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Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs

Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Offering Short-Term Industry Readiness Course

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Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Offering Short-Term Industry Readiness Course

Looking to meet the needs of local businesses, the Continuing Education Department at the Paris Junior College – Sulphur Springs Center is offering an Industry Readiness course to give students an excellent opportunity to improve their skills and become more employable.
As work practices change, new jobs have been created and the Industry Readiness course will provide the student with these skills. Industries are looking for employees with safety training; knowledge of how to safely operate a forklift; technical and applied mathematics skills; basic logistic training; electrical hazard training; blue print reading; basic shop safety and a basic knowledge of hand tools.
Many local industries are offering entry-level salaries of $15-16 per hour and, depending on the company, signing bonuses. Those with skills can expect to advance more quickly.
The course will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11 (the class will not meet Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26-27). A total of 64 hours will cost $825, and scholarships are available to students to largely defray that cost. Interested local businesses have donated some of the needed course materials such as hard hats.
Upon completion of this course, students will earn the OSHA 10 Hour General Industry certification and Forklift Operator Certification. Job placement assistance is available for students successfully completing the course. Please contact PJC Continuing Education at 903-782-0447 or [email protected] for more information or to sign up for the class.

Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs welcomes students
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs welcomes students

Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.

Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.

The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.

Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.

Vision

To be the educational provider of choice for the region.

Mission

Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.

Fall Enrollment at Paris Junior College

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Fall Enrollment at Paris Junior College

CHECKING IN

Student David Mitchell gets some information from Advisor Stephanie Pinckard as he completed registration at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus.

Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs checking in fall enrollment
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs checking in fall enrollment

Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.

Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.

The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.

Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.

Vision

To be the educational provider of choice for the region.

Mission

Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.

Winnsboro Police Department Sept. 20-26, 2021 Media Report

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Winnsboro Police Department Sept. 20-26, 2021 Media Report

The Winnsboro Police Department’s weekly media report for Sept. 20-26, 2021, included the following:

Winnsboro Police

Arrests

  • Nathanal Howard, age 20, of Winnsboro, was arrested on September 24, on Harrison County warrants for burglary of a vehicle and criminal mischief greater than $2,500. 
  • James Kidd, age 39, of Winnsboro, was arrested on September 25, for driving while intoxicated, third or more offense. 

Calls for Service

The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 163 calls for service during this reporting period.

Citations

The Winnsboro Police Department issued 43 citations and 56 warnings during this reporting period.

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital: News Release September 28, 2021

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CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital: News Release September 28, 2021
christus header
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News – September 28, 2021
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.

By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]

COVID Testing

Do You Need a COVID test, but are unable to get in to see your provider for testing or an appointment?

  • CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary Care in Sulphur Springs is now scheduling patients who are unable to schedule an office or urgent care visit for COVID testing.
  • These appointments must be scheduled by calling 903-885-3181, then press option 0.
  • We will open the schedule daily by 8:30 a.m. depending on staffing availability for the COVID drive-through.
  • Current tentative available times from testing are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
  • Patients will be instructed to come to the parking lot of 100 Church Street at their scheduled appointment time and remain in their vehicle.  Someone will be out shortly to check them in and begin the appointment.
  • Patients will be required to sign up for MyChart.
  • Results of COVID testing will be available to patients via MyChart.

Thank you for your patience

With a spike in COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County, please expect “longer than usual” wait times in the Emergency Department. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to provide high quality care in a timely manner. Thank you in advance for allowing us to provide for your healthcare needs, while extending grace to our staff.

COVID Vaccine Clinics

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the main lobby of the hospital until further notice. The available vaccines include Moderna (2-doses, ages 18 and older) and Pfizer (2-doses, ages 12 and older). Appointments not required, but parent/guardian must accompany anyone 17 and younger.

Missing COVID card?

Don’t worry – We manage your medical records if you had your vaccine administered at a CHRISTUS location. You may log in to your “MyChart” account to access the record. If you don’t have a MyChart account, you can call 903.885.3181 to get that setup. You will need a working email address. Or, you may contact Health Information Management. If you need medical records, please use one of the following options:

  • Please call 903.439.4045 to speak to staff members who can send your records to care providers for you or to request your medical records. You will need to complete an authorization form, complete and return, along with a copy of your identification, to our office via fax or email. The fax number is 903.439.4704.
  • We are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hospital Visitation

Please note the following guidelines:

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs
  • Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable.  Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth.  Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital. 
  • Minor-aged visitors must be accompanied by an adult, be free of symptoms and able to comply with masking and hygiene expectations throughout the visit.
  • Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
  • Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday – Friday
    • Gift Shop open
  • Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Types of Visitors:
      • COVID receiving aerosol treatments:  via tele-visitation only;
      • COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person for the duration of hospital stay – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes;
      • ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only; 
      • All other patients may have 1 Essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time)

CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care – Sulphur Springs Hours of Operation

The CHRISTUS Urgent Care hours of operation are as follows:

CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care
  • In-Person Care Hours
    • Monday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Tuesday, closed
    • Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, closed.
  • Virtual Visit Hours
    • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Urgent Care is located at 1339 South Broadway St., and the phone number to call is 903.951.1001.


CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs; the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler; CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital, a partner of Encompass Health; Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility; and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.

CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties.

For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org

  • Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
  • Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
  • Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
  • Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
  • Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
  • Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
  • Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital

With 958 Texas Deaths in 2020, Local MADD Event Rounds Up Support for Mothers Against Drunk (and Drugged) Driving Campaign

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With 958 Texas Deaths in 2020, Local MADD Event Rounds Up Support for Mothers Against Drunk (and Drugged) Driving Campaign
Chapter Board members of MADD were introduced by Director Becky Hicks

Held on the breezy late-summer evening of September 25, 2021 along oak-shaded walking spaces at Shannon Oaks Church in Sulphur Springs,Texas, the local Walk Like MADD event was successful and well-attended. Serving as not only a local walk but as one of  the only MADD events within the Northeast Texas region, a good response came from county law enforcement, Fire and Rescue, EMS and Tx DOT as well as sponsorship from local car dealership, business, industry and individuals.

For walkers, the visual focus was the shoe display in the Tribute Area lining an entire side of the walking track. The dozens of pairs of shoes represented the 958 deaths from drunk or drugged driving-related accidents reported in the state of Texas for 2020.

Members of the Sulphur Springs High School Blue Blazes and Wildcat cheerleaders on freshmen, JV and Varsity teams lent their talents and enthusiasm to the gathering.  

Music ruled all evening, with a DJ keeping the rhythm and leading dance lines that all ages enjoyed. Other attractions during the family-style event were hand painting and rock painting, The painted rocks went into a  ‘tribute rock garden’  and paper sandwich bags with children’s painted hand prints were taken home as token reminders of how far-reaching the effects of impaired driving are for families and the community.

Also present were two Superheroes with “Heroes Cops n Kids” from the Dallas Police Department. The “Tipsy Taxi” service was represented by a costumed donkey which the kids loved seeing. Also,a couple of DPS displays…a roll-over simulator and a drunk-driving test simulator….drove home the overall mission of the event most effectively. Brief videos of groups of people shouting “Don’t Drink and Drive!” were filmed and shared all through the evening.

Madd Event Director Becky Hicks and committee members

Becky Hicks, who lost her son in a drunk-driving accident almost ten years ago,continues to head up the Sulphur Springs and Northeast Texas chapter events for Mothers Against Drunk (and Drugged) Driving. Besides this annual event, she spends untold hours in support and help to families who are experiencing the same trauma and grief that she and her family have weathered. Becky and MADD board members expressed appreciation for the strong turnout from Hopkins County for the annual Walk Like MADD event.

Lady Cats Volleyball, Wildcats Team Tennis in Hallsville For Game Day Tuesday

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Lady Cats Volleyball, Wildcats Team Tennis in Hallsville For Game Day Tuesday

Both Wildcats team tennis and Lady Cats volleyball will be in Hallsville today taking on the Bobcats for the Sept. 28 edition of game day Tuesday.

The Lady Cats are back on the road today after their first bye (of two) in the fall 2021 district season.

Like the volleyball team, Wildcats team tennis enjoyed their bye last Tuesday.

Coach Tony Martinez’s squad has been fighting their way through their district season, with only two district matches left in their fall season before playoffs.

Team tennis got a huge match-win versus Pine Tree on Sept. 14, which Coach Martinez called a de-facto playoff game.

The Wildcats had to beat the Pirates at the Tennis Center in SSISD’s Athletic Complex in mid-September if they wished to stamp their ticket to the post-season.

They did exactly that, beating Pine Tree and clinching the #4 seed.

Now, Coach Martinez and his squad have shifted their focus to another powerhouse program, the Hallsville Bobcats, and hope to pull out their second straight win against a district foe.

If Sulphur Springs can beat the Bobcats in Hallsville this afternoon, they will move up to the #3 seed in District 15-5A.

It should be a good one between two great programs fighting for playoff positioning, with matches set to begin at 4 P.M.

As mentioned earlier the Lady Cats volleyball team enjoyed a much-needed bye Friday after competing against four district foes. 

Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad has won five of their last six contests, including last Tuesday’s road win at Pine Tree, with the only match her volleyball team losing during that stretch was at home in a five-set classic versus Texas High on Sept. 14.

After taking some time away from the court, the Lady Cats volleyball team will be back on the road when they travel to Hallsville to take on the always-tough district foe Hallsville tomorrow.

Sulphur Springs comes in to Tuesday’s match as the two seed in District 15-5A through four games, followed by Hallsville as the current third seed in the district.

That game is set to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 5 P.M. beginning with JV/Freshman squads, followed by the varsity Lady Cats game 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.

Click here for more Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports

Celebrating National 4-H Week With Project Show, Paper Clover Campaign, Food Drive, Other Activities

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Celebrating National 4-H Week With Project Show, Paper Clover Campaign, Food Drive, Other Activities
Hopkins County 4-H students, recognized for accomplishments by (back row) Hopkins County Commissioners Court, along with and Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agents

By Johanna HicksTexas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County

4-H members all across the country will be celebrating National 4-H Week, and our Hopkins County 4-H members are no exception! County Judge Robert Newsom recognized the Hopkins County 4-H program by reading the proclamation during Commissioners’ Court and we are ready to kick things off!

The first event will be the 4-H Project Show, where 4-H members can enter Art, Baked Goods, Crafts, Clothing, Decorated Clothing/Accessories, Food Preservation, General Sewing, Holiday, Horticulture, Jewelry, Leather work, Metal work, Needlework, Photography, Poetry, Scrapbooks, and Woodworking.  Items will be accepted at the Extension Office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, October 4 -7. Judging will take place on Friday, October 8, and items will be on display to the public during the week of October 11-15.

4-H’ers who would like to enter the same projects in the Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest are welcome to leave their items at the Extension Office. We will transport them to the Sulphur Springs High School the following week. The only items that should not be left behind are baked goods. A fresh batch will need to be entered. (Two-week-old homemade cookies or bread won’t score very high!)

Also taking place during National 4-H Week and beyond is the 2021 TSC Fall Paper Clover Campaign. Shoppers at our local Tractor Supply Store are encouraged to donate during checkout. Proceeds will go directly to the Hopkins County 4-H program. In the past, funds have been used to help defray expenses for 4-H camp, Youth Leadership Lab, and other events.  The campaign will run from Wednesday, October 6 through Sunday, October 17.

4-H Food Drive

During the entire month of October, our 4-H clubs are sponsoring a food drive. Non-perishable items may be dropped off at the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs. If any other business would like to be a drop-off site, simply let us know and we will spread the word.

4-H logo

 These food items will be delivered to the local food bank and church food pantries.  The past year-and-a-half has been difficult for many families and 4-H families want to help.  After all, one of the H’s in 4-H stands for “hands for larger service.”

Another project they will be taking on is “Birthday Party to-go.”  The following kit items will be accepted: cake mix (vanilla or chocolate), one can soft drink (light-colored soft drink for vanilla cake mix or dark soft drink for chocolate cake mix), can of frosting, birthday candles, disposable foil pan, and a birthday card.  These will be given to those who can’t afford a birthday cake but still want to do something special for their child or loved one.  Thanks to our County 4-H Council for suggesting this fantastic project!

Cooking Well with Diabetes

 Only four spaces remain for the “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series. The series will take place on Mondays and Thursdays, October 4, 7, 11, and 14 at the Hopkins County Extension Office, at 6 p.m.  Topics will include Carbohydrate Foods, Making Recipes with Fat Better for You, Double-pleasure Side Dishes, and Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes. Recipe sampling and demonstrations will be included in the series. The fee is $20, and will be payable at the first session. Please contact our office at 903-885-3443 to leave your name and phone number.   

On a different note, don’t forget to contact our office if you would like to attend the 2021 Christmas Joys holiday program, scheduled for Monday, November 8. Two sessions will be offered to accommodate everyone’s schedules: 1:30, repeated at 5:30. Please indicate which session you plan to attend. We must have a name and phone number for each person attending.

Closing Thought

Be a river of blessing – not a lake of accumulation.

– Vicki Hitzges

Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]

Chamber Connection – Final Call For Stew Cooks To Get Registration Forms In For Stew Contest

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Chamber Connection – Final Call For Stew Cooks To Get Registration Forms In For Stew Contest

By Butch Burney

Get Your Stew On

This is the last chance for stew cooks to get their registration forms in for the 52nd Annual World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest, sponsored by Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services and Galyean Insurance. The contest will be Saturday, Oct. 23, at Buford Park.

We have almost 140 pots of stew already registered, but we have room for more, if you get your registration in soon.

Come by the chamber office or send us an email and we will get the registration form to you. We are expecting a big turnout for this year’s event, so be sure and get your spot. Our cooks’ meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m.

We will have the north and south sides of the park open for cooking, along with a vendor market. We are expecting a fully open stew.

Speaking of stew, tickets are now available online, at the Chamber office and at local. The cost remains the same as in the past, $6 for all-you-can-eat stew and $10 for take-home quarts.

In addition, we have Stew+75482 tumblers at the office for $20, stew mugs for $15 and T-shirts will be available soon.

Business After Hours

Join us Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber office for a Business After Hours mixer hosted by Neighbors of Sulphur Springs magazine. There will be refreshments to enjoy and business men and women to socialize with.

Heart of Hope Fundraiser

Northeast Texas Heart of Hope has a Fall Fundraiser set for 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. It will feature speaker and recording artist Caitlin Jane. Register for free at SSHOH.com.

Ribeye Roundup

The Ribeye Roundup, kids zone and evening concert are coming to Celebration Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 2. You can purchase tickets at Texas Heritage National Bank.

You can also buy t-shirts to promote the event for $12 at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. Come by and pick up your shirt today.

Main Street Uncorked

Main Street Uncorked Wine and Music Festival is set for 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, in downtown. There will be Texas wineries, local vendors and great music. Music will be by Matthew Fiock, Lincoln Goodman and Twisted Whisky.

Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com.

Help A Child Benefit

The annual Help-A-Child Benefit keeps getting bigger and better. The 14th annual event is set for Saturday, Oct. 16, and will feature a chili cook-off, auction, livestock show, brisket cookoff, Dutch oven cobbler and corn hole competition.

All money raised will go toward Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, foster families and Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center.

The livestock show starts at 9 a.m., followed by the ag mechanics show at 11 a.m. and chili, brisket and Dutch oven cobbler is served at 11:30 (for $10). The auction begins at 12:30 p.m. and corn hole competition at 1:30 p.m.

Call Wade Bartley at 903-348-1878 for more information.

Arts and Crafts Show

The 2021 Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show will take place in the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria and north entry way on Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23.

This event is open to anyone with hand-made, hand-crafted items to sell. Unique items, including handmade soaps and lotions, greeting cards, Christmas and seasonal decorations, jewelry, wood carvings, and much more will be available for purchase.

Contact Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443 for more information.

Ribbon Cutting

Chillax, located at 1707 South Broadway Suite 9, will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, Oct. 1. Please help us welcome them to the community.

CO323 Designs will host a ribbon cutting at noon Friday, Oct. 8, at their location, 309 Industrial Drive East. Please join us for that celebration.

Commissions Court Agrees To Supply 2 Semi Loads Of Crossties For NETEX rail line

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Commissions Court Agrees To Supply 2 Semi Loads Of Crossties For NETEX rail line

Hopkins County Commissioners Court on Monday approved and discussed a number of items during their regular session, including the 2 semi loads of crossties for the NETEX Rail Line, agreement with a school district, a continuing education option for commissioners, and planned maintenance agreement. A bond for the new deputy treasurer and salaries for the auditor and a district court reporter also were considered by the court.

Semi Loads Of Crossties

semi loads of crossties

The Commissioners Court has in a previous work session discuss the purchase of crossties for Northeast Texas Rural Transportation District, known by NETEX (pronounced Knee-Tex) and operated by Northeast Texas Connector, a division of Freedom Rail Group.

“NETEX Rail has been doing very well for itself over the last year-year and a half. They are needing some improvements to their rail and I move that we approve 2 semi loads of crossties for NETEX to help support their repairs,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said.

The cost of 2 semi loads of crossties, according to Barker, is estimated to cost $25,000.

“I believe we have done this in the past,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade noted.

The motion was approved unanimously to purchase 2 semi loads of crossties to assist in repairs to the NETEX line.

Deputy Treasurer Bond

In June, Hopkins County Treasurer Danny Davis asked the Commissioners Court to approve staff restructuring, creating a deputy treasurer’s position in his office at no cost to the county.

Vanessa Kaslon would simply move from a position in the county’s human resources department to “to line up statutorily” with Davis’ duties, similar to the move made when Davis was elected as County Treasurer. He absorbed the duties of the Veterans Service Office, which he had been performing to that point, into the County Treasurer’s Office. That has been part of the streamlining of the duties of treasurers’ office across the state. In taking on the position, the person is named deputy treasurer, Davis explained on June 25 2021.

Vanessa Kaslon is currently serving in the position to be absorbed into the treasurer’s office, which requires a bond. The Commissioners Court approved the request in June. Kaslon is currently employed in the position part time, but will begin her duties fulltime in the new budget year. On Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, the Commissioners Court accepted the $5,000 bond for her position as deputy treasurer.

Continuing Education Change

Continuing education of County Commissioners via online instruction received unanimous approval of the Commissioners Court.

“The Legislature just passed this to allow, not first year commissioners, but any Commissioners with more than one year can do his instruction online rather than having to do it by going to a class. It just saves a lot of money for the county – a lot of travel money, anybody would stay in a hotel room. We have to authorize it as a Commissioners Court, but it has been authorized by the Legislature in the last session, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom explained.

Bartley made a motion to approve the change, with Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price seconding it, and the rest of the court unanimously approving it.

Hopkins County Commissioners Court

Jury Duty Donation

The Commissioners Court was asked Monday to consider amending policy in alignment with Senate Bill 456, which would allow jurors too donate their daily reimbursement for jury duty to an established veterans service office. Because Davis was unable to attend the Sept. 27, 2021 meeting to speak on the matter,

Newsom asked that the matter be tabled until a future meeting when the County Treasurer can be present to explain the matter before the court.

Auditor, District Court Reporter

Also approved was the setting of salaries for the County Auditor and three assistants, and for the 8th Judicial District Court Reporter.

“A lot of people don’t understand this. The Auditor works under the District Judges, not under the Commissioners Court. That’s another check and balance of our system,” Newsom noted.

Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook

“Hers is the same. We have to go before the District Judge to be appointed. This is the salary order so that she can be paid. It has to be filed,” County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook noted.

“Judge, I’d like to recognize Shannah and her department. The last few months have been very trying to get our budget all together. As of today, you’ve got it all to us and I appreciate it,” Barker said Aulsbrook.

“Thank you,” Aulsbrook said.

Barker made the motion, which Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin seconded, to set the salary for the County Auditor and her staff. According to the proposed budget posted on the Hopkins County website for the year beginning Oct. 1, 2021 and ending Sept. 30, 2022, the county auditor’s salary as an elected official is set at $66,107.

Bartley made the motion, which Price seconded, setting the salary for the official district court reporter. The rest of the Commissioners Court also approved the motion.

Interlocal Agreement

County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving an interlocal agreement with North Hopkins ISD, in accordance with Chapter 791, Chapter 418 of Texas Government Code.

North Hopkins ISD

“This is one of seven school districts that we are doing this agreement with,” said Endsley, who also serves as emergency management coordinator for Hopkins County.

“What this basically does, during this pandemic, it allows us to no only utilize some of their equipment, vehicles and things like that – whatever we might need. It allows them to do vice versa, to use our facilities if we did a large vaccination at that rural location, rural schools or Sulphur Springs, buses things like that, if we ever needed it. This will be on file indefinitely. In the agreement, we utilize not only personnel but also equipment and facilities,” Endsley explained.

Price made the motion, which Barker seconded, to approve the agreement. The motion for the interlocal agreement to share resources with North Hopkins ISD as needed received unanimous approval of the court Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.

Maintenance Agreement

Hopkins County Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley

The Commissioners Court also approved a motion by Anglin, seconded by Barker, approving an ongoing plant maintenance agreement with Clifford Power Systems Inc., for Purley communication tower. The tower is owned by the sheriff’s office and fire department. However, Hopkins County, Franklin County and Hopkins County EMS all share cost of the generator for the tower, according to Endsley.

Clifford Power services all of the generators the county owns. The equipment sends a telecommunication notification out to certain individuals within the three departments if power is lost and the generator kicks on, then when it switches back to regular electrical power, the county fire marshal noted.

“It’s very helpful on that side of it. Clifford Power has done a great job for us, so far, and we continue to look forward to that relationship,” Endsley noted.

Texas Ranger Ticket Giveaway – Last of 2021 Season

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Texas Ranger Ticket Giveaway – Last of 2021 Season

KSST has Texas Ranger Baseball tickets available this weekend’s Saturday and Sunday games against the Cleveland Indians. Winners will get to chose from available tickets, first come first served.

Screen Shot of the App for a Texas Ranger Home Game

This years tickets will be offered in a digital format. To be a winner, you will need to download and install the Offical MLB Ball Park App for your smart device. Think of the app as a digital wallet for your tickets.

How to Win

Like KSST and like this post on Facebook to enter. Winners will be chosen at random. Winners will be notified via Facebook. Remember, you will need to provide a valid email address, and that email must be linked to your MLB Ballpark app.

The Process

Once you win, KSST will forward the digital ticket information to your email. Your MLB Ballpark app will accept the ticket information and store them until you need them. You will need to take your device to the ballpark to display the QR code at the gate. Get all the details at MLB.COM

Just to be clear, KSST and KRVA did not receive paper tickets, so we can not furnish paper tickets to our winners.

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