TASB: Legislature Adjourns After Passing Bill Funding 13th Check For Retired Educators On TRS
SB 7, Other Public Education-Related Bill Headed To Governor’s Desk
The Texas Legislature adjourned sine die Thursday night after passing a bill that restored funding to the legislative branch and included funding for the 13th check for retired educators in the Teachers Retirement System ($701 million) and funding to buy down property taxes ($100 million).
Here are bills related to public education that are headed to the governor’s desk:
SB 3 (Hughes) requires the commissioner of education to create a civics training program for teachers and administrators; sets forth items that the State Board of Education must include in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills related to civic knowledge; and lists several things that teachers cannot be compelled to do and that schools or teachers cannot make part of social studies instruction. Read more.
SB 7 (Huffman) provides for an additional check for retired educators in the Teacher Retirement System. The payment must be paid before Jan. 2022 in an amount equal to the lessor of the gross amount of the regular annuity payment to which the eligible annuitant is otherwise entitled or $2,400.
SB 9 (Huffman) requires public schools to provide instruction and materials relating to the prevention of child abuse, family violence, sex trafficking, and dating violence at least once in middle school and at least once in high school. Districts would also have to amend their dating violence policies to include a clear statement that dating violence is not tolerated at school, reporting procedures and guidelines for students who are victims of dating violence, and information regarding the instruction on the prevention of dating violence. Districts would need to develop procedures for immediately notifying parents of students who are alleged victims or perpetrators of dating violence.
SB 15 (Taylor) allows schools to create their own virtual instruction programs for students who live within their district/charter attendance zones as long as the district or charter has earned at least a C in the state accountability rating system during the previous year or the last time a rating was assigned. Students who spent more than 50 percent of their time last year in virtual courses must have passed their STAAR exams, earned a C or higher in core courses, and did not have unexcused absences that amount to more than 10 percent of that year. Read more.
SH 19 Traffic Stop Yields Methamphetamine, Marijuana And Xanax, 1 Felony Arrest
Woman Caught With Felony Amount Of Marijuana, 3 Others Charged On Marijuana, Controlled Substance, Related Warrants
A Talco man ended up in jail Sept. 2 after methamphetamine, marijuana and Xanax were found in his vehicle. Also arrested this week was a woman caught with just enough marijuana to be charged with a felony offense, and individuals wanted on controlled substance, marijuana and tampering with evidence charges.
A 31-year-old Talco man caught Deputy Chris Baumann’s attention early Thursday morning by weaving from one side of the northbound lane on State Highway 19 south to the other. Baumann initiated a traffic stop on the Buick Encore after it was driven across the striped divider line to turn off of Hillcrest Drive without signaling his intent to turn into a travel center.
As he approached the white vehicle, Baumann reported smelling a strong marijuana odor emitting from it. When asked, driver Corey Redford Branch admitted he had smoked marijuana earlier.
Baumann advised the odor was cause for him to search the vehicle and had Branch step out of it. The deputy noted Branch making furtive movements as he did so, and detained the 31-year-old Talco man in handcuffs prior to searching the four-door vehicle. Baumann found a crystal-like substance he believed to be methamphetamine in the driver’s seat. Baumann then advised Branch he was in custody for having the contraband before continuing his search of the car.
Branch was transported to jail, where a corrections officer discovered he had concealed five bags containing suspected contraband inside of his body. Three baggies containing suspected methamphetamine, one baggy with broken pills identified as Xanax and one bag with a green, leafy substance suspected to be marijuana. Th crystal-like substance found on the driver’s seat and in the three bags all field-tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 8.68 including packaging. A hole found in one of the bags was suspected to have been caused by the man’s furtive movements, trying to conceal it, Baumann alleged in arrest reports. The Xanax weighed 9.25 grams and the marijuana less than 1 ounce.
Consequently Branch, who jail reported show is also known by Corey Redfearn Branch, Cory Branch and CBreezy, was booked into Hopkins County jail just before 6 a.m. Sept. 2, 2021, for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, manufacture or delivery of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3/4 controlled substance, possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana and tampering with physical evidence for concealing the substances in his body.
Branch remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, in lieu of $102,000 in bonds – $75,000 bond on the Penalty Group 1 charge, $10,000 on the Penalty Group 3/4 charge, $15,000 on the tampering with evidence charge and $2,000 on the marijuana charge.
Earlier this week Destiny Mariona Conley turned herself in at the sheriff’s office on a warrant for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
Deputy Drew Fisher escorted the 20-year-old Como woman into the jail, where she was booked at 5:45 a.m. Sept. 1, 2021, on the warrant.
Conley was released from from the county jail later Sept. 1, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the charge.
Arrested around 10:30 p.m. Sept. 1, 2021, by Emory police on two Hopkins County warrants was Xavier John Hill.
The 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man was transported to the Rains-Hopkins County line, where Deputy Baumann took custody of him. Bauman transported him to Hopkins County jail, where Hill was booked around 11:15 p.m. Sept. 1, 2021, on Hopkins County warrants for assault causing bodily injury and violation of probation on a possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana in a drug-free zone.
Hill remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2021, in lieu of a $5,000 bond on the July 20, 2019 marijuana charge and $5,000 on the other.
Tranameth Delon Ford remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, on two manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrants and one manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a controlled substance warrant.
The charges stem from a 1-month Sulphur Springs Police Special Crimes Unit investigation into suspected distribution of methamphetamine by Ford. During that time, SCU Sgt. Joe Scott and Lt. Mark Estes utilized a confidential informant to make several purchases of meth from Ford. The total amount of meth seized was 12.3 grams. SCU investigators obtained warrants for the 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest. Officers conducted surveillance of Ford’s residence, and took him into custody upon seeing Ford walking to a Main Street store around 2:45 p.m. Aug. 31, 2021.
Ford’s bonds totaled $135,000 for the three charges – $5,000 each on two charges and $35,000 on the third.
A 61-year-old Texarkana, Texas woman was stopped around 6:40 p.m. Aug. 31, 2021, for failure to drive in a single lane on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 142. Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Warren Williamson reported smelling an overwhelming odor of fresh marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Un Hui Gathye admitted to being in possession of half a pound of marijuana.
The trooper reported he did indeed find about 8 ounces of a green leafy substance that appeared to be marijuana in a silver bag on the front passenger’s side floorboard of the Nissan Altima. Prescription medications issued to Gathye were also found among the contents, identifying the bag as belonging to the Texarkana woman. The car was impounded and the 61-year-old was transported to Hopkins county jail, for possession of more than 4 ounces but less than 5 pounds of marijuana.
Gathye was released on a $5,000 bond on the charge on Sept. 1, 2021.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Tonight’s Wildcat Football Game Starts at 7 PM
KSST will be broadcasting tonights game, and streaming it live. Kickoff is 30 minutes sooner than usual at 7PM. Don’t miss a second of the broadcast! Here is the link to the live broadcast on YouTube.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Friday Gameday Brings Lady Cats Volleyball and Wildcats Football
It will be something of a quiet weekend for Sulphur Springs sports on this Friday gameday.
Most weekends, Friday and Saturday would bring cross country, volleyball games and tournament play, and Wildcats football, but not so this time around.
Wildcats and Lady Cats cross country squads are off this weekend after participating in the Kaufman Run with the Lions last Friday.
While the results were not quite as good as the Commerce Tigers Invitational, it was still a solid outing with several runners finishing with personal-best times.
Coach Ross Hicks and his program will be back in action next Saturday when they travel to Hallsville for their first district invitational of the fall 2021 season.
Moving over to volleyball, over the past month Coach Dorner’s team has participated in three tournaments in three weekends, but that wrapped up with last weekend’s Edgewood tournament.
The volleyball team went 10-7 in tournament play, including 2-2 in Edgewood’s tourney, and are 12-10 heading into Friday’s match-up.
The Lady Cats are not yet through with the Lady Bulldogs though, for Sulphur Springs will be hosting Edgewood tomorrow in the SSHS Main Gym at 4:30 P.M. starting with the varsity teams.
Junior varsity and freshmen will follow at 6 P.M.
Coach Dorner’s squad lost their Tuesday match-up in Paris as the home Lady Cats started out strong and resisted a strong Sulphur Springs comeback to the tune of a tough, five-set win over the visiting Sulphur Springs Lady Cats volleyball team.
The last team in action on Friday and for the weekend is football. Coach Greg Owens and his program suffered a season-opening loss at the hands of Frisco High School last Friday, and are no doubt looking for better results tonight when they travel to Lucas to take on the Lovejoy Leopards.
It will be a tall order, though, against a Lovejoy team that made the state championship last year.
While the Leopards only retain about two dozen players from their 2020 roster, this should not be mistaken for a rebuilding team.
Coach Chris Ross and his squad no doubt have their sights set on a return to the state championship game as several key players from last year’s squad returned and are leading the way for a team that has championship aspirations.
But first, they will have to take care of business against the Wildcats when Sulphur Springs comes to town on Friday, Sept. 3 to take on Lovejoy at Leopards Stadium. That game is set to kick off at 7 P.M.
KSST has been granted access to livestream Friday’s match on our Youtube channel, but whether we can livestream from Leopard Stadium is contingent upon internet access from Lucas’s press box.
Regardless of livestream capabilities, the game will be broadcasted over the radio on KSST 1230 AM.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Inmate Earns Felony Charge For Allegedly Spitting In Jailer’s Face
A Hopkins County jail inmate earned a felony charge after allegedly spitting in a jailer’s face, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office investigators reported.
The incident reportedly occurred when the HCSO jailer was moving Brandon Darel Roach from his cell to a separate cell following a disturbance. The jailer reportedly warned the 39-year-old Sulphur Springs man he would catch a new charge if he acted against the relocation. Roach then allegedly spit in the jailer’s face, with some of his saliva entering the jailer’s mouth in the process, according to HCSO Investigator Dennis Findley.
HCSO officials filed the harassment of a public servant case with the District Attorney’s Office. A warrant was issued. The harassment of a public servant warrant was added Sept. 1, 2021, to the list of charges on which Roach is accused. Bond on the third-degree felony charge for spitting in a jailer’s face was set at $25,000, according to jail reports.
According to Title 5 Chapter 22, Section 11 of Texas Penal Code, a person commits the offense of harassment of a public servant if the individual commits an offense if, with the intent to assault, harass, or alarm, while imprisoned or confined in a correctional or detention facility, causing another person to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of the actor, any other person, or an animal.
Roach has been an inmate at Hopkins County jail since his arrest Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, following a disturbance in which he allegedly threatened to burn down a residence with his nephew inside, if the nephew and his family did not vacate the residence. Roach also allegedly threatened to kill his father before leaving a County Road 4744 residence. He was located on County Road 4738 and arrested at 6 p.m. Jan. 16, on two Class A misdemeanor terroristic threat of a family or household member charges, after admitting to making threats against his nephew and father, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Bobby Osornio and Steve Shing alleged in the January arrest reports. Roach’s bond on the terroristic threat charges was set at $5,000 each.
Investigator Findley at 2:55 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, charged Roach with obstruction or retaliation. While monitoring jail calls, Roach was heard on a Jan. 18 call to his mother tell his mother, telling her he was going to kill his father for calling the police on him, the investigator alleged in arrest reports. Thus, the inmate was charged with retaliation. Roach was indicted in June 2021 on the retaliation charge, according to court records.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Lou Nell’s…Expect Excellent Customer Service Even During Pandemic Times
Carrie and Larry Crowson and their staff at Lou Nell Fashions in Sulphur Springs proved the truth of this statement during last year’s holiday season… that the local shopping experience doesn’t have to be a casualty of COVID! By putting all their resources in to play, Lou Nell’s was able to fill the orders and serve the needs of every customer, even those who did not wish to go outside their homes. “It’s because of the old-school, caring way I learned to conduct business at this shop”, stated Carrie in a KSST Good Morning Show interview with Enola Gay. “We just put every resource to work in a hands-on way to make sure our customers get what they want in a safe, timely and friendly manner. Despite COVID-19 concerns and cautions last year during the Christmas season, our sales were actually up! We just went back to handling each shopper’s needs by phone, email, or text message or by Facetime! And then we’d deliver to them at the curb, at their homes or by postal mail. That gave us the flexibility to gift-wrap when needed, and we even gift-wrapped the gifts that went out to the post office”.
Actually, the store is full right now with Fall and Winter fashions coming in left and right, and with the shoes and boots to co-ordinate. Jewelry has a special standing at Lou Nell’s, and their exclusive Brighton line has a tradition for combining quality with lasting, classic beauty and affordable price. “Right now, shoppers looking for something to wear to work, to church, to the game or other occasion can still shop our store’, Carrie continued. “We welcome ladies to try their selections on and see how they fit, and that’s a feature that’s gone by the wayside in many places! In a hurry, want to limit your time in-store or don’t wish to browse? We can Face-time together and I will gather the selections you make, then have them in a dressing room when you arrive. Another way our regular customers often shop is to pick out their styles…in-person or online… and take them home ‘on approval’ where they can try on at their leisure. Whatever they decide to keep, we can handle the purchase quickly and easily by phone. Then, they can just bring the others back and we will meet them at the curb. There’s just about nothing we won’t do for customers who want to shop our store!
“Another trend I’ve noticed over last year’s COVID season is that many women seem ready to get dressed again! We sold tons of casual and loungewear last year. And we still do, but we are also selling the Slim-sation slacks and the tailored shirts in beautiful Fall colors, and watches and jewelry that makes you feel a little more special when you’re wearing it. And, that leads me to share this about gifts. We serve lots of men who come in to buy for their wife or girlfriend. If we happen to know her, that makes selections easier. Also, men can shop for and purchase a gift for her online, then just come in and pay for it at the store. And since we added our men’s gift line last year, that really been a pleaser! Everyone should check out our men’s gift line! Just because Sulphur Springs doesn’t have a full-service men’s store, doesn’t mean you have to go out of town to shop. You can still buy things he will truly like, such as cute T’s, caps, weekender bags, beard oils and balms, and men’s bath and body products. We aim to please at Lou Nell’s, with friendly go-the-extra-mile service. As our slogan says, “enter as a customer, exit a friend!” Going on 47 years serving the community, family-owned Lou Nell’s is still at home at 122 Lee Street in Sulphur Springs, Texas!
After Months Of Negotiations, NETEX and North East Texas Connector Ink Agreement For Contract Revisions
After months of negotiations, Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District, the rural rail district spanning from Titus County to Wylie that is known as NETEX, and rail operator North East Texas Connector (NETC) of Freedom Rail Group inked an agreement for contract revisions Thursday afternoon.
Contract Revision
NETEX agreed to pay NETC $4,500 a month for a sum of $54,000 a year through July of 2026 to help NETC obtain a machine to clear vegetation from the right-of-ways and along the rail. NETC, agreed to eliminate the 50 percent reimbursement obligation of NETEX for track maintenance during that time. After that date, NETEX would resume returning 50 percent of what they receive in revenues from car loads back into the railroad itself for maintenance.
NETC’s track management obligation then was eliminated and the rail operator’s obligation for track Class upgrade was amended.
The original operating agreement called for NETC to get the track up to Class 1 standard within 2 years of assuming operation, then, within 5 years have the track up to Class 2 standard. NETC, after a more thorough evaluation of the track conditions, asked NETEX to amend the operating agreement, to allow the company to skip the Class 1 standard and, at a slower pace, upgrade the track to Class 2. This would in the long run save money, eliminating the need to go back on a track they’d repaired to Class 1 standard and make upgrades to Class 2 standard, which would allow for faster train speeds and additional products the cars can carry on the rail. NETEX agreed to do away with the Class 1 requirement and to extend the length of the obligation for track improvements by 2 years, pushing the term to 7 years, which Freedom Rail Group Managing Principal Mike Salek said would be more realistic to do.
NETEX, governed by a Board composed of representatives from the counties and municipalities that oversee the rail located between milepost 555.0 in Greenville and milepost 489.41 in Winfield, will need to make a double payment to NETC for the vegetation, as the terms of the agreement were finally hashed out last month, thus, the wording included the August start date for the first payment.
The agreement also had included July 1 as a date NETC would provide a plan for maintenance. Salek said he would compose a plan as soon as possible and should have it ready for the NETEX Board to review before the group’s next regular meeting, typically held at 1:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month in the Sulphur Springs Economic Development Corporation offices, after the signing of a contract.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both NETEX Chair/Titus County Judge Brian Lee and Salek signed the agreement drafted to the satisfaction of both rail groups and their attorneys.
Salek said the equipment to clear the vegetation has been ordered, and is expected to arrive with all attachments and materials approximately 6 weeks for time of order, which was 2 weeks ago. He said he hopes to have the equipment in place by the end of September or first week of October. His tentative plan is to start work in the farthest point of the track in Greenville, where two railroad crossing would be cleaned up, then continue clearing crossings along the path to Mount Vernon. After that, a work crew would turn around and begin working its way back up the track cutting right-of-way, clearing it and making it safer.
Financial Matters
NETEX Treasurer Neal Barker presented his regular monthly report as well as the proposed 20221-22 budget, the latter of which will still be short of revenues needed to cover all expenses.
The NETEX officers said the FY 2021-22 budget as in the current budget. NETEX Board Treasurer Neal Barker noted the operation appears to be stable. He recommended focusing in the coming year on ways to increase revenue to offset the deficit.
Budgeted expenditures include $9589 for board insurance, $3495 for general liability insurance, $54,000 in right-of-way maintenance for clearing vegetation, $1,250 to the City of Lavon, about $25,000 in attorneys fees, $17,500 for the annual audit, $1,000 for administrative support, $100 general office supplies and $200 for postage. Overall, NETEX’s expenditures are expected to come in at $112,624, a shortfall of $21,349.
The NETEX Board isn’t anticipating a huge increase in revenue over the next year, but does expect some increase in carload counts after the transload facility being constructed in Sulphur Springs is completed. The new facility is expected to come online in January, so revenue from carrying a few extra cars starting in February, possibly from 2 new customers, was added to the projected budget. That is expected to bring in $71,000 next year.
The lease contracts handled by RAMS is budgeted at a potential $20,000 in revenue, interest income another $275. That’s a total of $91,275 in revenues projected for NETEX in FY 21-22.
“The spirit of what I’ve seen from this board in the last year as we’ve tightened things up is, we’ve got the expenses locked down good. Lets work on the revenues. How can we help you, as a rail bring in more cars? On the right-of-way, something?” Neal said. “I think we can erase this deficit pretty easily, actually.”
The board also discussed the need for the annual outside audit. Barker noted that a board member had contacted a firm he was told could do the audit for $6,500 for two years worth of finances. Then, COVID happened. When the auditor failed to respond to electronic and telephone requests for contact, one NETEX board member was asked to stop by the business and check on the situation. That audit has yet to be conducted, and now another year’s edit is also needed.
The NETEX board members proposed since there was no commitment either by NETEX or the auditor that the board explore other potential options for auditing services. Neal said he asked a local auditor about doing the work but was told they don’t handle that type of audit. One board member agreed to contact an auditor he has knowledge of to see if he would be interested in doing the audit for the $6,500 to quoted for 2 years worth of prior finances and the most recent year. NETEX typically only has about 50 transactions a year.
Other Business
Salek reported 88 carloads on the rail in August, down from 112 in July, which he speculated is seasonal. NETC has transported 790 carloads on the NETEX rail from January to August of this year, already ahead of the 155 carloads from July 2020, when NETC took over rail operations. The inbound cycle time average velocity is 1.1 days and the outbound cycle is 2.4 days for the month of August 2021.
NETC also installed six ties, repaired four FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) 30-day defects and 2 bridges. The rail operator also focused on cutting vegetation for safety at railroad crossings near school zones to make them safer as kids head back to class. Salek anticipated once the transload facility is operational, the line has the potential to almost double the number of cars from the current 600 to about 1,100 per year.
The NETEX Board also discussed attendance at the monthly meetings and reviewed the guidelines and bylaws, as there are 1-2 board members who’ve been consistently absent for a few months due to cited scheduling conflicts. For the last few months, since things really opened back up from COVID, the Board has barely had a quorum. County Commissioners Courts determine their representatives on the NETEX Board.
Sulphur Springs Public Library Announces Community Read Programs and the Wall that Heals
Sulphur Springs Public Library is pleased to announce our 2022 Hopkins County Reads program, designed to encourage the citizens of Hopkins County to connect through the reading and discussion of a common book. The library even has a giveaway cell phone stand with the Hopkins County Reads logo as a conversation starter.
Strength, Honor and Remember: the legacy of the Vietnam War is the subject of our program. The kickoff is Tuesday, November 9 at 10:30am at Sulphur Springs Public Library, 611 North Davis. We welcome author Allen B. Clark, of Dallas, TX, who has written 3 books including Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior and has founded Combat Faith Ministry. This lay ministry is dedicated to educate, train, arm and equip individuals to utilize principles from the teachings of Jesus Christ to be healed from negative emotions and thoughts caused by sin, wrong choices, or by trauma or injury to body, soul, or spirit.
In addition, the Wall that Heals will be in Sulphur Springs Thursday, November 4 through Sunday, November 7. The library will be temporarily displaying all items left behind beginning Monday November 8 through November 19 in the music box displays. The Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C.
The 53-foot trailer that carries The Wall That Heals transforms to become a mobile Education Center. The exterior of the trailer features a timeline of “The War and The Wall” and provides additional information about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Since the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) was dedicated in November 1982, more than 400,000 items have been left by visitors as remembrances and tributes. The National Park Service collects, catalogs, and preserves these objects as part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial collection, with curatorial support from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. These items give visitors a better understanding of the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the collection of items left at The Wall.
Hopkins County Reads will continue the Strength, Honor and Remember program in 2022 with a Spring program (date to be announced). We will welcome Callie Wright, Director of Education, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (virtually) to discuss the impact, importance and some items left mementos behind on the Washington wall specifically relating to soldiers from this area. The library will then present the stories of items left here in Sulphur Springs. After the program, the library will open a Question & Answer session for veterans hosted by Tommy Allison.
For more information visit www.vvmf.org ,call the Sulphur Springs Public Library 903-885-4926 or find us on Facebook @Sulphur Springs Public Library
More Than 600 New Laws In Effect As Of Sept. 1, 2021
AUSTIN – Over 600 new laws signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott went into effect Sept. 1, 2021, in the state of Texas. These new laws, including the Heartbeat Bill, constitutional carry legislation, and laws that protect law enforcement, were passed during the 87th Legislative Session.
“The 87th Legislative Session was a monumental success, and many of the laws going into effect today will ensure a safer, freer, healthier, and more prosperous Texas,” Governor Abbott said on Sept. 1. “I look forward to my continued work with the legislature to build upon these successes and create an even brighter future for the Lone Star State.”
A full list of new laws can be found here.
Included in the new laws are:
House Bill 9 enhances the criminal penalty to a state jail felony offense for anyone who knowingly blocks an emergency vehicle or obstructs access to a hospital or health care facility.
House Bill 103 creates an Active Shooter Alert System in Texas.
House Bill 365 creates civil liability protections for farmers and ranchers.
House Bill 547 allows home-schooled students to participate in UIL activities.
House Bill 957 repeals the criminal offense of possessing, manufacturing, transporting, or repairing a firearm silencer. It also ensures that any firearm suppressor manufactured in Texas, and that remains in Texas, will not be subject to federal law or federal regulation.
House Bill 1500 prevents any government entity from prohibiting the sale or transportation of firearms or ammunition during a declared disaster or emergency.
House Bill 1900 penalizes cities that defund their police departments. The law freezes property tax revenues for cities with a population over 250,000 that defund the police. Under this law, cities that defund the police will lose their annexation powers for 10 years and any area annexed by a defunding city in the past 30 years can vote to dis-annex from the city. It also allows the State of Texas to withhold sales taxes collected by a defunding city and give it to the Texas Department of Public Safety to pay for the cost of state resources used to protect residents of a defunded municipality.
House Bill 1925 prohibits camping in public spaces.
House Bill 1927 authorizes Constitutional Carry in Texas, meaning law-abiding Texans can legally carry a handgun without a license to carry.
House Bill 2366 enhances criminal penalties for the use of laser pointers and creates an offense for the use of fireworks to harm or obstruct the police.
House Bill 2622 makes Texas a Second Amendment Sanctuary State by protecting Texans from new federal gun control regulations.
House Bill 3257 creates the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission.
House Bill 3712 provides increased training and transparency during the hiring process for peace officers.
Senate Bill 8 (“The Heartbeat Bill”) bans abortion the moment a baby’s heartbeat is detected in the womb.
Senate Bill 13 prohibits state contracts and investments with companies that boycott energy companies.
Senate Bill 19 prohibits any governmental entity from contracting with any business that discriminates against firearm and ammunition businesses or organizations.
Senate Bill 20 allows guests to store firearms in their hotel rooms.
Senate Bill 24 requires police departments to review files of applicants before they are hired to ensure officers with a negative history aren’t passed between departments.
Senate Bill 550 removes the shoulder or belt holster requirements, allowing Texans to carry firearms in whatever kind of holster they choose.
Senate Bill 576 creates a felony offense for the smuggling of people into Texas.
Senate Bill 768 enhances criminal penalties for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl in Texas.
Lady Cats Basketball 2021-2022 Season Schedule Released
On Tuesday, Aug. 31, Wildcats football head coach and Athletic Director of SSISD Greg Owens released the Lady Cats basketball 2021-22 season schedule.
New Lady Cats basketball coach Erica Delley and her squad will no doubt be ready to get their season underway when they take part in two twi-matches to open their season:
- Saturday, Oct. 30 is at Lone Oak, taking on Cumby and the host Lone Oak
- and the following Tuesday, Nov. 2 will be against Paris and Rains, in the SSHS Main Gym
After that, the Lady Cats will be taking on Winnsboro, Tyler Legacy and Mesquite Horn before participating in their first tournament of the year, in Bells on Thursday and Saturday, November 19 and 21.
Once their first tournament is over in Bells, the Lady Cats will play three games over eight days before participating in their second-to-last tournament of the 2021-22 season in Glen Rose starting on Thursday, Dec. 2.
Two more games, against New Boston and at Coach Delley’s high school alma mater of Dallas Kimball on Dec. 7 and 10 lead the Lady Cats in to their winter district season.
Their district games are as follows:
- Dec. 14 at Mt. Pleasant — 6:15 P.M.
- Dec. 17 versus Texas High — 6:15 P.M.
- Dec. 20 at Marshall — 2:30 P.M.
- Jan. 4 versus Pine Tree — 6:15 P.M.
- Jan. 11 at Hallsville — 6:15 P.M.
- Jan. 14 versus Longview — 6:15 P.M.
- Jan. 18 versus Mt. Pleasant — 6:15 P.M.
- Jan. 21 at Texas High — 6:15 P.M.
- Jan. 25 versus Marshall — 6:15 P.M.
- Jan. 28 at Pine Tree — 6:15 P.M.
- Feb. 4 versus Hallsville — 6:15 P.M.
- Feb. 8 at Longview — 6:15 P.M.
All games in bold are home, and all times listed are varsity teams. For district foes that have junior varsity teams, JV plays at 5 P.M. and the varsity will follow at 6:15 P.M.
In addition, an appreciation night will be held during these games:
- Jan. 14 versus Longview is middle school night
- and Feb. 4 versus Hallsville is senior night
For the full 2021-22 Lady Cats basketball season schedule, click here.
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.
