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City Council Approves Tire Ordinance, Revokes Ocean Spray Tax Abatement

Posted by on 8:01 pm in Headlines, Local Business News, News, Sulphur Springs City Council News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on City Council Approves Tire Ordinance, Revokes Ocean Spray Tax Abatement

City officials gave approval on first reading Tuesday night an ordinance to provide regulation of tire businesses, and decided to revoke an existing Ocean Spray tax abatement.

Ordinance No. 2746 would amend Chapter 15 of Sulphur Springs Municipal Code, by adding Article VII, Sections 15-301 and 15-308, requiring tire businesses to cover used and scrap tires on the property, make sure they remain within a fence and will limit the number of scrap or old tires a business can have on its property.

The ordinance will be brought before the council again for second reading and final approval at a future meeting, with noted changes regarding number of tires allowable and the length of time the business has to remove scrap or old tires if found to be in violation of the ordinance.

Council members also opted to follow city staff’s recommendations that the tax abatement granted to Ocean Spray Cranberries for $5 million in improvements. The company failed to meet the terms of the abatement, which were to maintain its labor force of 143 and a minimum payroll of $1.8 million. Since that time, 13 jobs have been lost, reportedly due to efficiency of operations. The company had requested a reduction in the abatement proportionate to the reduction in labor.

The matter was first proposed at the May council meeting but was tabled pending consultation with the Economic Development Corporation officials for a recommendation. EDC Director Roger Feagley told city officials since they were not party to the contract it would not be appropriate for him to weigh in, city officials said.

Feagley did say all three options being considered were viable: canceling the abatement, modifying it to the number of regular employees, lowering the abatement to correspond with the number of employees. He cautioned them to consider that when companies update technology, it may mean jobs lost on the lower end, but five jobs added at a higher pay scale because they are for more skilled positions.

The city council voted to revoke the abatement altogether.

The council also during the meeting approved Resolution 1169 designating the finance director and city manager as signatories for the city, authorized to request funds under Tx CDBG 7218942 grant contract; and Resolution 1170 reaffirming policies previously adopted by the city to ensure compliance with federal rule and regulations regarding citizens participation and civil rights protections.

Mayor Norman Sanders also proclaimed June Fair Housing Month. The Civil Rights Act 1968 prohibits discrimination in housing. Designating June as Fair Housing Month provides an “opportunity for all American to recognize that the complete success of the goal of equal housing opportunities can only be accomplished with the help and cooperation of all Americans,” Sanders read from the proclamation. He then urged “all citizens of this locality to become aware of and support the fair housing law.”

Sanders too invited community members to Celebration Plaza Saturday June 29, to the annual Independence Day Celebration.

“I’d like to see everyone up there. It’s always a lot of fun,” he said.

Mayor, City Boards, Other Appointments Announced

Posted by on 6:54 pm in Headlines, News, Sulphur Springs City Council News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Mayor, City Boards, Other Appointments Announced

Mayor, City Boards, Other Appointments Announced

After Freddie Taylor, Doug Moore and Jeff Sanderson took the oath of office, the Sulphur Springs City Council elected Erica Armstrong mayor pro tem and Norman Sanders mayor.

John Sellers expressed appreciation to the many city staff, officials and citizens for their help during the last two years while he served as mayor, and offered a rose to his wife. Incoming mayor Norman Sanders too offered flowers and appreciation to his wife.

Sanders presented a symbolic gavel to Sellers as a token of appreciation to commemorate his service as mayor.

The council too approved appointments of individuals to 11 different city board and regional groups. Those include:

Economic Development

  • Buck Booker
  • Craig Roberts

Zoning Board Of Adjustment

  • Jay Julian
  • Kevin Mohl
  • Kyle Robinson
  • Alternates: Janet Martin
  • James Litzler

Airport Advisory Board

  • Dr. Charles Jones
  • David Baucom

Sulphur River Municipal Water District

  • Bob Russell

Library Board

  • Carol Gee
  • Michelle McGill Ivery

Board Of Tourism And Promotion

  • Don Fausett
  • Meredith Caddell

Construction Board Of Adjustment And Appeals

  • Bobby Harris
  • John Cooper
  • Jeff Redding

Planning And Zoning Commission

  • Chuck Sickles
  • Tommy Harrison

Ark-Tex Council Of Governments

  • John Sellers
  • Erica Armstrong
  • Jeff Sanderson

Downtown Revitalization Board

  • Mike Elliott
  • Tyler Law

Revolving Loan Fund Committee

  • Jeff Fisher
  • Erica Armstrong
  • Jimmy D. Lucas
  • John Sellers
  • Marc Maxwell

Central Baptist Church – 2019 VBS Sports Camp

Posted by on 6:22 pm in App, Church News, Community Events, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, School News, Sports, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Central Baptist Church – 2019 VBS Sports Camp

Central Baptist Church – 2019 VBS Sports Camp

Central Baptist Church’s 2019 VBS Sports Camp will begin June 17th and run through June 20th, 6-8pm each night. Registration begins at 5:30pm each night.  They will have FREE SHIRTS for the 1st 100 kids that attend.

Central Baptist Church MEGA Sports Camp
Central Baptist Church MEGA Sports Camp
Central Baptist Church 2019 VBS Sports Camp
Central Baptist Church 2019 VBS Sports Camp

Section Of Jackson Street Will Be Renamed In Honor Of J.D. Franklin

Posted by on 4:12 pm in Featured, Headlines, News, Sulphur Springs City Council News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Section Of Jackson Street Will Be Renamed In Honor Of J.D. Franklin

Section Of Jackson Street Will Be Renamed In Honor Of J.D. Franklin

June 5, 2019 – Sulphur Springs City Council Monday night approved a request to rename a section of Jackson Street after a community leader.

J.D. Franklin Drive will stretch from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to College Street.

This section of Jackson Street, from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to College Street will be renamed J.D. Franklin Drive.

This section of Jackson Street, from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to College Street will be renamed J.D. Franklin Drive.

 

The designation is the vision of the Rev. Jason Lindley, to honor Franklin while he’s still living, according to Councilman Freddie Taylor. A petition was presented to residents, businesses and churches in the area, asking for their support for the renaming of Jackson Street in honor of J.D. Franklin. That was presented to city officials.

It honors 82-year-old resident J.D. Franklin, who served as the first African American City Commissioner of Sulphur Springs in 1975, and served on the city council until 1979. In 1978, elected as the first African American mayor of Sulphur Springs, notes Taylor

J.D. Franklin, Sulphur Springs’ first African American City Commissioner and mayor.

 

Franklin was a businessman, having his own lawn care service. He more recently came out of retirement and is employed with the Sulphur Springs Independent School District Maintenance Department.

Franklin is a 1956 graduate of Douglass High School. He married Gloria Nash in 1959. They have been married for 60 years and raised five children, who all attended college and received a bachelor’s degree and some master’s degrees as well.

He has been an active member of the Masonic Columbia Lodge #81 for more than 60 years. He too has been an active member of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for more than 55 years, and became a deacon in 1972.

“This man is worth his weight in gold,” said Taylor.

The resolution passed unanimously, to a standing clap of approval from the packed audience in City Hall Tuesday night.

 

Channel 18 Morning Show with David Black: Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Posted by on 3:16 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sulphur Springs News, Video Interviews | Comments Off on Channel 18 Morning Show with David Black: Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Channel 18 Morning Show with David Black:  Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Beverley, Bill Owens To Co-Chair Hopkins County United Way 2019-20 Campaign

Posted by on 3:00 pm in Community Events, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News | Comments Off on Beverley, Bill Owens To Co-Chair Hopkins County United Way 2019-20 Campaign

Beverley, Bill Owens To Co-Chair Hopkins County United Way 2019-20 Campaign
Hopkins County United Way’s new board members, 2019-20 campaign co-chairs and theme, budget and allocations committee were announced Wednesday, June 5.

Lifelong Hopkins County residents Beverley and Bill Owens were announced Wednesday as the co-chairs for Hopkins County United Way’s 2019-2020 fundraising campaign.

“I am very excited for Bill and Beverley this year. We are here to be your support group. If you need help reach out and lean on us. You are going to do a great job,” said Mike Jumper, HCUW president. ” You’re going to be successful. It’s going to be a fun and great experience for you. I hope you get as much out of it as I did when I went through it. It’s a great opportunity for us to help our community.”

Beverley has been involved with HCUW for more than 20 years as a campaign worker and volunteers. She has also served on several HCUW committees through the years. She also volunteers with several community organizations that benefit from United Way funds, so she knows first hand a lot of the needs.

Each has also been involved with the community through Trinity Harvest Church of God and their work.

Bill Owens says he’s known about HCUW for a long time and has always considered it to be a good thing, but has not been involved aside from contributing. He says he knows there are many needs in the community that HCUW helps serve, and is learning a lot more about HCUW.

Bill Owens announced the proposed theme for the 2019-20 campaign is to “Be a HERO, Give to the United Way.” “By being a HERO, H-E-R-O-, give hope, empowerment, renewing and opportunities,” he explained.

For example, HCUW gives hope for 1,250 families, 36 percent of those who are unemployed and 28 percent disabled, through CANHelp where they receive food, clothing, help with rent and other basic necessities, Bill Owens said

HCUW helps give empowerment by helping Boy Scouts prepare for adult life.

United Way offers renewing for those trapped in substance abuse through recovery, education and prevention through East Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

HCUW helps provide opportunities for kids to learn sewing skills, do livestock shows food nutrition workshops, public speaking by being part of a Hopkins County 4-H Club.

“So HERO, I’m reminded today’s the 75th anniversary of D-Day, where thousands of heroes gave everything they had by storming Omaha Beach to give hope, empowerment, renewing and opportunity to the world. Our challenge this year is to storm Hopkins County for those that need in our own little community, by giving them hope, empowerment, renewing and opportunity by volunteering and giving in any way we can through the United Way,” Bill Owens said. “We ask for your prayers, for Beverley and I to be the HEROs we need to be. Thank you all for being a hero.”

Also recognized were new HCUW board members Larry Crowson, Markeda Fisher, Mike Horne, Sherry McGraw and Bill Owens. They join Mike Jumper, Charlotte Henderson, Adam Teer, Beverly Owens, Larry Willis, Debra Evans and Chuck Askins.

Serving on the Budget and Allocations Committee are Mike Jumper, Beverley Owens, Bill Owens, Charlotte Henderson, Bob Weaver, Tim Kelty and Joey Baker. This group spends two days interviewing representatives from the various non-profit agencies requesting assistance, then allocations funds accordingly.

“I always feel there is a lot of responsibility serving on it because we’ve only got so many dollars. It seems like the need is always greater every year, but the budget is not always relative to the need. We’ve got to be good stewards with our funds. I appreciate everybody for stepping up and being on that allocations committee,” Jumper said.

The Owens also announced the dates for 2019-2020 campaign. The campaign workers luncheon will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Southwest Dairy Museum. The lead donor luncheon will be one week later, starting at noon Wednesday, Sept. 26, at Sulphur Springs Country Club. The first campaign workers report meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Anyone who would like to serve as a HCUW campaign volunteer is asked to contact HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning at [email protected] or 903-243-4066, Bill Owens at [email protected] or 903-348-5122 or Beverley Owens at [email protected] or 903-348-5121.

Beverley and Bill Owens, Hopkins County United Way 2019-20 campaign co-chairs

Channel 18 Swearing-In City Council: Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Posted by on 2:48 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sulphur Springs City Council News, Sulphur Springs News, Video Interviews | Comments Off on Channel 18 Swearing-In City Council: Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Channel 18 Swearing-In City Council:  Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Dairy Festival is a Favorite Stop for Hot Air Balloonists!

Posted by on 11:28 am in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Dairy Festival is a Favorite Stop for Hot Air Balloonists!

Dairy Festival is a Favorite Stop for Hot Air Balloonists!
Dr. David Black, Dairy Festival board member and Balloon chairman

High noon, Friday June 7, 2019, downtown. Be there. Because that’s when you’ll meet the Parade Marshall, Queen’s contestants, hot air balloonists and other celebrities as the ribbon is cut and the Hopkins County Dairy Festival is officially kicked off!

Almost 20 years ago, David Black and his family got involved with the then ‘newest’ addition to Dairy Festival, the Dairy Aires Hot Air Balloon Rally. He liked it, and has continued to chair that committee, even attending other rallies and conventions across the country to see how we can improve our balloon event. He feels we are doing something right because, according to numerous balloon pilots he has spoken to, our event is ranked “right up there with Albuquerque as one of the best and most enjoyable”. Black also shared that “a respect for safety is a huge factor for these pilots to frequent your event. Ours is ‘safety first’. Some contests in other places may try to urge pilots to get in the air when there’s a question on the weather. We don’t. If it’s not safe to fly, we don’t go up. And besides the presence of seasoned pilots, we also have some of the best weather professionals watching and reporting to us during balloon weekend. Conditions which seem nearly calm on the ground can be very different above our heads!”

The warm hospitality shown to visitors is another reason balloon pilots, families and crews like to come to Hopkins County. And while here, pilots also get to enter the cow milking contest and be featured in the parade. Where else can you get to do that? And don’t forget, also appearing in the Parade will be the Budweiser Clydesdales and the 1st Calvary Division Marching Band.

So, set aside Friday June 7 and Saturday June 8 for these events! FRIDAY: The Kick-off on Celebration Plaza at 12 noon, and the Balloon Rally and Glow at Shannon Oaks Church at 6pm with free live entertainment

SATURDAY: The 6am Rally and Competition Flight from Shannon Oaks, the Dairy Festival Parade from Buford Park at 10 am, the Dairy Classic Cattle Show at 10am in the Civic Center, the Milking Contest at 3 pm in the Civic Center arena, the Homemade Ice Cream Freeze-off at 5:30 pm at Shannon Oaks Church, followed by the Hot Air Balloon Rally and Glow at 6pm.


City Council Appoints Police Chief, Fire Chief/Marshal, Utilities Director

Posted by on 10:45 am in Featured, Headlines, News, Sulphur Springs City Council News, Sulphur Springs News, Sulphur Springs Police Department | Comments Off on City Council Appoints Police Chief, Fire Chief/Marshal, Utilities Director

City Council Appoints Police Chief, Fire Chief/Marshal, Utilities Director

Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday night voted to eliminate the public safety director position, with one council member voting against the measure.

The city will go back to the prior tradition of having a separate fire chief and separate police chief.

For the fire department, the top officer will be the fire chief/fire marshal. David James was appointed to fill that role.

Jason Ricketson, a longtime officer at Sulphur Springs Police Department who has been serving as interim police chief since March, was officially appointed as the city police chief.

Woodside Lane resident Jay Julian prior to their vote, asked the council to consider the financial impact of having two chiefs, and if the decision was made for a separate chief for each department to at least consider conducting a regional search to find the best candidate for each position.

Councilman Doug Moore pointed out that by having a fire chief/marshal that will make a fire marshal available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to conduct inspections on request for occupancy and other construction needs. Currently, businesses have to wait until a certified person is on duty every third day to conduct the inspections

“I feel like that’s more of a scheduling issue, not a personnel. You need to attempt to work on the scheduling issue,” Julian replied.

The motion to split the top job, with one for each department instead of a public safety director over both, was discussed along with the position of director of utilities by the city council during an executive session held 30 minutes prior to the start of the regular June council meeting.

The motion for two separate chiefs was approved, with Councilman Freddie Taylor casting the lone vote against the proposal.

The council also followed the recommendation of city staff that James Jordan be employed as the city’s utilities director.

Judge Rules Kyri Ivery To Continue On Probation on Assault Charges

Posted by on 9:45 am in Headlines, Hopkins County News, News | Comments Off on Judge Rules Kyri Ivery To Continue On Probation on Assault Charges

Judge Rules Kyri Ivery To Continue On Probation on Assault Charges

After a short trial, 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt opted to sentence Kyri Shakur Ivery to continue on probation on the Sept. 21, 2016 aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge and assault of a peace officer charge.

Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris asked the judge to revoke Ivery’s probation and assess her time in prison. He contended she’d been given leniency with deferred probation offered for the aggravated assault of her brother with a steak knife, then biting him and attempting to bite a police officer.

Ivery testified Tuesday that she got the knife on Sept. 21, 2016, after she became angry with her brother, who she claimed was on drugs, stealing and said words that set her off. She attempted to get her mother’s phone, but he prevented her, from getting it, so she got the knife to try to get him to giver her the phone, Ivery testified.

Her mother and brother had wrestled the knife away from her and held her to the couch when police arrived. She said she did not calm down when the police told her to, earning the assault on peace officer charge for her biting. She remained in jail on both assault charges until Nov. 29, 2016

Ivery reportedly violated the terms of her probation by smoking marijuana and consuming alcohol since being sentenced to 7 years probation, officials said. She was assessed time in a Moral Reconation Therapy  program, which she quit before completing it. She was assessed 180 days in an Intermediate Sanction Facility, where she said she learned many tools for modifying her behavior. She was on probation, gainfully employed at a job she loves, supporting herself and her daughter, when she was arrested May 20 for violating probation.

She admitted to consuming alcohol after her release at her mother’s home, celebrating her release from custody. Her mother testified that she had not read the terms of her daughter’s probation and did not know the no alcohol stipulation, or would have encouraged her not to consume.

Ivery reportedly admitted to probation officer Mila Garcia that she had consumed beverages after work to help her calm down and relax. She said she did not believe she has a substance abuse problem, and had met all of the other terms of her probation. She was arrested Feb. 5, 2018 and May 20, 2019 for violation of probation.

Ivery said the last wo weeks in jail were helpful, making her more committed to meeting the terms of her probation, if given another chance. Ivery said her daughter, who will be 9 later this month, has been staying with mother while she’s been in jail, and would continue to do so if she were sent to prison.

Sherry Nash, who employed Ivery at a hair salon, said even if Ivery were sentenced to a Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility for up to a year, she’d be willing to employ her upon her release. Nash described Ivery as a good worker, who is willing to work extra hours and come in on short notice. Nash said Ivery has a lot of people request her by name. Since Ivery was arrested for violating terms of her probation on May 20, several customers have come in and, after learning what happened, offered to testify on Ivery’s behalf on request, she testified.

Michele Edwards, who works with Ivery, said she’d never seen the defendant get angry at work. She said she has a daughter Ivery’s age and considers her like another daughter, who she continues to encourage. She said she’s seen a significant difference in Ivery since her last program and asked the judge to consider giving her another chance on probation instead of sending her to prison.

After hearing from the defendant, her parents, a friend and coworkers, as well as her probation officer, Northcutt opted to keep Ivery on 7 years probation instead of sentencing her to prison time. He noted that despite violating term of her probation, Ivery has shown significant efforts to turn her life around and meet the terms of her probation. He also waived the requirement for her to perform any additional community service so she can spend that time in counseling.

Northcutt said an evaluation of her cases showed that Ivery did not appear to have undergone a full psychological evaluation as originally ordered per her release on probation. He said aside from being required to take an anger management class in high school, it appeared she had not received assistance in learning to deal with that anger issues and violent outbursts in response to stress. He ordered her to undergo counseling, telling her to report to a program per the judge to request help developing coping skills, stress management and short temper issues.

Kyri Shakur Ivery