Bright Star Cinemas Poised For Wednesday VIP Event, Official Nov. 21 Opening
Bright Star Cinemas is poised for their 6:30 p.m. VIP Red Carpet Event tonight, and KSST got a sneak peak at the newly renovated building as well as information local movie-goers are dying to know.
First, the Nov. 20 event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting and few remarks. Those interested will be invited to look around the updated lobby and concessions area, which includes an expanded menu that still includes a $1 hot dog. There will be free popcorn and soda at the opening event.
Playing tonight around 7 p.m. will be Countdown, Toy Story 4, Charlie’s Angels, 21 Bridges, Addams Family and Lion King. The first to arrive and fill the theaters this evening will be treated to a free movie, according to Beth Miska, ShowBiz Cinemas director of marketing.
Bright Star Cinemas purchased the 20,000 square-foot freestanding movie theater in Sulphur Springs in early September and has invested approximately $4.5 million in the theater project. Bright Star Cinemas also hired Dallas-based ShowBiz Cinemas to assist with management at the home office level.
The renovation includes new seating, new Dolby 5.1 sound and new, bigger floating screens. Seating is luxury reclining, adjustable with a foot rest and plenty of room for those with longer legs, and a sliding table top with a couple of cup and snack containers.
However, there are fewer seats available in each viewing room, due to the space needed for the larger recliner seats, so the maximum capacity of the newly renovated facility is about half the former seating.
There are three screens: two each of large, medium and intimate sizes; including at least one screen on which 3D flicks may be viewed. The theater is ADA compliant, with the required closed captioning and other assisted products available by request at the box office.
Technicians were working through the day Wednesday to make sure the necessary adjustments are made to the new equipment for optimum movie enjoyment.
The theater will then officially be open for ticket purchases starting Thursday, Nov. 21. Tickets will be available for purchase for less than $10 per seat. Pricing will range from about $4.50 for week day early bird viewing before 6 p.m. upward. Tickets may be purchased online at brightstarcinemas.com, at the ticket booth outside the theater or inside the lobby from one of the kiosks. Specific seats are selected at the time of purchase, eliminating the need to find a seat or certain number of seats together for those who arrive at the last minute.
Tickets purchased online may be printed and brought to the theater, or a confirmation number can be used at the kiosk in the lobby or the control board where tickets are collected.
Special discounts will be offered for all shows, even on weekends and evening. Discount Tuesday offers all seats are $5 all day long, with the exclusion of 3-D movies, which will cost a little more.
Special discounts will also be offered for senior citizens and children. Police and firefighters will be admitted free of charge upon showing ID, a show of appreciation from Bright Star Cinemas for their service to the community; this applies only to the police or firefighter, not their family.
For discounted seats, simply select the seat and denote the special rates, which should be applied for the purchase.
For more information, visit the 621 East Shannon Road theater, or go online to brightstarcinemas.com or check out their Facebook page.
*Updated* Former Commissioner Injured In Tractor Accident
*Updated Information* Mike Odell was in stable condition as of 4:30pm Wednesday afternoon (November 20th) following surgery on pelvis.
Former Hopkins County Commissioner Mike Odell was reportedly injured Tuesday evening in a tractor accident.
Emergency officials dispatched at 5:15 p.m. Nov. 19. Emergency dispatchers were told a where a man had been run over by a tractor in the area of County Road 2431, south of Como, according to sheriff’s reports. The injured was identified as Mike Odell, former Precinct 2 commissioner.
Odell was flown by medical helicopter to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, where he remained Wednesday morning, according to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum.
“As of the last update this morning, we are told he is going to make it. He has sustained several severe injuries. We will keep the Odells in our prayers and hope others will too,” Tatum said Wednesday morning.
Zoning Board Grants Special Permit For Houston Street Tattoo Studio, Variance For Church Street Covered Porch
Robert Cote’s request for a special use permit to move his tattoo studio into suite 4 at 201 Houston St. in Sulphur Springs was granted by the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals Tuesday evening. Approval was also given to a variance request which would allow a covered porch to be built at 804 Church Street.
Variance Request
John Bobb, property owner of 804 Church St., requested a variance of approximately 6 feet to encroached into the setback, which is 25 feet, in order to add a porch to the front side of the building. The home’s construction predates a lot of the zoning requirements, including the required setback distance, according to Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski.
“What the applicant is proposing would not further encroach the setback than the existing home. They’re just proposing putting a covered porch on, extending along the front of the house,” Niewiadomski noted
The city sent out notices to 18 property owners within 200 feet of 804 Church St. Seven letters were returned in favor of the porch and none were received in opposition of it, according to Niewiadomski.
The property address is 804 Church St., but actually has what the city considers two “fronts,” as it’s located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets, “facing” two streets. The porch would face the side street.
Niewiadomski recommended approving the request for a variance to the front yard setback to construct a covered porch on the property.
The Zoning Board granted John Bobb’s request for a setback variance, allowing the covered porch construction at 804 Church St.
Special Use Permit
The request for a special use permit for Suite 4 at 201 Houston St. was forwarded to the Zoning Board Tuesday by the Planning and Zoning Commission, who Monday agreed to recommend it for consideration, with restrictions. However, after discussion, the Zoning Board Tuesday, opted not to impose restrictions on the business.
Niewiadomski explained property is zoned light industrial. However, the Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night had expressed concern for the hours of operation, and had recommended that the same restrictions be imposed on the salon as another approved previously for another location.
Cote had agreed Monday to the conditions if that’s what was needed. Tuesday, when asked about the restrictions, Cote said he’d prefer they not be imposed, but would follow them if that’s what it takes to get his business going at the Houston Street location. He said he’s usually closed on Sunday and Monday, but does have the occasion pre-scheduled appointment on Sunday. Requiring him to be closed on Sunday and to close at 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday night, could impact his business.
He explained he is an award-winning tattoo artist who attends many conventions as well as doing business at his salon. Cotes said he is licensed in 16 states and charges $100 an hour. He sometimes has customers who fly in from other states or cities and drive to his business for a tattoo.
Preventing Sunday operations would exclude him from helping someone like the client who flew in from another state recently to see family in Texas on Saturday, drove to his business for a scheduled a tattooing on Sunday, then went home.
It was noted there are some hair salons that have been granted permission for cosmetic tattooing. Zoning Board member Jay Julian said he had a problem with restrictions if they do not apply to all, and questioned why there were exceptions for some for cosmetic but not other tattooing.
Board member Brad Burgin too said he is “not a big fan of restrictions to Mr. Cote” and the potential success of his business.
The Zoning Board, after hearing from Cote, property owner Ben Spraggins and city staff approved the special use permit, without restrictions.
Wildcats Basketball Wins Big
Wildcats Basketball Team is on Fire at Home Defeating Pleasant Grove, 103-52 Tuesday Night
The Wildcats Basketball Team went over the century mark Tuesday night (November 19) with a 103-52 victory over Pleasant Grove at the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School. The Wildcats started off hot and just got hotter throughout the game. After the game went back and forth in the early going the Wildcats built a 21-13 first quarter lead. By halftime the Wildcats were up 46-25. They stretched the lead to 74-36 after three quarters. Nine different Wildcats scored points. Senior Day Day Hall led the Wildcats with 21 points including one three-pointer. Junior Lamodrick Johnson came off the bench to score 20 points. Senior Cameron Kahn added 16 points. Senior Grayson McClure had 14 points including 4 three pointers. Junior Boo Wilkerson and sophomore Caleb Alexander had 8 points each and both had two three-point baskets. Sophomore Justin Haire had 7 points and one three-pointer. Senior Justin Brock hit two three-point baskets for 6 points. Junior Ja’Tavian Hall hit a three for 3 points total. The Wildcats hit 13 three-pointers. Pleasant Grove hit 10 three-point baskets. Aptly named Hawk’s junior Tre Stuart led all scorers with 24 points including six threes. It is believed that the previous high for a Wildcats team over at least the past 13 years was 94 points. The Wildcats outscored Princeton, 94-84 at Sulphur Springs on January 14, 2019. Former Sulphur Springs Coach Jeff Chapman’s Lady Cats clobbered Marshall 101-26 back on January 27, 2017. The Wildcats JV also had a big night Tuesday against Pleasant Grove defeating the Hawks 76-30. The Wildcats, ranked #5 in Class 5A, improve their season record to 2-0. The Wildcats next play Bryon Nelson in Trophy Club, Texas, located 20 miles north of Fort Worth.
Volunteer Firefighters Recognized at Reilly Springs Jamboree on November 16
Nine firefighters from various Hopkins County volunteer departments attended the Reilly Springs Jamboree on November 16, 2019 to tell the audience why they serve as first responders. Their individual responses were well received and applause went up in appreciation of their courageous work. This visit was by invitation following a rough week of fire fighting across the county, which included four separate structure fires handled by multiple units within a 12-hour period. Their fellow firefighters toil in all types of weather conditions and in dangerous settings to put out fires, prevent loss of life and damage to structures and surrounding property. It is risky and perilous work, and it’s not for everybody. Hopkins County appreciates their fire fighters!
Jamboree host Enola Gay Mathews invited the volunteers up onto the stage. Arbala Fire Department Chief Brian Fairchild spoke first, about the department where he serves as Chief and where his wife Christy also volunteers. “There’s a lot of co-operation between the departments here in Hopkins County. We all work together. Many of the units are getting a wider range of equipment and for some, their own headquarters, but these improvements come gradually. The response time is what is so vital. We are trained for very quick response time, no matter where in the county our stations are located. And there are places where additional substations are needed”. Christie Springfield is onstaff at Hopkins County Fire Department and comes from an EMS background. Also Assistant Emergency Management Co-ordinator for Hopkins County, she stated “all the units work together when more force is needed. They’re ready to pitch in when they get the order for backup. That makes a good working atmosphere amongst all the members of the departments in Hopkins County”. The seven male and two female firefighters received “thank you’s” shouted out from the audience as well as accolades from members of the band onstage. As they each introduced themselves and the departments in which they serve, some expressed that they knew they wanted to be a firefighter since youth. Others credit the example of family members who put them on the path. One mentioned that “the rush of adrenaline when the call comes in and everybody is ready to get to the scene” is what continues to motivate him. All seemed truly dedicated to serving their community in this essential way, and all seemed touched by the earnest and sincere appreciation from the Reilly Springs Jamboree.
Wesley UMC Invites Community to 41st Annual ‘Fall Roundup’ on Nov. 23
Carol Ann O’Dell is a tireless worker for Wesley United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs, and she enjoys her work! She plays organ for Sunday Morning Worship as well as assisting with Wesley’s Wednesday Night Supper and services. Now she is helping promote the annual Fall Roundup church fundraiser set for Saturday November 23, 2019, and stopped by to chat about it on the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay.
“Wesley is a joyful church and we love to share it! Stew-making is a big tradition and there have been some wonderful stew cooks at Wesley over the past 40 years. Some have passed on now, but their apprentices or family members just step in and take their place. Those good family recipes are preserved, as is the fellowship that Fall Roundup is so well known for! Chicken stew, beef stew and a pot of chili cooked outdoors will be ready to serve at 4:30pm. Your $6 ticket gets you all-you-can eat plus all the other exciting activities of the evening, too. Kids tickets are $4 for age 10 and under, and free for age 5 and under. The live auction at 6:30 pm is another exciting feature of Fall Roundup, and auctioneer Loyd Lennon keeps it moving and a lot of fun! We have some nice items too, including an Apple watch, a day use of The Venue downtown, a series of guitar lessons by Joe Clark, an Italian dinner for 6-8 persons and a Mexican dinner for 6-8 persons, plus lots of fun and useful auction items. The old-fashioned Country Store will be stocked with homemade jams, jellies, aprons, linens and more, and a Silent Auction will also be up and running when Fall Roundup opens at 4:30 pm. Child care will also be provided that evening. We want to invite the public who may be new to town or new to Wesley. We especially invite former Wesley members to “come home” for the evening and enjoy great fellowship with old friends. Wesley United Methodist Church is located at 614 Texas Street in Sulphur Springs. Find out more at wesleysst.org.”
Wildcats Soccer Player Manuel Esparza Signs With Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Wildcats Soccer player Manuel Esparza, the son of Liliana Sanchez, signed a letter of intent to play college soccer at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie Tuesday morning. Esparza says he filled out a recruiting profile that drew the attention of SAGU coaches. After a visit, a deal was struck. Esparza says the Waxahachie campus is beautiful and has a good atmosphere. Esparza says the coaches told him they like his strength and height and his ability to see things on the field before they happen. Esparza, plays as a center back defender for the Wildcats, and he says SAGU is also looking for him to play that position. Esparza says he is currently undecided about what he will major in at SAGU. He says he has played soccer most of his life and he adds he likes playing defense. Esparza says he hopes the Wildcats can win a district championship and advance to the regional tournament this season. Wildcats Coach Alexi Upton calls Esparza a good kid with talent and a hard worker. Coach Upton says after Esparza did not play a lot his junior year, he has worked hard to improve himself. He says getting a scholarship is all Esparza’s doing. Esparza is Coach Upton’s first college signee and the second year coach says he expects quite a few more.
Wildcats Basketball Home Opener Features Game With Pleasant Grove Hawks Tuesday Night
The #5 ranked Wildcats Basketball Team has their home opener for the season on this Tuesday game day (November 19) at the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High as they take on the Pleasant Grove Hawks. There will be a JV game at 5 p.m. with the varsity game to follow at around 6:30 p.m. The Hawks come in 0-1 for the season after a loss to Class 6A Longview, 82-59 on Saturday. The Wildcats are 1-0 after their overtime win over Decatur, 73-71 Saturday at the Cowtown Showdown in North Crowley. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta notes Pleasant Grove almost went to the State Tournament last year. The Hawks lost by four points to eventual state champ, Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff. He says the Hawks are athletic adding they have a big kid inside. Coach Cipoletta says they like to press all over the court and double team. He says the Hawks like things as chaotic and fast as possible. Coach Cipoletta says the Wildcats will need to play under control and take care of the basketball. KSST Radio will bring you Wildcats and Pleasant Grove basketball tonight including live video and audio streaming. The game will be posted to You Tube and will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Special Use Permit For Houston Street Tattoo Studio On Zoning Commission, Board Agendas This Week
Sulphur Springs’ Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals are slated Tuesday night to consider two items, a front yard setback variance on Church Street and a special use permit for a tattoo studio on Houston Street.
The board will be asked tonight to consider a variance to a front yard setback to construct a covered porch on property located at 804 Church St.
The Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night recommended a special use permit be issued to allow a tattoo studio to set up operations at 201 Houston St., Suit 4, provided the business agrees to the same provisions outlined in a previous special use permit issued for a tattoo studio elsewhere in town. The business would need to agree to certain hours of operation and limited loitering. Three complaints within the same year would send the permit back to the city, where the permit could then be revoked, Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski.
The city sent letters addresses for 16 properties around the proposed site. they received no response in favor of the business, but did receive two letters opposed to it, including one from the county. In the past, similar types of requests had been denied, except for one tattoo business on West Industrial Drive, according to Niewiadomski.
“I tip my hat to the city staff. I understand their recommendation against. There’s been some precedent again. I ask you to look at this from a different perspective. We require a special use permit. This is to regulate placement of tattoo shops, and other things as well, not to prohibit,” City Manager Marc Maxwell said.
Property owner Ben Spraggins said he had contacted the others leasing the building. They were in favor of the business, not against it, including the church. He had letters from three of the four occupants noting their favor of the tattoo parlor being located on the premises.
Spraggins pointed out that many of businesses in the area are 24-hour businesses, including a bail bond business, the sheriff’s office and the co-operative and their feed mill business. He noted all have traffic at various hours. The area was light commercial prior to the construction of the multifamily units about 20 years ago or more.
“It’s already an industrial, commercial area. I feel Legacy 13 will be a good addition to the neighborhood,” Spraggins said.
Robert Cote said he is trying to move his tattoo studio to the Houston Street location due to the State Highway 19 south property he’s currently operating out just outside of town is being sold. He assured his staff is top notch, and subject to drug testing; one of his staff leads music at church. He said his business is not a typical tattoo shop. He does business all over, traveling in an 18-wheeler to conventions, and his time is typically reserved at least 1-2 weeks in advance in the studio. He said his pricing, upwards of $100 per hour, typically weeds out any riffraff. His hours are typically Tuesday-Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight.
Cote said he’d be willing to meet their conditions, even if it means adjusting his hours a little bit.
The Planning and Zoning Commission gave its recommendation for the special permit request to be forwarded to the Planning and Board of Adjustments and Appeals during their regular meeting at 5:30 this evening, Nov. 19, at City Hall, 201 North Davis St.
Niewiadomski and Maxwell also asked the Planning and Zoning Commission Monday to start considering possibly allowing accessory dwelling units — this could be a potential answer to future housing and infrastructure needs. These could include single person or smaller housing on the same property as an existing home or structure, and could include what are referred to as granny flats, in-law’s suites, guest housing or garage apartments. The last 50 years of so, those have not been allowed. However, this could provide additional housing on a smaller scale.
Niewiadomski referred to a presentation he gave during the regular October City Council meeting regarding housing and infrastructure needs, and noted he’d plan to present that to the Planning and Zoning Commission at an upcoming meeting as well.
