Chamber Connection – Jan. 4, 2023: Awards Nominations Accepted Until Jan. 20; Banquet Tables & Tickets Available
By Butch Burney, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
Thanks to everyone who has mailed or emailed nominations for the superlative awards that will be given out at the annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Banquet on Feb. 16.
Here are some tips for those who want to nominate individuals, businesses, groups or clubs for the awards. This is a nomination process, not a voting contest. The nominations go to committees that very seriously look at the nominations sent in. So …
- Don’t just send in a name; instead, tell us why the person or business should be selected. That carries much more weight in the process.
- Get the nominations in before Jan. 20. That’s the deadline.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Tables and Tickets
The 95th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet will celebrate Hopkins County with a theme of “A Night at the Gallery,” awards and dinner on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
Social networking and a cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with food service at 6:30 p.m., and awards beginning at 7 p.m.
You can reserve your seat for $30 per person or get a table for 10 for $500. The tables include preferential seating and name displays, as well as video recognition at the banquet.
For more information, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Directories
Work is finishing on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well as all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, is contacting businesses to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory. The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
If your business wants to be in the directory, please make sure your membership is current. Only current members will be included in the directory. If you’re unsure, please contact the chamber at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
Blood Drives
Please join Carter BloodCare at the following sites in the next 10 days if you can give blood.
- Red River Credit Union, 822 Gilmer St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5.
- Brookshire’s parking lot at 809 Gilmer St., sponsored by American Legion Post #66 and VFW Post #8560, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Sulphur Springs ISD calls Jan. 4 Board of Trustees Work Session
Sulphur Springs ISD has called a special Board of Trustees work session, which will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in the board room of SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
Dec. 12, 2022, Updates
Administrative Reports
At the regular December 2022 meeting, Sulphur Springs ISD Trustees approved five personnel changes, made 2 appointments. The board also heard at least five administrative reports and updates, including:
- A curriculum report that included STAAR redesign items presented by Assistant Superintendent Lisa Robinson;
- Primary and Secondary Campus updates, including some exciting campus “firsts” reported by Assistant Superintendents Jeremey Lopez and Justin Cowart;
- Information on maintenance work orders routine maintenance across the district, presented by Director of Maintenance Dan Froneberger; and
- Bus plans, roof update, classrooms at SSHS, and Raptor updates, presented by Superintendent Michael Lamb.
Appointments
The school board reappointed Bryan White and Mike Horne to represent the school district on Hopkins County Tax Appraisal District Board of Directors.
Personnel
The resignation of Kylile Wyly as secretary at Barbara Bush Primary was accepted by the school board during the December 12, 2022, meeting. Kourtney McDonald will be switching jobs, going from Title 1 aide to fill the opening as campus secretary at Bush Primary. Alexandra Best was approved to fill one Title 1 aide opening at Bush.
Brittany Jones was approved to join the staff at Bowie Primary as a Title 1 aide, an opening created with the retirement of Sherril Brokmeyer.
The final staff change approved during the Dec. 12, 2022, board meeting was for Barbara Bloodgood to remain an instructional aide, but to work at Sulphur Springs High School instead of at Austin Academic Center.
Financial Rating
District Business Manager Sherry McGraw reported the district received an A rating for superior achievement on the district Financial Integrity Rating System with a score of 100. That puts SSISD among 890 districts out of the 1,019 state-wide to earn a superior rating base on 2020-2021 financial data in responses to 20 indicators.
The FIRST report also includes a financial management report which includes any reimbursements received by the superintendent and school board members. The superintendent’s contract had to be included, plus any additional meal,, lodging, transportation, fuel, and other reimbursements. The superintendent received $852.67 in reimbursements for meals, transportation and registration fees for attending training and/or conferences. Trustees Robbin Vaughn, Jason Dietze, John Prickette, Leesa Toliver, Kerry Wright and Craig Roberts each received a $100 reimbursement: $40 for meal and $60 for other fees such as registration for training. Robert Cody received $112.74 reimbursement for the same.
Campus Updates
Assistant Superintendent Jeremy Lopez provided six comprehensive spread sheets with professional training, updates, past and future events, campus specific professional development activities, employees and students of the month, attendance percentages safety checks and other drills, and other campus highlights for Douglass ECLC, the four primary campuses and SSES. These are busy campuses with many good things going on.
Assistant Superintendent Justin Cowart reported the following among the “good things” going on at Middle School:
- 21 students were selected to the All-Region Choir;
- more than 40 qualified for All-Region Band, 3 earning first at region;
- several 8th grade band members accompanied the Wildcat Band to state, including three who helped win 4th in state;
- students have competed in 5 events and are gearing up for the VEX robotics competition Jan. 21, under the direction of Kelly Shutt and Bryan Cole; and
- Cross Country Girls finished third at district and Boys finished first.
Cowart reported the following from the 6 pages of “good news” at high school presented to the school board in December:
- Cross Country Team won district and qualified for state for the first time in school history;
- Tennis team qualified for area for the first time in school history; the first ever Meet the Wildcats was held in the fall;
- Student Council raised $600 for In My Closet by selling pink out shirts, and helped with landscaping and visited with residents at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab, participated in Wreaths Across America, partnered as mentors to read one-on-one with SSES student council, and raised funds for CASA through the Great Christmas Light Challenge;
- Wildcat UIL finished second overall Nov. 12 in Whitehouse, and one student qualified for state and another was selected as an alternate in UIL Congress events;
- Key Club had the largest membership of 446 students, who helped host 200 student athletes at Special Games Day, 300 paired up one-on-one to read with SSES and primary students, paired up with over 400 students for Handicapable Rodeo;
- NHS and NTHS hosted two blood drives that exceeded the donation goal and are planning to host another in March;
- The 1 remaining orchestra student participated in the All Region Orchestra Dec. 2-3;
- Choir students advanced to Area, with three earning first chair, and are headed to All State competition this month;
- 2 HOSA members advanced to Area and others will attend Spring Leadership competition this month in Allen;
- BPA offered the professional closet and are slated to compete Jan. 31 in Wylie for a chance to advance to state in March;
- FCCLA are preparing for area competition in February;
- TAFE had the most ever compete at Area, with 11 advancing to state, including the first place Area ethical dilemma team; and
- FFA in addition to participating in various stock show with successes, the floral department is making monthly flower arrangements and competed, teams participated in build-offs and ag mechanics evens, and built ramps for the Handi-capable Rodeo, and are planning for spring contests.
2 Teens, 1 Man Arrested For Disorderly Conduct
Medical Complaint Results In Intoxication Arrest
Three people — two teens and a Cumby man — were arrested for disorderly conduct, while a medical complaint resulted in one intoxication arrest Monday, according to arrest reports.
West Main Street Fight
Cumby Police responded at 3:53 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, to a disturbance on West Main Street in Cumby. The officer reported two male residents, ages 17 and 24, to have been “intentionally and knowingly engaging in a physical altercation in a public place.”
Both men were taken into custody at 4:29 p.m. on a charge of disorderly conduct-fighting. They were booked in around 5:45 p.m., according to arrest reports. Neither was in custody at the county jail Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 3, 2023, according to Hopkins County jail records.
North Jackson Street Disturbance
Sulphur Springs Police responded at 12:03 a.m. Jan. 3, 2023, to a disturbance on North Jackson Street. Upon arrival, they contact a woman, who officers reported was yelling and using vulgar language outside of her residence, near other residences. When asked to stop acting in that manner, the woman allegedly refused and opted to continue yelling and using vulgar language while in a public access area.
Determining the woman to be intentionally and knowingly using vulgar language, inciting a breach of the peace, police took the 18-year-old Sulphur Springs woman into custody at 12:11 a.m. Jan. 3, 2023, on a Class C misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, according to arrest reports. She was booked into jail at 12:53 a.m. and released later Tuesday on the charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
CR 3528 Complaint
A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, on County Road 3528, to a medical complaint in which a woman was reported to have gone unconscious due to an adverse reaction to medication and alcoholic beverages. A volunteer firefighter who arrived at the address first had requested law enforcement assistance. The woman in question reportedly refused treatment and walked away from him, headed down the county road.
Upon arrival, the deputy reported finding the volunteer firefighter and woman away from the residence in a pasture east of the county road. The 36-year-old woman, the deputy alleged in arrest reports, refused EMS treatment and became uncooperative and argumentative with officials. She was detained in handcuffs for her safety and escorted back to the road to await the arrival of EMS, who she again refused to be treated by, the deputy noted in arrest reports.
She was reported to have taken medication for mood disorder and alcohol. The deputy reported alcohol could be smelled emitting from her. The woman was reported to be unsteady on her feet, had red, glassy eyes and slurred speech. Deputies determined the woman to be intoxicated to the point she represented a danger to herself or others, and took her into custody at 5 p.m. Monday. The 36-year-old Saltillo woman was booked into the county jail at 6:01 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, on a Class C misdemeanor public intoxication charge, according to jail reports.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Welding Student Harlie Harred
GRINDING
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding student Harlie Harred of Sulphur Bluff is grinding on a backing strip during a recent class period. She is working toward certification in structural welding. To inquire about workforce or academic classes at the PJC-Sulphur Springs campus, call 903-885-1232.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Man Shot Jan. 2 During Foot Pursuit Confirmed Dead
Deceased Allegedly Threatened Others On Holiday Drive, Pointed Gun At Officers
The man who was shot during a foot pursuit with local authorities Jan. 2 died as a result of his injuries, officials confirmed Tuesday morning. Texas Rangers are investigating, and the name of the deceased is not at this time being released by authorities. The police officer who fired his weapon is on administrative while Texas Rangers investigate.
According to a public information release distributed to local media by Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson, officers from Sulphur Springs Police Department and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office first became involved in a call on Holiday Drive at 5:51 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, in which “an individual that had a handgun and was threatening to do harm to himself and others” then walked away from the area.
“A short time later, officers located the individual in a vehicle in the Royal Inn Parking lot, located at 1233 South Broadway Street. When confronted, the individual then fled from the vehicle on foot with the handgun,” the SSPD release stated.
Reports from the scene Monday night were that the suspect had begun running toward South Broadway Street, with officers in pursuit. Responding officers reported gunshots were fired, then that one person was injured, according to initial reports Monday evening from the scene.
“Officers gave pursuit and, later, the individual pointed the handgun at the officers and a Sulphur Springs Police Officer fired his duty weapon, striking the suspect. Officers administered first aid to the individual, but the individual succumbed to his injuries,” the public information release states.
EMS and fire department personnel responded at the location. No law enforcement officers at that time were reported to have been injured. South Broadway Street from Lee Street to Industrial Drive were closed to traffic for more than 3 hours while officials began the investigation process.
The man was officially pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace BJ Teer, but “the individual’s name will not be released at this time.” The officer who fired his duty weapon also was not identified in the release. It does state however, that “the officer has been placed on administrative leave during this initial investigation,” which is being investigated by the Texas Rangers.
Authorities are directing any further questions or information requests to the Texas Rangers in Garland.
Both Soccer Teams Win Season Openers Friday
Sulphur Springs had itself a wonderful season opener for both soccer teams.
Men and women’s soccer won to start their seasons 1-0.
The Lady Cats got the action goin Friday, Dec. 30 as they hosted Henderson, ranked as high as #4 coming into the season.
Coach Adriana Brena and her squad proceeded to beat the top-10 ranked Lady Lions 4-2 at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The win at home on Friday, Dec. 30 starts off the season with a 1-0 record. The team also went a perfect 6-0 in preseason.
A perfect start to their 2022-23 campaign has Lethal Enforcer ranking Sulphur Springs #5.
Next up, Lady Cats soccer heads to Kilgore for a tournament running Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 5-7.
Their first game takes place Thursday, Jan. 5 at Spring Hill HS taking on Carthage. They next play Friday, taking on old district foe Hallsville at R.E. Saint John Memorial Stadium at 2:20 P.M.
Coach Brena’s squad wraps up the tournament Saturday, Jan. 7 back at Spring Hill HS, taking on Jacksonville at 12:55 P.M.
The men’s team won as well, though in a much tighter 1-0 affair versus Kaufman.
Coach Alexi Upton and his team got a game-winning kick from Alexis Passion giving Sulphur Springs a big win to open their season.
That, and a solid pre-season against stiff competition has the Wildcats ranked No. 7 in Lethal Enforcer’s rankings.
They look to build on their season-opening win on Friday, Dec. 30 when they host their annual tournament at Gerald Prim Stadium Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 5-7.
The action starts early Thursday, Jan. 5 as men’s soccer takes on Caddo Mills bright and early at 7:30 A.M. Coach Upton’s squad plays a second game Thursday, taking on North Dallas at 5:45 P.M.
Sulphur Springs plays once Friday, wrapping up their pool play when they take on Tyler’s Chapel Hill at 5:45 P.M.
Saturday, Jan. 7 is championship day as each pool winner plays one another to determine who is the champion of Sulphur Springs’ Elite Invitational.
That tourney runs Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 5-7 at Gerald Prim Stadium.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
7 Arrested On Possession Charges Over The Weekend
Seven individuals were arrested on possession charges, resulting from three traffic stops and a suspicious vehicle check, conducted over the weekend of Dec. 30, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023, according to arrest reports.
East Industrial Drive Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Chris Rosamond and Officer Zach Davis reported stopping a Chevrolet van at 10:57 p.m. Dec. 30, 2022, for defective lighting. Upon contact with the driver, police reported smelling a strong marijuana odor coming from the van’s interior. A search of the vehicle yielded a cigarette box with a baggy containing a white powder-like substance the officer believed was cocaine and a straw in the common area between the van seats, Rosamond alleged in arrest reports.
When both occupants denied knowledge and ownership of the box and its contents, both the driver and passenger, identified in arrest reports as 48-year-old Shakendrick Lamar Pettigrew of Tyler and 24-year-old Montashia Shenil McCarty of Paris, were taken into custody at 11:37 p.m. Friday for possession of the suspected controlled substance.
Prior to being transported to jail, the woman allegedly admitted she’d concealed marijuana in a body cavity; it was retrieved by staff upon arrival at the jail, Rosamond alleged in arrest reports. Both Pettigrew and McCarty were booked into Hopkins County jail just after midnight on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Pettigrew remained in the county jail Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, on the felony charge, while McCarty was released from Hopkins County jail later Dec. 31, 2022, according to jail reports.
Suspicious Vehicle Check
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Scott Davis reported seeing a Chevrolet Silverado, with the truck lights and engine running, parked across several parking spots at a State Highway 11 east business in Como at 1:17 a.m. Dec. 31, 2022. Aware the business was closed, the deputy pulled in behind the pickup to check for suspicious activity. As he approached the driver’s side door, Sgt. Davis noted a large dog in the bed of the truck. He noted a man appeared to be asleep in the driver’s seat with a large baggy with a white substance visible on the console.
Davis reported waking up the man, who opened his door. The man, identified as 31-year-old Reed Ballard of Como, was asked about the bag on the console. He initially tried to conceal it, but eventually admitted it contained methamphetamine, Davis alleged in arrest reports. Ballard was placed into custody at 1:30 a.m., but was allowed to contact a family member who lived less than a mile from the location to take possession of both the dog and truck.
Ballard and the contraband were transported to jail. The substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 8.7 grams, including packaging, resulting in the Como man being booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:49 a.m. Saturday, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
The 31-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail records.
Texas Street Traffic Stop
HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Elijah Fite reported stopping a maroon Chevrolet van on Texas Street at Peach at 3:13 p.m. New Year’s Day 2023 for failure to signal the proper distance prior to a turn. Upon contact with the driver, deputies recognized him as a man who id not have a valid driver’s license. While speaking to the driver, from the passenger’s side of the van, Steward reported seeing an open beer can un the passenger’s side floorboard. He had all three occupants step out of the van and obtained permission to search the vehicle and its contents, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
After removing a metal ashtray in the center console deputies reported finding a baggy containing a crystal-like substance the deputies suspected was methamphetamine. All three occupants denied any knowledge about the contraband. All three were placed under arrest around 3:30 p.m. Jan. 1, 2023, and transported to jail, along with the contraband, according to arrest reports.
At the jail the crystal-like substance, including packaging weighed 1 gram, resulting in 30-year-old Lauren Serene Maxwell of Sulphur Springs, and 54-year-old Floyd Taylor and 60-year-old Terry Ray Boles, both of Como, being booked into the county jail at 4:40 p.m. Sunday, Fite and Steward alleged in arrest reports.
Maxwell remained in the jail Monday, Jan. 2, 2022. Boles was released Monday on a possession of a Penalty Group 2-A controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge. Taylor also was released Monday on the felony possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in drug-free zone charge, according to jail records.
I-30 East Traffic Stop
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley reported stopping a Mercedes E350 at 3:25 p.m. Jan. 1, 2023, on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 116 for speeding, traveling 90 in a 75 mph speed zone. The driver was identified.
A Texas Department of Public Safety canine a short time later responded to conduct an open air sniff around the vehicle. The dog positively alerted for controlled substances on the car door. A probable cause search allegedly revealed 12.9 grams of suspected Tramadol HCL tablets in the Fort Worth woman’s purse, Talley alleged in arrest reports.
The woman was arrested at 4:14 p.m. New Year’s Day and transported to jail, where she was booked in at 5:23 p.m. Jan. 1, 2023, on a possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge. She was released from Hopkins County jail Jan. 2, 2023 on the misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
Shots Reportedly Fired, 1 Injured On South Broadway Street
South Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs from Lee Street to West Industrial Drive was closed to traffic shortly after 6 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, as officers work an area where gunshots were reportedly fired and one person was reportedly injured. No official statement had been released by local law enforcement at 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.
Local officers are reported to have responded to a call in the area of West Industrial Drive near South Broadway Street around 6 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023; one suspect was identified in connection with the complaint. Shortly thereafter, a suspect reportedly took off running toward South Broadway Street. Initial reports were that officials pursued the suspect, said to have a gun, on foot. Officers responding reported gunshots were fired. One person was reported to have been injured. EMS and fire personnel responded. No law enforcement was reported at that time to have been injured.
South Broadway Street continued to be closed down from Lee Street to Industrial Drive at 8 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, while multiple law enforcement officials worked in the area of Broadway and Industrial Drive.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report for Dec. 26, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Dec. 26, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023 included:
Arrests
- Bobby Webb, 52 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Dec. 31, 2022, for Public Intoxication.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 82 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 4 citations and 11 warnings during this reporting period.
City Council To Consider Ordinances Setting New Sanitation Rates, Rezoning Request
Sulphur Springs City Council is slated Tuesday evening, Jan. 3, 2023, to consider two ordinances, one setting new sanitation rates and one which would rezone an East Shannon Road property to allow for residential development, and two 380 agreements. Service pins are slated to be awarded and an executive session to be held to discuss personnel and economic development matters.
Sanitation Ordinance
The Council is asked to consider approving on second and, if approved, final reading Ordinance No. 2815, which would amend the sanitation rate ordinance setting new sanitation rates.
Essentially, city officials voted earlier in the year when approving city utility rates to postpone making a decision on the sanitation rate so that the fees would be based on more accurate rates based on consumer price index rates. In August, city officials proposed a 9.8% increase to reflect contract provision.
During a 2022 budget work session, city officials reported that annual contract increases over the past five years have been based on the consumer price index-for urban wage earners and clerical workers (wages for hourly staff — CPI-W) in October, but the city’s rates including any increases are decided on in September.
The sanitation revenue was less than projected over the last year, city staff reports. Both sanitation companies serving Sulphur Springs submit rates at the end of October, which is after the annual budget is adopted (in September) and, typically utility rates for city residents as well.
The City Council at that time opted to postpone setting a new sanitation rate until at least November, which would be after Republic and Sanitation Solutions submitted their requests for increases in sanitation services, as allowed by the contracts the city has with each.
at the Dec. 6, 2022, City Council meeting, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith proposed a 6.16% increase in rates using a weighted average increase for the contracts.
The landfill sanitation contract increase is based on the consumer price index-for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) for October, with the Sanitation Solutions contract based on December’s CPI-W, but capped at 5%. There is no cap on the landfill contract CPI increase. The CPI-W for October came in at a 7.9% increase over October 2021. Although the December CPI won’t be in until this month, Smith noted it it is highly unlikely the CPI percentage increase would fall below the cap of 5%.
Using the weighted average increase for contract, city staff proposed a 6.16% increase in sanitation rates, The landfill charges comprise about 40% of the sanitation expense, with a proposed increase to rates of 7.9% and the collection contract comprises the other 60% of the cost with a proposed increase of 5%. Using the weighted average of the two contracts, the result and proposed sanitation rate increase would be 6.16%.
Sulphur Springs City Council approved on first reading Ordinance No. 2815 on first reading at the Dec. 6, 2022, meeting. The City Council will be asked again during the 7 p.m. meeting Jan. 3, 2023, after a public hearing, to consider approving on second reading Ordinance No. 2815 amending the sanitation rate ordinance setting new sanitation rates. The rate will would go into effect per the city Ordinance with City Council approval Tuesday.
Rezoning Ordinance
The City Council also will be asked to consider approving on first reading Ordinance # 2820, which essentially would the request of Kennedy Commercial-Shannon Rd LLC to rezone 0.78-acre of the property at 1439 East Shannon Road from heavy industrial to multifamily as a proposed Cadi Lane North subdivision.
On Dec. 19, 2022, the City of Sulphur Springs Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing and, after discussion, gave approval recommending the request for approval by the City Council at the Jan. 3, 2022, meeting.
The property is located near the intersection of Cadi Lane and Helm Lane, where the developer plans to construct three duplex-style rental properties. The intent is for the property to be very similar to the units Joe Ardis had constructed on Lundy Street, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told the P&Z Commission at the Dec. 19 meeting.
Residential development is not permitted in heavy industrial zones. Heavy industrial zoning currently allows for auto wrecking yards, lumber mills, junkyards, factories, and other commercial and rental uses, city staff reported.
The property is surrounded by a variety of zoning types. To the north is a heavy industrial zone, which includes warehousing and offices. To the east is another heavy commercial zone on Helm Lane, where apartments are located. To the south and west is a neighborhood with single family housing which are zoned single family-6.
City staff reported downsizing the zoning to allow for duplexes on the property would be an appropriate transition, given the single family and multifamily housing in the neighborhoods around the property.
Certified letters were sent to 13 surrounding property owners within 200 feet of the proposed zoning change, notifying them of the request and P&Z meeting on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. The City of Sulphur Springs received five responses to those letters, four that were opposed to the zoning change and one that was undecided because the individual no longer owns property there.
Concerns expressed were for more of a buffer between the single family homes and rental units. The developer of the Woodcreek Subdivision also indicated opposition to the change, as having townhomes or duplexes next door to a new addition would affect existing homes from being sold, Niewiadomski reported at the P&Z meeting.
One reply was from a widow who indicated having more multifamily housing at that address would make her feel measurably more unsafe.
Two of the replies were from a Marianne Circle couple who asked the P&Z Commission to protect their 20-plus-year-old home in the nearby neighborhood with more of a boundary. One claimed the new neighborhood has homes that are sitting empty with no interest shown and that “has made a mess of our streets.”
The Woodcreek Subdivision developer noted the duplexes would be right next door to the entrance to the subdivision. He noted he “put in 30K additionally for stubbing out to the proposed for which zoning change is requested,” which he said “is very unfair for me as a developer.” Ram Yennam noted five single family homes have already been built and are unsold. Adding townhomes or duplexes next to the entrance to the development would further impact the ability to sell those homes.
Niewiadomski recommended the request to rezone the 0.78-acre parcel from heavy industrial to single-family. The P&Z Commission followed the assistant city manger’s lead, recommending the change to the City Council.
Other Items
Also slated during the presentations and announcements portion of the Jan. 3 meeting is the awarding of service pins.
City Manager Marc Maxwell is scheduled to give his monthly report on capital improvements, municipal operations, accidents and claims for the month. Smith, as part of the manager’s report, too will have an opportunity to review expenditures and revenues.
For instance, Smith in December reported the city’s rating by Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded to Aa3 from A1 the City of Sulphur Springs. The issuer rating reflects the city’s credit quality and ability to repay debt and debt-like obligations without consideration of any pledge, security, or structural features. This action concludes a review that was initiated on November 3, 2022, in conjunction with the release of the US Cities and Counties methodology. A change in the methodology used in creating the score was one factor in the city’s improved rating.
Smith also at the Dec. 6, 2022, meeting reported the City was able to pave an additional 3.47 miles over the regular Summer Paving program because of the Street Maintenance Fee (SMF). Overall, that made 7.17 miles the city was able to pave in 2022. As of Sept. 30, 2022, the city had billed $1,009,421in street maintenance fees, had collected $978,871 in SMF, while expending $1,009,806 in SMF.
The 10 street segments (3.47 miles/18,316 feet) paved thanks to the SMF in 2022 were the following:
- Jackson Street — 0.47 mile/2,480 Feet paved at a total cost of $101,725.25, or $41.02 per foot, for Type D asphalt overlay;
- Kasie Street — 0.13 miles/681 Feet, $27,921.91 cost, $41 per foot, for Type D asphalt overlay;
- Lee Street — 0.95 mile/5,000 Feet paved, $404,791.97 cost, $80.96 per foot, for Type D asphalt overlay & cement treatment stabilization;
- Fore Street — 0.20 mile/1,070 Feet, $34,395.66 cost, $32.15 per foot, for Type D asphalt overlay;
- Forrest Lane — 0.21 mile/1,119 Feet, $52,910.99 cost, $47.28 per foot, for Type D asphalt overlay;
- Garrison Street —0.18 mile/ 940 Feet, $49,628.66 cost, $52.80 per foot, for Type D asphalt overlay;
- Glover Street — 0.07 mile/348 Feet, $20,499.21 cost, $58.91 per foot, for Type D asphalt overlay;
- Dabbs Street — 0.08 mile/401 Feet, $22,907.60 cost, $57.13 per foot, for Type D asphalt overlay;
- Azalea — 0.69 mile/3,648 Feet, $154,123.90 cost, $42.25 per foot, for Type D asphalt overlay; and
- Brinker Street — 0.50 mile/2,629 Feet, $140,900.96 cost, $53.59 per foot, for D asphalt overlay.
Submitted for consideration as part of the consent agenda will be minutes for the Dec. 6, 2022, City Council meeting, as well as 380 (infill housing) agreements for property at 1506 Sheffield Street and 607 Lamar Street.
The City Council is slated to conduct an executive session starting at 6:30 p.m. to consult with an attorney, discussion economic development with Ashoka Steel and the position of public works director, a position previously held by Russ Nuss, who passed away Dec. 5, 2022. Action on any items coming from the executive session would be taken during the regular open portion of the meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2022, in the Council Chambers inside Sulphur Springs Municipal Building (city hall) on North Davis Street.
