Meal A Day Menu For Sept. 27-Oct. 1, 2021
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for Sept. 27-Oct. 1, 2021, includes:
- Monday – Manager’s Choice
- Tuesday – Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Baked Beans and Roll.
- Wednesday – Lasagna, Italian Vegetables, and Garlic Toast.
- Thursday – Chicken and Dumplings, Crackers, and Tossed Salad.
- Friday – Apricot Glazed Chicken Breast, On a Bed of Rice, Normandy Vegetables and Roll.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Hospital District Board To Consider Setting FY 2021-22 Tax Rate, Budget On Sept. 28
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors have called a special meeting Sept. 28 to consider reducing the tax rate and setting a fiscal year 2021-22 budget.
According to posted notice, the board will be asked to consider lowering the tax rate from 25-cents to 22-cents for the coming year. In accordance with the modifications the 86th Legislature made to the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated, the proposed tax rate for 2021 is below both the no-new-revenue rate of $0.223198 and the voter approval rate of $0.241053.
The no-new revenue rate is the tax rate that will raise the same amount of property tax revenue for the hospital district from the same properties in both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 tax years. The voter-approval rate is the highest tax rate the hospital district can adopt without holding an election to seek voter approval of the HCHD tax rate. The
The hospital district tax rate as proposed in the public notice, is expected to raise $5,728,84.14, which is $47,049.31 less in tax revenue levied in FY 2021-22 than in FY 2020-21. However, that does not mean tax bills will decrease. Property appraisals on the average homestead have increased 15.45 percent. While that’s great for people looking to sell their property, in terms of property taxes, that means an increased in the tax bill.
Anyone who wishes to make comments regarding the proposed tax rate may do so during the public forum portion of the Sept. 28 hospital district board meeting, to be conducted prior to the board’s vote on the tax rate. HCHD Board too will be asked to review and approve a budget for the FY ending on Sept. 30, 2022.
The hospital district’s primary duties are oversight of Hopkins County EMS services as well as six nursing homes in other counties.
The Sept. 28 noon meeting agenda also includes review and approval of financial statements for August 2021 and the depository bid process, as well as minutes from the previous board meeting, and the EMS update. Paul Harvey, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs president and CEO, is slated to give an update on the CHRISTUS-Hopkins Health Alliance.
The agenda shows closed session is scheduled during the Sept. 29 meeting to “review and discuss personnel actions for Hospital District.” The meeting will be held in the Conference Room on the first floor of the two-story CHRISTUS Mother Frances Medical Office Building, located at 113 Airport Road, just across from the hospital.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of September 27, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Sept. 27, 2021. 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.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road near West Staples Street and transitions back to the existing mainlanes near West Cherry Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Center 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 Center Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. To detour, eastbound Center Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Park Avenue, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Houston Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Center Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyVQ6rYNhM
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Center Street closure at US 75: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIMoHaqAFGg
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 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 perform bridge construction. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on bridge construction and construction of new frontage road lanes.
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (# 643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
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. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform striping work and temporary widening of the 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.
FM 131, Grayson County: in Sherman at the Northcreek Drive intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
US 69, Grayson County: in Bells at the FM 1897 intersection. The traffic signal is in flash mode and on Sept. 28 the signal will be activated. Use caution as traffic adjusts to the new signal operation at the intersection.
Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876), Grayson County: Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876) is closed to through traffic at the branch of Pilot Grove Creek so that construction crews can remove and replace the bridge. Local traffic will need to use an alternate roadway such as Brewer Road or County Road 534.
US 69/US 75, Grayson County: at the Red River bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to upgrade and replace the existing bridge railing on the bridge and guardrail approaches on the northbound and southbound bridges at the Red River. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have shifted traffic to provide room for construction.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to a portion of the new concrete pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
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 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
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.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from SH 56 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 902, Grayson County: from Howe to Tom Bean. 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 temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
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.
SH 121, Fannin County: from US 82 to SH 78. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers repair base failures to prepare for a new hotmix pavement surface.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement for the entirety of the project from the Lamar County line to SH 121. Eastbound traffic between SH 121 and the Lamar County line has been opened to two lanes. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 68, Fannin County: from FM 271 to SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade perform base repairs on the roadway.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 87 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews repair the surface on the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
FM 71, Hopkins County: from FM 3236 to Sulphur Bluff. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform ditch grading operations.
SH 37, Franklin County: from elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: from IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews rehabilitate the roadway.
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 19 at Loop 286: Northwest and Southwest ramps. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the ramps.
BU 82H (Lamar Ave.): from 12th Street Northeast to 3rd Street Northeast. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
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 as final work is being performed.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has been forming and pouring concrete drainage structures on FM 1564. The contractor is working on culverts and safety end treatments on FM 1564 and will be placing chevrons on FM 1570, FM 751 and FM 36.
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. Preliminary embankment, excavation, and bridge work has begun with all shafts being completed. This work should not affect existing traffic on SH 34 or SH 276. Roadway construction affecting closures on Spur 264 has begun, this work will affect through-traffic between Meyers Avenue to County Road 2304. Weekend work is to be expected. 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 begun mile five of this seven-mile project and is currently reworking the subgrade and bringing in flex base, placing geogrid and compacting areas for roadway rehabilitation and widening. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor is working to finish begin final punch list items. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay on SH 66 from FM 1579 to Caddo Mills and roadway edging on FM 1570 from SH 34 to IH30. 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 SH 34 from SH276 to the Kaufman Co. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operation 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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Sixth Hopkins County COVID Fatality Reported For September
COVID-19 recoveries have continued to outpace new cases reported for Hopkins County for the 10th consecutive day. While that means the rate of spread is slowing among county residents, it doesn’t mean the virus has been eradicated in Hopkins County, nor does it mean it’s any less deadly. In fact, not only were are there still 343 active COVID cases on Friday, but the sixth Hopkins County COVID fatality was reported for September 2021 as well.
The latest COVID-19 deaths, confirmed by death certificate, are reported to have occurred on Sept. 16 and 13. Two Hopkins County residents also died from COVID-19 on Sept. 1; and one each on Sept. 3 and Sept. 7. That makes 64 Hopkins County residents who have died from COVID in 2021 and 135 since the pandemic swept the world during Spring Break of 2020.
On Friday, 17 additional Hopkins County residents received positive lab-confirmed COVID-19 results, the same number as on Thursday. Ten probable cases and 36 recoveries were also reported on Friday. That makes 46 new molecular coronavirus cases, 17 additional probable cases and 105 recoveries reported from Sept. 22-24, 2021.
That’s 417 new COVID-19 cases and 229 additional probable cases (646 total new cases), with 607 Hopkins County residents reported to have recovered for the virus during the first 24 days of September 2021. That’s a new record for Hopkins County, as far as new cases go. In August 571 new cases were reported among Hopkins County residents.
Cumulatively, 1,724 Hopkins County residents have received positive molecular COVID-19 test results and 1,026 who’ve been reported as probable cases in 2021; and 2,846 who’ve been lab-confirmed to have the virus and 2,143 probable cases reported for Hopkins county since the pandemic began in March 2020.
With the larger number of recoveries and fewer new cases over the past 10 days, the active COVID-19 case count too has gone down from 498 Hopkins County residents who had the virus on Sept. 14 to 343 on Sept. 24.
Overall, 138 COVID-19 tests were performed in Hopkins County on Thursday, up from 116 tests on Wednesday, and 82 on Monday, but down from the 290 COVID tests performed in Hopkins County on Tuesday.
In Hopkins County, 14,707 have received at least one dose of COVID vaccine, while 12,395 were reported to be fully vaccinated in Hopkins County as of 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, including 4,121 age 16-49, 3,439 age 65-79. 3438 age 50-64, 1,120 age 80 and older and 273 ages 12-15, according to Texas Health and Human Services data.
Wildcats Football Struggles Against Top-10 Ennis Lions
The Wildcats football team could not find their footing in the first half in a 47-14 loss in Ennis versus the Lions.
The Lions came in to Friday, Sept. 24’s district match-up as the number four team in 5A Division II, according to Dave Campbell’s Texas High School Football.
Things got off to a rocky start for Sulphur Springs when Wildcats QB Matthew Mitchell was sacked in the end zone for a safety.
The ensuing drive from Ennis resulted in a touchdown, to give the Lions a quick 9-0 lead in the first quarter.
Thanks to a number of Lions’ deep balls resulting in six points, and a Wildcats defense that was gassed trying to get off the field, the points kept coming for Ennis as they lead 44-0 at halftime.
The Ennis Lions looked like a team with state title aspirations as they were impressive on both sides of the ball.
Their defense was able to force a number of three-and-outs and recover some Wildcat turnovers that tended to turn into points for Ennis.
The second half was a cruise to the finish for the Lions, as both teams combined for a total of five offensive drives.
Coach Greg Owens’s program did manage to outscore Ennis 14-3 in the second half.
Sulphur Springs was able to get two fourth-quarter touchdowns on a 3-yard rush from CJ Williams and a 56-yard bomb from Mitchell, both occurring over the course of two minutes.
The 47-14 loss drops the Wildcats football team’s overall record to 0-5 overall (0-2 district).
Next up, Coach Greg Owens and his program will be off next Friday enjoying their one bye of the fall 2021 season.
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.
Hopkins County Records – Sept. 24, 2021
Land Deed Transactions
- Lawanda Knight Kent to Larry C. Blount; tract in the Wm. D. Walker survey
- Holly Alenda Allen and Timothy Blake Allen to Larry Wayne Harrell; tract in the J. Procello survey
- Harold Brian Harrison to Laura Ann Donahue and Thomas Nicholas Donahue, co-trustees for the Goodge Revocable Trust; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Herman D. Silva and Jo Ann Silva to Morris Custom Homes; tract in the Sarah H. Norris survey
- TTTT Limited to Herman D. Silva and Jo Ann Silva; tract in Country Club Estates
- Juan Rodriguez and Reveca Rodriguez to Juan Manuel Guzman; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Brenda Lee Dykes, independently and as independent executor for the Norman W. Dykes Estate which is also known as the Norman Wayne Dykes Estate, to Kendra Wallace and Shawn Wallace; tract in the M. Ballanova survey
- Terry Barnett Williams to Gary Barnett and Stephanie Barnett; tract in the L. Vannerson survey
- Christine Thomas and J. Thomas to Christopher G. Greaves and Suzette M. Greaves; tract in the RM Fant survey
- James Trent Price and Lee Ann Price to Burt LL Investments LLC
- James K. Fletcher to Complete Homes LLC; tract in the Henry Stout survey
- Hugo Diaz and Valentina Diaz who is also known as Velentina to Elizandro Salvador Sontay Godinez and Enma Patricia Rodriguez Sanchez; tract in the Randolph Yarberry survey
- Cindy McQueen and Wesley McQueen to Dawn Marie Cox and Leo Jeffrey Cox; tract in the William Lewis survey
- 100 MPH and Property Management LLC and 100 MPH+ Property Management LLC to Michael Lynn Horn and Tracy Lynn Horn; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Michael J. Fluitt and Paulette Marie Fluitt to John Moore and Susane Moore; tract in the HM Hargrave survey
- Janice B. Anderson Irrevocable Lifetime Family Trust, John C. Anderson trustee, to James Anderson and Linda Anderson; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- James Lee Hitzelberger to James Lee Hitelberger trustee for the James Hitzelberger 2012 Legacy Trust
- SHSS Estates Inc. to Inzi Enterprises Inc.; tract in the John W. Boatman survey
- Timothy Anthony Berger to Lance Williams and Wanda Williams; tract in the EP Gaines survey
- Jimmy Mitchell to Susan Elaine Law; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Chris Spivey and Elizabeth Ann Spivey to Christian Adrian De Jesus Palomino Castro; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- State of Texas Veterans Land Board to Christopher Darnell Spivey and Elizabeth Ann Spivey; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Barbara Ann Clark and Danny Joe Clark to Lisa Clark; tract in the Levi Landers survey
- Hayden Hollon to Shannon Gaines; tract in the Henry L. Ward survey
- Cameron Evans, Martha K. Peckham Evans know by Martha K. Peckham, and Bobby J. Peckham to David Allan West and Wendy Danae Williams; tract on Azalea Drive
- Christopher Rogers and Lauren Rogers to Zachary F. Blackmon and Morgan Merrell; tract in the Thomas Stewart survey
- Amanda Pickett and Jarred I. Pickett to EEE Development LLC; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Jacob Armstrong and Monica Armstrong to Mortgage Research Center LLC as Veterans United Home Loans; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Petunia Golden LLC to Allison E. Lewis and Justin W. Lewis; tract in the W. Hooser survey
- Brad Morris, Terry Morris, Holly Ragan and Tanner Ragan to Bernie Colon and Jan Colon trustees for the Colon Trust; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Pickton Poultry Farm LLC to Alaska Poultry Farm LLC; tract in the Wm Stacey survey
- Gloria Llamas to Stefanie DeBruijn; tract in the Wm Garrison survey
- Thomas Dewitt Massey to Jennifer Jo Massey; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Cleotha Miller and S. Walker to Fannie Mae also known as Federal National Mortgage Association; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Delgado Properties LLC to Carl Dean Adams; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Floyd S. Duke and Laura Lyn Duke to Dirk Wessels and Philippina Wessels; tract in the JB Moore survey
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Derek Wade Harry and Kimberly Ann Watson
- William Jonathan Gaddis and Katie Lyn Stewart
- Shane Michael Carver and Allea Denise Pippin
- Robert Wayne Tennison and Amanda Nicole Evans
- Ronnie Stanton Jr. and Olivia Jane Larios
- Steven Tucker Hathcoat and Ashten Paige Burnett
- David Alexander Murga and Sarah Renae Davis
- Michael Dean Ritchey and Kaitlyn Renae Blankenship
- Nathan Lyday Ferguson and Madison Rose Oats
- Michael Chad Glenn and Kayli Seanique Sartin
- Dalton Bryant Herndon and Rainie Lynn English
I-30 Traffic Stop Results In Discovery Of Pipe And Methamphetamine, Arrest
An Interstate 30 traffic stop by deputies Thursday afternoon resulted in discovery of a pipe and methamphetamine, and one felony arrest. A Quinlan woman was also booked into Hopkins County jail Wednesday on a controlled substance warrant, according to arrest reports.
I-30 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Lavender noticed a Dodge pickup enter the entrance ramp to Interstate 30 west from the service road in Sulphur Springs without signaling the required distance prior to the lane change. He stopped the black truck at 1:54 p.m. Sept. 23, 2021.
Upon contact with the two occupants, driver Laura Kay Rogers Kirtley agreed to let the deputy search the vehicle and Deputy Elijah Fite obtained permission from the 48-year-old passenger who owned the truck.
However, prior to their search, Kirtley admitted to Fite that there was a meth pipe in her bag in the passenger area of the truck. Deputies reported they did indeed find a meth pipe containing 0.13 gram of suspected meth, then located additional contraband during their search. The pipe and meth were seized as evidence. The substance in the pipe tested positive for meth.
Consequently, Kirtley was arrested at 2:21 p.m. Thursday on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. The 53-year-old Sulphur Springs woman remained in Hopkins County jail Friday afternoon, Sept. 24, 2021, in lieu of $50,000 bond on the felony charge.
Jail Transfer
HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman took Donna Lynn Pottorff into custody at 9:38 a.m. and transported her from Kaufman County jail to Hopkins County jail, where the 57-year-old Quinlan woman was booked on warrants for bail jumping and failure to appear and bond forfeiture on a June 14, 20219 possession of less than 1 gram of a controlled substance charge.
Pottorff, who is also known by Donna Lynn Baker, remained in Hopkins County jail in lieu of $50,000 bond on the bail jumping charge. Her new bond on the controlled substance charge was set at $10,000, double the original amount.
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.
Wildcats Football Team in Ennis Today For Friday Gameday, Plus First Ever Wildcats Cross Country Invitational Tomorrow
It will be something of a bye weekend for Sulphur Springs sports.
Normally, Fridays and Saturday bring Wildcats football, Lady Cats volleyball, and Wildcats and Lady Cats cross country, but on the Sept. 24 edition of Friday gameday the volleyball team will be enjoying one of their two byes in district play today.
So with that, today, Friday Sept. 24 brings Wildcats football and tomorrow brings the first ever Wildcat Invitational for the cross country team.
Wildcats football will be out in Ennis tonight to take on a top-10 Lions team.
Coach Greg Owens’s program reeled a bit earlier this week after their Homecoming district-opening loss last Friday to Crandall.
But the Wildcats football head coach said that they had a good week of practice and instead of harping on what went wrong for his team last Friday, they have been energetic and ready to take on a tough Ennis Lions team.
It will not be easy though for the Lions come into the game 4-0 (1-0 district) after their 28-0 win to open district play in Greenville last Friday.
But now Coach Sam Harrell’s squad will shift their focus from their shutout win last Friday versus Greenville to tonight’s match-up with the Sulphur Springs Wildcats [0-4 overall (0-1 district)].
That game is set to kick-off at 7:30 P.M.
We will not be livestreaming tonight’s match in Ennis, but we will however be broadcasting the Wildcats’ second district game over the radio on KSST 1230 AM.
Moving over to the cross country team, Wildcats head Coach Ross Hicks is all too excited to get the first ever Wildcat Invitational underway.
His team had a solid outing last Friday in Hallsville at the Hallsville Invitational, with several runners recording personal-record (PR) times.
And even though his teams did extremely well in Hallsville, he hopes his program not only competes well again tomorrow, but wins the first ever cross country 5K hosted by Sulphur Springs.
Coach Hicks said he has been trying to put this invitational together for years, and will enjoy his team being a leg-up on the competition since they have been practicing the course all season long.
Races will start for the first ever Wildcats Invitational tomorrow starting with 5A and 6A runners at 8 A.M.
As mentioned earlier the Lady Cats volleyball team are enjoying a much-needed bye today after competing against four district foes.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad has won five of their last six contests, including Tuesday’s road win at Pine Tree, with the only match her volleyball team lost during that stretch was at home in a five-set classic versus Texas High on Sept. 14.
After taking some time away from the court, the Lady Cats volleyball team will be back on the road when they travel to Hallsville to take on the always-tough district foe Hallsville on Tuesday.
That game is set to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 5 P.M. beginning with JV/Freshman squads, followed by the varsity Lady Cats game at 6 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.
Author, Civil Engineer Describes What, In His Observations, It Takes To Make “Strong Towns”
Author Charles “Chuck” Marohn Jr., a civil engineer, Thursday evening described what, in his observations as a professional engineer and a land use planner for decades, it takes to make “Strong Towns.”
Some of the basic principals Chuck Marohn discussed have already been implemented or discussed for Sulphur Springs. The ordinance passed allowing accessory dwelling units and the infill housing development programs, renovating and repurposing existing buildings for current uses too fit within the scope of actions the author believes help grow and strengthen towns. ADUs, however, are a starting point, he said.
The Minnesotan said resiliency and adaptability are key factors for change, growth and strengthening towns. He noted that earlier towns that flourished adapted. They started small and grew, within the area, adding on to existing structures. For instance, early in the 1900s, a town may have started out as a line of what some would these days call a shack or a tiny home. Private citizens then added on to and reinforced existing structures on existing property, with infrastructure. Over time, towns grow into cities with various neighborhoods. Structures grew taller and wider, made of stronger, more durable brick.
Somewhere along the way, however, urbans sprawl began, adding more infrastructure as neighborhoods were abandoned or other larger homes and subdivisions were constructed further away from the main part of town. The problem is the city infrastructure for those towns require more maintenance than city revenues allow. This is a problem.
The solution, according to Marohn’s estimation, is to come back in. To reclaim neighborhoods, not by building larger more expensive structures, but filling spaces with people, improving within. This needs to be a mostly private movement, with less federal and governmental dollars tied to the improvements, not more bigger, newer structures that require more infrastructure.
Cities can help by first listening to people’s needs in neighborhoods, then seeing what small things can be done to help right now, not big projects down the road, and be willing to adapt with that need, according to Marohn.
Adapting is being like a rainforest instead of a farm during times of extreme sun and rain, according to Marohn. A rain forest will adapt, changing, but a cornfield doesn’t change because it was designed with one purpose, to grow corn. Changes in the weather can ruin a cornfield crop, while the rainforest tucks in, with perhaps different flora more dominant at times than others, some growing under others, serving as a habitat for fauna as well. The cornfield will die and unless replanted and nurtured during idea conditions. Towns need to be more like rainforests.
In early days, if a roof leaks in a home, the owner can make small improvements to an extra room, then rent it out. That money, in turn, would pay for roof repairs, while meeting someone’s housing needs without overtaxing budgets, city infrastructure, and potentially without requiring a loan. Similarly, if citizens and business people locate in town, they can take advantage of existing infrastructure and space.
For instance, if a family moves from a metropolitan city to a small town, and lives near the heart of downtown, they could become employed at or establish their business nearby. That could allow the individual to walk to work, cutting down on the number of vehicles needed, which would put less stress on streets and reduces the family’s expenses. The infrastructure should already be in place. Funding brought in from taxes and use of services should help cover those costs for the city as opposed to moving to a subdivision on the edge of town, creating a need for more funding than is needed to maintain it.
Allowing this reclamation of neighborhoods in the heart of town can sometimes require towns to lower expectations to allow small, incremental steps, according to . For instance, instead of expanding or expecting a large highway through town to bring business as one town did, another might make the road smaller, add parking, allow people to start off small in portable buildings or small spaces along that roadway. This allows them to see if their business will work, provides a service, brings them to town without the high overhead of a prime property until they are established.
There are many options, but the process starts by asking people their needs, and trying to offer options to neighborhoods and communities, solutions to their current needs. Then, cities need to keep asking people in the areas in need, listening and looking for solutions, options, ways to meet those needs, to quit building outward and start adapting within.
Marohn said instead of seeing an influx of peopel moving from out of state or more metropolitan areas to your city as a problem, embrace them, bring them into the city. Encourage them to fill in those areas that aren’t in use, aren’t filled, already exist, or where smaller operations can utilize existing infrastructure, enhance property values and meet needs.
The presentation lasted about 1 1/2 hours, allowed time for a few questions for the audience then featured opportunities for community members to speak briefly with Marohn when purchase his book “Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution To rebuild American Prosperity,” or his newest publication, “Confessions of a Recovering Engineer.”
Neal Barker read “Strong Towns” while working more at home during the pandemic, liked what he read so he looked more into the topic, and reached out to Marohn when his representatives noted he would be available to begin public engagement again.
Texas Farm Credit and KSBR, LLC., are sponsoring food from Haystacks. The City of Sulphur Springs also assisted in the effort to make the speaking engagement possible. Barker credited the City of Sulphur Springs, Clarion Pointe Hotel, The Venue at 219 and Lonnie Fox DJ Services are all contributing to make this event possible.
Marohn offers tips, courses, a blog and podcasts on building small towns, based on his observations and experiences in the industry, on the website for the organization dedicated to this topic, www.strongtowns.org
Round 2 of the Jettrim IJSBA World Finals begins October 6
Jettribe is excited to be packing-up for the upcoming historical 2021 40th Anniversary Jettrim IJSBA World Finals October 6-10. The race serves as Round 2 of the WGP #1 Jet Ski World Series. Jettribe will be an Official Gear Sponsor of the WGP #1 Jet Ski World Series.
The World Finals started in 1981, with the help of OEM brands like Kawasaki, to create affiliated events for the watercraft industry for better and safer racing. The first races took place in Lake Havasu. The city of Lake Havasu states they are proud to host the event each year. Every year hundreds of riders from all over the world prepare and train for this championship competition.
Special thanks to Scott Frazier and past IJSBA Presidents for bringing the PWC Racing sport to where it is today. We are excited to see how the sport will continue to grow over the next 40 years!
