November a Busy Month for City Employees
Tuesday night during the Sulphur Springs City Council November meeting, City Manager Marc Maxwell presented his monthly report.
Regarding streets, Maxwell reported that the rework of Moore Street is completed and the street is again open. He stated that Pampa Street rework is moving at a brisk pace. The sewer line is finished and the water line is 75% complete with all water connections expected to be completed in the next two weeks. When the water line and connects are completed, a cement-stabilizer base and repave of the street will be completed. Pot holes patched totaled 151 and seven street repairs following utility repairs were completed. Two additional street repairs were completed.
Work at the wastewater treatment plant is on schedule. The three primary clarifier basins have been constructed and backfilling continues. Other concrete structures adjacent to the clarifiers are under construction.
At the library there were 3,080 items and 462eBooks checked out as well as computer usage of 1,274 hours recorded in November.
The animal shelter responded to 214 animal control calls and achieved an adoption rate of 30%.
Local police recorded 66 offenses, wrote 540 traffic citations, made 84 arrests, and responded to 33 accidents.
Oncor Outage for Cooper,Klondike, Enloe
Oncor will be administering a planned temporary power outage that will affect a small portion of homes and businesses in the City of Cooper, Klondike, Enloe and surrounding areas during the night hours of Thursday, Nov. 9. This temporary outage is expected to last no more than 15 minutes, from 11 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. This planned outage is necessary to allow our employees to further improve reliability of the electrical system in the area. We greatly appreciate your patience. If you have any questions, please call Oncor at 1-888-313-6862.
Chamber Connection
Chamber of Commerce hosts a Customer Service Lunch + Learn
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Lunch + Learn on Wednesday, November 15th from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. This Lunch + Learn will focus on Customer Service initiatives including defining “customer” and “customer service”, understanding eight effective communication skills that your employees need to know (and use consistently), understanding (and avoiding) 11 barriers to effective communication, and developing and maintaining good customer service standards within your business. Speaker is Thomas Montgomery, MHA, MBA who is a National Director of Community Outreach & Education. Please make reservations by calling the Chamber (903) 885-6515. Reservations must be made by November 10th. Lunch will be provided. Admission is $10 for Chamber Members and $25 for non-Chamber members. Please join us for this educational session about customer service as the holiday season rounds the corner!
Veterans Celebration on Saturday, November 11th
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County Texas will honor veterans Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. on Celebration Plaza in downtown Sulphur Springs. All veterans, their families, and the community are invited to attend. The ceremony will include dedicating a new bench to honor those of have served to fight the global war on terrorism. The Honorable Robert Newson, Hopkins County Judge, will dedicate the bench and it will serve as an important addition to the Veterans Memorial at Celebration Plaza. In addition, names of deceased veterans will be read, the Hopkins County Military Coalition will perform a 21 Round Volley, Sulphur Springs High School Jazz Band will perform patriotic music and members and the SSHS choir will sing the National Anthem and Armed Forces Medley. Mr. Jim Dial will play Amazing Grace on bagpipe, and the United States Flag will be honored. The Honorable John Sellers, Sulphur Spring Mayor, will officially welcome everyone at the beginning of the ceremony.
Branded Ranch Rodeo is scheduled for Saturday, November 11
Our local Cowboy Churches will host and endorse the Branded Ranch Rodeo & Salute the Veterans BBQ Feast at the Hopkins County Civic Center on Saturday, November 11th. Salute the veterans BBQ Feast starts at 1 p.m. and the Rodeo starts at 5 p.m. where you will enjoy sortin’, a calf scramble, wild cow milkin’, muggin’, and bronc riding. The Branded Ranch Rodeo is a non-profit organization that produces this rodeo and BBQ every year, and gives then proceeds to a worth-while organization. This year’s proceeds support Community Seeds. Fun for all!
Moo-La & Lone Star Milk Producers hosting Salute the Veterans Cook-off
Moo-La & Lone Star Milk Producers are hosting Salute the Veterans Cook-off on Saturday, November 11th starting at 8 a.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center located at 1200 Houston Street in Sulphur Springs. There will be a live silent auction, live music, raffles, veterans give-a-ways, vendors and games. All-you-can-eat BBQ begins at 1:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 12, and free for veterans and children under 6. Proceeds will benefit Operation Victor Echo Tango. Head on out to the Civic Center that day to help honor our veterans.
Danna’s hosts a grand re-opening
Danna’s Southern Charm & The Florist is celebrating their re-grand opening and ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, November 14th, at their new location, 438 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs. Also introducing Danna’s Flea Market Style & Swap, featuring the Buffalo Girls, on the 2nd weekend of April and the 2nd weekend of November in Sulphur Springs, and the 2nd weekend of October in Winnsboro. Make plans to be there!
Hunt Regional is offering October Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt County Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on November 30th in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs, and on November 30th at the Fall Festival in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can also help with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 x 21. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
7th Annual Turkey Trot scheduled for Thanksgiving Day on Celebration Plaza
Get ready to make room for your Thanksgiving meal by participating in the 7th Annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 23rd, on Celebration Plaza. The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 8 a.m. with a $30 entry fee. The 10K Run will also begin at 8 a.m. with a $40 entry fee. Pace for the 10K is 12 minutes per mile. There is also a Kids Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. for ages 10 and under. Entry fee for the Fun Run is $5. Register at Fieldhouse Sports by November 12th to guarantee your t-shirt. Packet pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, November 22nd, at the ROC from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Heritage Park will host Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 25th at 6:00 p.m.
The Hopkins County Historical Society presents Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 25, and Saturday, December 2, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $3.00, and children under seven are free. Visit with Santa, see the light displays, listen to live music, enjoy hot cocoa, old-fashioned cider, coffee and cookies, and begin your Christmas shopping in the Country Store.
Lion’s Club will host the 10th Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 p.m.
The Lion’s Club is hosting the 10th Annual Christmas Parade presented by Carriage House Manor on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 p.m. The parade begins at Buford Park and goes East on Connally Street to the square. It turns left onto Church Street and left on Houston Street to end in the Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot. Line-up begins at 3:00 p.m. on December 1st. You may pick up registration forms and rules at the Chamber of Commerce. The entry fee is one toy, to be donated to the Blue Santa Program. Charitable cash donations also accepted, and checks should be made payable to the Sulphur Springs Lions Club. Registration forms must be received by noon on Tuesday, November 28.
Help Blue Santa Build His Float
Christmas Light Parade spectators are encouraged to bring a toy or financial donation to the parade for the Blue Santa program and can be turned in either at the Hopkins County Courthouse before the parade, or during the parade to the Blue Santa trailer. The Blue Santa program is a partnership between the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association and the Sulphur Springs Law Enforcement Association to provide Christmas gifts and financial support to needy families during the Christmas season. Thank you for your generosity to this worthwhile program.
Ribbon Cuttings:
The Colonial Cowboy hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration
The Colonial Cowboy hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Friday, November 3rd, at noon. The Colonial Cowboy is located at 13673 Interstate 30 South in Saltillo. The Colonial Cowboy is a newly opened bed and breakfast in Hopkins County. This is a colonial east Texas home untouched since the 1960’s.
Annual Symphony Auction Features Local Photographer’s Work
These photos will go on the auction block November 18th, 2017. The annual Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction will once again be hosted at the KSST Studios. The trove of donated goods includes enlargements of these shots taken right here in Sulphur Springs.
Cindy Roller, editor of the Cooper Review and photographer for the City of Sulphur Springs, selects several of her best shots each year. She has them professionally enlarged, printed and mounted. Cindy recently helped submit the winning Hopkins County Stew Festival shirt design.
All auction proceeds support the arts in Hopkins County, and are the main source of income for the annual Independence Day Celebration fireworks display on the square. The SSSL is dedicated to keeping the IDC free to the public and a point of pride for all Hopkins County residents.
Tune to KSST 1230 AM Saturday November 18th, 2017. The live auction starts at 5:00pm this year.
Hopkins County Jury Deliberates 13.5 Minutes; Guilty Verdict Rendered in Theft Case
November 8, 2017 – According to Clay Harrison, Assistant District Attorney, “Dana Lynn Gandy, also known as Dana Lynn Haynsworth, was found guilty by a Hopkins County jury of Felony Theft this afternoon. It took the jury 13 and a half minutes to convict her.
Dana Lynn Gandy-Haynsworth
The defendant was charged with Theft Less Than $2500 with Two Previous Theft Convictions, based on an incident from May 2, 2017 at the local Walmart. She went into the store during the early morning hours and “staged” five shopping carts around the store in various places. She filled the carts with merchandise and then attempted to push one of the carts out of the store without paying. When stopped at the door by a Walmart employee, she abandoned the cart rather than paying for the items. She remained in the store for several hours. At approximately 9:30 a.m. she tried a different strategy: rather than pushing out one of the doors, she pretended to pay for merchandise at one of the self check out registers. She rang up a little over $300 in merchandise, however she took over $1000 in merchandise, thus “under-ringing” by over $600. Despite ringing up over $300 in merchandise, she paid $0.00 at the register and then attempted to leave. She was stopped by Walmart asset protection officers when she passed the last point of sale with the stolen merchandise.
The defendant was convicted of theft from the Sulphur Springs Walmart in 2014 and she has a 2010 theft conviction from The Buckle in Tyler, Texas. Another shoplifting incident from Titus County, Texas, was the basis for her probation revocation in 2010. The defendant has pending felony charges in Hopkins County for Child Endangerment/Abandonment.
At trial, the State was represented by Clay Harrison and he was assisted by Matt Harris. The defendant was represented by Cindy Braddy. The State called Blake Gurley, Johnny Walker, Brittney Brooks, and Melissa Farmer as witnesses. All are Walmart employees. The defense called the defendant’s father as a witness. Mr. Gandy testified that the defendant had a traumatic brain injury from a car wreck in 2009. The defense argued that the defendant was not able to form the intent to steal due to her brain injury and that she was not sophisticated enough to understand Walmart’s electronic payment technology. In rebuttal, the State called CPS Investigator Karen Bradshaw, who testified that she is very familiar with the defendant, that the defendant has normal intelligence, comprehension, and ability to communicate. Mrs. Bradshaw also testified that, based on numerous interactions with the defendant, Ms. Gandy has a very sophisticated grasp of technology.
After the jury found the defendant guilty, Judge Eddie Northcutt released her on bond until sentencing. A presentence investigation will be completed and the defendant will be sentenced by the judge on November 28.”
CNB Sponsors Dinner Bell
This week’s community meal, served each Wednesday at the FUMC, included white turkey chili, garden salad, cornbread muffins, and a Southern pecan praline cake and sugar-free orange cottage cheese fluff for dessert, and was sponsored and served by City National Bank. If you or your business would like to take part in Dinner Bell, call FUMC at (903) 885-2185.
Council Approve Sanders as Director of Public Service Department
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders was named Director of the Public Safety Department for the City of Sulphur Springs during Tuesday night’s city council meeting. The council voted unanimously with one member abstaining.
The vote followed a statement to the council by Brandon Day, Secretary-Treasurer for the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters. Day encouraged the council to consult with the TSAFF regarding any changes to current fire department policy, personnel, and performance. City Manager Marc Maxwell accepted Day’s offer and took Day’s contact information following his statements to the council. Maxwell stated to Day and later in conversation with KSST News that he will be contacting the organization for input as the city takes any steps in planning for the future regarding public safety.
The one abstention, Dan Froneberger, stated that he was abstaining because of his support for the most recent fire chief and that he would not vote against Jay Sanders, who he also supports.
In related action, the council purchased three new patrol SUVs from Toliver Ford at a cost of $89,973. It was noted that another bid did not meet engine requirements for the vehicle.
jay sanders
Operation V.E.T. Goes Into Action Saturday with BBQ Cook-off, Kid-Friendly Fun Day for Local Veterans, Families
Zack Loyd and Chris Wilburn, originators of Operation V.E.T.
Two friends, Chris Wilburn and Zack Loyd decided they wanted to “do something” for veterans on Veteran’s Day 2016. That first year, the event they put on drew about 16 BBQ cooking teams and a score of diners who learned the concept of the new undertaking. Now, one year later, the concept has gained 501C3 status as Operation Victor Echo Tango with 26 cooking teams ready to go and with newly defined avenues of assistance to be offered by the monstrous fundraising effort. So plan to experience Operation Victor Echo Tango for yourself, rain or shine, on Saturday November 11, 2017 at the Hopkins County Civic Center. It’s a casual community-wide event where you are encouraged to meet and thank veterans personally while enjoying the meal and friendly atmosphere.
Besides being an all-you-can-eat BBQ feast that is free to disabled veterans and active duty military personnel, a discount will be offered to Veterans who purchase the $10 per adult on the day of the event. Cooking will start at 8 am with each team required to prepare two briskets, two racks of ribs, fifteen pounds of chicken and a side of choice. There’s also a “Jackpot Beans” contest to discover the best pinto beans that day. Judging by a panel of area BBQ business owners will take place right after 12 noon and two titles will be conferred; Grand Champion BBQ with $500 cash prize and Reserve Grand Champion BBQ with $250 cash prize. Serving to the public will begin at 1 pm. Again, it’s family friendly with kids’ tickets at $5 for those under age 12 and free for those five years old and younger. Thee will also be door prize giveaways to veterans every half-hour.
A smorgasbord of activities for youngsters will include pony rides, bounce houses, clown and magic shows and train rides. The National Guard will bring the popular Bungee Climbing Wall and an Army activity center will feature sports-themed games for youth. Live music will be provided by a Texas band, The Road Weary Travelers. Speakers will remind everyone about what Veterans Day symbolizes.
Zack, Chris and the Operation V.E.T. board of directors are keeping local needs as the focus of the fundraiser. Instead of sending a large donation to a national organization like they did last year, they plan to utilize the money to help address the needs of local veterans who could use help. Realizing that often veterans are too proud to ask for help, the funds will be placed in a reserve fund year-round to be used as local needs are discovered. Since 2016, they’ve assisted a half-dozen Hopkins County families and individuals with rent, utilities, food, travel expenses to doctors and treatments plus other specialized needs. They feel that veterans who have already paid a great price through sacrifices during military service should never be forgotten. If you have questions about Operation V.E.T. or the November 11 fundraiser, contact Chris Wilburn at 903-335-0966 or Zack Loyd at 903-243-0958.
Economic Development Took Center Stage at November City Council Meeting
Tax abatement took center stage at the Sulphur Springs City Council meeting Tuesday night. A resolution approving tax abatement for Back Story Brewery, Saputo, and an economic development agreement providing incentives to develop 216 Main Street received approval.
Saputo will be expanding in a $44-million, 10-year tax abatement. The expansion will add infrastructure to the current facility and serve to remodel the building for greater efficiency. Two new production lines will be added as will a 60,000 square foot addition. Improvements to the facilities wastewater treatment will also be included in the expansion. According to Saputo officials approximately 440 employees will work at the plant following the expansion.
216 Main Street will receive $35,000 in economic incentives for development. In a 380 agreement, Billie Ruth Standbridge plans a $4.8-million investment that will include a two story building with commercial and residential space and an open space that will allow a plaza connecting Main Street with Tomlinson Street.
In other Economic Development action, the council approved a one year extension to the terms of office for EDC board members. The one year extension will provide a better planning platform for the agency according to Roger Feagley, EDC Director.
The council also approved a memorandum of understanding with CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances that names the local hospital as an indigent care provider and validates the tax-exempt status of the hospital. This will allow the hospital to receive reduced rates for drugs and medication.
Kansas City Southern Railroad will build and maintain a pedestrian walkway where Crosstown Trail will cross the railroad track and they will receive the property along the rail line that was once Gladys Alexander Drive. That segment of Gladys Alexander will be abandoned by the city. The $49,000-plus cost of the crosswalk will be funded by a grant received by the city.
Back Story Brewery will be allowed a 5 year tax abatement.
