SSISD Trustees To Consider Hiring Athletic Director, Terminating SSMS Employee Jan. 24
Sulphur Springs ISD will hold a special meeting tonight (Monday, Jan. 24,) to consider a number personnel matters.
In an executive session, the board is slated to discuss and consider hiring an athletic director/head football coach.
Afterward, during the action items portion of the 6 p.m. meeting, the trustees will be asked to consider approving a resolution for wage payments during emergency school closings, including the recent closure due to COVID illnesses, through the end of the school year. The school board will also be asked to consider updating local district policy DEC(local) regarding employee absences and payment for missed days.
In other business at the Jan. 24 meeting, trustees will be asked to take possible action regarding the proposed termination of term contract employee Amy Anderson before the end of the contract period. The School Directory shows Anderson has been employed at middle school, working with the Read 180 program.
Afterward, trustees are slated to enter into another executive session to not only consider any additional personnel matters that have been presented since the last board meeting, but to also consider a contract extension and compensation for the superintendent, and any other real property matters up for consideration.
The board will then return to regular open forum to consider any items pushed forward from executive session.
During public forum, the school board will be recognized as part of the district’s Board Appreciation Month observance.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Jan. 24, 2022, in the board room of SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
Franklin County Posts Lowest Unemployment Rate In NET Area For 7th Consecutive Month
Unemployment Rates Continue Dropping, Almost To Pre-Pandemic Levels In Hopkins County
Unemployment continues to drop across the Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area to the lowest rates since the pandemic began. Franklin County had the lowest December unemployment rate in the WDA, marking the 7th consecutive month Franklin County has had the best unemployment rate. Hopkins County was a close second, with unemployment dropping to an almost pre-pandemic level in December.
State Reports
Unemployment dipped slightly across the state from 4.5% n November 2021 to 4.3% last month, both down from 6.7% in December of 2020. In Texas, the civilian labor force declined from 14,429,974 in November to 14, 398,693 in December 2021, up from 14,139,874 in December 2020. As more jobs were added, the number of employed rose as well from 13,191,324 in December 2020 to 13,775,211 in November 2021 and up to 13,785,955.
| Labor Force | Employed | Unemployed | Rate | |
| Texas | 14,398,693 | 13,785,955 | 612,738 | 4.4 |
| Northeast Texas WDA | 122,787 | 117,134 | 5,653 | 4.6 |
According to TWC, the seasonally adjusted Texas unemployment rate was 5.0 percent in December 2021, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from November 2021. Texas added 50,000 total nonagricultural jobs over the month, making gains in 19 of the last 20 months. For the month, the state reached another record employment level with 13,059,600 jobs. Texas has added a total of 694,400 positions since December 2020.
“Seeing a second consecutive month of record-setting employment, with more than 13 million jobs, highlights the underlying strength of the Texas economy,” TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel said Friday in a release about state unemployment totals. “This economic strength creates an environment for Texas employers to continue to create jobs and provide opportunities for the workforce in the Lone Star State.”
“The continued job growth we’ve seen in our Texas labor market is a true testament to the strength of our Texas employers, large and small,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson in the Jan. 21, 2022 release. “In addition, the falling unemployment rate demonstrates Texans taking advantage of the numerous job and career opportunities provided by our Texas employers.”
According to TWC, the biggest job gains were in three areas: 10,400 additional construction jobs; 7,300 more trade, transportation and utilities positions; and 7,200 financial activities jobs in December 2021.
Only three of the nine counties in the Northeast Texas Workforce Development area posted December 2021 unemployment rates that were below not only the NET WDA rate of 4.6% but Texas’ 4.3% unadjusted unemployment rate as well – Franklin, Hopkins and Delta Counties. The three counties in NETWDA with the worst December 2021 unemployment rates were Morris, Cass and Red River. but even those counties saw a downturn in joblessness last month, according to the TLMI data.
Hopkins County
Hopkins County came in a close second to Franklin County in December 2021 for best unemployment rate in the NET WDA for the 7th consecutive month. Hopkins County’s unemployment rate last month was 3.4%, just 0.1 percent higher than Franklin County’s jobless rate, one of only 2 counties in the area with an unemployment rate of less than 4 percent.
That’s the lowest unemployment rate in Hopkins County in since COVID swept the world and forced job and school closures at spring break 2020, the lowest unemployment rate in Hopkins County in the last 2 years was 3.1% in January and February of 2020. Even the highest unemployment rates for Hopkins County during the COVID shutdowns were 7.8% in April 2020, 6.9% in May 2020, 6.5% in June 2020 and 6% in July 2020.
Overall, the unemployment average for Hopkins County was 4.6% in 2021 and 5.1% in 2020. While not as good as the 3.1% unemployment average for 2019 (when unemployment averages for 6 months of the year were below 3%) , the 2021 unemployment average was not nearly as high as the 7.6% reported in 2011 and 7.5 percent in 2020. Unemployment in Hopkins County reached a 22-year monthly high of 8.4% in June and low was only 6.6% in December 2011, for an overall annual unemployment average of 7.6 percent.
Hopkins County’s labor force continued to shrink as well, dipping from 17,744 in December 2020 to 17,474 in November 2021 and 17,347 CLF in December 2021. While the number of people employed in Hopkins County also dipped – from 16,885 in December 2020 to 16,822 in November 2021 and 16,754 in December 2021, the number of unemployed also shrunk from 859 in December 2020, to 652 two months ago and 592 last month.
Northeast Texas WDA
As a whole, the CFL in Northeast Texas WDA has continued to shrink over the past year, from 124,062 in December 2020 to 123,230 in November 2021 and 122,787 last month. Although the number of employed dipped from 117,161 in November 2021 to 117,134 in December 2021, both months still had more employed than the 116,074 reported in December 2020. These have helped lower the overall unemployment rate in NETWDA from 6.4% in December 2020 to 4.9% in November and 4.6% in December.
In Franklin County, the civilian labor force shrunk from 5,268 in November 2021 to 5,226 in December 2021, reducing the number of employed from 5,268 in November to 5,051 in December and the number of unemployed from 186 to 175 in December. That gives Franklin County an unemployment rate of 3.3% for December 2021, which is 2.2% lower than in December 2020, when 269 of the 4,901 civilian labor force were unemployed, according to the information released Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 on Texas Labor Market Information website for Texas Workforce Commission.
Delta County had the third lowest unemployment rate of 4% for December 2021, down from 4.9 percent from December 2020 and 4.4 percent in November 2021. Delta County’s CLF also has been shrinking, from 2,438 in in December 2020 to 2,393 in November 2021 and 2,376 last month. The number of employed declined from 2,318 in December 2020 to 2,288 in November 2021 and 2,281 last month.
Titus County’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.6% in November 2021 to 4.4 percent last month, both down from 6.3 percent one year before. The labor pool in Titus County too has continued to decline, dropping from 13,171 in November 2021 to 13,132 on month later; the CFL in December 2020 was 13,491. While there were fewer working in Titus County in December 2021 than even one month before, the number of unemployed also dropped from 484 in December 2020 to 605 in November 2021 and 573 in December 2021.
Lamar County’s CFL was 23,837 in December 2021, down from 23,895 in December 2020 and 24,045 in November 2021. Lamar County had more people working in November 2021 than in December, 22,876 to 22,754, but still more than the 22,430 reported in December 2020. There were fewer unemployed each time however, dropping the jobless rate in Lamar County from 6.1% in December 2020 to 4.9 percent in November 2021 and 4.5% in December 2021.
Bowie County’s unemployment rate dipped from 6.3% in December 2020 to 5.1% in November 2021, then 4.7% last month. Bowie’s CFL has continued to rise over the last year, up from 39,163 in December 2020 to 39,392 in November and 39,486 in December 2021. The number employed in Bowie County also rose, from 36,711 in December 2020 to 37,399 in November 2021 and 37,611 last month. That dropped Bowie County’s unemployment rate from 6.3% one year ago to 4.7% last month, down from 5.1 the previous month.
Cass and Red River counties each had 5.3% unemployment rate for December 2021. Cass County’s CFL had declined from 12,427 in December 2021 to 11,942 in November 2021, and 11,885 last month. However, one more person was employed in December than in November of 2021. These factors have helped Cass County’s jobless rate drop from 8.1% in December 2020 to5.8 percent in November 2021 and 5.3 percent in December 2021. Red River County’s CFL rose from 5,123 in November 2021 to 5,138 in December 2021, which was still smaller than one year before when the CFL was 5,261. The number of people employed in Red River County isn’t quite as large as the 4,929 of December 2020, but did rise from 4,844 in November 2021 to 4,868 last month. That helped lower the unemployment rate from 6.3 percent in December 2020 to 5.4 percent in November 2021 and 5.3 percent last month in Red River County.
Morris County had the highest unemployment rate in the 9-county area, but has been steadily improving. The unemployment rate was 13.3 percent in December of 2020, 8.9 percent in November and 8.3 percent last month. The CFL dropped sharply over the last year, from 4,742 in December 2020 to 4,422 in November and 4,360 last month. The number of people working in Morris County fell from 4,109 a little over a year ago to 4,029 in November and 4,000 in December 2021. The number of unemployed dropped from 633 in December 2020 to 393 in November and 360 in December 2021.
Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.
Meal A Day Menu – Jan. 24-28, 2022
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 Jan. 24-28, 2022, includes:
- Monday – Apricot Glazed Chicken Breast, On a Bed of Rice, Candied Carrots, and Broccoli and Cheese.
- Tuesday – Manager’s Choice
- Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Thursday – Rope Sausage, Black-Eyed Peas, Cornbread and Normandy Vegetables.
- Friday – Chicken and Cheese Sliders, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickles, Baked Beans and Chips.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Paris District Road Report for January 24, 2022
Paris District Road Report for Jan. 24, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district from Jan. 24, 2022. 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 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. 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.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
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 4 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.
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. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road near West Staples Street and transitions back to the existing mainlanes near West Cherry Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Center Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Center Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. To detour, eastbound Center Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Park Avenue, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Houston Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Center Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyVQ6rYNhM
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Center Street closure at US 75: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIMoHaqAFGg
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing main lanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between North Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews perform bridge construction. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on bridge construction and 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 are working to 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.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to a portion of the new concrete pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
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 Sunday and Wednesday during the nighttime.
FM 901, Grayson County: from US 82 to Hughes Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on backfilling the edge of the roadway.
SH 56, Grayson County, in Southmayd at McElroy Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
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 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work reestablishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 1752, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway.
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.
SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
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 closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
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 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 44N to FM 44S. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews construct safety lighting.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Wolfe City, Texas, location. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations: Hunt County, SH 34 at Crockett Street to SH 34 at FM 816 in Wolfe City. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Rains County: From US 380 to FM1560. The contractor set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor has begun preparing the right-of-way. The contractor has started grading existing ditches at cross structures for rock filter dams and silt fence installation at various locations. Operations for temporary shoring will begin shortly.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has set barricades and plans to begin preparing the right-of-way soon. The contractor has reworked base material and widened subgrade from Lake Fork Creek to the north for one mile, graded out and prepared for new flex base, and begun hauling base material. The contractor has demolished the bridge and will continue placing flex base on the first mile. Drill shaft installation has begun and five shafts have been completed. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared the right-of-way. Preliminary embankment, excavation, and bridge work has begun with all shafts being completed. This work should not affect existing traffic on SH 34 or SH 276. Roadway construction affecting closures on Spur 264 has begun, this work will affect through-traffic between Meyers Avenue to County Road 2304. Weekend work is to be expected. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is finishing up with Mile 6 to SH 34 this week, geo-grid has been installed in the lane areas. Eight inches of flex base is nearly complete. The contractor is compacting and grading the roadway, preparing for density testing and prime coat. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing seal coat preparation on FM 816 north of Wolfe City from SH 34 to the County line. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on I-30 and guard rail repair at various locations around Hunt County. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing seal coat prep work on I-30 south frontage road from CR3102 to FM 1737. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations on various roadways. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Florida Man Jailed For Having Drug Test Falsification Device
A 33-year-old Kissimmee, Florida man was jailed Friday night for having a drug test falsification device, a bottle of false urine, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Silas Whaley reported conducting a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Malibu at 9:25 p.m. Jan. 21, 2022, on Lee Street. When contacted, the driver allegedly admitted to possessing an open container.
A probable cause search of the car revealed a plastic bottle containing false urine, Whaley alleged in arrest reports. The Florida man was taken into custody at 9:47 p.m. and the car was impounded.
The 33-year-old man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 11:03 p.m. Jan. 21, 2022, on the drug test falsification device, the fake urine. He remained in Hopkins County jail at noon Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. Bond on the Class B misdemeanor charge was set at $1,000, according to jail 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.
Barkers Stepped Down From NETEX Board, Johnson & McCullough Appointed
Earlier this week, Mickey Barker and Neal Barker each resigned from their positions on Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District Board. Brad Johnson and Steve McCullough were recommended to fill those seats as Hopkins County’s representatives on the NETEX Board.
Hopkins County Commissions Court unanimously approved a resolution during the Jan. 18, 2022, court session officially appointing Johnson and McCullough to replace Mickey Barker and Neal Barker on the NETEX Board of Directors.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom offered thanks to Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker and his nephew, Neal Barker, who have both served on the (NETEX) Board of Directors for the past few years.
Newsom said the NETEX Board at one time was not making as much progress as it seems to currently be doing.
“I want to give a lot of credit to Neal Barker and to Mickey Barker for your service, because things changed when you got on the board, truly positive changes,” the county judge said. “We’re excited to have new members coming on but we want to honor you.”
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley noted the difficulties he faced while serving on the NETEX Board. He stepped down when Mickey Barker agreed to fill his seat on the Baord.
“I had the had the opportunity to serve on the board prior to Mickey Barker,” Bartley said. “During that time, it seemed like things were going backwards. It was a tough, futile effort to try to get anything done. I felt it was time for me to step back. When Mickey came on board, he faced some challenges, then Neal came in. I know, Brad Johnson back there was big in a lot of it too, he represented the Coop. It’s made a lot of progress and it’s good to see that because it’s going to help our economy around here in Hopkins County and surrounding counties also. I applaud you for the work you did.”
Newsom presented a plaque to each, to “thank you for your service to Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District Board. Your time and your talents made a very positive difference to the railroad and to Hopkins County.”
The commissioner’s plaque noted his service from 2018 to 2022, and Neal Barker, who has served as treasurer of the NETEX Board for a couple of years and told the board earlier this month that he did not wish to be reelected as treasurer, denoted his service from 2019 to 2022 on the NETEX Board.
Neal Barker offered thanks to the Commissioners Court for asking him to represent Hopkins County on the board.
“It meant a lot to me. In 2019, I was just at a place in my life where I had to kinda serve and I knew about this railroad from previous projects and from several years of learning about it. So, when I spoke to Commissioner Bartley and to you judge. Then, you guys kind of put your faith in me to get on there an make it better, I can’t express that. It meant a lot to me. We did make progress. The whole board did. I’m just thankful that you entrusted that to me. Thank you for letting me put 2 years in,” Neal Barker said.
Mickey Barker said he’s served about 4 years on the board. The organization bylaws call for members to step down or change every 2, so he is stepping down.
“My love is for that rural rail transportation district that we have. It’s very vital to this Northeast Texas area. I cannot explain to you how vital it is to us. So, that’s why my passion is for the rail and I believe its the same for Neal, and I’m sure the two new members will have that same passion,” Mickey Barker said.
“Oh, they do,” Neal quickly noted.
Newsom then called on Brad Johnson and Steve McCullough, who were recommended to fill the two seats vacated by Neal and Mickey Barker, to join the outgoing NETEX Board members, Mickey Barker, Neal and Shannon Barker (who was named executive director of Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation in September 2020) and their 2 children, before the court.
McCullough recently moved to Sulphur Springs with his wife, and is Neal Barker’s father-in-law. Brad Johnson is general manager for Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op
“We’re glad to have you in Sulphur Springs and really glad that you’re willing to serve on this board,” Newsom told McCullough.
Newsom noted Brad Johnson’s faithfulness in attending so many of the NETEX meetings in the past few years.
“I just want to add that these two individuals bring a lot of knowledge of the rail to the table. We didn’t just pick them out of the phone book. They have a lot of knowledge concerning the rail and rail in general so think they’d be very good assets to the board,” Commissioner Barker said of Johnson and McCullough.
Hopkins County Records – Jan. 22, 2022
Land Deed Transfers
- Heather Lynn Caldwell-Sanders to Woodmen Properties LLC; tract in the Jaun Polvedore survey
- Cephis Gregory to CK Parker Enterprises LLC; tract in the Harriett Brown survey
- Larry V. Davis, who is the same person as Laury Davis, and Sandra Ann Davis to Jorja Krause and Timothy Krause; tract in the John Bryan survey
- Ty Hawkins to Mary Anderson and Rick Anderson; tract in the Spring Creek Addition
- David Kay and Vickie Kay to Henry Jacob Teague and Krista Lorraine Teague; tract in the John Norris survey
- Linda Rae Hudnall and Lonnie R. Hudnall to Donna Fogus and Matthew Fogus; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Deanna Joan Boggs to Daniel Marty and Markos Alexander Lozano Zecevich; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Judy Irvin Darling and Justin Irvin to Crystal Tyson Collins; tract in the Samuel Belt survey
- Wood Investments Group LLC to David L. Stoddard II and Kayce J. Stoddard; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Brent Barclay and Sherri Barclay to Larry Brown and Lillie Brown; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Erwin A. Cain, Hazelnut Holdings Series LLC, Seris CR 2415, to Riversdale Properties Series LLC; tract in the James S. Coker survey
- Elmer Anders Junell Jr. Estate, also known by EA Junell Jr. Estate, Thomas Charles Sellers independent executor, to Zhengang Cheng; tract in the Shelby Tunnage survey
- Lee Warren and Myra Warren to Kathleen Martin and Robert Martin; tract in the James Lee survey
- Landon Wayne Austin, independent executor for the Susan Elizbeth Austin Estate, Wayne Austin, Perry Pillard and Stephanie Pillard to Glenna D. Bulloch Living Trust, Kaylyn Moss and Sherri Prisbrey trustees; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey
- Madeliene G. Haygood to Lance E. Haygood and Jordan T. Smith; tract in the Agaton Caro survey
- Basilia Romero and Laura Romero to Aaron Westerfield and Sarah Westerfield; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Connie Payne and James Payne to Chelsey A. Brown and Marshall James Brown; tract in the Samuel Burke survey
- Alan Screws and Kim Screws to Brad Busby and Kinde Busby; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Reynaldo Jaimes Enciso to Ofelia Enciso Jaimes and Gilberto Hernandez Vences; tract in the James Gahagan survey
- Janeen Francis and Richard Francis to McKenzie Nichole Davison and Tyler Glenn Davison; tract in the GC Wetmore survey
- Brenda K Hobbs and Darrell A. Hobbs to Elmer Giles; tract in the Edward McLaughlin survey
- Angie Pearce and W. Dixon Pearce and Charlene Carr Young; tract in the William Jacobs survey
- Charlene Carr, known as Charlene Carr Youngblood, to Angela Leann Pearce and William Dixon Pearce; tract in the Seth Sheldon survey
- Jessie Kay Brown and Kyle Seale to Brandon Tizoc Zavala
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Justin Lee Davis and Cassie Leann Cannon
- Jeremy Paul Cruz and Janie Lynn Perez
- Rocky Lane Vaughn and Erica Diane Moore
- Colby Tyler Anderson and Elyssa Sierra Nickerson
HCSO: Man Jailed For Deadly Conduct
A 46-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed for deadly conduct after he allegedly recklessly discharging a firearm toward an occupied residence, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis and Bobby Osornio, and Sgt. Scott Davis reported responding at 11:05 p.m. Jan. 20, 2021, to what was reported as a verbal disturbance on County Road 4791. Upon arrival, they spoke with Jeremy Shane Robinson, who they believed to be intoxicated. The Sulphur Springs man admitted to discharging a firearm in the air after the altercation was over, deputies noted in arrest reports.
Deputies noted there to numerous residences around the area. During their investigation, deputies determined that Robinson had discharged the firearm, but at an angle, directly toward the residence across the county road. The residence was also determined by deputies to be occupied. Thus, Robinson was taken into custody for deadly conduct, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Robinson remained in Hopkins County jail early Saturday morning, Jan. 22, 2022, in lieu of $10,000 bond on the third-degree felony deadly conduct charge, 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.
Middle School Students Face Charges In Connection With Alleged Sulphur Springs ISD Bus Incident
SSISD Administration: Bus Driver, Monitor Are No Longer With District Following Jan. 8 Incident
An incident on a school bus on Jan. 8 allegedly resulted in middle school students being injured by other students, and the bus driver and monitor are no longer in the employ of Sulphur Springs ISD, according to a release from the superintendent’s office Friday afternoon, Jan. 21, 2022.
“In addition to disciplinary measures taken in accordance with the SSISD Student Code of Conduct, several SSMS students face charges of injury to a child,” the release stated.
Sulphur Springs Middle School administrator and district police were notified Jan. 11, 2022, about the incident reported to have occurred on Jan. 8, 2022. Administrators and police began an investigation of the allegations and contacted middle school staff, parents and the students said to have been involved in the Jan. 8 bus incident, according to the new release.
District officials said while “the process of managing the situation is ongoing,” disciplinary measures are being implemented in accordance with the district Code of Conduct for students determined by the investigation to have caused injury to their peers. “Supportive measures” are being provided for all students involved, the superintendent’s office reports.
“The District has also determined that the two SSISD staff members who were driving/monitoring the bus
were negligent in the performance of their duty to maintain discipline and monitor their students.
These two staff members are no longer employed by the district,” the release states.
SSISD administrators are reported to be in continued communication with the students and families involved and impacted by the “staffing implications stemming from the incident.”
The release states that SSISD “is working to ensure that the opportunity for such an incident as this one can never happen again. We are committed to providing the safest environment possible for our kids.”
Character education anti-bullying programs implemented at every grade level are cited in the news release, as part of the district’s commitment to student safety and bullying prevention. SSISD’s Anonymous Alerts program, found as a link on the district website, is an anti-bullying, safety reporting system that gives students and community members the ability to anonymously report if they are aware of any member of the school community being bullied, hurt or mistreated. This is open to anyone, community, parents and families, not just students or employees.
Work To Rehab Lee Street Slated To Begin Tuesday
After months of delays, work to improve Lee Street is scheduled to begin next week. While great news for motorists once complete, that will mean the temporary inconvenience of finding alternate routes through the area until the work is complete.
According to Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski, street paving contractor Texana Land & Asphalt will begin rehabbing Lee Street on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. The contractor will be rehabbing the street.
Two work phases are anticipated for this project. Next week, they plan to start at South Broadway Street and work towards Georgia Street, and will stabilize it. Depending upon the weather, they will then proceed toward League Street the following week, then, come back and pave it all, according to Niewiadomski
“Citizens should avoid this area as it will be closed to through traffic over the next couple of weeks,” the assistant city manager said.
Improvements for Lee Street were included in the 2021 street improvement program, which was initially expected to be completed by the end of summer. The project as of October was expected to be completed by Thanksgiving. In early November, city officials said the work by Texana was still on hold due to supply chain constraints. In December, while work on one street had begun, work planned for Lee and League Streets had yet to begin. On Jan. 7, the work had still yet to begin. Weather permitting, the work is slated to begin Tuesday on Lee Street.
