At Least 2 County Buildings Sustained Damages As Result Of Winter Weather
At least two county buildings sustained damages as a result of winter weather this week, and one machine at a city operation will need to be replaced. Several buildings around Sulphur Springs have flooding due to burst pipes, according to local officials.
Hopkins County Clerk’s Office had a leak issue. The area between the gutter and roof froze. The ice frozen in the gutter system had nowhere to go as things began melting, causing it to leak into the Clerk’s Office. Next door at the County Attorney’s office, water soaked ceiling tiles fell and the carpet was flooded as well.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office’s jail trustees along with county employee Bobby Woodard responded and got all of the ice off of the roof, reducing potential for additional leaking as it melts. The inmates helped clean up and work continues to be done cleaning the area. Damage to office equipment was relatively minimal; repairs at the County Clerk’s Office will be needed for one wall and some ceiling tiles at the edge of the wall, according to Hopkins County Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley.
Damages at the Adult Probation Office were a little more severe, Endsley noted. A water line burst, causing flooding in the building. Woodard and county jail trustees also assisted with clean up at the Adult Probation Office, where officials are working to determine what items in the flooded area are salvageable.
Endsley said while full extent of damages won’t be known until next week, and likely not until after all of the ice and snow melts, the County Clerk’s Office is expected to be able to open Monday, if at limited or virtual capacity. The Adult Probation Office may be able to conduct limited business as well.
The Emergency Management coordinator commended the many county employees, Texas Department of Transportation and County precinct crew who have worked diligently since before the winter weather began to make the roads as passable as possible and efforts to get them open when the weather blanketed them with ice and snow, often causing them to refreeze or dumping accumulation overnight more than once.
He noted the responders out making calls, trying to assist the citizens of Hopkins County wherever needed and however possible. Endlsey commended the volunteer fire departments for their outstanding job assisting their districts. He noted both the county and city fire departments have responded a number of times at locations where sprinkler systems have burst causing flooding and have helped EMS, the latter he said also has done an outstanding job during the inclement weather.
“All have done really well, worked together really well, which is a beautiful thing to see,” Endsley noted.
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell noted that the city had very little damage resulting from the storm. A pipe burst at the police department, flooding the wing containing the police detective’s offices and the human resources offices. When the power went off at the waste water plant, a bar screen froze up. When the power came back on, the motor was reported to be so powerful it twisted it and damaged it. The plant is bypassing the bar screen and being treated further down the plant, which means more work for city emp”loyees. However, the city is still able to put out a “really high quality effluent.”
The city continues to supply water to meet the demands of city residents. The city also sells water to several local water districts. Currently, the City of Sulphur Springs is selling water to Commerce. They are sending trucks over and filling them, to assist the neighbors with water issues.
Maxwell noted that the recent weather has been eye-opening for water providers across the state, where officials had opted not to purchase a generators, because they didn’t think they’d need one. Many have built in stores of water in water towers and at an underground tank at the plant. They can continue to meet needs with only a few hours without power. An extended winter weather event, which caused lengthy utility outages across the state, has created problems for them.
The City of Sulphur Springs does not have that problem because a massive generator was purchased for the water treatment plant to aid in just such instances. The city has continued to provide service for Sulphur Springs residents.
Maxwell commended the employees of the city water and sewer plants for working non-stop during the winter weather. He urges citizens who see them on the street to waver and offer thanks for going above the call to provide service to city residents.
One issue some are having, in addition to the buildings that are flooding, are burst pipes at homes and businesses as well. Many during the winter weather contacted the city to have the water turned off to prevent further flooding issues. As things are melting, things are beginning to be repairs, and people are requesting for their water meters to be turned back on.
Maxwell also commended the city street workers who have been out putting down sand, fixing the sanding machine as it kept breaking, putting out tons of sand on city streets, to make them less dangerous for motorists traveling on them.
Boil Notice: North Hopkins Water District
As of 1pm Friday February 19th, 2021, the North Hopkins Water District has issued a Boil Notice. This is a result of lower water pressure.
Please conserve water wherever possible. The equipment is working properly, but is having trouble keeping up with demand.
If you have questions or concerns, contact the North Hopkins Water Supply Corporation at 903 945 2619.
Man Accused Of Displaying A Firearm While Assaulting A Woman
A 48-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested for allegedly displaying a firearm while assaulting a woman, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 2:40 p.m. Feb. 16 to what was reported as a disturbance on County Road 1193. Upon arrival, officials attempted to contact the complainant and suspect, but the residence was empty. Officers were told both had left in a black Mitsubishi SUV prior to their arrival. Officers recalled seeing one leave the area as they approached the location. The pair was alleged to be heading to a Rains County address.
Hopkins County deputies headed that direction and contacted Rains County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in contacting the pair alleged to have been involved in the disturbance. The vehicle was located at residence on a private road. All occupants were contacted. The alleged victim, a 52-year-old woman, and suspect, a 48-year-old Sulphur Springs man, were identified.
James Ray Miller was alleged to have displayed a firearm while assaulting a 52-year-old woman with whom he is in a dating relationship and who also lives at the CR 1193 residence. Miller reported told deputies the woman is his wife and they have been together for the last 14 years. Miller was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing bodily injury to a family member, date or household member, HCSO Deputy Jason Lavender alleged in arrest reports. He also had a warrant for not taking care of a public intoxication charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Feb. 19; bond on the felony charge was set at $50,000, 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.
Weather Concerns Continue to Impact Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta announced Wednesday, February 17 that the Wildcats would be playing Jacksonville in the Bi-District round playoff game Monday at 7:30 P.M. in Hallsville. The Wildcats were originally slated to take on Jacksonville this Friday.
The Wildcats beat the Anna Coyotes 64-56 at Anna on Saturday, Feb. 13 in a warm-up game in preparation for the play-offs. Jacksonville, the #3 seed team from District 16-5A, will be looking to get the upset against a well-coached Cipoletta-led Sulphur Springs team. The Wildcats, the #2 seed from District 15-5A, are 17-9 for the season.
Tickets will be sold at the door.
Lady Cats basketball were originally slated to take on Royse City on Monday, Feb. 15, but sub-zero temperatures have forced the game to be postponed not once, but twice. Lady Cats Basketball coach Brittney Tisdell said earlier in the week that the game could have been played Thursday, Feb. 18, barring no school being held, but once again the game has been postponed. Once details of the game date and time are released they will be posted online.
The Lady Cats squeezed by Nacogdoches, 56-54 at Athens. The Lady Bulldogs shocked Midlothian, the #18 ranked team in the state, 42-38, in double overtime. The Lady Cats, the #1 seed from District 15-5A, are now 17-7 for the season. Royse City is the #3 seed in their district.
Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats soccer games against Hallsville have been postponed. They may be played sometime next week, according to Don Julian of KSST Radio.
On Friday Wildcats Soccer was to take on the Hallsville Bobcats at Gerald Prim Stadium at 7:15 P.M., but icy weather this week has deemed it not so. Sulphur Springs also had a bye on Tuesday. The Wildcats are 2-3 in district play and 11-7-1 for the season. They are 1-1 in their last two district games versus Marshall on Feb. 9, 3-0, and lost last Friday at Pine Tree 2-1 (OT). The Wildcats match with Hallsville is expected to be made up a later date.
Also on Friday the Lady Cats soccer team was to take on Hallsville, but unlike Wildcats soccer the Lady Cats were to travel to Hallsville to take on the Lady Cats at 7:15 P.M. Like Wildcats Soccer, the Lady Cats had a bye on Tuesday. The Lady Cats have two outright wins, a shootout win and 2 losses in district play. Their season record is 8-6-4.
The Lady Cats won big at Marshall Feb. 9, 9-0 and last Friday got shutout at home versus Pine Tree 5-0. Also like the Wildcats, the Lady Cats’ match with Hallsville is also expected to be made up at a later date.
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo canceled not only last Friday, Feb. 12’s home scrimmage against Sherman but also the Lady Cats planned season opener at home against Wylie East Monday, Feb. 15. Coach Carrillo was hoping to open the season this weekend at his own Sulphur Springs Tournament. Now Coach Carrillo and his squad will be all too eager to return to the softball diamond next Tuesday as they traverse the DFW Metroplex to take on Richardson Pierce at 6:30 P.M. The Lady Cats were able to get three scrimmages in all on the road at Gilmer, McKinney North and at Royse City on Monday, Feb. 9.
Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammock announced Wednesday, Feb. 17 that Friday’s home scrimmage with North Lamar has been cancelled. This comes after last Friday’s announcement from Coach Hammock that both scrimmages on Friday, Feb. 12 with Terrell at home as well as Monday, Feb. 15’s scrimmage at Bullard have both been cancelled.
Coach Hammock’s team will be all too eager to return to the diamond next Thursday, Feb. 25 as they will be participating in the Tyler Lee Tournament in what will now be the Wildcats season-opener. Sulphur Springs did get in one scrimmage, at Sherman on Monday, Feb. 8
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Sulphur Springs Water Supply Unaffected By Winter Storm
As millions across the state of Texas face challenges with their water supply, Sulphur Springs water supply is not being affected by the winter storm. “With a working generator as a backup power supply, there is no need to worry.” Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell said he’s received information that some customers have been collecting and saving water after hearing reports of other cities with no water available. Sulphur Springs continues to have a sufficient water supply and has the ability to pump it. Other cities that have lost the ability to pump their water, because of a loss of power, but Sulphur Springs does not have that problem. There will be plenty of water for city residents, according to the city manager.
Friday: Weather-Related Closures, Schedule Changes, Postponements
With several inches of snow already covering the ground, another wintry storm on Wednesday night brought more snow and ice making travel difficult and dangerous until temperatures rise to allow thaw. Schools and organizations have reported weather-related closures and schedule changes as a safety precaution. Those weather-related schedule changes reported to KSST include:
Schools
Sulphur Springs ISD will remain closed and remote instruction is canceled through Feb. 19, due to power outages and dangerous weather, Classes should begin again Monday February 22 in the Sulphur Springs school district.
- Cumby ISD will be remain closed through Friday, and resume normal school hours on Monday, Feb. 22.
- Miller Grove ISD will be closed through Friday due to the expected winter weather, and hopes to be back to the regular schedule on Monday.
- North Hopkins ISD has closed on-site classes until Monday. Remote learning will not be provided online, according to Superintendent Darin Jolly.
- Como-Pickton CISD will remain closed all week.
- Sulphur Buff School will remain closed all week to reopen Monday. No make up days will be required and at this time no remote learning for the kids.
- Saltillo ISD to reopen Monday February 22.
- Yantis ISD to reopen on Monday February 22.
- All Paris Junior College locations were to remain closed through Thursday.
- Texas A&M University Commerce was closed through Thursday and possibly Friday. This includes all daily business operations and remote work, except essential services already approved. This closure means no academic activities, including online or face to face classes. The only essential buildings that will remain open are Rayburn Student Center, all residential living and learning Buildings and the University Police Department. The off-site locations will adhere to the decision of their host institution or local school district.
Other Closures
- All CHRISTUS Trinity Clinics were reported closed through Thursday.
- Hopkins County Genealogical Society will not conduct the Zoom meeting on Thursday February 18, and hopes to reschedule the speaker in the near future.
- Republic is suspending trash pickup this week in Cumby. They will resume trash service next week, according to Cumby Mayor Doug Simmerman.
- Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is closed this week due to weather impacts and will re-open on Monday, February 22. Business ribbon cuttings scheduled this week are also canceled.
- Little Texans Learning Center will be closed through Friday, February 20, 2021.
- Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom last reported that Hopkins County Office Buildings will be closed the rest of this week, due to weather-related power outages. Emergency personnel will continue to work as scheduled. County offices are scheduled to reopen on Monday morning Feb 22.
- City of Sulphur Springs There will be no trash pickup in Sulphur Springs the remainder of this week.
- Meal A Day will remain closed this week due to the weather and road conditions. Meal a Day should be back in operation on Monday, according to Senior Citizens Center Director Karon Weatherman.
- Como City Hall was closed due to bad weather, to reopen when the roads are better. The late charge for this week will be extended.
- First UMC Sulphur Springs Office reports all activities scheduled through Friday have been cancelled.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that all DPS Offices in the North Texas Region will be closed on Friday February 19, due to the impact of severe winter weather on roadways and concern for the safety of both the public and employees. The 42 North Texas Region (Region 1) counties affected by this closure may be found on the DPS Regional Map. Driver License customers with appointments will be contacted to reschedule. Emergency DPS operations are not affected by this closure.
Other Scheduling Notices
- Due to the inclement weather, the 2nd dose COVID vaccine clinic scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic – Sulphur Springs Primary Care has been rescheduled for Saturday, 2/20, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The patients scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, will be receiving a call to reschedule their vaccine appointment.
- Northeast Texas Farmer’s Co-op has cancelled the annual Inventory set for Saturday, and the Co-op will be open for business on Saturday February 20, 2021.
- The Gala Unmasked Virtual Gala and Auction is Postponed for now, and will not be held as planned on Saturday February 20, 2021. The decision to postpone was made in light of weather hardships on the community. Find out more on the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation Facebook page.
If your school or organization is cancelling, delaying or has a scheduling change due to the weather, contact KSST so we can help get the word out.
Stay tuned to KSST Radio 1230 AM for the latest weather reports and updates for school start delays and closings.
‘Gala Unmasked’ Postponed for Now by HC Healthcare Foundation
2021 Gala Unmasked Postponed
Sulphur Springs, Texas, February 17, 2021 – In light of the hardships we have all faced this
week with the unprecedented weather, the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board and
Gala Committee have decided to postpone Gala Unmasked. As we always do, let’s circle the
wagons and take care of our friends and neighbors that have met challenges this week. We are so proud of the efforts our first responders, electric companies, line repairmen, Civic Center
employees, farmers, and neighbors have already taken to care for us. We are planning on running the Gala exactly as planned in a few short weeks. So, stay tuned and stay safe!
Wildcats Basketball Bi-District Information Has Been Firmed Up
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta announced Wednesday, February 17 that the Wildcats would be playing Jacksonville in the Bi-District round playoff game Monday at 7:30 P.M. in Hallsville.
The Wildcats beat the Anna Coyotes 64-56 at Anna on Saturday, Feb. 13 in a warm-up game in preparation for the play-offs. Jacksonville, the #3 seed team from District 16-5A, will be looking to get the upset against a well-coached Cipoletta-led Sulphur Springs team. The Wildcats, the #2 seed from District 15-5A, are 17-9 for the season.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
TxDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Home, Delay Travel
NEWS RELEASE — PARIS DISTRICT
Tim McAlavy (903) 737-9213 [email protected]
PARIS — Texas Department of Transportation officials are urging drivers to stay home and delay travel during this unprecedented statewide winter storm. Additional snow, sleet and ice remain in the forecast for much of the state through Feb. 17.
These conditions make travel unsafe and risky, despite the agency’s best efforts to keep roadways open and passable.
TxDOT crews statewide are working 24/7 in 12-hour shifts to treat, plow and blade the state’s roadways, and remain on the job until this weather passes.
However, road treatments will not prevent formation of ice or snow accumulation. If travel is necessary, motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution as patches of ice may be present or reappear on roadways.
In addition, TxDOT is experiencing weather-related outages to some traffic cameras, digital highway signs and traffic signals. Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution at intersections if lights are not working; treat these areas as four-way stops, per state law.
TxDOT thanks motorists for their patience, for doing their part during this weather emergency by staying home and/or driving only when necessary, and for driving cautiously to road conditions if travel is necessary. Motorists can check current road conditions online at DriveTexas.org or by calling 800-452-9292.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across the state.
‘Benefit for Jerry Knight’, Local Musician Battling Cancer, Set for February 25 in Mineola
BENEFIT FOR JERRY KNIGHT, LOCAL MUSICIAN BATTLING CANCER
Country guitarist Jerry Knight has long been a part of the country music scene in NE
Texas, accompanying many country artists during his career. Locally, Jerry played for the
Roger Reed Band at the Reilly Springs Jamboree for over 10 years. He was a staple at Gale
Hague’s Tuesday Night Dances at Arbala, Texas and Saturday nights in Greenville with
the Lone Star Express Band. And for the past 8 years, he has played rhythm/lead guitar
and sang vocals for the dance put on weekly in Mineola by The Country Drive Band. If
you’ve been to a dance or local event with a country band, or attended benefits for others,
you’ve probably seen and heard Jerry Knight. He also loves to do country gospel music and
would frequently be asked to perform “Three Old Rusty Nails” which is his signature
inspirational song. Jerry is a loving and giving friend to everyone, and that’s why it was so
hard to hear the news about his lung cancer diagnosis in Fall 2020. The cancer had
metastasized to his liver. Now, in early 2021, no treatments are being administered for the
cancer due to higher than normal enzymes in the liver. Jerry’s friends have sought his
permission to hold a benefit for him, and just after New Year’s, he finally gave permission
to his longtime friend, drummer John Rugg to “plan the party.” Fans and friends are
invited to the Benefit Dance for Jerry Knight on Thursday February 25, 2021 from 6:30
til 10pm. The location is Hickory Village Complex, 1581 US 69 North in Mineola, Texas,
just one mile south of KMOO Radio or 7/10 mile north of Loop 564. Donations will be
accepted for Jerry’s ongoing physician and transportation expenses as he bravely battles
the cancer and it’s complications. Please come and share love and encouragement for Jerry
and Gloria. For more information on the benefit, contact John Rugg at 972-922-1933. If
you cannot attend but would like to send a donation to the Jerry Knight Benefit, the benefit
mailing address is P.O Box 626, Hawkins Texas 75765, in care of John Rugg. Make checks
payable to Jerry Knight.
