Brinker VFD To Receive Funding Cut For Violating The Contract With The County
Brinker Volunteer Fire Department will receive a half-month allowance cut, effective at the next payment cycle, for violating the contract with the county, Hopkins County Commissioners Court determined during the regular meeting Monday, Jan. 25.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley noted that Brinker VFD violated section 16 of the contract by self-dispatching themselves to a call for service. This requirement is stipulated out of necessity. If property is damaged or an individual injured on or responding to a call, county insurance would not cover those costs if the department was not dispatched.
Bartley noted the Commissioners Court had met last week with the chief and assistant chief for Brinker VFD, to notify them of the violation, and to discuss the circumstances and potential repercussion. Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said during the long discussion with the fire department officials, a “lot of things came to light” that will “help things move forward” in the future.
The county is not trying to shut down the department, but for the safety of the firemen and scene those types of contact violations do not need to happen, Bartley noted. The county will still cover the department’s fuel costs and any other benefits stipulated in the contract. However, Brinker VFD will have half of month’s allowance from the county withheld for violating the contract with the county. Typically, Brinker VFD receives a little over $800 monthly from the county, Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley noted. Thus, the amount withheld would be a little over $400.
Barker asked when the departments would next typically be paid. Hopkins County Human Resources/ Administration Kelly Kaslon noted that would be either later today or the next scheduled payment. Barker noted he would have preferred that it be taken out immediately for violating the contract with the county.
Alliance Bank Announces Shurtleff Promotion
Monday, January 25, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Sellers was pleased to announce that the Board of Directors for Alliance Bank has approved the promotion of Keith Shurtleff to Market President for the Hopkins County market.
“We are very pleased to announce the promotion of Keith Shurtleff to Branch/Market President for the Hopkins County market. He has an active role in the Hopkins County community, delivering countless hours volunteering for many worthy causes. Keith approaches everything he does with sincerity and professionalism that makes everyone at Alliance Bank very proud. We are confident that he will deliver outstanding leadership and customer service to the customers of Alliance Bank for Sulphur Springs and its surrounding communities.
Alliance Bank’s organizational structure has changed over the years with the appointment of Market/Branch Presidents and it was time to name a Market President for Hopkins County, I cannot think of a better person to lead our “Home” market in its continued growth than Keith. In addition to his new role, Keith will remain a key asset in our commercial lending endeavors,” stated Tom Sellers, Chairman of the Board and CEO—Alliance Bank.
Keith is an active member of Kiwanis and serves on the Hopkins County Child Welfare Board. He is a member of Southside Church of Christ and is a 31-year resident of Hopkins County. He has three grown children and four grandchildren, all living in Hopkins County. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, biking, and time with grandkids.
Alliance Bank Biographical Information:
Alliance Bank was established in 1927 with corporate offices in Sulphur Springs, Texas and began serving Greenville and Hunt County in July of 1990. It expanded into Wolfe City and Commerce in August of 1993. In February 1996, the bank purchased Colonial Bank of Greenville and now has (2) branches serving that community. Alliance Bank completed construction of its first branch in Rockwall, Texas in October 2005 and now operates (2) branches in Rockwall. In July of 2015, the bank opened a Loan Production Office in McKinney, Texas. The bank acquired First National Bank of Mount Vernon in Mt. Vernon, Texas in 2018 and now operates (3) branches there. Additionally, the Bank owns and operates Galyean Insurance Agency and Alliance Bank’s brokerage company-Alliance Bank Financial Services.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by any financial institution insurance, the FDIC/NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the financial institution, are not guaranteed by the financial institution, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Raymond James is not affiliated with the financial institution or the investment center.
For Further Information Contact: Jake Caddell 903-885-2187
Deputies Diligence, Hard Work Credited With Quick Identification, Location Of Vehicle Burglary Suspect
Deputies’ diligence and hard work Sunday is credited with the quick identification and location of a vehicle burglary suspect, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford.
Below is a news release from Weatherford regarding the vehicle burglary case:
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.
Free SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training Class To Be Held Virtually Jan. 26
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson reminds community residents interested in learning more about the weather that the annual SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training Class will be conducted virtually at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, according to the National Weather Service and Sulphur Springs Police Department. The class is offered free for people in Delta, Fannin, Hopkins and Lamar Counties.
SKYWARN® is a citizen volunteer program with 350,000-400,000 trained severe weather spotters, citizens volunteers who help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. The main responsibility of a SKYWARN® spotter is to identify and describe severe local storms.
In an average year, the the United States experiences more than 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and more than 1,000 tornadoes. Alert storm spotters can provide information to the NWS and local emergency officials about things they are seeing that may not be detected on radar and other technologies, which allows the NWS to issue more timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe storms and flash floods.
The training sessions are typically about two hours long and cover fundamental information that every spotter needs to know, with a focus on safety, identification of key weather features, and proper reporting procedures.
Anyone interested in becoming a storm spotter or learning more about weather patters in order to better prepare for storms and weather situations may attend the SKYWARN® Storm Spotter Training Class.
However, online registration is required to attend the webinar. Click this link to register.
The link and additional information can also be found on the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/fwd/skywarn.
Cumby Police Arrests Grand Prairie Man Caught In A Stolen Vehicle
Cumby Police Lt. Paul Robertson arrested a 33-year-old Grand Prairie man caught in a stolen vehicle Saturday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Robertson initiated a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Impala at 1:20 p.m. Jan. 23, 2021, on Interstate 30 at mile marker 113. A records check of the vehicle information revealed the gray 2011 car had been reported to Grand Prairie Police Department as stolen. Dispatchers confirmed the vehicle was indeed listed as stolen, Robertson noted in arrest reports.
Consequently, the man caught in the stolen vehicle, 33-year-old Pedro Esquivel-Carriezes of Grand Prairie, was arrested at 1:40 p.m. Jan. 23, on a felony unauthorized use of a vehicle charge. He was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, Jan. 24, on a $5,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Saltillo FFA Student Earns Blue Ribbon in Ag Mechanics Class
Miss Dacey Neal, a Saltillo FFA Chapter student, placed third overall in Wildlife Class with the project she entered in the Glenrose Show on January 19, 2021. She took home a blue ribbon. Congratulations to Dacey and the Saltillo FFA Chapter!
Johanna Hicks: Healthy Heart in Time of COVID
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
HEALTHY HEART IN TIME OF COVID
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Community Health Agent
Hopkins County
P.O. Box 518
1200-B W. Houston
Sulphur Springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443
[email protected]
Keeping your heart healthy and protected is always important – even more so for those with heart conditions or other medical conditions that my weaken your heart. Cholesterol and blood pressure issues, as well as arrythmias or cardiomyopathy, are heart condition that can make contracting COVID19 more serious.
Your heart is the most essential “worker” you have. It beats more than 110,000 beats a day and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body. This fist size muscle is so important, it only makes sense to keep I healthy and happy. To help support and improve your heart, try some simple changes that everyone can make.
- Variety and veggies: Eating balanced and nutritious meals daily can help you reduce sodium and sugar intake, helping to maintain or lose excess weight, manage your blood pressure, control cholesterol. The nutrient dense foods that we consume help in providing those vitamins that support our bodies. Eating a colorful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables helps support health and our immune system.
- Watch portion sizes: One of our volunteers recently stated that people don’t understand portion sizes. Looking at some of the portions served and eaten, it is easy to see that many folks are getting too many calories due to the large portion sizes. When considering portions, remember MyPlate: visually divide the plate in half. One-half should be fruits and non-starchy vegetables, one-fourth should be protein, and the final fourth could be a grain or starchy vegetable. Add a serving of milk (1 cup milk or 1 ounce of cheese), and you will have healthy portions. Other options are to ask for a take-out box when dining out. Put half of your meal in the box before you begin eating, then eat what is left on your plate – two meals for the price of one! My husband and I typically share an entrée. We get plenty of food and avoid overeating!
- Keep moving: Staying physically active can also improve and support your heart It strengthens your heart so that it can efficiently pump blood throughout the body. A stronger heart also help to keep your blood pressure under control. Try taking a brisk walk outdoors daily or keep active around the house. Not only are you keeping physical distance, but improving circulation to help reduce stress.
- Mask, wash, and distance: Always remember to follow the CDC guidelines for COVID19. Wash your hands frequently, continue to wear a mask, stay six feet apart from others when possible, and avoid large crowds. Check out Extension’s resources at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/coronavirus. You’ll find lots of great information!
If you would like to try new recipes throughout the week to add variety, visit www.dinnertonight.org for delicious and healthy recipes that are lower in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing – Harriet Braiker
Saltillo Lions Basketball Homecoming Court, Duchess
It’s Homecoming Week at Saltillo ISD, and it’s a good year for the Basketball teams. According to sponsor Johnna West, Friday night January 29, 2021 is the Homecoming game and will also be Senior night for the basketball girls. The Homecoming Coronation will be Saturday night January 30 at 6pm so that more of the Saltillo families can come to the activities. We will also welcome home the class of 2001. Go Lions!
Junior Duchess – Raegan Speir.
Jan. 25-29 Meal A Day Menu
Although the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center remains closed due to COVID-19, volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community.
The Jan. 25-29 Meal A Day Menu includes:
Monday – Oven Omelet, Sliced Ham, Blueberry Muffin and Orange Slices
Tuesday – Smothered Beef Patties, Mashed Potatoes, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll
Wednesday – Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, Tomatoes and Okra and Pickled Beets
Thursday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Friday – Cornflake Chicken Casserole, Pinto Beans and a 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.
Wildcats Soccer Team Defeats Host School in Final Game to Win Terrell Tournament Saturday
It turned out to be a very good Saturday (January 23) for Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton. He woke up not knowing if his team would get into the championship game at the Terrell Tiger Winter Classic. Things broke the Wildcats way Saturday afternoon and they earned the right to play host Terrell in the Saturday evening final game. The Wildcats responded with a solid 3-0 win to earn the trophy. Omar Hernandez scored the first two Wildcats’ goals. The first was unassisted and the second was assisted by Uriel Santacruz. Alex Yanez had the third Wildcats’ goal assisted by Hernandez. Coach Upton said the Wildcats played amazingly. He said Hernandez had an amazing game. He added that every player that came in did great. Coach Upton said the Wildcats scored and celebrated. He noted he even subbed in his back up goalkeeper with about 7 minutes left to play and the keeper made a save on a penalty kick. The Wildcats won three and lost one in the tournament and their season record is now 8-4-1. The Wildcats play next against Pleasant Grove Tuesday night at Gerald Prim Stadium.
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.
