SSISD Superintendent To Report On Back-To-School Options For Fall 2020
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees have a full agenda Monday night. SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb is expected to report on back-to-school options for fall 2020 during Monday night’s regular July school board meeting. While several items being presented for discussion and approval by the school board are routine for this time of year, some vary this year due to and others items are presented as a result of COVID-19.
In addition to his report on back-to-school options, Lamb is also scheduled to present on behalf of SSISD Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams a review of the employee handbook, an application to be sent to Texas Education Agency for a Reading Diagnostic Instrument Waiver, final District of Innovation Plan, change to local board policy CRD(LOCAL) regarding Group Health Benefits, the 2020-2021 Student Code of Conduct.
Lamb is also slated to ask the board to consider approving an application to be sent to TEA for a “COVID At Risk of Passing Notification Waiver.”
Also to be discussed and submitted for board consideration is a 2020 Engagement Agreement for attorneys and school financial consultants to assist SSISD in the annual compliance reporting and maintenance of existing Appraised Value Limitation Agreements under Chapter 313 of the Texas Tax Code. This would allow Powell Youngblood & Taylor LP to continue representing the district in figuring these matters related to Solemo LLC and Hopkins Energy LLC solar projects.
SSISD Business Manager Sherry McGraw is slated to address the board regarding student accident insurance coverage for the 2020-2021 school year and present information for budget amendments for the period of September 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. A budget work session is also slated during the 6 p.m. board meeting.
Trustees will be asked to select a delegate and alternate for the 2020 Texas
Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly scheduled Saturday, Oct. 3, in Dallas, Texas.
The school board also is scheduled to hold an executive session to discuss any personnel or real property matters which fall under Title 5, Chapter 551, of Texas Government Code, Section (.072), (.074), that have been presented for discussion or consideration. The board would then reconvene in open session to take any action that might be needed related to those items.
SSISD Trustees held special meeting July 8 in which trustees spent 2 hours in executive session to discuss a Title 5, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Section (.074). matters. This can include deliberation of an appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employees. The July 8 meeting adjourned without any action taken.
The July 13 meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
Election Day Is Tuesday, July 14, In Party Primary Runoffs
Election Day is Tuesday, July 14, in Republican and Democratic Party Primary Runoff Elections. Already 1,525 of the 23,351 registered voters in Hopkins County took advantage of the early voting period to cast their choices in Democratic and Republican runoffs.
Early Voting
That’s 6.53 percent of registered voters in Hopkins County casting ballots during the early voting period either in person at the polling center or by mail-in ballot, according to county election information reported to Texas Secretary of State’s Office.
In the Republican Party runoff, 1,209 ballots were cast, 1,099 in person and 110 by mail. That accounts for 5.18 percent of the total ballots cast when early voting ended on July 10.
Overall, 316 ballots had been cast in the Democratic runoffs in Hopkins County when early voting concluded on July 10, accounting for another 1.35 cumulative percent of early voting. That’s 151 votes cast by personal appearance ad 165 mail ballots, according to data supplied to the Secretary of State’s Office.
On The Ballot
The two runoffs on the Hopkins County Democratic primary runoff ballot are between Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo or Chrysta Castañeda for Texas Railroad Commissioner and Royce West and Mary “MJ” Hegar for United States Senator.
The winner of the Democratic nomination for Railroad Commissioner will face Republican James “Jim” Wright on the ballot in November. The Democratic candidate winning the US Senator nomination will face incumbent John Cornyn on the November election ballot.
The Hopkins County Republican ballot features only one runoff, between incumbent Dan Flynn and challenger Bryan Slaton for State Representative District 2. The winner of the Republican nomination for District 2 State Representative will face Democrat Bill Brannon in the General Election in November.
Election Day Voting
The polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, July 14, at the four consolidated voting centers. Registered Hopkins County voters who have yet to cast ballots in either the Republican or Democratic runoffs may vote at any of the four voting centers:
- Our Savior Lutheran Church, 100 Texas St., Sulphur Springs;
- Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 208 Fuller St., Sulphur Springs;
- Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St., Sulphur Springs; and
- League Street Church of Christ, 1100 South League Street, Sulphur Springs.
Voters will be required to present any 1 of the 7 approved forms of photo ID to election officials at the voting center. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (License is not required to be REAL ID compliant),
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS,
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS,
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS,
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph,
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph, and
- United States Passport (book or card).
Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the approved photo IDs may execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form, available to them at each polling location, and provide a supporting form of identification.
With the exception of the U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which does not expire, the acceptable photo ID must be current or, for voters aged 18-69, have expired no more than 4 years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. A voter 70 years of age or older may use a form of acceptable photo ID listed above that has expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid.
Those completing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form will be required to present an original copy or 1 of the following supporting forms of identification:
- a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate
- a current utility bill
- a bank statement
- a government check
- a paycheck
- a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate
- a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document)
The address on an acceptable form of photo ID or a supporting form of ID, if applicable, does not have to match the voter’s address on the list of registered voters, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
For more information on voting in Texas, visit www.votetexas.gov.
July 13-17 Meal A Day Menu
While the Senior Citizens Center remains temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the dedicated Meal A Day volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. The July 13-17 Meal A Day menu for includes:
Monday – BBQ Chicken Legs and Wings, Scalloped Potatoes, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll
Tuesday – Beef Patty, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Wednesday – Chicken Spaghetti, English Peas and Garlic Toast
Thursday – Corny Dogs, Cole Slaw and Baked Beans
Friday – Poppy Seed Chicken Over a Bed of Rice, California Blend Vegetables 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.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of July 13, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of July 13, 2020. 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.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between Park Street and North Travis Street as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
The pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street is closed for pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will not need to be removed at this time, but will be removed later in the project. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
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 a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews are performing utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis Street intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as crews work on installing flashing beacons at the intersection.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for lane closures as workers install signals at the FM 131 intersection. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
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 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691. The new FM 691 exit ramp is now open to access FM 691.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to construct the new pavement section.
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 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
FM 120, Grayson County: from FM 131 to US 75. Watch for nighttime and daytime lane closures as workers repair the concrete pavement.
SH 56 (Lamar St.), Grayson County: from Binkley Park Drive to Tolbert Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform erosion repair work at the bridge over Sand Creek.
SH 289, Grayson County: between FM 121 and US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
US 69, Grayson County: between SH 56 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
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 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 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
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 section. Weather permitting, on July 17 crews will perform a traffic switch on the eastern end of the project. Crews will move westbound US 82 traffic to the new westbound mainlanes at the Fannin and Lamar County line, where they will remain for approximately 10 miles. Eastbound traffic will remain in their current lane. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median.
County Road 2250, Fannin County: at Coffee Mill Creek. County Road 2250 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 2456, Fannin County, in Ladonia from SH 50 to the Delta County line: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a fog seal to the roadway.
FM 3321, Fannin County: from FM 274 to the end of state maintenance: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a fog seal to the roadway.
FM 814, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to FM 815 in Trenton. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a fog seal to the roadway.
FM 3297, Fannin County: from SH 11 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a fog seal to 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 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Traffic will be shifted to the new roadway while the existing section is being repaired. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform striping operations.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
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.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to State Spur 38 (Bogata). Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install new end treatments on drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the south side of existing roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the north side.
FM 195, Red River County: from FM 410 N to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence and complete cross culvert extensions at 2 locations.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail from Clarksville to Bogata.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen the pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. The contractor is surface-treating the roadway, striping the road and placing signs. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers in this area.
FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903. This project will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor is currently working on driveways, mailboxes and turn-outs. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. Project barricades and signs will be set soon, and construction on culverts will follow. Detours are required to complete this work. Please be careful when traveling in this area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County mowing contractors are working at various locations in Hunt and Rains Counties.
Hunt County maintenance crews are applying seal coating on FM 1532; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this roadway. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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1 New Positive COVID-19 Case Reported For Hopkins County
The Hopkins County Emergency Management Team at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 11, reported they were notified of 1 new positive COVID-19 case for Hopkins County.
That brings the total of positive COVID-19 cases reported since March for Hopkins County to 84. Of those, 51 Hopkins County patients have recovered. That leaves 33 active cases of COVID-19 for Hopkins County.
One patient was in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. One of the two patients in the COVID-19 unit the last two days was moved to a regular room, the emergency management officials reported.
Commissioners Court To Consider Reinvestment Zone For Pine Forest Solar Farm
Hopkins County Commissioners Court will be asked to consider establishment of a reinvestment zone for Pine Forest Solar LLC.
The Court will first hold public hearing regarding the proposed reinvestment zone, then will be asked to consider approving establishing a zone by and between the county and Pine Forest Solar LLC.
The Commissioners Court in late December approved a Chapter 318 agreement granting tax incentives for the solar project, construction on which was originally projected to begin in April.
The Pine Forest Solar project, officials were told at the 2019 meeting, will cover 2,155 acres, and is dependent on the tax incentives from the county, school and hospital districts. It is projected to bring in more than $9,248,800 in revenue into Hopkins County over the 10 years of the tax incentives, Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley reported at the December 2019 meeting.
When the court approved tax incentives for PFSI, the agreement also included a stipulation that the business pay a specified fee the first year to help cover cost of any damages to county roads during the construct phase of the project.
The annual payments the county is projected to receive for the project are estimated to be $342,000 a year. The first year with the road maintenance fee, the county would receive just over $514,300. Over the 10 years of the agreement the county would receive over $3.6 million.
This project as proposed would bring in $110,000 to the hospital district annually, for a just over $1,104,900 over the 10 years of the agreement. Revenues for Como-Pickton CISD are estimated at more than $4,543,000, according to information provided about the proposed project.
The July 13 Commissioners Court Agenda also includes consideration of Texas Association Of Counties Health And Employee Benefits Pool (TAC HEBP) Plan For 2020 For Hopkins County, a “contract for transportation of mental health individuals” and a resolution related to the County Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program (CTIF).
The regular meeting of Hopkins County Commissioners Court will begin at 9 a.m. July 13 in the Commissioners Courtroom on the first floor of Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St. in Sulphur Springs.
Immediately following the regular meeting the Commissioners Court is slated to adjourn to the third floor Meeting Room inside the courthouse to conduct a work session with the sheriff to discuss department operations, review revenues, expenditures. and proposed improvements and repairs presented for discussion The commissioners also have the option of conducting a budget work session as well.
Fan,Water Drives For Senior Citizens Very Successful
Thanks to the generosity of the community seniors won’t go without means to help cool down during the hot months of summer. Two fan drives and a water drive to benefit senior citizens were “very successful” with a total of 231 fans and 40 cases of water donated.
This year, Jennifer Scroggins with Angels Care Home Health, Sherry Cotten with the Potato House, Shawna Driggers with Hearts and Hands Home Care and Nicole Warlow with True Hearts and Hands Hospice also partnered to hold a Beat the Heat fan and bottled water drive.
Cotten offered $1 off of meals when someone donated a fan or water at Potato House. Other businesses in town donated gift cards. When someone donated a fan or water, their name went into a drawing for the gift cards.
When the drive concluded Friday afternoon, July 10, 75 fans and about 40 cases of water donated to benefit senior citizens in the community.
“Sherry Cotten is keeping a few of the Fans at the Potato House on Connally Street in case someone comes by and needs a fan. If you don’t get by the Potato House and need a fan, I have the rest of them here at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center,” Senior Citizens Center Program Director Karon Weatherman said.
That’s on top of the 6th annual fan drive sponsored by Sulphur Springs Corvette Club in June to benefit senior citizens in the community. This year, a total of 156 fans were collected during the Corvette Club Fan Drive.
Weatherman extends thanks to the Corvette Club, as well as the ladies and businesses hosting the fan and water drives and donated gift cards for the drawing for hosting the event, and to the many community members who contributed this year to help senior citizens.
“I appreciate all these wonderful people so much for working tirelessly to help the seniors beat the heat this summer,” Weatherman said. “Please come by and pick up a fan if you need one. We don’t want anyone to be hot this summer.”
HCSO: Emory Man Said Contraband Found In Pocket, Pants Not His
Brashear, TX July 10, 2020 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies arrested an Emory man who not only denied the contraband found in the pocket of the pants he had on were his, but claimed the pants were not his either, according to arrest reports.
While completing a phone call just before 2 a.m. July 10, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Davis reported a dark colored car pull into Brashear Post Office parking lot off FM 2653 where he was parked. The driver of the Chevrolet Cruse appeared to Davis to be lost. The car was driven forward, then reversed, as if unfamiliar with the area, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
Davis drove up to the car and contacted the driver. The 21-year-old Emory man, Davis alleged in arrest reports, had glassy, bloodshot eyes and appeared possibly intoxicated on narcotics. The man reportedly told the sheriff’s officer that he was trying to get from Emory to Greenville. When the deputy advised he’d traveled the wrong direction, the man attempted to hand the officer his cell phone to enter an unknown address into his GPS navigation system, according to arrest reports.
A records check was conducted using the man’s information; Devan Dale Munoz did not have a driver’s license. Davis asked the man to exit the car and empty his pockets. A cigar packet containing a green, leafy substance the deputy believed to be marijuana was revealed, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Deputy Bobby Osornio, also with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, arrived to assist. Davis then searched the car while Osornio completed a search of the man. A small bag containing a crystal-like substance the deputies believed to be methamphetamine was allegedly found in Munoz’s pants watch pocket. No additional contraband was located, according to Davis.
After being taken into custody, Munoz adamantly stated the illegal contraband was not his, that the pants he was wearing did not belong to him, Davis alleged in arrest reports. Munoz was transported to jail, the car was impounded and the alleged contraband collected as evidence.
At the jail, the substance had a positive reaction for meth when a field-test kit was used and weighed more than 1 gram. Consequently, Devan Dale Munoz was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:20 a.m. July 10 on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports. Munoz was released from Hopkins County jail later July 10 on a $10,000 bond, according to jail reports.
The arrest marks the second time this year that Munoz has been jailed locally. He also jailed Feb. 26 on misdemeanor warrants for leaving the scene of an accident, no driver’s license-second offense and failure to maintain financial responsibility, 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.
NETC Selected As New Operator For NETEX Rail Line
Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District Board (known as NETEX) Thursday afternoon formally approved an agreement terminating the rail group’s agreement with Blacklands Railroad. NETEX then formally approved an agreement with North East Texas Connectors LLC, to serve as operator for the rail line.
Blacklands Agreement
Blacklands Railroad served as rail operator for NETEX for more than 20 years. Blacklands was granted a 10-year renewal of the operator’s agreement on Jan. 30, 2011. On Feb. 13, 2020, the Surface Transportation Board granted a petition from Blacklands for an exemption from prior approval requirements to discontinue operations of the 65.59 miles of rail line owned by NETEX, according to the termination contract signed June 25 by Blackland’s president and the NETEX chairman.
Blacklands’ last day on the rail was June 30, 2020. The termination agreement was formally approved by the NETEX Board on July 9.
NETC Contract
Of 6 rail groups that expressed interest in taking over rail operation for NETEX, 4 were considered this spring. While all four were good companies, Freedom Rail Group was recommended by NETEX’s Operation Selection Committee as the best choice for operator, NETEX Chairman Brian Lee explained during a July 9.
On May 28, the NETEX Board opted to move forward with negotiations with Freedom Rail Group for an operator’s agreement; the NETEX board also at the May 28 meeting advised NETEX Executive Director Phil Davila his services are not needed at this time.
The 30-plus page operating agreement drafted June 9 gives Northeast Texas Connector LLC, Freedom Rail Group’s new operation, exclusive operating rights on the NETEX line through June 30, 2030. Northeast Texas Connector, known as NETC, began operations on July 1 on the NETEX property.
Lee presented to the NETEX Board July 9 for formal approval the operating agreement with NETC. The NETEX Board formally approved the agreement Thursday, July 9.
“I think we’ve found someone capable,” Barker told a group of approximately 24 people at an informal meet and greet lunch with representatives from Freedom Rail Group and NETC.
Lee noted the agreement requires NETC to present regular reports showing the rail line is meeting key performance measures regularly and provide financial reports as well.
NETC in the agreement committed to making improvements that will get track up to Class 1 standard, which would allow the trains to travel at 10 mile per hour on the track, by June 30, 2022. NETC agreed to continue improvements to get the track up to Class 2, or able to move up to 25 mph, by June 30, 2025. NETC is required to provide an annual maintenance plan, with the first plan due in 6 months, and on Dec. 1 every year thereafter.
A full rail inspection is planned within the next 2 weeks and a report of rail conditions will be compiled. Company officials will then look at the findings to determine the most effective and efficient maintenance plan to get the track up to Class 1 standard in 2 years and Class 2 in 5 years.
NETC hit the ground running on July 1, identifying an interchange that needed to be looked at. The issue had been identified by Friday and repairs made Monday, the company officials reported.
NETC agreed 90 percent of revenue from easements and agreement on NETEX would go to NETEX and 10 percent to NETEX. NETC will pay NETEX $40 per railroad car moved across their right of way monthly.
NETEX will use 50 percent of compensation from NETC for rehabilitation and repair of the railroad. NETC agreed to contribute 50 percent of gross annual revenue toward maintenance of right of ways and track, until the rail line meets Class 2 status for that right of way.
Provisions in the contract also were established should NETC operate excursion or tourist trains on the railroad at any point in the future.
NETC is currently working out of a temporary trailer on Church Street. They plan to establish a more permanent site as soon as feasible. NETC also plans to have the ability to work on locomotives on property along the line, which means less loss of productivity.
Freedom/ NETC is service oriented, and dedicated to recruiting business to expand the line through carload growth and/or job growth, according to FRG managing principle Mike Salek and Senior Vice President Jeff Lederer.
Safety, the FRG officials said, is their top concern. The business works with local emergency management and first responders to make sure all safety measures are in place should any hazardous material be transported along the line.
NETC also plans to work with local law enforcement and schools on educational efforts, providing safety reminders for families with children in communities and motorists who travel roads along the railroad which the FRG officials anticipate will experience increased traffic. The rail line’s safety department conducts quarterly safety audits. Any rail incidents or near misses will be subject to thorough incident investigation and the root cause analysis and will be shared with the NETEX Board, relevant customers and employees.
The FRG officials are also looking to partner with other connecting rail lines to “open the gates” to allow for growth.
Brad Johnson with Northeast Texas Farmers Co-Op said he’s been impressed with the service so far.
The biggest challenges NETC anticipates are “getting out in front of maintenance and financing those improvements.”
Some informal estimates previously given to NETEX were $5-25 million for track improvements.
Potential opportunities for funding for rail improvements being explored include grants, including one which if approved would have provide $2 million for repairs to track ballasts and ties, but would required a 20 percent match. An independent grant writer, who has been very successful in the past, has been hired to assist in applying for funding for improvements.
Hopkins County COVID-19 Testing Update: 1,050 Negative, 83 Positive, 381 Pending
Over the last 8 days, there have been 381 additional tests conducted for Hopkins County residents; 16 tests results were positive and 59 negative for COVID-19, according to data reported by Hopkins County Emergency Management officials and the weekly Hopkins County COVID-19 testing updates provided by Hopkins County Hospital District COO/EMS Director Brent Smith.
Ten of the 16 positive cases announced this last week were reported in the last 2 days, 4 cases on July 9 and 6 cases on July 10. Two of the cases reported July 10 were also announced after Smith’s update, which included reports through 4:15 p.m. Friday, July 10.
July 2-10 was one of only 3 testing periods in which more than 10 cases were recorded, 13 cases were reported from June 3 to June 10 and 17 cases from June 24 to July 2.
June 17-24 testing report period, and brings the overall total number of cases reported in Hopkins County since March to 83 as of 7:30 p.m. Friday.
While the new positive cases July 2-10 is four times the total cases reported throughout March and April, the 83 positive tests announced in Hopkins County since March account for only 5.49 percent of the total 1512 COVID-19 tests conducted through July 10, according to the testing data provided by Smith and HCEM officials.
While positive cases went up, so did screenings and the number of negative test results. Over the last 8 days, 59 test results have come back negative. That’s a total of 1,050 tests negative for COVID-19 for Hopkins County residents since March.
Another 381 people were screened and their samples were sent for testing after the July 2 testing report, for a total of 1,512 tests reported by the “majority of health care partners in Hopkins County” to have been conducted over the past 117 days.
Notable is that some private businesses and health facilities that use private organizations to screen workers and are not required to report those screening numbers to the hospital district. Those private screening counts are reported to DSHS and not included in the weekly screening report from the hospital district, according to Smith.
Four recoveries were reported during the past 8 days, 23 fewer than the previous reporting period. Overall, that’s 51 Hopkins County residents who have recovered from COVID-19 so far, according to the HCHD/EMS testing data. Recoveries are released according to the Centers for Disease Control guidelines and a local physician authority, according to Smith.
There have still been no deaths of Hopkins County residents due to COVID-19 during the pandemic, according to the data and local emergency management officials.
Questions about screening or for guidance, should be directed to a local physician or call 903-606- DOCS (3627). Anyone who feels short of breath or who has trouble breathing is recommended to call 911.
Additional information about COVID-19 may be found on the Centers for Disease Control’s website (https://www.cdc.gov/), Texas Department of Health and Human Services website (https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/), or the Hopkins County Emergency Management COVID-19 website or the Hopkins County, Texas Emergency Management Facebook page.
