Wanted Man Located At Local Motel
A wanted man was located at a local motel Friday evening, marking the second time in 2 weeks the 34-year-old has been booked into the county jail, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Dustin Green and Steve Lail contacted employees at an East Industrial Drive motel. A woman was reported to be in a room she’d rented with the wanted man just before 8 p.m. Jan. 13, 2023. Motel staff also reported the man was wearing glasses.
Officers contacted the woman in the motel hallway. She claimed the man they sought had run out of her room before officers’ arrival. The woman said he was wearing a blue hoody and blue jeans, that they were wasting time looking for him inside because he had gone outside
The woman did, however, agree to let the officers search her room. Then, a maintenance worker near the back door, the only available exit, said no one had gone through the back door. Police asked and received permission to review the video recording from the area. While there, another man complained a male in a blue hoody had run into his room. The man opened the door and the wanted man was located and placed into custody.
Thomas Joseph Lynch was transported to the county jail, where he was booked in on the warrant issued out of Austin for violation of parole on a resisting officer charge, according to arrest reports. The 34-year-old, who has no permanent address, was held in Hopkins County jail on the Austin Parole warrant Saturday morning, Jan. 14, 2023.
Friday was the second time in less than 2 weeks Lynch has been booked into the local jail. He also was booked in on Jan. 5, 2023, on a violation of parole warrant; however, he was released from jail on the charge within 24-hours of being arrested.
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.
Lady Cats Basketball Again at Home Tuesday
Coach Bryan Jones and his team wrap-up a two-game home-stand Tuesday, Jan. 17 as they host Liberty Eylau.
Tuesday’s game hosting the Lady Leopards is the fourth district game for Sulphur Springs, looking to rebound from Friday’s home loss to Paris.
Friday, Jan. 13 had women’s basketball in the SSHS Main Gym for their first home district game.
The Lady Cats came into Friday’s district match-up sporting an 11-game winning streak. It’s the longest consecutive win total since the 2016-17 season under former Coach Jeff Chapman in which women’s basketball was able to reel off 15 straight.
However, Friday the 13th did not go as planned for Sulphur Springs as the Lady Cats fell at home to Paris, 52-39.
The visiting Lady Cats made a number of heat-check shots, keeping Coach Bryan Jones’s squad at bay for a majority of the final three quarters.
The two teams had it tied heading into the second, but from there it was a rather one-sided affair. Paris was able to sink buckets whereas the Lady Cats struggled to put the rock in the net. In the middle two quarters, Paris outscored Sulphur Springs 21-12, a big reason why they led big after three 36-27.
While only a nine point game, the deficit felt larger than it actually was due to shots not falling for Sulphur Springs.
Scoring 12 points in the fourth did little to make a difference on the scoreboard, as Paris continued shooting very well en route to a 52-39 win on Friday, Jan. 13.
Paris sank seven three-pointers in the game. That, and three players for the victors finishing in double figures allowed them to get a big upset win over Sulphur Springs 52-39.
Kenzie Willis led the way with 11 points. Kyra Carter and Addisyn Wall scored nine and eight points, respectively. Rounding out scoring in the Friday loss to Paris was Codee Roland (seven) and Kaylee Carter (four).
The loss on Friday the 13th brings the Lady Cats season record to 19-5 (2-1 district). Friday’s loss also snaps an 11-game winning streak for the women’s basketball team.
Next up, Coach Jones and his team are once again at home on Tuesday, Jan. 17 when they host L.E.
That game tips off on Tuesday in the SSHS Main Gym at 6:30 P.M.
Tuesday’s district match-up with the Lady Leopards will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM. That game will also be li esteemed onto KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
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.
City Recognizes Employees Reaching 5-Year Milestones Over the Past 3 Years
The City of Sulphur Springs has many dedicated individuals who have continued to serve city residents for numerous years. To recognize those individuals for their work, the city presents service pins for each 5-year milestone an employee works. Earlier this month, Sulphur Springs City Council recognized 10 of those employees who were able to attend the regular monthly council meeting; 16 were not able to attend, however.
Typically, service awards are presented during the annual Christmas program hosted by the City. However, for the last three years the City did not have Christmas parties due to COVID-19. Therefore, 24 employees reaching 5-year milestones in the two prior years have not been publicly acknowledged for their service either, according to Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Director Gordon Frazier.
KSST extends congratulations and recognition to all 50 City employees for their dedication and commitment to service over the past 3 years.
2023 Service Awards
The average number of years of employment for all 137 City of Sulphur Springs employees as of Jan. 1, 2023, was 11.43 years with time of employment ranging from four months to over 45 years.
The following 26 individuals reached new 5-year milestones during the calendar year beginning Jan. 1, 2023:
45 Years of Service
- James Moten
40 Years of Service
- Tony Wilks
35 Years Of Service
- Gordon Frazier
25 Years of Service
- Jason Ricketson
- Russ Nuss, posthumously
- Duane Sprague
20 Years of Service
- David James
- Brian Adams
- David James
- Jennifer Graham
15 Years Of Service
- Jesus Diosdado
- John Lambert
- Steven Boyd
- Joseph Evans
10 Years of Service
- Joel Vaquera
- Jason Reneau
- Hope Cain
- Adriel Ramirez
- Manuel Hernandez Jr.
- Russell Ham
- Bruce Millard
5 Years of Service
- Jameison Hawkins
- Tory Niewiadomski
- Jason George
- Chris Rosamond
- Jerry Maynard
2022 Service Awards
The average number of years of service of all 142 individuals employed by the City of Sulphur Springs in 202 was 11.04 years.
The following 12 individuals had achieved 5-year mile stones of employment on or during the year leading up to Jan. 1, 2022:
40 Years of Service
- Kerry Carson
35 Years of Service
- Michael Allen
25 Years of Service
- Natalie Darrow
15 Years of Service
- Michael Booth
- James Jordan
- Matt Glenn
5 Years of Service
- Joshua Winnett
- Sean Hoffman
- Mitchell Vaughn
- Charles Fails
- Sarah Dicus
- Edgar Rocha Palacios
2021 Service Awards
The average length of employment among the city’s 141 employees in 2021 was 10.69 years. The following 12 individuals are recognized for reaching a new 5-year milestone either on or leading up to Jan. 1, 2021:
25 Years of Service
- Cynthia Matthews
- Marc Maxwell
20 Years of Service
- Clay Earl
15 Years of Service
- Karon Weatherman
- Joey Baker
10 Years of Service
- Lesa Smith
5 Years of Service
- Karen Newsom
- Bryan Craig
- Donnie Powers
- Buddy Williams
- Jessica Guajardo
- Ashley Floyd
Hopkins County Records — Jan. 13, 2023
Land Deed Transactions
- Joe Darrel Jackson and Reta Jackson to the Jackson Irrevocable Trust. Joe Derrell Jackson and Reta Jackson co-trustees; tract MA Bowlin survey
- A&S Entertainment of Sulphur Springs Inc. to Sabino’s Italian Restaurant LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Brandon Michael Washington and Jennifer Washington to Chloe A Perez and Robert J. Perez; tract in the
- Steve Manual Bloyed to Clarence JG Clinton and Rita Gail Clinton; tract in the DF Clendennen survey
- Amanda Pickett and Jarred Pickett to Ma Del Carmen Mondragon Figueroa and Jose Salvador Ruiz Soto; tract in the T. Dorsey survey
- Shalsam LLC to Jose Alberto Torres; tract in Cassidy Addition
- Emily Ann Petty to Rikalla Rose Lowe; tract Nacogdoches University survey
- Joe Dimock and Clara B Smith, Lonnie Durwood Smith to Kimberly Screws and Paul Allen Screws; tract MA Bowlin survey
- Russell Trust Boyd Trust, Frances McCreight Successor Trustee, to Jennifer Ogle, FKA Jennifer McCreight; tract in the Thomas Alders survey
- Rhonda K. Bawcum, independent executive for the Walter B Pair Estate, to Amy Marie Newsom and Joel Daniel Newsom; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Danny Weems and Lynda Kay Weems to Cornerstone Land & Cattle LLC; tract M Y’Barbo survey
- Lori Formby and Michael Formby to Amanda Pickett and Jarred I Pickett; tract in the Thomas Lee survey
- Katheryn R Rutherford to Jana Dodd; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Sarah Vo and Tony Vo to Brad Morris and Terry Morris; tract in the Country Club Estates
- Lyrae Reece to Dreamland Property Sales LLC; tract in the Agaton Caro survey
- Yakalene Marie Zack, independently and as permanent guardian for the Carileta Ross Estate, to Billy Harold McCoy and Lori Ann McCoy; tract in the A Hurley survey
- K-Too L.P. to VETX Properties; tract in the JF Beasley survey
- Baylee Payge Daehn and Michael Steven Daehn II to Garrett Vickery and Lindsey Vickery; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Anita Stapleton and Johnny Stapleton to Michael Williams; tract in the Thomas Lee survey
- Andrea Hinton and Wayne E Hinton III to Coen James Price and Lauren Ashley Price; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- LaVelle Hendricks to Gina Jorge and Alberto Torres
- Ladonna Brandenburgh to Julian Ramirez Junior and Lindsay G Ramirez; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Santos Alfredo Cruz to Baylee Deahn and Steven Deahn II; tract in the Woodcreek Addition
- Rebecca Thompson Clark to Sarah Thompson; tract in the John J Gant survey
- Penny Jetton to Pamela Morris; tract E Melton survey
- Jorge A Chavez and Maria E Chavez to Yoanna Chavez and Manuel Rodriguez; tract in the James C Sanders survey
- B & M Cars And Salvage to Complete Homes LLC; tract in the John A Winn survey
- McKenna Masters to Nina Masters; tract in the G Procello survey
- CMH Homes Inc. to Christopher Ewin Ross and Renee Lucila Ross; tract in the Ruthy Matthews survey
- Darla Anette Lennard Piasecki to Philip Anthony Piasecki
- Lori Ann Hall to Ashley Nicole Reppond
- Courtney Anglin, Gregory Randall Anglin, Robert S. Jones, Tylor Riane Jones, Keegan S. Morris and Savannah Cristine Ritchie to Sharleen M. Allen; tract in the David Waggoner survey
- Belinda M. Pate and Kenton N. Pate to Rebecca Berry and Rickey Berry; tract in Amberwood Court
- Kevin Mohl and Shari Mohl to Flying N Farms LLC; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Excelsior Concepts Company and Don Redfield to Fernando Cardona; tract MA Bowlin survey
- Candice Mshay Mead and Nicholas Joseph Mead to Kayce Bates and Wesley Bates; tract in the Agaton Caro survey
- Nancy Reynolds to Nathan crouch; tract MA Bowlin survey
- Randall Lynn Morrison and Michael Lee Morrison to Shaulis David Wayne Jr.; track in Mockingbird Hill Estates
- Erick Hernandez to James V. Helfferich and Tracey Helfferich; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
Application for Marriage Licenses
- Brock Addison Woodruff and Madelynn Claire Windham
Local Farmers Keep Close Eye on Dutch Protests for Free-Range Freedom
What started as a simple protest for agricultural freedom has turned into a three year endeavor amassing hundreds of thousands to support the farmers of Europe. Dutch farmers have been generating global headlines with protests described by Prime Minister Mark Rutte as “wilfully endangering others, damaging our infrastructure and threatening people who help with the clean-up”. Dutch government introduced proposals for tackling nitrogen emissions which could indicate a radical cut in livestock – they estimate 11,200 farms will have to close and another 17,600 farmers will have to significantly reduce their livestock.
The anger of the farmers is directed at the government, due to the plans announced for a national 50 percent reduction of nitrogen emissions by 2030, in line with European Union requirements to preserve protected nature reserves, that they believe unfairly targets them. Factories and cars also emit large amounts of nitrogen and have not been targeted, they say, although the government said that cuts associated with both polluters would be addressed in the future.
To realize those planned cuts, thousands of farmers will be required to significantly reduce livestock numbers and the size of their farming operations. If they cannot meet the cuts the government demands of them, they may be forced to close their operations altogether leading to hundreds of protesters to have set fire to hay and manure along highways, dumping trash on roads to create traffic jams, and blockading food distribution centers with their tractors, leading to empty shelves in supermarkets. Across the country, upside down flags wave from farmhouses in protest.
The Dutch government has set aside about 25 billion euros, about $26 billion, to carry out its plan, and some of that money will be used to help farmers build more sustainable operations — or buy them out, if possible.
Activists and ecologists say that drastic measures are needed to cut emissions and allow the Netherlands to do its part to address global warming — an aim that has become all the more urgent this summer as Europe faces record temperatures and drought.
Farmers are frustrated that the government is not doing enough to find technical innovations or other ways to cut down emissions to avoid reducing livestock numbers. But, said Mr. van der Putten from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, technical solutions are not enough to realize the level of cuts needed given the amount of nitrogen the country pumps out, much of it from the production of eggs, dairy and meat.
Several farms across north-east Texas are watching the unfolding events with a watchful as concerns of the foreign policy reaching American shores grow ever increasing.
Four Squads in Action for Friday Gameday
Friday, Jan. 13 is a busy one for Sulphur Springs sports. Both basketball and soccer squads are all in action, with the former locked up in district play.
Wildcats soccer is the first to get the action going Friday, playing in day two of the 13th Annual Wildcat Classic Soccer Tournament in Palestine.
Sulphur Springs plays two games, first taking on host Palestine at 2 P.M. at Wildcat Stadium. The hosts come into their tourney ranked #16 in 4A according to Lethal Enforcer.
A second game at the tournament on Friday has Sulphur Springs playing Lindale.
Coach Alexi Upton and his team continue the tourney Saturday, Jan. 14 playing one, but likely more games. If men’s soccer competes well enough throughout the rest of the tourney in Palestine, they could find themselves playing for 3rd or better Saturday.
Their last scheduled game kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Wildcat Stadium at 1 P.M. against Mabank.
Sulphur Springs beat Thursday foe Mexia 1-0, ranked #3 in 4A according to Lethal Enforcer. Edgar Salazar scored on an assist from Eric Rodriguez in the lone goal in the match.
Also in tournaments on Friday, Jan. 14 is Lady Cats soccer, continuing their outing at the 2023 Pine Tree Lady Pirate Showcase.
Coach Adriana Brena and her squad face more loaded competition in day two of their tournament in Longview.
While only playing one game on Friday, Sulphur Springs may find their hands full with Tyler Legacy’s JVA team. The Lady Cats play the Lady Raiders at 2 P.M. at Lear Park 2.
Even though women’s soccer plays a JVA team, Tyler Legacy is #8 in 6A according to Lethal enforcer, so even their first JV team should give Sulphur Springs a good challenge.
The tournament wraps up Saturday, Jan. 14 with Coach Brena and her squad taking on Lancaster at Field 3 (or Lear Park 2) at 5 P.M.
Also on deck on Friday, Jan. 13 is both basketball teams now locked in to district play.
The Lady Cats are the first of two squads from Sulphur Springs to tip off on Friday, hosting Paris.
Women’s basketball is a perfect 2-0 to start their district season, having won both of their first two contests on the road at Pleasant Grove and at Pittsburg.
Following their two-game roadstead, the Lady Cats host two straight in the SSHS Main Gym, starting Friday hosting Paris. Sulphur Springs wraps up the home-stand Tuesday hosting Liberty Eylau.
Coach Bryan Jones and his team are 18-4 overall.
They look to keep the good times rolling when they host Paris on Friday, Jan. 13 at 6:30 P.M.
The men’s team starts district play Friday, Jan. 13 as they hit the road and take on Paris for their opener.
Wildcats basketball looks to start off their road-to-the-playoffs 1-0, but they have a tough challenge waiting for them in Paris.
Sulphur Springs went 0-2 this past week, playing a brutal two-game stretch on the road that saw Coach Shaver’s team take on two of the top-10 teams in the state in 4A.
The Wildcats fell in Anna 60-54 before losing in similarly tight fashion at Dallas Pinkston 80-71.
Sulphur Springs is 18-7 overall.
They no doubt hope to return to their winning ways now that district play is upon them, but falling to just talented opponents is nothing to hang your head on.
Besides, as any coach would tell you, there is no better time to challenge oneself than right before district play.
Wildcats basketball begins their road-to-the-playoffs on Friday, Jan. 13 when they play their district opener in Paris on Friday at 7:30 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.
Sulphur Springs Emergency Sirens Will Be Tested January 13
January 13, 2023 – Emergency sirens will be tested in Sulphur Springs at noon today by the Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Office.
The test is to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system so they can be corrected prior to a real emergency situation. The sirens could be sounded not only for weather warnings such as tornadoes, which are the most common in the area, but also in case of any emergency that could affect the safety and lives of citizens in Sulphur Springs.
Recent tests have shown the emergency sirens to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as tornados or other threats to safety.
This will only be a test.
A Dozen People Jailed In Hopkins County On Felony Warrants
At least a dozen people were jailed in Hopkins County on felony warrants in the past 10 days. Among the individuals jailed Jan. 3-13, 2023, on felony warrants were:
Deputy Terry Thompson took custody of Jessica Nicole Allen at 8:10 a.m. Jan. 12, 2023, at Lamar County jail. Thompson then transported the 34-year-old Paris woman to Hopkins County jail, where she was booked in at 9:38 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
Allen remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Isaac Foley took Debracca Joane Cork into custody at 4:20 p.m. Jan. 12, in the 8th Judicial District Court after she was sentenced to serve a commitment in an intermediate sanction facility. An ISF is “a fully-secured facility used for short-term incarceration of offenders who violate the conditions of their community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision. ISFs are utilized by CSCDs for community supervision offenders and by the Parole Division for parolees and mandatory supervision offenders,” according to Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The offense is noted in arrest reports to have occurred on June 17, 2022. Cork was indicted on the controlled substance charge during the August 2022 Grand Jury session, according to jail reports.
Deputy P. Ryan took Delma Jefferson into custody at Bowie County jail in Texarkana, Texas and transported him to Hopkins County jail. The 23-yea-rold Nash, Texas man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:42 p.m. Jan. 11, 2023 on a warrant for violation of probation on an unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon charge.
Delmar Jatavion Jefferson remained in the county jail Jan. 12, 2023, on the charge, according to jail reports.
Deputy Thompson also took custody of Chelsea Debra Lynn Wortham, a 36-year-old Paris woman, at 8:10 a.m. Jan 12, 2023, at Lamar County jail. Wortham was transported to Hopkins County jail, where shew as booked in at 9:57 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for bond revocation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Wortham was held in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Jan. 13, 2023, according to jail records. She was arrested on the original controlled substance charge on Aug. 24, 2022, after a police dog alerted on her truck for contraband; meth was found during a probable cause search, Deputies alleged in the woman’s 2022 arrest reports. She was indicted on the controlled substance charge during a December 2022 Grand Jury session, according to court and law enforcement reports.
HCSO deputies were made aware a warrant had been issued for Kasey Anderson Benson‘s arrest on Jan. 10, 2023. At 7:25 p.m. Tuesday, HCSO dispatchers reported receiving a 911 call advising Benson was on his way to his father’s residence. Deputies observed Benson pull into a FM 69 south residence. Deputy Bobby Osornio took the 44-year-old Como man into custody on the warrant. Benson was booked into the county jail at 8:23 p.m. Jan. 10, 2023, on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for an injury to an elderly.
Benson remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, in lieu of the $250,000 bond set on the charge, according to jail records.
The passenger in a Toyota Rav 4 stopped at 2:23 a.m. Jan. 12, 2023, was found to be wanted in Harford County, Maryland. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Drew Fisher and Isaac Foley took Johnanthany Fulgham into custody and transported him to Hopkins County jail, where the 26-yea-rold Flint, Michigan man was booked in at 3:15 a.m. Thursday on the Maryland robbery, theft of property valued at $1,500-$25,000, theft scheme, possession or issuance of forged currency and obtaining goods.
Fulgham had been released from Hopkins County jail by Thursday afternoon, according to Hopkins County jail records.
HCSO Michael Chang served Dallas Diamond Chandler Holt at the county jail with a robbery warrant at 4:16 p.m. Jan. 6, 2023. He has been in custody since his arrest Nov. 9, 2022, on a warrant for violation of probation on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge and no driver’s license charge.
Bond was set at $500,000 on the probation charge and $20,000 on the robbery charge. Photo.
Deputy Ryan also transported Israel Monsivais-Silva from George Beto Unit of Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Anderson County to Hopkins County jail, where the 32-year-old Tennessee Colony man was booked in at 5:10 a.m. Jan. 10, 2023, on a warrant for bond forfeiture on a July 31, 2020 possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. Monsivais-Silva.
He remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Deputy P. Ryan too, Brett William Owsley into custody at 11:05 a.m. Jan. 5, 2023, at Titus County jail on a warrant for bond revocation on an abandoning or endangering with a child charge.
He remained in the county jail Thursday, Jan. 12, 2022, on the warrant, according to jail reports. His new bond was recommended to be set at $150,000 on the charge.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper G. Rodriguez stopped Ralph Zelaya Guevara at 10:45 a.m. Jan. 6, 2023, on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 141 for speeding in a Mazda Tribute. He took the man into custody after a records check showed two Tarrant County warrants. The 27-year-old Pittsburg man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:36 p.m. on the outstanding Tarrant County charges for violation of probation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge and theft of $100-$750 worth of property.
Guevara remained in Hopkins County jail until Jan. 11, 2023 on the charges, according to jail records.
HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans and Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford located Dedrick “D” Terrell Godbolt at a local bail bonds office and took him into custody on two warrants at 3:05 p.m. Jan. 3, 2023. The 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man was transported to the county jail, where he was booked in at 4 p.m. on warrants for bond forfeiture on an Aug. 25, 2022 possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana charge and a warrant for violation of probation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge.
Godbolt remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Jan. 13, 2023, in lieu of $175,000 in bonds — $75,000 on the marijuana charge and $100,000 on the other, according to jail records.
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley and Chief Jeff Hundley took Amanda Kay Rowe into custody at 2:22 p.m. Jan. 3, 2023, at her West Main Street residence on a felony warrant. The 36-year-old Cumby woman was booked into Hopkins county jail at 3:05 p.m. Jan. 3 on a credit or debit card abuse warrant.
Rowe spent the night in jail and was released the next day, according to jail reports.
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.
NETEX Receives “Unmodified Opinion” on Audit
The Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (known as NETEX) Board of Directors this month received audits for past few years, heard updates from the rail operator and a took public comments.
Audit Report
Auditor indicated his reports would get NETEX caught up through Sept. 30, 2021, but that his discussion focus would be the audit for the most recent fiscal year, 2021, but noted it’s almost time for the 2022 audit. He said the other reports were very similar to the 2021 audit.
Following a change in operators as well as board members, NETEX’s finances were complied and submitted in 2022 for audit. Because he was given more than one year’s worth of finances to consider, it took longer to complete the work. Auditor Mike Ward said he also will add a budget to budget comparison to final report, but encouraged the NETEX Board to contact him with any questions they may have regarding the audit. The document was drafted the same way it would be for a city our county. Ward encouraged the NETEX Board to review the audit reports and contact him with any questions they might have. The process should be easier for the 2022 audit, even though the report will look different due to required reporting changes.
The main thing, Ward said the auditor’s independent audit report found NETEX 2021 finances to be presented fairly.
“It’s a clean, unmodified opinion, which is what you are going for and which you accomplished,” Ward said. “Everything was made available to me. I didn’t have any difficulty getting information.”
NETEX ended 2021 with about $300,000 in cash and $2.8 million in appreciated capital assets, which was factored using the only number he was able to find for assets (an actuarial report from about 2015 which contained a professional opinion), then factored in deprecation for the given number of years. The rail district ended the FY with a net position that’s unrestricted.
“At the end of the day, you ended with a net position that’s unrestricted, which is equal up to your cash which is almost $200,000. Again, that net investment of your fund balance is related to the capital asset.
As far as changes in net position from 2020 to 2021, NETEX had about $115,000-$116,000 in total operating revenue, $24,000 consultant fee in the miscellaneous category, $162,000 of operating expenses including $117,000 depreciation asset expense.
Total $4,696,000 worth asset on the books, with $1.9 million of that depreciated, which brings it the net valued down to $2,817,000. Financial statements included about $7,000 spent on travel, $9,000 on insurance, about $26,000 in legal fees and the rest was depreciation, Ward said.
The value of assets will change as improvements are made. There have been several, especially over the last 1.5 years, and others are planned. That should be reflected in future reports. NETEX Chair Cheryl Williams said the board, in cooperation with NETC, should be able to compile and provide a report for the auditor to use to more accurately reflect assets over the past couple of years. Selak said his group has tracked those improvements and depreciations and can provide them as needed for the audit and NETEX records/reports.
Williams said the budget comparisons, a budget change made in past months, and asset/depreciation information should be included in the final budget report presented for NETEX Board approval. The NETEX Board officers, along with NETC and Mitzi Y’Barbo (Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County EDC Research Analyst/NETEX Administrator), will work to get the information Ward needs to complete the audit reports, and will also attempt to compile a NETEX budget for approval. NETEX Board member Brad Johnson said he’s retired and would be willing to help Williams, Hutchins and Y’Barbo, if needed.
Right of Way
Williams reported there were not contracts RAMS has forwarded for consideration this month. She said there are a few requests that aren’t quite ready yet. Williams, who also serves as Collin County Precinct 2 Commissioner, said she has been working with the City of Lavon, RAMS and attorneys on some right-of-way agreements for road work. She also as of the Jan. 5 meetings had not received any recent updates on a Northeast Texas Farmers Coop track lease either.
Treasurer’s Report
The monthly NETEX treasurer’s report was fairly simple as there’s only been one transactions so far during the new calendar year.
Treasurer Mark Hutchins did report that NETEX in November had invoices for a total of just under $210,490 paid to Northeast Texas Connector (NETC) for bridge repairs and floating rail repair NETEX contracted with NETC to perform. Thanks was offered to NETC owner Mike Selak and crew for getting the much-needed improvements none.
That, however, brought the past month’s general account bank balance down to $518,859.23, and the amount in NETEX’s money market account was a little over $50,000 in the money market account, Hutchins reported during the Jan. 5, 2023 meeting.
NETC 2022 Update
Amanda Fernandez, Northeast Texas Connector Railroad customer service representative, presented the monthly NETC update to the NETEX Board of Directors. The monthly carload count increased by 16 cars in December of 2021 to 132 cars in December of 2022 (which was the same carload count as in November 2022 as well).The annual carload count has increased by 261, growing from 1,218 carloads traveling on the NETEX tracks January-December of 2021 to 1,479 carloads from January to December of 2022. That’s a 21% increase; the rail moved 3 million gross tons on the rail during that time as well, Fernandez reported.
“Our inbound cycle time did increase to 6 days. That’s up 4.5 days. That’s quite a jump. We did have two derailments. It didn’t really affect servicing of customers, but it did affect our interchange as far as service to customers. The derailments happened in Greenville and Sulphur Springs, and it was just a gauge issue. We had to call in a crane for the one in Sulphur Springs but the one in Greenville we were able to pick that up ourselves,” Fernandez said.
NETC replaced 40 ties from the derailments. Improvements at NETEX bridge 508.4, which was reported in November, was complete as of the Jan. 5 NETEX board meeting, as well as bridge 507.19. Both are in the Weaver area. No brush cutting was performed by NETC in December, because the brush cutting machine was engaged in the bridge repair work. A third bridge, 509.67 has also been completed, Miguel Fernandez with NETC also reported.
Selak said discussion has continued to determine what information and documentation would be needed to possibly apply through Texas Department of Transportation for what is anticipated would be around $30 million in grant funding to make needed repairs on the rail to get it up to Class 2 standards along the entire line. A sizeable grant match would be required for any entity receiving a portion of the transportation funds that have been designated by the federal government for road, rail and other transportation improvements.
The NETC operator also said he anticipated being in Kansas this week to speak with Kansas City Southern representatives about possible future opportunities and concerns for NETEX and NETC as operators.
Public Comments
Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director reported the EDC will open bids on the building for a weigh house today and award the successful bid for the transload facility being built on EDC property in Sulphur Springs at the EDC meeting Jan. 23, 2023. NETEX operator Northeast Texas Connector (Freedom Rail Group) will use the facility to load and unload, and weigh cars shipped through Sulphur Springs along the NETEX line.
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski attended the meeting, at the invitation of Board member Brad Johnson, to address the board during the citizens comments portion of the meeting.
Niewiadomski sought guidance regarding the NETEX Board of Director’s permitting or other process for a developer to attain permission to run a sewer line under the track. Niewiadomski noted the developer for Ladera RV Resort which, as planned, will wrap around behind the Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center from Loop 301 to Jefferson Street. The property abuts the railroad on one side. In order to tap into the existing sewer main, the developer will need to bore under the NETEX tracks which runs along one side of the property. Niewiadomski said he realizes the board cannot consider the request at that time because it’s not on the agenda as an action item, he sought information about the steps the the developer and potentially the city will need to take for such a request. RAMS is hired to handle NETEX’s right-of-way matters, so the request would need to go through RAMS. Then, if RAMS is satisfied Ladera’s request meets all requirements, RAMS would then submit it to NETEX Board for approval. NETEX Board indicated they would give the city official the appropriate contact information so the developer can submit the bore request.
FM 71 Motorcycle Crash In Hopkins County Results 1 Death
A FM 71 motorcycle crash on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, resulted in one death, according to Texas Department of Public Safety reports.
Preliminary investigation indicates a man was riding a 2007 Honda VTX 1300 motorcycle on FM 71, just east of the Sulphur Bluff community in Hopkins County at 1:57 p.m. Jan. 11, 2023. The eastbound bike ran off the road going around a corner and struck a concrete culvert. The operator died at the hospital after being transported, Texas DPS Highway Patrol Trooper Cody Sagnibene noted in the preliminary crash report.
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer responded at Christus Mother Francis Hospital in Sulphur Springs, where he pronounced 73-year-old Bobby Wilson of Lone Oak dead.
The fatal FM 71 motorcycle crash remains under investigation by DPS.
