Petition For Temporary Restraining Order, Injunction For Dike Solar Project Denied
The 62nd Judicial District Judge has made a determination regarding Cynthia Martin’s petition for a temporary restraining order and temporary injunction to stop construction of Dike solar project, Hopkins Energy LLC, for at least 2 weeks, according to an order released Wednesday. Martin’s application for a temporary restraining order and temporary injunction have been denied, according to an order signed with Judge Will...
Judge Considering Cynthia Martin’s Petition For Restraining Order For Planned Dike Solar Project
Those hoping for a quick decision Monday to Cynthia Martin’s request for a restraining order to temporarily halt construction of the planned Dike solar project were disappointed. Will Biard, 62nd Judicial District Judge, told the parties involved that he would take the matter under advisement so that he gets it right, but expects to make a decision by the end of the week. The hearing for the temporary restraining order came...
Work On Dike Solar Plant Accelerates Ahead Of Lawsuit
There has been a flurry of activity in the Dike community since a lawsuit was filed against Hopkins Energy, LLC and Hopkins County over the proposed solar plant that has been planned for the Dike community. Contractors for the project have stepped up their efforts and seem to be working at a faster pace to get the project further along before a hearing planned for 9am on Monday, July 19th which could put a stop to all work. Judge Will...
Dike Resident Files Lawsuit To Stop Solar Farm
After months of questions, meetings, and disagreements a lawsuit has been filed against Hopkins Energy LLC and Hopkins County which will bring all of the back and forth between Dike residents, county officials and Engie Energy Company into the courtroom. Cynthia Martin, who has lead “Save Dike From Solar” efforts to prevent a solar facility from being constructed in Dike, has filed a petition in the 62nd Judicial District...
Soil Solarization: Take Advantage of Summer Heat, by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas Summer is already here and making a statement. Few days ago I was involved with the District 4 4-H horse show and the intensity of the summer heat was very noticeable both to riders and horses! We, the “ground crew” noticed it as well. Most of our gardens and crop field are fully planted and waiting to harvest or...
Hopkins County Approves Another Solar Project: Grants 100% Tax Abatement
The Hopkins County Commissioners recently approved another 381 agreement for a solar project to be located in Precinct 4 with two major land owners involved. The contract provides a 100% tax abatement for the Bright Arrow Solar project for the first ten years of the contract as Hopkins County has chosen to take a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) in the amount of $360,000 annually for those same ten years. The solar company would then...
Tensions Run High For Dike Residents About French Solar Farm
Tensions continue to run high between the citizens of Dike and the French Solar Company, Engie. The Hopkins County Commissioner’s court, which approved a tax abatement for the solar farm, held a public forum at the civic center on Monday night, in an effort to relieve concerns from the affected neighbors. The residents in Dike are very upset, and contend that they were not properly notified of the solar farm or what effects it...
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Have Busy Day March 22, With Court, Work Session, Town Hall Meeting Scheduled
Hopkins County Commissioners Court will be busy March 22, with a regular court session and work session in the morning, and a town hall meeting to give community members a chance to ask questions and discuss with county and ENGIE officials the planned Dike solar project. Regular Meeting Among the items presented for court approval Monday morning are lease purchase financing for a 2019 Volvo Pneumatic Roller for Precinct 1, a county...
French Solar Company Plans Virtual Town Hall Presentation
Shortly after the Save Dike From Solar Group planned a meeting of their supporters, the French Solar Company, Engie, announced that they will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall Presentation on March 22nd at 6 pm. The online-only meeting will be a struggle for a lot of Dike residents as many do not have sufficient internet service to support the Zoom meeting. In their announcement, the local project known as Hopkins Energy, LLC, has said...
Save Dike From Solar Meeting Focuses On Concerns, Unification
More than 50 community members and media personnel turned out Saturday for a Save Dike From Solar meeting at Dike Community Center to express their concerns and focus on unification of like-minded community members opposed to the planned Hopkins Energy LLC project in the Dike area. Highlights from Saturday’s Save Dike From Solar meeting at Dike Community Center Community residents at the Saturday afternoon meeting expressed...
