Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – Jan. 3, 2023
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell Tuesday evening, Jan. 3, 2023, presented to the City Council, in a Memorandum as well as aloud, the following monthly manager’s report:
CLAIMS
We had one workers compensation claim in December for a firefighter who fractured his ribs in a fall.
We filed a claim on another driver’s insurance who crashed into a trailer at the water treatment plant.
We filed a claim on our own insurance for damages to a police cruiser when the officer struck a light pole in a parking lot.
We received two liability claims in December. One was for damages caused when an employee backed into another vehicle. The other claim is for flooding damages resulting from city crews turning on water to a building with a pre-existing freeze break. The employees mistakenly thought they had turned the valve to the off position.
SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
I have signed the contract with Hawk Construction, and we will issue a notice to proceed later this month.
PACIFIC PARK
XLNT Construction has ordered the steel frame for the pavilion. The lead time is 4 months. I don’t expect to see any more activity at Pacific Park until February. At that time XLNT will construct the building in about 90 days.
When the pavilion is complete, we will demolish the old basketball courts and grade the interior of the park. Then we will install irrigation and sod.
COLLEGE STREET
College Street is open down to Patton Street. We began installing utilities in the second phase of College Street (Patton to Ramsey) today. We have already completed all of the drainage improvements at College and Ramsey. Once we complete
201 N Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 • 903.439.3700 • sulphurspringstx.org Page 1
improvements to Ramsey Street, we will continue to Como Street. After that we will pause to turn our attention to Holiday Drive.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will not present the year-end report of revenues and expenditures as she need a little more time to close out the books.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The only streets remaining on the Street Improvement Program are Ardis, Como, Commercial Services, Houston and Fisher. Houston was moved to the next year. Ardis and Como were delayed due to Atmos projects, but the Atmos should be done in the first quarter of 2023. The repairs on Commercial Services are in flux. Staff is considering whether to perform the repairs in house or contract it out. Staff removed Fisher from the list because it is a candidate for a total rebuild due to a water main issue.
MISCELLANEOUS
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Repaired numerous Christmas light circuits downtown.
- Performed electrical repairs at the library.
- Repaired Highway 11 lift station.
- Installed vacuum at service center gas pumps.
- Replaced 2 lights on the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial wall.
- Repaired the stove at the Grays Building.
- Made repairs on Animal Shelter A/C unit.
- Prepared all municipal building for the freeze.
- Performed preventative maintenance on multiple items at the wastewater treatment plant and water treatment plant.
- Achieved daily average total suspended solids reading of .36 mg/L.
- Repaired 17 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 10 water meters.
- Unstopped 38 sewer mains.
- Washed 75,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 40 dead-end water mains.
- Repaired SCADA radio at Cooper Lake.
- Checked out 2,398 items from the library plus 653 eBooks.
- Installed Christmas decorations.
- Replanted 200 shrubs and 3 trees after freeze damage of 2021.
- Repainted the soccer concession.
- Removed 5 dead trees in the soccer complex.
- Cleaned around Upper Coleman Lake.
- Power-washed the restrooms at imagination Mountain.
- Conducted 37 building inspections, 19 electrical inspections, 20 plumbing inspections and 3 mechanical inspections.
- Issued 67 building permits.
- Responded to 272 fire/rescue calls including 1 structure fire, 1 vehicle fire and 8 grass fires.
- Performed preventative maintenance on78 fire hydrants.
- Conducted 20 fire inspections.
- Sold 1,630 gallons of AvGas and 10,200 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 675 operations at the airport.
- Responded to 193 animal control calls while achieving a 92% adoption rate.
- Made 4 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 2,329 calls for law enforcement.
- Responded to 20 accidents, wrote 452 citations, recorded 44 offences, and made 55 arrests in the Patrol Division.
- Repaired 648 potholes.
- Made 17 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Cleaned storm drain inlets twice.
- Removed 4 fallen trees from city street.
11 City Employees Recognized For Service
Sulphur Springs City Council during the regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, took time to recognize 11 employees for their service to the city.
Mayor Doug Moore presented service pins to city employees who’ve hit new 5-year milestones this year.
“When I first got on this council, I didn’t realize what it took to run this city, and I do now. I especially realize what a great bunch of employees the city has. I’m aware of that now. These service pins are in recognition of years of service,” Moore said.
Jameison Hawkins and Cpl. Chris Rosamond were both recognized for 5 years of service as police officers, while Tory Niewiadomski was recognized for 5 years as community development director.
Library Director Hope Cain was recognized for 10 years at the library and Driver/Engineer Bruce Millard for 10 years with the fire department
Firefighter John Lambert and Driver/Engineer Joseph Evans were recognized for 15 years, and Fire Chief David James for 20 years of service with the fire department.
Chief Jason Ricketson was recognized for 25 years of service with the police department.
Special recognition was given for Russ Nuss, who also served the city for 25 years, becoming the Director of Public Works.
“As you all know we lost one of our own, Russ Nuss, in December, and his wife, who was unable to attend tonight, wanted us to read this into the record,” said City Manager Marc Maxwell, before reading the following letter submitted by Nuss’ wife of 39 years, Lori:
I will not be attending the presentation of service pins, but if I were there, this is what I would want to say: In the Bible, in the book of Ecclesiastes it says a 'Man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work.' Russ found satisfaction in working for the city, was proud to say he worked here, and told many people that it was a good place to work. Thank you for a good 25 years, Lorie
Human Resources Director/Assistant City Manager Gordon Frazier was honored for 35 years of service to the city.
Additional city employees have been recognized for their service as well, but either were unable or chose not to attend the Jan. 3, 2023 City Council meeting to receive their pins.
(Be sure to watch for information on the additional personnel recognized by the City this year. This was the first time in three years the city has been able to meet in large groups and recognize individuals reaching work milestones.)
Commissioners Table Public Health Nuisance Issue, Approve Fire Department Personnel Policy Change
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday made short work of the regular court session, opting to table a public health nuisance issue and approving a fire department personnel policy change.
Public Health Nuisance
Commissioners were slated to consider proceeding with an abatement of public health nuisance. The person on whose property the matter rests has been cited for the matter, that is in the justice of the peace court. With approval from local health authority Dr. Darrell pierce, it was recommended the property owner be given 10 days to take care of the matter after issuance of a citation, then for county abate the issue by paying for a system to be installed; a lien on the property until the fee had been recovered, Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley reported.
However, after contact with the Precinct 2 property owner, Endsley learned vendor has been contacted to install a septic system. The fire marshal said he’d personally talked to the vendor, who plans to perform the service as soon as it is dry enough. So, Endsley recommended the Commissioners Court postpone any decision on the matter until the weather has improve enough for the vendor to provide the service. This would be a cost savings to the county and would remedy the matter. The resident can continue to be fined daily until the system is in place.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked if additional action was needed as the agenda item called for consideration of “procedures for the abatement of public health nuisances,” if perhaps this item was policy that would cover additional situation of that nature if they should arise down the road.
County Judge Robert Newsom explained that a procedure would need to be taken every time as each public health nuisance situation would be different, so the procedure would be determined per individual situation.
He asked what would happen if the weather and ground conditions had not improved sufficient for the new system to be put in within the 10 days of notice for the citation. Endsley said as he understands it, the matter before the court would still be covered as tabled until the work is done. The matter in the justice of the peace court would be up to the judge.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said two additional day so of rain are predicted in the near future, he hopes the justice of the peace will consider that as well as the other factors in relation to the citations through that court.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin made a motion, which Barker seconded, to table any procedure for public health nuisance abatement on the matter until the next court session, which according the regular schedule should be next Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. The Commissioners Court voted unanimously to table the matter.
HCFD Personnel Policy
Hopkins County Fire Department Operations Chief Doug Skinner then asked the Commissioners Court to consider a change to the fire department personnel policy regarding earned time off. He noted that while the typical work week for most county employees would be 40 hours, with vacation time earned based on time worked, fire department personnel typically work upwards of 56 hours a week, or 5 shifts (one 24-hour shift every third day) every 2 weeks. That’s 3.3 shifts per week. He asked that the fire department personnel policy be adjusted so that the on-duty firefighters earn vacation or time off just like any other calendar employee.
The commissioners court agreed to the change in HCFD personnel policy for HCFD personnel.
Other Matters
Also during the Jan. 3, 2023 regular Commissioners Court meeting, Barker made a motion with Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price seconded approving the consent agenda, which included requests from FEC to construct electric power distribution facilities across County Road 1127, north of County Road 1152 in Precinct 1, and across County Road 4128, southwest of FM 275 in Precinct 4. The Commissioners Court gave full approval to both requests.
The meeting was paused while the county clerk and recently reelected and a few appointed county officials’ bonds could be taken care of prior to the swearing in ceremony, which followed at 10 a.m. in the second floor courtroom at Hopkins County Courthouse. The Court then approved the bonds and the session adjourned.
County resident Mack Pitts during court thanked the judge, commissioners and all county employees “for making 2022 a good year for all of us.”
“While everybody’s not happy with everything, we’ve got a lot of people happy with a lot of things. So that’s a good deal. Our county here stands out and that’s because of the leadership within the county organization, all the county organizations. So thank you very much for that,” Pitts said. “Happy new year to each and every one of you to all the county employees and I truly appreciate what you’re going to do for us in 2023, especially my precinct commissioner. Thank you.”
County, District Officials Take Oath Of Office For Another Term
County and district officials who were reelected in November 2022 in Hopkins County took the oath of office for another term Tuesday morning, Jan. 3, 2023, during a swearing in ceremony conducted in the second floor courtroom at Hopkins County Courthouse.
All local nine candidates were unchallenged in their bids for reelection to their district, county and precinct offices and were the certified unopposed incumbent candidates on the November 8, 2022 ballots.
“Thank you so much for letting me serve you, and I believe each official would say the same thing,” County Judge Robert Newsom said, opening the meeting. “It’s an honor to be part of something that is bigger than yourself. A lot of people all across Texas would like to be right here in Hopkins County. Actually things are going very, very well. We still stub our toes every so often but it is just part of the deal. You don’t make progress if you’re not going forward. We have to go forward.”
Hopkins County Court-At-Law Judge Clay Harrison joined Newsom and his wife, Robbie, at the front of the courtroom. Robbie held the Bible, which Robert Newsom placed one hand on, then raised the other while Harrison administered the oath of office for county judge.
Judge Newsom then administered the oath of office for court-at-law judge to Clay Harrison, for commissioner to Greg Anglin and Joe Price, and for treasurer to Danny Davis. Each’s wife participated by holding the Bible each swore on when taking their oath of office.
“I just want to thank you for being here,” Judge Harrison said. “Thank you to my family, to everyone here to support your family.”
Newsom said he officiated Clay and Tara Harrison’s wedding, and he has enjoyed seeing the pair grow together and become parents, and to see Clay settle into his role as court-at-law judge. Being able to give the oath to him was an honor, the county judge said.
“Judge Harrison has done an amazing, outstanding job,” Newsom said. “Things have changed for the better since you’ve been judge. We want to thank you for all your efforts, all your sacrifices.”
“I appreciate each and every one of you. I thank you for bringing me your money every day, which is properly taken care of,” Treasurer Danny Davis said.
“It was an agreeable four years. I’ve learned a lot. This is an eye-opening job and I’ve enjoyed it,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price.
“It’s an honor to serve Hopkins County. I’ve enjoyed it also, and a good group of people to work with,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin said.
Newsom said he is so proud of both District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher and County Clerk Tracy Smith. He worked with both for many years previously and have each now been reelected to office.
“I just want them to know how much I appreciate the good work they do, so, thank you so much,” Newsom said.
“I just want to thank y’all for being here. I want to thank my staff for supporting me for the last 8 years. They’ve been wonderful. I don’t know about y’all as elected officials, but I can’t do it without their help. They support me and I support them. I just really appreciate it,” Fulcher said.
“Thank y’all for being here, thank the voters for electing me for another term doing a job I love. Again, you can’t do it without your staff so I want to thank all of my staff that I’ve got. I’ve got a good staff right now,” Smith said.
The two justices of the peace administered the oath of office for each other, with each’s wife also holding the Bible as he was sworn in.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved the bonds for the elected officials and a few appointed county officials — including the County Fire Marshal, Tax Assessor/Collector’s Chief Deputy, and Deputy Treasurer — during the regular court meeting just before the ceremony.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price, Angela Price, County Judge Robert Newsom, Courtney Anglin and Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin 
Hopkins County Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price, Angela Price, County Judge Robert Newsom, Courtney Anglin and Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin 
County Judge Robert, Newsom District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher and County Clerk Tracy Smith 
Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings, Janice Teer and Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer 
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer, Amy Cummings and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings 
What’s In Store For 2023?
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, jshicks@ag.tamu.edu
With the new year you may be interested in being healthier, but what does healthy mean? The word healthy can be hard to define because there are many factors that contribute to one’s health. So let’s start with a few basics:
- A Balanced Plate: A balanced eating routine adds up over time. Try to make half your plate fruits and vegetables, a quarter whole grains, and the remaining quarter low-fat protein, along with a serving of low-fat dairy or calcium-fortified alternative.
- Preparing Safe Food: Proper food safety can reduce your family’s risk of food poisoning. Some food safety practices that help prevent the spread of germs include washing your hands, utensils, and countertops, keeping ready-to-eat foods or raw produce away from uncooked meats or other proteins, using a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of cooked foods, and cooling and storing foods safely in the refrigerator to slow the spread of harmful bacteria.
- Being Physically Active: Find an activity you like to do! Recommendations vary between ages, but every minute counts. Adults should try to do 150 minutes or more a week (30 minutes a day for 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity; and two days a week of muscle-strengthening activity. Children (ages 6-17) should do 60 minutes or more of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
- Growing Fruits and Vegetables: Increase the availability of fresh produce at home by growing your own fruits and vegetables. It can be a fun activity for you and the family and an opportunity to get physically active while being outside. The Extension Office has a growing guide to help you select the best options for your climate.
- Food Resource Management Skills: Managing and creating a food budget may help promote balanced eating and reduce financial stress. Reduce the amount of money spent at the store by meal planning, using a grocery list, limiting the number of grocery trips, and being aware of local sales and available seasonal foods.
Remember, there are many factors that contribute to a healthy life. Do not feel like you have to ‘master’ everything at once; small steps can become great strides towards a healthier lifestyle.
Upcoming Events
- Thursday, January 12, 4-H Poultry to be picked up at 7:30 at the Extension Office
- Saturday, January 14, County 4-H Food Show, 1 p.m. Extension Office (please contact the Extension Office if you plan to participate)
- Thursday, January 26, County 4-H Roundup, 5:30 p.m., Extension Office (4-H members can find information in the January/February 4-H Gazette)
- Friday, January 27, Retirement Reception for Johanna Hicks, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Extension Office (come-and-go)
Closing Thought
You can fuss about the rain or you can splash in the puddles.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Office at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483, 903-885-3443, jshicks@ag.tamu.edu
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 Butch@HopkinsChamber.org 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 info@HopkinsChamber.org.
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 info@HopkinsChamber.org 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
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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.
