A Special Day – Possibly New Traditions – For SSHS Seniors
A formal commencement ceremony is scheduled next Friday evening to officially signal the end of the Sulphur Springs Class of 2021’s high school education. The Sulphur Springs senior class also enjoyed one last chance to hang out together as a class during Senior Shut-Out Friday. However, Sulphur Springs High School spent Thursday celebrating the 12th graders’ successes with honors and awards programs and activities all day Thursday, including a few new activities that class sponsors said could become new senior traditions.
Things kicked off Thursday morning with the annual Honors Breakfast, a long-standing tradition to honor the graduates ranked in the top 10 percent of the SSHS senior class and to allow each honor graduate to recognize a special teacher or education who has impacted his or her life. The day concluded with an academic awards program during which scholarships are presented and outstanding students are recognized.
What wasn’t traditional was having the SSHS students take complete responsibility for the morning program, nor was the time and name of the awards program. Everything in between was a new, one born out of necessity and the others designed as fun ways to celebrate the SSHS seniors’ accomplishments in graduating and plans for the next chapter of life, and allow the other students to help.
Breakfast Preparation
Students from multiple career and technology classes did a fabulous job collaborating to make the Honors Breakfast a unique and special occasion for this year’s top 10 percent.
Christina Davis’ interior design classes decorated and planned the event, utilizing prepared contributions from the several other CTE programs, to turn the Civic Center
Heath Gammill’s construction provided center pieces Lyndsey Arthur’s plant science classes put together. The students moved the podium and from it’s traditional location and turned the room around, replacing the old long connected tables with round tables and chairs in the Civic Center Exhibit Hall.
Jordan Owen’s digital communications videoed and put the speakers and recipients on the big screens to make the “stage” area visible to even those seated at the tables farthest from the podium and handled all media matters.
Megan Tingle’s design and multimedia classes constructed programs with not only the order of program but also with a page for each of this year’s honor graduate including a photo, the college the honoree plans to attend, their major and school logo, why their teacher was chosen and a list of their activities, awards they have received and honors. The program also included the school alma mater, district and campus officials and credit to Alliance Bank for sponsoring the breakfast.
Lyndsay Palmer’s culinary classes prepared the quiche on each plate as well as fruits, muffins and breakfast sweets that graced each table for honorees and school officials to choose from, eliminating the serving lines of the past.
Drinks were available at a table near the front door, but the arrangement reduced the need for additional social distancing measures a traditional serving line would have required. All food was on the honoree’s table to choose from, with the main course, a spinach quiche, already on a plate at each place at the table.
Senior Walk, Signing Day
SSHS Counselor and senior sponsors adapted the Reach Higher initiative promoted by Michelle Obama to encourage everyone to reach higher for our young people. Obama’s initiative encouraged all SSISD students to complete there education and reach past high school. Schools and communities were encouraged to hold “college signing days” to celebrate students’ decisions to pursue higher education for better opportunities in competitive economy.
In the past, SSHS has held signing days for athletes who will be playing sports for colleges an universities, and band students selected to perform as part of marching bands, ensembles and other groups at schools of higher education. Family and consumer science teachers and Texas AgriLife Extension have even partnered to host FCS signing days for students who will be continuing their education in related fields.
This year, the SSHS counselors utilized the room reserved at the Civic Center for the 7 a.m. Honors Breakfast and evening Senior Awards program to host a signing day and class sponsors organized a Senior Walk.
The Senior Walk began around 1 p.m., with all seniors who were interested encouraged to sign up to board a bus to visit one of district’s elementary campuses. Approximately 130 SSHS seniors met in the high school library during the noon hour with their caps and gowns to participate. Where possible, students who attended SSISD for their elementary years were able to sign up to visit their former primary or elementary campus. Because not all schools had an even number of students signed up to visit, some students volunteers and others were assigned to the various campuses.
Wearing caps and gowns, they then walked the halls at a primary or elementary campus, which were lined with students and teachers. Some younger students made signs and held them up, letting the seniors know how proud they were of them for completing high school, to offer congratulations and bests wishes on their next endeavors.
The younger students were excited to see the seniors, reaching out hands for a passing touch from the seniors, as if greeting rock stars or celebrities as they arrived at a concert of major event. The elementary students then went back to classes where seniors greeted them to offer encouragement for that they too can reach graduation and achieve whatever future goal they desire with hard work and determination. The seniors answered any questions the students might have for the graduates and even accepted a few hugs and joined in a quick class activity or two, including a dance and song in a primary music class.
The seniors then loaded back onto their buses, where they were destined to take a walk at middle school, to offer even more words of encouragement and support for the students in grades 6-8.
Afterward, the seniors then returned at roughly 3 p.m. to the SSHS campus, where they then made a stroll through their halls, a reminder to the 9th-11th graders that they too can achieve their goals, graduate and continue their education or use certifications they have earned in high school to go to work. A small section from the band greeted the seniors as they stepped off the bus onto the sidewalk to reenter the campus. The cheerleaders lined entryway as the seniors entered the building, still in caps and gowns, forming a cheering line of welcome for them to walk through.
Some students and staff members had stepped into the halls to welcome the seniors, clapping and shaking noise makers in celebration of the seniors accomplishment. Afterward, the students then again exited through the same door on the gray day and were greeted by a number of parents and family members who stood to cheer on the seniors with signs, cheering and clapping as they made their way to the Civic Center.
Not even infrequent rain dampened the seniors’ enthusiasm on their special day as they dodged puddles, streams of water and mist and light precipitation as they traveled in a sea of blue gowns to the Civic Center for “Signing Day.”
The room had been preconformed from their earlier configuration at the Honors Breakfast. Tables were organized around the perimeter of the room with college logos with seniors’ names below them adorning the wall behind them.
On each table were stickers with college logos which the students were encouraged to write their names on. The seniors then stuck their name on the “SSHS Class of 2021 Wall of Graduates,” a huge poster on the wall to the left of the main stage, a tangible sign of the students’ choices to “reach higher.”
Some parents and families joined their graduates at the SSHS “Signing Day” event to show excitement for their children’s future choices. Many took pictures of their graduates, quite a few who remained in their graduation caps and gowns to “sign” with their future school or training program. Each senior then stuck the sticker with their name and school on the Wall of Graduates. Several students went together to do their signing at the same time to show solidarity and excitement that each will be going to the same school. Others looked for stickers for their chosen school and placed their stickers together, forming a few small clusters. Parents and students were encouraged to document the signing and the students’ official place on the Wall of Graduates with photos.
Those attending and participating were encouraged to wear college, university, trade school and military t-shirts and apparel to show support for the senior’s school of choice or their own alma maters.
A video was composed showing students talking about their post secondary career choices, whether to attend a professional training program, a community college, four year-college or university, or a branch of the US Armed Forces. The video then played on multiple screens located in the Civic Center Exhibit Hall room.
The SSHS College and Career Director and counselors handed out cords for various designations the students will wear with their caps and gowns during graduation Friday evening, May 28, at Gerald Prim Stadium
As the students waited for the Senior Awards program, counselors announced that there was still a little bit of money leftover in the fund and began drawing names, with various amounts awarded to the seniors – but they had to be present to claim the funds when their name was called.
Awards Ceremony
Typically, the annual awards program is held at 7 p.m. on the same day as the Honors Breakfast. The Annual Academic/Scholarship Awards Ceremony has often taken place in the SSHS Auditorium at the Civic Center and has been held in the gymnasium a few times and in recent years. The ceremony also in many years has included recognition of other SSHS students earning academic honors throughout the year, including participants and students earning UIL and band contests and who made the Honor Rolls.
Over the years, the program has been paired down to include mostly scholarship announcements and recognition of students earning high academic honors. This year’s program was a Senior Awards Ceremony which included presentation of scholarships and recognition of the Class of 2021 Honor Graduates and UIL scholars, and senior state academic UIL qualifiers.
Due to a scheduling conflict with the intended venue, the ceremony was held in the Civic Center Exhibit Hall, configured to accommodate presenters for the awards ceremony, held at 4:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.
SSHS Students Receive More Than $3.1 Million In Scholarships, Awards
Sulphur Springs High School seniors have received more than $3.1 million in scholarships and financial awards, which were announced during Thursday afternoon’s Senior Awards Ceremony. The 27 SSHS 12th graders ranked in the top 10 percent of the graduating seniors were also all recognized as UIL scholars.
Nearly half of the amount announced Thursday, an estimated $1.5 million, went to students planning to enter the military. Freddy Botello, Quincey Chisom, Zachary Hunter and Logan McClung plans to enter the United States Marine Corps; and Freddie Gomez and Andrea Munoz will be serving in the Texas Army National Guard. Awards for those enlisting to serve their country range in amount from $150,000 to $180,000, depending on each individual’s goals, duty assignment and training.
Tammy Carrol presented three Sgt. Tanner Stone Higgins Military Scholarships in honor of the 2007 SSHS graduate who paid the ultimate price defending his country and men in his unit while serving his country as an Army Ranger. Zachary Hunter was awarded a $300 Sgt. Higgins award, Andrea Munoz a $700 award, and Logan McClung a $1,000 award. Each will receive the Higgins Military Scholarship, upon completion of basic training. Hunter is slated to begin training in July, Munoz August and McClung June 1.
Eight students collectively amassed $280,211 in athletic scholarships, Aiken Owen to play baseball at East Texas Baptist University, Lamodrick Johnson to place basketball at Concordia Univesity, D’Andre Peoples to play football at McPherson College, Somjai Pryor to play football at Kansas Wesleyan University, Kip Childress to play golf at ETBU, Grant Mohesky to play golf at the University of Arkansas- Monticello, Nylah Lindley to play softball at Tuskegee University and Sadie Washburn to play volleyball at Dallas Baptist University.
DBU awarded Sadie Washburn $72,000 in scholarships, a $12,000 Christian Service Scholarship and a $60,000 Academic Scholarship
Aiken Owen was awarded $54,000 in scholarship by ETBU, including a $14,000 Christian Leadership Scholarship and a $40,000 ETBU Honor Scholarship. Kip Childress was awarded $58,000 in scholarship, including an $18,000 Christian Leadership Scholarship and an ETBU Honor Scholarship.
Rounding out the list of SSHS students ETBU awarded scholarships to is salutatorian Nathan Kendall Little, who received $82,000 in scholarship from ETBU. Kendall Little received an $18,000 Christian Leadership Scholarship and a $64,000 Presidential Diamond Scholarship. That’s $194,000 in scholarships ETBU awarded to the SSHS Class of 2021 this year.
Kendall Little and David Moreno received a $500 Northeast Texas Chapter 416 Air Force Association Earle North Parker Essay Contest Scholarship. Kendall Little also received one of six $2,850 Attlesey Gamblin Scholarships awarded Thursday night, a $5,000 Central Baptist Church Ministry Scholarship, the $500 Tommy Starrett Memorial Scholarship and one of two $250 Pace Scholarships awarded May 22.
Bryson Bullington awarded Little and Morgan Price each with a $2,500 Chick-Fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarship, noting that each has been with the Sulphur Springs restaurant since it opened; they are among $7,500 students across the country who collectively were awarded $19 million in scholarships from the Chick-Fil-A.
Texas A&M University-Commerce awarded $173,286 to SSHS seniors. Maci Swafford received $44,527 in scholarships: a $927 Chip and Susan Harper Endowmen, a $16,000 Presidential scholarship and a $27,600 Honors College Scholarship from TAMUC.
Zoe Westlund received $52,00 in scholarships from TAMUC – a $16,000 Presidential Scholarship and a $36,000 Honors College Scholarship.
TAMCU awarded Janine Yamaguchi $31,200 in scholarships, a $27,200 Honors College Scholarship and a $4,000 Blue and Gold Freshman Scholarship.
Cheyenne Fouse was awarded $18,359 in scholarships from TAMUC, a $687 Graham M. Johnson Endowment, a $745 Hopkins County Endowment, a $927 Chip and Susan Harper Endowment and a $16,000 Presidential Scholarship.
TAMUC $1,600 Cheerleading Scholarships went to Jaci Lappin and Kameya Stribling. Lappin and Abigail Owens each received a $2,000 Blue and Gold Freshman Scholarship. Receiving $4,000 Blue and Gold Freshmen Scholarships from TAMUC were awarded to Jacqueline Olivo, Brayden Wooten and Harlieigh Stegient, and Tyler Cooper received an $8,000 Blue and Gold Freshman Scholarship. Tyler Cooper also received a $500 Faulk Company Scholarship.
Trinity University awarded valedictorian Matthew Harper a $120,000 Murchison Scholarship.
Southern Methodist University awarded Mariam Tran a $120,000 SMU Provost Scholarship. Tran also received one of four $1,000 Rotary Club Scholarships, a $2,500 Jim Tucker Memorial Golf Scholarship, a $1,000 Northern Texas Professional Golfers’ Association Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship and a $1,000 Jan James Memorial Golf Scholarship.
The John and Deborah Gillis Foundation awarded $160,000 in scholarships to five SSHS seniors from among the 70 students who applied for the scholarship. Recipients of the $32,000 Bright Star Scholarships, which can be used for up to eight semesters over the course of four years are Miriam Tran, Paige Daniel, Corde Mayo, Landry Meskimen, Madlyn Posey.
Landry Meskimen, Zachary Davis, Kaden Kirkland, Lucas Lantz, Straton Salvarino and Koben Wyly each received $150 Dial Study Club Scholarships. Meskimen received a $28,000 Oklahoma State University Scholarship. Kirkland also was awarded a $1,000 Martin Resource Management Corporation Scholarship
Tim Glenn presented five City National Bank Scholarships given in memory of Randy Hall. Meskimen and Kaden Wallace each received a $1,000 scholarship, while Lizabeth Alvarez, Annie Horton and Corde Mayo each received a $2,000 scholarship.
Madelyn Posey, Lizabeth Alvarez and Savannah Allen each received a $2,000 SSISD Education Foundation Scholarships. Posey also was awarded a $48,000 Hagan Scholarship, a $1,000 Rotary Club Scholarship and a $250 PACE Scholarship.
Corde Mayo, Lizbeth Alvarez, Rylan Brewer, Daniel Soto and Rorie Young each received one of six $2,850 Attlesey Gamblin Scholarships.
Soto also received a $750 Texas Business Professionals of America Scholarship and a $500 Perry F. Bradley III Scholarship. Texas A&M University awarded Soto a $2,000 Community Connection Scholarship, a $500 Tuition Support Award, a $2,500 Texas Student Housing Authority Scholarship and a $4,000 A&M Aggie Bound Scholarship.
Receiving a $1,500 Perry F. Bradley Jr. Scholarship was Caroline Hurley, and Austin McCain received a $1,500 Skills USA Scholarship.
Sam Houston State University also awarded Rorie Young a $16,000 Honor Scholarship, a $3,000 Bearkat Promise Award, a $12,000 Dan and Jean Rather Scholarship and a $3,000 Federal Work-Study Award.
Rylan Brewer and Rorie Young each were awarded a $500 Sulphur Springs Soccer Association Tommy Long-Weldon Faulks Soccer Scholarship.
Corde Mayo and Annie Horton each received a $3,000 Ceely Blair Stout Memorial Scholarship. Mayo and Hannah Shultz each received a $1,000 Rotary Club Scholarship. Shultz received a $200 Thyler Reppond Memorial Theatre Scholarship while Rorie Young received a $400 Reppond Memorial Theatre Scholarship.
Rylan Brewer, Corde Mayo, Lexi Colley and Maurie Flecker each received a $1,000 Lions Club Scholarship. Lexi Colley and Enrique Torres benefitted from a $5,000 Jo McCain Trust Scholarship.
Mayo received an additional $8,000 Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Scholarship and SSHS Assistant Principal Vanessa Abron awarded Corde Mayo a $1,000 Helen Ewing Ditto – True Grit Award for overcoming adversity and embodying the spirit of Helen Ewing Ditto, who died at age 94, after overcoming many challenges while caring for her family.
Lexi Colley also received a $1,000 Clayton and Graves Scholarship, and Texas Tech awarded Colley a $2,500 Scholarship and a $4,000 Texas Merit Scholarship.
Maurie Flecker and Savannah Allen each received a $1,000 Sterling and Eva Beckham Memorial Scholarship.
NETLA awarded to scholarships, $2,000 to Annie Horton and $2,500 to Savannah Allen. Horton also receive da $2,000 Wayne Parker Memorial Scholarship and a $500 Bobby McDonald Memorial Scholarship. Danny Cavanaugh also awarded Annie Horton with a $2,000 Never Ever Give Up “NEGU” Scholarship given in memory of Micah Reed, because the youth despite battling cancer never gave up.
Allen also received a $6,000 State Fair of Texas Scholarship, a $1,000 Texas Farm Bureau Scholarship, a $500 Texas A&M Agricultural Extension Office Janie Crump Memorial Scholarship, a $20,000 Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarship, a $5,000 Legacy Ag Credit Scholarship and a $1,500 Hopkins-Rains Soil and Water Conservation District Scholarship.
Lizbeth Alvarez received a $1,000 Landon Brody Dyer Memorial Scholarship, a $500 Hopkins-Rains County Retired School Personnel Scholarship and a $750 Junior Waverly Club scholarship. Texas A&M University also awarded Alvarez with a $1,000 Community Connection Scholarship, a $1,000 TAMU Opportunity Scholarship and a $12,000 TAMU Tuition Support Award.
Dequarian “Boo” Wilkerson and Mia Hicks received $1,000 Coca-Cola Scholarships. Book Wilkerson was awarded a $1,500 Kiwanis Club Scholarship, and received Oklahoma State University’s $32,000 Out of State Achievement Scholarship and a $3,000 Pete Pledge Scholarship.
Baylor University awarded Matthew Singleton an $18,000 Dean’s Scholarship, a $1,000 Event Participation Scholarship and a $12,200 General Scholarship.
Kayley Ashley was awarded at $20,000 Excellence North Texas Scholarship and a $14,750 Persevere Until Success Happens (PUSH) Program Scholarship from the University of North Texas.
The University of Oklahoma awarded John Wiley Bennett with a $56,000 Award of Excellence Scholarship.
Trinity Sherman received a $24,000 University of Texas McCombs Dean’s Level Scholarship.
A $250 Peggy Reynolds Dallas Morning News Scholarship, a $750 Charles McCauley Scholarship and a $500 Patsy Bolton Scholarship were awarded to Tristen Stewart.
Amy Griggs presented Price Griggs with a $1,000 Teen Court of Hopkins County Scholarship.
A $750 Sulphur Springs Band Booster Scholarship was awarded to Camden Beard.
Caitlynn Monaghen received the $500 Judy Tipping Legacy Scholarship.
Camden Fuller was awarded a $250 Region 8 Education Service Center Employee Scholarship.
Harleigh Stegient received a Grocery Supply Company Scholarship.
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.
SSHS Athletic Director Greg Owens Announces Winners of Gregg MVP and Cameron Fighting Heart Awards
During events at SSHS Thursday (May 20), Athletic Director Greg Owens announced the 2020-2021 winners of the Forrest Gregg MVP Award and the James Cameron Fighting Heart Award.
Two Wildcats and a Lady Cat received the Gregg MVP Award: Nylah Lindley, Kaden Wallace and Ryan Carrillo.
Lindley was a standout in volleyball, basketball and softball. Softball accolades have not yet been announced but Lindley was 1st Team All District in Basketball and Honorable Mention and Academic All-District in Volleyball. She will be attending Tuskegee University in Alabama, where she will play softball.
Kaden Wallace was called a joy to coach. Wallace was the unanimous 1st Team All District DH in Baseball and was selected as the Wildcats’ team Co-MVP. Wallace was also 2nd Team All-District in Football. It was noted he overcame a major injury in football this year proving his toughness and desire to compete.
Ryan Carrillo was 1st Team All-District at linebacker and a State Powerlifter and Co-MVP of the Powerlifting Team. Carrillo was referred to as an intense competitor who loves the game of football, and as one who played with a high level of energy every play.
Three Lady Cats and a Wildcat were named winners of the James Cameron Fighting Heart Award: Bre’Asia Ivery, Dalanee Myles, Mariam Tran and Alfredo Olavide.
Ivery was the 2020-2021 Basketball All-District Defensive MVP, was a Regional Qualifier in Track and received Honorable Mention in Volleyball.
Myles was a Regional Qualifier in Track who also contributed on Relays. In addition, she was named 1st Team All-District in Basketball.
Tran has been a mainstay on the Lady Cats Golf Team for 4 years. She is a 1st Team All State Golfer, as well as All-Region and All-District this year. Tran is also a 4-time Girls Golf MVP and 4 time Academic Athlete. Tran plans to attend SMU to study law.
Alfredo Olavide is said to love being a Wildcat. He is described as hard working and a pleasure to coach. Beginning as a freshman who had never played football, he became a varsity player as a sophomore.
Some physical issues ended his career early but he continued to inspire and lead his teammates. Olavide was an Honorable Mention All-District Offensive Lineman and earned 2nd Team Academic All State honors.
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.
3 Arrested On Controlled Substance Charges Following 2 Separate Incidents
Three people were arrested on controlled substance charges following two separate incidents and at least two others were jailed on warrants related to controlled substance charges over the past few days, according to arrest reports.
Jackson Street Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward and Sgt. Todd Evans reported stopping a 31-year-old Sulphur Springs woman just before 5:40 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021, on Jackson Street at Weaver Drive for driving a Nissan pickup without an expired registration. Brianne Sharisse “Bri” Baldwin was reportedly seen making furtive movements inside the vehicle and, when contacted, told officers she did not have a driver’s license with her.
She was asked to step out of the truck and was visibly nervous and didn’t directly answer the sheriff’s officers when they asked to search the vehicle, Steward and Evans alleged in arrest reports. The deputies had the three other occupants of the vehicle get out. As the front passenger did, the officers reported seeing a bag with suspected marijuana in the vehicle. A baggy of drug paraphernalia was allegedly spotted in the passenger’s side door near both the front and back seats. The front seat passenger was reportedly picked up just minutes before deputies stopped the pickup.
A probable cause search of the vehicle allegedly yielded more than one bag, a digital scale, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, two bags containing a crystal-like substance which field-tested positive for methamphetamine and a bag containing 2.07 grams of a powdery white substance that field-tested positive for cocaine. The suspected meth weighed 6.94 grams, Steward and Evans alleged in arrest reports.
Based on their investigation, the deputies believed the suspected controlled substances belonged to Baldwin and the back seat passenger, identified in arrest reports as 31-year-old Kyle Ragsdale who arrest reports show indicated he lives at the same street address as the woman. The driver also allegedly admitted to concealing a marijuana smoking-pipe on her during the traffic stop. Thus, deputies arrested both Baldwin and Ragsdale into custody just before 6:30 p.m. May 20, 2021, and transported to the county jail. The two other occupants were released at the traffic stop; the truck was impounded, however, deputies wrote in arrest reports.
A female jailer, during the jail in-take process took possession of the marijuana smoking pipe. Both Baldwin and Ragsdale were booked into Hopkins County jail shortly before 8 p.m. May 20 on possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of the Penalty Group 1 controlled substance methamphetamine and possession of 1 or more grams but less than 4 grams of the Penalty Group 1 controlled substance cocaine, according to arrest reports.
Both Baldwin and Ragsdale remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, May 22, 2021, in lieu of a $25,000 bond on the meth charge and a $10,000 bond on the cocaine charge, according to jail reports.
Police Requested On Hillcrest Drive
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman responded just after 2:30 p.m. Friday in the 1200 block of South Hillcrest Drive, where a woman had asked truck stop employees to contact police for her. Upon arrival, Hoffman noted the woman in question acted as if she was under the influence of a narcotic: she couldn’t stand still and was constantly fidgeting with her hands, the officer alleged in arrest reports.
When asked her reason for calling for help, she really couldn’t give an explanation except that she wanted to get away from the male she was with. She told Hoffman she didn’t know the male well, but he offered her a ride so she went with him. She gave multiple stories about her situation, none of which made a lot of sense, Hoffman alleged in arrest reports. When Hoffman asked her to talk to him away from others present, in an attempt to get her to step away and try to figure out what was going on, she agree and followed him to his patrol vehicle, the policeman alleged in arrest reports.
When asked if she had anything illegal on her and to empty her pockets, she pulled both pockets away from her shorts. A marijuana cigarette fell tot he ground out of one pocket and she admitted it was marijuana, Hoffman alleged in arrest reports. When asked, she allowed him to search a bag she’d claimed as well. He reported finding a bag of suspected methamphetamine in an earbud case in the bag. She admitted to using narcotics when asked if she, Hoffman alleged in arrest reports.
Jessica Leigh Ann Luhman was taken into custody around 3:25 p.m. May 21, 2021, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. The 27-year-old woman who is also known by Jessica Leon Mireles, remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 22, on the charge, according to arrest reports.
Warrant Arrests
An Emory Police officer located Devan Dale Munoz at a discount store in Emory and took the 22-year-old Emory man into custody on an outstanding Hopkins County warrant. When the warrant was confirmed by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office to be active, Munoz was transported to the Hopkins-Rains County line on State Highway 19 south, where HCSO Deputy Aaron Chaney took custody of the wanted man just before 10 p.m. May 21, 2021. Chaney transported Munoz to the county jail, where he was booked for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports. Munoz remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, May 22, 2021, on the warrant. He was alleged to have committed the violation on May 19, 2021.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Todd Evans and Sulphur Springs Police Department Special Crimes Unit Sgt. Joe Scott spotted Brian Scott Carten in his front yard at 4:45 p.m. May 19, 2021. Aware the man had a warrant for his arrest, the pair contacted the 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man and took him into custody on the warrant. Carten was reported to be cooperative. He was released from Hopkins County jail Thursday, May 20, 2021, on a $20,000 bond on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 2 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge, according to 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.
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.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of May 24, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of May 24, 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 and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91 as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound North Travis Street exit ramp (FM 131) is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit. The southbound Houston Street / Lamar Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound 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, US 75 northbound frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while northbound US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both northbound mainlane and northbound frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers. Beginning Tuesday, May 25, the southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road for this same area. This traffic configuration will remain in place for approximatively 14 months. All east- 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
Beginning Tuesday, June 1, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road north of Houston Street and transition back to existing mainlanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Once the traffic switch is completed, US 75 northbound frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane, while northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will still maintain two travel lanes. Both northbound mainlane and northbound frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers. Beginning Monday, June 7, southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road for this same area. This traffic configuration will remain in place for approximatively 14 months.
Prior to the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch, all east- and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 will be closed to traffic beginning at 7 a.m. on May 24. 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:
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. This exit ramp is expected to be closed through July 2021. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (#643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
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 second portion of the new Sand Creek bridge and the approaches to the bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 120, Grayson County: from SH 289 in Pottsboro west to the end of state maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to perform base repairs on the roadway.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
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 Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the daytime.
US 82, Grayson County: at Deaver Creek. Watch for temporary daytime lane and shoulder closures for both the eastbound and westbound travel lanes as workers complete maintenance repairs to the bridge.
US 69, Grayson County: between FM 120 and US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 121, Grayson County: between FM 3356 and SH 289. 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 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.
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 will remain in its current lane between SH 121 and FM 897, while crews work on the inside lane to build crossovers and turn lanes. Eastbound traffic between FM 897 and the Lamar County line has been opened to two lanes, however occasional daytime lane closures may be present. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median.
FM 896, Fannin County: from US 69 in Leonard to Business SH 121 in Randolph. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level 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.
I-30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 71, Hopkins County: From FM 3236 to Sulphur Bluff. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews work on rehabilitating 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.
FM 195, Red River County: from Lamar County Line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail. The shoulder at Little Pine Creek will remain closed while the rail work is completed.
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.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement, upgrade bridge rail, and place new hot mix.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). Watch for daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing roadway.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures while crews place final hot mix surface.
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 various locations: The contractor has placed project barricades. The contractor will begin drainage work on FM 1564 from SH 34 to US 69, weather permitting.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared most of 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. Haul trucks crossing Spur 264 under flagging operations will begin soon, weather permitting.
FM 499, Hunt County: at Lynn Creek: This project has been completed, road closures have been removed and the contractor has finished final clean-up in the area. Currently awaiting final vegetation on this project.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has begun mile three of this seven-mile project and is currently reworking the flex base, placing geogrid and compacting areas for roadway rehabilitation and widening. The contractor will start rehab on the fourth mile soon, weather permitting. 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 has begun road work and is placing flex base, compacting, and prime coat in the proposed turn lane widening section. The contractor will start surface course soon, weather permitting. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in both Hunt and Rains County will be performing seal coat operations on FM 36 FM 779 from FM 515 to Wood County Line. Crews will also be sweeping on US 69 between Lone Oak and Greenville as needed, and will continue doing safety spot-mowing operations as needed. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on IH 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 various sign installations, potholing 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.
###
Lady Cats Softball Team Has Season End With Extra Inning Heartbreaking Walk Off Loss to Lovejoy
The Lady Cats Softball Team is headed to the off season after a tough pill to swallow Regional Semifinal Series loss to Lovejoy, 3-2 in an 8 inning walk off in Rockwall Friday night (May 21).
One could make the case where Lovejoy could have gone scoreless.
The Lady Leopards took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third when a throw to first for a possible third out was dropped allowing a run to score.
Lovejoy scored their second run on a play that sure looked like Lady Cat Nylah Lindley beat a Lady Leopard player to first base for a third out that would have negated the game tying run.
Then the winning run in the bottom of the eighth was made possible by a dropped fly that would have been the third out. The Lady Cats outhit the Lady Leopards, 7-5 including the controversial single on the Lindley play.
Crimson Bryant deserved a better fate. She took the pitching loss going 8 innings allowing 5 hits, 3 runs, only 1 which was earned, while striking out 5 and walking just one. The Lady Cats also left 9 runners on base.
Bryant and Nicole Higgins both got 2 base hits. Higgins and Nylah Lindley got RBI’s. Lindley, Parris Pickett and Addison DeSmet had 1 hit apiece. Higgins and Caddell scored 1 run apiece.
The loss ended the most successful Lady Cats season ever, one that progressed to the fourth round of the playoffs for the first time ever and produced a sterling season record of 28-5.
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.
Intoxicated Man Accused Of Choking A Trooper
Lost Woman Who Calls For Help, Man Lying In The Road Jailed On Intoxication Charges
A man accused of choking a trooper, a lost woman who called for help and a man reportedly lying in the road were all jailed on intoxication charges, according to arrest reports.
Choking A Trooper
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Warren Williamson reported stopping a 32-year-old Castle Hayne, North Carolina truck driver around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 20, on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 141 for driving a blue Freightliner significantly slower than the speed limit and surrounding traffic, failing to maintain a single lane of traffic by crossing the solid white line and partially on the right shoulder and not having left rear mud flap on the unit’s trailer.
Upon approach, Williamson alleged the driver acted unusual, exhibiting signs of cyclic behavior, repeating questions and failing to follow instructions. Concerned about the man’s physical condition based on his behavior and driving, Williamson had the man to step out of the truck. He noted in arrest reports that he suspected the driver to be under the influence of of a drug or other substance.
When he refused, Williamson told Ashton Dure Clark if he didn’t he’d be removed from the vehicle. After numerous requests, Williamson attempted to physically remove Clark from the truck. Clark allegedly braced himself in the truck and refused to get out. He allegedly reached up, grabbed Williamson by the throat and began to squeeze. The trooper separated himself from Clark and displayed his weapon. The man then began to comply.
Williamson took Clark into custody for assault on a public servant for the allegedly choking a trooper. An inventory of Clark’s truck revealed a bag with suspected synthetic cannabis, “spice,” or K2 in a notepad carrier in the front seat area.
Believing Clark to be under the influence of a drug or other substance, Williamson administered standard field sobriety tests to Clark at the county jail. Clark allegedly demonstrated he did not have the normal use of his mental and physical faculties and was unable to successfully complete successfully on standard field sobriety tests. Clark agreed to a blood test; the sample was collected by Hopkins County EMS at the jail. Clark was booked into Hopkins County jail around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021, for driving while intoxicated and assault on a public servant. The truck and trailer he was driving were towed.
Clark remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, May 22, 2021, in lieu of a $30,000 bond on the third-degree felony assault charge and a $2,500 charged on the misdemeanor DWI charge.
Lying In The Road
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 10:10 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021, located a person lying in the lane of travel on FM 1567 at State Highway 154.
They detained the 38-year-old and determined by the Sulphur Springs man’s statements that h was under the influence of an unknown substance and thus a danger to himself and potentially to motorists in his condition. He was taken into custody and jailed for public intoxication.
The 34-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from the county jail on the PI charge later Friday, May 21, 2021, according to jail reports.
Lost And Intoxicated
A 28-year-old Tucson, Arizona woman called authorities after becoming lost behind a County Road 2316 residence at 12:45 a.m. Friday, May 21, 2021.
Deputies arrived in the area and found a purple Chevrolet Trailblazer with Louisiana plates parked and abandoned in the middle of CR 2316. A peak inside the SUV revealed more than one open alcoholic beverage containers.
As deputies drove up the driveway of the residence, they saw a woman walking back toward the county road. They contacted the 28-year-old Tucson woman, and detected an alcoholic beverage odor emitted from her. The Arizona woman claimed to be traveling from Arkansas to Arizona and got lost trying to find a gas station.
The woman was taken into custody and jailed for public intoxication. She was released from jail on the charge later Friday.
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.
Halbert, Carr Named Top 8th Graders at Sulphur Bluff
Heaton Halbert and Evan Carr have been recognized as the top 8th graders at Sulphur Bluff ISD.
Halbert, son of Stephanie Halbert of Sulphur Springs and Heath Halbert of McKinney, is the 2021 valedictorian of the Sulphur Bluff 8th Grade Class.
He has attended Sulphur Bluff ISD for 10 years and will graduate to 9th grade with a 4.768 grade point average.
On being named the 8th grade valedictorian, Halbert said, “I’m proud that all my hard work paid off.” The top 8th grade’s advice for being successful is to “Pay attention, don’t goof around a lot, and ask for help when you need it.”
Halbert has been involved in basketball and enjoys playing video games. Remaining on the A Honor Roll is an honor Halbert has received.
Although Halbert is now poised to being high school, the SB 8th grade valedictorian already has plans for life after high school graduation: attending the University of Texas at Dallas to study business “because I like math.”
When asked about special people who inspire or made a different, Halbert said, “My mom made a difference in my life because she gave me life, and my dad inspires me to successful like him.”
Evan Carr is the second ranked 8th grader at SBISD He has attended SBISD for 8 years. His family includes his parents, Dustin and Abbie Carr, as well as Emma, all of Como.
When he learned he was this year’s 8th grade salutatorian, he said his first thought was “Great, now I have to give a speech.” His advice to other students who are hoping to be successful in school is to “listen to Mrs. Hogue!”
Carr’s school activities have included playing play Baseball, basketball, and track. A graduating 8th grader, he says he’s unemployed. His hobbies and special interests, however, include playing video games and making stop-motion movies.
In fact, the SBISD 8th grade salutatorian said his future plans include making it out of high school and going to college. He indicated he’d like to have a career in filmmaking because, he said, “I like making films.”
Yantis High School Class of 2021 Top 10 Announced
Yantis High School has announced the top 10 seniors in order of grade ranking, and have celebrated all Class of 2021 graduates over the last week.
Announced earlier this week were the top two honor graduates. Brooke Barrett leads the class of 2021 as the valedictorian and Sarahi Martinez as the salutatorian.
Thursday the school announced the full top 10 students. In addition to Barrett and Martinez, the top 10 includes Carlos Lopez, Macie Starrett, Samuel Schlagel, Michael Brown, Kendal Moore, Kerry Brown, Mary Terrell and Lizbeth Camacho.
All of the YHS Senior Class of 2021 will be honored Saturday, May 22, with a commencement service at 6 p.m. in the high school gym.
In addition to graduation, these 12th graders have been celebrating and celebrated all week.
On Monday the seniors participated in a PK and Senior Walk, accompanying the district’s youngest students as they walked in caps and gowns through the halls starting in the elementary foyer and ending in the high school. to celebrate their graduations. Community members and businesses also adopted seniors, who received a gift basket, bag or other container filled with items specially picked by their sponsors and delivered on Monday. The seniors then participated in a WhataGrad Breakfast.
The seniors also one day enjoyed a senior lunch provided by Yantis Federal Credit Union, which also showered them with gifts.
Seymore Bible Church and First Baptist Church of Yantis hosted a baccalaureate service Thursday and a meal for the seniors.
Council Retreat Provides Fuller Picture Of Current State Of City
The Sulphur Springs City Council retreat spanned more than 3 hours Thursday and provided the elected officials with a fuller picture of the current state of city government, according to City Manager Marc Maxwell.
The retreat is an annual event in which the council and city department representatives and officials get together and discuss potential appointments of representatives to a number of regional boards and mayor and mayor pro tem on the council. Although no action is taken, the council does suggest names to be presented at future city council meetings for approval.
The retreat also gives each department head an opportunity to discuss any issues facing their departments now or in the future. That continued to be the case at the May 20 retreat this year. Maxwell said while the issues are typically tings that have been mentioned before, the meeting gives the council and staff a good idea the direction things are going in the city, and remind everyone what all the big issues are.
The city manager said the tax increment reinvestment zone and property tax revenues were among the highlights discussed. The status on the first is that it has shown a 10 percent growth and the curve is steepening. There’s been a lot of sales tax growth downtown, an increased of approximately $60,000 in new sales tax and is still expected to grow. Property tax revenues, however, were down in the last year due to COVID-19’s impact on the market.
COVID also resulted in a 33 percent drop in hotel occupancy tax over the last year. Prior to that, Maxwell noted, hotel occupancy tax was on an upward trend and is expected to continue rising in the future. Conversely, the mixed beverage tax is up, and has in fact quadrupled since the revitalization and sales of the beverages downtown.
The city’s general fund and enterprise debts are declining, Maxwell noted. City officials expect “to make final payments on couple of big bonds,” in 2022, freeing up about $1 million a year which can be channeled to streets and utility work. Maxwell said city is “now on a pay-as-you-go capital improvement plan,” and not having to take out debt to finance streets and sewer project. The city has been working to pay off more debts, and that process, the city manger said, has started accelerating thanks to efforts at the city to become a little more efficient each year. That, he said is starting to pay off.
The city officials also Thursday briefly reviewed the open space and parks master plan, the city manager reported. Two recreational additions that were mentioned include the possibility of a fitness court at the renovated Pacific Park on the site of the old Grays Building as well as a beach area and pavilion at Coleman Park. The latter was part of the original plan for Coleman when it was constructed, but there wasn’t enough money for that. While the city isn’t sure if funds will allow that to come to fruition, the items were in the parks master plan, devised from input from the community, and were reviewed as items for potential future consideration, funding permitting.
In the community development department, the issue of urban sprawl, the continued expansion of construction of new subdivisions in areas that did not already have water, street and sewer utilities was again discussed, Maxwell noted. Water and streets per capita have continued to increase over numerous decades. The city is working to stop or at least reduce urban sprawl in Sulphur Springs, and the need for additional city revenue to cover the cost of for upkeep of those extra services, is offering a 380 program which offers incentives to induce contractors and developers to build on lots located on existing street. City officials have identified 900 lots in town that are undeveloped but are already along an existing street.
The 380 program or infill housing program, Maxwell said, is starting to gain momentum, with developers looking for lots with “issues” such as tax liens that can be bought cheaply, with potentially from $5,000 to $20,0000 in certain fees reimbursed by the city. Requests have been approved regularly at the monthly city council meetings since the policy was approved by the City Council.
While any existing city tax liens would have to be paid upfront, the city would reimburse the builder upon completion of a single famiy home. Demolition costs can also be included in those fees too. If say a house needs to be demolished, the build could pay the city demolition costs and city staff would demolish it for the developer, to be reimbursed on completion. This would take care of demolition and eliminate blight at the same time, Maxwell noted. Water and sewer tap fees and building permits could be reimbursed upon completion of the home.
“This program is a grand slam home run,” Maxwell said. “It also provides housing. It takes care of so many things with one action.”
Another issue voiced by city staff during the retreat was a “severe labor shortage in Hopkins County.”
“The city is not immune to that,” Maxwell said. “In my years here, this is the first time we’ve put a sign up in front of the water office: now hiring. We’ve not gotten much in the way of applications. We expect competition from other cities will intensify. It’s hard to hire cops right one. Nobody is applying in big cities either. We’ve been fortunate and are keeping an eye on it.”
Maxwell said labor statistics as of Thursday showed showed there are 1,2975 employees paid by 873 employers, with an average wage including manufacturing and all other wages, is $19.80 an hour. The average wage from 38 manufacturers in Hopkins County is $25.95 an hour. The average wage from the 6 food manufacturers, as reported Thursday, was $27 an hour. The average wage from the 10 fabricated metal production manufactures in Hopkins County is $29.35.
From those statistics, Maxwell said, rose the matter of future requests from employers for tax abatements and whether they should be considered if the request brings down or isn’t raising the average wage? That could be a discussion at a future meeting, but as with all other items that arose during the retreat, they were just discussed. No items were presented for action during the retreat.
While the waste water treatment plant was recently updated, focus now is turning to issues at the water treatment plant. The city is hoping to receive funding from the American Rescue Act that would allow some key elements at the plant to be replaced and remove any immediate worries.
The former Thermo mine property was discussed as an ideal business park, but significant investment would be required for that, Maxwell said.
“This was a really good opportunity for the Council to go over the 30,000 foot view,” Maxwell said of the annual retreat. “It’s a healthy process to go through. Each city department knows their own issues. This was good for the Council and other departments to the full view of the city.”
