Jim McLeroy Celebrated For 30 Years Of Service As City Attorney
Longtime Sulphur Springs City Attorney Jim McLeroy was celebrated for his 30 years of service to the City of Sulphur Springs at a retirement reception Wednesday evening at The Venue.
McLeroy notified city officials earlier in the year of his plans to retire at the end of 2021, giving city officials time to find a replacement, and time for him to work with that individual for a few months to make the transition as seamless as possible.
City Manager Marc Maxwell said McLeroy’s service to the city and value to him personally go far beyond his legal duties as city attorney.
“The value of a good attorney goes way beyond the courtroom,” Maxwell said. “We’ve been to district court a couple of time and to federal court a couple of times. He’s a fantastic attorney. The true value in an attorney is in the wisdom that keeps you from getting there in the first place. It keeps you from stepping on landmines in general. I cannot thank you enough for your wisdom, your friendship. Speaking for myself and I’m sure the rest of the city council and citizens, you are going to be missed.”
“Thank you all for the last 30 years of support I have received,” McLeroy said. “Part of the job they don’t tell you about is you take bullets for the council and staff but they have your back as well. These guys have always had my back. These council members that are here, council members that are here and have served on previous councils, they are the strength that lets this position exist. I have had the opportunity to assist Marc in various things. Marc says that I have saved him a few times, and maybe I have, but he’s saved me a few times as well. It’s been a good relationships where we’ve had each others’ back and take care of each other.”
McLeroy said over the last 30 years, the city has enjoyed progress and growth – evident by the downtown area, which he said looked much like a ghost town at one point.
“I am proud to be in this building. I am proud to be next door to the McLeroy building, proud to be on Main Street that 20 years ago didn’t look anything like it looks today,” McLeroy said.
He credited that progress to City Council members and officials for having the vision to start long term projects, as well as the leadership of Maxwell and council members over the years. Sulphur Springs has been blessed with dedicated employees who remained with the city long term.
When asked recently what he sees as the mark of a good council member, McLeroy said longevity and consistency, which provides the kind of leadership that allows you to build toward the horizon. He said this is evident by comparing Greenville and Paris to Sulphur Springs, those cities’ planning is more short-term, with goals only about 3 years to 90 days. Neither, he noted, have the continuity that Sulphur Springs has had. Both reflect the frequent change in direction.
He encouraged those present to continue to plan with that same kind of continuity, growth and vision – focusing on the horizon instead of what’s right in front of them. That, McLeroy said, has made Sulphur Springs successful, different from other nearby cities, some that have more resources, but don’t have the same vision.
McLeroy concluded by offering thanks to everyone for their continued work, attendance and “putting up with me for 30 years.” He said although he will no longer serve as city attorney, he will still be around. His family still has a farm in Hopkins County, south of town.
Friends, family and community members were invited to the event, which featured mini lox stock bagels, spinach and artichoke dip, All American salad, and street tacos from Haystacks, and beverages served by Muddy Jake’s Sports Grille and Pub. Overall, about 40 attended to toast the retiring city attorney.
Instead of a card, those attending were invited to write retirement wishes on the border around a photo of Sulphur Springs Municipal Building, which will be framed for McLeroy to enjoy as a keepsake.
HCSO: Marijuana, Methamphetamine And Pills Found During Traffic Stop
Marijuana, methamphetamine and pills were reportedly found during a West Industrial Drive traffic stop Tuesday night, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Zack Steward and Justin Wilkerson reported stopping a Ford F150 pickup at 8:09 p.m. Dec. 28, 2021, for failing to signal 100 feet prior to a turn on West Industrial Drive at South Broadway Street. On contact, they noticed the driver appeared nervous, with shaking hands. The officers alleged she exhibited signs of bruxism, a condition commonly associated with narcotics usage.
Deputies collected the woman’s Ohio driver’s license as well as the ID of the male passenger. A records check showed the woman had been arrested previously in Hopkins County on a controlled substance charge. When asked, she denied there was anything illegal in the truck and agreed to let the officers search it. They found evidence to the contrary, a zipper bag with a green leafy substance they believed to be marijuana, a small bag with a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine, and three different types of pills.
The woman and passenger were detained. She agreed to talk to deputies and claimed the contraband. Monica Jane “M.J.” Groves was taken into custody and the truck was released to the passenger. The three pills was identified at the sheriff’s office and the crystal-like substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 3.38 grams, including packaging.
Consequently, the 37-year-old Cooper woman was booked into Hopkins County jail at 9:43 p.m. Dec. 28, 2021, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Groves was released from Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, on a $30,000 bond on the third-degree felony charge.
Jail records also show Groves was booked into then released from the county jail on a $5,000 bond on Oct. 26, 2021, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Wildcats Basketball Drops Final Game in Allen Tournament to Mesquite Horn
The men’s basketball team lost their final game in the Allen Holiday Tournament to Mesquite Horn 58-50 on Wednesday, Dec. 29.
Sulphur Springs got ahead early thanks to the shooting from the starting five for the Wildcats as Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad took a 21-14 lead heading in to the second.
The men’s basketball team struggled in the second when the Jags installed the full-court press. Kordrick Turner was the lone scorer in the second quarter with five points.
While Turner was joined in scoring by Caleb Alexander and Malachi Myles, Mesquite Horn kept the points flowing as they headed in to the fourth quarter with a 41-38 lead.
While Coach Shaver’s squad was able to sink some buckets in the final quarter, Sulphur Springs for the third straight quarter was outscored, this time 17-12 to lose their final contest in the Allen Tournament 58-50 to Mesquite Horn.
Sulphur Springs missed a couple of players in the tourney. Justin Haire did not play in the holiday tournament, Jermain Cleveland did not travel with the team and Branson Lynn missed most of the third quarter with a head injury. Lynn later returned to the tourney contest.
Kordrick Turner scored nearly half of the Wildcats’ points in 24, followed by Alexander with 11. Parker Whisenhunt and Lynn finished with two field goals and Myles rounded out scoring for Sulphur Springs with three.
The loss to the Jags is the second straight for Sulphur Springs, the first two-game losing streak on the season for the Wildcats in Coach Shaver’s tenure. Wednesday’s loss to Mesquite Horn drops the men’s basketball team’s season record to 17-7 (1-0 district).
Wildcats basketball takes the rest of the week off before resuming district action next Tuesday on the road at Coach Shaver’s previous gig in Pine Tree.
That contest is set to tip-off on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 6:15 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.
Wildcats Soccer Falls to Jacksonville 4-2
The men’s soccer team lost their second straight scrimmage, falling to Jacksonville 4-2 at home on Tuesday, Dec. 28.
Wildcats soccer were able to put in two goals versus a talented Indians squad, but it proved not to be enough as they fell by two goals to Jacksonville.
Another issue for Coach Alexi Upton’s team were defensive errors, which proved to be costly in the scrimmage loss to the Indians.
Angel Andino and Uriel Santacruz both scored goals unassisted for Sulphur Springs.
The second-straight loss for Wildcats soccer puts their scrimmage record now at 4-2-1.
Coach Alexi Upton and his team look to return to their winning ways when they take on Wylie East again at Gerald Prim Stadium on Friday.
The New Year’s Eve match-up kicks off with JV2/freshman at 1 P.M. followed by the JV and varsity at 2:30 P.M. and 4:30 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.
A Year in Review – Master Wellness Volunteers
By Johanna Hicks, Family & Community Health AgriLife Agent for Hopkins County, [email protected]
As we gear up for the new year, I wanted to share another Extension component that has reached thousands of people – the Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteer initiative. But first, here’s a brief description:
Primary program areas for Family & Community (FCH) agents are health, nutrition, family well-being, and food safety. There are numerous programs available for implementing at the county level. However, there is a limit to the amount of programming one person can implement. Volunteers contribute greatly to the FCH program and can further extend education into the community.
A group of trained volunteers serve as advocates for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and substantially increase the scope and impact of the FCH program. The Master Wellness Volunteer program provides volunteers with 40 hours of health and nutrition education. In return, volunteers give back 40 hours of service during the first year and 10 or more hours each year thereafter.
RESPONSE
- Seven planning meetings
- Eight issues of Volunteer Connection newsletter
- Professional development opportunities provided
- Three recognition events given to honor Master Wellness Volunteers
- Nine trained volunteers contributed 796.25 hours in 2021, reaching 4,854 individuals
RESULTS
Master Wellness Volunteers served as presenters in the following:
- Summer Youth Day Camp session
- Head Start Walk & Talk Nutrition sessions
- Annual Christmas Joys Holiday program
- Leadership Advisory Board meeting reports for MWV’s
- Retired Teachers program
- Walk Across Texas (served as team captains)
- Walk Through Texas History (served as team captains)
Planning meetings and assistance:
- Hopkins County Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest
- Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series (registration, survey distribution, refreshments)
- Cooking Well with Diabetes series (tray preparations/assistance, registration survey distribution)
- Marketing for programs
- 4-H Foods Project meetings
- 4-H Clothing project meetings
- Food Drives
- Ag-in-the-Classroom
- Summer youth day camp
Networking:
- Dress a Girl Around the World
- Stitchin’ Heaven
- Senior Citizen’s Meal-a-Day
Other:
- Covered front Extension lobby in absence of secretary
- Researched ideas for youth camp programs
Value of volunteer hours: $22,746.38
Future Plans
The 2022 Master Wellness Volunteer Training cohort being offered state-wide will be held in Hopkins County. Plans are to hold the first and last meetings face-to-face, and obtain frequent contact with participants throughout the training series. Upon passing the certification exam, they will be notified of opportunities to provide service.
If you or someone you know would like to participate in the 2022 training, please call my office at 903-885-3443 and I’ll provide the registration information. The first face-to-face training day is Jan. 18, at the Extension Office.
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County, may contacted at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; at 903-885-3443; or at [email protected].
Chamber Connection – Dec. 29: Grand Opening, Business Before Hours, Banquet Scheduled During First Week Of January 2022
By Butch Burney
As 2021 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Chamber Directory
Work is continuing on the 2022 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
Business Before Hours
One Church will be hosting a Business Before Hours on Wednesday, Jan. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. It is a great time to connect with others in the business and social community. There will be breakfast refreshments available. Please make time to join us Jan. 5 at One Church, 1400 Loop 301.
Ribbon Cutting
Rythmic Productions Music Company will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting at noon, Friday, Jan. 7, at 1217 South Broadway, Suite Q. Please join us for this event!
Law Enforcement/First Responders Banquet
The annual Law Enforcement/First Responders Banquet is set for Thursday, Jan. 6, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, where we will say “Thank you” to the men and women who serve and protect us on a daily basis. If your business would like to be a sponsor and/or provide a door prize to go to our local heroes, please contact us at 903-885-6515 or [email protected].
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Dec. 29 is Snap Fitness. You can see more photos and read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Lady Cats Soccer Bested By State Champ Midlothian Heritage, 8-0
Lady Cats soccer team travelled to the DFW metroplex on Tuesday, Dec. 28, taking on a talented Midlothian Heritage squad and losing 8-0.
The women’s varsity squad were missing some key starters in their Tuesday pre-season contest with the state champion Lady Jags.
Coach Javier Aguayo, Lady Cats soccer coach, said that the girls that went out there worked very hard throughout the game.
The women’s soccer coach said that wins are always good but we learn more from losses.
Sulphur Springs’ loss to Midlothian Heritage drops the Lady Cats soccer team’s scrimmage record to 3-3-1.
The Lady Cats will see if they can rebound from the tough loss in the DFW metroplex when they return home to take on Palestine on Thursday.
Coach Aguayo said he looks forward to a great match.
Sulphur Springs hosts Palestine on Thursday, Dec. 30 at noon (JV) and 2 P.M. (varsity).
On Saturday, Jan. 1 women’s soccer hosts their annual alumni game at 2 P.M. also at Gerald Prim Stadium.
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.
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed For Second Time This Year For Violating Probation
A 40-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed for the second time this year on a warrant for violating his probation, according to arrest and jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro reported seeing Cory Frank Horton, a man he knew to be wanted, driving a Nissan Altima and stopped him. After having him step out of the car, Castro advised Horton of the warrant and took him into custody. The car was released to the passenger, according to arrest reports.
Horton was booked into Hopkins County jail for the second time this year on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. He was also jailed March 27-April 16, 2021, on the charge as well as a Smith County warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for indecent exposure-adult, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Wildcats Basketball Goes 1-1 in Day Two of Allen Holiday Tournament
Tuesday, Dec. 28 was a busy one for the men’s basketball team, taking on two tough opponents in Rowlett and Frisco Memorial.
In the first match against Rowlett, Sulphur Springs jumped out to a 16-7 lead thanks to scoring from Parker Whisenhunt and Caleb Alexander, who finished with 22 and 16, respectively.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad wound up ahead of the Eagles 25-18 after one thanks to the aforementioned sharp shooters.
The game opened up in the second with both teams scoring 17+ as the Wildcats lead 47-35 at the half.
Rowlett continued their scoring ways in the second half, continuously chipping away at Sulphur Springs’ lead to pull within 10 heading in to the fourth. Coach Shaver’s team struggled to sink free throws in the second half which would have changed the complexion of the game, and the Eagles cashed in on the opportunity to pull the game within five late.
A clutch three from Branson Lynn sealed the victory for the Wildcats as Sulphur Springs edged the Eagles 70-67.
After Whisenhunt and Alexander, Lynn was up next in scoring for the men’s basketball team with 12. Cason Arrington finished with nine, followed by Kordrick Turner who got seven in the first half.
Malachi Myles and Jackson Darrow rounded out scoring for the Wildcats with four points between the two of them.
After the win over Rowlett, Coach Shaver’s team took a break before taking on Frisco Memorial for the second game on the day.
The Warriors, according to last week’s TABC rankings are #7 in 5A.
They showed exactly why early, taking a big 22-9 lead heading in to the second quarter.
Frisco Memorial continued to show their offensive prowess in the second. Luckily for Coach Shaver’s squad, shots started to fall for Sulphur Springs as the Wildcats were only outscored by one, 22-21.
The men’s basketball team fought tooth-and-nail to keep up with the top-10 ranked Warriors but fell 82-69 to close out day two of the Allen tournament.
A back-and-forth affair to the finish, the Wildcats fought for three quarters to chip in to the Warriors lead, but each time Sulphur Springs began to shift the momentum Frisco Memorial took it right back.
Four Wildcats finished in double digits:
- Caleb Alexander — 17
- Kordrick Turner — 15
- Parker Whisenhunt — 12
- Cason Arrington — 11
Brandon Lynn wrapped up day two with a six point game against Frisco Memorial. Malachi Myles and Jackson Darrow got four and three, respectively. Bull Turner notched a free throw in the fourth.
The 1-1 day two performance puts the Wildcats basketball team’s season record at 17-6 (1-0 district).
Coach Shaver and his men’s basketball team close out their participation in the Allen Holiday tournament on Wednesday, Dec. 29.
Their final contest pits the Wildcats against Mesquite Horn in the Auxiliary Gym at 12:30 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.
Construction of Fitness Court Enters Next Phase
Construction of a fitness court in Pacific Park enters the second phase this week with additional ground work. Crews were out working Tuesday morning, cementing a blue layer of the project to the concrete foundation. The project should really start taking off, now that the foundation has had the requisite month to set.
The concrete slab for the fitness court had been poured by Nov. 29, 2021, and is required to set for 28 days before any additional work can commence. Crews had begun taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather on Dec. 28, 2021, to begin the next phase of construction on the fitness court.
“This is an outdoor gym that offers free fitness opportunities to any residents and visitors and is fully accessible for all ages and abilities,” Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski explained during a July 2021 City Council meeting.
The City of Sulphur Springs applied for and received a $25,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign to construct a fitness court. After an evaluation of the city’s park facilities, the appreciable improvements planned at Pacific Park made it the recommended location for an Outdoor Fitness Court.
The outdoor fitness court is among several updates and renovations identified by the community for Pacific Park during the planning process for an updated Parks and Recreation Open Space Master Plan for city recreational facilities.
Pacific Park Renovations
Sulphur Springs voters in November 2019 approved funding for Pacific Park renovations as well as a new Senior Citizens Center to be constructed on Oak Avenue. Construction of a new Grays Building using that funding was completed in June 2021, along with new sidewalks around the building and front facing parking spaces.
On August 27, 2020, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Commission approved the City of Sulphur Springs’ grant request for $1.5 million, with a $750,000 match contribution from the city. The TPWD grant will go toward additional renovations in Pacific Park. Crews have already worked on some drainage issues around the park.
New playground equipment, ordered through BuyBoard purchasing cooperative, is reported to be in. The area has to be prepared and weather hold for that project to move forward. The $245,000 project designed by MHS Planning & Design and provided by Whirlix was preferred by 84 percent of community members who responded to a March 2021 online survey.
Additional improvements planned at Pacific Park include the basketball pavilion and new restrooms. Walking paths and landscaping are expected to follow thereafter. Funding permitting, city officials are hoping to be able to irrigate the park so that it will continue to be lush like Celebration Plaza.
Senior Citizens Center
Construction of a new activity building for senior citizens using the voter approved funding has been on hold for several months, first due to skyrocketing costs of materials which have contractors holding off bidding on projects and others guaranteeing prices only for a week. Availability of construction crews too has had another impact on construction projects, putting some contractors behind schedule. The city made the decision to hold off for a little while in the hope that construction costs, especially for steel and lumber, stabilize soon. Now, the city is holding off as an application is being prepared for submission for yet another grant.
A Texas Community Resiliency Program grant from Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs would allow the City of Sulphur Springs to not only enlarge the new Senior Citizens Center building to be constructed on 301 Oak Ave. If fully funded at the requested amount, the new design plan would include all wish list items for the new facility,
The city accepted proposals for grant administration services for the project through 10 a.m. today (Nov. 30). During the regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 7, the City Council agreed to contract with KSBR LLC for grant writing services at a rate of 13% of the Community Resiliency Program grant. The city plans to apply for $1.5 million in grant funding, which would double the total project budget. That should not only cover additional costs of materials but also allow the city to increase the size of the new senior citizens center building from about 8,500 square-feet to about 11,000-square feet. That, Niewiadomski noted, is “kind of what our desired output was from the onset, but due to budget constraints we had to reduce things to try to make it work.”
