2019 Year in Review

2019 proved to hold some ups and downs, from citizens’ accomplishments to alleged corruption, and the News-Telegram reported on them. Here’s a look back at the goings-on in Hopkins County, straight from the news headlines this past year.

JANUARY

Saturday, Jan. 5

New US Marshal confirmed for district

Among presidential nominations approved by the Senate in the outgoing 115th Congress, the Eastern District of Texas is a new United States Marshal. The Senate on voice vote Jan. 2 confirmed John Garrison as U.S. Marshal for the district, which includes Hopkins County and is headquartered in Tyler, covering the same territory as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

Tuesday, Jan. 8

HCFD: Cause of Berger fire ‘undetermined’

The cause of the blaze that destroyed Berger’s horticulture plant building on State Highway 19 north was at that time being ruled “undetermined,” Hopkins County Fire Marshal Mike Matthews said. The Christmas Eve fire shut down a portion of SH 19 north for several hours that afternoon as firefighters and emergency personnel from Hopkins and four other counties battled the blaze.

Tuesday, Jan. 15

$65M solar plant approved

Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday gave the go-ahead Monday for Pattern Development to move forward on plans to locate a $65 million solar plant in Sulphur Springs.

Tuesday, Jan. 22

Coal ash may affect regional groundwater

Concerns raised about use of

coal ash at Thermo Mine

Coal ash from a recently closed electric power plant could threaten groundwater in the area, especially if some of it is used as fill material in an old mine site being donated to Sulphur Springs. According to information obtained by Environmental Integrity Project under the requirements of the 2015 federal Coal Ash Rule, a recently shuttered Monticello power plant southwest of Mount Pleasant may be leaching dangerous chemicals into area groundwater. At the end of a presentation last week in conjunction with the Sierra Club, it was noted that this same coal ash can be used to reclaim abandoned mine sites like the Thermo Mine.

Thursday, Jan. 24

City crime at 20-year low

Overall rate declines for third consecutive year

Crime in the seven major crime reporting categories — which do not include controlled substance and alcohol offenses— declined overall in Sulphur Springs in 2018, marking the third consecutive year the overall number of offenses reported in those categories had dropped. That also set a new overall low for the city, according to data provided by Sulphur Springs Police Department.

FEBRUARY

Saturday, Feb. 2

High School Robotics Team headed to nationals

Despite a number of obstacles, Cumby High School robotics students had once again earned the right to compete at national competition in the spring. The students didn’t finish at the top, but they did make it to the final eight bracket and won the Excellence Award.

Tuesday, Feb. 5

Local cadet earns wings at 17

Thanks to an innovative program jointly funded by the Civil Air Patrol and the United States Air Force, and her own hard work, a member of the TX 450 Sulphur Springs Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol had her pilot’s wings and beat a calendar change to do it. Emma Herrington officially graduated the Cadet Wings Program on Jan. 24, just before her 18th birthday. On top of that, she was the first cadet to graduate the program.

Thursday, Feb. 14

City finalist for award in design

Honor based on Celebration District work

The city of Sulphur Springs was one of five finalists for the Gold and Silver medal prizes from the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence program, created in 1986 by Simeon Bruner, founding principal of Bruner/Cott Architects and Planners. The city made the list of finalists for work on the downtown Celebration District. It joined projects in Houston, New Orleans, Memphis, Tennessee and Massachusetts. The Gold Medalist were to receive $50,000 and four Silver Medalists $10,000 each to enhance their projects.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

Sale of Champions: More than $400k raised from 137 projects

The Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show and Sale of Champions, held by the Northeast Texas Livestock Association, wrapped up its event with the sale. In all, 137 projects qualified for the Sale of Champions. Preliminary totals from the event place total sales as purchased by local businesses and individuals at more than $405,000. The top animal, Tracey Shackelford’s grand champion steer, sold for $7,400.

MARCH

Saturday, March 9

Devastating Defeat: Wildcats fall 62-52 to Thunderbirds

The dream of a second state team championship in the Alamodome for Sulphur Springs ended as the Wildcats fell, 62-52. The Class 5A loss to San Antonio Wagner came 11 years after Sulphur Springs won 69-49 over Dayton to capture the Class 4A football crown in 2008.

Thursday, March 14

Auditor: Hopkins County in ‘good shape’

$6.5 million in reserve fund credited to conservative budgeting Hopkins County received a good report, “one a little more positive than it would normally be” on its annual financial review, auditor Lewis Crain of Rutledge, Crain and Company PC reported during that week’s Commissioners Court meeting.

Tuesday, March 19

Fireman injured in fire at Lemon Avenue residence

Local duplex sustains fire, smoke damage

A Sulphur Springs firefighter was injured in a fire that destroyed one unit of a Lemon Avenue duplex. A second unit sustained heavy smoke damage. Captain Duane Sprague said the firefighter received minor burns and was taken to the emergency room at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs for treatment.

Thursday, March 21

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation honors Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter with grant

Animal Control Officer Barbi Blanch received a welcome surprise when she learned the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter was selected to receive a $3,000 grant from Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation.

Saturday, March 23

Never Quit: Dylan Jester goes the distance with the sport he loves

Dylan Jester of Sulphur Springs has never let his physical disability stop him from anything he wanted to accomplish, especially in the classroom. He has had cerebral palsy since he was about 2 years old. He has endured several surgeries and had treatment at the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children until he reached

Tuesday, March 26

Jay Sanders on administrative leave

A special meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council took place at which no action was taken on the executive meeting-only session. In a release provided, the purpose of the meeting was expected to be one to discuss “personnel matters specifically relating to the director of public safety.” City officials stated the meeting was expected to provide information regarding Sulphur Springs Public Safety Director James W. Sanders’ placement on administrative leave with pay the previous week because of involvement “in an ongoing crim-inal investigation by another agency.”

Thursday, March 28

Wrestling for Entertainment: OASIS brings in ringside fun

Mason Mikels (also known as J.A. Fair), 29, and his wife, Wendy, 43, love bringing OASIS Wrestling to Sulphur Springs. The Mikels, who live in Malvern, Arkansas, set out to build “the last wrestling oasis” for amateur wrestlers to have the opportunity to learn the business through training and scheduled matches at multiple venues.

Saturday, March 30

Energetic Protest: Local owners feel kept “in the dark” about solar farm

A group of local residents whose properties border the area where a 600-acre solar farm is planned are unhappy and concerned about the location of the project. The group, organizing under the name “Save Hopkins County Now,” says their main areas of concern about the project are the use of tax abatements and potential impact on the environment and property values if the solar farm is built as planned. They said they feel local officials have acted hastily, without due diligence or making much effort to inform the community.

APRIL

Thursday, April 4

Qualifying K-9s: Sulphur Springs hosts police dog trials for second year

For the second year in a row, Sulphur Springs hosted the United States Police Ca-nine Association regional trials and certifications at Coleman Park. Sulphur Springs Police Officer Buddy Williams and his dog, Kilo, participated along with other canine and handler pairs.

Saturday, April 13

Forrest Gregg dead at 85

From Birthright, Texas to Green Bay, Wisconsin, Forrest Gregg never changed. He was still a humble mountain of a man who grew up on a farm and happened into a career in football. Gregg, 85, died, ending a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Thursday, April 18

Proposed cell tower draws local dissent

For the second time in as many days, the Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Committee met to hear objections to a special use permit for the erection of a 310-foot cell phone tower in a pasture at 1228 Jefferson St. The property, consisting of 8 acres of mixed-zoned residential and light industrial usage, is on Jefferson Street between Russell Drive and State Highway 67 and owned by James Litzler of Sulphur Springs, according to documents filed with the Planning and Zoning Committee.

Saturday, April 20

Developers: Solar a bright idea

Alpin Sun Solar Power Solutions, a German renewable energy development com-pany with offices in Addison, Texas and Newark, Delaware, believes that Hopkins County is an excellent spot to build a 600-acre installation of solar panels that will generate 100 megawatts of electricity. Marketing materials show the facility is projected to generate enough renewable energy to meet the needs of more than 17,500 homes each year.

Tuesday, April 23

Veteran of War of 1812 honored 200 years later

A group gathered at the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery to tenderly care for the grave that belongs to a local veteran of the War of 1812. The marble tombstone of John Hooker, covered in a light coat of slime mold, was discovered by local genealogist Jan Stovall in her research on the 1812 conflict.

Thursday, April 25

EMS lip sync picked for CBS vote

Hopkins County EMS learned CBS selected the video they created for the recent viral video phenomenon #LipSync-Challenge to appear on a new one-hour entertainment special, “Lip Sync to the Rescue,” hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, to be broadcast later this year on the CBS Television Network. Hopkins County EMS was one of only four first responder organizations in Texas selected. Other Texas organizations include the Paris and Greenville Fire Departments and the Mansfield SWAT team.

MAY

Saturday, May 4

Local woman found dead after heavy rains

A Sulphur Springs woman was found dead due to an apparent drowning, according to statements by Sulphur Springs police. The woman was identified as Martha Patricia Torres-Regalado, 44.

Tuesday, May 7

Sanders resigns, State drops investigation

Commission on Law Enforcement no longer pursuing local director of public safety

James “Jay” Sanders, former Sulphur Springs director of public safety, resigned on Friday, May 3, according to Sanders’ resignation letter. Sanders did not give a specific reason for resigning his post, according to his resignation letter. He stated in the letter he “will continue to support our community and look forward to the next chapter in my life.”

Saturday, May 11

Citizens, city council clash over Pacific Park

Residents voice safety concerns, city hires architect

Tensions mounted at the May 7 city council meeting as several residents raised concerns about Pacific Park located on Sulphur Springs’ East End. During the regular session, the council voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Plano-based architectural firm Inceptive to move ahead with designs for the park, specifically the Grays building. However, during the visitors and public forum, community members stated repairs or replacement of existing playground equipment for safety reasons were their main concern, not the Grays building.

Tuesday, May 14

Check the Black Book: Sulphur Springs native develops sports recruiting app

Sulphur Springs native Tyrone Ivery recently launched his first app, The Recruiter’s Black Book. The app, which hit download venues the previous month, is a recruiting tool for high school and college athletes to post profiles with their stats, photos and films, and for recruiters to use when scouting for new talent. It included six sports: football, basketball, baseball, track, soccer and hockey, which will be replaced by volleyball.

Thursday, May 23

Clarion Pointe open house to wow guests

The newly refurbished Clarion Pointe hotel at 411 East Industrial Drive in Sulphur Springs hosted an open house to show off the hard work that had gone into the complete renovation and rebranding of the lodgings. The Helm Hotel Group purchased the property, formerly known as the Holiday Inn Express, in 2018. In charge of its management and update is owner Charles Helm of Sulphur Springs.

Thursday, May 30

District clerk’s office moving to new location

The district clerk’s office moved to its new location in the newly-constructed building on Rosemont Street next to the Hopkins County Jail. At a work session that week, the Hopkins County commissioners heard an update from project manager Tom Glosup and discussed some last minute logistics for the big move.

JUNE

Saturday, June 4

Vender Wright named Ms. Hopkins County Senior 2019

The Ms. Hopkins County Senior Pageant was fun for all, not just for those 60-and-over. Vender Wright was crowned Ms. Hopkins County Senior 2019. First runner-up was Nancy Bolton, and second runner-up was Jan Gray.

Saturday, June 8

NETEX approves legal rep for lawsuit

The Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District gathered for their regular meeting to discuss several items of business. The executive committee unanimously approved Wolf law firm to represent NETEX in an upcoming lawsuit concerning Blacklands Railroad. The Blacklands Railroad, owned and operated out of Sulphur Springs, filed the lawsuit on April 22 for greater than or equal to a million dollars against NETEX for breach of contract and business disparagement, the suit alleges.

Tuesday, June 11

Farmer’s Co-Op turns 80

Co-Op facing railroad challenges, triumphs with updated facilities

The Northeast Texas Farmers Co-Op hosted its 80th annual stockholders meeting to discuss the highs and lows that come with a life and career in agriculture. With 226 members in attendance, General Manager Brad Johnson noted attendance was not as high as in previous years. Heavy spring precipitation had delayed hay harvest until late May and early June, so many who would regularly attend were “in the hay,” Johnson said.

Saturday, June 15

Petition calls JR Services a hazard

More than 100 call for business cleanup

More than 100 residents, calling themselves the Putnam and Jackson Street community, have signed a petition demanding JR Services, a plumbing company at 310 South Jackson St. and 313 Putman St., to clean up what they determine are “a health and/or safety hazard.”

Tuesday, June 18

Rachel Bramlett crowned queen

Rachel Bramlett, the 17-year-old daughter of Mark and Brenda Pope, was crowned Dairy Festival queen at that Saturday evening’s pageant. She wowed the audience and judges alike with her rendition of “Shy,” a comedic musical number from “Once Upon a Mattress,” also taking home the top prize in the talent competition.

Thursday, June 20

J.D. Franklin recognized with street renaming

Street named in honor Sulphur Springs’ first black mayor

Deacon J.D. Franklin had one word to describe his life: “blessed.” “We do have people that love us,” Franklin said. “We’re blessed; we’re so blessed.” Resolution 1165 at the regular meeting of the June 4 city council declared a portion of Jackson Street in Sulphur Springs from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to College Street have its name changed to J.D. Franklin Drive.

Saturday, June 22

Lil 4’s Club tears down old house on new property

Community children’s advocate Letitia Conliffe made national headlines last June when she appeared in a segment of ABC’s “The View” to talk about her work with at-risk youth in Sulphur Springs. Her story and her efforts clearly touched the hearts of viewers and donors alike, and she was surprised to learn several companies made donations to help her continue helping kids. Conliffe said not everyone who pledged donations during her segment on “The View” had followed through on their promises.

Tuesday, June 25

Emergency management ‘no major flaws’ after drill

Hopkins County emergency management was put to the test Friday, and according to auditors monitoring their progress, they passed with flying colors. The simulated disaster, a tornado that hit Gerald Prim Stadium, was called in over communications at 10:04 a.m. with unknown injuries.

JULY

Tuesday, July 2

Luminant to be released from duties by county

Maxwell says no Additional property to be annexed

In their regular Monday court ses-sion, the Hopkins County Commissioners voted unanimously to release Luminant Mining Company, LLC from their obligations to rebuild two county roads in and around the Thermo mine location. County Road 2307 begins at the south end of Bill Bradford Road and runs from Interstate 30 to the mine property. County Road 2309 is almost completely contained within the perimeter of the mine property.

Thursday, July 4

Maxwell: Award money for public wi-fi, vote for $2 million for Pacific Park

City manager hopes for July resolution for citizen vote

City manager Marc Maxwell went on record to provide clarification to the public about the source of funding for the proposed Pacific Park and senior center projects, to be voted on at the regular July session of the city council.

Saturday, July 6

City cracks down on scrap tires

Restrictions on how many and what kind of tires businesses may keep on a property are now tighter than ever, according to a second and final reading of Ordinance 2746 before the regular July session of the city council. The ordinance ... was intended to toughen regulations in response to a business on Interstate 30 that had left behind scrap tires that necessitated disposal, according to city attorney Jim McLeroy.

Thursday, July 11

NETEX, Blacklands and the $11 million terminal

The fate of a $1.2 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant hangs in the balance for both Hopkins and Franklin Counties, as a lawsuit between the Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (NETEX) and Blacklands railroad played into a never-ending struggle while two communities who were promised jobs and millions of dollars of outside investments are left to pick up the pieces. During the July regular meeting of the Mount Vernon City Council, members voted 3-2 to “relinquish any and all right” to their city’s share of the $1.2 million grant they were awarded Jan. 1, 2018 to build a railport.

Tuesday, July 16

The Royal Treatment: 2nd annual Shadow Renaissance Festival builds state-wide interest

With an expected 7,000-10,000 visitors this year, the second annual Shadow Renaissance Festival again benefited Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center in Sulphur Springs. Volunteers from around the state and both veteran Ren Faire folk and local people just becoming involved have been preparing their inviting costumed characters, lively entertainment and crafted wares for vending. Much of the family-friendly festival will be inside the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, where visitors can shop, eat, drink and enjoy themselves in air conditioned comfort. And the festival has grown so much only in its second year that even more was set up outside and in the Civic Center arena.

Thursday, July 18

Man arrested on burglary charges at VFW post

Video surveillance shows one other involved person

A 37-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested for the second time in two weeks, first for theft and then on charges of burglary of a building, a state jail felony, when he attempted to break into the Veterans of Foreign Wars building.

Saturday, July 27

The house that SSISD CTE built

128 Fore St. home an accomplishment for student program

The house that now sits at 128 Fore St. was once nothing more than a dream, according to Sulphur Springs Independent School District technical education staff Harold Smithson and Jennifer Arledge.The Fore Street house is a two-bedroom, two-bath, single-family home with two living spaces, new cabinetry and appliances and a brick fireplace. Designed by Sulphur Springs architect Adam Panter, it is the result of two-plus years of hard work by Smithson, interior design teacher Christina Davis and, most importantly, SSHS students.

AUGUST

Saturday Aug. 3

Annual Chamber Showcase a success

The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual Chamber Showcase Thursday at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. The networking event provided an opportunity for Chamber members to promote their organizations and interact with potential customers.

Thursday, Aug. 8

The Big 3-0: Smith’s BBQ continues to serve up popular Texas fare

Celebrating 30 years of serving up some serious Texas barbecue and catfish, Big Smith’s pulled out all the stops leading up to the big day in September. In 1989, Steve and Donna Smith opened up a small restaurant that served up to 35 customers. Today, they can seat up to 120 with a staff of 17, plus a catering business. They opened the restaurant after both were laid off from their jobs on the exact same day.

Tuesday, Aug. 20

Como VFD chief, secretary arrested

Theft charges for both, according to records

Como Volunteer Fire Department Chief Darren Harris and former Como VFD chief Roy Darby were arrested on charges of theft of property, according to Hopkins County Sheriff ’s Office records. Harris, 53, was charged with theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000. Darby, 78, was charged with theft between $1,500 and $20,000, according to HCSO records.

Tuesday, Aug. 27

Como city council chooses public safety director

Plans to construct new community center in works

The Como Volunteer Fire Department is now part of the City of Como, not part of Hopkins County, according to a release from the City of Como. The release also stated that city code enforcement officer Andy Lowen would take over as public safety director and act as fire chief on an interim basis. Fire operations will be run out of a future, to-be-constructed Como Community Center, the release said.

Saturday, Aug. 31

Preserving the Past: Mel Haven clean-up to help pass on local legacy

Behind a small pasture on Seventh Street in Sulphur Springs, Mel Haven Cemetery can be found at the end of Debord. Beyond a field gate at its entrance are what look like scattered graves in a peaceful setting with the buffer of surrounding wooded areas keeping out the sounds of the city. There are, however, many more graves in this cemetery and much more history than one might notice with a cursory glance of the grounds. Those are among the reasons why Mel Haven Cemetery Society and community volunteers have joined forces to host a community-wide clean-up, Operation Restore.

SEPTEMBER

Thursday, Sept. 5

Commissioners: Hwy 71 log jam needs state intervention

The Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court acknowledged a proclamation by Senator Bob Hall that hoped to draw attention to “severe and persistent” flooding problems around the FM 71 bridge over the South Sulphur River, according to a release from Sen. Hall’s office. The bridge, located in Hopkins County, spans 21 feet of the South Sulphur River and was originally built in 1963, according to the National Bridge Inventory Data (NBID). Constructed of concrete, this culvert-type bridge had a daily estimated traffic of 300 as of 2013, the NBID stated.

Thursday, Sept. 12

Allen to retire as constable

Precinct 2 Constable Bill Allan announced he would not seek re-election for his position in the primary but would instead retire at the end of his current term, which expires Dec. 31, 2020. “It’s just time,” Allan said. “When I started, I was told, ‘You’ll know when it’s time.’ Well, it’s time. It was a hard decision to make, but I think it’s the right one for me. While I was thinking it over, I’d get emails from The Daily Bread saying, ‘Time to relax.’ ‘Walk away.’ It took me a little while to realize I was getting my answer.”

Thursday, Sept. 19

SSHS Homecoming nominees ready to vie for queen’s crown

Thirteen ladies were named to the Sulphur Springs High School 2019 Homecoming Court. Assistant Principal Vanessa Abron says it’s anybody’s race right now. “Normally, I can look at the Court and figure out who’s going to be named queen,” Abron said Tuesday. “I can’t do that with this group.” All 13 nominees are seniors with some impressive achievements and aspirations.

Thursday, Sept. 26

Remodeled cinema to reopen as deluxe theater

While local residents may have missed the Trans Texas Theater these past weeks, moviegoers can look forward to a luxe experience when the theater reopens as Bright Star Cinemas in late November 2019. The theater was to still feature six screens but with luxury recliner seating in all six auditoriums, bigger screens, better sound, an updated lobby and expanded menu options, according to a release from the company. Overall, Bright Star Cinemas poured $4.5 million into the project.

OCTOBER

Tuesday, Oct. 1

VFW celebrates 120 years

That Sunday marked the 120th birthday for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, a nonprofit service organization made up of veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. It is the oldest major war veterans’ organization in the U.S. The Sulphur Springs Post #8560, which received its third and current charter Oct. 10, 1951, marked the occasion with a booth on Celebration Plaza Friday and Saturday. Post Commander Rusty Nail and Chaplain Philip Gabbert manned the booth and informed passers-by about the organization and its activities. They also accepted donations and distributed replicas of red poppies in remembrance of fallen soldiers.

Saturday, Oct. 5

8,000 gallons of diesel spilled

An oil spill along the Turkey Creek in Miller Grove had Hopkins County Emergency Management and several state agencies responding, according to a release. The Hopkins County’s station 20 fire department was dispatched in the area of County Road 1130 in Miller Grove for a 6-inch rupture in a pipeline that occurred after a two-month maintenance program to a diesel pipeline, the release stated.

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Community unites to support crash victims and families

Supporters from Yantis to Cooper stood together as the Sulphur Springs community mourned the loss of two beloved Sulphur Springs moms who died late that Friday night in a tragic automobile accident in Van Zandt County. Sandy Reed, 37, and her sister, Keesha Ivey, were on their way home from the Wildcats football game in Forney with their children, Kaycee Ivey, 14, and Jacob Reed, 9, when the women were killed in a head-on automobile accident in Van Zandt County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Thursday, Oct. 10

Cumby citizens: no park deposit

Citizens of Cumby gathered during the regular council meeting to voice their concerns about a proposed park ordinance that would require a $250 deposit to reserve park space, among other things. The eight-page document would have required a gathering of 10 or more people to reserve a city park 15 days in advance by filling out a form with the city secretary and paying a refundable $250 deposit, according to documents.

Tuesday, Oct. 29

Steve Littlefield, Dwayne Sears take Grand Champion in Stew Contest

There were 109 chicken stews entered into the 50th anniversary World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest. Steve Littlefield and Dwayne Sears were awarded their Grand Champion custom-made trophy at the 50th anniversary of the Hopkins County Stew Contest.

Thursday, Oct. 30

Veterans’ monument damaged Monday

A veterans’ monument on Celebration Plaza was damaged, and one 17-year-old juvenile male was in custody. The monument honoring the 49th Armored Division of the Army National Guard is in front of the Hopkins County Courthouse near the intersection of Church and Jefferson streets. It was pulled from its base and landed on the sidewalk, causing it to break into pieces, some of which shattered.

NOVEMBER

Saturday, Nov. 2

6 lanes planned for I-30 projects

Dan Perry, director of transportation planning and development with the Paris District of Texas Department of Transportation, presented talking points for widening highways and upgrading other roadways at the fourth annual Northeast Texas Transportation Summit held at the Sulphur Springs Country Club.

Thursday, Nov. 7

County voters approve Pacific Park, Senior Center funds

Hopkins County residents headed to the polls to cast their votes three local propositions and 10 state constitutional amendments in the Texas Uniform Election. Voter participation was higher than expected at 15%, according to Hopkins County Clerk Tracy Smith. Of the 22,927 voters registered, 2,737 turned out to their votes in person on Election Day. An additional 952 votes came in via early and absentee voting.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Complaint filed against Cumby candidate

Failure to disclose contributions alleged

The Texas Ethics Commission informed Cumby mayoral candidate Ryan Horne of a formal complaint filed against him, a day before polls opened for the election. Cumby Alderman Julie Morris filed the complaint, signed Oct. 25, alleging Horne had violated five campaign rules all falling under Texas Election Code Title 15: Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns, according to the complaint.

Tuesday, Nov. 12

Disabled veterans memorial unveiled and dedicated

A new addition to the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial was unveiled and dedicated, just in time for Veterans Day. The new sculpture, in honor of disabled veterans, features a life-sized man with a prosthetic leg along with his service dog. The model for the veteran was Mike and Pam Elliott’s son, Cody, and the model for the service dog was the Elliotts’ dog, Bella.

Thursday, Nov. 14

McKay’s expands inventory under new ownership

McKay’s Music Company came under new ownership, but the store’s legacy will live on following the name change. The store has served musicians in Northeast Texas since it was established in 1954 with original owners Kenneth and Billie McKay. Bob and Sandra Cartwright took over in 1980, followed by James and Denise Coffman in 1999. Chad Causey of Bossier City, Louisiana, bought the Sulphur Springs and Garland stores in June. Causey owns the Band House chain of music stores in Texarkana, Wylie and Shreveport-Bossier City.

Thursday, Nov. 12

Tattoo studio special permit approved

Sulphur Springs will soon see a new tattoo studio with the approval of city resident Robert Cote’s special use permit by the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals Tuesday night. Cote said he is looking to open his business Legacy 13 Studios on Jan. 1 at 201 Houston St. east, Suite 4.

Saturday, Nov. 23

Downtown board: no digital signs

The Downtown Revitalization Board met to discuss the impact of lighted signs downtown, specifically about an application for a LED sign by the First Presbyterian Church at 125 College St. According to community development director Tory Niewiadomski, the church currently has a black and white sign with a brick base and is looking to add an additional, digital sign. The proposed sign would be 40 square feet at a 6-foot-tall maximum height, Niewiadomski told the board.

Tuesday, Nov. 26

City closes deal with Luminant

The city closed on a deal on the former mine property in Thermo, ac-ording to City Manager Marc Maxwell. The agreement for the city to take over the 4,900-acre property was official, Maxwell said.

DECEMBER

Thursday, Dec. 5

Maxwell still city manager

An executive session at Tuesday night’s city council meeting regarding personnel matters, specifically Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell, resulted in no action by the council, although citizens still weighed in with their thoughts about Maxwell’s job security during public comments.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Downtown businesses ask for teen curfew

After citizen comments regarding teens allegedly loitering downtown at the regular city council meeting, Sulphur Springs city attorney Jim Mc-Leroy said he will draw up plans to introduce a curfew for underage downtown visitors for the next city council meeting.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

3 Sulphur Springs city council members, mayor resign

Four members of Sulphur Springs city council — including the mayor — resigned their posts effective immediately, according to city attorney Jim McLeroy. Norman Sanders (mayor/place 3), Erica Armstrong (mayor pro tempore/place 1), Jimmy D. Lucas (place 2) and Jeff Sanderson (place 5) all turned in resignation letters, McLeroy said. Sanders’ letter came Thursday, while Armstrong’s, Lucas’ and Sanderson’s letters arrived Monday morning, according to McLeroy.

Thursday, Dec. 12

McLeroy: It’s possible ‘our government stops’

The Sulphur Springs city council was to take a special meeting to appoint one member to the council and set a date for an election for the other three open positions, according to a meeting agenda. City Manager Marc Maxwell said the purpose of appointing one member to the city council was to “get along with four council members until May.” The individual appointed to the council on Friday will only serve until the May election, although at that time they may wish to formally run for their spot, Maxwell said.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Resigned council members out, Nash in

After a noon city council meeting, Sulphur Springs had a new mayor, mayor pro tempore and a newly sworn-in council member, as those who tendered their resignations were confirmed and are no longer a part of the group. Nash was sworn in by city secretary Gale Roberts using his family Bible and fulfilled anti-bribery documentation. [Doug] Moore then moved that [John] Sellers assume the place of mayor, which he fulfilled during his previous term. Moore moved Taylor accept the role of mayor pro tem-pore.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Officer hit while on motorist assist

Cumby police officer Nicholas Geer was hit by a vehicle while assisting a motorist, although he was not injured, according to a post from Cumby Police Department. Geer was helping a stranded motorist on the Interstate 30 north service road, according to Cumby PD. At that time, another motorist stopped next to Geer and the stranded traveler to help give a battery jump, Cumby PD said. Geer was thrown over the stranded vehicle and landed on the opposite side of the road between the grass median and the interstate, police said. Geer was able to push a female passenger of the stranded vehicle out of the way of the oncoming vehicle, police said.

Thursday, Dec. 19

Walmart evacuated due to bomb threat

The Sulphur Springs Walmart Supercenter was briefly evacuated after receiving an anonymous telephone call notifying the store of a supposed bomb threat. According to store management, the alleged incident occurred near the lawn and garden department.

Saturday, Dec. 21

Not a Drop to Drink: Cumby has struggled for years with water issues

Twice in the month of November and once in December, the city of Cumby’s taps had gone bone-dry. On-going issues with water line breaks, well #3 and the 100,000-gallon tank have made it such that the city had to order two boil notices in November, yet none in December. At the nexus of Cumby’s water issue sit allegations of water improprieties that have lead to massive turnover within city staff and left the town’s 777 residents questioning whether or not their government was transparent and effective.

Saturday, Dec. 28

County solar farm projects are a go

Tax abatements and reinvestment zones approved

Hopkins County commissioners gave their approval for two new solar farms planned for Hopkins County. According to Roger Feagley, executive director of the Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation, the Hopkins Energy project will cover 1,639 acres near Dike. The project will be given a tax abatement and designated a reinvestment zone under a TAC Chap-ter 381 agreement. Total new revenue is projected to be $400,000 dollars the first year, and revenue projections over the remaining nine years are at $256,000 per year, for a total of $2.704 million to Hopkins County. The agreement also requires developers to pay a one-time road repair fee of $144,000 for road damage incurred during construction.