24 Teams Battled It Out at the 8th Annual George Dorner 42 Tournament at The Bluff
Sulphur Bluff residents love to play 42 and they are good at it! The George Dorner Memorial 42 Tournament was formed 8 years ago to honor Dorner and to keep the tradition alive. It also serves a very good cause. Each year, proceeds go toward the purchase of bibles for each student in the senior class of Sulphur Bluff High School. Each teams pay an entry fee for two seats in the tourney where competition is stiff and neighborly fun rules the day in the Fellowship Hall of Sulphur Bluff United Methodist Church.
Elderly Couple Dies As Result Of State Highway 154 Crash
Fatality Reported In Early Sunday Morning ATV Crash
Three people died Sunday as a result of crashes reported Sunday – an elderly couple died as a result of a State Highway 154 crash at lunch time Nov. 7 and a fatality was reported to have resulted from an early morning ATV crash.
According to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, 45-year-old Inocente Diaz was a riding passenger on an all terrain vehicle that rolled over on private property on FM 900 north early Sunday morning.
After being extracted from the vehicle, the Irving man was transported an emergency room, where he was pronounced dead at 2:04 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. An autopsy has been ordered for Diaz as is standard procedure in deaths of that nature, according to Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings.
Investigation into the crash is still ongoing, HCSO Chief Deputy Tanner Crump reported Monday morning.
A two vehicle crash on State Highway 154 south around lunchtime Nov. 7, 2021, reportedly sent four people to the hospital – an elderly couple and two females.
An elderly couple, both 86, was reportedly exiting a restaurant parking lot on SH 154 south of Sulphur Springs. The two females were reportedly traveling south on SH 154 south. The vehicle the females reportedly t-boned the car the couple was in, that is the front of their car collided with the middle of one side of the elderly couple’s car.
“Preliminary investigation indicates a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling southbound on SH 154. A 2017 Nissan Murano was exiting a business driveway and the driver failed to yield the right-of-way to the Chevrolet,” Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Sgt. Gregg Williams, media communications for Texarakana/Mount Pleasant area, stated in a release Monday.
The wreckage reportedly blocked both sides of SH 154 south, shutting down the roadway as emergency responders worked at the crash site, officials reported Monday morning.
The two occupants of each vehicle involved in the State Highway 154 crash were reportedly transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital emergency room. Janice Craig died at 12:56 p.m. and Charles Craig died at 1:45 p.m. Nov. 7, according to Judge Cummings.
The driver of the Chevrolet, a 28-year-old of Tyler woman, and the passenger, 1 23-year-old Elgin woman, were seen at a local hospital for what were reported to be non-life-threatening injuries, according to Sgt. Williams.
“The crash remains under investigation and no additional information is currently available,” the DPS media communications officer noted just before 12:30 p.m. Nov. 8, 2021.
Redistricting Required For Hopkins County Due To Population Growth Reflected In 2020 Census
Changes Proposed By ATCOG Would Mostly Impact Precincts 1 and 2 in Sulphur Springs
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning will be asked to consider approving a number of items, including a redistricting proposal which would impact Precincts 1 and 2 in Sulphur Springs, and amended and restated 381 agreements with Hopkins Energy LLC and a road maintenance agreement with Stampede Solar Project LLC. The 9 a.m. meeting agenda also calls for election canvassing.
County Redistricting
Ark-Tex Council of Governments Executive Director Chris Brown during a work session last week discussed with Hopkins County Commissioners Court the need for redistricting of Commissioners, Justice of the Peace and Constable Precincts and polling boundaries for elections due to the population growth data reported the 2020 Census. Hopkins County had 35,161 residents in 2010 and 36,787 in 2020. The increase overall has remained 2-4 percent for the past few years. Across the state the population increased 16 percent over the last 10 years, the county and ATCOG officials reported. While growth in the county has remained rural, the majority of state growth has been in the Austin, Houston and San Antonio area.
Precinct 1 has had the largest population increase, with a total of 9,899 residents, 24 percent of whom are minorities, according to the data Brown presented at the Nov. 1 Commissioners Court meeting. Precinct 2 has the smallest population with only 8,664 residents, 38 percent of whom are minority population. Precinct 3 has the next smallest population of 9,047, with a 29 percent minority population. Precinct 4 has a population of 9,177 people, 27 percent of whom are considered minorities, according to Census information presented by Brown.
Based on a study of that data, redistricting is required to better balance the precincts. ATCOG is recommending the redistricting occur in Sulphur Springs, which would mostly impact Precincts 1 and 2. Brown said small changes in Precinct 1 and Precinct 2 boundaries inside Sulphur Springs should mean no change to physical addresses in the county, particularly renumbering of county roads, which start with the precinct number in which the road is located. It would mean some people within the city limits of Sulphur Springs would be casting ballots for Precinct 2 offices in the future instead of those in Precinct 1. But the redistricting or restructuring of precincts as proposed would. The current plan, also straightens up the boundary lines, making them straighter, according to Brown.
Taking into account the total population per precinct, percent of change and demographics for each precinct, redrawing the boundary lines within the city would reduce the overall population in Precinct 1 from 9,899 to 9,203. The minority population in Precinct 1 would increase slightly from 24 to 25 percent due to the overall population decrease in Precinct 1, if the Commissioners Court approves the redistricting recommendation proposed by ATCOG.
The proposed districting change would increase Precinct 2’s overall population from 8,664 to 9,360. The minority population would drop from 38 to 36 percent, however.
Precinct 2 Now following South Davis Street to Kyle, then making a block and continuing south on Fisher Street and ending just before Industrial Drive. However, as proposed, Precinct 2 would continue on Davis To Kyle, then follow Kyle to State Highway 154, following that to Mockingbird Lane, then curve to continue south on 154 until just before Industrial Drive. That would now include the streets of Hodge, Spence, Linda and Village Drives, Lee Street and Parkins Street to the service road. It would not include the triangle of property from South Broadway Street to Mockingbird Lane, north of Industrial Drive.
Precinct 1 would no longer continue about a block or more south east of Shannon Road on CR 2307. Precinct 1 would only include that small strip along Industrial south to Shannon, and east to Bill Bradford Road. Otherwise, Precinct 1 would pickup south of East Shannon Road with Mockingbird Lane as the eastern boundary on the east. Precinct 1 would still include Duckworth Street, Hollie Circle, and Cedar Springs south to the county line.
Brown is expected to again present to the Commissioners Court the proposed redistricting plan for Hopkins County during the 9 a.m. Commissioners Court session Nov. 8, 2021. A public hearing will be conducted to allow community members to ask questions or voice any comments they may have regarding redistricting. Then, the court would consider approving the proposed redistricting plan for the Commissioners’ Precincts as well as Justice of the peace and Constables, and polling election boundaries based on the 2020 US Census demographic data for Hopkins County.
Tax Assessor/Collector/ Voter Registrar Debbie Mitchell noted approving a redistricting map in early November should provide enough time to make changes over the next month so that they can be reflected on voter information for the approximately 1,400 of the 21,000 registered voters who would be impacted by any districting changes.
Other Court Business
Hopkins County Commissioners Court too during the regular Monday morning meeting is slated to canvass the votes from the Nov. 2 2021 Constitutional Amendment Election.
Two items on the Nov. 8 agenda have to do with planned solar projects in the Hopkins County. The commissioners are slated to consider approving an amended and restated 381 agreement with Hopkins Energy, LLC (the planned solar facility in Dike) and a road maintenance agreement with Stampede Solar Project, LLC.
The Commissioners Court has been asked to consider adding Sulphur Springs ISD Education Foundation as a charity to which jurors may donate their daily reimbursement for jury service.
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer is to be recognized for completing 14 hours of training provided by Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute.
The court too will have an opportunity, if any are presented, to consider items such as resolutions and proclamations; disposal of assets; any personnel matters; bills, revenues, expenses and payroll; budget amendments and line item transfers; grants; and accept donations. No specifics were stated on the Nov. 8 meeting agenda regarding these items.
Work Session
After the 9 a.m. regular Commissioners Court meeting adjourns, the Commissioners Court is slated around 9:30 a.m. Nov. 8 to meet on the third floor of the courthouse for a work session.
The court officials, according to the posted agenda, are slated to discuss with Sheriff Lewis Tatum and Fire Marshal Andy Endsley operations, review of any revenue or expenditures, proposed improvements and repairs for their departments.
The work session agenda includes two others items, discussion on waste management trucks and a budget work session.
Meal A Day Menu For Nov. 8-12, 2021
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for Nov. 8-12, 2021, includes:
- Monday – Beef Enchiladas, Black Beans and Corn with Chips and Salsa.
- Tuesday – Sweet and Sour Chicken, On a Bed of Rice, Oriental Vegetables and an Egg Roll.
- Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Roll.
- Thursday –Chicken Spaghetti, English Peas, and Garlic Bread.
- Friday – BBQ Smoked Sausage, Macaroni and Cheese, BBQ Beans and Roll.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of November 8, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Nov. 8, 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.
SH 289, Grayson County: in Gunter from Sharp Road to Kerfoot Drive. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then pave a new riding surface.
FM 131, Grayson County: in Sherman from US 75 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then pave a new riding surface.
US 75 frontage roads, Grayson County: in Denison from Crawford St. to FM 120. Watch for daytime and nighttime lane closures as crews repair sections of the concrete pavement.
SH 91 (Texoma Parkway), Grayson county: in Sherman from US 75 to North Loy Lake Road. Watch for daytime and nighttime lane closures as crews repair sections of the concrete pavement.
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. The signal has been placed in flash mode to alert traffic to this new signal. The signal will be changed to full signal mode Nov. 10.
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.
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.
US 69, Grayson County: in Whitewright from SH 160 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot base repairs on the roadway.
FM 120 (Morton St.), Grayson County: in Denison from Maurice Avenue to SH 91 (Tone Avenue). 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.
FM 898, Grayson County: in Whitewright from US 69 to the Fannin County line. 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 perform base repairs on 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.
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 68, Fannin County: from SH 78 to SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: from I-30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews rehabilitate the roadway.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for work zones as crews perform tree trimming and 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.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Wolfe City, Texas, location. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations: Hunt County, SH 34 at Crockett Street to SH 34 at FM 816 in Wolfe City. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514 The contractor plans to set barricades and begin preparing the ROW later this week. This project will rehabilitate the existing roadway on FM 275, from its intersection with FM 514 south to S.H 19. This work will include widening the road subgrade, reworking base course material, adding flexible base material, extending drainage structures, replacing culverts, and replacing a bridge. Please be aware of lane closures, detours and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has completed all construction activities and is working on final items and cleanup.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared the right-of-way. Preliminary embankment, excavation, and bridge work has begun with all shafts being completed. This work should not affect existing traffic on SH 34 or SH 276. Roadway construction affecting closures on Spur 264 has begun, this work will affect through-traffic between Meyers Avenue to County Road 2304. Weekend work is to be expected. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is completing 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 has completed construction work in this area and will be working to complete final punch list items. Please watch for workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing seal coat preparation on FM 512 at various locations. 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 SH 276 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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Hopkins County Records – Nov. 5, 2021
Land Deed Transactions
- Devan Henegar and Dillon Wayne Henegar to Mark R. Graham Jr. and Stacey Graham; tract in the Dobson Stephenson survey
- Jason Wells to Clint Williams and Cydney Williams; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Beckie Lewis White to John M. Lewis
- Affluency Homes to Logos Holdings LLC
- Pense Ranch Properties LLC to True Zero LLC; tract in the William Birdwell survey
- Linda Jane Dixon to Ameritex Homes LLC; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Artur Muszynski to Tyler Morrison; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Dan Hamiter and Donna Hamiter to Sam Rifaey; tract in the TT Martin survey
- Terry Don McKinney to Barbara Owens McKinney and Leldon Dean McKinney; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Lott Company LLC and Larry W. Lott Jr. to Larry W. Lott Jr.
- Christopher Joseph Mertes to Amber Kay Mertes
Applications For Marriage Licenses
- James Matthew Barton and Lynnette Smith
- David Lane Woody and Correna Lane Korth
- Daniel G. Galvan Gomez and Jaquelin Salazar Aguayo
- Sean Everett Vance and Samantha Jean Owens
- Jeremy Levi Parrish and Lindsey Nicole Lemon
- John Tomas Bendall and Brittani Renee McClure
- Ryan Michael Roth and Corrine Sarah Koepsell
- Cristian E. Lopez Camargo and Rosa Angela Chavez
- Omar Castillo-Alvarez and Gabriela Abigail Sandoval
Commerce Man Leads Deputy On High Speed Chase On State Highway 11 from Hopkins County To Commerce
A 30-year-old Commerce man lead deputies and police on a high speed chase on State Highway 11 west from Hopkins County to Commerce that resulted in a vehicle crash, and ended with a foot pursuit, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Elijah Fite reported a attempting to stop a Chevrolet Bolt with no license plate that was traveling east on State Highway 11 west near FM 275 north. In response to the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights, the vehicle pulled onto the shoulder of SH 11 west near County Road 4731, but instead of stopping immediately made a U-turn and began traveling west toward Commerce.
The deputy began pursuing the four-passenger vehicle on SH 11 west as it increased to speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour as it continued traveling west into Hunt County toward Commerce. The driver, identified in arrest reports as Rashad Oneal Hall, appeared to lose control of the vehicle, causing it to roll over at the intersection of of Culver and Maple streets in Commerce.
The driver then allegedly exited the vehicle and began to run from authorities. Fite reported pursuing Hall on foot to the 200 block of Maple Street, where Hall surrendered and was taken into custody by Fite and Commerce Police Officer T. Oakley. Hall reportedly refused medical treatment and admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle. They checked and found he was telling the truth.
Hall was taken into custody at 12:52 a.m. Nov. 5, 2021, in Commerce. He was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 3:12 p.m. Nov. 5 on an evading arrest or detention in a motor vehicle charge.
Hall, who is also known as by Shad, remained in Hopkins County jail Friday evening, Nov. 5, 2021, in lieu of a $50,000 bond on the evading arrest charge. He was also served during the day Friday with warrants for insufficient bond on Aug. 14, 2021 evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and driving while license invalid charges. The new bond on those charges were set at $50,000 on the first and $5,000 on the driver’s license 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.
Man Arrested For Breaking Glass Restrooms Receives Additional Charge For Damaging Protective Jail Cell
The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man arrested last week for breaking the glass restrooms on Celebration Plaza received an additional charge early Friday morning for allegedly damaging a protective jail cell, according to arrest reports.
Landon Paul Shearer, held since he admitted Oct. 29 to breaking several of the glass panels in the see-through loos downtown, allegedly was being held in a protective cell early Friday morning, Nov. 5, 2021. While performing routine rounds, a corrections officer reported discovering the protective padding on the floor in the cell he was held in had been damaged. The damage was estimated to cost about $10,000 to repair.
Shearer was removed from the damaged cell and placed into the neighboring protective cell and is being charged with criminal mischief resulting in $2,500 worth or more but less than $30,000 worth damage to the padded cell floor, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Drew Fisher noted in arrest reports.
The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2021, in lieu of the $100,000 bond set on the first criminal mischief charge and $15,000 bond on the new criminal mischief charge for damaging a protective jail cell.
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.
Como Man Arrested For Having Methamphetamine At Courthouse
A 40-year-old Como arrived at Hopkins County Courthouse Thursday morning, reportedly to assist a defendant who was scheduled to appear for a hearing in Hopkins County Court At Law, but the Como man was arrested instead.
When Mark Anthony Coppedge arrived at the courthouse shortly after 9 a.m. Nov. 4, 2021, he entered through the lower entry point, the basement – often the designated point of entry during court sessions. As the sign there clearly states, all people entering the courthouse are subject to search.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Lavender, who had been assigned to work security at the courthouse, contacted and search Coppedge. Lavender reported finding a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine which had suspected meth residue on it as well as a suspected methamphetamine in a clear plastic wrapping during the search.
Lavender requested Deputy Aaron Chaney to respond at the location. Chaney took possession of both the contraband. The Como man was arrested and transported him to the county jail. At the sheriff’s office, the substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 1.69 grams including packaging. According to Google Maps, the courthouse is located within 1,000 feet of a church, Chaney noted in arrest reports.
Thus, Coppedge was booked into Hopkins County jail just after 11 a.m. Nov. 4, 2021, for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone, according to arrest reports.
Coppedge was released from the county jail Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Ordinance Would Prohibit Parking On South Side of East Shannon Road, But Still Allowed On North Side
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson this week asked Sulphur Springs City Council to consider approving an ordinance that would make exiting East Shannon Road restaurant driveways between South Broadway Street and Mockingbird Lane safer. The ordinance is one of four ordinances the City Council considered at the regular November meeting.
East Shannon Road Parking
Ricketson explained, when recommending Ordinance No. 2794 establishing a no parking zone on the south service road from South Broadway to Mockingbird Lane, that vehicles parking between entrances and exits on East Shannon Road between Chili’s and McDonald’s, making it very difficult for motorists exiting those drives to see around them much less to the traffic on Shannon Road. That is a safety issue which as resulted in numerous near misses and calls to city officials regarding the matter.
This applies only to the south side of East Shannon. Vehicles, including 18-wheelers may still park on the north side of East Shannon Road between Broadway Street and Mockingbird Lane.
The ordinance would also no apply to the line of motorists that can be seen some nights along that stretch of roadway in line to enter restaurants open late at night. The no parking ordinance would be for those who park and exit their vehicle, not people in a long drive-thru line.
The City Council approved on first reading the proposed no parking ordinance for the south side of East Shannon Road from Broadway Street to Mockingbird Lane. It will be presented again, per city policy, at the December City Council meeting for final approval. If anyone wishes to address the City Council regarding the proposed ordinance, they may do so during the designated public forum at the Dec. 7 meeting. It would then be in effect.
Ricketson noted that the measure will be forwarded to Texas Department of Transportation, who would be required to erect no parking signs in the area. The City of Sulphur Springs would be required to pay for the signs.
A violation of the no parking ordinance would be a Class C misdemeanor offense, punishable upon conviction with a fine of up to $500.
J-B Weld Reinvestment Zone
Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday night, Nov. 2, 2021, also approved Ordinance 2891, which establishes a reinvestment zone for J-B Weld’s Sulphur Springs plant expansion, located at 400 CMH Road, just off West Industrial Drive in the Pioneer Business Park. J-B Weld is expanding its building and adding employees.
J-B Weld, which had a 2020 ad valorem taxable value of just over $4.7 million, has committed to investing $4 million to expand its epoxy glue manufacturing business with construction of a 40,000 square-foot facility on the 12.24-acre tract of land, with the project to be completed by June 30, 2022, according to the economic development program agreement Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved on Sept. 13.
This will allow J-B Weld to add 20 new fulltime positions, giving the business a total of 102 fulltime employees, which the company agreed to maintain the duration of the Chapter 381 agreement. J-B Weld agreed to a 5-year program instead of the usual 10 year program agreement with the county.
The reinvestment zone is needed in order for J-B Weld to be able to attain a tax incentive from Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors, which can grant the incentive but doesn’t have the ability to create a reinvestment zone, which must be established in order for the board to consider granting the tax incentive. The City Council does have the ability to establish a reinvestment zone and agreed on first reading in October and on second and final reading at the November meeting.
Bond Refunding
Sulphur Springs Finance Director/Assistant City Manager Lesa Smith and a SAMCO Capital Markets financial advisor for the city reported the city received bonds rates for refunding Tuesday. They came back in the city’s favor, Smith noted. The SAMCO representative noted that the city bonds were coming up on a call date. The City Council was able to consider refinancing some existing debt at a lower rate, to see if doing so could save the City of Sulphur Springs some repayment costs.
They sought and received three bids. The best offered a true interest cost, which the average interest rate on financing, of 1.427391 percent. The two other bids came in at 1.52 percent, 1.54 percent. He noted that while interest rates have been trending up for the last 6 weeks, they are still at historic low levels.
“Since we really started looking at this refunding as of late, the Federal Reserve Market Committee came out and said they are planning to taper the bond purchasing program and start raising the FED fund rate. The market reacted as you might expect, with interest rates starting to go up,” the SAMCO advisor said, noting that rates are as stated projected to continue going up.
He said while at an earlier meeting, advisors were considering what was a conservative rate of 1.42 percent, the rate has gone up to right at 1.43 percent since then. However, the current recommendation would lock in better savings. Initially considered was a 2021 bond, but at the current rate, it wouldn’t benefit the city to refinance it alone. He said financial advisors not only considered each bond series bout the maturity of each piece. So the 2022 maturity was eliminated from the 2011 certificates of obligation that to be refunded and struck the 2012 bond entirely, so the core amount went down $2,120,000. The city will save $228,000 over the life of the bond, to the tune of about $20,000 a year through 2032, as a result of the refunding approved as recommended. Typically, to be worth refunding, the core amount of saving needs to be 3-5 percent, according to the SAMCO advisor. The amount recommended to and approved by the City Council is about 8 percent. The City Council approve the general obligation refunding bonds, series 2021, as well as all associated documents and actions required related to the refunding of the bonds.
Code Ordinance
City Attorney Jim McLeroy asked the city to consider approving Ordinance No. 2793 regarding the City of Sulphur Springs Code of Ordinances. He reminded them that the city had been working on updating this a few years ago. The changes proposed would sort hte Codes into 12 chapters and update statutory references to Codes and names, such as state or federal agencies that are now known by other names.
When asked, he assured Precinct 1 Councilman Jay Julian that the changes are non-substantive changes and, aside from the ordinances approved Nov. 2, would be exactly the same when submitted for second and final approval in December. The newly approved ordinances would simply be added to it, and it would be re-codified and go into effect Jan. 1, 2022, if approved on second reading at the December 2021 City Council meeting.
The code would be organized as follows, according to Ordinance No. 2793, which received approval on first reading from the City Council:
Ideally, the full book of City Ordinances could at some point in the future be made accessible online. City officials will need to go through the ordinances next year or at some point in the future to update the code as appropriate.
