Early Voting Kickoff Meet & Greet For District 2 Republican Candidate Bryan Slaton To Be Held June 27
Early voting begins June 29 for party primary runoff elections. In Hopkins County, that includes the runoff for the House District 2 Republican nomination.
An early voting kickoff meet and greet is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. June 27 at Coleman Park by the baseball fields for Bryan Slaton, who challenges incumbent Dan Flynn for the nomination.
Slaton is endorsed by Gun Owners of America organization.
Light refreshments will be served during the come and go kid-friendly rally.
Early Voting Begins Monday In Party Primary Runoff Elections
Early voting will begin Monday, June 29, for the party primary runoff elections in Texas.
Ballots in Hopkins County may be cast in these runoffs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 29 through Friday, July 10, in Justice of Peace 2 Courtroom inside the Hopkins County Courthouse Annex Building (tax office/justice of the peace offices), 128 Jefferson St. No voting will be conducted on either July 3 or July 4 in observance of the federal/state holiday.
Primary Runoff Election Day voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 14. Voting centers will be consolidated with one polling location per precinct. Voting will be conducted as follows:
- 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
- League Street Church of Christ, 1100 South League Street, Sulphur Springs
Voters may cast ballots in the Primary Runoff Election on July 14 at any of the four voting centers. Click here to learn more about requirements for voting by mail in Texas.
The last day applications for ballots by mail will be accepted is Thursday, July 2. The deadline to receive ballots by mail is July 14. County Clerk Tracy Smith serves as early voting clerk; she may be contacted at her office at 128 Jefferson St., Suite C, Sulphur Springs; by phone at 903-438-4074; fax at 903-438-4110; or email at [email protected].
According to the voting law, voters who have mobility issues that substantially impair their ability to move around may be moved to the front of the line.
A person assisting an individual with a mobility problem may also, at the
individual’s request, be given voting order priority.
Disabilities and conditions that may qualify you for voting order priority
include paralysis, lung disease, the use of portable oxygen, cardiac deficiency, severe limitation in the ability to walk due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition, wheelchair confinement, arthritis, foot disorder, the inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, or use of a brace, cane, crutch, or other assistive device.
Voters who wish to be given voting order priority, and be accepted for voting before others in line to vote at that polling place, may indicate this to any election officer serving at the polling place. The presiding election judge will determine whether the voter and the voter’s assistant, if applicable, will be brought forward to the front of the line.
Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs this week issued a reminder to all eligible Texas voters to observe the recommended health care protocols released last month by her office, which are meant to help ensure the health and safety of all voters, election office personnel, polling place workers, and poll watchers in Texas.
“Despite COVID-19, the drumbeat of our democracy has marched on,” said Hughs. “I strongly encourage all eligible Texans to set aside time now so they can be prepared to cast a ballot during the early voting period or on Election Day. It is essential to our democracy that Texans are able to safely and confidently cast their vote.”
Voters who possess one of the following 7 approved forms of photo ID must present that ID at the polls:
- 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 7 forms of approved photo ID 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 a copy or original of 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 identification or a supporting form of identification, if applicable, does not have to match the voter’s address on the list of registered voters, according to Hughs.
For more information on voting in Texas, including candidates in each party’s runoff elections, visit www.votetexas.gov.
Man Found Naked In State Highway 11 Pasture Jailed On Methamphetamine Charge
Arrested on a control substance charge was a 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly found naked in a pasture near with several items, including a baggy with a substance that field-tested positive as methamphetamine. The man, after putting on pants, also allegedly tried to run from deputies and was tased, according deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Chaney reported seeing a silver Mitsubishi Outlander parked at 2:50 a.m. at the entrance to a State Highway 11 west pasture near a box number listed as his home address. The SUV had not been at the location when the deputy patrolled through the area more than once during his shift. Investigating the vehicle as suspicious at that hour, Chaney reported finding it unsecured with multiple clothing items in plain view. The hood of the SUV was also still warm when he touched it, Chaney alleged.
The deputy then shined his flashlight into the pasture, where he saw an embankment to a pond. He then entered to make sure there was no one criminally trespassing on the property. While checking the area of the pond, Chaney shined his light toward the west and saw a man on his stomach under a tree, the deputy noted in arrest reports.
As he approached, Chaney noted the man to be “completely nude, unwrapping a rope like object from around his neck.” He allowed the man to put on pants as he approached. As he contacted the man, Chaney alleged seeing “several blue rubber handle like objects, a container he advised was lotion” and the man’s vehicle keys resting on a clear plastic baggie containing a crystal like substance he believed to be methamphetamine under a tree near the man. The 28-year-old allegedly became argumentative and exhibited behavior that lead the deputy to believe the man was highly intoxicated on meth.
Chaney contacted HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis on the radio and requested he respond at the location. When Davis arrived, the deputies reportedly asked to check the man for weapons. The man pulled away from Davis, turned around and started running away from deputies, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
The deputies deployed their Tasers, each striking him, according to arrest reports. However, the man allegedly continued running from them until they placed the man on the ground, where they claim he again resisted being placed into handcuffs. He was reportedly secured after a brief struggle, then escorted to Davis’ patrol unit.
EMS was contacted to evaluate the man due to concerns of methamphetamine intoxication and to have the probes removed. After being medically cleared, James Andrew Gregory was transported to Hopkins County jail.
The suspected methamphetamine, with packaging, weighed 0.4 gram, and field-tested positive for meth. Consequently, the 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into Hopkins County jail for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and resisting arrest, search or transport.
Gregory was released from jail later June 25 on $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and $2,000 on the misdemeanor 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.
Hopkins County COVID-19 Report June 26: One New Positive Case, 11 Additional Recoveries
The Hopkins County Emergency Management Team on Friday evening, June 26 reported 1 new confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County and several new recoveries. This makes a total of 52 positive cases since the pandemic began in MidMarch, and a total of 41 patients confirmed to have recovered from coronavirus. That leaves 11 active cases.
Judge Robert Newsom reported the Governor’s order issued today placed responsibility for determining special permission to allow large gatherings in the city with mayors and in non-incorporated areas with county judges. Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom will take part in a meeting with city officials which will include Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers at 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 29, to talk about the 4th of July celebration. The decision, then, will be the mayor’s regarding the downtown Independence Day event.
“We hope it happens. That will be his decision,” Newsom said shortly after 8 p.m. June 26.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley said Hopkins County restaurants will meet the terms for the exception to remain open at 75 percent occupancy.
“Since we had such a low number [of COVID cases] when Texas opened back up [May 1], that kept us ahead. We are at 75 percent because we filled out the proper DSHS paper work. Even though it’s gone up, the number of cases is s still lower her than some counties surrounding us. We are truly blessed in that,” Endsley said.
Bars will have to close per GA-28, with any enforcement regarding that to be handled at state level by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Governor Abbott in his announcement regarding GA-28 encouraged Texas to “wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can” to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
City, County Officials To Discuss Executive Order, 4th Of July Celebration Next Week
No decision has been made yet regarding the 4th of July celebration scheduled to be hosted downtown on Independence Day. City and county officials are slated to meet together at the first part of next week to discuss the local impact of Executive Order GA-28, with decisions to be made afterward.
Some groups and entities announced additional cancelations and postponement of events and activities Friday, following Governor Abbott’s announcement. All activities planned this weekend on the square by City of Sulphur Springs have been canceled.
Executive Order GA-28 issued Friday morning by the Governor again closed bars starting at 12 p.m. June 26 and reduces occupancy limitations for certain other businesses and large gatherings. Occupancy for restaurants, for example, will be reduced from 75 to 50 percent occupancy, beginning June 29.
Outdoor gatherings in excess of 100 people are also prohibited by the order, unless approved by local governments provided exceptions consistent with the order.
That brings into question whether the Independence Day Celebration will be allowed. The July 4 event planned by Hopkins County would be free to the public and include a fireworks show and musical entertainment.
Both city and county officials are expected to meet Monday to discuss the local impact of Executive Order GA-28, with any decisions to follow. The Independence Day celebration is expected to be discussed during the meeting.
Texas Transportation Commission Approves Transit Funds for Services Across the State
| NEWS RELEASE PARIS DISTRICT Tim McAlavy (903) 737-9213 [email protected] | |
| TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION APPROVES TRANSIT FUNDS FOR SERVICES ACROSS THE STATE $76 million awarded to public transit programs statewide June 26, 2020 Who, What, When, Where The Texas Transportation Commission approved approximately $76 million in transit funding at its June meeting. (Actual total: $76,119,986) State funds: $35 million Federal funds: $41 million The approval awards funds to public transportation providers in rural, small urban, and large urban areas. Funds go towards operating costs such as service and maintenance of vehicles and facilities. It’s up to each individual transit agency to determine what eligible expenses they pay for with this funding. This annual funding allocation does not come from recent Congressional Acts aimed to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background TxDOT funding provided nearly 27 million transit rides in Fiscal Year 2019. These transit services are an essential part of life for thousands of people across Texas. Nearly 70% of riders use these services to get to work, medical appointments or shopping. Transit also helps Texans get to schools, colleges and job training sites, as well as family trips, personal business and social/recreational travel. Transit funding administered by TxDOT supports programs serving 41% of the state’s population and over 96% of the state’s land area. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700. ### |
The Edge Concludes Its Third Week Friday
For Sulphur Springs high school and middle school football players, Friday (June 26) marked the end of the third week of this summer’s Edge conditioning program, Wildcats Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Greg Owens said he was pleased with the consistent turnout for his oldest group of incoming 11th and 12th graders and his youngest group of incoming 7th and 8th graders. Friday he said he was disappointed with the commitment level of incoming 9th and 10th graders. Like the other two groups, the freshmen and sophomores have been averaging about 50 for each session of The Edge. Friday only 25 showed up. Coach Owens said their commitment level is not where he wants it to be. After three straight weeks of five days of The Edge, the first off day will be occurring next week. After sessions Monday through Thursday next week, Friday, July 3 will be a day off for The Edge. Off days will continue into the next week Monday through Wednesday, July 6-8 making for lots of time off around the 4th of July holiday on Saturday. Some of the off days are UIL mandated. The Edge will pick back up after the days off on Thursday and Friday, July 9-10. At that point, only about 15 workouts will remain until the end of The Edge on Friday, July 31.
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.
3 Search Warrants Executed In Hopkins County Related To Investigations Of Internet Crimes Against Children
Authorities executed 3 search warrants in Hopkins County as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of internet crimes against children, according to sheriff’s reports.
As part of officials’ response to a rise in cases involving internet crimes against children over the last 4-6 months, three search warrants were obtained for 3 Hopkins County addresses. The warrants were executed June 25 for all three locations, according to Corley Weatherford, chief investigator for Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office
During the searches, officials seized a number of electronic items which will undergo forensics investigation. No arrests were made at that time. Investigation into these cases remains ongoing.
Weatherford anticipates any evidence and any findings will be presented to prosecutors, who will decide how or if to proceed with the cases from there.
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.
Governor Limits Some Businesses, Services Following Statewide Spikes In COVID-19 Case
Texas Governor Greg Abbott today issued another executive order in response to the recent spikes in COVID-19 cases across the state. The order places limits on some businesses, such as bars, and services such as water and outdoor activities.
“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10 percent, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and enhance public health.”
The order includes the following:
- All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
- Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
- Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
- Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
“We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again,” Abbott said.
Governor’s Executive Order GA-28
The 17 points of the Governor’s Executive Order GA-28 regarding limits to certain businesses and services reads as follows:
Every business establishment in Texas shall operate at no more than 50 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishment; provided, however, that:
There is no occupancy limit for the following:
a. any services listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in its Guidance
on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, Version 3.1 or any
subsequent version;
b. religious services, including those conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship;
c. local government operations, including county and municipal
governmental operations relating to licensing (including marriage
licenses), permitting, recordation, and document-filing services, as
determined by the local government;
d. child-care services;
e. youth camps, including but not limited to those defined as such under
Chapter 141 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, and including all
summer camps and other daytime and overnight camps for youths; and
f. recreational sports programs for youths and adults;
Except as provided below by paragraph number 5, this 50 percent occupancy limit does not apply to outdoor areas, events, or establishments, except that the following outdoor areas or outdoor venues shall operate at no more than 50 percent of the normal operating limits as determined by the owner:
a. professional, collegiate, or similar sporting events;
b. swimming pools;
c. water parks;
d. museums and libraries;
e. zoos, aquariums, natural caverns, and similar facilities; and
f. rodeos and equestrian events;
- This 50 percent occupancy limit does not apply to the following establishments that operate with at least six feet of social distancing between work stations:
a. cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons/shops, and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade;
b. massage establishments and other facilities where licensed massage
therapists or other persons licensed or otherwise authorized to practice
under Chapter 455 of the Texas Occupations Code practice their trade; and
c. other personal-care and beauty services such as tanning salons, tattoo
studios, piercing studios, hair removal services, and hair loss treatment and growth services; - Amusement parks shall operate at no more than 50 percent of the normal operating limits as determined by the owner;
- For any outdoor gathering in excess of 100 people, other than those set forth above in paragraph numbers 1, 2, or 4, the gathering is prohibited unless the mayor of the city in which the gathering is held, or the county judge in the case of a gathering in an unincorporated area, approves of the gathering, and such approval can be made subject to certain conditions or restrictions not
inconsistent with this executive order; - For dine-in services by restaurants that have less than 51 percent of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages, the occupancy limit shall remain at 75 percent until 12:01 a.m. on June 29, 2020, at which time such restaurants may only operate at up to 50 percent of the total listed occupancy of the restaurant, subject to paragraph number 9 below;
- People shall not visit bars or similar establishments that hold a permit from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and are not restaurants as defined above in paragraph number 6; provided, however, that the use by such bars or similar establishments of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options for food and drinks is allowed to the extent authorized by TABC;
- People shall not use commercial rafting or tubing services, including rental of rafts or tubes and transportation of people for the purpose of rafting or tubing;
- For any business establishment that is subject to a 50 percent “total listed
occupancy” limit or “normal operating limit,” and that is in a county that has filed with DSHS, and is in compliance with, the requisite attestation form promulgated by DSHS regarding minimal cases of COVID-19, the business establishment may operate at up to 75 percent of the total listed occupancy or normal operating limit of the establishment; - for purposes of this executive order, facilities with retractable roofs are
considered indoor facilities, whether the roof is opened or closed; - Staff members are not included in determining operating levels, except for manufacturing services and office workers;
- Except as provided in this executive order or in the minimum standard health protocols recommended by DSHS, found at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus, people should not be in groups larger than ten and should maintain six feet of social distancing from those not in their group;
- People over the age of 65 are strongly encouraged to stay at home as much as possible; to maintain appropriate distance from any member of the household who has been out of the residence in the previous 14 days; and, if leaving the home, to implement social distancing and to practice good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation;
- In providing or obtaining services, every person (including individuals,
businesses, and other legal entities) should use good-faith efforts and available resources to follow the minimum standard health protocols recommended by DSHS; - Nothing in this executive order or the DSHS minimum standards precludes requiring a customer to follow additional hygiene measures when obtaining services. Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings, but no jurisdiction can impose a civil or criminal penalty for failure to wear a face covering;
- People shall not visit nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities unless as determined through guidance from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities should follow infection control policies and practices set forth by HHSC, including minimizing the movement of staff between facilities whenever possible; and
- For the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, public schools may resume operations for the summer as provided by, and under the minimum standard health protocols found in, guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Private schools and institutions of higher education are encouraged to establish similar standards.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, schools may conduct graduation ceremonies consistent with the minimum standard health protocols found in guidance issued by TEA.
This executive order shall supersede any conflicting order issued by local officials in response to the COVID-19 disaster, but only to the extent that such a local order restricts services allowed by this executive order, allows gatherings prohibited by this executive order, or expands the list or scope of services as set forth in this executive order. Pursuant to Section 418.0 16(a) of the Texas Government Code, I hereby suspend Sections 418.1015(b) and 418.10$ of the Texas Government Code, Chapter 81, Subchapter E of the Texas Health and Safety Code, and any other relevant statutes, to the extent necessary to ensure that local officials do not impose restrictions in response to the COVID-19 disaster that are inconsistent with this executive order, provided that local officials may enforce this executive order as well as local restrictions that are consistent with this executive order.
All existing state executive orders relating to COVTD-19 are amended to eliminate confinement in jail as an available penalty for violating the executive orders. To the extent any order issued by local officials in response to the COVID-19 disaster would allow confinement in jail as an available penalty for violating a COVD-l9-related order, that order allowing confinement in jail is superseded, and I hereby suspend all relevant laws to the extent necessary to ensure that local officials do not confine people in jail for violating any executive order or local order issued in response to the COVJD-19 disaster.
The full 6-page Executive Order GA-28 filed at 8:45 a.m. June 26 by Governor Greg Abbott may be downloaded by clicking here.
Drug Test Falsification Kit Found In Crashed Truck
A 21-year-old Gilmer man was arrested Thursday after deputies found marijuana cigars and a drug test falsification kit were found in his crashed truck, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputies Jason Lavender, Dan Turrentine and Nick Marney, and Hopkins County and Brinker firefighters were dispatched at 5:37 a.m. June 25 to what was reported as a 2-vehicle crash on State Highway 11 east at FM 1870. 911 callers told dispatchers that one vehicle reportedly ended up in the ditch and another was blocking the road.
Lavender reported contacting the driver of a black Chevrolet pickup upon arrival at the crash site. While speaking with the Silverado’s driver, Lavender alleged smelling a strong odor of raw marijuana emitting from inside the 2021 model truck and noticed a small brown rolled marijuana cigar in the driver’s side floorboard. A probable cause search of the truck revealed a second brown hand-rolled marijuana cigar in the floor and a drug test falsification test kit was also reportedly located in the glove box, Lavender alleged in arrest reports.
He was arrested at 6:15 a.m. June 25 on misdemeanor charges of possession of less than 2 ounces or marijuana and drug test falsification device. The 21-year-old Gilmer man was released from Hopkins County jail June 26 on $1,000 bond per 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.
