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Articles by Jonathan Hopper
Resolution approved to protect Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court met Tuesday morning, Aug. 11, approving routine county business and a resolution supporting the creation of a regional groundwater conservation district to protect the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Northeast Texas. The resolution represents the first of many steps toward establishing local oversight of groundwater production. County officials said Hopkins County currently has little authority to regulate large-scale pumping from the aquifer.
Como-Pickton trustees approve property tax rate
The Como-Pickton CISD Board of Trustees held its final meeting before the start of classes Tuesday, Aug. 11, addressing new state requirements, construction projects, grant funding and other preparations for the 2026-27 school year. Superintendent Lydia Walden told trustees that new state mandates require teachers and school board members to complete one hour of training on artificial intelligence in education. The district expects to be in full compliance by October.
New Hopkins County elections administrator prepares for November election
New Elections Administrator Rachel Pearson is preparing Hopkins County for the November midterm election with additional equipment, upgraded office security and plans for more hands-on poll worker training. Pearson introduced herself to local election workers during a meeting Tuesday, July 21. She comes to Hopkins County with more than eight years of election experience, including five years in Wood County and three years in Hunt County.
North Hopkins ISD grants easement with Farmers Electric Cooperative
The North Hopkins ISD School Board met Thursday, June 25th to approve a utility easement, adopt the district's updated health and wellness plan, and review personnel proposals. Trustees voted to grant an easement to Farmers Electric Cooperative allowing the utility to run electrical infrastructure across district property. According to Superintendent Brian Lowe, the easement will move forward once the necessary legal parties have completed their review and concurred with the agreement.
Crump receives Chief Deputy of the Year award
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court held its monthly meeting Tuesday, where routine county business was accompanied by recognition of local law enforcement, community investment and charitable initiatives. Hopkins County Chief Deputy Sheriff Tanner Crump (front, right), received the Melvin Drum Chief Deputy of the Year Award from the Texas Chief Deputies Association at Tuesday's Hopkins County Comissioners Court Meeting.
Saltillo ISD Class of 2026 celebrated at graduation
Kerry Garmon Scholarships were awarded during Saltillo High School Senior Class of 2026's graduation in the Kerry Garmon Gymnasium. Saltillo ISD photo Saltillo ISD honored its graduating Class of 2026 in a ceremony recognizing their academic achievement. Leading the class was valedictorian Tobin Keith Potter, who plans to attend Texas A&M University to study animal science. Salutatorian Shelbi Jo Ricketson will attend East Texas A&M University, where she plans to pursue accounting.
Miller Grove Secondary Awards
Miller Grove High School students receive at the annual awards program. Miller Grove Middle School students receive awards during the annual secondary awards program. Photos by Jonathan Hopper MILLER GROVE — Students at Miller Grove ISD were recognized for a range of academic accomplishments and University Interscholastic League (UIL) success during a recent awards ceremony.Several students earned top placements at UIL competitions.
Como-Pickton CISD to purchase 3 buses with 3-point safety belts
Students recognized for SkillsUSA accomplishments Como-Pickton CISD to purchase 3 buses with 3-point safety belts Fifth grader Baylee Colemanth has been selected as the Como-Pickton Elementary Student of the Month. CPCISD photos Eighth grader Ryder Cartwright has been selected as Como-Pickton Junior High Student of the Month Senior Adrian Ledesma has been selected as the Como-Pickton High School Student of the Month.
SBISD trustees review student achievements, bond progress
The Sulphur Bluff ISD Board of Trustees met Thursday, Feb. 19, to review student achievements, district progress, and approve several action items, including track equipment purchases, school safety improvements, and a missed school day waiver following winter weather.Administrators shared updates highlighting recent student success across academics, fine arts and career-focused competit... Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Como-Pickton CISD receives clean audit, trustees opt not to adopt Senate Bill 11
Como-Pickton CISD receives clean audit, trustees opt not to adopt Senate Bill 11 Como-Pickton CISD receives clean audit, trustees opt not to adopt Senate Bill 11 Previous Next COMO—Como-Pickton ISD Board of Trustees approved the district’s 2024– 2025 audit, committed $2 million for construction-related needs and voted down a resolution tied to Senate Bill 11.The regular February meeting opened with the pledge and an invocation led by Mac McClain of Pickton Methodist Church before district...
Como-Pickton CISD receives clean audit, trustees opt not to adopt Senate Bill 11
Como-Pickton CISD receives clean audit, trustees opt not to adopt Senate Bill 11 Como-Pickton CISD receives clean audit, trustees opt not to adopt Senate Bill 11 COMO—Como-Pickton ISD Board of Trustees approved the district’s 2024– 2025 audit, committed $2 million for construction-related needs and voted down a resolution tied to Senate Bill 11.The regular February meeting opened with the pledge and an invocation led by Mac McClain of Pickton Methodist Church before district administrators...
Newgent seeks Republican nomination for CD3
Newgent seeks Republican nomination for CD3 Newgent seeks Republican nomination for CD3 Previous Next As Hopkins County prepares to vote under newly redrawn congressional maps, Republican congressional candidate Mark Newgent says his campaign is focused on what he describes as the financial strain facing families and small businesses across North Texas.In a recent phone conversation, Newgent said rising costs for groceries, gas and housing are the top concerns he hears from voters and th...
Court grants Vistra's request for temporary injunction, blocking power generation, storage on Thermo property
Sulphur Springs, Texas — Judge Dan Moore Tuesday afternoon granted Vistra’s request for temporary injunction, barring any power generation or storage facilities on the old Thermo mine property, previously owned by Luminant.Judge Moore denied The City of Sulphur Springs’ request for partial and summary judgements, then began hearing arguments regarding Vistra’s request for a tempo... Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Self seeking reelection to Congressional District 3
Rep. Keith Self, who represents Texas’ Third Congressional District, spoke over the phone about his excitement as Hopkins County prepares to join the district under newly drawn congressional maps.Self, a Republican who has represented District 3 since 2023, said his approach to representation centers on treating the district as a single unit, regardless of county size or location.... Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Como Pickton CISD War Eagle Gymnasium opens as symbol of community pride, renewal
The community got it's first official look at the new Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District Gymnasium, named the Lenise Miller Boseman Competition Gym in honor of the business manager's 52 years of dedication and service to the district. Community members were able to tour the building after the dedication.
Como Pickton CISD War Eagle Gymnasium opens as symbol of community pride, renewal
The community got it's first official look at the new Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District Gymnasium, named the Lenise Miller Boseman Competition Gym in honor of the business manager's 52 years of dedication and service to the district. Community members were able to tour the building after the dedication.
Two new school buses approved for Como-Pickton
Ada Jones is recognized as the Como-Pickton Elementary Student of the Month. Ada Jones is recognized as the Como-Pickton Elementary Student of the Month. Brian Gurrero is recognized as the Como-Pickton Junior High Student of the Month. Brian Gurrero is recognized as the Como-Pickton Junior High Student of the Month. Quan Phan is recognized as the Como-Pickton High School Student of the Month. CPCISD photos Quan Phan is recognized as the Como-Pickton High School Student of the Month.
Elections administrator acknowledges Hopkins County's shift to a new Congressional District
Congressional District 4 map boundary for 2023-2025 elections. Hopkins County has been in District 4. Congressional District 4 map boundary for 2023-2025 elections. Hopkins County has been in District 4. Congressional district map effective in 2026, with Hopkins County now in District 3. Maps: https://data.capitol.texas.gov/ Congressional district map effective in 2026, with Hopkins County now in District 3.
First phase of Sulphur Bluff ISD bond projects nearing completion
Sulphur Bluff Independent School District's new elementary playground is in its final stages and will open for students this spring. Photos by Jonathan Hopper Sulphur Bluff Independent School District's new elementary playground is in its final stages and will open for students this spring. Photos by Jonathan Hopper Sulphur Bluff ISD’s new track is nearing completion and is expected to be ready for student use in the spring semester.
Waterproofing project approved for courthouse basement
The Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court signed off on major repair projects and routine expenses Tuesday during the regular court session.The Commissioners approved an $824,853.85 contract to waterproof the basement of the historic courthouse using money from the county fund. The project includes excavation around the building to replace the aging waterproofing. Work would also be done... Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Dwelly reveals strongest rental markets for current returns
The latest research from Dwelly has highlighted which pockets of the British rental market are currently providing landlords with the greatest returns, helping them combat the incoming tax hikes announced in last week’s Autumn Budget.
Prime London homeowners face 437% property tax hike
The latest research from prime London property experts, Jefferies London, shows that prime London homeowners are set to see their annual property tax bills surge dramatically following the introduction of the new mansion tax (High Value Council Tax Surcharge) in last week’s Autumn Budget, with the largest average increases potentially climbing to an estimated 437% for homes valued above £5m.
More than half of rental homes are available for an immediate move
The latest analysis from London lettings and estate agent Benham and Reeves has revealed which regions of the British rental market offer tenants the best chance of securing a home before Christmas, with more than half of all available rentals across Great Britain currently listed as immediately available.
Halifax: House prices static in November
On a monthly basis, house prices were broadly unchanged in November (0%) after a 0.5% monthly increase in October. Annually, house prices were up 0.7% versus this time last year. As a result, the current average property price is now £299,892. Shepherd Ncube, CEO of Springbok Properties, said, “The market coming to a standstill in November provides yet more evidence of the pre-Budget paralysis that has frozen the market in recent months, as buyers and sellers stepped back to wait for clarity.
House prices increased by 0.3% between October and November
Nationwide House Price Index for November 2025 shows that house prices increased by 0.3% between October and November of this year. On an annual basis, the average house price increased by 1.8%, down from a 2.2% annual rate of growth in October. As a result, the average UK house price now sits at £272,998. Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist said, “Looking forward, housing affordability is likely to improve modestly if income growth continues to outpace house price growth as we expect.
The average rent in London is still 2.2 times higher than outside of the city - London Property News | londonlovesproperty.com
A report released today from one of the region’s leading estate and lettings agencies, KFH, shows that London’s lettings market remains active, with a +7% year-on-year rental uplift in some areas. The current average rent in London remains steady at £2,345, still 2.2 times higher than the average outside London. Demand in the capital city remains strong, especially for one- and two-bedroom flats, despite tenant caution as a result of cost-of-living concerns and uncertainty.
Mansion tax risks pushing London families out of inherited homes
New concerns have emerged that thousands of London homeowners could be pushed to sell long-held family properties under the Government’s proposed “mansion tax”, with older residents and inherited homes expected to be hit hardest. The tax, which applies to properties valued above £2 million, is set to come into force in April 2028. London and the South East, where house prices far outstrip the national average, are expected to bear the brunt.
Budget ends speculation that has stalled the market for months
A series of tax and spending measures in Wednesday’s Budget are expected to bring much needed clarity to the property sector after months of uncertainty, says Dr Neil Cobbold, Commercial Director at Reapit, a leading technology provider to the property sector. As agents adapt to the changes, their ongoing success will depend on combining proactive advice to buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants with technology that delivers deep insight into those customers’ needs and opportunities.
Rachel has left 'the nation's high net worths with a lump of coal in the form of yet another tax raid' - London Property News
The Autumn Budget has confirmed a series of major housing and property tax reforms that will reshape the market over the coming years. The measures place particular emphasis on higher value homes, revised council tax structures and long term planning reform. Below is a breakdown of the announcements that directly affect the property market, together with reaction from across the sector.
What does Rachel Reeves have in store for the UK property market?
With the Autumn Budget now just days away, speculation is mounting that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will use property taxation as a central tool to address the widely reported fiscal shortfall of between £20bn and £40bn. As a result, the housing market has entered a period of caution, with , the steepest drop for this time of year since 2012, as buyers and sellers wait to understand how extensive the reforms may be.
UK House Price Index: 'Prices tipping into the red across Britain' - London Property News
It has been a long time coming, but September’s data from the Land Registry captures the moment the oil tanker began to turn. Months of pre-Budget jitters among buyers finally pushed down the average price paid for homes across most of Britain. Every single English region except Yorkshire and the Humber saw prices tip into the red in September. Prices also fell by 0.8% in Wales compared to August, though they rose by 0.4% in Scotland. For once the sharpest falls were not seen in London.
Highest local planning authority approval rates revealed
The latest internal data release from Searchland, the development site sourcing specialists, has revealed where across the country developers are most likely to find success when it comes to securing approval for a planning application. The data from Searchland tracks planning approval rates across each local planning authority for applications of more than one dwelling and how this approval rate has changed on an annual basis.
Calls for Sadiq Khan to block Southwark development with 'unacceptably low' provision of social housing - London Property News | londonlovesproperty.com
Five Liberal Democrat Councillors representing Borough and Bankside and St George’s wards have written to Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, formally asking him to exercise his powers to “call-in” the Borough Triangle scheme. The development, which will see 892 flats built on the site currently occupied by Mercato Metropolitano, was approved by Southwark’s planning committee last week, despite 415 out of 434 public comments lodging objections.
Buy-to-let is bouncing back ‘with lending rocketing nearly 40% in the fourth quarter’
UK Finance has this morning published data showing that, in Q4 2024 there were 52,648 new buy-to-let loans advanced in the UK, worth £9.6 billion. This was up 39.2 per cent by number (47.2 per cent by value) compared with the same quarter in the previous year. It also revealed that, at the end of Q4 2024, there were 12,610 buy-to-let mortgages in arrears greater than 2.5 per cent of the outstanding balance.
Loughborough Building Society described as 'bold and pragmatic' as it programs its systems to accept minor credit blips - London Property News
Loughborough Building Society has been described as “bold and pragmatic” by brokers following a new lending policy change that goes live today. The lender has said it “will accept applications up to 95% LTV where applicants have unsatisfied Defaults on Mail Orders, Utility Bills, Bank Accounts, Car Insurance and Telecommunications without the need to refer” — and has programmed its systems to accept these cases saying “no explanation is required”.
Divorce and property: Common pitfalls to avoid
When a marriage breaks down, separating your life from your ex-partner’s is rarely straightforward. Property often sits at the centre of this upheaval, and the repercussions are often financially significant and legally complex. Whether you’re trying to protect your share or ensure a clean break, missteps around the family home or other assets can lead to long-term financial strain and emotional stress.
Households face council tax hikes as high as £191 from today
The latest analysis by finance specialists, RIFT, has revealed which areas of the nation are set to see the largest hikes to council tax as the new financial year begins, with the average household in England set to see an increase of 5% or £109 per year.
Why decking rope is the perfect addition to your patio or deck
When updating your outdoor space, small changes often have the biggest impact. Decking rope is one of those simple upgrades that can instantly transform your deck or patio. It adds a subtle nautical charm that feels welcoming, relaxing, and effortlessly stylish. But decking rope isn’t just about looks. It’s also practical, affordable, and versatile, making it ideal for almost any outdoor setting. Quick and easy installation One major advantage of decking rope is that it’s incredibly easy to install.
Mortgage market improvements see remortgagers thousands of pounds better off versus two years ago
The latest research by award winning mortgage adviser, Alexander Hall, has shown that, as a result of improving mortgage market conditions, those coming to the end of a two year fixed term on their mortgage are likely to be thousands of pounds better off when it comes to remortgaging.
Demand for mortgages started to drop off in February and March ‘as the Stamp Duty deadline approached’
Net mortgage approvals for house purchases decreased by 600 to 65,500 in February, following a decrease of 400 in January, according to the Bank of England. Approvals for remortgaging decreased by 800 to 32,000, following an increase of 2,100 in the previous month. Meanwhile, net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals decreased by £0.9 billion, to £3.3 billion in February, following an increase in net borrowing of £0.8 billion in January. Newspage asked brokers for their views, below.
Set up your student home for a comfortable living experience
Living as a student can be challenging, especially if you’ve only recently moved out of your parent’s home for the first time. Getting the best from your studies tends to mean adapting the space to suit your preferences. Doing so can support your productivity, and by extension your academic performance. But it might also drive down your stress levels, and bolster your overall wellbeing, too. Let’s take a look at a few steps you might consider.
Quintain Living provides tantalising first glimpse of out-of-this-world new rental homes
Quintain Living – the award-winning management company overseeing the rental of over 3,500 apartments in Wembley Park – has revealed a tantalising first glimpse at its brand-new apartment building, Luna, launching soon. Home to 282 modern apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, the sunset-inspired Luna delivers modern celestial chic with sultry, moody interiors and an outstanding range of amenities.
Why expats are making Porto and northern Portugal their next port of call
Northern Portugal has long been known to Britons for its most famous export: port wine. But in recent years, Brits have been looking to the northern city of Porto for far more than a heady tipple. Increasingly, everyone from holidaymakers to entrepreneurs and families relocating overseas is looking to Porto as their next port of call.
Acceleration of new home sales in Spain underpinned by rising demand for sustainable properties
Rising demand for newly constructed homes in Spain is significantly outstripping appetite for older properties. Recently published Q4 2024 figures from Spain’s Association of Registrars show that sales of new homes jumped 21.6% year-on-year. That compares to an increase of just 6.4% for older homes and 9.2% across all property types. For the most recent quarter (Q4 2024), the figures again reflect the strength of buyer demand for new homes.
How to use the Golden Visa to move to Portugal in 2025
Portugal has just been ranked joint third in Henley & Partners’ respected annual Global Residence Programme Index, which provides a comprehensive benchmarking of the world’s most important residence programmes. Portugal’s joint third placement highlights the success of the country’s ongoing efforts to welcome investors.
Housing Hand launches new void period solution, A-Void
As the Renters’ Rights Bill continues its progression through Parliament, with the anticipation that it will become law this spring, UK rental services provider Housing Hand has announced an innovative solution to support landlords who rent properties to students and are not classified as PBSA. A-Void has been designed to help student landlords cope with the potential void periods that the Bill will introduce.
As CPI cools to 2.8% it is now possible the ‘base rate could fall below 4% by Christmas’
what the fall in UK CPI to 2.8% will mean for mortgages? If nothing else this will give the Chancellor one less thing to worry about as she braces for the backlash from today’s Spring Statement. But while both the headline rate of inflation, and the more telling core rate of CPI, have eased off, they’re still higher than both the Chancellor and the Bank of England would like.
London’s poshest neighbourhoods where 73% of homes are going for £2m or more
The latest market analysis by prime London property brokerage, Jefferies James, has revealed that the level of prime London homes currently for sale across the market has crept up so far this year, with Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Belgravia currently boasting the largest proportion of £2m+ properties listed for sale as a percentage of total market stock.
UK HPI surges ‘from brisk to breathless’
House price inflation has moved from brisk to breathless in the most affordable parts of the country. With the price of the average home in North East England jumping by 9.1% in a year, and Wales, the East Midlands and North West England all seeing annual inflation of 6% or more, things are moving fast. Such rapid price growth may not last, and a rebalancing is likely in coming months. Scotland, after setting a blistering pace in 2024, has settled back to an inflation rate of 4.6%.
Almost 3,000 homes sold every day across the UK
New research from Moverly, a provider of Material Information and Digital Sale Ready packs, reveals that almost 3,000 homes were sold every day in the UK last year, marking a 7% increase to the average estate agent’s workload. Moverly has analysed residential property transaction data between 2014–2024* and found that in 2024, the UK saw an annual total of 1.09 million property sales.
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