Parking Ordinance, Grant Writer For Senior Center On Dec. 7 Council Agenda
If you have something to say about parking on East Shannon Road, from Broadway Street to Mockingbird Lane, Tuesday night is the time to voice it. Ordinance No. 2794, which would prohibit vehicles from parking on the south side of East Shannon Road along that block, and selection of a company to compose a grant application which would provide additional funding for the Senior Citizens Center to be built on Oak Avenue are among the items Sulphur Springs City Council will be asked to approve at the 7 p.m. meeting Dec. 7.
Administration of the oath of office to two new appointed city employees, an appraisal district appointment, opioid abatement fund council and settlement participation, plat request, several 380 requests and an amendment to the 380 policy, and an agricultural land lease contract are also on the p.m. agenda. An executive session regarding a potential economic development project is also slated for the City Council Tuesday evening.
Shannon Road Parking Ordinance
According to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson, the proposed parking ordinance would only prohibit parking on the south side of East Shannon Road, as a safety measure. Vehicles, including passing truck drivers, would still be allowed to park on the north side of the road.
The city ordinance was to prevent parking between driveways and properties obstructs the view of the road way by motorists attempting to exit business driveways. If the vehicle is large enough, motorists passing on East Shannon Road also are unable to see vehicles that are attempting to enter the south service road from a restaurant parking lot. The causes frequent near misses and has resulted in a a few collisions along that stretch of the south service road.
The ordinance would apply only to vehicles that are parked and left on the south side of East Shannon Road. This would not apply to a long line of vehicles which spanned onto the service road from the drive-thru lane at a restaurant. Those vehicles are not parked. For instance, if 10-20 families all decided to grab take-out after a school or community function that ended at or after 10 p.m., the line would be long and likely would continue out of the burger business parking lot onto East Shannon Road; that would not violate the ordinance as the vehicles are frequently moving up one place in line, with all occupants still in their vehicles. The ordinance applies when the vehicle is parked on the south side of East Shannon Road and the driver and/or occupants exit and leave it for any period of time.
A violation of Ordinance No. 2794, as proposed, would be a Class C misdemeanor offense, punishable with a fine of up to $500. If approved on second reading Tuesday evening.
Click here to view the proposed draft of the East Shannon Road parking ordinance.
380, Economic Development Projects
Although the regular City Council meeting isn’t scheduled to begin until 7 p.m. Dec. 7, the council members are slated to report at 6:30 p.m. for an executive session to discuss a proposed economic development project, identified only as Project Superman. Should the City Council decide to act any proposals for Project Superman, any voting would be conducted during the regular open portion of the meeting which starts at 7 p.m.
Also on the Dec. 7 agenda is a resolution to amend the city’s 380 policy. The 380 agreement allows cities to offer certain incentives such as the city’s infill housing policy, which prioritizes and promotes infill development on vacant and underutilized lots within the City utilizing existing infrastructure to increase the tax base and enhance established neighborhoods with new improvements.
As part of the Dec. 7 consent agenda, the City Council will be asked to consider approving five 380 agreements. Several infill housing agreements were requested this month. (The consent agenda also includes minutes from two past City Council meetings as well as the Sept. 20 Downtown Revitalization Board meeting and Sept. 27 Economic Development Corporation meeting.)
To view the City of Sulphur Springs’ Infill Housing Development (380) policy, click here.
Senior Citizens Center
The City Council too is expected to be presented with proposals submitted through Nov. 30 for grant administration services for Texas Community Resiliency Program grant application to be submitted to Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. If approved, the grant would allow the City of Sulphur Springs to not only enlarge the new Senior Citizens Center building to be constructed on 301 Oak Ave. but, if fully funded at the requested amount, would include all wish list items for the new facility, according to Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell.
City staff is expected to make a recommendation from the submissions for a grant writer for the Council to approve. During a special meeting last month, the City Council approved a resolution amending the city’s contract with REES for expansion of base services to the contract for the Senior Citizens Center project. The architectural firm is already working to adapt the design for the new Senior Citizens Center, making it bigger than originally planned due to available funding for the project and including other items requested for the facility as well. The grant, Maxwell said, “would allow us to do all of the wish list.” As proposed, the new facility would be a 8,000-plus square foot activity building for senior citizens’ activities, events, educational opportunities, and would house the Meal A Day program.
The City has $1.4 million to contribute and anticipates asking for $500,000 to $900,000 in grant funds to complete the project. The deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. Jan. 19, 2022, with estimated award announcements to be made March 10, 2022 and estimated grant contracts starting March 15, 2022.ation has to be in by Jan. 19, 2022.
The project has been delayed several months due to the high cost of materials, which would put the cost of the project over the original budget for the facility.
Other Agenda Items
Also on the 7 p.m. Council agenda is the administration of the oath of office to Nate Smith, who was officially appointed last month and is scheduled to take over duties as City Manager starting tomorrow from longtime city attorney Jim McLeroy, who is retiring this month. A retirement reception is planned for McLeroy Dec. 29 at The Venue.
The oath of office will also be administered to Natalie Darrow, who will become city secretary. Gale Roberts is slated to remain on as assistant secretary through the end of the year, when she retires at the end of the year. Darrow has also been officially appointed and training with Roberts for a few months to take over the duties.
Resolutions are proposed to appoint a person to represent the city on Hopkins County Appraisal District Board of Directors and for the city to participate in Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council and Settlement.
A plat request has been made by Ramachandra Yennam to plat a 9.31-acre property at the end of Live Oak, Cadi Lane and Marianne Circle into 39 single family lots.
To be considered is a contract lease/license for an agricultural land lease at Thermo Mine Site A.
Both Basketball Teams at Home For Double-Header
It will be a busy day at the SSHS Main Gym. Both Wildcats and Lady Cats basketball teams will be in action at home.
The women’s basketball team will be the first up, as they will be hosting New Boston. The Lady Cats are still looking for that elusive first win on the season, but have found ways to score in their losses.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad had a couple of tough losses in the Glen Rose tournament as they went 0-3 in the tourney.
The losses last weekend dropped the Lady Cats basketball team’s record to 0-13.
They have the chance to get their first win today versus New Boston on Tuesday, Dec. 7 before district play begins next Tuesday.
Junior varsity will get the action going against the Lady Lions at 5 P.M. followed by the varsity at 6:15 P.M.
Moving over to the men’s basketball team, on game days in which both team are in a action one will play on the road and the other at home, but this Tuesday game day brings the Wildcats following up the Lady Cats basketball team.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s unit had a good outing last weekend in the Mansfield tournament, going 3-2 against a litany of 5A and 6A talent.
They went 1-1 Thursday, added two more wins Friday and wrapped up tourney play last weekend with a loss on Saturday.
The Mansfield tournament put Sulphur Springs at 9-2.
The men’s basketball team has the chance to get back in the win column when they host Royce City. According to the official schedule, freshman will play at 5 P.M. followed by JV at 6:15 P.M.
Varsity will conclude Tuesday’s action-packed schedule at the SSHS Main Gym at 7:30 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.
Miller Grove FFA Monthly Spotlight
Miller Grove FFA students have been busy this Fall with welding, livestock and floral projects, Jackpot Show plans, Leadership competitions and community service.
Spotlight photos and reports by MGHS Ag Sciences Advisor Kristin Fortenberry
Sights And Sounds Of The Season Are Focus Of Sulphur Springs ISD Fine Arts Students
Sulphur Springs ISD Fine Arts students over the next two weeks will provide holiday cheers as the program launches its annual Sights And Sounds of the Season tour across district campuses, including a number of night performances so they can share holiday cheer with the community as well.
Some, like the Jazz Band, started their season early with a concert during Heritage in the Park. Students also performed during the 15th Annual Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade. And, the Wildcat Jazz Band will play next in the lobby of Alliance Bank – be there at 11 a.m. Dec. 7 to hear some holiday jazz tunes from our local students.
The schedule of upcoming Sights and Sounds of the Season programs, released by Sulphur Springs ISD Fine Arts Coordinator Cindy Welch, and additional programs provided by SSISD instructors are shown below. (For a full schedule of performances by the Jazz bands, click here.)
First Known Case Of COVID-19 Omicron Variant In Texas Identified In Harris County
The first known Texas case of the COVID-19 B.1.1.529 variant has been identified in a resident of Harris County. The adult female resident was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Results of genetic sequencing this week showed that the infection was caused by the Omicron variant strain. The case is being investigated by Harris County Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
“It’s normal for viruses to mutate, and given how quickly Omicron spread in southern Africa, we’re not surprised that it showed up here,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “Getting vaccinated and continuing to use prevention strategies, including wearing a mask when you are around people you don’t live with, social distancing, handwashing and getting tested when you have symptoms, will help slow the spread of the virus and help end the pandemic.”
The B.1.1.529 variant was identified in South Africa last month and appears to spread more easily from person to person than most strains of the coronavirus. Currently, it is unclear if the Omicron variant is associated with more severe disease. Studies have commenced to determine how effective vaccines are expected to be against infection. However, vaccination is expected to continue to offer protection against hospitalization and death. Omicron is thought to be responsible for a small proportion of the current COVID-19 cases in Texas and the United States.
Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness and death from COVID-19 the DSHS report states. Everyone 5 years and older is eligible for vaccination, and everyone 18 years and older should get a booster shot when they are eligible. The latest on COVID-19 in Texas is available at dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus, including daily case data and information on testing and vaccination.
Most local pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots, for eligible individuals; contact your pharmacist for additional information.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs offers a COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the main lobby of the hospital until further notice, with the exception of Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31). The available vaccines include Moderna (2-doses, ages 18 and older) and Pfizer (2-doses, ages 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (1-dose, ages 18 and older). This includes all three brands of boosters for fully vaccinated people. Appointments are not required, but a parent or guardian must accompany anyone 17 and younger.
Chicago Man, Garland Woman Caught In A Stolen Car
A 21-year-old Chicago, Illinois man and 18-yarold Garland, Texas woman were caught in a stolen car Sunday night, according to arrest reports,.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Thomas Patterson reported stopping a Cadillac DTS shown in a records check at at 6:12 p.m. Dec. 5, 2021 to have been reported stolen in Garland. at mile marker 128 on Interstate 30 east. He took both the driver, Allen Bernard Griffin IV, and passenger, Jessica Marie Holmes, into custody at 6:47 p.m. Dec. 5 on one charge of felony unauthorized use of a vehicle, the legal charge for vehicle theft.
Holmes w, who jail records show is also known by Jazmine Johnson, found via a records check to be wanted in Dallas County on two warrants for violation of probation, which she was on for theft of property valued at $100 or more but less than $750, according to arrest and jail reports.
Both Griffin and Holmes were released from Hopkins County jail Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the stolen vehicle charge. Holmes’ bond was also set at $1,500 per Dallas County charge as well, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
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.
5 SSHS Choir Students Advance To TMEA Area Contest
Middle, High School Choral Music Students To Perform Concert Dec. 7
Sulphur Springs High School Choir students competed at Texas Music Educators Association Pre Area contest on Thursday, December 2, 2021. Five SSHS choir students, two freshmen and three sophomores, advanced to the TMEA Area competition.
Students advancing from Pre-Area to Area include Axel Garcia, Lausen Ost and Colbie Glenn; and freshmen Celeste McCoy and Summer Patterson.
Ten SSHS Choir students qualified for the All Region Choir in October, advancing them to the Pre-Area contest last week. Half of that number have qualified to audition for the Area Choir contest.
“The students will have one final round of auditions on January 8. If they advance, they will make the TMEA All State choir!” said SSHS Choir instructor Beth Cole.
Community members will have an opportunity to hear both SSMS and SSHS Choirs perform during a concert Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at 6 p.m. in SSHS Auditorium and will feature both the middle school and high school choirs.
Sentence Reached For Cumby Man Accused Of Shooting His Pregnant Wife
A 43-year-old Cumby man accused of shooting his pregnant wife in August has been sentenced as part of a plea agreement, according to prosecutors and court reports.
Jason Cory Sanders has remained in custody at Hopkins County jail since his arrest on Aug. 10, 2021, on a capital murder charge, according to jail reports. He was accused of shooting his wife, who was about 9-weeks pregnant, in the torso with a small caliber firearm during a domestic disturbance late Aug. 9, 2021. Sanders, at the time, allegedly claimed he wielded a firearm in order to fire a shot and scare his wife during a verbal altercation; she was struck by the gunfire, according to a news release from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office.
EMS reportedly provided medical care and airlifted the woman to a hospital for further treatment of the gunshot wound to the torso, officials reported in August. Jason Sanders was taken into custody early Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 2021, for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon-family violence, Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum reported following Sanders’ arrest.
Sanders also was charged with tampering with physical evidence after a deputy caught him using his phone to delete a message thread on Facebook. He’d asked to be allowed to message his boss. Instead he used it to delete the Facebook thread, Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies alleged in the Aug. 10 arrest report.
Officials were notified the woman and the child she was carrying died in the early morning hours of Aug. 10, 2021. Thus, a warrant was obtained, upping the charge against Jason Sanders from aggravated assault with a deadly weapon to capital murder by shooting his pregnant wife, according to sheriff’s reports.
Jason Sanders appeared in the 8th Judicial District Court on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. In exchange for his plea of guilty, the charge was reduced from capital murder to murder of his pregnant wife, and Sanders received a life sentence. According to current standards, Sanders won’t be eligible for parole for at least 30 calendar years. The tampering with evidence charge was dismissed because it was taken into consideration with the murder case, according to prosecutors.
The agreement was reached, prosecutors noted, after the parents of the victim agreed a life sentence would be an acceptable resolution to the case. A plea agreement also saves time and resources that of a long and costly trial process.
“This case was tragic. Two lives were taken in a senseless act of violence. I want to thank the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Ranger for another job well done constructing a case that facilitates this quick resolution. The criminal case may be concluded, but we have family members dealing with a lot of pain and loss. We should keep them in our prayers this holiday season,” District Attorney Will Ramsay said.
Cumby ISD Students Qualify For State TAFE Contest
Over the weekend, Cumby ISD students qualified for the state TAFE (Texas Association of Future Educators) Contest in three different areas.
The Cumby students participated in the 2021 TAFFE Area 6 Conference, hosted at Region 8 Education Service Center on Dec. 3, 2021. At lease five of those students are state qualifiers.
Madison Carson and Shelby Saragosa were recognized for participation in professional development events, Macie Morales in teacher created materials-middle/high school, and Neely Hammond and Savannah Kurn in interactive bulletin board-elementary. These students are all state qualifiers.
The Cumby future educators program was started in a previous school year thanks to a Texas Education Agency Grow Your Own grant, which helps districts “grow their own educators” to keep in the district.
TAFE Area 6 includes school districts in Rains, Wood, Upshur, Harrison, Van Zandt, Smith, Gregg, Rusk, Panola, Henderson, Anderson, Cherokee, Nacogdoches, Shelby, Angelina, San Augustine, Sabine, Lamar, Red River, Bowie, Delta, Hopkins, Franklin, Titus, Camp, Morris, Cass, and Marion counties.
The Texas Association of Future Educators or TAFE (pronounced “taffy”) is a co-curricular statewide non-profit (501c3) student organization created to allow young men and women an opportunity to explore the teaching profession. The organization was created in 1984 to provide the best and brightest high school and middle school students in Texas with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about pursuing careers in education.
TAFE is sponsored by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and is governed by a board of directors comprised of teachers, students and principals.
TAFE is one of the nine Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) recognized by the Texas Education Agency. TAFE is the newest CTSO recognized in Texas. This recognition has not been granted to a student organization in Texas in the past 20 years, according to the TAFE website.
Wildcats Basketball Goes 3-2 in Mansfield Tournament
The Wildcats basketball team had a solid outing Mansfield, going 3-2 over three days in the tournament from Thursday through Saturday Dec. 3-5.
Sulphur Springs went 1-1 on Thursday, Dec. 3, losing their first game in Mansfield to 6A Atascocita but rebounded by getting a big win over Arlington’s Seguin High School.
Friday the team got two more wins, first in a rout of the Wilson Wildcats 80-56 then against College Station’s A&M Consolidated HS 68-59.
Saturday did not go as planned as the men’s basketball team lost to Frisco’s Liberty High School 70-57 to wrap up their participation in the tournament.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad went 3-2 against a lot of tough 5A Division I and II schools plus some 6A talent. The outing puts the Wildcats basketball team’s season record at 9-2.
Next up, Sulphur Springs will be back at home on Tuesday, Dec. 7 when they host Royse City. That match is set to tip off around 7:45 P.M.
The men’s basketball team non-district match-up with the Bulldogs will be broadcasted in to KSST 1230 AM.
If given permission, we will also broadcast that game on to KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
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.
