New Ordinance Restricts Parking On Tomlinson Street
A new ordinance adopted by Sulphur Springs City Council this week will restrict parking in the 200 block of Tomlinson Street.
Ordinance No. 2779, as proposed, prohibits parking on the north side of Tomlinson Street from a point beginning 35 feet east of the Davis Street intersection and ending 100 feet east of the Davis Street intersection. There would be no parking on the south side of Tomlinson Street between Davis and Gilmer streets.
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell asked the City Council during their April 2021 meeting to consider restricting parking along that block to provide accessibility for trash service pick up and for emergency vehicles on the narrow street, which runs between Davis and Gilmer Streets. If a sanitation truck cannot make it down the street due to parked vehicles, a fire engine and potentially other large emergency vehicles would not be able to access the street either.
A violation of the ordinance could draw a fine of up to $500 for the Class C misdemeanor parking offense.
The City Council approved the request on first reading during the April council meeting, and, following the public hearing which drew no public comment, the council Tuesday evening, May 4, 2021, approved on second and final reading Ordinance 2779 as proposed ordinance
City Council Approves Zoning Ordinances As Proposed
Sulphur Springs City Council approved three zoning ordinances as proposed at the elected board’s regular May meeting.
City officials approved on second reading Ordinance No. 2778, and on first reading Ordinances No. 2780 and No. 2791. These properties are located along the State Highway 19/Loop 301/I-30 corridor, which was intended for commercial and industrial development.
When Wildcat Way as constructed ad the area around it was annexed into the city, place holder were put on a few properties, labeling them as single family. Those were never changed to reflect current use or potential use for each.
Donnie and Allen Wisenbaker in March asked their property at the northwest corner of Rockdale Road and State Highway 19 be rezoned from single family to heavy commercial to reflect the intended use along that corridor.
Larry and Linda Evans have property at 1340 South Hillcrest Drive, which is across from the area the Wisenbakers asked be rezoned. The Evans’ then realized their property which is currently being used for commercial purposes also has a single family zoning designation. They asked that it be rezoned heavy commercial to better fit the existing uses and potential use of the property.
Both the Wisenbaker Rockdale Road and Hillcrest Drive properties are currently surrounded by a mix of zoning designations. City staff recommended heavy commercial as an appropriate use for both given the context of the area, Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski noted.
The Sulphur Springs Planning & Zoning Commission in March recommended the Wisenbaker request and in April the Evans’ request, forwarding both for City Council consideration. The City Council approved on first reading in April the rezoning request from the Wisenbakers, and granted the request to rezone the property as heavy commercial on second reading Tuesday evening. The Council approved the Evans’ request on first reading to rezone the South Hillcrest Drive property as heavy commercial.
A third rezoning request made by Chuck Sickles received approval on first reading by the City Council on May 4, 2021. A shop is currently operated on the properties at 1079 Rockdale Road and 1084 Rockdale Road. The request would clean up split zoning across property lines on the lots. In order to clean up the zoning, Sickles asked that the property be zoned heavy commercial, which is consistent with the body shop use, which the property frontage is zoned.
Surrounding Sickles’ Rockdale Road properties are a mix of zoning designations: heavy commercial and single family.. Niewiadomski noted that rezoning the Rockdale Road properties to all heavy commercial would be an appropriate use given the context of the area and the fact that it fits the land use plan of commercial property along I-30 and Rockdale Road. The P&Z Commission approved the request in April, sending it to the city council for first reading on Tuesday evening.
Wildcats Point Guard LaModrick Johnson Signs With Concordia University Wednesday
The Wildcats 6-foot-3 point guard LaModrick Johnson made it official Wednesday afternoon in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School as he signed a letter of intent to play college basketball at Concordia University in Austin.
LJ is the son of Chris and Ann Spivey. Johnson said he has been talking with the Concordia head coach for several months now. He said the coach watched him on tape and then invited him to take a visit.
Johnson worked out for the coach and sealed the deal as the coach said he liked Johnson’s game. He seemed especially impressed with Johnson’s court vision and his passing ability.
Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said Johnson is also a good rebounder noting that he collected 12 boards in the Wildcats last game against Midlothian.
Johnson said the Concordia coach told him he has not had a pure point guard for several seasons now. Coach Cipoletta referred to Johnson as a one man fast break and one man press break. Johnson said his key to breaking the press is to concentrate on maintaining his poise.
He said he would rather make a big assist pass than score a basket. Johnson also developed the ability to hit big shots at the end of quarters. He said taking those shots is something he liked to do.
Coach Cipoletta said with so many colleges recruiting players in transfer portals, the high school seniors are having a hard time getting attention. Johnson said all he could do is work hard and pray.
Johnson intends to pursue an business degree for a real estate career. Coach Cipoletta called Johnson a gym rat who bought into the hard work needed to get a college basketball scholarship.
Coach Cip called Johnson perhaps the best playmaker he’s ever coached. He said Johnson would do well at the next level.
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.
Lady Cats Softball Team Begins Area Series With Crandall Thursday at Nevada Community
The Lady Cats Softball Team is scheduled to open their best of three Area series against Crandall Thursday night (May 6) at 7:30 p.m. at Nevada Community.
The Lady Cats, district co-champs in district 15-5A, are 24-3 for the season, after defeating Lufkin 2 games to zero in a bi-district series last Friday in Marshall.
Crandall, 20-12 for the season, is the #3 seed from district 13-5A. The Lady Pirates finished behind two very strong district teams, Royse City and Forney.
Crandall downed Joshua in two games bi-district games last week.
Game 2 of the Sulphur Springs and Crandall series will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. also at Nevada Community. Game 3 if, necessary, will be at Royse City Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
The winner of the Lady Cats and Lady Pirates series, will take on the winner of a series between Huntsville and Forney in a Regional Quarterfinal Series.
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.
PJC Students Wishing to Walk Must Sign-Up for Time Slots
PJC students planning to walk need to check assigned time slots
Paris Junior College is holding a modified in-person Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 7 at Noyes Stadium.
In order to maintain social distancing, students who applied to graduate by the April 19 deadline and plan to walk at graduation should have received an email giving them an assigned time slot.
“Students who applied to graduate by the deadline have been assigned a time slot and should have received an email with that information,” said Student Records and Recruiting Coordinator Norma Wright.
Graduation time slots are assigned by last name as follows:
7:10 p.m. – A-B
7:15 p.m. – C
7:20 p.m. – D-F
7:30 p.m. – G
7:35 p.m. – H
7:40 p.m. – J-L
7:50 p.m. – M
8:00 p.m. – N-P
8:05 p.m. – R
8:10 p.m. – S
8:15 p.m. – T-Y
Those with questions may call the Admissions and Records Office at 903-782-0425.
Graduation Preparation at PJC-Sulphur Springs
PJC Student Records Clerk Tarmecia Smith hands a cap and gown last week to sociology major Kayle Woodberry of Clarksville, one of more than 300 students applying to be part of this Friday’s Commencement Ceremony.
After graduation she plans to transfer to Texas A&M University – Texarkana to pursue a career in social work.
The commencement ceremony will be taking place Friday night at Noyes Stadium in Paris.
Social distancing is being practiced in ways shown, but not limited to, the photo shown above.
For information about enrollment and scholarship opportunities at the PJC Center, call 903-885-1232. To apply to PJC, go to www.parisjc.edu/apply or email [email protected].
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Dallas Man Sentenced On 3 Charges Stemming From 2020 Vehicle Pursuit
A 24-year-old Dallas man Wednesday was sentenced May 5, 2021, to just shy of the maximum sentence on three offenses stemming from a June 2020 high speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Interstate 30.
Demondre Deshawn Holiness was tried this week in the 8th Judicial District Court for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle, and unlawful possession of a firearm by felon. Assistant District Attorney Zachary Blackmon tried the case, with ADA Matt Harris sitting second chair on the case.
Holiness was accused of stealing a BMW from a Dallas resident on June 26, 2020, which was just a few months after his release from prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. On June 29, 2020, the defendant was alleged to have been traveling east bound on Interstate 30 through Hopkins County, when an officer attempted to stop him for being in the stolen car. Instead of stopping near Cumby, however, Holiness was alleged to have lead law enforcement officials on a high speed chase which reached speeds over 130 miles per hour. Holiness then reportedly abandoned the car, as well as a gun, in a residential area near Coleman Park. Law enforcement located the defendant on foot near the scene moments later, and he was taken into custody, according to court and law enforcement reports. The Dallas man’s cell phone was also allegedly still connected to the stolen vehicle’s Bluetooth radio system, further linking him to the vehicle, officers noted in June 2020 arrest reports.
Holiness has remained in Hopkins county jail since his arrested on June 29, 2020, according to jail reports. He was served July 7 with warrants for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and tampering with evidence, according to arrest and jail reports. The Dallas man was indicted during the September 2020 Grand Jury session on the stolen car (UUV) evading arrest or detention and firearm charges, according to court records.
The trial began Monday, May 3, with jury selection. Evidence opened and closed on Tuesday, and the jury found the defendant guilty on all 3 charges Wednesday.
The punishment range for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is 6 months to 2 years in prison. The range for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle is typically 2-10 years in prison, but the defendant’s prior conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon enhanced the range of punishment to 2-20 years, Blackmon explained. The range of punishment for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon is a 2-to-10-year sentence.
The jury also reportedly found that the defendant used the stolen BMW as a deadly weapon while he fled the pursuing officers. On Wednesday, the 24-year-old Dallas man was sentenced by the Hopkins County Jury to 2 years for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 19 years for evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle, and 10 years for unlawful possession of a firearm by felon. While the prison sentences total 31 years sentences, they will run concurrently. Because of the deadly weapon enhancement, however, Holiness will have to serve 9 ½ years, day for day with no good conduct time, before becoming eligible for parole on his 19-year sentence, according to Blackmon.
“Law enforcement from both the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Sulphur Springs Police Department did outstanding work on this case, and the jury sent a strong, but simple message: Hopkins County is not the place to commit crime,” Blackmon said.
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.
Councilman Recommends Naming Pacific Park Barbecue Pit After Beachum
Sulphur Springs City Councilman for Place 3, Oscar Aguilar, answered the Juneteenth Celebration Committee’s request to honor the late Prince Beachum by naming something in Pacific Park after him with a suggestion of his own.
Patricia Morgan asked the City Council during the regular April meeting, on behalf of the Juneteenth Committee and community members, to recognition of Beachum’s contributions to the community by renaming or naming a facility or area in his honor.
“We are here asking in consideration that you would consider naming a part of the new Pacific Park, a part to be called the Prince Beachum Sports Pavilion,” Morgan said, noting the renovations and new building to be constructed as part of the park renovation project. “We know the Grays Building is a historic part of the park. We’re coming to you just to ask that some part of what they’re building to be considered to be named as part of Prince Beachum.”
Morgan noted that Beachum, who died in March 2021, was instrumental in getting the annual Juneteenth Celebration started in 2011. The annual event started relatively small, coordinated by Beachum and a couple of friends. A barbecue at Pacific Park is now held annually and has grown in size. The annual project is now helmed by a committee consisting of 23 members, including Morgan and approximately half a dozen others who attended the April 6 meeting to show support for the request. People from all over the city as well as cities as far away as Dallas and Texarkana now drive over annually to attend the celebration.
Morgan also cited Beachum’s help with Mel Haven Cemetery Society, membership at Mitchell Chapel Church of God In Christ but help to any church in town that expressed a need for help, sports and the annual gala among Beachum’s more notable contributions to the community.
Aguilar, during the announcements portion of the May 4 City Council meeting, recommended that the barbecue area at the existing pavilion in Pacific Park be named the Prince Beachum Barbecue Pavilion once it is renovated. He noted a new roof and brick to match the new Grays Building will improve the area.
City Manager Marc Maxwell also noted a plaque dedication for the new Grays Building is expected to be held at the end of the month. Additional information is expected to be released regarding the dedication closer to the actual event. While not all items in the facility will be complete at that time, the building is expected to be ready for use by Juneteenth.
Paxton Intervenes in CDC’s Shut-Down of the Cruise Industry
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed a motion to intervene in Florida’s case against the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their series of unlawful orders that brought the cruise industry to a halt. The CDC issued a series of “no-sailing” or “conditional-sailing” orders that crippled the Texas passenger cruise industry and the many Texas businesses that support it.
“The pandemic showed us that the need for stable and predictable law has never been greater. Government policy should not have the ability to destroy industries and eliminate workforces with the stroke of a pen,” Attorney General Paxton said. “The cruise industry needs clearly defined expectations for safe operations and protection from baseless COVID-related claims while the country is reaching new vaccination records.”
In 2019, tourism-related businesses like travel agencies, airlines, bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels received around $816 million in direct cruise industry expenditures in Texas. In total, direct expenditures from the cruise industry created almost 29,600 jobs and generated $1.8 billion of income in just one year alone. The Port of Galveston is the fourth largest cruise port in the country.
Click here to view the motion.
HC Genealogical Research Results in New Database on Local WWII Soldiers, Now Available to Public
News Release May 5, 2021
New database added to HCGS website – “World War II Soldiers from Hopkins County”
We encourage you to visit our society’s web site at hcgstx.org. We have just added the database “World War II Soldiers from Hopkins County”. This is the compilation of many years (approximately 7 years!) of research done by Linda Payne regarding our veterans.
This database can be found on the menu bar of our website under Online Records. It is still an ongoing project and we are asking people to submit any corrections or additions to the information to the library. You may email your comments to [email protected].
We will soon be adding other databases related to the Korean War, Vietnam War, and other Conflicts that Linda has researched. These databases were created by Earl Pogue and Mark Critchett – who has also been working on this project for several years. Mark will update the database with these corrections as they come in and are checked.
