May 2021 City Manager’s Report
Sulphur Springs City Council received from City Manager Marc Maxwell the following monthly manager’s report during the May 4, 2021 council meeting:
COVID-19 RESPONSE
The number of active cases in Hopkins County decreased 82% since our last meeting with 27 active cases as of May 4th. There are 4 patients in the COVID unit at the hospital.
GRAYS BUILDING
The brick is installed. The walls are painted. The concrete floors are being polished. The large roll-up doors will be installed soon. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures will be installed soon. Outside concrete work will begin soon followed by landscaping. The Grays building will be open by Juneteenth.
During the meeting, Maxwell noted a dedication and plaque setting is tentatively set for the end of the month.
SENIOR CITIZENS BUILDING
Construction drawings are still being prepared by REES Associates. We have hired Tandem Consulting to oversee the construction just like the Grays Building.
SAPUTO SEWER MAIN
Construction is about 40% complete.
This $750,000 sewer project is funded entirely by a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
The new main will supplement an older undersized main. The path of the new main begins at Saputo and continues under the interstate. It then continues South for 3,500 feet before connecting to an existing trunk line. The new main has a 15-inch diameter.
This grant is made possible because of a $50 million plant upgrade at Saputo and their cooperation with the Texas Department of Agriculture. Without their cooperation, this project would not have been possible.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Staff has finalized the list of this year’s streets to be paved via the Street Improvement Program (SIP).
COLLEGE STREET
This will be the next reconstruction project after the Saputo Sewer Line Project.
CLAIMS
We did not have any workers compensation claims in April. We did receive a liability claim for damages incurred when one of our employees backed into another vehicle. There were no injuries.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will present a report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Made 12 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Repaired 137 potholes.
- Hauled street sweeping spoils to the landfill.
- Completed Spring Clean-Up with 74 40-yard roll-off containers hauled off and 819 vehicles served.
- Made curb and gutter repairs in preparation for the Street Improvement Program on Texas & Peach and Beckham & Beckworth.
- Planted spring flowers downtown.
- Prepared the fountain for operation.
- Repaired fences on ballfields.
- Prepared ball fields for youth leagues.
- Served 3,576 meals at the Senior Citizens Center.
- Responded to 169 animal control calls while achieving an 81% adoption rate.
- Made 12 felony arrests in the special crimes unit.
- Responded to 2,223 calls for police service, responded to 37 accidents, wrote 487 citations, recorded 50 offences made 60 arrests.
- Responded to 196 calls for fire/rescue including 4 structure fires and 1 vehicle fire.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 82 fire hydrants.
- Performed 40 fire inspections and reviewed 40 pre-fire plans.
- Sold 4,137 gallons of AvGas and 9,295 gallons of Jet A fuel.
- Accommodated 1,595 landings/takeoffs at the airport.
- Checked out 2,770 items from the library.
- Conducted 33 building inspections, 16 electrical inspections, 10 plumbing inspections, 6 mechanical inspections and issued 23 building permits.
- Installed two surge suppression modules at the wastewater treatment plant.
- Began maintenance on the Grays Building.
- Repaired the belt press at the wastewater treatment plant.
- Treated wastewater effluent to a daily average total suspended solids reading of .95 mg, a very, very good reading.
- Sent out 353 tons of sludge for composting and sent another 659 tons of sludge to the landfill.
- Repaired 8 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 15 water meters.
- Unstopped 44 sewer mains.
- Washed 80,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 36 dead-end water mains.
- Treated 137 million gallons of potable water
Cinco De Mayo On Celebration Plaza Declared A Huge Success
The Cinco De Mayo on Celebration Plaza Saturday was declared a huge success by city officials and program organizers.
Sulphur Springs Place 3 City Councilman Oscar Aguilar extended thanks during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting to the City of Sulphur Springs for allowing the community to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festival on the square Saturday. He also extended thanks to city staff, especially Joey Baker and Sarah for all of the work they put into the event.
“It was a big success even if it ended a little early,” Aguilar said, referencing the rain that resulted in an slightly earlier than anticipated end to the festivities. This allowed those vendors and actively involved in hosting the event to pack everything up and clear the area before it began raining heavily May 1, 2021.
“Everyone was happy and we had a large time. Thank you city and staff for helping out. Joey and Sarah for all of their hard work there, Gary and everything they did. Everyone really enjoyed it. Next year, we’ll try to plan it out a little bit better, make it bigger and better.”
Aguilar said the parade went off well, including having the horseback riders. The individuals involved with that, he said, are excited to do more next year.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory, 2,000 soldiers to 6,000 soldiers over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza, a Texan from the Goliad area The US has celebrated Cinco de Mayo since the end of the Franco-Mexico and US civil wars.
Celebrations on May 5 typically include parades, food and frozen treats, music, folkloric dancing and battle reenactments. Hopkins County welcomed many to downtown, where vendors and organizations offered food, snacks, face painting and a variety of other items. A group of parents representing the youth football and cheerleaders offered treats to help raise funds for the blowup tunnel used during football games. There were games, clothes, hats, boots and even a mechanical bull
A small group paraded to the square, where they danced to and enjoyed Mexican music performed live on stage, and participated in family friendly activities. Some told stories of immigrants and the culture. In Hopkins County, it’s the first big event held downtown since the COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions were lifted. People of various cultures joined together Saturday, when the day was observed in Hopkins since May 5 is actually in the middle of the week.
Texas Ranger Ticket Giveaway #4
KSST has Texas Ranger Baseball tickets available for the Saturday May 8th, 2021 game against the Mariners. 6:05 first pitch.
This years tickets will be offered in a digital format. To be a winner, you will need to download and install the Offical MLB Ball Park App for your smart device. Think of the app as a digital wallet for your tickets.
How to Win
Like KSST and this post on Facebook to enter. Winners will be chosen at random. Remember, you will need to provide a valid email address, and that email must be linked to your MLB Ballpark app.
The Process
Once you win, KSST will forward the digital ticket information to your email. Your MLB Ballpark app will accept the ticket information and store them until you need them. You will need to take your device to the ballpark to display the QR code at the gate. Get all the details at MLB.COM
Just to be clear, KSST and KRVA did not receive paper tickets, so we can not furnish paper tickets to our winners.
Wildcats Football Offensive Coordinator Matt Young Discusses Football Work in School Athletic Period
Monday morning (May 3), Wildcats Football Offensive Coordinator Matt Young talked about what’s taking place for the Wildcats in their school athletic period in lieu of formal spring football.
Coach Young says he is utilizing the athletic period to install the Wildcats’ offense.
He estimates that about 85% of it has been introduced. Coach Young says he is also noting how much recall returning players have.
He says it’s a good time for evaluation as coaches are shuffling the pieces and determining players positions in an attempt to make sure the best players are on the field on offense and defense.
He says his offensive players are also spending some time preparing for 7 on 7 season starting soon. Coach Young says he is looking forward to having a second scrimmage in August due to no spring ball now. He says a fairly large number of players are returning.
He says a second scrimmage will give coaches an extra opportunity to see how the pieces of the team are fitting together. He says the reps and looks of the extra scrimmage will also help coaches find players who can provide depth.
Talking position by position, Coach Young notes the Wildcats senior quarterback is graduating. He says a current sophomore returns and will be in a contest with a freshman to determine the starter.
Coach Young says a senior running back graduates but he says a couple of current Wildcats played some downs and he notes there will be others joining in who will be seeking playing time.
He says four offensive linemen return who got reps last season. He says he will be looking for a fifth guy for the O line.
Coach Young says 4 or 5 receivers also return along with some JV receivers he likes the looks of. He says the offense is an interesting group and he says he looks forward to how things will shake out in weeks ahead.
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.
SSISD Spring Strings Program Concert Slated May 6
The Sulphur Springs Strings Program Spring Concert is slated May 6, at 7 p.m. at Hopkins County Civic Center.
“We will be performing music from the Legend of Zelda games! The beginners will perform, then the intermediate class, then the high schoolers,” said Strings Instructor Hannah Kirby. “Everyone is welcome to attend and support our Sulphur Springs String Orchestra Program!”
The SSISD String Orchestra Program includes Aaliyah Valles and JerKevian Taylor, who earned grade 2, and Daphne Valles and Johnathan Gloar who earned grade 1-memorized at the UIL Strings Solo & Ensemble Contest in February. Gloar’s grade advances him to the state competition, according to SSISD reports.
TWC Approves $790 Million Assistance Package To Help Child Care Providers Impacted By COVID-19
AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) authorized $790 million to support the stability of the child care sector and assist providers in responding to impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. These funds, which will be provided to all regulated child care providers, will assist them in addressing the increased operating expenses they have faced as a result of the pandemic. The funding comes from $1.1 billion that TWC received through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
“A strong child care network is vital to Texas’ economy but increased operating expenses resulting from the pandemic have created a number of challenges,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “These funds will help us strengthen that network by providing direct relief to providers and expanding TWC’s support to Texas families.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has endangered Texas child care facilities’ finances due to declining or stagnant enrollment, staffing difficulties, unexpected closures, and additional expenses due to sanitization requirements and smaller class sizes.
“Access to quality child care can often make the difference between returning to work or having to stay home for many Texans,” said Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Barriers to return to work can seriously endanger Texas’ economic recovery. Getting those child care centers back up and running means more parents can go to work knowing their children are in safe, nurturing environments.”
TWC approved the use of $775 million for relief funding which will be provided to approximately 14,000 child care providers. Child care providers do not have to request an application; TWC will email information to all regulated child care providers explaining how to access these funds through a new online application system that is scheduled to go live on June 1, 2021.
TWC also approved $15 million for child care business technical assistance to assist facilities with adapting and updating their business models, as well as assist in identifying and accessing grant opportunities.
“Texas employers are working hard to get Texas’ economy back on track,” said Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “Whether they’re child care operators or employers who need workers who rely on those child care services, all Texas businesses and communities benefit when we have a strong child care network in place.”
Man Got a Vehicle Stuck in The Middle Of A Park
A Sulphur Springs man was arrested on a warrant after getting a vehicle stuck in the middle of a park, and a Garland man was arrested after allegedly crashing a car into the center median between the east and westbound lanes of Interstate 30 just east of Sulphur Springs early Wednesday morning.
Stuck In Pacific Park
Sulphur Springs police responded after 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Pacific Park, where someone had reportedly driven through the park.
Upon arrival, the policeman reported seeing a man standing outside a Chevrolet Tahoe parked in the middle of the park with dogs running around without a leash. When the officer contacted him about the dogs not being on a leash while in a public area and asked why he stopped in the middle of the park, the man claimed he stopped because he got stuck in the wet ground.
The officer reported smelling a strong marijuana odor on the man. When asked if he had any contraband on him or in the vehicle, the 26-year-old Sulphur Springs man claimed that he did not but admitted to smoking marijuana before arriving at the park.
A records check using the man’s ID car showed an outstanding Lamar County warrant for the man’s arrest. Consequently, the SSPD officer took the 26-year-old into custody. Animal control officers were contacted and took possession of the man’s dogs; they were released to his brother a short time later. The SUV was pulled out of the mud by the on-call wrecker service and towed from the location.
The Sulphur Springs man was jailed on the Lamar County warrant for bond surrender on a possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge. Bond on the charge was recommended to be set at $2,500. The 26-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, May 5, 2021, on the misdemeanor warrant.
Stuck In I-30 Median
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Justin Wilkerson and Sgt. Scott Davis responded around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021, to a crash reported on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 131. Deputies observed a Honda Civic in the center median ditch.
Upon contact with the Garland man with the car, they detected an alcohol odor emitting from him. The 33-year-old admitted to crashing the car and to consuming alcoholic beverages. The man allegedly showed four of six clues of intoxication on horizontal gaze nystagmus tests as well as on standard field sobriety testing.
When the Garland man refused a breath test, a blood search warrant was obtained requiring a blood draw and taken at the hospital lab. The 33-year-old was then booked into jail for driving while intoxicated. The Garland man remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, May 5, 2021, on the DWI charge.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
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.
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.
Leadership Institute Campaign School-Press Release
2021 Leadership Institute Campaign School
A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Dear Friend,
Since you’re a Texan, you’ll get this. It’s one of the biggest projects I’ve worked on at the Leadership Institute (LI) … so, of
course, it’s in Texas.
What do I mean?
This summer, the LI will offer the Texas Campaign School Tour: 32 campaign workshops across Texas, from El Paso to Houston and Amarillo to Brownsville – with 28 stops in between.
These campaign workshops are the secret weapon for conservatives who want to run – and win – with smart, effective, genuinely
grassroots-focused campaigns. Just ask the hundreds of conservatives who have used their LI training to win elected office.
At a one-day training near you, you’ll learn exactly what you must do from announcement to Election Day. You’ll learn:
• How to write a campaign plan that will guide you from your announcement to Election Day.
• How to raise money for your campaign including through personal solicitation.
• How to create a compelling message.
• How to calculate vote goals and run an effective volunteer operation.
These workshops aren’t full of generic best practices or broad, vague ideas. Instead, they’re the practical, tactical lessons you must learn to run a winning campaign. If you’re serious about running for office – or working or volunteering for a campaign – then you owe it to yourself to sign up right now.
Find the campaign workshop nearest to you and sign up for just $25 right now.
In one day at the LI campaign workshop, you’ll get the very best advice from campaign experts who have spent decades in the campaign world – dedicating thousands of hours to working or volunteering for conservative causes and candidates – and they’re willing to share with you what it takes to win. Put simply: you get the advantage of years of direct, personal, hard-won campaign experience in just one day.
Sign up for your campaign workshop right now
I’m not sure when we’ll do a campaign workshop tour like this again, so if you’re serious about helping conservatives get elected, you owe it to yourself to sign up right now.
Have questions? Email me at [email protected].
I look forward to seeing you this summer.
Robert Arnakis
Senior Director of Domestic and International Programs
Leadership Institute
Marijuana, Methamphetamine and THC Residue, False Urine Found In Car
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley arrested a 31-year-old Dike man after finding marijuana, methamphetamine and THC residue and a false urine kit in his vehicle, according to arrest reports.
Whaley contacted Justin Wade Overly to offer assistance to the man in the Pontiac G6 stopped in the 1400 block of East Shannon Road. While talking with the Dike man, Whaley alleged Overly exhibited several signs of nervous behavior. A cartridge containing a substance Whaley believed to be THC in plain views was visible in the passenger’s seat, according to arrest reports.
Whaley conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and located a glass pipe with suspected methamphetamine residue, an additional cartridge with suspected THC residue, a pill bottle with a green, leafy substance the officer believed to be marijuana, a clear container with false urine and a wooden box with a straw with suspected meth residue on it, the officer reported in arrest reports.
Overly was taken into custody and jailed for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, possession of 2 ounces of marijuana and false drug test falsification device. Overly was also found to be wanted on expired registration, driving while license invalid, failure to appear and passing in a no passing zone charges, Whaley alleged in arrest reports.
The 31-year-old Dike resident remained in Hopkins County jail late Wednesday morning May 5, 2021, on all seven charges, 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 Are Making Up For No Spring Football With Work in School Athletic Periods
The Wildcats Football Team is forgoing formal spring football in pads but the coaching staff is making up for it with spring like football fundamentals and drills minus pads during the daily school athletic period.
By having no Spring Football, the Wildcats will get an extra week on practice in August (starting now 8/2) and they will be able to have two scrimmages instead of one.
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens says the Wildcats will be scrimmaging two teams with very different approaches: wing T run oriented Pleasant Grove and also speedy and versatile Liberty-Eylau.
Coach Owens says during the athletic period, the Wildcats are doing weight lifting and speed work with 30 minutes of football fundamentals and drills three days a week with two days devoted to just football fundamentals and drill work.
Coach Owens says it’s been beneficial working on fundamentals with no pads on. He feels the concentration level is better. Coach Owens is looking forward to the extra scrimmage in August.
He says the second scrimmage is much different than the first with kids knowing more of what to expect.
Coach Owens says in the Wildcats first real game last year against Frisco Wakeland after just one scrimmage, some of the Wildcats appeared wide eyed and got into a bind in a hurry. He says a couple of rehearsals will help.
The Wildcats have about 3 weeks of athletic periods left during school days. Then The Edge gears up this summer starting June 7 and running through July 15.
Coach Owens says the UIL continues to allow for football related skill work each day during The Edge to go along with conditioning, running and weight lifting.
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.
