Saputo Sewer Main Project Finishes Under Construction Budget
The City of Sulphur Springs has closed out the Saputo sewer main project, a project spanning several months but which finished under the construction budget. City officials will soon be submitting all of the documentation and paperwork for the project to the appropriate state authorities as stipulated for the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program funding.
This $750,000 sewer project was funded entirely by a Texas Community Development Block Grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture. The new main supplements an older undersized main.
The path of the new main begins at Saputo and continues under the interstate. It then continues south for 3,500 feet before connecting to an existing trunk line, which rings the KSST studio. The new main has a 15-inch inch diameter.
The grant was made possible by a $50 million plant upgrade at Saputo, and their cooperation with the Texas Department of Agriculture. Without their cooperation this project would not have been possible.
“The match on this project was $50 million, by Saputo and they have produced a match of $50 million – $50,661,000, which is over a half million more than what they needed,” said Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski during a final required public hearing conducted at 5 p.m. Dec. 27, 2021, at the Municipal Building to review performance and activities completed under the TxCDBG contract. “Saputo provided 31 new jobs with their expansion, of which 26 were low to moderate income individuals.”
The construction budget was $687,000, and the project finished up under that with $616,000 in construction costs, Niewiadomski said. Another $50,000 in administrative costs go to Ark-Tex Council of Governments, and $12,779 for acquisition of easements. Niewiadomski expressed appreciation for Saputo’s cooperation in the project. Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith expressed thanks to KSST owners for granting the easements needed for the project.
The construction process delayed by a year, began about a year ago. In December 2020, notices seeking bids for five types of materials for the sewer main project were posted. In January 2021, Smith reported receiving materials bids from eighth different companies. Contractors to provide the materials were selected during a special City Council meeting conducted Jan. 21, 2021, via Zoom and streamed on the city’s YouTube channel. Materials had been ordered by the Feb. 2, 2021 City Council meeting, City Manager Marc Maxwell noted in his monthly manager’s report.
Construction on the project had begun by April 6, 2021, when a contractor was selected from among five bids for the sewer line bore. The project was 40 percent complete by May 4, 2021. The project was half complete by June 1, 2021, slowed by spring rains; work had commenced around the sides and back of KSST studios and had begun in front of the station at the start of June 2021. Crews had to periodically stop to scrape red clay off red clay, where it has piled up on chains and tires of heavy equipment. The project really took off after that, however, with 80 percent of it completed, Maxwell noted in his monthly manager’s report to the City Council on July 7, 2021.
On Aug. 3, 2021, the Saputo Sewer Main project neared completion. The City’s Capital Construction Division had completed its work, and waited for the contractor to bore under Interstate 30 to connect to the existing system at Saputo. The contractor had finally brought equipment and materials to the project site, but on Oct. 5, 2021, had not begun boring for the last segment of the project. On Nov. 2, 2021, the contractor was reported to have about a week’s worth of boring under I-30 to complete the project.
On Nov. 4, 2021, the project hit a snag when the contractor hit the gas main just outside Saputo, city officials reported at the time. East Industrial Drive was closed to through traffic from just east of the Bill Bradford Road exit off of I-30 to the Bill Bradford Road underpass. Traffic was routed north onto Commercial Services Drive, then onto Como Street, for several hours. Saputo was evacuated while as Atmos, firefighters, city and company employees worked to try to stem the natural gas flow and repair the problem. The roadway was reopened later that evening.
Maxwell, in his manager’s report to the City Council on Dec. 7, 2021, stated the Saputo project was complete except for a final inspection.
On Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, Niewiadomski during the required public hearing at city hall. Niewiadomski gave an update on the project. The next big project will be rebuilding of College Street, in a fashion similar to the rebuild of Connally Street.
Wildcats Basketball and Both Soccer Teams in Action For Tuesday Game Day
Wildcats basketball and both soccer teams are in action for Tuesday game day.
Men’s basketball are locked in for day two of the Allen Holiday invitational tournament, taking on stiff competition in Rowlett and Frisco Memorial.
The first game up for the men’s basketball team on Tuesday, Dec. 28 is at 2 P.M. against Rowlett.
After taking on the Eagles, Coach Brandon Shaver and his Wildcats are back in action in the competition for a top-20 match-up between #7 Frisco Memorial and #16 Sulphur Springs.
On Monday, the men’s basketball team took on Lake Travis for their first game of the Allen Holiday tournament, beating the Cavaliers 54-45 in a tight ball game to the finish.
They will no doubt look to get more wins and improve upon their 16-5 season record.
Both soccer teams are up for Tuesday game day, with the Lady Cats on the road and the Wildcats at home.
Coach Javier Aguayo’s soccer team is in the DFW metroplex on Tuesday, Dec. 28 taking on Midlothian Heritage.
The Lady Cats road scrimmage with Heritage will be a tough one, as Midlothian was voted the top team by TASCO in 4A before pre-season play began.
Sulphur Springs is ready for another match-up with a top-ranked team as they have fared very well in scrimmage play, at 3-2-1 through six contests and look to add another impressive win to their scrimmage record.
The Lady Cats Tuesday game with Midlothian Heritage begins with junior varsity at 11 A.M. followed by the varsity at 12:30 P.M.
Wildcats soccer are also in action for this Tuesday, Dec. 28 game day.
Coach Alexi Upton’s team are back at home taking on Jacksonville at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The men’s soccer team look to get back in the win column after last Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to McKinney North in the metroplex.
The loss dropped Sulphur Springs’ season record to 4-1-1.
After having the week off, Coach Upton’s squad are all too ready to get back on the pitch to take on Jacksonville.
JV2/freshmen get the action going at 1 P.M. followed by JV and varsity at 2:30 and 4 P.M. respectively.
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.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinics, Urgent Care, Vaccine Clinics Closed Friday, Dec. 31, 2021
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Flu Shots: Do not Delay, Get Yours Today!
Flu shots are available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 105 Medical Plaza. We welcome walk-ins
or by appointment; to schedule, call 903.885.3181.
Holiday Closings
- CHRISTUS Trinity Clinics will be closed December 31.
- CHRISTUS Trinity Urgent Care will be closed on December 31.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
There will be NO COVID Vaccine Clinic on December 31 due to the holidays.
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.
- Minor-age visitors must be accompanied by an adult, 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)
Happy New Year!
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic want to
wish you and your family a Happy New Year! It is an honor and a privilege to serve this
community. We look forward to 2022 and continuing our mission of “extending the healing
ministry of Jesus Christ.”
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
Wildcats Basketball Beats Lake Travis 54-45 in Day One of Allen Holiday Tournament
The men’s basketball team won their opening contest of the Allen Holiday Tournament against Lake Travis 54-45 on Monday, Dec. 27.
Sulphur Springs jumped out to a big lead at 21-7 in the second, but the Cavaliers began to chip away at the Wildcats lead, trailing by eight at the half 28-20.
Lake Travis fought tooth-and-nail to keep up with the men’s basketball team, but Coach Brandon Shaver’s team outscored the Cavs the rest of the way 27-25 to get the win in their opening game of the Allen In-n-Out Holiday Tournament 54-45.
Parker Whisenhunt lead the Wildcats in scoring with 16, followed closely by Kordrick Turner at 14 points. Caleb Alexander got 11 against Lake Travis and Branson Lynn scored seven, all in the second half.
Cason Arrington and Malachi Myles rounded out points for Sulphur Springs with three each.
The win gives the men’s basketball team a 16-5 record (1-0 district).
Next up, Coach Shaver and his squad are back for day two of the Allen tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 28 when they take on Rowlett and #7 Frisco Memorial.
The first contest for Sulphur Springs is at 2 P.M. against the Eagles.
After a bit of a break in between matches, the Wildcats are back for a top-20 match-up between the Warriors and Coach Shaver’s team’s which tips-off at 6:30 P.M.
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.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – Dec. 20-26, 2021
Winnsboro Police Department provided the following media report for the week of Dec. 20-26, 2021:
Arrests
- Darius Watters, 30 years of age, of Greenville, was arrested on Dec. 21, 2021, for driving while license invalid with previous convictions.
- Alana Vance, 36 years of age, of Pittsburg, was arrested on Dec. 22, 2021, for public Intoxication and possession of a dangerous drug.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 103 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 16 citations and 29 warnings during this reporting period.
Como Man Accused Of Threatening Stepfather With Knife, Then, Assaulting Officer
A 42-year-old Como man was accused of threatening his stepfather with a knife during an altercation, then compounding his legal troubles by becoming unruly at the hospital and assaulting the deputy who took him there to be treated, according to arrest reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis and Drew Fisher responded just after 8 p.m. Christmas Day on Gaskins Street in Como, where a man was reported to be intoxicated and causing an altercation.
Upon arrival, deputies were told Christopher Scott Brown struck his stepfather in the face during an altercation and, at one point, Brown allegedly picked up a knife and advised the other man he would kill him. Deputies reported the man identified as Brown’s stepfather did have an abrasion on his left eye and forehead.
Brown was taken into custody for aggravated assault of a family, date or household member with a deadly weapon. While being transported to jail, the 42-year-old Como man asked to be taken to the hospital; he said he had been struck during the altercation. Brown reportedly slammed his head into a wall and pulled away from the deputy after arriving at the hospital. The deputy took Brown to the ground. While on the ground, Brown allegedly grabbed and squeezed the deputy, causing pain.
After Brown was medically cleared, he was transported back to Hopkins County jail Dec. 25, 2021, and booked in not only on the charged for aggravated assault of with a deadly weapon for allegedly hitting and threatening his stepfather with a knife as well as a second charge for assault on a peace officer.
Brown remained in Hopkins County jail Monday night, Dec. 27, 2021, on both charges. Bond was set at $75,000 on the first-degree felony aggravated assault charge and $50,000 on the second-degree felony assault of peace officer charge.
Saturday was the ninth time in past 9 years that Brown has been booked into Hopkins County jail, and the third time he has been booked in on an assault charge. He was arrested Nov. 5, 2012 on an assault by threat charge, May 11, 2016 on an aggravated assault of a date, family or household member with a weapon, according to Hopkins County jail records.
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.
Commissioners Court Approves 1% COLA For County Retirees, MOUs, SART Resolution
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved funding for two groups of people, retirees and a rail district. A line item transfer, MOUs with Sulphur Springs ISD and approving a resolution designating a Sexual Assault Response Team were also approved by during Monday’s Commissioners Court session.
Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving a cost of living adjustment for people who have retired from Hopkins County. The amount requested was a 1% COLA, a 1% cost of living adjustment. Aulsbrook said those who have already retired from the county would appreciate a raise.
The Commissioners Court agreed to the 1% cost of living increase for county retirees.
Aulsbrook also presented and received court approval for a line item transfer, to move $16,504.75 attained from the sale of equipment through Auctioneer Express to the Civic Center’s from sale of assets into the special projects line in the Civic Center budget so that the funding can be used for special projects or purchases.
Hopkins County Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker noted that the court has designated approximately $26,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to Northeast Texas Rural Transportation District. Barker noted that NETEX is trying to upgrade the railroad. Hopkins County is one of six involved in NETEX. The funding is expected to be presented at the next NETEX meeting. The money is to be designated for purchase of cross ties along the rail line.
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley asked the court to consider approving a 3-year radio tower lease agreement with East Texas Broadcasting Inc.
“This is just a contract renewal we have at the Purley Tower in Purley, Texas. We own two communications towers and we lease two communications towers, which it takes to spread throughout our county to communicate between the law enforcement and first responders,” Endsley noted.
The contract was expected to increase in cost with a 5-year renewal. After talking with the owner agreed to a 3-year contract as well as keeping the rate the same.
After the Commissioners Court approved the contract for use of Purley Tower, Endsley asked them to approved memorandums of understanding between Sulphur Springs ISD and Hopkins County Emergency Management and Hopkins County Fire Department.
“This is just a standard MOU that the school district has presented us. It just gives our understanding of what each other expects from each entity. It’s just a common MOU we’re doing with all the school districts. Sulphur Springs happens to be, I think, number 3 now,” Endsley said.’
The Commissioners Court was asked to approve a resolution establishing an 8th Judicial District SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) to monitor any sexual assault cases through the judicial process in Hopkins County and all of the 8th Judicial District.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum said after collaborating with the District Attorney’s office, a committee is being formed to begin monitoring sexual assault cases’ through the judicial process to meet what he understands is a new state mandate. While there’ve been no problem that he’s aware of getting cases prosecuted, there have been in some other counties.
“I think every district’s got to have it now. It’s another one of them unfunded mandates. I don’t know where this is coming from because we haven’t had any problems here. We’ll address the issues,” Tatum said.
Judge Robert Newsom said the order that the court will be addressing includes SAFE-T Program Director Mary Ferguson, District Attorney Will Ramsay; Sheriff Lewis Tatum; Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson; Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)/Trainer Kim Basinger and Donna Pendleton, and anyone else the presiding officer wants on the board.
A request from Farmers Electric Cooperative Inc. to construct electrical power distribution facilities which will cross County Road 3538 at the intersection of FM 900 as well as three prior work sessions and one regular court meeting conducted earlier this month were all also approved under one consent agenda during the Dec. 27, 2021, regular Commissioners County meeting.
Sulphur Bluff resident Frank Brown offered thanks to Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley for patching holes on one road, but noted that north of his driveway 1,115 feet of road has yet to receive repairs. He said the roadway has eroded and is down to about 6 1/2-7 feet wide, with the shoulders busting out on it, instead of 22-24 wide that it used to be. He said he’s talked to two people who’ve complained about that road. He said he’s also been asked why there’s no rock on the rock road, why it’s lower in the middle than on the sides.
Clyde Bostick introduced himself as a Republican candidate for State Representative for Texas House District 2.
High Speed Chase Along I-30 Ends With 1 Arrest Christmas Night
A high speed chase along Interstate 30 east in Hopkins County resulted in one felony arrest Christmas night, according to arrest reports.
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley reported seeing an eastbound gray car pass him on Interstate 30 at a high rate of speed, 93 miler per hour in a 75 mph zone, near the 111 mile marker on I-30 east at 9:43 p.m. Dec. 25, 2021. Talley initiated a traffic stop on the Toyota Camry, which stopped near mile marker 114 on I-30 east.
After Talley contacted the driver, the man fled in the car east on I-30, resuming high rates of speed. The CPD officer alleged the car reached speeds of approximately 125 mile per hour along I-30 east. The car then stopped at mile marker 135 on I-30 east and was taken into custody at 10:04 p.m. Dec. 25, 2021.
The driver, identified as Aqulius Antwain “Pac-Man” White, was taken into custody at 10:04 p.m. and transported to jail, where he was booked around midnight, on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge.
The 34-year-old Mount Pleasant man remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, in lieu of the $5,000 bond set on the felony evading arrest charge.
Heartfelt Giving: Miller Grove 5th Grader Donates Savings To Help Patients In Need
Tis’ the season of giving: a special gift from 10-year-old Mya Hernandez, a 5th grader at Miller Grove ISD, was received by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital over the Christmas holiday.
Mya’s mom, Nicki Dutton, told hospital personnel that Mya saved her money for several months to give to someone in need. She was inspired by her little brother, who was born with a heart defect, which made her want to give back to help kids and help others who are facing health struggles. Mya selflessly emptied her entire piggy bank to give to the hospital, toward patients in need.
“We are humbled to simply be the vessel for her gift. What a wonderful way to give back and uplift others!” stated Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development for CHRISTUS® Mother Frances Hospitals in Sulphur Springs and Winnsboro.
Wanted Dallas Man Stopped On I-30 In Stolen SUV Admits To Eating A Sack OF Meth
A wanted Dallas man stopped in a stolen SUV admitted to eating a sack of meth while being stopped by deputies early Sunday morning, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded along Interstate 30 west of Sulphur Springs to search for a stolen vehicle reportedly spotted traveling east on I-30 into Hopkins County. At 12:39 a.m. Dec. 26, 2021, Deputy Drew Fisher reported seeing a white Toyota RAV-4 traveling east on I-30 and had dispatchers confirm the license plate was that of the SUV reported to Angelina County Sheriff’s Office as stolen.
Deputies converged on I-30 and conducted what Fisher described in arrest reports as a high-risk take-down on the vehicle near mile marker 114. All occupants of the SUV were reportedly detained.
Corey Dwayne Williams allegedly admitted he knew the vehicle was stolen, to having drug paraphernalia on him. A glance at the driver’s side floorboard revealed to deputies two pieces of a cut plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance the deputies believed to be methamphetamine as well as crystal-like shards on the floorboard, Fisher alleged in arrest reports. The suspected contraband was collected as evidence.
Williams reportedly “admitted to eating a ’20’ sack” while the deputy was trying to stop the vehicle. After communications operators confirmed the vehicle did indeed match the one reported to Angelina County authorities as stolen; a records check using Williams’ ID information showed the 33-year-old Dallas man also had three outstanding warrants for his arrest.
The other occupants of the vehicle were reportedly released without charges, but Williams was taken into custody at 1:19 a.m. Dec. 26 and transported to the county jail. The stolen vehicle was impounded for Angelina County.
Williams was booked into jail at 3:56 a.m. Sunday for unauthorized use of a vehicle (the legal charge in Texas for stealing a vehicle) , possession of approximately 0.024 gram of a substance (the crystal-like substance) that field-tested positive for meth and tampering evidence (the substance he admitted to consuming); as well as an Angelina County warrant for theft of property, and Kaufman County warrants for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
The Dallas man remained in Hopkins County jail on all six charges Monday afternoon. His bonds totaled $31,500 – $10,0000 on the tampering with evidence charge, $5,000 each on the controlled substance and stolen vehicle charges, and $1,500 on the theft charge, according to jail reports.
