Hospital District Approves EDC Request To Change Tax Abatement Policy
Hopkins County Hospital District will be changing the type of tax abatements businesses may apply for in the future.
The hospital district board Tuesday night approved the request made by Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Executive Director Roger Feagley to change to a Chapter 381 Tax Abatement Policy.
Feagley said the policy is easier to adopt and administer and will require those receiving abatements to provide documentation the incentive agreement has been met. Now, the business will be billed for their taxes, but will receive a reimbursement for the agreed upon exemption when proof of terms are met.
In the past, businesses granted abatements weren’t billed for those taxes, so some didn’t pay the taxes owed. In other cases, some businesses granted abatements haven’t met the terms of the agreement, such as maintaining a certain number of employees or maintaining certain equipment. There have also been instances in which EDC staff had difficulty getting management at the company to provide requested documentation showing terms are met.
Hopkins County Hospital District CEO Ronald L. Folwell recalled a local business’ abatement was reduced at a recent board meeting due to terms not being met.
Under the Chapter 381 tax abatement policy, the business would pay their taxes. Then, when required information is providing showing the business has adequately met the terms of the abatement, the agreed upon abated amount would be refunded to them, Feagley explained.
When asked by one board member whether HCHD Board would still have approval or refusal of proposed tax abatements under the 381 policy, Feagley assured the district would indeed have final say on whether the applicant is granted an abatement of taxes to the hospital district.
Feagley noted the EDC is also adjusting the scope of abatements recommended. Abatements will now be on a declining scale, going from 100 percent, to 90, 80 and down each taxing period during the length of the abatement. The total abatement amount will be less as well, going from more that are 100 percent to 50 percent over the life of the abatement.
Also, by adopting the 381 abatement policy, the hospital district would no longer have to approve the policy every two years. Once approved, the policy remains in effect, unless a request to do so is made.
Folwell noted a few abatement requests are anticipated to be submitted in the near future for consideration, including fora few solar farms planned within the hospital district.
Send Off Planned Oct. 31 For 4 Area Veterans Departing On Honor Flight DFW
Four area veterans will be honored at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, in front of Hopkins County Courthouse with a send-off for the Nov. 1 Honor Flight, which will carry them to Washington D.C. to see the veterans memorials and participate in special events designed specifically for veterans.
Vietnam Army veterans Jerry Hanna and Rick Flannary, both of Sulphur Springs, and Marvin Cherney of Mineola, along with Korean Air Force veteran Earl Stubblefield of Bogata, will be among the honorees on the Nov. 1 Honor Flight DFW.
Judy Rawson Heaps, a DFW Honor Flights Board member, will provide information about the Honor Flight. Heaps has been working on the board since she took her Dad Jean Rawson on the first flight in May 2009.
Veterans Honor Flights DFW honor veterans for the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation safe by providing them with an all expense paid overnight trip to Washington D. C., to visit the memorials which were built to symbolize their spirit, sacrifice, and commitment.
The four local veterans will depart on the 43rd Veterans Honor Flight DFW Friday morning, Nov. 1, in Dallas and return Saturday night, Nov. 2.
Each veteran will have a “guardian” accompany them on the flight and stay in D.C., to carry items and help with whatever is needed. Scheduled to accompanying Flanary is daughter Nikki Flanary. Hanna’s son Patrick will be going with him, Cheney’s daughter Brandy Young with him and Stubblefield will be accompanied by his son-in-law Monte Dain.
Trip highlights will include visiting the National World War II Memorial, US Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Air Force Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Korean War Veterans Memorial, United States Navy Memorial, Tomb of the Unknowns and an Airmen of Note Concert.
The send off Thursday morning will feature remarks by Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom. County Veterans Administration Officer/Treasurer Danny Davis will lead the pledge to the flags, with “That Ragged Old Flag” to be presented by Clayton McGraw and a prayer offered by First Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jeff Gravens. The national anthem and military salute are also slated to be part of the event.
Community members are encouraged to attend the send-off to help recognize these men for their service through attendance at the send off. Polly Swatsell will be providing flags for people to hold and wave as appropriate to show their patriotism as well. Veterans are invited to attend and sit in the designated area in recognition of their service.
Any who are in Dallas Saturday night are invited to help greet the veterans as they return on Welcome Home #43 flight. The Southwest flight is scheduled to return to Dallas Love Field at 9:55 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Love Landing on the second level of the airport non-secure side. However, the flights sometimes arrive early. To verify return time, call Southwest Airlines 1-800-435-9783.
Time to Meet Historic Characters on Their Own Ground…Take a “Cemetery Walk” on Sunday Nov. 3
Three colorful characters from Hopkins County’s past visited the KSST studios to invite the public to a “coming out” on Sunday afternoon November 3, 2019 in Sulphur Springs City Cemetery. That’s when tour guides from the Hopkins County Genealogical Society will give you a first-person tour of the oldest and largest graveyard in Sulphur Springs. There, you’ll be meeting the “who’s who” of Sulphur Springs’ fledgling years. Various characters will be enacted by costumed male and female members of the Genealogical Society, each who are quite knowledgeable about the founders and builders of our community. Tour hours are from 2-4 PM this Sunday, and cost is $10 person. Starting point for the tour is the Myra Wilson Chapel at the entrance to City Cemetery. Funds raised are used for Genealogical Society projects and needs.
The widow Belle Pierce is portrayed by researcher Rhonda Bechhold. She will describe her “town” home in the 400 block of North Davis Street and her husband J.K. Pierce, an early cattle baron. She shared that as a child she was very afraid of Indians as her family traveled from Kentucky in an oxen-pulled wagon, first settling in Birthright and starting a flour company there, then settling on Hopkins County land where they began raising cattle and horses. Later widowed, Mrs. Pierce passed away in 1937.
Portrayed by researcher Paula Altenbaumer, Mrs. Fannie Thornton was one of the first businesswomen in Sulphur Springs and for certain the first female factory owner! Her sewing factory turned out bonnets and apron dresses, employing up to 30 women ‘and orphans’ at times. Her final of four Sulphur Springs factory locations was in the current location of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home, as was her home, House of Seven Gables, a factory-kit home which arrived by railcar to be built on her site. This progressive businesswoman passed away in 1944.
A socialite and wife of a Congressman, Sarah Frances Martin married Colonel Benjamin Maddox Camp and settled on 500 acres west of the town of Sulphur Springs. Fannie had met the Colonel in Georgia, where she was also from. On their property in Hopkins County, they built Lake Camp and the Vine House Cottage where she entertained as hostess of his many social functions. She preceded her husband in death in 1928. Fannie Camp will be portrayed by researcher Shirley Patchen.
Update on Condition of Hospitalized Middle Schooler, Message of Thanks from Family
According to Danny and Barbara Cavanaugh of Sulphur Springs, grandparents of 14-year-old Kaycee Ivey currently hospitalized at Children’s Medical Center, improvement of the Middle Schooler has been a slow and deliberate process. Kaycee sustained numerous internal injuries in the vehicle crash on October 4, 2019 which killed her mother and her aunt and injured her cousin Jacob Reed. Until this week, Kaycee has remained in a medically-induced coma and on a breathing ventilator as her care team assessed and observed her condition, battled infections with antibiotics and daily revised her plan of treatment. Last week, accumulating fluids were to be removed, and X-rays and MRI administered. However, following anesthesia for the procedure, she experienced a drop in blood pressure and her condition worsened. Quickly she was placed in ICU and put back on ventilator and coma rest. At the same time, she was recovering from emergency surgery for torn bowel following the wreck. X-rays have shown some nerve damage to lower neck and into shoulder region but surgery not required. This week, it was hoped that Kaycee could begin to breathe more on her own and have neck brace removed so that she could communicate to the team about how her neck was feeling. Once that could be accomplished, faster improvement could be expected. An update follows.
October 30, 2019 Update from Children’s Medical Center.
Kaycee’s lung xray looked a little worse this morning. Dr thinks it’s because have been lowering vent support. He didn’t seem too concerned about it. To help improve, we’re going to raise Kaycee’s bed today as much as she can tolerate until we get her to sitting position and raise a setting on vent. Going to get her more active in bed using physical therapy and occupational therapy which will help her condition overall. Continue with same antibiotics as there are indications that infection is getting better. Dr says we have to be “aggressive, but patient”. We’re believing for more improvement today. Thanks for loving us.
Thank You Message from Barbara Cavanaugh and Kohlson Ivey
I know I should of already done this but just not easy. I want to thank everyone for the prayers, the text, the calls, the food, all of the beautiful things sent to my girls Funeral, all of the money, the benefits, the visits and Lord knows anything else I might forget. Thanks to Jeff and Sue Orwosky , Jamie and Staff at Murray Orwosky Funeral home for coordination of a beautiful service. I know doing a double one was so hard especially in such a large place. Joel Tiemeyer Damon Wilks, Rachel Draper and Savanna Christian for all of the beautiful words said about my girls lives and words of encouragement to my family. Thanks to everyone for all of the out pouring love for our family. Loosing two children at once …. there are no words to describe how bad my heart hurts. I love you all and couldn’t of made it through this without God by our side and all of you. THANKS AND PLEASE KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING! Kaycee’s brother Kohlson, a student at Sulphur Springs High School, added “Thank you to everyone, not just in Sulphur Springs but in towns around here like Paris, Greenville and Mt. Pleasant and other school districts too, who have sent sincere wishes and even donations. Thank you to everyone who has said a prayer for us or sent us an email. Our sincere thanks and GOD BLESS all of you”!
SSISD Reminds Of Early Release Day
Students and their families are reminded that Friday, Nov. 1, will be an early release day for Sulphur Springs ISD.
All students and staff in SSISD will be released an hour early on Friday. Buses will also run one hour ahead of their regular schedule.
Families and caregivers for children enrolled in SSISD should adjust their schedules accordingly for the early release time.
Texas High Volleyball Rallies to Top the Lady Cats, 3-2 as Lady Cats Slip to Fourth Place
Texas High Volleyball Rallies to Top the Lady Cats, 3-2 as Lady Cats Slip to Fourth Place
Texas High rallied to win the last two sets to best the Lady Cats Volleyball Team, 3-2 in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School Tuesday night (October 29) on Senior Night. The Lady Cats won the first set, 25-21. Texas High evened the match with a 25-23 win in set two. The Lady Cats took a 2-1 lead in sets taking set three, 25-20. Texas High forced a fifth set taking set four, 25-23. Texas High easily won the decisive set five, 15-6 as the Lady Cats had quite a few errors. The loss dropped the Lady Cats into fourth place as Royse City took third place with a win over Mount Pleasant. The Lady Cats are now matched up with District 16-5A champion Hallsville in bi-district next week. The Lady Cats have a warm up game Friday at 4:30 p.m. at home against Paris. The Lady Cats end up 4-6 in district play and 22-17 for the season. For the Lady Cats against Texas High, Sadie Washburn had a team high 20 kills, Sydney Washburn had 10, Erika VanBenthem 9 and Brooklyn Burnside 8. Paris Pickett had 18 digs. Peyton Hammack had 50 assists. Lady Cats Coach Bailey Dorner could not remember a higher total of assists in any game so far this year. During Senior Night, the Lady Cats recognized four players and their manager, Braley Vickery. The Lady Cats’ seniors are Aliyah Abron, Erika VanBenthem, Sydney Washburn and Kaylee Malone.
I-30 Traffic Stop Near Sulphur Springs Nets Arrest, Suspected Morphine Vials
Troopers arrested a 38-year-old Duncanville woman allegedly caught with vials of suspected morphine Tuesday afternoon.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Aaron Hanna stopped a Hyundai PC with Oklahoma license plates for a traffic violation on Interstate 30 at mile marker 129 at 3:02 p.m. The passenger, identified in reports as Jamela Chanel Ivery-Strickland, showed indicators of nervousness and criminal activity, leading the highway patrol officer to ask for permission to conduct a search, Hanna noted in arrest reports.
When Ivery-Strickland refused, a DPS canine was deployed around the vehicle. The dog alerted to the presence of a narcotic odor, resulting in a probable cause search, Hanna alleged in arrest reports. Two vials labled as morphine were allegedly located in the woman’s purse, resulting in her arrest for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance; the car was released to her father, according to arrest reports.
Ivey-Strickland remained in the county jail Wednesday morning, Oct. 30, on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Mount Vernon Woman Arrested On Violation Of Probation Charge
Jacqueline Deann Blalock, 35, of Mount Vernon turned herself in at Hopkins County jail at 6:40 p.m. Monday on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She was escorted into the county jail by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy T. Patterson and booked on the charge, according to arrest reports.
Oct. 28 marked the second time Blalock has been jailed locally this year for violating probation, which she was on for the May 2013 offense. She was arrested for the same charge on July 1 and remained in the county jail until Aug. 7, according to jail reports.
She also spent Aug. 31, 2017 to Oct 3, 2017 in the Hopkins County jail for violating terms and or/conditions of probation on the charge, according to jail records.
Hopkins County United Way At Nearly 72 Percent Of Goal
Hopkins County United Way campaign workers had a productive week, with $46,274.09 in donations and pledges collected during the fifth week of the campaign.
“These were wonderful numbers to report,” said HCUW Campaign Co-Chair Bill Owens.
Added to the $71,366.26 tally posted after all donations were in for week four, that increases the total collected so far to $117,640.35, which is roughly 71.3 percent of the overall $165,000 goal to benefit at least 20 local agencies.
“Folks, I see the goal is in sight. I had a little stress and a little panic before this wonderful meeting here. Thank you to everybody that helped. We’ll see you at the next meeting right here at 9 sharp, Nov. 6,” said Bill Owens, referring to the AgriLife Extension Office where the final campaign workers report meeting will be held next Wednesday. “Thank you to every who has helped.”
Campaign workers reported numerous businesses and groups met the goal set for their organization, including Kiwanis Club, Sulphur Springs Floral, Financial Solutions, Shoe Inns, A&S Air Conditioning, Fieldhouse Sports, Pioneer Cafe, Briley’s Barber Shop, Sulphur Springs Muffler, Payne Electric, Nations Lending, Texas Trading, Flippin Printing/Millennium Shopper, East Texas Gymnastics, Hammond Mobile Homes, Bugers and Fries, Tierra Del Sol, Foster’s Place, Northeast Texas Farmers Coop, Mitchell Fitness/24 Hour Gym, Toliver Ford, Juan Pablo’s, JB Weld, Jason Tully Nationwide Insurance, Landers Creek Outfitters, Jim McLeroy, Century 21 Hometown and East Texas Physical Therapy
A few business’ donations exceeding the goal set for the business or group, and some other didn’t quite meet the goal but were noted for their contributions as well.
Carriage House Manor’s total donation of $2,808.11 was about three times the goal. Employees gave $335.50, and another $2472.61, was given by the corporation or owners. The business held bake sales, offered lunches and other fundraisers and Arvis Tanton matched some of the funds, HCUW Campaign Co-Chair Beverley Owens noted.
Charlotte Henderson reported Clarion Pointe Hotel’s contribution was almost 200 percent of the goal.
All Super Handy stores met their goal and corporate gave as well, Henderson noted.
HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning reported AE Moore Construction exceeded their goal as did Miller Grove ISD.
Como-Pickton CISD, for several years has continued to exceed the school’s goal. This year’s donation of $824 was even more than contributed last year, Berning reported.
Grocery Supply Co contributed a total of $12,468, with employees contributing $9,968 and corporate contributed another $2,500.
Lynda Hager reported Chuck and Judy Jones made a $1,000 donation through Guaranty Bank and Trust. Henderson noted that was the amount Dr. Jones previously contributed annually through his practice. Executive Secretary Susan Berning expressed appreciation for dedicated faithful givers, like the Jones, who contribute generously every year.
Berning reported receiving a generous donation from Donnie and Beth Wisenbaker.
A campaign worker at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs reported a team of employees in the various departments and clinic are working together to collect donations for HCUW from employees. The facility’s goal is $10,000. Already more than $8,230 has been collected for HCUW, and the project coordinator said they’re not finished yet. Last year, CHRISTUS provided a $5,000 corporate match, and officials have indicated to on-site HCUW fundraising team CHRISTUS would again match up to that much this year.
City National Bank exeeded the goal set for both the employees and corporate, with a total of $10,400 contributed overtall. The amount requested from CNB employees each year has inched up, but the employees have risen to the challenge each time to meet or exceed the goal. This year is no exception. The employee goal was $4,000; they contributed more than $6,200, which is 156 percent. The corporate goal was $2,200, but the corporate contribution was over $4,100, John Sellers reported.
Brandon Williams reported Guaranty Bank and Trust contributed $1,170, with $1,060 of that donated by bank employees and the rest a corporate contribution
UPS contributed another $52 to their campaign pledge, bringing the total thus far to $11,697.80.
Schlotzky’s and All World Travel turned in a $600 donation total.
Larry Crowson reached out to Saputo, Berning reported, and received a $1,850 contribution from the business for HCUW.
There was even a check sent from Raytheon for $15.68, the HCUW executive secretary said.
Berning offers thanks to everyone for each contribution, no matter how large or small. A little bit can go a long way, but it takes every bit to reach the goal to help so many individuals through the organizations allocated funding. HCUW is appreciative for every cent, according to Berning
Each year the Bankers Clearinghouse offers $500 in incentives for employees of banks participating in the consortium — Alliance Bank, City National Bank, and Guaranty Bank and Trust; those employees who donate at least a certain amount have their names entered into a drawing for cash. This year 124 bank employees had their names entered into the drawing: 62 from City National Bank, 46 from Alliance Bank and 16 from Guaranty Bond Bank.
While the day’s contributions were tallied, Lynda Hager, assisted by John Sellers and other HCUW campaign workers, drew names for the Clearinghouse. Those drawn received cash awards of $100, $50 or $20, for a total of $500 awarded. Representatives from the various banks will be distributing those to any employees at their financial institution whose name was drawn.
Bill Owens noted there were still several businesses and groups whose packets were not in, including Sulphur Springs ISD, Atmos, Clayton Homes and Flowserve. He asked those who can to be sure to pick up any outstanding donation packets by 9 a.m. next Wednesday, the last scheduled report meeting so the campaign can wrap up and those contributors can be counted toward the goal and recognized as well.
Wildcat Band Has Highest Finish in School History at Area Competition Last Saturday
Wildcat Band Director Spencer Emmert believes the band had their highest finish in school history at Area competition last Saturday (October 26) at Mesquite Memorial Stadium. The Wildcat Band placed 13th. Emmert said it was a great day and the band performed a great show. He said the band performed early, the fifth band to perform. Emmert said the weather was cold and windy. He said Mesquite Memorial Stadium is known for its’ swirling winds. Emmert said that was one of the reasons he booked the band’s first contest there back on October 5. He said the band’s 13th place finish was awesome although he added an ultimate goal was to finish in the top ten to qualify for the Area finals. Emmert said the Wildcat Band has never made finals at Area. He said the band would continue to perform its halftime show, What a Wonderful New World, at the final two football games. He said his seniors especially want to perform it at The Prim on Senior Night on November 8. Emmert said the band has a busy schedule ahead despite winding down of football season. The band is just beginning the Concert Band season. The band will also be performing at a special Veterans Day program and will be doing a Christmas Show. With straight one scores during the Marching Season, the band will be pursuing Sweepstakes in the spring with a performance and sight reading. Band members will have All Region Band auditions in December. The top three chairs for each instrument qualify for the All-Region Band. Students that qualify can then compete at the All-State Band. Band members will also have Solos and Ensembles competition in the spring. On top of everything else, the Wildcat Band will be taking an Orlando, Florida trip in the spring.
