Hopkins County Records – Sept. 3, 2021
Land Deed Transactions
- Shannah Walker to CIS Financial Services Inc.; tract in the AW Waller survey
- City Cemetery Society Sulphur Springs to Dale Guest and Kay Guest; tracts on South Hillcrest Drive.
- Karen Kirkpatrick to Stuart Lay Rodriguez; tract in the Joseph B. Moore survey
- Justin Moon and Martha Moon to Maricela Resendiz and Daniel Villegas; tract in the James Lee survey
- Gary Odom and Patricia Odom to Nickole Lynn Barrows; tract in the AD Patterson survey
- Linda Jo Riddle to William D. Moore; tract in the E. Melton survey
- William D. Moore and Linda Jo Riddle; tract in the E. Melton survey
- OCTXLP LLC to Aaron F. Morgan and Lori Lyn Morgan; tract in the E. Burkham survey
- OCTXLP LLC to Lalitha Boddu and Govindarju Tasupalli; tract in the E. Burkham survey
- Maria Socorro Arzola to Xavier Arthuro Arzola; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Pense Ranch Properties LLC to James E. Collis Jr. and Suzanne M. Collis; tract in the William B. Birdwell survey
- Catherine Lynn Kleinmann and Thomas Carl Kleinmann to Jinger Kay Peeks and Kyle ‘Douglas Peeks; tract in the RC Greaves survey
- Cindy Roberts and Donald Gene Roberts to Raymond C. Spencer; tract in the Araboam Fitzgerald survey
- Richard M. Graham and Grason Builders Inc. to Jerry Lester; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Jerald Bryant Lester who is also known by Jerry Lester to Heather Dawn Coursey; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Peggy Lanell Levey and William A. Levey to XR4 Innovations LLC; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Stephen W. Smith and Tara W. Tietjen-Smith to Paul Joseph Dowd; tract in the John W. Matthews survey
- Paul Dowd to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. and Open Mortgage LLC; tract in the John W. Matthew survey
- SS Innovations LLC to Lori Ann Covey and Richard Lynn Covey; tract in the Jason Clark survey
- Jane Evans and Larry Evans to Johnathan L. Evans; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Arthur Estates LLC to Julian Rarquharson; tract in the John W. Boatman survey
- Carl E. Murr and Sarah J. Murr to Heather Webb and Jeremy Webb; tract in the Nathaniel Hamilton survey
- Donald Christopher Ferguson to Katherine Melanie Ferguson; tract in the Hayden Arnold survey
- Cynthia Johnson and Jesse Johnson to Charlie Robert Vaculik; tract in the Mariana Ballanova survey’
- James Dardeen and Aroann Eleena Zuniga to Wesley Harrison; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Cynthia Perkins Butler, independently and as guardian, and Jesse Doyle Butler to Brittney Diane Bradley and Robert Charles Bradley; tract in the M. Kelly survey
- Abel Delgado and Lisa Ann Delgado to FOM Capital LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Maria D. Gutierrez and Lino Gutierrez Hernandez to Maria Bethany Megan Neal and Venancio Garcia Trejo; tract in the Jesse Tayler survey
- Daniel Borondia and Lena Folkert to CMH Homes Inc.; tract in the Sarah H. Norris survey
- Charles Edward Sickles and Tracie Scikles to H. Keith Hunt; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey
- Terry Barnett Williams to Gary Barnett and Stephanie Barnett; tract in the L. Vannerson survey
- Miriam Rangel and Felipe Tinajero Rivera to Jose Gonzales and Miriam Gonzalez; tract in the Juan Palvadore survey
- Dione Penny to Chad Underwood and Stefani Underwood; tract in the Santos Coy survey]
- Allen W. Stone and Sheron Stone to Femmechina Coster, Jan Coster, Jan Marcos Coster and Mark Coster; tract in the A. Caro survey
- Lorene Collins and Ottis F. Collins to Destiny Simmons and William L. Simmons; tract in the Thomas M. Eldridge survey
- Betty S. Ferrell and Jerry C. Ferrell to Alexander Schell Alt and Jaxie Stollenwerck Alt; tract in the James Ford survey
- Robin Leah Steed to George Huizar, Juan Salas, Maria Salas, Daniel Zavala and Raymond Zavala; tract in the William Smith survey
- Larry L. Walls to Joel D. Walls; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Joel D. Walls to Larry L. Walls; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Joel D. Walls to Daniel S. Walls; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Hans Boerhof to Brad Busby and Kinde Busby; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Bobby Gene Crump, Deborah Kay Hamilton and Neal Hamilton to Richard E. Waldrep; tract in the John S. Bowen survey
- Cady Elizabeth Jackson, Eric Jackson and Linda Darlene Jackson to Joe Mack Gober and Nona Fair Gober; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Austin Dyer and Michel Dyer to Lori Choruby and Patrick Choruby; tract in the John Norris survey
- Susan L. Diamond, Laura D. Taylor, Robert Taylor, Angela D. Wenning and Kent Wenning to Florence Lee Lyss
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Matthew Bryant Pegues and Esmeralda E. Dias Marin
- Charles Adam Dunaway and Christina Ann Thomas
- Christopher Hunter Potts and Chanda Bailey Peters
- Christopher Alan Shaw and Jeannie Diane Creed
- Anthony Joseph J. Bandiera and Raysa de Las Angulo Munoz
- Kasen Tate Price and Allie Delaine Avery
- Christopher M. Hervieux and Chandra Lanette Paul
- Naim Diego Guizar and Alexa Guzman
Jettribe Mid America Jetski Race Home Town Racer
Last weekend marked the final round of the Jettribe Mid America Jetski race series, meeting in El Dorado, Kansas. This was the last stop for the IJSBA race tour in the region.
This race series brought in the best Jet Ski racers from Arizona, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ohio, Colorado and New Mexico.
It was a long season which started in Lincoln, Nebraska (June 5 – 6), Lawrence, Kansas (July 17 – 18 ), Pomona, Kansas (August 14 – 15), and finished in El Dorado, Kansas (August 28 – 29). Your Sulphur Springs Jetski racers were Brian Snyder and Andrew Vo, a 12-year old junior racer. Both Andrew and Brian relocated from California in recent years, and now reside in our great city of Sulphur Springs. Andrew and Brian were beginner Jetski racers this summer season who both took first place overall in the Jettribe Texas Jetski race season. They were favored for podium finish at the final round of the final race in El Dorado, Kansas. But racing is racing and luck, of course, plays a huge part in winning or losing.
Saturday, Moto 1, race 1, Brian Snyder had his work cut our for him, he moved up a class to Amateur 4 strokes from the Beginner class. This a tough class, with a stacked line up. The other riders have raced in this class for years, with the only next level for advancement is the Pro class. On the first race of the day, Brian was on the line with his stock 1500cc Kawasaki stand-up Jetski, among a huge line of experienced racers, with fast fine-tuned skis. The next 30 seconds seemed like hours. When the starting line rubber band snapped back, all racers sling-shot down the straight away. Brian was caught behind the pump wash from the other racers and his ski’s intake was sucking mostly air and pump wash, much like a washing machine, along with big wakes. Brian was ejected off his ski, but he stubbornly applied the death grip, and hung on to his 500-plus pound Jet ski, going at 60 MPH. This painfully caused his shoulder
to separate and instantly tore some muscles. After his race, we brought Brian to the on-site Butler County EMT. They
said “No more racing for you”! Brian regrettably sat out the rest of the weekend. Tony from Jettribe always reinforced that we are racing for fun not for any prize money, and since we all have to work on Monday, so stay safe. There
will be other races.
Andrew Vo, came into the final race in the Jettribe Mid America Jetski Series with a sense of confidence. He narrowly earned first place overall in the beginner ski Junior class for the Texas Series and two first place podium finishes from the Mid America Series. For this weekend, at the last minute, Andrew asked the race organizer (Terry
Hebert) if he could race in the men’s beginner stand up ski class also, just to gain some experience. Terry
reluctantly approved for Andrew to race with the adults, but Andrew was advised not to try for the hole shot and stay back for safety reasons. The men’s ski class was stacked with 1500cc SXR Kawasaki stand up jet skis. These are the fastest most power stand up stock jet skis you can buy straight our of the box! Andrew lined up with this 2021 Yamaha Super Jet, with is a 1050cc motor, a 450cc disadvantage but he only weighs 80 Lbs!
His race class all season was the beginner Junior class, and we knew that next season, Andrew will need to graduate
to the next class up. Andrew will have his hands full next season, so getting some practice early was what he wanted to do.
Since the previous rounds this season, all of Andrew’s junior teammates had gotten faster (really fast), and many
were equipped with more powerful jet skis. Andrew fought hard on the race track all weekend throughout his four motos. He managed to steal three Firsts when one of the moto the leaders, Noah (an up and coming junior racer from Kansas), fell off his ski at the back straights. Andrew held a comfortable solid second place and was able to pass the downed rider and snatch the checkered flag! Sunday’s final race day counted as double points, and it all came down this moto. Tristan, an experienced junior racer also from Kansas, got the hole shot on his 1500cc Kawasaki SXR. Andrew fended off the pack and followed around the first lap in second place, charging hard and pushing Tristan for a mistake. But Tristan rode a solid race until the last lap. Andrew took the inside split track and caught up to his teammate, as both fought for their ski to corner the next red buoy. Both riders were coming in hot, and both riders got
ejected off their skis at nearly at the same moment, just like the a scene from the Movie Hot Waters! Both Andrew and Tristan swam to their skis like it was the Olympics, frantically trying to restart their skis to dash for the finish line. As luck would have it, Andrew’s friend and teammate was a faster swimmer and restarted his ski and rightfully won the last moto. Overall points added up on Sunday and amazingly Andrew earned another “First” weekend overall in the Juniors Beginner ski class!!! Congrats to all junior riders, it was a close and narrow points weekend, and luck had
a huge factor in this.
Once again, Lady luck must be watching over Andrew. In men’s ski class Andrew rode his trusty Yamaha Super Jet 1050cc that was slightly under powered. Andrew would swap positions all weekend with the top 3 adult riders on their Kawasaki 1500cc jet skis. At the final race of the weekend, Andrew was doing what he was supposed to do, staying safe, while he chased the adults around for experience. As the extra long race progressed Andrew was in the middle of the pack, then found himself gaining one spot after another as adult racers fell or fatigue kicked in, slowing them down. We guess that Andrew’s playing Soccer in Sulphur Spring Soccer Association helped his endurance. To the crowd’s amazement on the final lap, Andrew, a junior racer in the men’s ski class, found himself reeling in the race leader! For some reason the current race leader fell hard at full speed at the back straights, ejecting himself over a 100 feet away from this stand up jet ski. Andrew holding on to a far second place pounced and skirted past the course
marshal trying to fish the down racer leader. Andrew crossed the finish line taking the win the men’s skis class!
We are proud of Andrew for finishing a long, hard first season of racing in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. We watched Andrew grew emotionally and physically while he always stayed humble at this exciting power sport. Next season will be very difficult as Andrew enters a higher class and will face a more experienced group of racers.
Jet ski racing is half luck and timing and the rest is skill. For our next race event site we will travel to Lake Havasu City, Arizona for the IJSBA Jet Ski World Finals, where Andrew will join hundreds of Juniors racers from all over the world in a training camp with the Pro racers. We’re looking forward to the next Race!
Tony V. President
Web jettribe.com Facebook
jettriberacing Core Watercraft Co. Since 1996
Jettribe Corporate California
43460 Ridge Park Dr.200 H.
Temecula, California 92590
Ph. 951.246.3147 Fx. 951.246.3181
Jettribe Texas Distribution Center
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
Jettribe Asia 76/28/9 Le Van Phan Street.
Hoa Ward, Tan Phu District
Saigon Vietnam
TASB: Legislature Adjourns After Passing Bill Funding 13th Check For Retired Educators On TRS
SB 7, Other Public Education-Related Bill Headed To Governor’s Desk
The Texas Legislature adjourned sine die Thursday night after passing a bill that restored funding to the legislative branch and included funding for the 13th check for retired educators in the Teachers Retirement System ($701 million) and funding to buy down property taxes ($100 million).
Here are bills related to public education that are headed to the governor’s desk:
SB 3 (Hughes) requires the commissioner of education to create a civics training program for teachers and administrators; sets forth items that the State Board of Education must include in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills related to civic knowledge; and lists several things that teachers cannot be compelled to do and that schools or teachers cannot make part of social studies instruction. Read more.
SB 7 (Huffman) provides for an additional check for retired educators in the Teacher Retirement System. The payment must be paid before Jan. 2022 in an amount equal to the lessor of the gross amount of the regular annuity payment to which the eligible annuitant is otherwise entitled or $2,400.
SB 9 (Huffman) requires public schools to provide instruction and materials relating to the prevention of child abuse, family violence, sex trafficking, and dating violence at least once in middle school and at least once in high school. Districts would also have to amend their dating violence policies to include a clear statement that dating violence is not tolerated at school, reporting procedures and guidelines for students who are victims of dating violence, and information regarding the instruction on the prevention of dating violence. Districts would need to develop procedures for immediately notifying parents of students who are alleged victims or perpetrators of dating violence.
SB 15 (Taylor) allows schools to create their own virtual instruction programs for students who live within their district/charter attendance zones as long as the district or charter has earned at least a C in the state accountability rating system during the previous year or the last time a rating was assigned. Students who spent more than 50 percent of their time last year in virtual courses must have passed their STAAR exams, earned a C or higher in core courses, and did not have unexcused absences that amount to more than 10 percent of that year. Read more.
SH 19 Traffic Stop Yields Methamphetamine, Marijuana And Xanax, 1 Felony Arrest
Woman Caught With Felony Amount Of Marijuana, 3 Others Charged On Marijuana, Controlled Substance, Related Warrants
A Talco man ended up in jail Sept. 2 after methamphetamine, marijuana and Xanax were found in his vehicle. Also arrested this week was a woman caught with just enough marijuana to be charged with a felony offense, and individuals wanted on controlled substance, marijuana and tampering with evidence charges.
A 31-year-old Talco man caught Deputy Chris Baumann’s attention early Thursday morning by weaving from one side of the northbound lane on State Highway 19 south to the other. Baumann initiated a traffic stop on the Buick Encore after it was driven across the striped divider line to turn off of Hillcrest Drive without signaling his intent to turn into a travel center.
As he approached the white vehicle, Baumann reported smelling a strong marijuana odor emitting from it. When asked, driver Corey Redford Branch admitted he had smoked marijuana earlier.
Baumann advised the odor was cause for him to search the vehicle and had Branch step out of it. The deputy noted Branch making furtive movements as he did so, and detained the 31-year-old Talco man in handcuffs prior to searching the four-door vehicle. Baumann found a crystal-like substance he believed to be methamphetamine in the driver’s seat. Baumann then advised Branch he was in custody for having the contraband before continuing his search of the car.
Branch was transported to jail, where a corrections officer discovered he had concealed five bags containing suspected contraband inside of his body. Three baggies containing suspected methamphetamine, one baggy with broken pills identified as Xanax and one bag with a green, leafy substance suspected to be marijuana. Th crystal-like substance found on the driver’s seat and in the three bags all field-tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 8.68 including packaging. A hole found in one of the bags was suspected to have been caused by the man’s furtive movements, trying to conceal it, Baumann alleged in arrest reports. The Xanax weighed 9.25 grams and the marijuana less than 1 ounce.
Consequently Branch, who jail reported show is also known by Corey Redfearn Branch, Cory Branch and CBreezy, was booked into Hopkins County jail just before 6 a.m. Sept. 2, 2021, for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, manufacture or delivery of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3/4 controlled substance, possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana and tampering with physical evidence for concealing the substances in his body.
Branch remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, in lieu of $102,000 in bonds – $75,000 bond on the Penalty Group 1 charge, $10,000 on the Penalty Group 3/4 charge, $15,000 on the tampering with evidence charge and $2,000 on the marijuana charge.
Earlier this week Destiny Mariona Conley turned herself in at the sheriff’s office on a warrant for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
Deputy Drew Fisher escorted the 20-year-old Como woman into the jail, where she was booked at 5:45 a.m. Sept. 1, 2021, on the warrant.
Conley was released from from the county jail later Sept. 1, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the charge.
Arrested around 10:30 p.m. Sept. 1, 2021, by Emory police on two Hopkins County warrants was Xavier John Hill.
The 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man was transported to the Rains-Hopkins County line, where Deputy Baumann took custody of him. Bauman transported him to Hopkins County jail, where Hill was booked around 11:15 p.m. Sept. 1, 2021, on Hopkins County warrants for assault causing bodily injury and violation of probation on a possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana in a drug-free zone.
Hill remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2021, in lieu of a $5,000 bond on the July 20, 2019 marijuana charge and $5,000 on the other.
Tranameth Delon Ford remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, on two manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrants and one manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a controlled substance warrant.
The charges stem from a 1-month Sulphur Springs Police Special Crimes Unit investigation into suspected distribution of methamphetamine by Ford. During that time, SCU Sgt. Joe Scott and Lt. Mark Estes utilized a confidential informant to make several purchases of meth from Ford. The total amount of meth seized was 12.3 grams. SCU investigators obtained warrants for the 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest. Officers conducted surveillance of Ford’s residence, and took him into custody upon seeing Ford walking to a Main Street store around 2:45 p.m. Aug. 31, 2021.
Ford’s bonds totaled $135,000 for the three charges – $5,000 each on two charges and $35,000 on the third.
A 61-year-old Texarkana, Texas woman was stopped around 6:40 p.m. Aug. 31, 2021, for failure to drive in a single lane on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 142. Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Warren Williamson reported smelling an overwhelming odor of fresh marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Un Hui Gathye admitted to being in possession of half a pound of marijuana.
The trooper reported he did indeed find about 8 ounces of a green leafy substance that appeared to be marijuana in a silver bag on the front passenger’s side floorboard of the Nissan Altima. Prescription medications issued to Gathye were also found among the contents, identifying the bag as belonging to the Texarkana woman. The car was impounded and the 61-year-old was transported to Hopkins county jail, for possession of more than 4 ounces but less than 5 pounds of marijuana.
Gathye was released on a $5,000 bond on the charge on Sept. 1, 2021.
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.
Tonight’s Wildcat Football Game Starts at 7 PM
KSST will be broadcasting tonights game, and streaming it live. Kickoff is 30 minutes sooner than usual at 7PM. Don’t miss a second of the broadcast! Here is the link to the live broadcast on YouTube.
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.
Friday Gameday Brings Lady Cats Volleyball and Wildcats Football
It will be something of a quiet weekend for Sulphur Springs sports on this Friday gameday.
Most weekends, Friday and Saturday would bring cross country, volleyball games and tournament play, and Wildcats football, but not so this time around.
Wildcats and Lady Cats cross country squads are off this weekend after participating in the Kaufman Run with the Lions last Friday.
While the results were not quite as good as the Commerce Tigers Invitational, it was still a solid outing with several runners finishing with personal-best times.
Coach Ross Hicks and his program will be back in action next Saturday when they travel to Hallsville for their first district invitational of the fall 2021 season.
Moving over to volleyball, over the past month Coach Dorner’s team has participated in three tournaments in three weekends, but that wrapped up with last weekend’s Edgewood tournament.
The volleyball team went 10-7 in tournament play, including 2-2 in Edgewood’s tourney, and are 12-10 heading into Friday’s match-up.
The Lady Cats are not yet through with the Lady Bulldogs though, for Sulphur Springs will be hosting Edgewood tomorrow in the SSHS Main Gym at 4:30 P.M. starting with the varsity teams.
Junior varsity and freshmen will follow at 6 P.M.
Coach Dorner’s squad lost their Tuesday match-up in Paris as the home Lady Cats started out strong and resisted a strong Sulphur Springs comeback to the tune of a tough, five-set win over the visiting Sulphur Springs Lady Cats volleyball team.
The last team in action on Friday and for the weekend is football. Coach Greg Owens and his program suffered a season-opening loss at the hands of Frisco High School last Friday, and are no doubt looking for better results tonight when they travel to Lucas to take on the Lovejoy Leopards.
It will be a tall order, though, against a Lovejoy team that made the state championship last year.
While the Leopards only retain about two dozen players from their 2020 roster, this should not be mistaken for a rebuilding team.
Coach Chris Ross and his squad no doubt have their sights set on a return to the state championship game as several key players from last year’s squad returned and are leading the way for a team that has championship aspirations.
But first, they will have to take care of business against the Wildcats when Sulphur Springs comes to town on Friday, Sept. 3 to take on Lovejoy at Leopards Stadium. That game is set to kick off at 7 P.M.
KSST has been granted access to livestream Friday’s match on our Youtube channel, but whether we can livestream from Leopard Stadium is contingent upon internet access from Lucas’s press box.
Regardless of livestream capabilities, the game will be broadcasted over the radio on KSST 1230 AM.
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.
Inmate Earns Felony Charge For Allegedly Spitting In Jailer’s Face
A Hopkins County jail inmate earned a felony charge after allegedly spitting in a jailer’s face, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office investigators reported.
The incident reportedly occurred when the HCSO jailer was moving Brandon Darel Roach from his cell to a separate cell following a disturbance. The jailer reportedly warned the 39-year-old Sulphur Springs man he would catch a new charge if he acted against the relocation. Roach then allegedly spit in the jailer’s face, with some of his saliva entering the jailer’s mouth in the process, according to HCSO Investigator Dennis Findley.
HCSO officials filed the harassment of a public servant case with the District Attorney’s Office. A warrant was issued. The harassment of a public servant warrant was added Sept. 1, 2021, to the list of charges on which Roach is accused. Bond on the third-degree felony charge for spitting in a jailer’s face was set at $25,000, according to jail reports.
According to Title 5 Chapter 22, Section 11 of Texas Penal Code, a person commits the offense of harassment of a public servant if the individual commits an offense if, with the intent to assault, harass, or alarm, while imprisoned or confined in a correctional or detention facility, causing another person to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of the actor, any other person, or an animal.
Roach has been an inmate at Hopkins County jail since his arrest Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, following a disturbance in which he allegedly threatened to burn down a residence with his nephew inside, if the nephew and his family did not vacate the residence. Roach also allegedly threatened to kill his father before leaving a County Road 4744 residence. He was located on County Road 4738 and arrested at 6 p.m. Jan. 16, on two Class A misdemeanor terroristic threat of a family or household member charges, after admitting to making threats against his nephew and father, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Bobby Osornio and Steve Shing alleged in the January arrest reports. Roach’s bond on the terroristic threat charges was set at $5,000 each.
Investigator Findley at 2:55 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, charged Roach with obstruction or retaliation. While monitoring jail calls, Roach was heard on a Jan. 18 call to his mother tell his mother, telling her he was going to kill his father for calling the police on him, the investigator alleged in arrest reports. Thus, the inmate was charged with retaliation. Roach was indicted in June 2021 on the retaliation charge, according to court records.
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.
Lou Nell’s…Expect Excellent Customer Service Even During Pandemic Times
Carrie and Larry Crowson and their staff at Lou Nell Fashions in Sulphur Springs proved the truth of this statement during last year’s holiday season… that the local shopping experience doesn’t have to be a casualty of COVID! By putting all their resources in to play, Lou Nell’s was able to fill the orders and serve the needs of every customer, even those who did not wish to go outside their homes. “It’s because of the old-school, caring way I learned to conduct business at this shop”, stated Carrie in a KSST Good Morning Show interview with Enola Gay. “We just put every resource to work in a hands-on way to make sure our customers get what they want in a safe, timely and friendly manner. Despite COVID-19 concerns and cautions last year during the Christmas season, our sales were actually up! We just went back to handling each shopper’s needs by phone, email, or text message or by Facetime! And then we’d deliver to them at the curb, at their homes or by postal mail. That gave us the flexibility to gift-wrap when needed, and we even gift-wrapped the gifts that went out to the post office”.
Actually, the store is full right now with Fall and Winter fashions coming in left and right, and with the shoes and boots to co-ordinate. Jewelry has a special standing at Lou Nell’s, and their exclusive Brighton line has a tradition for combining quality with lasting, classic beauty and affordable price. “Right now, shoppers looking for something to wear to work, to church, to the game or other occasion can still shop our store’, Carrie continued. “We welcome ladies to try their selections on and see how they fit, and that’s a feature that’s gone by the wayside in many places! In a hurry, want to limit your time in-store or don’t wish to browse? We can Face-time together and I will gather the selections you make, then have them in a dressing room when you arrive. Another way our regular customers often shop is to pick out their styles…in-person or online… and take them home ‘on approval’ where they can try on at their leisure. Whatever they decide to keep, we can handle the purchase quickly and easily by phone. Then, they can just bring the others back and we will meet them at the curb. There’s just about nothing we won’t do for customers who want to shop our store!
“Another trend I’ve noticed over last year’s COVID season is that many women seem ready to get dressed again! We sold tons of casual and loungewear last year. And we still do, but we are also selling the Slim-sation slacks and the tailored shirts in beautiful Fall colors, and watches and jewelry that makes you feel a little more special when you’re wearing it. And, that leads me to share this about gifts. We serve lots of men who come in to buy for their wife or girlfriend. If we happen to know her, that makes selections easier. Also, men can shop for and purchase a gift for her online, then just come in and pay for it at the store. And since we added our men’s gift line last year, that really been a pleaser! Everyone should check out our men’s gift line! Just because Sulphur Springs doesn’t have a full-service men’s store, doesn’t mean you have to go out of town to shop. You can still buy things he will truly like, such as cute T’s, caps, weekender bags, beard oils and balms, and men’s bath and body products. We aim to please at Lou Nell’s, with friendly go-the-extra-mile service. As our slogan says, “enter as a customer, exit a friend!” Going on 47 years serving the community, family-owned Lou Nell’s is still at home at 122 Lee Street in Sulphur Springs, Texas!
After Months Of Negotiations, NETEX and North East Texas Connector Ink Agreement For Contract Revisions
After months of negotiations, Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District, the rural rail district spanning from Titus County to Wylie that is known as NETEX, and rail operator North East Texas Connector (NETC) of Freedom Rail Group inked an agreement for contract revisions Thursday afternoon.
Contract Revision
NETEX agreed to pay NETC $4,500 a month for a sum of $54,000 a year through July of 2026 to help NETC obtain a machine to clear vegetation from the right-of-ways and along the rail. NETC, agreed to eliminate the 50 percent reimbursement obligation of NETEX for track maintenance during that time. After that date, NETEX would resume returning 50 percent of what they receive in revenues from car loads back into the railroad itself for maintenance.
NETC’s track management obligation then was eliminated and the rail operator’s obligation for track Class upgrade was amended.
The original operating agreement called for NETC to get the track up to Class 1 standard within 2 years of assuming operation, then, within 5 years have the track up to Class 2 standard. NETC, after a more thorough evaluation of the track conditions, asked NETEX to amend the operating agreement, to allow the company to skip the Class 1 standard and, at a slower pace, upgrade the track to Class 2. This would in the long run save money, eliminating the need to go back on a track they’d repaired to Class 1 standard and make upgrades to Class 2 standard, which would allow for faster train speeds and additional products the cars can carry on the rail. NETEX agreed to do away with the Class 1 requirement and to extend the length of the obligation for track improvements by 2 years, pushing the term to 7 years, which Freedom Rail Group Managing Principal Mike Salek said would be more realistic to do.
NETEX, governed by a Board composed of representatives from the counties and municipalities that oversee the rail located between milepost 555.0 in Greenville and milepost 489.41 in Winfield, will need to make a double payment to NETC for the vegetation, as the terms of the agreement were finally hashed out last month, thus, the wording included the August start date for the first payment.
The agreement also had included July 1 as a date NETC would provide a plan for maintenance. Salek said he would compose a plan as soon as possible and should have it ready for the NETEX Board to review before the group’s next regular meeting, typically held at 1:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month in the Sulphur Springs Economic Development Corporation offices, after the signing of a contract.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both NETEX Chair/Titus County Judge Brian Lee and Salek signed the agreement drafted to the satisfaction of both rail groups and their attorneys.
Salek said the equipment to clear the vegetation has been ordered, and is expected to arrive with all attachments and materials approximately 6 weeks for time of order, which was 2 weeks ago. He said he hopes to have the equipment in place by the end of September or first week of October. His tentative plan is to start work in the farthest point of the track in Greenville, where two railroad crossing would be cleaned up, then continue clearing crossings along the path to Mount Vernon. After that, a work crew would turn around and begin working its way back up the track cutting right-of-way, clearing it and making it safer.
Financial Matters
NETEX Treasurer Neal Barker presented his regular monthly report as well as the proposed 20221-22 budget, the latter of which will still be short of revenues needed to cover all expenses.
The NETEX officers said the FY 2021-22 budget as in the current budget. NETEX Board Treasurer Neal Barker noted the operation appears to be stable. He recommended focusing in the coming year on ways to increase revenue to offset the deficit.
Budgeted expenditures include $9589 for board insurance, $3495 for general liability insurance, $54,000 in right-of-way maintenance for clearing vegetation, $1,250 to the City of Lavon, about $25,000 in attorneys fees, $17,500 for the annual audit, $1,000 for administrative support, $100 general office supplies and $200 for postage. Overall, NETEX’s expenditures are expected to come in at $112,624, a shortfall of $21,349.
The NETEX Board isn’t anticipating a huge increase in revenue over the next year, but does expect some increase in carload counts after the transload facility being constructed in Sulphur Springs is completed. The new facility is expected to come online in January, so revenue from carrying a few extra cars starting in February, possibly from 2 new customers, was added to the projected budget. That is expected to bring in $71,000 next year.
The lease contracts handled by RAMS is budgeted at a potential $20,000 in revenue, interest income another $275. That’s a total of $91,275 in revenues projected for NETEX in FY 21-22.
“The spirit of what I’ve seen from this board in the last year as we’ve tightened things up is, we’ve got the expenses locked down good. Lets work on the revenues. How can we help you, as a rail bring in more cars? On the right-of-way, something?” Neal said. “I think we can erase this deficit pretty easily, actually.”
The board also discussed the need for the annual outside audit. Barker noted that a board member had contacted a firm he was told could do the audit for $6,500 for two years worth of finances. Then, COVID happened. When the auditor failed to respond to electronic and telephone requests for contact, one NETEX board member was asked to stop by the business and check on the situation. That audit has yet to be conducted, and now another year’s edit is also needed.
The NETEX board members proposed since there was no commitment either by NETEX or the auditor that the board explore other potential options for auditing services. Neal said he asked a local auditor about doing the work but was told they don’t handle that type of audit. One board member agreed to contact an auditor he has knowledge of to see if he would be interested in doing the audit for the $6,500 to quoted for 2 years worth of prior finances and the most recent year. NETEX typically only has about 50 transactions a year.
Other Business
Salek reported 88 carloads on the rail in August, down from 112 in July, which he speculated is seasonal. NETC has transported 790 carloads on the NETEX rail from January to August of this year, already ahead of the 155 carloads from July 2020, when NETC took over rail operations. The inbound cycle time average velocity is 1.1 days and the outbound cycle is 2.4 days for the month of August 2021.
NETC also installed six ties, repaired four FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) 30-day defects and 2 bridges. The rail operator also focused on cutting vegetation for safety at railroad crossings near school zones to make them safer as kids head back to class. Salek anticipated once the transload facility is operational, the line has the potential to almost double the number of cars from the current 600 to about 1,100 per year.
The NETEX Board also discussed attendance at the monthly meetings and reviewed the guidelines and bylaws, as there are 1-2 board members who’ve been consistently absent for a few months due to cited scheduling conflicts. For the last few months, since things really opened back up from COVID, the Board has barely had a quorum. County Commissioners Courts determine their representatives on the NETEX Board.
Sulphur Springs Public Library Announces Community Read Programs and the Wall that Heals
Sulphur Springs Public Library is pleased to announce our 2022 Hopkins County Reads program, designed to encourage the citizens of Hopkins County to connect through the reading and discussion of a common book. The library even has a giveaway cell phone stand with the Hopkins County Reads logo as a conversation starter.
Strength, Honor and Remember: the legacy of the Vietnam War is the subject of our program. The kickoff is Tuesday, November 9 at 10:30am at Sulphur Springs Public Library, 611 North Davis. We welcome author Allen B. Clark, of Dallas, TX, who has written 3 books including Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior and has founded Combat Faith Ministry. This lay ministry is dedicated to educate, train, arm and equip individuals to utilize principles from the teachings of Jesus Christ to be healed from negative emotions and thoughts caused by sin, wrong choices, or by trauma or injury to body, soul, or spirit.
In addition, the Wall that Heals will be in Sulphur Springs Thursday, November 4 through Sunday, November 7. The library will be temporarily displaying all items left behind beginning Monday November 8 through November 19 in the music box displays. The Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C.
The 53-foot trailer that carries The Wall That Heals transforms to become a mobile Education Center. The exterior of the trailer features a timeline of “The War and The Wall” and provides additional information about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Since the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) was dedicated in November 1982, more than 400,000 items have been left by visitors as remembrances and tributes. The National Park Service collects, catalogs, and preserves these objects as part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial collection, with curatorial support from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. These items give visitors a better understanding of the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the collection of items left at The Wall.
Hopkins County Reads will continue the Strength, Honor and Remember program in 2022 with a Spring program (date to be announced). We will welcome Callie Wright, Director of Education, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (virtually) to discuss the impact, importance and some items left mementos behind on the Washington wall specifically relating to soldiers from this area. The library will then present the stories of items left here in Sulphur Springs. After the program, the library will open a Question & Answer session for veterans hosted by Tommy Allison.
For more information visit www.vvmf.org ,call the Sulphur Springs Public Library 903-885-4926 or find us on Facebook @Sulphur Springs Public Library
