Sulphur Springs Collaborating On Communications Grant Application
City Affirms Support of Ark-Tex, East Texas COGS’ Application For US EDA Build Back Better Challenge Grant Funding
Sulphur Springs City Council this week approved two resolutions authorizing city staff to collaborate with other agencies in the county and across Northeast Texas in applying for regional grant funding during Tuesday evening’s meeting.
AFG Communications Grant
Resolution No. 1236 allows the city to join Hopkins County, Hopkins County EMS District, Delta County, the City of Cooper, Lamar County and Franklin County in applying for a regional FEMA Firefighter Assistance Grant, which if granted would provide funding for each entity to purchase communications equipment.
The grant proposal was initially pitched by Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley and Sulphur Springs Fire Chief David James to Hopkins County Commissioners Court in September as an application for a regional grant to purchase as many new emergency services radios as allowable under the grant terms to replace older portable radios which have begun falling into disrepair with components and systems that have become so antiquated by today’s technology standards that more often than not there are no available replacements and functional comparable replacement parts are almost as obsolete.
When originally pitched to and approved by County Commissioners, the proposal was for the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County Fire Departments, with HCFD representing the the county’s volunteer fire departments as well, and Hopkins County EMS district (which serves 4 counties) to partner in applying for a regional grant, which if granted would pay up to 90 percent of the cost. Each participating agency, then would be responsible for paying for the equivalent of 10 percent of the overall total for their radios.
According to James, upon hearing of the proposed partnership for regional funding, local officials were contacted by officials from Delta County, the City of Cooper, Lamar County and Franklin County agencies who also asked to join the partnership, with the knowledge that each would be required to fund 10 percent of their overall portion of the communications cost.
Although not all information of grant terms has yet been released, in the past, the Firefighter Assistance Grant has allowed for a specified number of radios per seat per department vehicle and one mobile unit for the truck. Local officials more than a decade ago received a grant of this nature to fund not only 100 new radios to be distributed to agonies throughout the county but also communications infrastructure upgrades as well. While the grants no longer offer funding to help cover costs of infrastructure, radios were still on the latest list of equipment FEMA will consider providing grant funding to help.
“Doing this regionally increases our odds for being selected for the grant,” James noted
The last time the city fire department participated in such a grant program was in 2010-2011, for the radios which have just about exceeded their potential lifespan. Vickers Consulting Services will serve as grant writer for the application
In unanimously approving Resolution No. 1263, not only did the City Council approve an interlocal agreement between the city and the other agencies and entities, but also authorized the city manager to execute the document.
Build Back Regional Challenge Grant
The City Council too approved Resolution No. 1264, which show support for Ark-Tex Council of Governments‘ submission of a US Department of Economic Development American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant in the amount of $500,000.
Essentially, the US Department of Commerce EDA will assist communities and regional impacted by the coronavirus pandemic through the 2-phase Build Back Better Regional Challenge. In Phase 1, the EDA will provide $500,000 technical assistance grants to 50-60 coalitions to help these finalists prepare more detailed applications for transformational projects. During Phase 2, the original list of finalists would then be cut to 20-30 finalist coalitions selected to receive $25-$17 million, potentially up to $100,000, to help implement economic development strategies to help regional economies recover from the pandemic and build economic diversity and resiliency to mitigate impacts of future economic disasters.
Northeast Texas Economic Development District (NETEDD)’s American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant application should support advanced manufacturing clusters in the ATCOG and East Texas Council of Governments regions. Basically, by working together the two COGS would devise a comprehensive proposal to transform economies through group of complimentary aligned projects organized to maximize advanced manufacturing through improved rail access, utilization of coal mine properties, creation of sustainable workforce through education and bringing new industry to both regions.
Specific projects targeted include TexAmericdas Center and Sulphur Springs coal mine property in the ATCOG region; the coal mine project closures in Harrison and Camp counties in ETCOG region.
Entities from across the region, officials across the region are working to get passed by their governing bodies, such as the Sulphur Springs City Council and Northeast Texas Regional Rail District Board, interlocal agreements showing their support for and willingness to take the necessary steps to apply for and help secure the grant funding to boost the economy. The deadline to apply for consideration for Phase 1 is Oct. 19, with awards anticipated on Dec. 8, 2021.
If selected, ATCOG and ETCOG would spend Phase 1 identifying the regional manufacturing assets such as, coal mine properties, rail roads, education entities, workforce; the regional leadership (employers, private sector involvement); the plans sustainability (how the plan will grow and prosper in the future); and the plans equity (how the plan will reach the rural areas and benefit the regions and beyond).
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski noted that City of Sulphur Springs staff have been working Ark-Tex Council of Governments on this grant opportunity which could potentially provide some of the funding needed to develop some of the infrastructure needed to develop the former Luminant coal mine property in Thermo that is now owned by the city. He noted that ATCOG has identified this area as an advance manufacturing focus.
If approved, there is no fund match requires for the first phase of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant. The grant would provide $500,000 for technical assistance. Later, if the ATCOG-ETCOG project makes it to Phase 2, a match of approximately 25 percent could be required.
“There’s an emphasis on coal communities getting some priority with this grant process, so we wanted to take advantage of what is going on in Northeast Texas to help turn the workforce into a new opportunity,” Niewiadomski said.
NETEX Board, owner of the railroad that spans from Titus to Collin County, also discussed the Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant, noting that it’d be great to see some of that funding translate to rail, potentially benefitting NETEX directly, by developing the area, producing better paying jobs, bolstering the economy.
Hopkins County Records – Oct. 8, 2021
Land Deed Transactions
- Daniel A. Holley to Amanda S. Lehman and Daniel Paul Lehman; tract in the Ira Stephenson survey
- Cindy Haynes, the same person as Cynthia Haynes, to Clifford Dean Autrey, Sheri Jo Borton Autrey and Bar Diamond D; tract in the JJ Box survey
- OCTXLP LLC to Jean LaFleur and Soraya LaFleur; tract in the E. Burkham survey
- Mary M. Hudnall and Ronald L. Hudnall to Elizabeth Leigh Hudnall-Kinyk and Timothy John Kinyk; tract in the AN Smith survey
- Joe Mack Gober and Nona Fair Gober to Quyt Thi Nguyen; tract in the E. Melton survey
- G Five Living Trust UT A 10-23-2018, with Geoffrey Don Greenwade and Ronda Kay Greenwade as co-trustees, to Roundrock Realty LLC; tract in the Robert Montgomery survey
- Deanna L. Grant and Jackie R. Grant to Brian Mitchell; tract in the Ulysses Aiguier survey
- Cheryl Pride to Alfred McKerson; tract in the Thomas Norris survey
- Cheryl Hudson, Kathy Hudson, Michael Wayne Hudson and Scott Craig Hudson to Maria D. Gomez, Mario Hernandez, Frederico Hernandez Moreales and Salvador Hernandez Morales; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Donald P. McCann and Sarah McCann to Donald P. McCann and Sarah McCann; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- 100 MPH + Property Management LLC to Macy Sims; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey
- Anna Carpenter, Layton Carpenter and Shannon Carpenter to David Burkhart and Lisa Burkhart; tract in the John S. Bowen survey
- Debra Ann Davis and James P. Davis to Brandon David Brewer and Kristi Lea Brewer; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- SGSL Holdings LLC to Wachs Capital Limited Partnership; tract in the GC Roberts survey
- Cavadian Properties LLC to Robert William Cowan; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Brandi Clayton, Donta Clayton and Anita Clayton Walker To Gloria Clayton; tract in the TT Martin survey
- A. Knighten, independent executor for the Edith Nell Knighten Estate to Gloria Clayton and Anita Clayton Walker; tract in the TT Martin survey
- Martha M Sallee and Philip L Sallee to Jerad A. Gouge; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Shara Collins to Selvariaj Sinnappan; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Jana R. Andrews and Jason M. Andrews to Chris F. Anderson Jr. and Tabbitha G Anderson; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Jana R. Andrews and Jason M. Andrews to Chris F. Anderson and Tabbitha G. Anderson; tract in the James Webb survey
- McIlrath Properties LLC to Ben Taylor Warren and Sara Warren; tract in the Ira Stephenson survey
- Gerald Lee Levine Jr. to Colton Ryan Williams and Kaley Williams; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Gerald Lee Levine Jr., surviving co-independent executor for the Jo Elizabeth Chapman Levine Estate, to Gerald Lee Levine Jr.; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Amanda Pickett and Jarred Pickett to Colon Trust; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Brittany Hammond and Heath Hammond to Brian Frederick Mitchell; tract in the Thomas Lee survey
- Billy Jerrell Jenkins and Martha Geneva Jenkins to Elmer Steven Moreno and Leydie Stephanie Moreno; tract in the WG Chester survey
- Tammy Halbert and Jerry Jackson to Amanda Meadows to Larry Meadonws; tract in the O. Barb survey
- Caden Clay Price, Coen James price, Emily Price and Lauren Price to Alfonsa Sanchez Arbizu and Brisaldo Ramirez Hernandez; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Jaward Raylon Bryson and Larry W. Green Jr. to The Korth Family Trust; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Arthur Estates LLC to Kiran Singh; tract in the Charles Thompson survey
- Elizabeth Jackson to Mary Bonham; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Jessica Roberts and Roger Roberts to Jason Almand and Krista Almand; tract in the Helena Wilson survey
- Carl Galligher and Linda Galligher to C. Duane Galligher; tract in the Highland Oaks Addition
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Larry D. Black and Linda Moore Riddle
- Steven Neal Duncan and Amanda Louise Covington
- Noe Romero and Judy Valdovinos
- Braden Riley Katchinska and Marlee Elizabeth Minton
- Mark Calvin Ridgeway and Shannon Kelly McNulty
- Jarrod Dale Ratliff and Bailey Rene Early
- Trenton Cade Easley and Karley Lynee Telfer
- Tyler Zayne Watkins and Megen Linda Farriell
- Jimmy Patrick Bailey and Kenzie Ashton Scanlon
Drunk Driving Killed 963 People in Texas Last Year
AUSTIN– Football is a huge part of Texas culture, and with the new season upon us, TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. Statewide Impaired Driving Campaign is encouraging fans to celebrate responsibly by always finding a sober ride.
“Fall football is a time-honored tradition in our state, but one regrettable decision to drink and drive could turn game day into a jail time or a deadly crash,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. ”Whether fans are tailgating with friends or celebrating their team’s big win, we want everyone to enjoy the season responsibly.”
A person in Texas dies every nine hours and six minutes in a DUI-alcohol-related traffic crash. Last year, 963 people in Texas were killed and 2,114 seriously injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired.
Drinking and driving is 100-percent preventable and can have serious physical, emotional and financial consequences that can last for years. Not only can a DWI hurt or kill someone, it can be expensive and cause legal hassles. It can create difficulty finding or keeping a job. It is shameful and embarrassing, and can result in a loss of trust and regret. A DWI crash can devastate the lives of victims and survivors forever.
There are many sober ride options available. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, use a rideshare service, stay put, call a friend or family member or use mass transit to ensure you don’t drive impaired.
Throughout the fall, TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign will conduct outreach events at college campuses across the state in conjunction with football season. These events will include a video exhibit, featuring video testimonials of Texans who deal with the daily consequences of drunk driving, either as an offender or survivor. These powerful stories and drunk driving facts can be found at www.facesofdrunkdriving.com.The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
Refinancing Of 2 Bonds Projected To Save The City $214,000 Over 10 Years
A 2020-21 budget update, refinancing 2 bonds, continuation of the 2021 street improvement program, selection of a candidate to serve as city secretary starting in December, purchase of equipment for the street department and selection of a bid for paving Westwood Street were among the items Sulphur Springs City Council tackled as part of their regular October meeting agenda this week.
Financial Update
The unaudited numbers for the City of Sulphur Springs for fiscal year 2020-21 came in better than expected, staying below expenditure limitations. In the general fund, revenues outperformed the projections that were in the budget.
Sales tax revenues and a few “other miscellaneous revenues” came in a little higher than projected. For instance, water revenue came in higher than than projected, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith told the City Council during the regular October council meeting this week.
If the hotel occupancy tax revenues are an indicator, tourism (or at least the hotel industry) appears to be rebounding well from the pandemic, increasing from $150,727 collected last year to $207,762.
She noted that while fuel sales were quite a bit higher than projected, fuel costs rose too.
“We do still have some end of the year allocations to make and after the audit, there will be adjustment entries that will need to be made, likely,” Smith told the council. “Overall, this gives us a pretty good picture of where we’re going to end up.”
Bond Refinancing
Smith asked the City Council to consider approving Ordinance 2792, which would authorize refinancing of 2 bonds, debit owed by the city. By taking advantage of current rates, the city is projected to save $214,352 from 2021-2034, about $20,000 per year, on repayment of the utility bonds taken out in 2011 and 2012. Of course, refinancing by reissuing and sale of the general obligation refunding bonds would be contingent on receiving rates akin to or better than the current estimates.
The City Council unanimously approved, on first reading, Ordinance No. 2792. A public hearing for second and, if approved afterward by the council, final reading of the ordinance will be conducted during the 7 p.m. regular City Council meetings, slated Nov. 2, 2021.
Street Work
Smith also at the Oct. 5, 2021, City Council meeting reported some funding remains in the Street Improvement Program budget. The hired contractor for the projects, Texana Land and Asphalt, only managed in September to pave one additional street segment spanning 1,188-linear feet along Texas Street from Lee Street to Industrial Drive. That leaves two sections of street tabbed as part of the 2021 SIP for improvements. The company expects to repave 3,131-linear foot section of League Street, from Bellview Street to Pampa Street, and a 1,901 foot section of Lee Street, from Davis Street to South Broadway Street, by Thanksgiving Day, city officials reported.
Because those funds were not expended prior to Sept. 30, 2021, those funds will carry over into FY 2021-22, from the FY 2020-21 budget to complete those projects.
The City Council also Tuesday evening reviewed the two bids submitted for concrete to pave 2,000 square feet of payment on Westwood Street in Woodbridge Crossing as part of the SIP. Highway 19 Construction $202,850 and 5W Contracting $296,136. Smith noted the city engineer had reviewed both bids. Although both bids were higher than initially projected in 2018 Capital Improvement Plan, the city engineer believes they are fair for today’s market. Thus, city staff recommended awarding the contract for concrete paving, including all materials and work to Highway 19 Construction, to Highway 19 Construction, who submitted the low bid.
Smith also asked the City Council to consider approving purchase of a CAT Backhoe for $98,000 from Holt CAT, using BuyBoard purchasing cooperative, to replace a 2012 Case 580 Backhoe currently used for street repairs. Public Works Director Russ Nuss recommend then making the Case backhoe as a secondary backhoe, and auctioning off the current secondary backhoe, a 2007 John Deere unit.
The $98,000 for the purchase was budgeted into the 2022 general fund capital outlay budget. Due to the extended periods between order and delivery, city staff initially put it on the October agenda so that, if approved, the city could go ahead and order backhoe in advance. The Holt backhoe was originally quoted at $110,000. However, when street department personnel talked with local Holt CAT representatives the price was lowered to $98,000 to fit the City of Sulphur Springs’ budget, Smith told the City Council Tuesday evening.
Because the contract is through BuyBoard, a purchasing cooperative, using Contract 515-16, the city was not required to go out for bids on it.
City Manager Marc Maxwell said vendors have to offer pricing that is as good as they bid on in their contract with BuyBoard. Many times, city staff have directly negotiated with a vendor who is BuyBoard contractor, then run the contract through BuyBoard, which has enabled the city to obtain equipment at considerably lower rates. A purchasing coop waives the sealed bid process but does not waive our coming to you for a purchase of $50,000.
According to City Attorney Jim McLeroy, a purchasing cooperative satisfies the sealed bid requirement. Essentially, BuyBoard and other purchasing cooperatives have already done the sealed bid work through the contracts offered, saving cities and other customers from having to conduct the bid process, including posting, holding, opening and vetting bid submissions.
The council unanimously approved the request to buy the backhoe using BuyBoard from Holt CAT for less than the budgeted amount.
Other Business
The City Council met in executive session 30 minutes prior to the regular 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday to discuss a personnel matter, appointment of a new city secretary. Gale Roberts last October notified city officials of her plans to retire in December 2021. That would give the city plenty of time to find a suitable candidate, then for that candidate to train with Roberts prior to her official retirement, according to Maxwell.
In July 2021, Maxwell told the council he anticipated later this year asking them to appoint Natalie Darrow the city secretary. The matter was discussed during the Oct. 5, 2021, executive session, then, just prior to the conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council officially selected Darrow to become Sulphur Springs City Secretary, effective Dec. 7, 2021.
Darrow has worked for the City of Sulphur Springs for 25 years, starting in records at the task force, and has been most recently serving as the records manager and computer systems specialist at Sulphur Springs Police Department. When not otherwise obligated in her duties at SSPD, Darrow has already been working periodically for at least 4 months alongside Roberts, learning some of the city secretary’s duties. She even filled in for Robertson when the city secretary was on vacation. She will be working full time with Roberts until her retirement to better prepare her for it in December.
The City Council approved on second and final reading Ordinance No. 2789, granting Kris and Kason Childress’ request to rezone 0.21-acre of property at 618 Oak Avenue from multifamily to light commercial. The designations fits with the intent for that area and current zoning surrounding it, Assistant City Manager/Tourism Director Tory Niewiadomski reported at previous city meetings where the request was considered.
Friday Game Day Brings Wildcats Football at Home, Lady Cats Volleyball in Texarkana
Another Friday game day brings Wildcats football and Lady Cats volleyball.
On the Oct. 8 edition of game day the Wildcats football team are ready to be back in action when they host the Royse City Bulldogs.
Coach Greg Owens’ program is still looking for their first win on the season, but like many other contests it will not be an easy go of it.
The Bulldogs come in to tonight’s contest undefeated [5-0 overall (2-0 district)] and are fresh off of a bye as well.
It should prove to be another good one as both teams come into the game well-rested and ready for the second half of the season.
All teams in District 8-5A had a bye last weekend.
RC coach David Petroff said that the Wildcats’ record [0-5 overall (0-2 district)] is a bit misleading considering the opponents Sulphur Springs has gone up against.
Coach Owens echoed those statements Wednesday, saying the Wildcats’ first six opponents have a combined one loss.
Royse City, this week’s opponent for Sulphur Springs, runs a methodical, run-heavy attack that they bring to Gerald Prim stadium tonight.
Coach Owens said they are a well-oiled machine that runs a great system featuring several talented athletes who know their role in that Bulldog system.
The Wildcats-Bulldogs district match-up is set to begin tonight at 7:30 P.M.
That game will be both live-streamed on to KSST Radio’s Youtube channel and will be broadcasted over the radio on KSST 1230 AM as well.
Moving over to the volleyball team, Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad, like the football team, will have their hands full tonight when they travel to Texarkana to take on Texas High.
The Lady Cats got the sweep versus Mount Pleasant on Tuesday, getting not only the clean-sweep of the Lady Tigers for their second victory over Mount Pleasant on the season but their second sweep of the Lady Tigers as well.
The win gave Coach Dorner’s team a 19-12 overall record (5-2 district).
It also increased the Sulphur Springs volleyball team’s win streak to two.
Friday’s match-up will not be as easy as their Tuesday contest for they will be taking on the number one team in District 15-5A in the Lady Tigers (7-0 district) in Texarkana.
Sulphur Springs lost the first match-up at home versus the Lady Tigers in a five-set classic on Sept. 14, and if they hope to challenge Texas High in the hopes to get their second straight District 15-5A Championship, they will have to beat the Lady Tigers tonight in Texarkana and will need some help from the other two teams tied for second place, Marshall and Hallsville.
Speaking of the Lady Mavs, Coach Bailey Dorner’s team will be back on the road on Tuesday when they travel to Marshall for another tough road match-up.
Unquestionably the toughest stretch of the volleyball team’s schedule are tonight and Tuesday’s two-game road stand.
We will find out what this Lady Cat volleyball team is made of when they travel to Texarkana today in the hopes of handing Texas High their first loss in the fall 2021 district season.
The battle for playoff positioning continues tonight at 4:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Emergency Sirens to be Tested Today
Emergency Sirens will be tested in Sulphur Springs today, Friday October 8th, 2021. The test will be conducted by the Sulphur Springs Emergency Management office. The test will be conducted at noon.
The test is to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system. Recent tests have shown the emergency sires to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as weather or other threats to safety.
This is only a test.
The 2021 ‘Walk to Remember’ Fundraising Walk Reaches Its Goal for Terrific Tuesdays!
The 2021 “Walk to Remember” Alzheimer’s Walk was held on a beautiful morning in the heart of our town, on Celebration Plaza. The annual event is the only Fundraiser for the Terrific Tuesdays program with 100% of the funds raised going directly to the continuation of the program. Terrific Tuesdays is a Respite Care Program for anyone with Alzheimer’s , Dementia, Senility, Stroke and any other type of Brain Injuries. Tammi Reardon and her very caring group of Volunteers take care of these participants while their caregivers can have a day off to run errands or just have some time to themselves.
According to Tammy Reardon, “our goal today in our beautiful Celebration Plaza in Downtown Sulphur Springs is to pause and remember friends and loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s disease and any of these other brain related illnesses.
We want to Thank everyone who sponsored the T-Shirts, bought t-shirts, donated money, gift cards, bought raffle tickets or donated money to the walk.
Thank you to the Quilt Guild for making and donating a beautiful quilt again this year for our Raffle. If you have not purchased a raffle ticket and would like to .. Please do so at this time. They are $1 each or $10 for 15 tickets,with the drawing at the end of the walk.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Don Waddle for providing the music and sound system for this morning, and Enola Gay Mathews of KSST Radio for being our emcee again this year.
We would like everyone to make at least 1 lap around the square together while we remember the ones we have lost and the ones who are currently dealing with this horrible disease.”
Following a word of prayer by FUMC Reverend Ed Lantz and the playing of the National Anthem, the Walk began with attendees making leisurely laps around the walking track of Celebration Plaza.
Tammy continued,”your generosity and compassion of the Terrific Tuesdays program will allow us to continue to serve those families in our community that are facing memory loss. We have surpassed our goal again this year for Fundraising!!! Every year a ‘Spirit Award’ is presented to the facility that was able to raise the most Money during the mini walk.
This year’s Spirit Award winner is :
WESLEY HOUSE WITH $2500.00
And coming in as a close 2nd is :
THE SENIOR CENTER with raising over $2300.00
The Community Spirit Award is for the business that raised the most money.
This year the Community Spirit Award goes to:
SAPUTO $1000.00
Congratulations to these wonderful groups which will have Bragging Rights all year!
Raffle Winner of the Quilt is Pamela Johnson, a volunteer at Meal-a-Day. Pamela was not present because she was delivering her Meal-a-Day route to shut-in seniors! Seniors Center Director Karon Weatherman said she would take the quilt to Pamela.
As we conclude the 2021 “ A Walk To Remember” , I would like to say a special thank you to the City of Sulphur Springs for allowing us to utilize to this beautiful square for our walk. Thank you to local media for covering our event today.
Please make sure to visit all the information booths here to learn about the different services offered in this area.
Thank you to all those that made this walk a success!”
Miller Grove FFA Chapter Monthly Spotlight
Congratulations to the members of the Miller Grove FFA teams! Highlights of the activities of the busy Miller Grove FFA Chapter were provided by FFA Advisor Christin Fortenberry, who also serves as the Paris District FFA President.
Cell Phone Used To Track Stolen Car From Dallas To Hopkins County
High Speed Chase Spans 51 Miles Across 2 Counties, End 4 Miles After Car’s Tires Punctured By Stop Sticks
A cell phone was used to track a stolen car to Hopkins County, where deputies spotted the Nissan Sentra in question traveling at a high rate of speed early Oct. 6, 2021, on Interstate 30 in Hopkins County. A high speed chase then spanned 51 miles across 2 counties, with the car continuing 4 miles on punctured tires, before completely losing one tire.
According to arrest reports, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Communications operators were alerted by Dallas Police that a vehicle, recently stolen in the other city, was believed to be traveling east on Interstate 30 headed into Hopkins County. The Dallas Police officials had tracked a cell phone that was in the car when it was stolen to Interstate 30. It was shown to be headed east on I-30 entering Hopkins County. Dallas Police gave updates of the phone’s location as it progressed while deputies began traveling to the interstate.
HCSO deputies spotted a car matching the description of the stolen vehicle in the area the cell phone was reported to be located around 12:42 a.m. Wednesday. The gray car was traveling at a high rate of speed near mile marker 120 on I-30 east. Deputies claim while they were attempting to catch up to the car, it nearly struck a patrol unit parked at mile marker 122 on I-30 east.
When deputies attempted to stop the car at mile marker 123, it reportedly began evading the marked vehicles with lights and sirens behind it. Deputies began earnestly pursuing the car.
The pursuit continued on I-30 east, reaching speeds near 110 miles per hour. HCSO deputies pursued the car as it crossed from Hopkins into Franklin County, where Franklin County deputies awaited the arrival of the car, with stop sticks deployed near mile marker 147 on I-30 east. The stolen vehicle’s tires hit the spikes, but the car continued east on I-30 to mile marker 151, where it eventually lost a tire and became disabled. The driver pulled it onto the shoulder, where deputies from both counties initiated a high risk stop and take down.
The driver, later identified as 36-year-old Eugene Montrell Jones, was removed from the Nissan and taken into custody around 1 a.m. Oct. 6. HCSO deputies remained on scene with Franklin County deputies to aid in a vehicle search prior to Jones’ arrest. Jones was transported to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, and the car towed to the sally port behind the jail.
Upon arrival at the jail, Jones reportedly required evaluation by medical staff due to a prior injury to one foot. He was checked out at the Sulphur Springs hospital. Then, upon being cleared by medical staff, Jones was returned to the Hopkins County jail.
Jones, who indicated for arrest reports that he had no permanent address, was booked into jail around 4:30 a.m. Oct. 6, 2021, on a third-degree felony evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge and a felony unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge. The vehicle was further inventoried and based on conversation with Dallas Police was confirmed to be the car stolen there. The car was placed into impound and Jones released to jail staff.
The 36-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, on a both charges. Bond was set at $10,000 on the evading arrest charge and $5,000 on the stolen vehicle charge.
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.
Slaton Files 3 Bills To Ban COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Texas House District 2 Representative Bryan Slaton Thursday announced the filing of three pieces of legislation: House Bills 33, HB 110 and HB 125, to protect Texans against unjust COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
HB 33 would prohibit companies and hospitals in Texas from forcing COVID-19 vaccines on their employees. HB 110 would stop state and local governmental entities, including public universities, from requiring a COVID-19 vaccine. Finally, HB 125 would nullify unconstitutional federal vaccine mandates and make it a felony offense to attempt to enforce the mandate in Texas.
Rep. Slaton commented, saying, “These bills would serve to protect against the growing encroachment on the rights and medical freedoms of Texans, and I’m urging Governor Abbott and House leadership to support these bills. No Texan should have to choose between keeping their job to feed their family, and obeying their conscience. Texans are free to receive the vaccine if they choose, but mandates are unconscionable. Most especially, we must stand up to President Biden and Washington bureaucrats who wish to force their unconstitutional vaccine mandates on Texas. Any federal interference in the rights of Texans in this matter should be met with fierce resistance and nullified.”
