Residential Homestead Tax Exemption For City Residents Under Consideration
A residential homestead tax exemption for city residents will be presented for consideration during the regular Sulphur Springs City Council meeting Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith in April presented information regarding a residential homestead property tax exemption option during the regular City Council meeting Tuesday evening, April 5, 2022.
Smith noted that a homestead exemption is simply a tax credit for an owner-occupied residential property. The exemption would reduce the taxing value on a home by the percentage set by the governing body, which in this case would be the City Council.
noting that there is a specific timeline that must be followed if the city officials want to consider granting homestead exemptions in any given year, as allowable by tax laws. A homestead exemption cannot be claimed by a property owner on more than one home. In other words, if the taxpayer owns five homes, that individual would only receive the exemption on the home he or she lives in.
A homestead exemption can be granted for up to 20% of the property value, but the minimum exemption is $5,000 of valuation. Aside from school districts, each taxing entity would determine the amount of exemption, if any, allowed for that tax.
Currently, school districts are mandated by the state to offer a $25,000 homestead exemption. The current election, however, includes a proposition asking Texas voters to consider increasing the amount of homestead exemption offered by schools from $25,000 to $40,000.
(Click here for more information on the Texas Constitutional Amendment propositions and voting information.)
In Sulphur Springs, taxpaying residents are offered a $25,000 homestead exemption on school taxes and the maximum 20% and minimum $5,000 homestead exemption on county taxes. The hospital district and city do not currently offer homestead exemptions for Sulphur Springs residents on their home property taxes.
Approximately, 5,020 single family homes are on the City of Sulphur Spring tax roll, that would mean about 54% of homes would qualify for a homestead exemption, if one were granted.
In other words, if the city had a 5% homestead exemption, that would be about $15.6 million of property value that’d be exempted for a total of $66,000 in property tax exempted. A 10% homestead exemption would be $31 million in property value exempted and approximately $133,000 exempted in property tax. A 20% homestead exemption would mean about $62 million in property value exempted and $266,456 in property tax exempted, according to Smith.
The city did take into account, when figuring the overall impact on city taxes, homesteads valued at $100,000 or less, which would actually be an exemption of more than 20% because their normal overall tax bill would be less than the $5,000 minimum exemption. So no matter what, if a homestead exemption is granted, individuals’ tax bills would receive no less than a $21.35 savings.
The average taxable value of a home in Sulphur Springs is $115,000. So the average homeowner would save $24.55 on their tax bill if the city were to set a homestead exemption at 5%, $49.10 savings with a 10% exemption, $73.65 savings with a 15% homestead exemption and $98.20 on a 20% exemption on the average home property valued at $115,000, Smith explained.
To be considered is the cap placed on property tax revenues in 2019 in Senate Bill 2, which reduced the tax rate from the longstanding 44-cents per $100 property valuation to 42.693 cents, which reduced city tax revenue by $160,610 unless a tax election is held. Of that amount, 41% of the savings from the reduced tax rate went to residential property owners and the remaining 56% to commercial and industrial property owners.
An imbalance between growth of commercial and residential properties and their values, set by appraisal districts in accordance with laws set by the state, is also another factor to consider. Residential appraisals are based on market values based on the amount homes are selling for in a given neighborhood, proving residential property owners with less room to protest appraised valued. There are several different ways commercial appraisals can be done on commercial property, especial that owned by large businesses.
“So while both businesses and residents are every important to the City, homestead exemptions allow the City to provide property tax savings to the residents first,” Smith said, at the April 5 meeting, providing a savings to the people who live and work in Sulphur Springs.
City Manager Marc Maxwell asked Smith to come back the May Council meeting with figures to show 10% growth and 20% homestead exemption, with the de minimis rate.
Smith agreed, noting that if the City Council wants to put for a vote a city homestead exemption, it would have to be approved by ordinance by July 1 in order to go on that tax year’s taxes. So in order to consider it this year, the proposed city homestead exemption ordinance is presented for first reading on the May 3 City Council agenda. If the ordinance receives initial approval Tuesday evening, it would then be presented again for second and final reading on June 7. The city would then receive tax values in July. The City Council would then need to approve a tax city property tax rate in September In order to levy the property tax in October.
5 Arrested On Felony Charges Friday
April 30, 2022 – Five people were arrested on felony charges Friday, according to arrest reports.
MLK Drive Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Aaron Chaney and Sgt. Todd Evans were made aware of an active warrant for Chanin Ardwon Holiness’ arrest. They located the 20-year-old Sulphur Springs man at a Martin Luther King Jr. Drive address and took him into custody at 4:07 p.m. April 29, 2022.
Holiness was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:55 p.m. April 29, 2022, on a warrant for an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, an offense alleged to have occurred on April 28, 2022.
Holiness remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, April 30, 2022. Bond was set at $25,000.
I-30 East Arrest
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley was notified a wanted person was in a black Lexus IS300 seen traveling east on Interstate 30 near mile marker 87 Friday evening. At 5:55 p.m. Friday, Talley spotted what he believed to be the car the wanted person was reported to be in traveling eastbound on I-30 near mile marker 111. After confirming it was the correct license plate, he had dispatchers confirmed the car came back to the wanted suspect, and initiated a traffic stop.
The driver was identified as Malcolm Miller, a 29-year-old Dallas man wanted by Dallas County authorities. After Dallas County authorities confirmed the warrant was active, Talley took Miller into custody at 6:09 p.m. April 29, 2022. Miller was transported to jail and the car was released to the passenger.
Miller was booked into Hopkins County jail at 7:28 p.m. April 29, on the burglary of a habitation with intent to commit family violence assault charge, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, April 30, 2022, on the Dallas County warrant. His bond was set at $35,000 on the charge,.
Georgia Street Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was made aware Friday that warrants had been issued for a 53-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest. Deputies Isaac Foley, Drew Fisher and Zack Horne located Darrin Ray Fairchild at a Georgia Street address and took him into custody at 11:40 p.m. Friday on the warrant.
Foley transported Fairchild to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 11:58 a.m. April 29, 2022, for bond forfeiture on a possession of a controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. Fairchild remained in the county jail Saturday, April 30, 2022, in lieu of $20,000 set on the June 11, 2021 charge.
Additional Arrests
According to Hopkins County jail reports, two others were also arrested on warrants on Friday.
Taylor Elise Allen was jailed April 29, 2022, on warrants for a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1B controlled substance charge and for bond forfeiture on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1B controlled substance charge.
The 31-year-old Gladewater woman remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, April 30, 2022, on both charges.
Kassie Rosanne Hayes was jailed Friday, April 29, 2022 on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1B controlled substance charge.
The 34-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was released from Hopkins County jail Saturday, April 30, 2022 on the second-degree felony charge.
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.
Registration Now Open For Sulphur Springs ISD Summer Day Camp
Registration is now open for the Sulphur Springs ISD Summer Day Camp 2022 for school-aged children from 5 to 11 years old. The session will be held from Monday-Friday, June 6-July 22, 2022, at Barbara Bush Primary, 390 Hillcrest Drive.
A fee of $115 per week, plus fees, will be charged. The camp will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Camp station rotation will begin at 8:30 a.m. SSISD Summer Day Camp will transition from the drop-off/breakfast hour to station time promptly at 8:30 a.m. At this time, official attendance is recorded by staff and daily activities will begin. While families’ work and family schedules may change but know, missed activities will not be made up or repeated.
SSISD Summer Day Camp will offer free breakfast and lunch provided by SSISD Food Services each Monday – Thursday at no charge. Summer Day Camp will also provide a packaged pastry of some sort, free of charge, each Friday morning. Breakfast begins daily at 7:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 8:15 a.m. Lunch is served from 10:45 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. Campers will be required to bring a sack lunch and drink with them each Friday. Campers are not permitted to share meals with the other campers. Staff cannot warm food brought from home. Commercial lunches such as Lunchables are recommended if the food does not require additional preparation. Staff will help campers open packages, insert straws, etc. A labeled plastic or stainless-steel water bottle may be sent with the camper each day.
Written documentation must be provided if a camper requires a special diet or has any known food allergies. If a camper is allergic to bites or stings from outdoor pests such as ants and mosquitoes, staff must be notified in advance. Insect repellant labeled with the camper’s name may be sent for application on the camper before outdoor play.
Campers should be picked by 5:30 p.m. A five minute “grace period” is allowed at pick-up time. When that period has expired, a “late pick-up fee” will accrue at the rate of $1 per minute from the scheduled pick-up time. SSISD Summer Day Camp will release campers to the parent/guardian or to authorized individuals designated upon enrollment. Parents/guardians may communicate that change to SSISD Summer Day Camp staff in writing. If a person is not known to SSISD Summer Day Camp staff, the individual’s identity must be verified by driver’s license or other type of photo I.D. to ensure the safety of campers.
The only supplies parents/guardians will be asked to furnish is an extra set of clothes for campers aged 5-6 years years, to be sent with the camper at the beginning of SSISD Summer Day Camp in case of an accident, and a nap mat of for campers aged 5-6 years old to use during rest time. Nap mats will be sent home each Friday to be washed. A “bedroll” type of sleeping mat that includes an attached blanket and pillow are recommended. Campers don’t have to sleep, but are required to rest quietly from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; a G-rated movie will be shown. A small hand-sized toy such as a doll or stuffed animal may be brought to sleep with during nap time.
Campers should come in school appropriate attire/shorts that are overall modest and decent in appearance. Outdoor play will be involved so clothes that are cool and comfortable are recommended. Younger campers should not wear clothing that is difficult for them to get on and off, such as one-piece jumpsuits, belts that buckle or tie. This helps reduce possibility of a “potty accident” as well as the time it takes the camper to use the restroom.
Proof of up-to-date shots must be provided (the district has them on file for current SSISD students) and sick children will not be allowed at camp. If a students takes medication that must be administered by camp staff, a signed and dated camp medical authorization form must be returned.
SSISD Summer campers will play outside each day that weather permits. Campers who present with any illness symptoms and or are too ill to participate comfortably in camp activities, including indoor and outdoor play, will not be accepted.
Dangerous or hurtful offenses from a camper including hitting, biting, kicking, pushing, hair pulling, throwing objects, climbing on inappropriate structures, willful destruction of property, tantrum throwing, or failing to follow reasonable requests will not be permitted for campers. If disciplinary action is taken, it is to be appropriate for the camper and situation, and the parent will be notified, according to the SSISD Summer Day Camp Handbook.
Also prohibited as disciplinary actions are corporal punishment; threats of corporal punishment; punishment associated with food, naps, or rest-rooming; pinching; shaking; biting; hitting; putting anything in a camper’s mouth; humiliating; ridiculing; rejecting; yelling at a camper; subjecting the camper to harsh, abusive, or profane language; placing a camper in a locked or dark room, bathroom, or closet with the door closed; or requiring a camper to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time.
All parents should register their child online, complete and return the registration form either electronically or return it to the SSISD Administration Building, as soon as possible to secure the students’ slot at camp. Only 50 spots are available. The camp handbook should also be downloaded and reviewed form that link as well. Click here to go to the registration link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/SSISDSummerDayCamp2022
Any further questions regarding registration or billing may be addressed to Patty Garcia at 903-885-2153 or [email protected].
Paris District Road Report for May 2, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting May 2, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The reopening of the mainlanes and underpass at the Center Street area to traffic is underway. Northbound mainlane traffic has been moved to the newly constructed mainlanes. Weather permitting, on May 4, southbound mainlanes will be moved to the newly constructed mainlanes. Lane closures on the mainlanes will be needed to make the traffic switch, with the closures starting at 7:30 pm. The Center Street intersection under US 75 is scheduled to be reopened to traffic the week of May 11.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing main lanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between North Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The Skyline Drive intersection with FM 1417 is closed to traffic for about a week to allow crews to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. Traffic is asked to use Lamberth or Taylor Streets during this closure.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install an eight-foot-wide minimum sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. During work on this project, occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from Preston Avenue to John Douglas Road. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as construction crews work to install sidewalks, curb ramps, and landscape features.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
The annual contract to perform bridge repairs in Grayson County is underway. The following locations will have bridge repairs performed, so travelers should expect occasional lane closures while this work is underway. US 75 northbound mainlane bridge at Iron Ore Creek, US 75 southbound frontage road bridge at Iron Ore Creek, the SH 289 bridge approximately 1.75 miles south of FM 120, and FM 1417 at Post Oak Creek.
FM 1897, Grayson County, from US 69 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 902, Grayson County, from SH 5 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews repair edge drop-offs along the roadway.
FM 697, Grayson County, from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers complete the remaining work on the project.
CR 3810 at Loring Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3810 at Loring Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3800.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on re-establishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from FM 897 west to FM 2029. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway.
FM 1752, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 274, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 3321. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on taking bridge cores.
FM 1753, Fannin County: from FM 2645 to FM 1752. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on taking bridge cores.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas while final work is being performed.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Wolfe City, Texas, location. The contractor is currently working on Santa Fe Street and is nearing completion in this area. The project is moving towards the downtown area of Wolfe City. The contractor has been working on forming and pouring concrete on sidewalks and driveways, weather permitting. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations: Hunt County, SH 34 at Crockett Street to SH 34 at FM 816 in Wolfe City. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor has set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor is working in the ditches and finishing base for the prime coat and will perform a ride test soon. Temporary striping has been placed. The contractor will also be reworking base and hauling flex base on mile two. The contractor will be pouring three cross-culvert extensions and wingwalls and working on driveway pipe and safety end treatments.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed widening and reworking existing base for the last section of the project. New flex base hauling and placing has begun. Drill shaft installation has been completed and beams will be set soon. The contractor has completed the 150-foot bridge deck pour, as well as setting safety end treatments and driveway pipe on the north and south side of the project. The contractor continued embankment work and grading ditches that were prime coated. Crews also performed prime coat patching, sweeping, repairing items and reinstalling silt fence removed for grading ditches. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared the right-of-way. The contractor has performed a traffic switch for northbound and southbound traffic on Spur 264 to complete the concrete pavement on the east half of Spur 264. The contractor continues grading flex base on SH 276 from east of the bridge approach to the proposed CRCP section, fine grade embankment work on the west end of the project, and prep work for geo-grid and flex base. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has placed prime coat on the beginning mile. Prep work for temporary strip should be placed late next week for the first mile section. The contractor is working on finishing mailbox turnouts and proposed signing for the project.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing base repair operations on FM 2358 and overlay operations on FM2194 from FM 903 to FM 36. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on I-30 and guard rail repair at various locations around Hunt County. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing seal coat prep work on FM 36 from SH276 to I-30 frontage road. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations on various roadways. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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2 Men Arrested Thursday On Felony Charges
Two men were arrested Thursday on outstanding felony charges, according to arrest reports.
A 30-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed Thursday on a felony Rockwall County theft warrant.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Dustin Green responded Thursday to a criminal trespass complaint. Upon arrival at the Gilmer Street store, employees asked that Shawn March be issued a criminal trespass warning prohibiting him from returning to the property. A records check showed three warrants for the 30-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest.
March was taken into custody at 7:36 p.m. April 28, 2022,on a Rockwall County theft of property valued at less than $2,500 worth of property with two or more offenses, and two city traffic warrants. Fees owed on the city charges totaled $1090.70, according to arrest reports. March remained in Hopkins County jail Friday on the felony Rockwall County theft charge, according to jail reports. Bond was recommended to be $10,000, and require a GPS device, Green noted in arrest reports. Bond was set at $100,000 on the warrant, according to jail reports.
Christopher Lee Vail was scheduled to appear in the district court at 1:30 p.m. April 28 on a motion to proceed on an indecency with a child by sexual contact, the court docket shows
Vail was taken into custody at 5:10 p.m. and escorted into Hopkins County jail by Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dan Turrentine on an order from the 8th Judicial District Court on two indecency with a child charges, according to arrest reports. He was released to jail staff and booked in on both charges. The 64-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail until Friday, April 29, 2022, according to jail reports.
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.
Man Reported For Yelling At Child Jailed On Controlled Substance Possession Charge
A 62-year-old Sulphur Springs man reported for yelling at a child in a FM 71 east driveway ended up in jail on a controlled substance possession charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s deputies were dispatched at 4:46 p.m. April 28, 2022, to the FM 71 east residence, where the complainant alleged an older white male had pulled a SUV into their driveway and began yelling at the young female in the yard, calling her his granddaughter. The man had left prior to officers’ arrival, according to sheriff’s office and arrest reports.
Deputies showed a photo which was identified as the person who’d pulled into the driveway. The picture was of Gary Dwayne Waldrep. Upon arrival the 62-year-old man’s Spur 71 residence, deputies observed Waldrep sitting in a vehicle. During a conversation with the man, Waldrep allegedly admitted to being the man who pulled in at the FM 71 east residence.
Waldrep agreed to let deputies search his vehicle. Deputy Zach Steward patted the man down and had him empty his pockets. Waldrep emptied from his pockets a cartridge with a thick brown liquid that emitted a marijuana odor, Steward alleged in arrest reports.
Sgt. Richard Greer reported finding a vape pen with a cartridge with THC liquid during a search of the vehicle. Waldrep was taken into custody at 4:57 p.m. Thursday and transported by Deputy Elijah Fite to the county jail.
Waldrep, whose jail reports show he also has been known to use the alias Popeye, was booked into jail at 6:10 p.m. April 28, 2022, for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. He was released from the county jail Friday, April 29, 2022, on a $25,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Texas Motorcyclist Deaths on the Rise
TEXAS MOTORCYCLIST DEATHS ON THE RISE In the wake of 519 rider fatalities last year, TxDOT urges drivers to look twice for motorcyclists |
May 3, 2022
AUSTIN – One evening in April 2021, Eric Newell was out for a ride in Houston when his motorcycle was rear-ended by a vehicle, breaking both of his legs, dislocating his hips and injuring his back and hands. He is just one of 2,318 Texas motorcyclists seriously injured in crashes last year.
Crashes like Newell’s are one reason why the Texas Department of Transportation is observing National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, reminding drivers to be extra vigilant around riders and to give them extra space and consideration on the state’s roadways.
“On average, at least one motorcycle rider dies every day in a crash on our streets and highways,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Each of these riders is a husband or wife, someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister or mother or father. As more and more motorcyclists take to the road to enjoy the beautiful Texas scenery and warmer weather, it’s crucial that drivers remain alert and look out for people riding motorcycles.”
TxDOT’s annual “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign calls attention to the safety precautions motorists must take to protect motorcyclists. State officials report that 519 motorcycle riders died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021, a 7% increase over the previous year. And even though motorcycles comprise less than 2% of vehicles in Texas, they accounted for 12% of the fatalities in 2021.
TxDOT offers these life-saving safety tips for drivers to protect motorcyclists and prevent crashes:
- Take extra care when making a left turn. Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear and avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Pay special attention at intersections. A third of motorcycle fatalities happen at roadway intersections.
- Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction, such as answering a phone call or changing the radio station, can have deadly consequences.
- Look twice when changing lanes. Check mirrors, check blind spots, and always use turn signals.
- Give motorcyclists room when passing them. Move over to the passing lane and don’t crowd the motorcyclist’s full lane.
- Stay back. If you’re behind a motorcycle, always maintain a safe following distance. When a motorcyclist downshifts instead of applying the brake to slow down, it can catch drivers off guard since there are no brake lights to signal reduced speed.
- Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and drive to conditions.
TxDOT is taking its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign exhibit to cities across Texas this month. The campaign exhibit immerses participants in a virtual reality to experience from a driver’s perspective how difficult it is to spot motorcyclists in high-risk traffic situations—and to experience close calls and dangerous situations from a motorcyclist’s perspective.
The “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of March 4, 2022.
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HCSO/Posse & DEA Hosting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 30
The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
DEA and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office are committed to making our communities safer and healthier, by reducing overdoses and overdose deaths. Part of that includes the annual Drug Take Back Day events like the one the Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff’s Posse are hosting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022, in Atwood’s parking lot, located at 817 Gilmer St. in Sulphur Springs.
While the community does its part to turn in unneeded medications and remove them from potential harm, HCSO and the DEA are doing their part to further reduce drug-related violence.
Intravenous solutions, injectable items, and syringes will not be accepted April 30 due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church To Celebrate 150 Years May 1
KSST Owners Challenge Community To Match Donation To Help Raise Needed Funds To Restore Stain Glass Windows
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church this Sunday will celebrate a big milestone – the church’s 150th anniversary as a mission in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Bishop Fraser Lawton of the Church of St. Dunstan in Mineola, who is also the assisting bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, will be joining the festivities. All are invited for a catered picnic immediately following the 11 a.m. worship service at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
The church currently is 50 members strong, and is located at 1206 College Street, with Mother Cynthia Moore as priest. That hasn’t always been the case, however. When St. Philip’s mission first began in the early 1870s,there were 11 registered members.
St. Philip’s History
Episcopal missionaries are known to have preached in Sulphur Springs as far back as the 1860s. In 1864, Sulphur Springs was added to the list of Mission Stations in Northern Texas and the Diocese of Dallas.
The church which would eventually become St. Philips wasn’t officially founded until 1872, following Bishop Alexander Gregg and Father Francis R. Starr and Edwin A Wagner’s visit to the community to make arrangements for baptisms and confirmations for future services to be conducted by Father Starr. At that time, St. Philip was recognized as a mission. Bishop Alexander Charlese Garrett, an elderly man, was the only presiding bishop of the American communion.
From 1864 to 1875, there were long periods when there were no regular services until Bishop Garrett visited.
In 1875, approximately 1,200 people lived in Sulphur Springs, including 11 Episcopal communicants in the Episcopal Church. The first be baptized and confirmed in the church was Emma Gilbert. The small Episcopal congregation worshiped in the Presbyterian Church building for more than 20 years before land was donated to construct a church on.
The first known use of St. Philip’s in connection with the church was a 1886 edition of the Conventional Journal of Northeast Texas. Bishop W. Gregg, a missionary bishop who visited people along the route and conducted services when asked to do so.
The first church was located at 400 Houston Street in Sulphur Springs on land given in 1887 by CM and Nancy Houston. Church trustees CB Stephenson, JK Milam and SL Gilbert accepted the land and conveyed it to Bishop Garrett for the Episcopal Missionary District of Northern Texas, with the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas becoming land owner. St. Philip’s church, constructed from 1895 and 1900 by a local carpenter, was 53 feet long and 21 feet wide, with a vaulted ceiling.
In 1917, wings were added to extend the building to make room for an organ and choir. Stained-glass windows replaced clear glass windows. In the early 1900s stained glass memorial windows were installed at St. Philip’s.
A second addition which included a parish hall with an office, small kitchen, central meeting room, seven Sunday school rooms, two powder rooms and a hall was installed between July 9, 1950 to Nov. 23, 1952, while Father Grover McElyea served as St. Philip’s priest. An alter rail was given to St. Philip’s by the Church of the Holy Cross of Paris. Father McElyea and his wife performed most of the work installing the floor annex and altar rail. Funding for the project was donated anonymously at the time by Howard Hicks.
St. Philip’s hosted Cub Scouts, Explorers and Boy Scout groups. The women’s organization created birthday calendars as annual fundraisers.
Father Bill R. Boyd was ordained in 1970 and became rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mineral Wells. Boyd is the only parishioner of St. Philip’s known to have entered professional religious service.
In 1976, Hopkins County Historical Commission went about having the structure declared a recorded Texas Historical Landmark. At that time, the building was reported to be one of the oldest church structures in continual use in Sulphur Springs.
Father Charles L. Henry as vicar became the first priest assigned fulltime to St. Philip’s. During his time as vicar, 75 members were baptized.
For about 100 years, the Houston Street church served the community well. Thanks to a generous donation from the McKenzie family, anonymously at the time, a new granite church was built at 1206 College Street. Many of the furnishings were used in the new building, including the stained glass windows and altar rail. Additional new stained glass windows were orders for the chapel to as closely as possible mirror the original windows. In May of 1991, the new College Street Church was consecrated.
In September of 1991, the Houston Street building was deconsecrated and secularized in a special Sunday afternoon service. Hopkins County Historical Society in the 1990s moved the original church to Heritage Park, where the cross-shaped building remains today. Stained glass windows depicting Texas flowers were installed in the old church building to replace the ones relocated to the College Street church building.
For the past 30 years have been very active ones for the Sulphur Springs Church, some of which have included introduction of or participation of members in Chimes and Choral Choir, an Altar Guild, lay ministries, children’s church and activities, adult group activities, Fundraising and Hospitality, Communications Committee, Back Packs for Kids, a craft ministry, Daughter of the King, Dinner Bel, Loan Investment Club, Church maintenance and first responder appreciation events.
From 2019-2020, St. Philip’s, St. Mark Church in Mount Pleasant, St. William Laud in Pittsburg and St. Francis in Winnsboro Northeast Texas in the Diocese of Dallas formed The Affiliated Parishes of Northeast Texas. All APNET churches are under the direction of the Rt. Rev. Fraser Lawton of the Church of St. Dunstan in Mineola and also assisting bishop of the Diocese of Dallas. The group works together for the “mutual flourishing of one another’s mission to tell others about Jesus for the glory of God.
COVID-19 hampered activities of the church for a few years, but the church has begun and will continue to ramp up activities.
Mother Cynthia Moore began serving as St. Philip’s and St. Mark’s priest on Nov. 29, the start of her ministry in Texas. Mother Cynthia is originally from Connecticut, but has spent the the past 25 years ministering in Chicago and Northern Indiana.
Stained Glass Windows
The stained glass windows at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church have a special history of their own, but are in need of some restoration and repair to restore them to their former splendor.
The nine windows in the main sanctuary were removed from the Houston Street building and installed in the current College Street facility. The church commissioned two additional stained glass windows to as closely as possible match the 100 year old windows for the new chapel.
A memorial stained glass window was installed in 1917 over the altar of the church when it was constructed to honor William B. Arthur, an 18-year-old who sponsored six baptisms in the six months before his death in July 1901. Arthur is reported in one ledger to have accidently shot himself with a rifle and is buried in City Cemetery.
Later, stained glass windows were installed on either side of Arthur’s, in memory of Louis H Gould and WR Patrick, who were instrumental in seeing Arthur recognized. Early ledger records showed Patrick as being a mover and shaker in the church. Gould and his wife were very active in the work of St. Philips in the 1920s. Gould’s 88-year-old father-in-law in 1920 was an Episcopal priest who lived with them during the 1920 census.
Three larger-than-life-sized stained glass windows adorn the foyer leading into the sanctuary.
Stained glass of St. Nicholas, in St. Philips foyer, given in memory of Paul R. Brady 
Stained glass of St. Philip, in St. Philip’s Episcopal Church foyer, given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Blackburne 
Stained glass of St. Christopher, in St. Philip’s foyer, given in memory of the Mr. and Mrs. TB “Tommy” Blackburne
A stained-glass window of St. Philip was installed in memory of Geoffrey and Poppie Blackburne, who were both born in England, but were instrumental in the life of the early life of St. Philip’s. Geoffrey lived from 1888 to 1953 and Poppie from 1890 to 974. The Blackburnes are buried in the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery.
A stained-glass window of St. Christopher was given in memory of Geoffrey Blackburne’s son. Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Blackburne reportedly loved to travel.
A stained-glass of St. Nicholas was installed in memory of Mr. Paul Brady, who lived from 924 to 1990. St. Nicholas was chosen in honor of Brady’s portrayal of Santa Claus each Christmas, who visited the children of St. Philip’s in their homes. He was also reported to have been very active at St. Philip’s as Junior Warden.
A small stained-glass window behind the altar in the chapel was given in honor of Mr. A. W. McAfee. Almost all information on McAfee was lost. Someone who previously attended St. Philips remembered a widow woman named McAfee married a member of St. Philips. Using Ancestry.com, St. Philp’s church historian Nancy Pool was able to connect the widow to the brother of her first husband. Only one of the brothers was in the Episcopal Church; the other was very active in the Baptist church.
Three small stained-glass windows also grace the back wall behind the altar in the main sanctuary.
St. Philip’s recently hosted a pancake fundraiser, but are still looking for funds to complete the cost of restoring and repairing the stained glass windows.
KSST owners Chad and Rhonda Young this week donated $1,500 toward the project and challenge others to match the donation by $50, $100 or even a full match. Chad said the church is special to him and his family. He spent a lot of his formative years in St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. The Houston Street building is where he was baptized, confirmed.
Anyone who would like to meet the challenge may drop off donations at KSST Studios at 717 East Shannon Road or at St. Philip’s, 1206 College St. on the 150th celebration Sunday, April 30, 2022. All are invited to attend the service, then to enjoy the free barbecue meal afterwards.
Lady Cats Golf Wraps Up Season at Regional Championship, Finishing Ninth
Coach Whitney Spigener and her squad wrapped up their spring season last week at the 5A Region 2 championship, finishing ninth.
Sulphur Springs shot 403/392 over the two day regional golf championship.
The Lady Cats golf coach said it was awesome her team to break 400 in Rockwall.
Freshman McKenna Meskimen shot 94/91 over the two day tournament. Meskimen tied for 34th in the 5A Region 2 golf championship.
The freshman doubled on her last hole to shoot 91 on day two.
Coach Spigener said that the freshman knew she had to have a big day two to advance but a tough hole 18, one which is long par-5, saw the downfall of many athletes in the regional championship. The Lady Cats golf coach said in spite of not moving on to the state championship for 5A, her performance was nothing to hang her head on.
“We’re very proud of how she did in her first Regional tournament,” Coach Spigener said.
Junior Mykylie Meador, one of the few Lady Cats returning from last year’s squad, finished 49th in a pack of 93 golfers at the 5A Region 2 tournament.
Brylie Brock got 54th last week, with freshmen Allison Thomas and Kenzie Posey tying for 55th place at the 5A Regional 2 golf championship.
“We were all right there in the middle of the pack,” Coach Spigener said, “[which] is a good look for us going into 4A next year. We looked at some of the regional scores and I think we’re going to be a fierce competitor moving down to 4A.”
Lady Cats golf in round one took on some lofty competition in Lovejoy, (Frisco) Lebanon Trail, and Highland Park’s second team.
Lebanon Trail qualified for state both last year and this season, with Lovejoy and Highland Park’s second team always in contention for state as well.
Sulphur Springs finished just one stroke out of eighth place, coming in at ninth at the Regional tournament.
“My goal personally was eighth, [and] we were only one stroke out of eighth place,” Coach Spigener said. “That was an awesome experience to see… that [the Lady Cats] weren’t the best out of the four, [but] to see how they handled themselves on the course and not letting the pressure get to them… that was exciting to see that we were able to hold our own in our first Regional tournament in 10 years.”
The Lady Cats golf coach said she was proud of her team’s performance, one which is so young.
“We were all right there in the middle of the pack,” Coach Spigener said, “[which] is a good look for us going into 4A next year. We looked at some of the regional scores and I think we’re going to be a fierce competitor moving down to 4A.”
Lady Cats golf returns several players, three of which are currently freshmen.
Add in the fact that she said her young team got the Regional nerves out of their system, next year, Coach Whitney Spigener and her program will be an even bigger force to be reckoned with.
For now though, Lady Cats golf takes a bit of a breather before locking in for summer tournaments and summer strength & speed programs for Sulphur Springs sports.
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.
