19 City Streets Identified For Improvements in 2020
As many as 19 city streets in Sulphur Springs have been identified for improvements through the annual paving program this year, funding permitting, according to Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski.
Overall, the city hopes to be able to pave 5.4 miles of streets, twice as much work as in recent years, thanks to the street maintenance fee charged on utility bills. This would allow for improvements on the designated streets, along with various preventative maintenance measures, according to Niewiadomski.
While the streets have been identified, the total could be fewer or more, depending on materials costs.
“This list was produced based on last year’s estimates for pricing. If bids come in higher due to factors such as oil prices going up, the list could be reduced or if the bids come in lower than expected, we may be able to add some additional streets,” Niewiadomski stated.
The city has posted the notice for bid specifications for the annual street improvement program work. Bids are due on or before 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, according to the notice. City staff anticipate submitting a recommendation of the lowest qualified bidder to Sulphur Springs City Council at the February meeting., according to Niewiadomski.
Streets identified for improvement include (by name, what that section of roadway is between and length):
Paris Junior College President’s and Dean’s Lists
Paris Junior College is pleased to announce that nearly 175 students were named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement during the fall 2019 semester.
To be eligible for the President’s List, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average, (straight A’s) on a minimum of 15 semester hours. Those on the Dean’s List must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average for at least 15 semester hours and have no grade lower than a “C.” Both lists are compiled exclusive of developmental hours.
Students on the President’s List from the area:
Brashear: Anthony Myers
Cooper: Ashlee Harvey, Joseph Manners
Dike: Valeria Duran
Klondike: Ray Chupp, Kia Lutherbeck, Jansen Roam
Ladonia: Elizabeth Chesson
Lone Oak: Levi Smith
Mount Vernon: Jennifer Hess
Sulphur Springs: LaShey Almager, Angel Cedillo, Christopher Ledezma, Donald McCallum, Caleb Wyatt
Winnsboro: Patrick Dowell, Anthony Van Dieden
Yantis: Kayla Carney
Students on the Dean’s List by their hometowns in Texas:
Brashear: Rene Aguilar
Cooper: Harley Briggs, Ashley Myers, Amani Whitaker
Dike: Amanda Cochran
Ladonia: Amber Childress
Mt. Vernon: Thomas Wisinger
Saltillo: Destiny Welch
Sulphur Springs: Adrian Banuelos, Clayton Brandenburgh, Job Escobar, Callen Hurley, John Koonce, Arlyn Negron, Janie Parker, Joselyne Sanchez Ambriz, Kenneth Wilks
Wolfe City: Payton Hammonds, Elijah Samples
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Cumby Police Arrest Man At Post Office On Felony Warrant
A 41-year-old Cumby man was taken into custody at the Cumby Post Office Wednesday evening on a felony warrant.
Cumby Police Officer Zack Steward reported seeing a 2005 Hyundai Sonata registered to Waylon Wade Underwood just before 5:30 p.m. Jan. 22. Aware that Underwood had an active warrant, Steward contacted Underwood in the vehicle from the driver’s side window at Cumby Post Office, the CPD officer alleged in arrest reports. Steward reportedly had Underwood step out of the truck and placed him into handcuffs and under arrest on the warrant.
Underwood was booked the county jail on the outstanding warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest and jail reports. He remained in the county jail Thursday morning, Jan. 23, 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.
Gala Time is Almost Here!
The 2019-2020 Lights of Life Campaign & Gala Chairs are Dr. David and Pam Black. The couple were selected during summer 2019 and are excited that the culmination of the successful fundraising season is almost here. The Blacks have a longstanding commitment to the community and our hospital and are truly the perfect choice to lead the efforts of the Lights of Life Campaign for the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation. From the KSST website archives, here’s a recap about these two hard-working individuals and the sold-out Gala set for January 25, 2020.
David graduated from SSHS, Texas Tech and received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. He then returned to Sulphur Springs and opened Broadway Veterinary Hospital in 1985. In the past, David has served on the Boards of: Young Farmers, Rural Urban Committee, Chamber of Commerce and United Way. He currently serves on the Boards of Hopkins County Hospital District, Hopkins County Dairy Festival, NETBIO and Ag Workers Insurance Advisory. He is the Co-Chair of Dairy Airs Hot Air Balloon Rally and serves on the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine Steering Committee.
Pam was raised in Corpus Christi, but moved to Sulphur Springs after college and married David. They have two daughters Kaylene Black & Kaytlin Meadows, Son-in-law Mark Meadows and two granddaughters Kelsey & Asa. Pam has served on the following boards: American Cancer Society, Child Protective Services, CASA and United Way. She was on the planning team and a leader for Kids Kingdom, Leadership Class of Sulphur Springs, Cattle Baron Inaugural Ball Committee, and Initiating Committee for establishing Relay for Life in SS. She currently serves on the Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board and is the Co-Chair of Hopkins County Dairy Festival Hot Air Balloon Rally along with being a Volunteer for Legacy Hospice Pet Therapy Team. Pam’s passion is working with her team of handlers and their certified “Animal Assisted “Therapy Dogs which are part of the Pet Partners Organization.
David and Pam are both active in Shannon Oaks Church. According to Meredith Caddell, CEO of the Healthcare Foundation, “I am so excited to be working with David & Pam. I have had the pleasure of witnessing their
dedication to multiple community projects over the years and I am so thankful they are also dedicated to our local hospital. I love their energy and determination. What more could we ask for in Campaign Chairs…hardworking, dedicated, passionate and caring. They embody each of these qualities and we are BLESSED to have them as the 2019-2020 Lights of Life Campaign chairs”.
This year’s campaign goal is $500,000
The impact the Foundation has had for our hospital has been tremendous with over 2.4 million dollars in contributions. The projects and equipment that have been purchased in the past have allowed our hospital to offer many additional services in order to provide better patient care.
The Foundation Board has selected to purchase several items with this year’s campaign funds. We will purchase a LUCAS CPR device to be housed in the Emergency Department for patients that present in cardiac arrest. We will also purchase a Fluoroscope Unit and a Vascular Ultrasound for the Radiology Department. Each of which will ensure the hospital state-of-the-
art tools to heal our community and expand the services provided in Sulphur Springs.
“It’s always exciting to see what will be added to our hospital through the funds raised each year. All funds raised through our Foundation STAY in Hopkins County. It takes everyone’s support to reach this lofty goal,” commented Caddell. The Lights of Life Gala is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2020 6:00p.m. – 12 midnight, at the Civic Center. It is a sell-out for the fun-filled evening of fine dining, dancing to a great band and bidding on amazing live and silent auction items. For more information, please call the Foundation office at 903-438-4799.
Mount Vernon Man Arrested In Sulphur Springs On Warrants
Jan 23, 2020 – A 25-year-old Mount Vernon, TX man was arrested on North Davis Street Wednesday night on a felony Hopkins County warrant and two traffic warrants.
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Chris Rosamond and Officer Chad Norris reportedly received information about Kevin Ron Wooten Jr. being at a location in the 100 block of North Davis Street. At least one of the arresting officers recognized Wooten on sight. The warrants were confined and Wooten was taken into custody at 10 p.m. Jan. 22, Rosamond and Norris alleged in arrest reports.
Wooten was booked into the Hopkins County jail for violation of probation, which he was on for burglary of a habitation, as well as city warrants for driving while license invalid and no motorcycle endorsement, according to arrest and jail reports. Fees owed on the city charges totaled $886.70, according to arrest reports.
He remained in the county jail on the charges Thursday morning, Jan. 23, 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.
SKYWARN Storm Spotter Class February 6th, 2020
The National Weather Service will be in town for a free severe weather training session. In 2019, North and Central Texas experienced 40 tornadoes and several damaging straight-line wind events. These storms resulted in millions of dollars of damage. The 2020 severe weather season is not too far away, and the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials want you to be ready.
To get ready, you are invited to this year’s SKYWARN Storm Spotter Class. The National Weather Service will be offering this free class on Thursday, February 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The program will be held at the Sulphur Springs City Hall in Sulphur Springs and is held in partnership with the Sulphur Springs Police Department.
This class is for established storm spotters, anyone with an interest in severe weather, and/or anyone who wants to learn more about the severe weather threats in North and Central Texas and how to be prepared. This is part of a regional severe weather preparedness campaign, which will include spotter training sessions in many counties in North and Central Texas. Other classes in the region can be found on the full schedule http://www.weather.gov/fwd/skywarnsch?sptrsch. This class is free of charge and no pre-registration is necessary.
This year’s program will feature an in-depth review and study of the various threats posed by severe thunderstorms. The program will also review thunderstorm characteristics and features associated with severe and non-severe storms. Additionally, the program highlights severe weather safety and how you can report severe weather information back to the National Weather Service and local public safety officials.
“By coming to this training session, you will gain a better understanding of Texas’ severe weather season,” says Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the NWS Fort Worth Office. “Waiting until storms are on your doorstep is not the time to start thinking about severe weather preparedness. We hope you attend these free sessions to learn more about the severe storms that impact the region every year.”
The Hopkins County severe weather program is one of over 35 training sessions that the Fort Worth National Weather Service Office will conduct between January and March 2020. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth provides forecasts, warnings, and weather services for 46 counties in North and Central Texas. For more information on severe weather, visit our
website at http://weather.gov/fortworth, on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/NWSDallasFortWorth and on Twitter: @NWSFortWorth.
Chamber Connection — Jan. 23, 2020
By Lezley Brown, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce president/CEO
Who is ready to be a light in 2020? It is with great pleasure that the 2020 Board of Directors invites you to the 94th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Tickets are already going fast! We will host a Networking Cocktail Happy Half Hour at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and the awards will follow at 7 p.m.
Please take this opportunity to bring your family, friends, and employees to an evening of dinner and community awards including Large and Small Business of the Year, Educator of the Year, Caregiver Award, Agriculturist of the Year, Woman of the Year, Growth and Renewal Award, Community Pride Award and Citizen of the Year.
Our banquet theme is “Be the Light” and focuses on positivity and community pride moving into the next decade. It promises to be one of our most beautiful and unusual banquets to date. We are excited for you and your business to join us for this extraordinary evening.
Please make your reservation TODAY by calling the Chamber of Commerce, (903) 885-6515, or by stopping by to visit at 110 Main St. in Sulphur Springs.
Hoops Dreams Basketball is accepting players
Hoop Dreams Basketball is a league made up of special needs children from ages 5 to 21. There is no cost to play, but players must register for t-shirts sizes and to get the coaches lined up. The Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs will host this league for the thirteenth year along with volunteer coaches from the Lions club. Please contact Beverley Owens at 903-348-5121 or any Pilot Club member for registration form or information about Hoop Dreams basketball.
Julia Wilhite State Farm hosts anniversary ribbon cutting celebration
Julia Wilhite State Farm will host a one-year anniversary ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at noon. This office is located at 1030 Gilmer St. Please make plans to attend and wish Julia congratulations on her first year at State Farm!
Uptown Cutts hosts their ribbon cutting celebration
Uptown Cutts, located at 1402 Mockingbird Lane in Sulphur Springs, will host their ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at noon. Please join us at the celebration for networking and congratulating Uptown Cutts.
A Few Simple Rules For Tree Pruning
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent, Hopkins County, agriculture/natural resources
According to Oregon Extension Services, Forestry & Natural Resources Extension, there are many reasons people pick up a saw or loppers to prune up their trees in young stands. The most common motivations I hear are accessibility, aesthetics and fire resistance/prevention.
Even pruning up just a single 8 foot “lift” can serve any or all of those objectives. People want to be able to walk freely around the place without fighting through dense brush the whole way. So many prune to open trails or corridors. This allows them to get to favorite spots more easily, or just get around and see how things are doing. It lets them enjoy the property more (daily walks or bird watching) and also to more easily take care of tasks like spot-spraying invasive weeds.
Pruning a whole block of trees improves not just access, but opens up the line of sight. It quickly changes the look and feel of a young stand and gives the stand an open aesthetic that many people like.
Some people prune up a young stand to increase its fire resistance by getting flammable branches up off the ground. This may be a particularly strong motivation if their property borders a public road, in which case it might make sense to also pull back the pruning slash a few rows in to help keep the ground bare. There are also some people who are inspired by the thought of their trees producing clear, knot-free wood in the years to come.
Pruning does take some time and exertion, but is pretty straight forward if you follow a few simple rules:
- If pruning into the live crown, you should get it done from the late fall to late winter, rather than summer. The bark is now tight and insect pests such as the sequoia pitch moth are less likely to be attracted to wounds made in the winter. Pruning dead branches is OK any time.
- Prune close, but not flush with the trunk. This prevents injury to both the bole of the tree and the branch collar. The collar is the raised area at the base of the branch. Leaving the collar allows the tree to heal over the pruning wound more quickly. It is better to leave a stub than cause injury to collar or bole. Something to keep in mind if using power tools.
- When pruning young trees, be careful not to be too enthusiastic. The rule of thumb is to leave at least half the tree’s total height in live crown.
- Be mindful of potential sun scald. Factors increasing damage risk include: edge trees with southwest exposure, drought conditions, pruning in late summer before the rains, leaving the minimum live crown ratio.
- Cedar trees pose a challenge to prune: The problem with trimming a cedar tree is that every cedar has a dead zone in the center of the canopy. The new green growth is dense. It blocks the sunlight from the older growth beneath and without light, it dies. The outer green growth does not extend very deep into the tree. If you are pruning cedar trees and you cut branches back into the dead zone, they will not regrow.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta Liked the Way the Wildcats Bounced Back Tuesday
Prior to the Wildcats Basketball Team’s always big game with rival Mount Pleasant, Coach Clark Cipoletta had a talk with his team about regaining their pride. The Wildcats entered Tuesday night’s home game 0-1 in district play after a stunning loss to Greenville Friday night. Coach Cipoletta told his players Greenville had taken their pride from them and they had to earn it back. Consider mission accomplished as the Wildcats took a 72-54 win over the Tigers. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats attitude, focus and sense of urgency was different than it was against Greenville. He had said the Mount Pleasant game would be a good test for the Wildcats’ leadership after the district loss. He said his four seniors lead the way by controlling their emotions and keeping from being too high or too low during the game. Coach Cipoletta however got the biggest game from a junior, point guard Lamodrick Johnson. Johnson drove to the basket time after time scoring 26 points. Coach Cip calls Johnson a one-person press breaker. He said LJ is hard to pressure and one who sees what most other players don’t. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats’ rebounding was much improved against Mount Pleasant. He said he could recall only about two missed block outs against the Tigers. He said there were 56 against Greenville. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats attention to little things resulted in big things. Next for the Wildcats is Texas High in Texarkana on Friday.
Wildcats Soccer Team Dominates Action But Has to Settle for 0-0 Tie at The Prim Tuesday Night
Soccer can be a frustrating sport. Case in point was Tuesday (January 21) night’s Wildcats game against Pittsburg at Gerald Prim Stadium that ended in a 0-0 tie. Wildcats Coach Alexi Upton said the Wildcats dominated play and had 21 shots on goal while the Pirates managed only 2 chances. Coach Upton said the Pirates’ goalkeeper “stood on his head” making 16 saves. He said he couldn’t have asked for more from his team that created so many chances and shots. He said the Wildcats played well but could learn lessons from the game. The tie evened the Wildcats season record at 4-4-4. Coach Upton said the Wildcats would be facing three heavyweight teams before beginning district play at Greenville on February 11. Friday at home the Wildcats take on Mesquite Poteet, Coach Upton’s alma mater. The following Friday Lovejoy visits The Prim. The Leopards were preseason ranked #4 in the region. The Wildcats also will play at Nevada Community on February 7. Community was preseason ranked #5 in Class 4A in their region.
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.
