Texas Senate Passes Bill To Redefine Fentanyl Charges
April 13, 2023- Texas Senate has recently passed Senate Bill 645 that would redefine fentanyl poisoning as murder for purposes of prosecution and death certificates.
Over the past two years, the Texas Department of Public Safety had seized over 353 million lethal doses of fentanyl, enough to kill almost every person in the United States.
The author of the Bill Sen. Joan Huffman, attached a floor amendment to SB 645 defining the manufacturing or delivering of fentanyl as murder if someone dies from an overdose. In addition, the Bill makes possession of fentanyl with the intention of delivering prosecutable under the statute governing organized crime. Huffman stated she’d added that language at the request of prosecutors.
Huffman’s Bill would also tighten penalties for making, delivering or possessing larger quantities of fentanyl. Having between 200 and 400 grams would be considered a first-degree felony, which could lead to between 10 years and life in prison as well as a fine of up to $100,000. Having more than 400 grams would also be a first-degree felony punishable by at least 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Huffman’s Bill does have a exception however for medical professionals who prescribe fentanyl as treatment. She also changed the law so that death certificates do not classify as “fentanyl poisonings” deaths in which fentanyl is detected in the body but there is another clear cause of death.
The bill would allow emergency responders to share the date and time of the overdose incident, the approximate location of the incident, whether an opioid antagonist like naloxone was administered and the outcome of the patient. It does not allow for the sharing of the victim’s personal information.
The Senate suspended its normal rules to speed SB 645 through both its second and third readings on the same day. The bill passed 30-0 and now moves to the House.
Texans Owed Millions In 2019 Tax Refunds, Deadline July 17
April 13, 2023― The Internal Revenue Service announced today that nearly 1.5 million people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2019 but face a July 17 deadline to submit their tax return.
The IRS estimates almost $1.5 billion in refunds remain unclaimed because people haven’t filed their 2019 tax returns yet. The average median refund is $893 for this year, and the IRS has done a special state-by-state calculation to show how many people are potentially eligible for these refunds.
There are an estimated 135,300 Texas residents throughout the state who have a chance to receive a refund. The average potential refund is $924 which equates to a total $142,235,200 refunds due to Texans.
“The 2019 tax returns came due during the pandemic, and many people may have overlooked or forgotten about these refunds,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We want taxpayers to claim these refunds, but time is running out. People face a July 17 deadline to file their returns. We recommend taxpayers start soon to make sure they don’t miss out.”
Under the law, taxpayers usually have three years to file and claim their tax refunds. If they don’t file within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.
But for 2019 tax returns, people have more time than usual to file to claim their refunds. Usually, the normal filing deadline to claim old refunds falls around the April tax deadline, which is April 18 this year for 2022 tax returns. But the three-year window for 2019 unfiled returns was postponed to July 17, 2023, due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. The IRS issued Notice 2023-21 on Feb. 27, 2023, providing legal guidance on claims made by the postponed deadline.
The IRS estimates the midpoint for the potential unclaimed refunds for 2019 to be $893. That means half of the refunds are more than $893 and half are less.
“With the pandemic taking place when the 2019 tax returns were originally due, people faced extremely unusual situations. People may have simply forgotten about tax refunds with the deadline that year postponed all the way into July,” Werfel said. “We frequently see students, part-time workers and others with little income overlook filing a tax return and never realize they may be owed a refund. We encourage people to review their records and start gathering records now, so they don’t run the risk of missing the July deadline.”
By missing out on filing a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2019. Many low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2019, the credit was worth as much as $6,557. The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds in 2019. Those who are potentially eligible for EITC in 2019 had incomes below:
- $50,162 ($55,952 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children;
- $46,703 ($52,493 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children;
- $41,094 ($46,884 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child, and;
- $15,570 ($21,370 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.
The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2019 tax refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2020 and 2021. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, such as student loans.
Current and prior year tax forms (such as the tax year 2019 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) and instructions are available on the Forms, Instructions & Publications page or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
For more information read: Time running out to claim $1.5 billion in refunds for tax year 2019, taxpayers face July 17 deadline
Texas Legislation Bill Could Overturn 4 Day School Weeks
April 12, 2023- Texas legislation has a proposed bill that could overturn the current four-day school weeks seen throughout the state of Texas. This bill could cause the several school districts who have already converted to the four-day week system to return to the previous five day week.
Several Texas School districts have changed their schedules to allow for a four-day school week, including Sulphur Bluff Independent School Distrcit. Rains County has already voted and approved a four-day week to begin next school year. The idea of a four-day school week was introduced as a means to attract teachers to the districts to fill the lack of staff left by the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about the four-day school week and to see some districts that will be affected by this change read: Texas School Districts Switching To Four Day School Weeks.
Senate Bill 2368 authored by New Braunfels Republican state Sen. Donna Campbell, requires a minimum of 175 instructional days per school year and at least 75,600 minutes of operation, including time allocated for instruction, intermissions and recesses for students. A four-day school week typically has 144 school days.
Several parents and teachers are outraged by the idea of the bill being passed, some parents stating that due to the shortage of teachers four-day school weeks could bring in potential teachers.
A national Rand Corporation report that found student outcomes were negatively impacted, stating that “the test scores for (four-day school week) districts improved, but did so more slowly than they would have if the same schools had maintained a (five-day school week).”
Senate Bill 2368 is currently in committee and has not yet been presented to the Texas Senate for a vote.
Baseball Falls in Pittsburg, Begins Round Three Friday at L.E.
Sulphur Springs dropped their district game in Pittsburg as the Pirates made some timely hits count and capitalized on some Wildcat errors en route to a 4-2 win over Coach Jerrod Hammock’s team on Tuesday, Apr. 11.
Tied at two in the bottom of the fourth, the Pirates on their home field lead off with a single, and an error by pitcher Kaden Mitchell saw two runners on for Pittsburg.
The Sulphur Springs pitcher recovered by throwing two straight four-pitch strikeouts, but following that he walked three straight batters to give the Pirates their lead en route to the win over the Wildcats.
Tuesday’s duel in Pittsburg was a tight one all the way through between two schools vying for the final playoff spot.
Both teams went four innings each going three up, three down.
The Pirates made their hits count though, adding in two costly errors and Sulphur Springs fell 4-2 on Tuesday.
Pittsburg, trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the third, used two singles and a dropped third strike to load the bases. Followed thereafter by a walk and another single, and the Pirates tied the ball game on their home field Tuesday evening.
Kaden Mitchell took the loss going four innings and allowing four hits and four runs, only one of which was earned.
He walked four but struck out seven Tuesday in Pittsburg. Ty Robinson appeared in relief for the final two, striking out four in the 4-2 loss.
Coach Jerrod Hammock’s squad did manage to outhit Pittsburg, 5-4.
Five Wildcats each got a hit Tuesday:
- Austin Chaney; 1 for 3, R, 2K
- Dane Oud; 1 for 3, RBI
- Kaden Mitchell; 1 for 3, K
- Ayden Alvarez; 1 for 2, BB
- Evan Moore; 1 for 2, R, BB, K
Falling to the Pirates is a costly one for Wildcats baseball, who are now an even 1-1 with the team Sulphur Springs is directly competing with for the final playoff spot.
The schools play one final time on Friday, Apr. 28 in Coach Hammock’s squad’s senior night. The final match-up between these two schools just might be a winner-takes-all district game for the final postseason position.
Next up, Wildcats baseball heads to L.E. Friday, Apr. 14 beginning round three of district play.
Saturday has Sulphur Springs hosting a non-district duel with Caddo Mills at 1 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.
Motorist Assist Lands Wolfe City Resident in Jail
April 12, 2023 – Wolfe City, TX resident Alycia Jean Woolsey was arrested and charged with felony possession of controlled substance this week.
Woolsey, age 37, was stopped on Interstate 30 near mile marker 128 when Sulphur Springs Police stopped to provide motorist assistance. During that assist, which started around midnight, it was determined that Woolsey was in possession of over 1 gram of cocaine.
Woolsey was arrested and transported without incident to Hopkins County Jail. Her Cadillac was impounded.
This is not the first time Woolsey has been in Hopkins County Jail. In 2019 Woolsey faced a Driving While Intoxicated charge in Hopkins County.
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.
Moreland Back in Hopkins County Jail
April 12, 2023 – Hadden Dewayne Moreland, a 22 year-old resident of Quitman, TX, was arrested this week for violation of parole. The stems from an Assault Family Violence, Impeding Breathing charge.
Moreland, who lists himself as unemployed, was arrested at his home by Deputies and transported to Hopkins County jail without incident. The arrest occurred at around 3AM. His bond is set at $250,000.
This is not the first time Moreland has been in Hopkins County Jail. In 2021 Moreland was arrest for insufficient bond on a Assault Family Member, Impeding Breathing charge. See that story here.
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.
Mike Lamb Accepts His Official Resignation From SSISD
April 12, 2023- Mike Lamb, the superintendent who has been in charge of SSISD for the past eleven years, has officially accepted his resignation. He was presented a plaque by the school board in commemoration of his time spent at SSISD.
Recently Mike Lamb accepted a top position at Little Elm ISD. Little Elm has agreed to allow Mr. Lamb to split his time between the two districts through April. Lamb has also stated he will be a part of senior activities as well as being apart of graduation.
To read more on Mike Lamb’s resignation read: SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb Leaves To Take New Job in Little Elm
Meal A Day And Senior Citizen Center Calendar April 17-21, 2023
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of April 17-21, 2023 includes:
Monday, April 17- Shepard’s Pie, Cucumber Slices and Chips
Tuesday, April 18- Chimichurri Chicken Drums, Cucumber Salad and a roll
Wednesday, April 19- Hawaiian Ham, White Rice and Mixed Veggies
Thursday, April 20- Sausage and Cheese Egg Bake, Sweet Potato Hash and Raisin Bran Muffin
Friday, April 21- Bean and Cheese Tamales, Refried Beans and Spanish Rice
Tree Roots By Mario Villarino
Metsulfuron-methyl is a residual sulfonylurea herbicide that kills broadleaf weeds and some annual grasses. It is a systemic compound with foliar and soil activity, that inhibits cell division in shoots and roots. It has residual activity in soils, allowing it to be used infrequently but requiring up to 22 months before planting certain crops (sunflowers, flax, corn, or safflower). It has very low toxicity to mammals, birds, fish, and insects, but is a moderate eye irritant. Metsulfuron is currently sold under several comercial names. It is an affordable option to control broadleaf plants and some weed grasses.The most important step in pesticide application is to read the label in its entirety before beginning any application. In most cases, off-target damage from herbicide use can be completely avoided by following the manufacturer’s label. It is important not only to use a herbicide with the correct concentration of the correct active ingredient, but also the one labeled for a specific crop or site. For example, Nufarm’s Manor® and PurestandTM both contain 60% of metsulfuron-methyl, but the former is labeled for turfgrass and the latter for pastures. Thus, applying PurestandTM to turf would be an off-label use. Not all metsulfuron herbicides labeled for turf are registered in CDMS. A web-wide search can yield equally suitable products (including generic options), like MSM Turf Herbicide Quali-Pro or Rometsol® by Rotam.Injury to not target plants from herbicide use is often simply a case of over application; therefore, it is always important to calibrate your equipment properly. Merely mixing the correct amount of product into a spray tank does not mean your equipment is calibrated. It is important to apply the correct amount of product per area and not to rely on the concentration of the spray solution. To reduce the chances of injury from drift, avoid making applications during periods of high temperature and low relative humidity. Never spray during windy conditions. Using nozzles that form larger droplet sizes and conducting applications at lower spray pressures can also help to reduce drift.
When metsulfuron-methyl injury has been reported, damage from drift or over-application (off-label) are often ruled out and injury is usually the result of root uptake. To avoid damage from root uptake, trees and shrubs should not be planted in areas treated with metsulfuron-methyl for at least one year after the last application and bedding plants should not be planted for at least two years. Never rinse out spraying equipment or flush hoses near desirable plants. According to most label instructions, metsulfuron-methyl should not be applied near desirable ornamental trees or shrubs, on areas where their roots may extend, or in locations where the herbicide may be washed or moved into contact with their roots.
How do you determine how far tree roots extend? This is difficult to determine because it is species dependent. A general rule of thumb is that for established trees, the roots are likely to extend up to two or more times the width of the branches (drip line). Research at the University of Florida has shown that on average, tree roots spread close to three times the spread of the drip line and fine roots are concentrated in the top 12 inches of soil with many in the top 2 inches (Gilman 2011). For large palms, primary roots are often found 50 feet or more away from the trunk. This means that just because the herbicide is not applied near the base of the plant does not mean that roots will not be contacted by metsulfuron-methyl or other similar herbicides. In practice, as per the label instructions, many residential lawns should not be treated with this herbicide because they are filled with tree roots Metsulfuron is a very effective and economical herbicide that has low odor, low usage rates, a short restricted entry interval (REI) of only 4 hours, and is safe on Bermudagrass, St. Augustine grass, and other warm season turfgrasses. It is one of the few herbicides available to selectively control bahiagrass in other lawn types and also controls other broadleaf weeds that are often difficult to manage. However, caution should be used when applications are made on sites containing trees and palms growing in or near turf areas, especially sites where oak trees are planted. Metsulfuron-methyl is effective for weed control at low usage rates and the lowest effective rate should be chosen for the target weed species. For a given species, a lower rate will be effective when the weeds are still small, less than 4 inches tall (McAfee and Baumann 2007). As per the manufacturer label, do not apply metsulfuron-methyl-containing products in close proximity to ornamental species or in areas where their roots can be contacted. In landscapes containing many trees, palms, and shrubs, it will be difficult to avoid making applications over the root zone of potentially sensitive plants. In these cases, a different herbicide should be selected to avoid potential injury in certain situations. If injury has already occurred, recovery time will be based on numerous factors and is difficult to predict. The most effective corrective measure, if any is available, should be determined on a case by case basis depending on the species effected, application rate, time of year, and other environmental factors. 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].
Incorporating Dike Townhall With Municipal Attorney Charlie Zeck
April 11, 2023- Municipal Attorney Charlie Zeck will be at the Dike community center Saturday April 15th to discuss Incorporating Dike.
Topics will include:
- CONTINUATION OF ALL COUNTY SERVICES
- CLARIFICATION OF NO PROPERTY TAX
- DESCRIPTION OF A CLASS-C MUNICIPALITY
Open for Q&A – send questions to [email protected]
