New County Jail Facility Passes State Inspection
Just before noon Friday, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom reported that the new County Jail had passed inspection from personnel from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. One item must be done before inmates can move in. The phones for a visitation system must be installed. That equipment installation has been delayed. Sheriff Butch Adams and Judge Newsom hope the installation can be done on Monday. Jail inspectors say the phones...
Thanksgiving and Christmas in the New Jail for Hopkins County Inmates
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom expects inmates to move into the new County Jail perhaps as early as November 20. That will cut off the drain on the county budget from housing overflow inmates in Franklin County that been going on for years. Judge Newsom has planned a December 1 Open House for the jail. It will include tours. The jail will be inspected by the Commission of Jail Standards November...
Burn Ban Lifted by Hopkins County Judge
Just in time for the Hopkins County Stew Contest, County Judge Robert Newsom has lifted the county burn ban. Rainfall Thursday night and Friday provided the basis of the judge’s decision signed at 4 p.m. Friday, October 23. Monday morning October 12, during Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court, the commissioners had agreed with County Judge Robert Newsom who had issued an emergency burn ban during the prior week. In a 4-0 vote,...
Chief Investigator Tatum Warns County Residents Regarding Unique Phone Scam
There seems to be an abundance of scam phone calls taking place in Hopkins County as we approach the holidays. A new twist to the scam is that the callers are seeking legitimacy by saying they are affiliated with county government. Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum said County Judge Robert Newsom has been receiving complaints from county citizens regarding phone calls in which the caller identifies themself as...
County Finds Financial Help for Capital Murder Case to Be Heard in 2016
Several years ago, fearful that a capital murder case featuring the death penalty could bankrupt the county, the Hopkins County Commissioners Court invested in a program that would help defray costs. Now with a capital case with the death penalty being considered expected sometime in the next year, the Hopkins County Commissioners Court is seeking financial help through the program. County Judge Robert Newsom says it is an interlocal...
Emergency Burn Ban Issued for Hopkins County
County Judge Robert Newsom has issued a burn ban for Hopkins County. In the Emergency Order issued, Newsom states that “…a state of disaster has been declared on the imminent threat of disaster from wildfire…” The ban is intended to impose “…controls on activities which tend to increase the likelihood of such fires…” The burn ban is for all unincorporated areas of the county for seven (7) days ending at midnight on October 15. In the...
County Judge, City Mayor Declare Constitution Week September 17-23
In honor of Constitution Week, which begins Thursday, September 17th, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom and City of Sulphur Springs Mayor Kayla Price read and presented proclamations to Regent Barbara Cockrum and members of the Captain David Phillips Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution Thursday morning in the County Commissioners Courtroom. Judge Newsom thanked those present to honor the constitution. He called the...
County Received Grant for Roads; Approved Budget Monday
At a regular meeting of the Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning, the court approved its’ budget for the next fiscal that begins October 1. The tax rate in the budget increases a bit, according to County Judge Robert Newsom. Also, Monday morning the Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved a disaster recovery grant, a Texas Community Development Block Grant, that will be providing funds to offset money spent on...
Hopkins County Tax Rate Proposed Increase
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom announced in County Commissioner Court Monday morning that the proposed tax rate for the budget for next fiscal year will be going up a little. Judge Newsom said two public hearings will be held prior to the final approval given the rate. The purposed rate is affected by the new jail being built. Tax payers approved a 7-cent rate increase however it will not be that high. The new rate will be a...
Hopkins County Courthouse Rededication Highlights Celebration
During a celebration of the 120th birthday for the Hopkins County Courthouse Saturday, the courthouse was rededicated during a brief ceremony. State Senator Bob Hall read proclamations for the occasion from the State Senate and from Governor Greg Abbott. State Representative Dan Flynn donated a flag flow over the State Capitol. County Judge Robert Newsom read a resolution. County officials (note picture, left to right, Danny...
