Texas To Receive $168M Of $3.1B Opioid Agreement with Walmart — Hopkins County Could Receive Portion of Funds
Another opioid lawsuit settlement was announced Friday. Walmart agreed to a planned $3.1 billion settlement for the business’ “role in the nationwide opioid epidemic.” That amount is to be divided among 17 states, with $168 million designated for Texas, Non-Litigating Threshold Subdivisions, Texas Attorney General’s Office reported in a news release Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. Hopkins County is listed among 2,411 entities on the “Non-Litigating Threshold Subdivisions” list to potentially receive a small portion of the funding awarded to the state.
The agreement will largely track the terms of the Global Prescription Opioid Litigation Settlement Agreement with the opioids distributors that was executed in July 2021.
“The opioid epidemic has had devastating impacts on millions of Americans, and we are hopeful that we will reach a final agreement on all terms to ensure that Walmart is held responsible for their role in it,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was quoted in the release. “This settlement is yet another example of my office’s commitment to protecting the people of Texas and ensuring that we hold accountable those who have violated the law and worsened the effects of the opioid epidemic.”
This agreement is the latest opioid settlement negotiated for Texas. To date, approximately $2.4 billion has been secured for Texas from the manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and others that caused the opioid crisis, including Walmart, Allergan, Mallinckrodt, Teva, Endo, Johnson & Johnson, and McKinsey.
Attorneys General from Texas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee worked closely on the negotiations, according to the release from Paxton’s office.
As part of the settlement, Walmart:
"(i) denies each and all of the Claims and allegations of wrongdoing made by the States and Litigating Subdivisions in each of the Actions and maintains that it has meritorious defenses; (ii) denies all assertions of wrongdoing or liability against Walmart arising out of any of the conduct, statements, acts or omissions alleged, or that could have been alleged, in the Actions already brought or that could be brought by any State or Subdivision related to the Covered Conduct and/or Alleged Harms and contends that the factual allegations made in the current Actions relating to Walmart are false and materially inaccurate; (iii) denies that any State, Subdivision, or resident thereof, was harmed by any conduct of Walmart; (iv) denies liability,denies any wrongdoing, and denies it violated any federal or state statute or common law; and (v) maintains that Walmart would be able to successfully defend against the Claims and allegations at trial, that the facts do not support the allegations, that Walmart engaged in no misconduct or unlawful activity, and that Walmart caused no harm to any State, Subdivisions, or resident thereof."
The 238 page Walmart Settlement Agreement, also states that nationally “Walmart dispensed on average materially fewer and less potent opioids per store than other major chain pharmacies and many independent pharmacies nationwide, and Walmart’s share of opioids distributed and dispensed nationwide was substantially lower than other major chain pharmacies,” according to “objective data metrics reported in the federal ARCOS database.”
The settlement also notes that Walmart has implemented policies, procedures, and controls relating to the dispensing of prescription opioid medications and other controlled substances, including pharmacist training and empowerment programs, company-wide limitations on strength and duration of acute opioid prescriptions, and opioid data analytics, which Walmart uses to identify and investigate potentially problematic prescribing practices.
The agreement inked Nov. 15 between the state AGs and Walmart states the funds are to be used “to remediate alleged harms” related to the “opioid epidemic.” The settlement defines alleged harms as “the alleged past, present, and future financial and societal harms and related expenditures arising out of the alleged misuse and abuse of Products, nonexclusive examples of which are described in the documents listed on Exhibit A, including those expenditures that have allegedly arisen as a result of the physical and bodily injuries sustained by individuals suffering from opioid-related addiction, abuse, death, and other related diseases and disorders, and that have allegedly been caused by Walmart.“
To read the full settlement agreement, click here.
Corvette Club Donates Several Bikes To Blue Santa; Annual Campaign Still Far Behind Usual Pace
The Blue Santa Toy Drive has received several generous donations this year from businesses, individuals and groups, including several bicycles donated by Sulphur Springs Corvette Club. The drive continues until 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 2022, and as of Friday morning was still far behind the usual pace. According to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum, so far, they’ve only had about one-third of the donations the program usually receives.
Dedicated local law enforcement officials will remain in Walmart parking lot behind the South Broadway Street convenience store (on the far west side of the property) in the cool wet weather to accept both toy and monetary donations for Blue Santa Program, which benefits Hopkins County children ages 1-14 for Christmas. Those discouraged from getting out in the rain can make donations from wherever they are, if they have a smart device or internet access. Use the Blue Santa QR code (see flyer) to make a donation.
If you don’t have lunch plans already, stop by the Blue Santa Toy Drive to get a sack lunch which includes a barbecue brisket sandwich, chips, dessert and a drink provided by CJ Duffey and Choice Hospice for $5 each. All proceeds will be donated to Blue Santa. These lunches will include a barbeque sandwich, a bag of chips, dessert, and a bottle of water.
If you purchase five or more lunches and are located within the city limits of Sulphur Springs, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse, Sulphur Springs Police and Fire Department, and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies and Fire Department will deliver them. Call 430-252-9096 to schedule delivery or reserve your brisket lunch.
Blue Santa program will also be participating in the Lions Club’s Annual Lighted Christmas Parade Friday night. If you miss them at Walmart, bring you new unwrapped toy donation to hand to Blue Santa’s helpers as they pass by.
The Blue Santa Toy Program has also placed blue barrels at stores, businesses, financial institutions, car dealerships, nursing homes and other facilities around the community to receive new unwrapped toy donations. These blue barrels will have the Blue Santa seal and a Blue Santa QR code should any wish to make an electronic monetary donation.
Friday, Dec. 2 is also the last day those seeking assistance in providing toys for their children for Christmas to apply to Blue Santa for help. Sign up applications are available online at www.canhelponline.org until December 2. Toy distribution for approved recipients will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at First United Methodist Church, located at 301 Church Street in Sulphur Springs.
For additional information, contact CANHelp at 903-885-9797, ext. 3, or the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-4044.
Both Basketball Teams Resume Tournament Play Friday
Both Wildcats and Lady Cats basketball teams play on the road in tournaments Friday.
Women’s basketball is nearby in Winnsboro playing in their second tournament of the season.
Both squads hope for a bit better results than Thursday, which saw the teams go a combined 1-3. The sole win on day one of tournament play for both basketball teams came in the evening in a Wildcat blowout.
The Lady Cats fell in their tournament opener to Leander’s Glenn High School, 57-33.
The loss early Thursday morning is the third on the season for Sulphur Springs.
As a result from then on the squad played in the consolation bracket; but two more losses over Thursday and Friday would end the tournament appearance for Coach Bryan Jones’s team. Unfortunately for the Lady Cats, they then fell in their first game in the consolation bracket to Quitman in a tight one 40-36; back-to-back losses in the Winnsboro Hoopfest putting them on the brink of elimination.
The two-game losing streak is the first such streak on the season, now 8-4.
With that second straight defeat in the tournament, Sulphur Springs finds themselves one loss away from cutting their time in Winnsboro short.
Friday has the Lady Cats again in Winnsboro, playing in the early afternoon. Coach Jones and his team look to beat the loser of Longview/Pittsburg. That game is the first game played Friday at 8 A.M. however Sulphur Springs does not play the loser of Longview/Pittsburg until the early afternoon.
That game tips off Friday, Dec. 2 at Buddy Hawkins Gym at 1:20 P.M.
Men’s basketball continues play in the Mansfield tournament Friday.
The Wildcats, like the Lady Cats, also fell in their tournament opener, losing in a thriller to Frisco Liberty 57-55.
Sulphur Springs trailed 20-10 and 34-24 after the first two quarters, but stormed back in the second half.
The Wildcats defense shut down the Redhawks in the second half, allowing only 33 points — but men’s basketball exploded for 28 points in the fourth quarter, unfortunately falling by two in their tournament opener 57-55.
Kordrick Turner played a big part in the second-half resurgence, scoring 25 points in the game. Parker Whisenhunt was the only other Wildcat to finish in double figures with an even 10 and Branson Lynn (8), Malachi Myles (7) and Theo Mckelvy (5) rounded out the Sulphur Springs scoring in the tourney-opening loss.
The loss to Frisco Liberty is the first on the season for Coach Brandon Shaver’s team, and like the Lady Cats, they continued their appearance in the Springs Creek BBQ Classic hosted by most of the Mansfield high schools in the consolation bracket, playing Northwest later Thursday evening. Unlike the women’s team however, the men’s squad rebounded from their tournament-opening loss by winning their second game; handling the Texans 53-41.
Going 1-1 on Thursday, Dec. 1 brings the Wildcats season record to 7-1.
Friday has the Wildcats first taking on Mansfield at Legacy High School at noon. Breaking down what a victory/loss to Mansfield brings next for men’s basketball in the Spring Creek Barbecue Classic tournament later Friday evening:
- WIN: beating Mansfield Friday at noon puts them in the consolation bracket semi-finals, played later Friday at 6 P.M. at Timberview HS
- LOSS: losing puts the Wildcats in a win-or-go-home bracket, with that game also tipping off at 6 P.M., BUT at Legacy HS
Editor’s Note: The Spring Creek Barbecue Classic is hosted by four of the five Mansfield ISD schools (Mansfield, Timberview, Legacy and Summit, however, the Wildcats do not play at Summit HS Friday or Saturday)
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.
Hopkins County CASA Cookie Walk Returns Dec. 2, 2022
An annual Hopkins County Christmas tradition, the CASA Cookie Walk, is returning this year and will feature some special treats.
The fundraiser for the organization for more than 25 years was canceled the last couple of years due to COVID and replaced with Miracles Made on Connally Street, where people were invited to purchase tickets for $25 each for a chance to win one of 12 small decorated Christmas trees.
Lake Country CASA announced this month, however, that the annual Christmas tradition, the CASA Cookie Walk, WILL be held in 2022. It is scheduled, as is tradition, on the first Friday in December from 9 a.m. to noon (or until all the cookies and sweet confections are gone).
“We are excited to announce there will be yummy treats from some fabulous local bakers so plan to join us for some Christmas goodness! Sweets & Sunshine Shelly’s Sweets, Cinnamon Bear’s Bakery, Christy’s Piece of cake,” local CASA representatives noted.
A variety of cookies and other sweet eats will be offered for a $5 per pound donation (or more if you are feeling generous) Dec. 2, 2022, at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 301 Church St. (across from the Post Office).
All proceeds from the Cookie Walk will benefit the children Lake Country CASA serves in Hopkins, Rains, and Franklin counties. Lake Country CASA served 60 children in Hopkins County alone in 2021.
As of June 2022, there are 12,128 children in Texas foster care system. Across the US, there are approximately 424,000 children in foster care, StandSunday.org reports.
CASA is dedicated to helping children who have been removed from their homes and placed into the foster care system.
In cases where children enter the foster system because their homes are deemed or alleged to be unsafe, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer whose only focus is on that child, giving hope and help in guiding the child to a safe, permanent home.
CASAs work to ensure that every child who needs an advocate to speak for his or her best interests before the courts has a caring, trained adult to help them during this difficult time in their life.
Donations are accepted to help support the CASA program, to provide funding for advocacy efforts and things the children CASA is entrusted to represent wouldn’t have if not for the organization. Donations may be made:
- At the Cookie Walk;
- By PayPal or a debit or credit card online on
- Lake Country CASA website (https://lakecountrycasa.org/get-involved/donate/) by selecting “Donate;”
- the Lake Country CASA Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/lakecountrycasa)
- By selecting Lake Country CASA as the charity of choice at AmazonSmile, to have 0.5% of purchases you make while shopping the site go to CASA to help the children the organization serves.
For more information about Lake County CASA, becoming a CASA or a foster family, call 903-885-1173 or stop by the CASA Cookie Walk Friday morning at FUMC.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Threatening Father With Deadly Weapon
Woman Accused of Child Abandonment or Endangerment
A 23-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of threatening his father with a deadly weapon. A 28-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was also jailed on two felony charges after reportedly leaving her children in a unlocked car on the side of I-30 after her car ran out of gas Wednesday morning according to arrest reports
Goodman Street Assault
Sulphur Springs Police Office Cameron Robinson reported responding at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to the Goodman Street residence where concern was expressed for one person present. The father and son both reside at the address, according to arrest reports.
While talking to the parties involved in the incident, Hector Tael Zamora Vazquez Jr. was accused of exhibiting a deadly weapon, a knife. The 23-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly pressed the deadly weapon against his father’s chest in a threatening manner, causing his father to fear imminent bodily injury, Robinson noted in arrest reports.
Zamora Vazquez was taken into custody at 6:49 p.m. Nov. 30, 2022, and transported to the county jail, where he was booked in at 10 p.m. Wednesday on second-degree aggravated family violence assault with a deadly weapon charge for the alleged threat made to his father with the weapon. An emergency protective order was requested, Robinson alleged in arrest reports.
Abandoning or Endangering Children
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 7:17 a.m. Wednesday to request for a welfare check on a female seen walking on the shoulder of Interstate 30 west near mile marker 136. Deputy Aaron Chaney was unable to locate a woman upon arrival in the area, but did soon see a tan Ford pickup with its hazard lights on parked on the shoulder near the 136 mile marker on I-30 west. Chaney reported turning around at the next exit to return to the truck.
Dispatchers called the deputy on his cell phone before he arrived at the truck, noting that they’d received information the female that’d been seen walking had left two young children in the truck he was approaching, then began walking away from it. At some point the woman was given reportedly given a ride to the EZ Mart store near Helm Lane in Sulphur Springs, Chaney said he was told.
As the deputy approached the vehicle, he noticed two children jumping around inside of it and found the passenger’s side door unlocked. So, he opened it and began talking to the children. The kids, who said they were 5 and 6, told him they’d run out of gas and their mom had gone to get some more. When they told the deputy their mom’s name, he recognized it from previous calls he’d responded to.
Chaney asked for Deputy Richard Brantley to try to locate the children’s mother at or near the gas station. Sheriff Lewis Tatum responded with Chaney on I-30 to help transport the kids to the sheriff’s office. Brantley soon reported he was indeed able to locate the Brooke Sierra Hayward, and was instructed to take her into custody. Brantley did and transported her to the county jail. Dispatch was asked to call for a tow truck to impound the pickup and to ask Child Protective Services to respond at the sheriff’s office to take custody of the children.
The deputy, in arrest reports, noted it was apparent to him the 28-year-old woman had intentionally, knowingly or recklessly left her children, who were not of an age to be independent from their mother and care for themselves, in the truck unsecured at the side of I-30 , where vehicles traveled upwards of 75-plus miles per hour. The children also had no shoes and as far as Chaney, had not coasts or jackets even though the temperature was below 37 degrees at 7:48 a.m. Nov. 30, 2022. The vehicle was also not running so the children had no apparent source of available heat.
After the tow truck arrived, Chaney returned to the sheriff’s office, where he completed Hayward’s arrest report. She was booked into the county jail at 9:57 a.m. Nov. 30, 2022, on two abandoning or endangering of a child charges, according to arrest reports.
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.
East End Allegiance: Our Youth Annual Christmas Giveback 2022 Is A Holiday Coat Drive
East End Allegiance: Our Youth’s Annual Christmas Giveback will be a Holiday Coat Drive to help kids in the community stay warm all winter long.
A fun Christmas Glow Party will be held Dec. 20, 2022, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gray’s Building in Pacific Park.
In order to receive a coat, families must sign their child up, by clicking this link and providing the child’s name, coat size, gender and age. The child must be in attendance and participate in EEA’s Dec. 20 Christmas Giveback and Holiday Glow Party.
“We’re seeking sponsors and donations to be able to provide family fun, activities, and for those who are in need,” EEA:OY officers and event coordinators noted.
To adopt a child or donate a coat for school aged children from kindergarten through 12 years, for more information at the East End Allegiance Holiday Coat Drive, contact Bridgette Cooper at 972-802-8705, [email protected] or via the EEA:OY Facebook page (search for @ouryouth903),
Event organizers offer thanks in advance to the community for their generosity.
East End Allegiance: Our Youth is a nonprofit organization created in order to empower youth to be self-sufficient and confident in their being through education, enrichment activities, training and mentorship.
All Rains ISD Classes Cancelled Dec. 2 To Allow For Gas Line Repairs
All Rains ISD classes have been cancelled Dec. 2, 2022, to allow for gas line repairs. Friday will be the third day potential gas issues have been addressed at high school, and the second day classes have been dismissed for secondary students, according to notices from RISD Superintendent Jennifer Johnson.
Wednesday morning, Johnson sent notices to parents and guardians notifying that professionals had been called in due to a gas smell at the high school before classes started for the day. The lead RISD administrator reported no gas leak was found, but Atmos was brought in to thoroughly examine pressure in all natural gas lines in the building.
“I want to assure you that all students and staff on the campus are safe and we have taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the building. The safety and security of our students and staff is always a top priority,” Johnson stated in the notice sent out the morning of Nov. 30, 2022..
Around 5:45 p.m. Nov. 30, Johnson reported more testing of gas lines was needed at the nigh school campus, including in classrooms. Thus, classes were cancelled at Rains High School on Dec. 1, 2022. School continued as usual on all other campuses Thursday, however.
At about 4:45 p.m. Dec. 1, Johnson sent out a notice to families notifying them that school will be closed on all campuses on Friday as part of the district’s ongoing efforts to “to fix the issues in the gas lines.” While students won’t report for class Dec. 2, all extracurricular activities and UIL events are still scheduled to take place Friday at RISD, according to Johnson.
2022 Blue Santa Toy Drive Under Way Dec. 1-2 At Walmart
Priority Deadline to Register for Toy Assistance Continues Through Dec. 2
Hopkins County, Texas — The 2022 Blue Santa Toy Drive kicked offed of this morning at 7 a.m. in Walmart parking lot and will continue through Dec. 2, 2022
Working together with CANHelp, the Sulphur Springs Police Department, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County Fire Departments, CJ Duffey, Choice Hospice, and members of numerous ministries, businesses, organizations, and individuals once again have joined resources to collect and provide toys for children ages 1 to 14 years who currently reside in Hopkins County.
Sign up applications are available online at www.canhelponline.org until December 2. Distribution will from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 10, at First United Methodist Church, located at 301 Church Street in Sulphur Springs.
This year’s official Blue Santa Toy Drive will be held on Dec. 1 and 2, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Walmart parking lot, located on 1750 South Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs.
“Because of everyone’s generous support, we all help a child receive a toy for Christmas,” said Blue Santa coordinators.
In addition to toys and bicycles, monetary donations will also be accepted at the toy drive Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1-3, to purchase additional toys to ensure each child on Blue Santa’s list receives a few toys each.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on December 1, CJ Duffey and Choice Hospice will be selling brisket lunches for $5 each at the Blue Santa site in Walmart parking lot; all proceeds will be donated to Blue Santa. These lunches will include a barbeque sandwich, a bag of chips, dessert, and a bottle of water.
If you purchase five or more lunches and live within the city limits of Sulphur Springs, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse, Sulphur Springs Police and Fire Department, and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies and Fire Department will deliver them. Call 430-252-9096 to schedule delivery or reserve your brisket lunch.
The Cowboy Grinch also made an appearance, along with Blue Santa
The Blue Santa Toy Program has also placed blue barrels at stores, businesses, financial institutions, car dealerships, nursing homes and other facilities around the community to receive new unwrapped toy donations. These blue barrels will have the Blue Santa seal and a Blue Santa QR code should any wish to make an electronic monetary donation.
Locations of Blue Santa barrels are the following:
- Dollar General Stores:
- Como
- Birthright
- Highway 154
- Main Street in Sulphur Springs
- Grocery Supply
- Burgers and Fries
- Hopkins House
- Atwoods
- Guaranty Bank & Trust (919 S Broadway St)
- Fix and Feed
- City National Bank (201 Connally St)
- Alliance Bank (308 Church St)
- Cash Saver
- Jay Hodge Chevrolet (478 Wildcat Way)
- Brian Toliver Ford (1040 Gilmer St)
- Fire Side BBQ
- West Oaks Funeral Home
- Rock Creek Nursing Home
- Sunny Spring Nursing Home
- Soulman BBQ
- First Baptist Church
- The One Church
- State Farm Insurance (530 North Hillcrest)
- Professional Land and Title
- Head 2 Toe Nutrition
- County Club
- Red River Credit Union
- Cody Drug (offering a free B12 shot with any unopened toy donation through Dec. 9)
Blue Santa program will also be participating in the Lions Club’s Annual Lighted Christmas Parade Friday night. If you miss them at Walmart, bring you new unwrapped toy donation to hand to Blue Santa’s helpers as they pass by.
For additional information, contact CANHelp at 903-885-9797, ext. 3, or the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-4044.
Emory And Garland Men Killed In Wrong-Way Turnpike Crash
A 62-year-old Emory man and 24-year-old Garland man were killed in a two-vehicle wrong-way turnpike crash in Dallas County early Tuesday morning, according to Texas Department of Public Safety reports.
Preliminary investigation reports by DPS Trooper L. Walter indicate a 1993 Nissan pickup driven by Troy Coates of Emory was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of President George Bush Turnpike near Lakeview Parkway in Rowlett around 12:20 a.m. Nov. 29, 2022. The pickup struck a 2013 Nissan Altima head-on, according to DPS reports.
When Rowlett Fire Department arrived at the crash site, personnel reported both drivers — identified by DPS Wednesday as 62-year-old Coates and 24-year-old Travonta Williams of Garland — were deceased, authorities reported. Names of both drivers were initially withheld pending notification of their next of kin..
The crash investigation is ongoing, with no additional information released, as of Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 30, 2022, according to DPS Sgt. Josue “Tony” De La Cerda, Texas Department of Public Safety Media and Communications for the North Texas Region.
Hopkins County Historical Commission And Appraisal District Board Members Reappointed
The Commissioners Court also approved the reappointment of officers and members to Hopkins County Historical Commission as well as a representative for Hopkins County Appraisal District Board of Directors and other items.
Historical Commission
All selected indicated they are willing to serve on the County Historical Commission, according to the document listing members and officers which the Commissioners Court approved on Nov. 28.
Historical Commission officers were nominated to serve during a special meeting of Hopkins County Historical Society Board, called at the request of Texas State Historical Commission, with submissions submitted to the Commissioners Court for approval.
Historical Commission officers approved by the court included John Sellers, MC; Rick Wilson as president; Barbara Hudson as vice president; Paula Altenbaumer as secretary; and Carlie Penson as treasurer. The Historical Commission also includes Carolyn French, Bill Glover, Joyce Bateman, Micah McCarty and Major Willis as members for the 2023-2024 term; all are Historical Society Board members who were present along with Penson and Wilson at the special Nov. 19 HCHS meeting.
Appraisal District Board
Earlier this month, the Commissioners Court also approved a resolution reappointing Hopkins County Tax Assessor-Collector Debbie Pogue Mitchell to represent Hopkins County on Hopkins County Appraisal District Board of Directors.
As determined on Nov. 23, 1989, members of the Appraisal District Board serve “staggered terms. Mitchell has represented Hopkins County on the Appraisal Board for a number of years and agreed to serve one more term, which will begin Jan. 1, 2023 and end Dec 31, 2024.
Other Business
At the request of County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook, no action was taken Nov. 28, 2022, on a proposed 7% cost of living increase to the county retirement plan. Aulsbrook explained there were numerous factors that should be factored into any decision on the matter, and that information is being compiles and is expected to be presented at the next Commissioners Court meeting.
Also during the Nov. 14 Court meeting, the Commissioners Court approved the lone bid submitted by Jay Hodge Chevrolet for two new 3/4-ton crew cab 4×4 pickup trucks for the sheriff’s office. The total price for the trucks was $99,179.36. A 2022 truck was quoted at $74,685.86 and was to be available this month, whereas a 2023 model quoted at $51,493.5 won’t be available until later. HCSO plans to trade in two vehicles, which Chief Deputy Tanner Crump noted are expected to cover all except about $20,000 per vehicle. The rest of the funding will come from the seizure fund.
The Commissioners Court approved a final plat for the Diosdado Addition in Precinct 4 at the court session held earlier in the month.
A resolution passed Nov. 14 by the Commissioners Court authorizes participation in a program that provides grant funding to “help pay for court appointed attorneys.” The Texas Indigent Defense Commission assists counties in implementation and improvement in indigent criminal defense cases. Indigent defense can be very costly to the county; while not necessarily covering all funds, the grant program does provide money to cover some of those expenses, according to the county judge.
The Commissioners Court also at that meeting also approved a resolution accepting a transfer case from a 1994 transfer case from Shreveport Fire Department for Hopkins County Fire Department’s Engine 220. The county unit has had a hard time finding the part which allows it to switch gears. The City of Shreveport had one in a scrap yard and agreed to donate it to the county for HCFD. The parts are interchangeable and should work on Engine 220 perfectly, Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley noted. The County Attorney was working on the required document, which the court agreed to, so the fire department will have the needed item for the truck.
The Commissioners Court on Nov. 14 too approved a loan agreement with the State Energy Conservation Office and an agreement for lighting improvement services and LED lighting retrofit assessment conducted by E3 for the county jail, Civic Center and Adult Probation office. Jason Brinkley, E3 agent for the State Energy Office told the loan through the state group to convert the lighting in those county building to LED would pay for itself pay for itself in utility savings within 9-9.5 years, and the warranty on the lights would be for 15 years. The county would still be responsible for the loan payments for the length of the loan term. Retrofitting the three county facilities would be completion of the lighting conversion at all major county buildings where possible. Upon signing of the required documents, work was expected to begin within 6 weeks and would take approximately 1 month to complete.
The Commissioners Court on Nov. 14 approved a resolution authorizing a grant from Texas Department of Agriculture Texans Feeding Texans program to Lamar County Human Resources, Inc., to provide home-delivered meals to homebound elderly and/or disabled individuals in parts of Hopkins County in 2023. Program rules require that the county in which an organization such as LCHS is providing home-delivered meal services to make a grant to the organization, so the group is eligible to receive the Department of Agriculture Texas Feeding Texans funding. The resolution certifies that Hopkins County has made a $10,000 grant to LCHS to be used from fall 2022 through the end of summer 2023 for the meal program; it also certifies that the Commissioners Court has approved the group’s accounting system or fiscal agent, which meets financial management system requirements established in the Texas Grant Management Standards per the state comptroller’s office.
