Sulphur Springs Earth Day With The Plant Niche Planned April 23 On Celebration Plaza
Sulphur Springs will celebrate Earth Day on April 23, on Celebration Plaza with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Sulphur Springs Earth Day with The Plant Niche will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County community is invited to join in helping spread awareness and love for the environment.
Hosted in recognition of Earth Day, an event first held in 1970 to demonstrate support for environmental protection, the 2022 event in Sulphur Springs invites speakers to discuss environmental awareness, community impact, and sustainability.
Vendors and speakers are coming together to show the importance of working together for a better community and Earth. Event coordinator and The Plant Niche owner Erika Mayorga said the Sulphur Springs Earth Day observance will be a family-friendly event, focused on ways to get back to the basics of nature.
There will be activities for kids, including face painting. Free trees will be available for people to collect and plant wherever they like. Pollinator seeds will be available for people to spread for butterfly gardens and help the bee community.
Several vendors will be on hand to provide information about their services, how they and others can promote environmental awareness.
A local bee club and Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. Any interested in becoming a Master Gardener are invited, as are all bee lovers. Texas AgriLife Extension Office will also have a booth, offering more information about their services and programs, and to answer natural resources, agricultural topics as well as ways to lead better, healthier lives through the application of science-based knowledge continuing education that encourages lasting and effective change.
Among the participants is a yoga instructor interested in getting back to nature. This year’s main Earth Day sponsor is Sigma Tech Solar, who will also be on hand with information about their services
Mayorga said any vendors or organizations that have not yet signed up to host a booth or take part in Sulphur Springs Earth Day are still welcome to do so. To get what Mayorga hopes will become an annual event and off the ground this year, there will be no vendor charge to participate in 2022. Also, any who have knowledge on important environmental topics are invited also to participate as speakers. Just contact Erika Mayorga by email at [email protected] or call The Plant Niche at 903-558-1185 to let her know you’d like to participate.
USDA Disaster Designation Makes FSA Funding Available To Eligible Farmers
The Farm Service Agency, responding to the Texas Acting State Executive Director Erasmo Trevino’s request of April 1, on April 11, has made funding available to help farmers in 10 Texas counties, 26 contiguous Texas counties – including Hopkins – and three contiguous Oklahoma Counties who experienced physical damage and losses from the winter weather that occurred Feb. 2-28, 2000.
FSA made emergency loans available available to Bexar, Cooke, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kinney, Maverick, Real and Uvalde Counties due to physical damage and losses caused by a winter storm that occurred Feb. 2-28, 2022.
Atascosa, Bandera, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Delta, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Guadalupe, Hopkins, Kaufman, Kendall, Kerr, Lamar, Medina, Montague, Rains, Rockwall, Tarrant, Val Verde, Van Zandt, Webb, Wilson, Wise and Zavala Counties were named as contiguous, where eligible family farmers may qualify for FSA emergency physical loss loan assistance, pursuant to section 321 (a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
Also, in accordance with section 321 (a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, counties
in an adjacent State that are contiguous to one or more of the designated Texas counties, are named as
contiguous counties where eligible family farmers may qualify for FSA EM loan assistance. For this
designation, the affected States and counties in Oklahoma are Bryan, Love and Marshal.
“The disaster designation notifies both primary and contiguous counties that family farmers may qualify for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. The FSA considers each emergency loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator,” according to Nathan Carroll, Texas Division of Emergency Management District Coordinator.
Emergency management loan applications will be received through December 12, 2022 for severe physical losses only, in accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR 759, Section 759.6 (2).
Bond Accountability, Projected Costs, Facility Names Discussed At SSISD Town Hall Meeting
Accountability, projected costs, facility names, and bond ratings, were among the topics community members asked for additional information about during the town hall meeting held to discuss the Sulphur Springs ISD bond.
Why The Bond Election Was Called
Superintendent Michael Lamb started the town hall meeting explaining that a committee composed of 50-60 people paired down from $150 million worth, of identified needs the most critical needs. The process was started about 5-6 years ago based on the age of SSISD facilities, starting with Travis Primary, the oldest campus with students and increasing costs of maintenance and upkeep. He noted that the Administration Building is now 100, and Travis Primary is pushing 67 years, Douglass ECLC 65 years, Sulphur Springs Elementary 62 years, Austin Academic Center 60, Bowie and Rowena Johnson Primary campuses 55 years, Sulphur Springs High School 43 years, Barbara Bush Primary 25 years and Middle School 9 years.
When Lamb asked at what age community members think a building has outlived it’s service, one community member said “as long as it is in good condition, it doesn’t matter it’s age.” Lamb said about 40 years is the accepted standard. Only two of SSISD’s 10 buildings are less than 40 years old. The average age of buildings in Sulphur Springs ISD is 60, and retirement life has been 80 years (based on demolition at Houston and Austin campuses).
SSISD’s buildings appear younger than they are due to the wonderful work of the maintenance staff. However, at some point you age out of buildings serving students. For instance, buildings begin having electrical and plumbing issues, and the amount of increasing upkeep makes them not worth the cost of repairs. Travis, the campus to be replaced, has tiles so old, when they come out, they can’t replace them. They don’t make those tiles any longer. They just have to paint them and put them back in place and hope that works.
Finances And Accountability
Two mailers sent to district residents as well as information on the bond website, sulphurspringsisdbond.com, show the age of the buildings as well as a summary without budgeted costs, including a new Travis Primary; renovations at the the two other primary campuses, SSES, Douglass and ECLC; renovations and addition of a career and technical center and fine arts area at SSHS; 20 new buses; and roofing and HVAC projects district-wide. What the mailer did not include was how the $93 million in bond funding would be allocated for each of these project areas, and exactly what those projects entails.
Information presented at a previous meeting included that information, but did not make it onto the flyers, just as the potential tax impact the constitutional amendment proposal on state May 7 ballots across the state would have is not on the flyer. The state amendment proposes increasing the amount of the homestead exemption from the currently offered $25,000 to $40000 starting in the 2022 tax year, with the state making up the difference in revenue for school districts.
bond proposal during a town hall meeting Monday, April 18, 2022
Thus, some residents said they’d like to see more accountability, line item numbers which more specifically outline how the $93 million bond is currently allocated. Lamb said at this point, the projected costs for each project in the bond proposal are estimates based on conservative estimates from contractors and experts in finance and construction fields.
When asked how the bond capacity is built, Lamb explained that it’s based on information tracked by the district’s financial adviser. The district has been working toward this for 5-6 years. SSISD administrators had planned to call for the bond after spring break 2020, but COVID shut schools down and put many out of work, if only temporarily. The district, unlike many across the state, opted to wait until after COVID so as not to place any heavier burden on taxpayers during an already difficult time.
With reports of expected changes in interest rates, likely increases, the constitutional amendment election anticipated to pass to help taxpayers, Lamb said, the district “can’t afford to wait” any longer to get the process rolling.
SSISD officials have been apprised of pending deals that promise big economic development coming to the Sulphur Springs area in the near future, which will help with costs, which would mean less money required from current taxpayers. Some of those projects include: solar plants which may get tax breaks on school district M&O taxes, but are still responsible for paying I&S taxes; a housing development that would result in more than 1,000 new homes being constructed in Sulphur Springs; industry such as a rebar maker that are interested in establishing a manufacturing facility on the old Thermo mine site. Many of these economic developments are contingent on Chapter 313 agreements, which will soon go away.
The district’s tax rate has gone down over the past 10-15 years, based on changes set by the state regarding the how high school district taxes may be set at, Lamb noted.
How Much Is Allocated Per Project?
The recommendations presented by the Long Range Facilities Planning Committee to the school board at the special Feb. 7 meeting, included the following (along with cost estimates for each):
New Construction
- New Travis Primary Campus – $35 million
Additions and Renovations
- Bowie Elementary Classroom Additions – $6,000,000
- Bush Elementary Renovations – $1,000,000
- Sulphur Springs Elementary Renovations – $3,000,000
- Douglas Early Childhood Renovations – $2,000,000
- Austin/DAEP Renovation – $500,000
- High School
- CTE Center – $12,000,000
- Culinary Arts
- Auto Shop
- Health Science Technology
- Construction Trades
- Robotics
- Fine Arts Addition – $12,500,000
- High School Refurbishments – $10,000,000
- CTE Center – $12,000,000
- Capital Improvement Projects Across District – $9,000,000
- Roofing and HVAC
- Buses – $2,000,000
- 20 Buses
Naming Of Schools
Community members wanted to know with the long range plan for school facilities which is targeted at having four elementary campuses, including a new school to be built with with $35 million of the bond funding, whether the Church Street campus named recently in honor of 50-year educator Rowena Johnson, would continue to have Johnson’s name attached to it if repurposed to house offices or other programs. A desire was expressed to see Johnson’s name attached to an elementary campus, as that’s where she devoted decades of her life. They asked if a new campus, such as the new facility designated Travis, could be named after Mrs. Johnson.
Lamb said he’d indicated to Johnson’s family, when the request was made to name the campus where she spent the majority of her career after Johnson, that the campus may not always be a primary campus or campus that serves elementary students. He assured the community members present at Monday night’s second town hall meeting about the May 7 bond election, that the long time educator’s name would continue her legacy whether on the former Lamar Primary campus at Rowena Johnson special services center or another elementary campus. The new campus to be constructed using bond funds is at this time being called Travis because that’s the campus that is being replaced; it will most likely be built on the current Sulphur Springs Elementary campus where the community track is currently located. Typically, campuses aren’t given new names before construction.
What If Costs Exceed, Come In Underbudget?
Community members asked what the plan would be if the cost for the new campus exceed the $35 million allocated, particularly with the rising costs of construction, as well as what would become of the funding if the projects finish underbudget. Lamb said the project would be scaled back to remain within budget. If the projects are completed with funding remaining, such as the $3 million leftover when the $43 million bond was passed about 10 years ago which allowed for construction of the new middle school. Lamb said it’s his understanding new regulations would require the district to seek voter approval for funds use, should there be any left after all expenses are paid.
What Happens If The Bond Doesn’t Pass?
Additional community members wanted to know what will happen if the $93 million bond proposal does not pass on May 7, as well as how long before the school board could potentially call for another election with a different bond proposal.
If a majority of votes on My 7, 2022, are not in favor of the bond, Lamb said the district would continue to do the best they can with the aging facilities, but will likely break the proposal into small chunks, which would then be brought back in smaller phases for voters to consider. A new proposal could appear on ballots during the next regular election cycles after the May 7, 2022, election. The soonest would be November 2022 or May 2023.
To watch the first SSISD Town Hall meeting, click here.
Click here for additional information related at other prior bond meetings.
TxDOT Urges Drivers to Pay Attention When Driving
NEWS RELEASE
PARIS DISTRICT
Tim McAlavy
(903) 737-9213
[email protected]
TxDOT URGES DRIVERS TO PAY ATTENTION WHEN DRIVING
Talk.Text.Crash. campaign focuses awareness to reduce distracted driving
April 19, 2022
AUSTIN – A family’s quiet Sunday in the park turned tragic when a driver, distracted while talking on her cell phone, struck two-year-old Allie White in a parking lot…killing her. The toddler became one of more than a thousand Texas lives lost due to distracted driving in the past few years, and it’s part of a disturbing trend that continued last year.
Distracted driving deaths increased 17% in 2021 compared to 2020, claiming the lives of 431 people and seriously injuring another 2,934. In light of these grim statistics, TxDOT’s Talk. Text. Crash. campaign during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month urges Texans to keep their heads up, put their phones down and just drive.
“Distracted driving crashes are 100% preventable, and we’re urging everyone to just drive whenever they’re behind the wheel,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Texans are killed each year simply because someone was distracted by their phone, radio, navigation system, eating or drinking, or even by others in the car. When your focus isn’t on driving, you’re putting yourself, your passengers and everyone else on the road at risk.”
Distracted driving is not only dangerous, it’s a crime. Since September 1, 2017, it has been illegal to read, write or send a text while driving in Texas, and violators can face a fine of up to $200.
TxDOT offers these tips to prevent distracted driving that can lead to a ticket or preventable crash:
Always give driving your full attention; remember that any distraction is dangerous.
Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk on your phone or text.
Put your phone away, turn it off, or use an app or your phone settings to block texts and calls while driving.
Tell friends, family and coworkers you won’t respond to texts or calls while driving.
As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, TxDOT is conducting outreach events around the state that feature an immersive TV wall with a touch-free driving simulator to give participants a real-life sense of how distractions affect driving. There will also be tips and facts to remind everyone to give driving their full attention.
TxDOT is also relaunching its web-based augmented reality game “Dart Those Distractions” to reinforce the importance of paying attention behind the wheel.
The Talk. Text. Crash. distracted driving awareness campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, 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 Feb. 23, 2022.
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Church Street Rezoning Request Recommended For Approval By Planning & Zoning Commission
A rezoning request for 1120 Church Street is being recommend to Sulphur Springs City Council for approval, following discussion Monday night, April 18, 2022, by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The Lacomforas asked the City of Sulphur Springs to allow a 1.54-acres parcel to be rezoned heavy commercial. The property is split-zoned multifamily and heavy commercial.
“What they are trying to do is clean up some split zoning on the property to make it have one designation. It’ll make it easier when they try to develop the property in the future,” Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told the commission, during a public hearing conducted during the 6 p.m. meeting regarding the proposed zoning change.
The rezoning would make the entire property heavy commercial. It is surrounded by heavy commercial property to the north, west and south, with multifamily zoning to the east.
The city sent out notices to area property owners and received three responses, two in favor of rezoning and one undecided.
Kasey Tomasek noted that his property at 1203 North Jackson Street is near the southeast portion of the lot. The back part of the Church Street parcel is a field. He said he is in favor of the heavy commercial designation, but would like to see water abatement to handle drainage, as the field gets pretty boggy behind their adjoining properties after precipitation. He would also like to see a fence installed behind the property, to keep the distinction between multifamily residences – many of which have children – and commercial properties – in this case heavy commercial, if the property is developed.
“When development occurs we do take into consideration when they develop the lot that they’ll have to provide utilities on site as well as drainage as well. In heavy commercial, there is a fencing requirement when it abuts residential, so that’d be required at the time of development,” Niewiadomski said.
“So, is that going to resolve what he just asked, based on what you just said?” P&Z Commissioner Tommy Harrison queried,
“Yes,” Niewiadomski affirmed.
Landon Dodd, who resides at 1207 North Jackson St., told the commission he feels the same as Tomasek regarding the rezoning and development of 1120 Church St. He said he’d like to see overgrown trees and vegetation along the bordering fence line cleaned up, and the right kind of drainage utilized on the Church Street property.
“I’m not sure what is going in exactly. If it’s a retention pond, I know you’re going to have to deal with mosquitoes and things like that. I’d like a fence, which he already stated is taken care of. That’s the way I feel about it,” Dodd said.
“At this stage, it’s just a rezoning, there’s not a development proposal or anything at this point. That’d be handled through possibly a plat or a development proposal. We’d handle the engineering and fencing requirements talked about at the time of development,” Niewiadomski said.
“What about cleaning up of the fence line he had mentioned?” Harrison asked.
“At this point, without a development, there’s really noting to do at this time until they develop the property,” Niewiadomski noted.
“Good fences make good neighbors,” commented Planning & Zoning Commission Vice President Pat Chase, who lead the meeting in Chuck Sickles’ absence Monday night.
Chase noted the respondent, whose response to the mailout was undecided, questioned what business is being proposed to warrant the zoning change.
“At this point, I wouldn’t say anything specific. There was someone looking at doing mini storage at one time,” Niewiadomski said.
After closing the public hearing, P&Z Commissioner Craig English made a motion to approve the rezoning request as recommended by city staff. Harrison seconded the motion, which was then approved by the P&Z Commission. The request will now be forwarded to Sulphur Springs City Council at a future meeting (the next is scheduled May 3, 2022). It will need to be read and approved twice by the City Council before the request is officially granted.
Search Continues Tuesday Morning For Inmate Who Walked Away From A Work Detail Monday
The search continued Tuesday morning for the inmate who walked off from a work detail at Sulphur Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant Monday morning.
Local officials around 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2022, had been launched a manhunt in northeast corner of town for Melton Medina-Tuirubiates AKA Meo Medina-Tuirubiates, a jail trusty who reportedly walked away from a work detail at the Sulphur Springs Waste Water Treatment Plant this morning, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tanner Crump.
Authorities asked for the public’s help in locating Medina-Tuirubiates, who was reportedly wearing a green t-shirt, blue jeans and brown boots, standard attire for inmates at Hopkins County jail who are designated as trusties and approved by the jail administrator to perform public service outside of the jail facility. Medina-Tuirubiates also was reported to have last been wearing a dark blue hooded Carhart-style jacket prior to his escape from the work site.
Medina-Tuirubiates is describes as a 49-year-old Hispanic male, 5 feet, 11 inches tall, who weighs approximately 160 pounds. He is of medium build, has black hair and brown eyes, medium hued skin and has tattoos on his arm.
All available local officers responded to the area to assist in searching for the inmate Monday. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office requested the prison’s search dogs, who had arrived at 11:26 a.m. Monday to assist. Local authorities are scouring the area for the escaped inmate. By 11:35 a.m., an aerial search had also been launched.
Officials continued searching the area northeast of Interstate 30 at Loop 301 until late Monday night using a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter and K9 search teams from Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Reported sightings of the man were relayed throughout the day April 18, 2022.
At 7 a.m. Tuesday, the sheriff’s office reported the search continued, with the trained TDCJ canines deployed again to try to find Medina-Tuirubiates.
“We believe the inmate is still in the area, last seen yesterday afternoon. The location is heavily wooded and difficult to access. Please continue to be on the look out,” HCSO Chief Deputy Tanner Crump stated Tuesday morning, April 19, 2022.
Medina-Tuirubiates had been in custody at the county jail since his arrest March 21, 2022, for violating probation on a possession of a controlled substance charge.
In addition to Melton Medina-Tuirburiates, the 49-year-old Sulphur Springs man is also reported to be known by Meo Medina-Tuirubiates, Meo Medina Tuirubriates, Melton Medina Martinez, Tuirubiates Meo Medina, Mel, Mello and Carlos.
Prior to his arrest on March 21, 2022, the 49-year-old had been jailed in Hopkins County on three other occasions.
Medina-Tuirubiates spent the night in jail March 1, 2008, for DWI and a traffic charge.
He then spent Jan. 18-Feb. 12, 2009, in custody on a second offense DWI warrant, bail jumping and failure to appear, open container, and two traffic charges.
He spent another night in jail on Aug. 16, 2012, on two city traffic charges, jail records show.
He was jailed March 27, 2021, on a felony theft charge, after being caught on video stealing an antique rooster, antique flower pot and a large stew pot from a Main Street business; he was found walking nearby along the railroad tracks on Main Street behind a milk business, according to 2021 sheriff’s office and arrest reports. Medina-Tuirburiates‘ bond was revoked on the controlled substance charge. He was released from the county jail May 11, 2021; bond was set at $100,000 on the theft charge and a new bond of $50,000 set on the other charge, according to jail reports.
Medina-Tuirubiates returned to Hopkins County jail on March 21, 2022, for violation of probation on a controlled substance charge. He had been given trusty status and assigned to a work detail at Sulphur Springs Water Treatment Plan when he reportedly walked off Monday morning, April 18, 2022.
Anyone with any information about Medina-Tuirubiates’ whereabouts is asked to please contact HCSO dispatch at 903-885-2768.
Paris Junior College Board of Regents Considered Competitive Sealed Proposals
PJC Board of Regents ADA project
Public Information Services
The Paris Junior College Board of Regents considered competitive sealed proposals for the faculty housing and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) restroom renovation project. Bids were received from two companies.
After discussion, the regents voted to separate the housing from the ADA renovation and reach out to the two companies to check their willingness to revise the scope of work to include only the ADA project.
Renovations to make the bathrooms ADA compliant must be completed by next summer. Entire buildings will need to be shut down, so the work must be done this summer to cause as little disruption as possible.
At a special called meeting held on April 12, the regents voted to proceed with Construction Zone to do the ADA renovations.
“They’ve done quite a bit of college and public school work and their financial statements were strong,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President.
In other business during the March meeting, the Regents:
• Received a financial report showing positive cash flow and investments totaling $31,030,574.
• Selected the competitive sealed proposal construction method for HVAC replacement in the Administration Building and air handler replacement in the Workforce Training Center.
• Approved the Aramark annual contract with a 6.8 percent increase.
• Accepted an increase of $200 in Room and Board rates for 2022-2023.
• Approved changes to non-refundable course fees for the 2022-2023 year. The majority relate to health occupation programs and reflect changes to HESI testing fees and lab packet costs.
• Authorized continuation of local charitable giving through the United Way by opting out of the State Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign. This ensures that local donations are spent locally.
• Received a report from regents Ginna Bowman and Louise Taylor on the recent Board of Trustees Institute. They brought back statistics showing that the highest earning associate degree categories were health occupations, engineering, and business management.
• Heard the President’s Report on an increase in the second flex term head count which was up 45 percent and contact hours up 34 percent from a year ago.
• Approved faculty contract extensions as recommended by the Administration, accepted employment of SBDC Business Advisor Martin Orrostieta effective April 1 and the resignation of Educational Talent Search Advisor Sara Pierce effective April 8.
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.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News – April 18, 2022
Net Health To Continue Offering Adult And Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines Every 4 Weeks
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
UPDATED – COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will no longer offer the COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning.
However, Net Health will be back offering Pediatric and Adult COVID vaccines. This vaccine clinic is located at the MMU tents behind the hospital. No appointment is necessary. Subsequently, Net Health will continue to come every four weeks to provide COVID vaccines.
From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily, Net Health will offer vaccines on the following weeks: May 2-6, May 31-June 3, June 27-July 1, July 25-29, August 22-26, September 19-23, and October 17-21.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- An adult must accompany minor-age visitors, be free of symptoms, and able to comply with masking and hygiene expectations throughout the visit.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only;
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person for the duration of hospital stay – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes;
- ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only;
- All other patients may have 1 Essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time)
- Types of Visitors:
Clinic Services
Women’s Health
We are prepared to support each woman’s healthcare needs at any stage of life. Whether you come in for a routine gynecological exam, preparing to give birth, or need treatment for a disorder, we offer an outstanding breadth of services and treatments. Our provider team includes Darryl Doughtie, MD; Martin Fielder, MD; and Certified Nurse Midwife Deb Logan. To schedule an appointment, please contact their office at 903.439.4917.
Planning to deliver your baby at our hospital? We want to help you prepare every step of the way. Every month our hospital offers FREE classes for new and expectant moms: The Childbirth class and the Breastfeeding class taught by Lactation Consultant Kristi Couch, RN. For more information, please call 903.439.4091 to set up a time.
Urology
Did you know we can take care of almost all of your medical specialty needs right here in Sulphur Springs? Just one of many is our Urologist Dr. Loren Ost, and his Nurse Practitioner Leah Irving. Dr. Ost and Leah see patients who have concerns of the urinary system in both male and females, as well as the reproductive organs of the male. They are located at 113 Airport Road, Suite 300, and may be reached by calling 903.885.1770.
Orthopedic Surgery
We are proud to offer the newest technology in total knee replacement treatment, Stryker’s Mako® Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Application. The Mako Total Knee application is a treatment option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis, and is another way to demonstrate our commitment to outstanding joint health. For questions about your joint pain, and the Mako option, contact the office of our very own Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Chris Meltsakos, by calling 903.885.6688.
Volunteers Needed
We are in need of volunteers to help in various different roles throughout our hospital. We are asking for anyone willing to give his or her time, to help bring a smile to someone in our hospital! For more information, contact Sherry Moore or Shelly Gore at 903.439.4052.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Commerce Man Arrested On Hunt County Assault, Controlled Substance Warrants
Winnsboro Woman Accused Of Clawing Her Mother On Easter Sunday
Two people were arrested on Easter Sunday on assault charges. A Commerce man was jailed on Hunt County assault and controlled substance warrants while a Winnsboro woman was accused of clawing her mother on Easter Sunday, according to arrest reports.
Hunt County Warrant Arrest
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley was notified by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward that a wanted Commerce man was believed to be at a West Main Street address in Cumby. Talley noted he was aware of the warrants.
At 8:24 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2022, Talley and Steward went to the residence, where Talley reported seeing a 33-year-old Commerce man he recognized as Sonny Richardson inside the residence. The officers took Richardson into custody at 8:45 p.m. Easter Sunday on the two outstanding warrants, and transported the Commerce man to Hopkins County jail.
Doyle remained in Hopkins County jail on the Hunt County family violence assault with previous convictions charge and the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge; he remained in Hopkins County jail Monday afternoon, Aug. 18, 2022, on both charges, according to jail reports.
Assault of Mother
HCSO deputies responded at 3:05 p.m. Easter 2022 on State Highway 11 east in Winnsboro, where a woman was accused of assaulting her mother.
A 23-year-old Winnsboro resident was taken into custody at 4:10 p.m. April 17, 2022, on a Class A misdemeanor family violence assault charge. She allegedly left claw marks on her mother’s neck and on both arms, according to arrest reports.
The 23-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, April 18, 2022 on the misdemeanor assault 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.
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.
April 18 Town Hall Meeting To Provide Information About May 7 SSISD Bond Election
Any who are interested in obtaining more information or who have questions about the May 7 Sulphur Springs ISD bond election are invited to attend the Town Hall meeting tonight (April 18) at SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the Board Room (located at the back of the building).
Superintendent Michael Lamb will present information regarding the bond proposal and answer questions when possible about the $93 million bond proposal voters are asked to vote either for or against during early voting (April 23-May 3) and on Election Day (May 7).
SSISD Board of Trustees on Feb. 14 called for the bond election for facilities improvements, as recommended by the district’s long range facilities planning committee at a special Feb. 7, 2022 school board meeting.
Voters can visit SulphurSpringsISDBond.com, which not only gives a brief outline of the planned use for the funding, but a brief explanation about the process the SSISD Long Range Facilities Planning Committee used to form the $93 million worth of recommendations presented to the school board.
The bond website (which can also be accessed by link on ssisd.net’s main page) includes information and charts showing the impact an 8.5-cent tax increase, what it would mean for senior citizens who receive a homestead exemption, early and election day voting information, a chart showing the age of each of the district’s campuses, and what the district anticipates happening if the bond doesn’t pass.
If approved, two sets of bonds would be sold. One set would fund construction of a new Travis school campus as well as renovations at most other campuses, a new Career and Technology Center and fine arts additions at high school, and roofing and HVAC improvements district wide. The other would be a separate bond sale which would be financed over the course of 5-10 years to fund purchases of 20 additional school buses.
Monday night will be the second town hall meeting hosted by SSISD, with Lamb providing information and answering as many questions as possible about the SSISD bond election. During the first town hall meeting on March 31, 2022, Lamb explained how the bond proposal came about, how it would impact school taxes, a brief breakdown of how the $93 is recommended to be spent, what will happen if the bond does not pass, and voting information. (The March 31, 2022 town hall meeting can be viewed at the KSST Radio YouTube Channel, or by clicking here.)
Lamb spoke recently with KSST owner Chad Young during the morning show about the SSISD bond election.
The superintendent will speak during a second town hall meeting at 7 p.m. April 18, 2022, in the Admin. Building, 631 Connally St. All are invited and encouraged to attend to learn more about the district’s planned improvements if the bond proposition passes on May 7, 2022. This is a great opportunity for voters to voice to the school officials any questions or comments they may still have about the election or bond proposal.
Wednesday, April 20, Lamb will also be will speak about the SSISD bond election to Chamber members and visitors at a special Lunch and Learn event.
Information was also mailed last week to Sulphur Springs residents to provide basic about the $93 million proposal as well.
