednesday and Thursday, Apr. 19-20.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
