Chamber Connection January 9, 2019
Big news from the Chamber! Since it is our 50th Anniversary for the Stew Contest, we are hosting our t-shirt/theme contest EARLY so we can CELEBRATE all year!!!! If you have a great idea for the theme of this year’s stew contest, submit your entry via email to [email protected] by January 31st, 2019. Can’t wait to see your ideas!!! It’s gonna be big!!!
It is with great pleasure that the 2019 Board of Directors invites you to the 93rd Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Thursday, February 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center. We are introducing a Networking Cocktail half hour at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30, 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, and Citizen of the Year. Our banquet theme is “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round!” and is set in various places around the world. This is your chance to bring your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day to enjoy a night bursting with community pride. Red attire is encouraged, but not required. Individual tickets are $30, and tables of ten are available for $500, which includes preferential seating and visible labeling of your business. We are excited for you and your business to join us for this extraordinary evening. Please make your reservation TODAY by calling Chelsea, Cathey, or Lezley at the Chamber of Commerce, (903) 885-6515, or by stopping by to visit at 300 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs.
Nominations are still being accepted for Outstanding Educators, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. These nominations should be sent to [email protected]. In addition, the Pilot Club is currently accepting nominations for Caregiver of the Year. These nomination forms can also be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office.
Midwest Total Lending Concepts to host Ribbon Cutting
Midwest Total Lending Concepts will host their ribbon cutting celebration at noon on Monday, January 14th. They are located at 616 N. Hillcrest Dr., Suite B, in Sulphur Springs. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Downtown Dental will host their ribbon cutting celebration on January 16th
Downtown Dental, located at 226 Main Street in Sulphur Springs, will be hosting their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, January 16th at noon. Please make plans to attend and hear about the new and exciting things happening at Downtown Dental.
Merle Norman Spa to host ribbon cutting
Merle Norman Spa will host a ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, January 22nd, at noon. They will reveal their new spa services. Merle Norman is located at 212 N. Davis Street in Sulphur Springs. See you there!
Hunt Regional is offering Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on January 24th in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
Ribbon Cuttings:
The Hopkins County Fire Department celebrated their 20th Anniversary on Friday, January 4th at 2 p.m. Congratulations to the Hopkins County Fire Department on this huge accomplishment!
Coach Upton Says High School Soccer Competition Has Advanced Over the Years
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton said opponent Nevada Community played really well in a 1-1 tie with the Wildcats Tuesday night (January 8) at Gerald Prim Stadium. He said several of the Braves play advanced club soccer. Coach Upton said soccer has advanced to where there are no longer any free games. He said everyone is good, knows how to play and will compete with you.
Coach Upton said if the Wildcats would have cashed in on some more of their goal chances, they would have won the game. He said the Wildcats had 5 to 8 chances to score down the stretch after they tied the game at 1-1. Coach Upton called the Community first half goal amazing.
In the second half, Wildcat Alejandro Diosdado scored to tie the match getting a nice assist from Enrique Arellano. Diosdado leads the Wildcats with 2 goals. Coach Upton said the Wildcats will be defensively sound but he said they need Diosdado and others like Arellano and Omar Hernandez to score goals. Hernandez is currently out with an ankle injury.
Coach Upton said the team is working on finishing their scoring opportunities and he added when they get better at that, the team will get much better. Wednesday Coach Upton said Kevin Yanez received the team’s pipe award for being the hardest worker for the Wildcats in the Community game.
The Wildcats, now 1-1-1 for the season play next in a Longview tournament Thursday through Saturday. Coach Upton said the Wildcats were in a pool with New Summerfield near Jacksonville, Jacksonville and Tyler Chapel Hill.
Lady Cats Defeat Lindale 57-35
The Lady Cats’ basketball team had a good game in many ways as they defeated Lindale, 57-35 Tuesday evening (January 8) at Lindale. The Lady Cats are now 1-1 in district play and 19-4 for the season.
Coach Brittney Tisdell said every member of the team got to work on the press against the Lady Eagles. She said defensively the Lady Cats played really well and that secured the win. Coach Tisdell said on offense, working against the Lindale zone defense, the Lady Cats moved the ball around well and took care of the ball. She said doing all that the Lady Cats got out to a big lead that they held all night. The Lady Cats led 19-6 after one quarter and 34-13 at halftime. The Lady Cats led 48-25 after three quarters.
Lady Cat senior Danielle Godbolt also made sure the Lady Cats got off to a good start. Coach Tisdell said Godbolt scored 12 points in the game’s first three minutes. She finished with 15 points, hit a three-pointer, was 6 of 6 from the field, had 2 assists, 4 offensive rebounds, 4 steals and 1 deflection.
Sadavia Porter led the Lady Cats with 19 points including a three pointer. She also had 2 assists, 3 offensive rebounds, 2 steals and 1 deflection.
Te’Arria Rose had 7 points with one three-pointer. She also had 2 assists, 4 steals and 3 deflections.
Kate Womack had 4 points, 4 rebounds including 3 offensive rebounds, 1 steal and 1 deflection.
Colbria Harrison had 3 points hitting a shot from behind the arc and she had an assist.
Tarayla Kelley scored 3 points with 2 rebounds and a steal.
Aliyah Abron, Autumn Tanton and Nylah Lindley all scored 2 points.
Abron also had an assist, a rebound, a steal and a deflection. Tanton had 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a deflection.
Lindley had 1 assist, 3 steals and 3 deflections.
Latavia Smith had a rebound, 3 steals and 2 deflections.
Kerie Wright had a rebound.
The Lady Cats hit 45% of their shots including 4 of 15, or 26% from three-point range. They made a whopping 16 baskets in the paint. The Lady Cats won the rebounding battle, 21-20 but they had 15 big offensive rebounds. The Lady Cats had 11 assists, 20 steals and 13 deflections.
Next the Lady Cats play Greenville Friday at 6:15 p.m. as part of a Lady Cats and Wildcats evening of basketball in Sulphur Springs Gym.
City Council January Session: ISO Rating, Bid Approved for Summer Paving Program
During the Tuesday, January 8th Special Session of the Sulphur Springs City Council, the council heard a report from the Ark-Tex Council of Governments, Assistant Fire Marshall David James, conducted public hearings for annexation of two business parks, approved updating various electrical, building, and maintenance codes, discussed savings on tax notes sale and Certificates of Obligation, and received bids for the summer paving program.
Assistant Fire Marshall David James informed the council that an 18-month study has led to lowering the ISO ratings for the city. With a rating of 1 as the best and a rating of 10 as poor, the city has now been given a rating of 2. The lower rating will mean lower insurance costs for businesses and residents. The closest cities with a rating of 2 are Tyler and Sherman. The rating is based on emergency communication, water distribution and hydrants, and fire services. James said the prevention safeguards in place for the city have increased and that, too, assisted with the better rating.
Chris Brown, Executive Director of the Ark-Tex Council of Governments, informed the council regarding the work of the non-profit, state mandated political subdivision that encompasses 10 counties. There are 27 regional planning council of governments. The Council of Governments is responsible for the 911 system that allows first responders and law enforcement to locate addresses. They have introduced text to 911 in this region and two primarily rural regions nearby. The Council of Government also oversees financial investments in environmental, homeland security, criminal justice and the TRAX system. TRAX is a rural transportation system for the elderly and disabled. Section 8 housing, advocacy for the elderly, 504 small business loans and economic development in the region are also a focus for the Council of Government.
Sales tax receipts are up 10% and over revenue budgeted amounts. Water and sewer receipts are also above revenue budget. Thus, the city continues a solid course for income.
The Council unanimously approved all items on the agenda. The City Charter will see a few tweaks that will align the Charter with mandates from the state and cause the Charter to conform to existing practices. The Charter will be reviewed again in 10 years.
Three miles of streets will be in the summer paving program as the city begins the first phase of the 5-year program.
Initial steps for tax notes for the 2019 budget and a refunding of 2009 Certificates of Obligation will begin. The tax notes will be a reimbursement for what the city spends in purchasing the already approved fire and police gear, election equipment, mowers for the park, trucks used in city work and police vehicles. With interest rates lower, the refunding of 2009 Certificates of Obligation could save the city between $600,000 and $700,000 depending on interest rates in May. The final approval of refunding of the Certificates of Obligation hinge on interest rates in May of this year.
Second Annexation Public Hearings Set for Wednesday, January 9, 2019; First Hearing Results
The first public hearings for Annexation of Pioneer Business Park and Heritage Business Park were conducted Tuesday night, January 8th during the Special Session of the Sulphur Springs City Council. A hearing for each business park was conducted and the second public hearings for each will be Wednesday , January 9th, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 210 North Davis Street.
No one spoke Tuesday regarding the Heritage Business Park annexation. Heritage Business Park is located on the east side of the City of Sulphur Springs. Opportunity to speak will be afforded again Wednesday.
Annexation of Pioneer Business Park did receive questions from Tim Dollison, a manager of an industry that moved from California to the local business park. Dollison asked the council and city staff what benefit his business would receive if annexed. He was concerned about their facility meeting city codes and how those codes would affect expansion of the facility in the future. He said the industry moved to Sulphur Springs and Hopkins county to be able to expand quickly without the need for the permitting process. He also questioned inspections of his facility. He wanted to know if the facility would have to undergo changes to meet current city code.
City staff told Dollison that the city would be required to provide full municipal services to the industries in the business park. Those services include but are not limited to police and fire protection, water and sewer services.
The local business parks are developed by the Sulphur Springs Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation. The industrial parks currently have city water and sewer provided. The annexation of the properties would provide increased tax revenues for the city. Many of the industries located in the parks have tax abatement agreements with the local hospital district and county. Schools cannot offer tax abatements except in a strictly structured system for which most local industries do not qualify.
Wildcat Soccer Ties Nevada Community Tuesday; Longview Tournament Next
The Wildcats’ soccer team and Nevada Community battled to a 1-1 tie in non-district game at Gerald Prim Stadium Tuesday night (January 8).
The Braves scored first on a goal from Gabriel Murillo at 18:09 in the first half.
The Wildcats got the equalizer from Alejandro Diosdado assisted by Enrique Arellano at 27:32 in the second half. The Wildcats threatened to take the lead with several close calls in the game’s final minutes. One Wildcat shot hit the crossbar of the goal.
The Wildcats are now 1-1-1 for the season. Next the Wildcats play in a Longview tournament this Thursday through Saturday.
Saltillo Lions Lose; Lady Lions Win in Avinger
Avinger 55, Saltillo Lions Basketball 48
The Saltillo Lions’ basketball team opened district play with a 55-48 loss against Avinger Tuesday (January 8). The Lions fell behind at the half 30-19. Despite outscoring Avinger 29-23 in the second half, the Lions could not make up the first half deficit. Chris Boekhorst led the Lions with 18 points. Matthew Gurley scored 15 points. Andrew Redburn and Ben Moore had 6 points each, Edi Olayo scored 3 points. The Lions season record slips to 15-8. The Lions play Bloomburg next on Friday.
Saltillo Lady Lions Basketball 52, Avinger 22
The Saltillo Lady Lions improved to 3-0 in district play with a 52-22 win over Avinger Tuesday (January 8). The Lady Lions built their lead through the game outscoring Avinger in every quarter. Maddy Smith led the Lady Lions with 15 points. Chandler Bain had 14 points. Brittney Peeples scored 10 points. Jocelyn Ochoa added 5 points. Anna Reeder scored 4 points. Paisley Kastner and Kristina Wade had 2 points each. The Lady Lions improved their record to 19-8 for the season. The Lady Lions play Bloomburg Friday.
Mayor Proclaims January 20-26, 2019 “School Choice Week”
During a January 8th Special Session of the Sulphur Springs City Council, Mayor John Sellers proclaimed January 20-26, 2010 “School Choice Week”.
CITY OF SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, all children in the City of Sulphur Springs should have access to the highest quality education possible; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sulphur Springs recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in the City of Sulphur Springs to be successful adults; and
WHEREAS, quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of the City of Sulphur Springs; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sulphur Springs is home to a multitude of high-quality public and nonpublic schools from which parents can choose for their children, in addition to families who educate their children in the home; and
WHEREAS, educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sulphur Springs has many high-quality teaching professionals in all types of school settings who are committed to educating our children; and
WHEREAS, School Choice Week is celebrated across the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools and organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options.
NOW, THEREFORE I, JOHN A. SELLERS, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor, and on behalf of the City Council of the City of Sulphur Springs, Texas, do hereby proclaim the week of January 20 – 26, 2019 as
“SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK”
in the City of Sulphur Springs and urge all citizens to join with me in recognizing this observance.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report January 8, 2019
CROSSTOWN TRAIL – Construction continues on the Hopkins County Civic Center grounds. The Capital Construction division installed 200 linear feet of pathway and a retaining wall on the Civic Center grounds.
SUNSET STREET – We have been waiting for bids for the rock. They came in today. Now our grant writer will review the bids for compliance with the grant requirements. Once we approve the bids we will get started on the project.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – Phase 2 is well under way. The concrete structure of the first aeration basin is complete. Construction of the second aeration basin is progressing well. Once these basins are operational, the existing basins will be taken offline and they will be refitted with diffused aeration just like basins 1 & 2. Once all of this is completed our aeration capacity will be greatly enhanced. This is the heart of our wastewater treatment process.
CONNALLY STREET – Work on Connally Street will begin this month. The first phase will be new sewer mains.
SUBSTANDARD STRUCTURES – The Capital Construction Division has demolished the burned structure 917 Church Street. The city council ordered the structure demolished at the December 04, 2018 council meeting and set a deadline of 30 days. The deadline passed and the owner did not comply. The remaining debris will be removed by Wednesday afternoon. The owner of the building at 200 Gilmer Street complied with the city council’s order to abate the dangerous condition of the east wall. Temporary bracing has been installed per the structural engineer’s design. We now await the owner’s plan for a permanent solution. Staff plans to bring the issue back to the city council the February 05 council meeting to find the building substandard and to order the abatement of the substandard condition.
CLAIMS – We had 2 workers compensation claims in December, one for a dog bite, and one for a cat bite. Neither incident resulted in lost time. We received 2 claims relating to road hazards. They are both in TML’s hands now. Another claim for water damage resulting from a wastewater overflow in a residence has been submitted to TML.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will give a year-to-date report of revenues and expenditures. Elsewhere around the city, employees:
Responded to 190 fire/rescue calls including 4 structure fires and 1 vehicle fire.
Performed 55 fire inspections and reviewed 55 pre-fire plans.
Performed preventative maintenance on 68 fire hydrants.
Made 8 street repairs following utility repairs.
Repaired multiple potholes.
Replaced 18 stop signs.
Graded Pipeline Road… again. .
Installed 300 feet of sewer main and set 5 manholes on Highway 11 E$ast.
Processed 429 citations through municipal court.
Responded to 180 animal control calls achieving an adoption rate of 55%.
Made 8 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
Made 74 arrests, wrote 429 citations, recorded 52 offenses and responded to 39 accidents on the Patrol Division.
Repaired basketball lighting at Pacific Park.
Closed on the sale of 50 acres in Ridgeway.
Achieved a daily average total suspended solids reading at the wastewater treatment plant of less than 1 mg/L (0. 83).
Repaired 11 water main mptures.
Replaced 8 water meters. Unstopped 49 sewer mains. Repaired 4 sewer mains. Washed 78, 000 feet of sewer mains. Flushed 33 dead-end water mains. Treated 127 million gallons of potable water.
Conducted 40 building inspections, 25 electrical inspections, 20 plumbing inspections, 6 mechanical inspections and issued 22 building permits.
Sold 1,465 gallons of AvGas and 9,243 gallons of JetA fuel.
Checked out 2,352 items from and library and 744 eBooks.
Applied wood sealer to Kids Kingdom. Trimmed lower limbs at Buford Park. Mulched leaves at Buford Park.
