Ghost Glow Ride October 29
ATTENTION GLOW RIDERS!
Get your Halloween costume on and let’s ride…..
Ghost Glow Ride is a free family bicycle riding event (perfect for Trunk-n-Treat rounds). We will meet at VR Social, in costumes, and ride to Coleman Park October 29 6 p.m.
We cannot wait to crowd the streets with Ghosts & Goblins on bikes!
This is part of the ScreamFEST week of events.
Full details are here: https://www.vrsocialss.com/latest-news/
Arbala VFD To Receive Funding Cut For Violating Contract With County
Arbala Volunteer Fire Department will receive a month’s funding cut, effective at the next payment cycle, for violating the contract signed with the county, Hopkins County Commissioners Court determined during the regular meeting Friday, Oct. 15, 2021.
All volunteer fire departments are required to sign a fire protection agreement in order to received benefits from the county. Those benefits include paying the VFD’s fuel bills, providing a monthly stipend which averages more than $700 a month, providing workers compensation for each member in the event any are injured while responding to calls, and offering reimbursement for vehicle insurance.
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley noted that AVFD had violated section 16 of department’s contract with the county by responding to a call in another jurisdiction before they were dispatched. When there was no response from the volunteer fire department for the jurisdiction, AVFD was then dispatchers to the call. The department member over recorded communications advised the department had already been en route for 3-4 minutes. A check of the GPS system no in the different apparatus confirmed the responding apparatus supported the statement from made, the fire marshal said when presenting the alleged violation before the court.
The policy as outlined in the contract, Endsley noted, stipulates that departments are not to respond to calls unless alerted to do so or toned. Doing is what is known in fire and emergency services as “freelancing.”
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley noted that, as pointed out in a previous meeting, the requirement is stipulated out of necessity. If property is damaged or an individual injured while a fire truck is on or responding to a call, county insurance would not cover those costs if the department was not dispatched. By responding without being toned to the call, AVFD put themselves and in danger.
Endsley said when notified, an AVFD officer stated for the court to take funding from the department if that’s the consequence for violating the contract.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker proposed doing just that, withholding one full month of funding, the amount allocated to Arbala VFD by the county for the contract violation.
Barker seconded the motion to withhold AVFD’s monthly stipend during the next funding cycle. The motion was unanimously approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Court during their regular court session held on Friday this week since members of the court were out of town on business on Monday,
While the department will not receive a full month of funding, the department will remain in service to be dispatched to calls in their jurisdiction or according to county protocol.
Arbala is the second volunteer fire department to have funding cut for violating the contract each signed with the county by self-dispatching to a call for service. On Jan. 25, 2021, Hopkins County Commissioners Court voted to withhold half a month’s worth (2 weeks worth) of funding from Brinker VFD, when that department was reported to have violated Section 16 of the contract between the county and VFD. The county still covered Brinker’s fuel costs and other benefits stipulated in the contract. Typically, Brinker VFD receives a little over $800 monthly from the county, Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley noted. Thus, the amount withheld was a little over $400.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of October 18, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Oct. 18, 2021. 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.
The annual crack seal contract project for Grayson County roadways begins Oct. 18. Drivers should expect delays as the work is performed using daytime lane closures. The following roadways will be crack sealed this year: SH 5 from US 75 to the Collin County line; US 377 from FM 901 to US 82; SH 289 from FM 120 to SH 56; FM 121 from US 377 to SH 289; FM 1417 east from SH 56 to US 82; FM 2729 from FM 697 to SH 11; and FM 84 from SH 91 to US 69.
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 sections. 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.
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.
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (# 643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
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 131, Grayson County: in Sherman at the Northcreek Drive intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. 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.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131 to SH 91. Watch for daytime and nighttime lane closures as crews perform pavement repairs on the concrete pavement.
US 75 frontage roads, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot base repairs on the roadway.
FM 1897, Grayson County: from FM 1753 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot base repairs on the roadway.
FM 898, Grayson County: from US 69 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot base repairs on the roadway.
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, Tuesday and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from US 377 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 996, Grayson County: in Pottsboro from FM 120 to FM 1417. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 902, Grayson County: from Howe to Tom Bean. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level 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.
The annual crack seal contract project for Fannin County roadways begins the last week of October, 2021. Drivers should expect delays as the work is performed using daytime lane closures. The following roadways will be crack sealed this year: FM 409 from FM 2029 to FM 100; FM 151 from the Grayson County line to US 69; FM 271 from SH 78 to FM 1550; FM 272 from US 69 to the Hunt County line; FM 904 from FM 1550 to FM 64; Loop 391 from FM 1743 to SH 56; FM 1550 from FM 271 to FM 1743; US 69 from Grayson County line to Hunt County line; FM 814 from US 69 to Business US 69B; Business US 69B from SH 121 to FM 814; SH 121 from US 82 to SH 56; and SH 78 from the Oklahoma State line to SH 121.
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 on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement for the entirety of the project from the Lamar County line to SH 121. Eastbound traffic between SH 121 and the Lamar County line has been opened to two lanes. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 272, Fannin County: from US 69 to the Hunt County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot base repairs on the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: in Bonham between US 82 and SH 56. Watch for daytime right lane closures as maintenance crews perform ditch cleanouts.
SH 78, Fannin County: in Bonham from US 82 to FM 273. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade perform ditch cleanouts.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 87 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews repair the surface on the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
FM 71, Hopkins County: from FM 3236 to Sulphur Bluff. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform ditch grading operations.
SH 37, Franklin County: from elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: from I-30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews rehabilitate the roadway.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 154 to SH 19. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
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.
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 work zones as crews perform tree trimming/removal work and drainage structure improvements.
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.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has completed the final forming and pouring of concrete drainage structures on FM 1564 and has completed placing roadway striping. The contractor is working on completing chevrons and performing profile striping on FM 1570, FM 751 and FM 36.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared the right-of-way. Preliminary embankment, excavation, and bridge work has begun with all shafts being completed. This work should not affect existing traffic on SH 34 or SH 276. Roadway construction affecting closures on Spur 264 has begun, this work will affect through-traffic between Meyers Avenue to County Road 2304. Weekend work is to be expected. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has begun mile five of this seven-mile project and is currently reworking the subgrade and bringing in flex base, placing geogrid and compacting areas for roadway rehabilitation and widening. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor is working to finish vegetation establishment and complete final punch list items. 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 overlay on SH 66 from FM 1579 to Caddo Mills and on will be performing spot base repair on various locations on FM 816. 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 SH 34 from SH276 to the Kaufman County line. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operation 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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Wildcats Football Loses Overtime Heartbreaker in Corsicana
The Wildcats football team put themselves in the best position all season long to get their first win of the season, but fell just short of victory in Corsicana, losing 41-38 in overtime.
Sulphur Springs played a season-best game, continuously improving week-after-week.
The Wildcats had a one possession lead for most of the game, but when the offense fell stagnant in the second half the Tigers responded by going on a 14-7 run through the final 16 minutes of action to tie it up 35-35 heading into OT.
Sulphur Springs got the ball to start overtime, but settled for a field goal to go up 38-35.
Corsicana then only took four plays to put it in the end zone to end the game with a 41-38 victory against the Wildcats.
The game was full of explosive plays for both teams, as Sulphur Springs was able to get five 20+ yard plays in the loss.
The 38 points scored in the loss is a season-high for Coach Greg Owens and his program.
QB Brady Driver accounted for all five touchdowns for Sulphur Springs, throwing 4 TDs through the air while also adding one on the ground.
The back-breaking loss to Corsicana drops the Wildcats football team’s season record to 0-7 overall (0-4 district).
Next up, Sulphur Springs will be back at home next Friday, Oct. 22 when they host Greenville. The fifth district game for the Wildcats is set to kick off at 7:30 PM.
The Wildcats-Lions contest will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM.
We will also be live-streaming the Greenville district match onto KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
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.
Greenville Man In Hopkins County Jail For Violating Probation
A 31-year-old. Greenville man was in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, for violating probation.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Terry Thompson was made aware Keegan Thomas Rees was being in held in Hunt County jail on a Hopkins County warrant. Thompson took custody of Rees at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 15, 2021, and transported him to Hopkins County.
The 31-year-old Greenville man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 9:40 a.m. Friday on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. He was held in Hopkins County jail on the charge Saturday morning.
Rees was arrested on the original controlled substance charge on April 21, 2021, following a Hillcrest Drive crash. Police alleged Rees appeared to be under the influence of some type of intoxicant. A pipe used to smoke methamphetamine was found during a pat down. Two baggies with a substance that tested positive for meth were located in the SUV he had been in. The Greenville man remained in jail on the controlled substance charge until July 29, 2021, in lieu of the $30,000 bond set on the charge. He was indicted in June on the 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.
Lady Cats Volleyball Gets Season-Sweep Over Pine Tree
The Lady Cats volleyball team got a much-needed win over the Pine Tree Lady Pirates on Friday, Oct. 15, sweeping Pine Tree 3-0 for the season sweep over the Lady Pirates.
Sulphur Springs desperately needed to get back in the win column after a brutal two game stretch that saw them take on Texas High and Marshall, both on the road.
Unfortunately for Coach Bailey Dorner and her program, they went 0-2 during that stretch to fall to fourth place in District 15-5A at 5-4.
Hosting Pine Tree was a much-needed reprieve, as the Lady Pirates came into the match at the SSHS Main Gym winless in district (0-8).
Much like the first time these two teams met, the visiting Lady Pirates fought hard throughout the match, but could not translate it into set wins, getting swept by Sulphur Springs in straight sets.
Set one was the closest of the three, as the Lady Cats won 25-18.
Sulphur Springs took care of business from there, dispatching Pine Tree 25-10 and 25-14 to get the season-sweep of the Lady Pirates.
The win gave the Lady Cats volleyball team a 20-14 overall record (6-4 district).
Next up, Coach Bailey Dorner added a game to the schedule Tuesday in which they will travel to Edgewood.
That match is set to begin at 4:30 P.M. starting with the JV/freshman squads, followed by the varsity teams at 6 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.
3 Men Arrested On Felony Warrants In 2 Days
Three men were arrested in the last 2 days on felony warrants, according to jail reports.
Jacob Lee “Jake” Ball was taken into custody Oct. 13, 2021, on two warrants: one for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1B controlled substance and one for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent.
The 26-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail later Wednesday on $20,000 in bond, $10,000 per charge.
Daniel Keith Alsobrook was arrested Oct. 14, 2021, on two warrants: one for manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and one for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
The 22-year-old Paris, Texas man remained in Hopkins County jail on both charges Friday evening, Oct. 15, 2021, according to jail reports.
Joshua Kenney Mandell was arrested Oct. 14, 2021, on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to sheriff’s reports.
The 37-year-old Waxahachie man too was held in Hopkins County jail Friday evening, Oct. 15, 2021, on the charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Hopkins County Records – Oct. 15, 2021
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Caanon Marc Albert and Ashley Marie Hagan
- Scott Allen Moore Jr. and Carlie Renee Latham
- Dustin Taylor Heer and Ashleigh Briann Dodwell
- Charles Neal Mullins and Sarah Elizabeth Helms
- Ashton T. Smith-Peacock to Skyler Lucile Marie Swann
- Christopher L. Hamlin and Lisa Bell King
- Ronnie McGlothlin and Kimberly Lynn Vititow
- Randy Lewis Bench and Sarah Ashley Shelton
- Ricky Dale Henderson and Gena Lakay Peugh
- Eugenio Ayala-Sanchez Jr., and Maria L. Mejia Martinez
- Russell Joseph Lester III and Kelsey Laneil Cope
D6 Inc. Plans To Relocate Company Headquarters To Sulphur Springs
Projected $27 Million Capital Investment Expected To Create 231 New Jobs
D6 Inc. plans to relocate the company headquarters from Portland, Oregon, to Sulphur Springs, to expand their manufacturing presence in the state, Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2021. D6 Inc. is an advanced design-to-shelf packaging manufacturer, using recycled plastics, and when the pandemic began shifted to making face shields and masks. The business opened a Sulphur Springs plant at the end of 2020, with plans to expand within 18-months — which now includes moving the D6 Inc. headquarters to Sulphur Springs as well.
Starting An Operation In Sulphur Springs
D6 Inc. purchased the old Coca-Cola building, which was more recently the location for S&S Commercial operations. In November 2020, Sulphur Springs City Council was asked to establish an industrial reinvestment zone so the business could apply for a tax abatement from the hospital district, as well as n economic development agreement with the city so the Portland, Oregon-based business could make a $6 million investment, including a 5,000 square foot expansion, of the old Coca-Cola business, located at the corner of Industrial Drive and Commercial Services Drive.
Sulphur Springs City Council approved the requests on first reading in November and final reading on Dec. 1, 2020, granting a 10-year 380 economic development agreement to D6 Inc., requiring the business to pay all taxes, then receive a rebate when documents showing the terms of the agreement are met are provided. This first year, the rebate would be the full amount, then would reduce by 10 percent each year. Essentially, the business would pay 45 percent of total taxes over the 10 years of the agreement.
On Nov. 23, 2020, a Chapter 381 agreement between Hopkins County and D6 Inc. was approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Court. That agreement didn’t cover the entire operation, just the planned 25,000-square foot expansion at the facility.
The business in 2020, had initially indicated plans to hire 70 employees, but the pan approved by the Commissioners Court was to start with 30, pay taxes to the county on the original building, and receive a tax break on the new addition. D6 Inc. had begun hiring employees and moving equipment in already but wasn’t fully operational in late November 2020, Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley reported at that time, adding that the business at that time was planning another expansion which would provide additional jobs at the Sulphur Springs plant for up to 90 employees18 months later. D6 Inc. at that time was having a hard time filling positions.
Hopkins County Hospital District on Dec. 17, 2020, approved a tax abatement for D6 Inc.
Looking To The Future
The relocation of D6 Inc.’s headquarters to Texas, announced by Governor Abbott on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, is reported to be the result of months of negotiations and work between the business and local officials.
The project will create 231 new jobs and $27 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $1,432,200 has been extended to D6. In addition, D6 has been offered a $6,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus, Governor Abbott announced Friday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2021.
“The relocation of D6’s headquarters to Sulphur Springs will be a major economic boon to Northeast Texas as it brings more jobs, opportunities, and investment to the community,” Governor Abbott stated in the news brief. “More and more great companies like D6 are moving to Texas every day because of our welcoming business climate and our young, growing, skilled, and diverse workforce, and I look forward to working alongside D6 and all of our business and community leaders to keep Texas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
“I would like to thank Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker of the House Dade Phelan for supporting D6 Inc.’s vision to bring a world-class recycling operation to the great state of Texas,” said D6 Chief Executive Officer Edward Dominion, stated in the news release.
“We greatly appreciate the vision and ongoing support from the City of Sulphur Springs, Hopkins County and the Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County EDC. With the help of all, D6 Inc. will build the first fully closed-loop recycling site for single-use PET clamshells in Sulphur Springs,” Abbott said of the plastic packaging produced by the company.
Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley also extended thanks to the state officials for their support of the D6 project.
“We feel that this company will be a great long-term asset for our community,” Feagley said.
“Sulphur Springs has always been supportive of new industry. D6’s headquarters relocation and expansion will boost our local economy and provide growth we support,” said Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers.
“Hopkins County is very excited about D6 moving their headquarters from Oregon to Sulphur Springs,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom was quoted in the announcement. “We know this will boost our economy by providing new investment. We also appreciate that these jobs will be paying higher than the average weekly wage.”
Official Ceremony Marks Cooper Lake State Park 25th Anniversary
Enjoying outdoor weather during Autumn is special at Cooper Lake Park, and making this October more special than most is the Park’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. Officially opened to the public in 1996, Cooper Lake State Park is one of the newest parks in the vast Texas State Park system. The public is invited to enjoy the park for free during the festivities planned on Friday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 16.
The official 25th Anniversary Ceremony began at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, on the Delta County side of the park at the Doctor’s Creek Unit. Headlining speakers included the Texas State Park Director Rodney Franklin, also Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom, the City of Cooper Texas Mayor Darren Braddy, and Army Corps of Engineer Lake Manager Matt Seavey, among others. The public was invited and refreshments were provided by the Friends of Doctors Creek, Inc. Park Complex Superintendent Steve Killian offers a special thanks to Cooper ISD and North Hopkins ISD for event support. The Cooper High School Jazz Band was on hand to play during the opening ceremony.
Later Friday, Main Street Community Theatre of Sulphur Springs is scheduled to host a theatrical production. This performance will begin at 7 p.m. on the Hopkins County side of the park at the South Sulphur Unit, on the amphitheater stage located near the Honey Creek Day Use Area. The productionm titled “Community Players Variety Show,” will be presented free of charge. Those planning to attend should plan to arrive early in order to secure the best seating.
More 25th anniversary festivities will continue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 16. A variety of family-friendly events and displays will be provided at the South Sulphur Unit. This will include guided hikes, a visit with water safety dog “Bobber,” educational programs about the flora and fauna of the park, plus a quick course on boater safety and a chance to visit with a TPWD game warden, and much more. The NETDOGS Dutch Oven Cooks will demonstrate outdoor cooking and prepare some tasty treats for visitors to sample, while the Buffalo Soldiers of Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. share the outdoor history of this part of Texas.
Saturday night, Oct. 16, the park will host the Reilly Springs Jamboree Band and Enola Gay, with special musical guests, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The location is the Gulls Bluff Boat Ramp Parking Area. The 25th celebration will conclude with classic country music on the banks of Cooper Lake State Park. All are invited to the park for the concert under the stars in lawn chairs or from a boat on the lake. Bring along dancing boots, refreshments and snacks to enjoy. Remember, alcohol is not allowed.
Special thanks is also extended to the Friends of Doctors Creek, Inc., for supporting this musical concert and all the events of the 25th Anniversary Celebration at Cooper Lake State Park.
