Meal A Day Menu – Jan. 10-14, 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. 10-14, 2022, includes:
- Monday – Chicken Parmesan, Egg Noodles, Squash and Garlic Sticks.
- Tuesday – Smothered Beef Patties, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Wednesday – Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, Corn and Pinto Beans.
- Thursday – Vegetable Beef Soup, Cornbread and Tossed Salad.
- Friday – Poppy Seed Chicken, On a Bed of Rice, Broccoli with Cheese Sauce and a Roll.
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.
NETEX Board Approves 4 Of 5 ROW Matters For Elevon Development
Board Officers Elected, Audit Progressing, Counties Urged To Consider Designating ARP Funding For Replacement Of Cross Ties
Northeast Texas Rural Trasnsportation District (NETEX) Board approved four of the five right-of-way (ROW) related matters from RAMS, Inc. For the Elevon Development being constructed in Collin County.
The NETEX Board his week also elected officers, heard a report on finances and progress of a multi-year audit, and the president urges counties to consider designating American Rescue Plan funding for replacement of cross ties on the railroad.
Elevon Development
The NETEX Board agreed to four of the five ROW related matters presented from RAMS Inc. for Elevon Development, and authorized their attorney and chairman to handle final documents. Approved as recommended were:
- Utility agreements, pipeline and wireline;
- Public road crossing agreements – as a one-time payment per crossing by the developer to NETEX in lieu of future payments at a rate of about $250,000 for Inspiration Grove and $400,000 for Elevon Parkway;
- Support removal of Bear Creek bridge, which has been in disrepair for some time, with support of North East Texas Connector (NETEX rail operator), who would like to salvage some reusable parts of the bridge for emergency repairs or temporary parts, if the dissembled bridge pieces are intact after removal; and
- Stipulations of parties, detailing who holds responsibility and liability for what, and including one addition to be worked out by counsel and chairman.
Board members indicated the private road agreement ROW mattersfor the Elevon Development should be tabled until the next meeting, pending futher negotiation and ironing out of additional matters.
Financial Update
Treasurer Neal Barker on Jan. 6, 2022, reported NETEX received two checks from NETC, one each for August and September car counts, for a deposit of $6,120 for the month of December. NETEX made two payments of $4,500, one per month, to NETC to be applied toward the lease payment for the machine used to cut brush from crossings. NETEX also had a small legal bill. That gives NETEX a balance of $246,277.19, and the money market account balance of $51,755.
Barker also reported that Mike Ward has continued making progress on the audit or three years worth of finances for NETEX. While the audit wasn’t complete by the Jan. 6 NETEX meeting, Ward indicadted he expects to have a report ready to present to the NETEX Board for review at the February meeting.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court, Neal reported, has been talking, trying to figure out a way to provide some additional funding to NETEX to purchase some additional ties for the railroad. He received a check from Hopkins County Jan. 6, 2022, for NETEX in the amount of $25,225. Hopkins County Commissioners Court on Dec. 27, 2021, voted to designate that portion of the American Rescue Plan funding the county received to assist the railroad group with the purchase of cross ties to help improve the railroad.
Although Hopkins County Precinct 1 Commissioner/NETEX Board member Mickey Barker was unable to attend the Jan. 6, 2022 NETEX Board meeting to present the check, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom and NETEX Treasurer/Hopkins County NETEX Board representative Neal Barker was on hand for the presentation of the $25,225 from Hopkins County to NETEX.
The treasurer said Mickey Barker also wanted to make clear that as far as he and Hopkins County Commissioners Court are concerned the funding is not given for rail improvements in Hopkins County but to purchase cross ties to be installed wherever along the roadway the most ties are needed.
“Give thanks to Mickey whenever you all see him for kind of spearheading that and encouraging me to write letters to each of your county judges, which has been done. Hopefully, as you are considering those ARP fundsand how you might use them, this is an excellent way if you can find some room in your expenditure budget,” NETEX Board President/Chairman Brian Lee said Thursday. “Thank you also Judge Newsom in your role in getting this done. I assume you were not a dessenting vote there.”
“It was unanimous,” Newsom said of Hopkisn County Commissioners Court’s decision to contribute American Rescue Act funding to to NETEX.
“TI appreciate that very much, you taking the lead on that,” Lee said.
Election Of NETEX Officers
The NETEX Board then was asked to elect from members four to serve as officers, who compose the executive team. Entering the meeting, Lee served as president, Cheryl Williams as vice president, Neal Barker as treasurer and Paul Burt as secretary.
One board member asked if the members could simply make a motion to keep the current slate of officers on the board. Lee noted that mixing it up and giving others an opportunity to assume leadership roles on the NETEX Board is recommended.
Lee thanked the other board members for giving him that opportunity for more than one term, but said he was more than willing to pass the president’s baton to another member of the board if any have aspirations of a leadership role. He then asked if those serving as officer at that point wanted off the board.
Neal Barker said he would prefer not to serve yet another term as treasurer of the group. He said NETEX Administrative Assistant to the Board Mitzi Y’Barbo actually does the actual accounting work and provides a report for the treasurer to read aloud. The position requires from less than an hour to about 2 hours a month, and as a member of the executive team, could be called upon by contractors such as Jarrett Mankin of RAMS Inc. or others to answer questions or make calls related to NETEX business to check on things.
Suggested for treasurer were Mickey Barker who lives in Sulphur Springs where a new facility is to be constructed and where the board meets and assistant keeps track of records and business, and Hunt county Precinct 1 Commissioner Mark Hutchins, who had previously indicated a desire to have an active role on the NETEX Board. Neither were able to attend the Jan. 6 meeting, so both were contacted by text message. Hutchins responded with a willingness to serve, and the board unanimously approved the nomination.
Titus County Judge Brian Lee was again elected to serve as president, Collin County Precinct 2 Commissioner Cheryl Williams as vice president and Paul Burt (Delta County) as secretary.
NETC Operators Update
Amanda Fernandez, Northeast Texas Connector Railroad customer service representative, reported that NETC finished the year strong. In December 2021, 116 cars made it through interchange, 2 less than in November 2021. Overall, NETC reported 1,350 cars on the rail from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2021, NETC’s first full year as rail operator. NETC officially stepped in as rail operator on July 1, 2020, but reported 563 carloads fro July thoruigh December of 2020. From July 1 through Dec. 31, 2021, NETC reported having 628 carloads on the rail, an increase of 65 cars from 2020.
She too reported the average number of inbound cycle days was 2.0, breaking even. Outbound cycle time increased by 0.02 to 4.4 days.
“We did have one derailment in Franklin County, and we were able to get that picked up with no problem and repaired a little bit,” Fernandez said. “It took about 2 days to repair. We had to get a crane in there to help pick up, but no significant damage- or no damage at all – to cars or engine, just a few repairs on the track.”
The derailment occurred just east of Franklin County Road 1020 past the cemetery just off Highway 67 in Franklin County, according to Miguel Fernandez.
Amanda Fernandez also reported 172 ties installed throughout the line, 17 FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) 30 day defects and brush-cut four road crossings: FM 118, FM 2736, CR 4201 and CR 4202.
2 Hopkins County Men Jailed Friday On Felony Warrants
Two Hopkins County men were jailed Friday on felony warrants, according to arrest and jail reports.
David Alan “Toots” Deaton was taken into custody at 8:20 p.m. Jan. 7, 2022, at his Merrell Drive residence by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward, and Deputies Zack Horne and Drew Fisher, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrant. The 51-year-old Sulphur springs man was released from Hopkisn County jail Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, on a $5,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports. The offense, the deputies noted in arrest reports, was alleged to have occurred on Nov. 9, 2021.
HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman transported John Robert Sievers Jr. to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, on a warrant for continuous sexual abuse of a young child. The 43 year-old Brashear man remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, on the first-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Paris District Road Report for January 10, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district from Jan. 10, 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. 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 996, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1417. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level 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 68, Fannin County: from SH 78 to SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway. FM 68 will be closed to through traffic between SH 78 and FM 281 on Jan. 18 in order for maintenance crews to replace a drainage structure across 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.
IH 30, Hopkins County: from Hunt County Line to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform concrete repair.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane 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 on Dec. 13. The contractor began preparing right-of-way on Dec. 20. Contractor has initiated grading existing ditches at cross structures for rock filter dams and silt fence installation at various locations. Next week contractor will begin temporary shoring.
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. Contractor is finishing up with Mile 6 to SH 34 this week, geo-grid has been installed in the lane areas. 8 inches of flex base is nearly complete. Dallas Lite and Barricade will be performing traffic control at the intersection of SH-34 and FM-1566.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 IH 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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City Hiring Expert To Help Determine How Best To Maximize Fire Department Resources And Maintain ISO Rating
The City of Sulphur Springs is hiring an expert to help determine how best to maximize fire department resources while still maintaining the city’s ISO rating. Essentially, Mike Pietsch of P.E. Consulting Services in Garland is being tasked with evaluating and recommending where best to locate existing and future required fire stations based on Sulphur Springs’ present city limits.
While city staff feel they’ve answered some of the questions involved in that determination, an expert is needed to be sure all important factors have been considered, Maxwell noted.
“We are looking at a good portion of the Thermo site to be an industrial park … so that brings up the question how we are going to provide fire services to that industrial area and as well as the rest of the city of Sulphur Springs and still maintain our ISO that’s 2 rated,” explained Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell said.
Currently, Sulphur Springs Fire Department has two stations: Station 1 or Central Fire Station, located at 627 Church St. facing Bonner Street; and Station 2, located at 1100 Gilmer, across street from CVS on the other side of the traffic lights at the Gilmer, Bill Bradford Road and Lynda Drive, and the Tennessee Street and Gilmer Broadway Street split.
“What we don’t want to do right away is build a third station. We’d like to relocate a station and then, the next phase on that would be to build a third station as Thermo develops. We don’t know if that’s possible, and if possible, how that happens,” the city manager said.
After doing some research, Pietsch was identified as the “premiere guy” in his field. The consultant’s services and expertise continued to be recommended by officials in other agencies across the region who have already conducted similar evaluations for their service area.
Sulphur Springs Fire Chief David James said those in the area of Terrell and Rockwall have utilized his services. Thus far, of the 15 departments he knows of that have used the Pietsch, James said he’s talked to officials at 10 who have all been “very pleased with him.” The consultant’s background make him uniquely qualified to know the ins and outs of ISO and these issues; Pietsch retired after 30 years with ISO, then started PE Consulting Services 12-15 years ago.
The object will be for Pietsch to evaluate the city, for current and future fire service needs, and make a recommendation on the best location for the current fire services, with a goal of maintanining the city’s current ISO rating of 2, which can help residents and businesses hundred, potentially thousands in insurance costs annually, if at all possible.
One thing Sulphur Springs Place 1 City Councilman Jay Julian said would be interested in knowing whether moving one or both of the city’s fire stations would cost the city one or more ISO rating point, and how much extra that would likely cost property owners and renters in insurance costs.
Maxwell indicated Pietsch likely will be able to answer that question or at least give a good estimate, as well as other questions city officials might have, including whether a city can have a split rating, and if that’s possible, how that would work. The city manager expressed confidence in Pietsch’s abilty to answer these types of questions and point out other factors that city officials may not have considered.
Hopkins County Records – Jan. 7, 2022
Land Transactions
- Amy Waddell to Ross-Gill Farm LLC; tract in the Stephen Churchill survey
- Randall Mark Clark to Randall Mark Clark and Regina Patricia Clark, trustees for the RGC Living Trust U T D; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Randall Mark Clark to Randall Mark Clark and Regina Patricia Clark, trustees for the RGC Living Trust U T D; tract in the Calvin Click survey
- Glynda Jean Waters to GJ Waters Trust, Glynda Jean Waters trustee; tract in the MG Shoemaker survey
- Barry Ray Moore and Douglas Ray Moore to Buckhead Energy LLC and Lazy S Minerals LLC; tract in the Simon Derrick survey
- Shirley J. Hamilton estate, Tracie L. Hamilton independent executor, to Tracie L. Hamilton and Marjories S. Troyer; tract in the EP Gaines survey
- Kevin Willard to Jacob R. Poole; tract in the J Lee survey
- Bobbie Gordon and David Gordon to Brenda Walker and Scotty Walker; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Christopher L. Hill and Sharon E. Hill to James Crisamore and Rachael Crisamore; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Cedar Ridge Egg Farm LLC to Gregory Scott Smith and Shellie Lyn Smith; tract in the William B. Jordan survey
- Kelly Jack Broyeles and Linda Gayle Broyeles to Courtney Brown and Ty Brown; tract in the Alexander Richey survey
- Robin Hemani and Frank Hemani, doing business as Star Mart, to Growth One Busines LLC; tract in the E Melton survey
- Billie M. Evans to 100 MPH + Property Management LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- David L. Hass to Clinton Ray Bradford and Jodi Lynn Bradford; tract in the Precious Seats survey
- Clifford Barrett Littleton and Shannon Littleton to Olivia Pinion Powell; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Nancy E. Tubb and Steven D. Tubb to Landon L. Overly and Lexi R. Overly; tract in the James Hawkins survey
- Ngoan Thi Tran to Van Thi Kieu Dinh, Thi Kim Oanh Do and TND Group Investment LLC
- Micheal Pearson to The Pearson Family Trust, Michael Reynolds Pearson trustee
- Aubrey D. Jenkins Trust, Michael J. Hastings trustee, to Odice Jenkins; tract in the E. Esparsa survey
- Lawrence Ray Chambly Estate, Texas Bank And Trust Company independent executor, to Debra Aldridge; tract in the Ira Stephenson survey
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Joseph Chase Lucas and Elizabeth Dayle Singelton
- Juan Resendiz Mendieta and Tabitha Michelle Renner
- Carlos Alonso Nava and Jessica Mendez
- Javard O. Clayton McGill and Destiny Mariona Conley
- Carlos Ray Barela and Sherry Denise Dean
Hopkins County Set To Approve BT Solterra Solar Chapter 381 Agreement On Monday
Hopkins County Commissioners Court will meet Monday morning, January 10, 2022 to discuss and approve the reinvestment zone for BT Solerra Solar, LLC, a $140 million solar project planned in the Saltillo area. Also on the agenda is the approval of a 381 agreement with the solar company which will stipulate the level of tax-refund to the solar company as well as any PILOT payments to the county.
KSST News attempted to get details of the 381 agreement ahead of the scheduled Monday meeting, but those details were unavailable. If the agreement between Hopkins County and BT Solterra, LLC. follows earlier similar agreements, it will include a 100% tax refund to the solar company each year, after the county receives an annual PILOT, or “Payment In Lieu Of Taxes”. The PILOT payments have generally been substantially lower than the estimated tax burden. BT Solterra’s tax burden is approximated at almost $500,000 for the first year of operation for Hopkins County taxes alone. The contract could also include an up front one-time payment to the county for anticipated road damage to county roads during the construction of the project. Details of the contract will not be known until after the contract is approved Monday morning by the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court.
Reinvestment Zone
The reinvestment zone as proposed in the Commissioners Court agreement is a contiguous geographic area which includes five properties owned by Delbert “Chip” Tully spanning across just over 260 acres and 10 owned by Los Senderos Cattle and Ranch Company totally just over 1,170 acres. Overall, that’s a little more than 1,430 acres, all located west of FM 900, starting south of FM 3536 and continuing to property across FM 3532 and narrowing to property west of FM 3536, the proposed reinvestment zone map shows.
Austin Willis said Belltown Power Texas hopes to begin construction in the second half of 2022 and operations in the second half of 2023.
The resolution designates the area as a commercial-industrial or residential reinvestment zone for a 5 year span to begin in December 2021, renewable for an additional 5 years at a time or sooner with an order for those parts if any section, paragraph, clause or provision in the document is found to be invalid or unenforceable.
The company, as has been the case with the six other planned solar projects in Hopkins County (including Stampede Solar which is also planned in the Saltillo area), is seeking tax incentives from local taxing entities (Hopkins County, Saltillo ISD and Hopkins County Hospital District) to build solar powered facilities.
Chapter 313 Application
The Chapter 313 application accepted by Saltillo ISD on Oct. 26, 2021, by Superintendent David Stickels and submitted for review by Texas Comptroller’s Office asks the school district for a 10 year tax exemption for the 10 year project, with operations expected to begin during the 2028-2029 school year and conclude during the 2052-2053 school year.
by the District on October 29, 2021. The application was then forwarded Nov. 16, 2021, and is being reviewed by Texas Comptroller’s Office.
The application shows one qualified employee would be employed to oversee project operations at an annual salary of $47,221, which would require approval for a job waiver to meet Chapter 313.025 (F-1) of the Tax Code, which stipulates creation of 10 permanent jobs unless the jobs created exceeds the industry standard.
“The solar energy industry standard for committed jobs is one job per 350MW. In line with these industry standards for solar project’s job requirements, BT Solterra Solar, LLC, as a 143MW project, has committed to create one qualified job,” Brandon Westlake, senior tax consultant for Cummings Westlake property tax advisers, wrote in a letter to Stickels with the application.
The 143 MW facility will all be located within Saltillo ISD. Panel placement is subject to change but for purposes of this application, the Project anticipates using approximately 321,617 PV modules or equivalent and 49 inverters.
The “Qualified Investment and qualified property” for the requested 313 agreement with Saltillo ISD would include “solar modules/panels, tracking equipment, racking and mounting structures, O&M building, substation, inverters boxes, combiner boxes, meteorological equipment, foundations, roadways, paving, fencing, collection system, generation transmission lines, interconnection facilities, SCADA systems, transformers, fire suppression systems and all necessary ancillary equipment for commercial generation of electricity.”
The map in TAB 11 shows the potential locations of improvements within Saltillo ISD boundaries; however, the final number of panels and inverters and the location of each of these facilities is dependent upon ongoing negotiations with power purchasers and other factors. That application, however, said the project is “anticipated to begin in the Q1 2027 with completion by December 31, 2027.”
The 313 application also notes Belltown Power Texas anticipates producing final proof of a reinvestment zone or enterprise zone for the proposed solar powered electric generating facility known as BT Solterra Solar, LLC, by April 2022.
The company anticipates asking for a 100% tax incentive from the $0.8688 Saltillo ISD maintenance and operations tax, a 100% tax incentive from Hopkins County’s tax rate and a 100 percent tax incentive from Hopkins County Hospital District’s $0.22 per $100 valuation tax rate. BT Solterra Solar, LLC, being built in Hopkins County is contingent on the tax incentives, “due to the extremely competitive power market in Texas.”
“The property tax liabilities of a project without tax incentives in Texas lowers the return to investors and financiers to an unacceptable level at today’s contracted power rates under a PPA. A signed PPA in the Texas market is at a much lower rate than other states because of competitively low electricity prices. Both parties of the PPA have an escape clause if the terms of the PPA cannot be met. Without the tax incentives in Texas, a project with a PPA becomes non-financeable. Therefore, this appraised value limitation is critical to the ability of the proposed Project to move forward as currently sited,” the Chapter 313 application made to Saltillo ISD and the Comptroller’s Office states.
At Least 6 Jailed On Felony Charges This Week
January 7, 2022 – At least six people were jailed on felony charges this week, three on warrants, one on a controlled substance charge and two on a firearm charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Russell Drive Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Victor Reyna and Sgt. Matt Glenn responded at 9:27 p.m. Jan. 5, 2022, to a report of a theft at a South Broadway Street gas station. Upon arrival, the cashier told officers the Jamar Jaray Rose was the passenger in a red GMC Yukon that fled the location.
Officers reported finding both the vehicle and the 18-year-old Paris man at a Russell Drive residence. A records check showed Rose to be wanted in Lamar County for bond surrender on an evading arrest or detention with a dangerous weapon and on a burglary of vehicle charge.
The teen was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he remained Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. Bond was set at $10,000 on the evading arrest charge and $4,000 on the burglary charge.
Arbala Road Firearm Arrests
Sulphur Springs Police officers Edward Jaime reported stopping on a Chevrolet Trailblazer on Arbala Road at 9:49 a.m. Jan. 4, 2022, for a traffic violation. Upon contact with the driver, the officer noted the driver to be extremely nervous and had him step out of the SUV. During a pat down, Jaime reported finding a glass pipe of the kind used to smoke marijuana as well as a glass pipe containing a crystal-like residue on 52-year-old Lyle Matthew Mahoney of Point.
Jaime then had the passengers of the SUV step out of it while conducted a probable cause search. Jaime reported finding a firearm. When asked if the firearm was his, Mahoney said he thought it belonged to one passenger’s cousin. When asked if the firearm was his, one passenger initially said it was is, then recounted the statement, claiming a cousin let him borrow it the day before. Records checks showed Mahoney and the passenger, identified in arrest reports as 64-year-old David Jerry Cason of Point, to be convicted felon, prohibited each from carrying a weapon. Consequently, both Cason and Mahoney were arrested at 10:37 a.m. and jailed on an unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon charge.
Both men were released from Hopkins County jail Jan. 5, 2022, on a $5,000 bond on the third-degree felony firearm charge.
FM 275 Stolen Vehicle Report
A report of a stolen vehicle on a FM 275 south property resulted in a Dallas woman’s arrest on three warrants.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Steve Shing and Richard Brantley responded at 2:39 p.m. Jan. 4, 2022, to the initial report. Upon arrival, the deputies reported seeing a woman close the front window curtain; she refused to answer the door.
The property owner arrived a short time later and gave deputies access to the residence. They reported finding the female, identified as 28-year-old Marti Susan Perez of Dallas, hiding in the attic, covered in insulation. The stolen vehicle was recovered and towed to the owner’s residence. Perez was was found to be wanted by Tarrant County authorities on three charges.
Perez was jailed Jan. 4-7, 2021, in Hopkins County on the Tarrant County possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance; injury to a child, elderly or disabled person; and assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation charges.
Moore Street Arrest
HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward contacted a Sulphur Springs woman at 7:26 p.m. Jan. 4, 2021, as she opened the driver’s side door of a car she pulled into a South Moore Street address without properly signaling prior to the turn. She asked to go inside the residence to get her driver’s license when asked for it. She reportedly grab her purse and clinch it while looking inside of it.
for Tracey Davis
She allegedly gave conflicting stories while talking to the officer. The officer had her step out and vehicle and obtained permission to search her purse. When he asked her about a white bottle he found in the purse, she snatched it away from him. She then reportedly told the officer to get a search warrant and withdrew consent for the search. The officer, in arrest reports, said he believed, based on his experience and training, that the bottle to contain something other than pills.
The woman then reportedly became highly agitated and began screaming. Steward called for another officer to respond to assist and requested a police canine to respond as well. The K-9 officer gave a positive alert on the vehicle. During a probable cause search, the bottle was found to contain a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 3.5 grams.
Consequently, 66-year-old Tracey Davis was taken into custody at 7:52 p.m. Jan. 4, 2022, and booked into the county jail for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She was released Jan. 5, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the felony charge.
HCSO Deputy Zack Horne and SSPD Sgt. Josh Shufeldt were credited with assisting at the location.
Jail Transfer
HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman took Christopher Chance McGary into custody at 10:40 a.m. Jan. 3, 2022, at Holiday jail unit in Huntsville, and transported the 37-year-old Sulphur Springs man to Hopkins County jail.
McGary remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
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.
Texas Reskilling and Upskilling at Paris Junior College
As we begin 2022 at Paris Junior College, I believe that despite the pandemic there’s never been a better time to get training for a new career or to take the steps toward the career you dream of. Since the pandemic began, we find that jobs have changed, new skills are required, more people are working remotely, and the use of technology has advanced. In ten months, there was an acceleration in technological advances that would have taken ten years had there been no pandemic. For example, demand for online shopping has already met retail projections for 2030.
Because of the changes in jobs and demand for employees, the Texas Legislature created the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling Through Education (TRUE) Initiative. Texas made stimulus funds received from the federal government available to colleges as grants to initiate these reskilling and upskilling training programs. Paris Junior College received two grants to help reskill and upskill residents of our service area.
The College received funds for an Industry Readiness program. This program is a short-term non-credit training program that offers 80 hours of training over five weeks. Students can attend class Monday through Thursday evenings or on Saturdays and Sundays. They will receive OSHA certification, fall protection certification and a forklift certification along with training in electrical hazards, blueprint reading and logistics. Students are required to have a high school diploma or GED and the cost of the program will be covered by a scholarship from the TRUE funds. Once the program is complete, students will be prepared for entry level employment with local industries. The program will be offered in Paris, Greenville and Sulphur Springs.
PJC also partnered with Dallas College and Tarrant County College on a TRUE grant to develop an information technology talent pipeline along the I-30 Corridor from Sulphur Springs to Fort Worth. Students can choose between online Cloud Training, Full Stack (Java) training, or IT help desk. Once completed, students will have placement assistance for an IT position and the potential to work remotely.
In addition to the TRUE reskilling and upskilling opportunities, PJC continues to provide multiple options for workforce training through credit programs.
This spring, PJC will use federal stimulus dollars to help each student meet the costs of attending college. Students enrolled full-time in at least twelve hours will receive $1,000 to help with the costs of attending and those enrolled part-time will receive $500.
There has never been a better opportunity to reskill or upskill for a new job or career. For our communities to grow and thrive economically, it is critical that we have a trained workforce ready to meet the needs of current and future industry. Call PJC today to enroll in one of our TRUE grant programs or in a credit program.
Pamela Anglin
President,
Paris Junior College
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
FDA Shortens Interval For Booster Dose of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to 5 Months
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to shorten the time between the completion of a primary series of the vaccine and a booster dose to at least 5 months for individuals 18 years of age and older.
“The country is in the middle of a wave of the highly contagious omicron variant, which spreads more rapidly than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and other variants that have emerged,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Vaccination is our best defense against COVID-19, including the circulating variants, and shortening the length of time between completion of a primary series and a booster dose may help reduce waning immunity. Today’s action also brings consistency in the timing for administration of a booster dose among the available mRNA vaccines. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated—it’s never too late to get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster.”
The most commonly reported side effects by individuals who received a booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine after completion of a two-dose primary series were pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain and chills. The fact sheets for recipients and caregivers and for healthcare providers include information about the potential side effects, as well as the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis.
The amendment to the EUA was granted to ModernaTx Inc.
Additional Resources
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
