County Historical Commission Appointments, Contracts Approved By Commissioners Court
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday approved a dozen Hopkins County Historical Commission appointments, a services contractor for storm repair work to county facilities and a space use agreement with the American National Red Cross; they also heard from from a Dike resident opposed to and a Dike property owner in support of the planned Hopkins County Solar farm in the area.
Historical Commission
The Commissioners Court unanimously approved a dozen individuals to serve on Hopkins County Historical Commission for a two-year term.The HCHC members for 2021-22 include:
- John Sellers
- Rick Wilson
- Carlie Penson
- Andrew Froneberger
- Major Willis
- Joyce Bateman
- Josh Willis
- Barbara Hudson
- Bill Glover
- Susan McCary
- Carolyn French
- Paula Altenbaumer
The Texas Legislature authorized counties to establish County Historical Commissions (CHC) to assist county commissioners courts and the Texas Historical Commission in the preservation of our historic and cultural resources. The mission of each CHC is to preserve, protect, and promote these resources, according to the Texas Historical Commission website.
Budget Amendment
County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook presented for Commissioners Court approval an $86,517.03 budget amendment, insurance proceeds received from Texas Association of Counties, less the $10,000 deductible, for repairs to county facilities due to damage during the winter storm in February.
She said $80,921.76 was designated to go into the courthouse repairs and maintenance fund to to start taking care of repairs and maintenance of the probation office and the county courthouse annex building, and the remaining $5,595.27 is designated for the Civic Center for cost of repairing burst pipes. Repairs at the Civic Center cost a little over $7,000, so some of the deductible had to be paid by the Civic Center.
County Judge Robert Newsom noted that damages to all three county buildings that sustained damages resulting from the winter storm were currently being addressed.
The Commissioners Court approved the budgetary change as recommended by the county auditor
Contracts
The Commissions Court too approved a contract with MTG Engineers & Surveyors for professional services under DR-4416, “Texas Severe Storms and Flooding Under Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.” The contract has to do with the two portable generators to ensure the county obtains the proper size and connections needed. The engineering has already been done, Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley explained, so the county now must enter into contract with MTG part of the grant funding the generator purchases. The court approved the contract as recommended by Endsley to meet grant requirements.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker asked where things stand on a generator that was sent off. Endsley said the problem with the generator has been diagnosed, and he could go into more in-depth detail during the work session that was to follow the regular court meeting. That generator would not be suited for emergency use, he said.
Also approved was a three-year space license agreement with the American National Red Cross to allow the group to share space in the old Fidelity Express building just off College Street, which served as headquarters for a state-sponsored free COVID-19 testing site from last fall until April.
“It’s just a renewal of contract. There’s no money exchanged. We just allow them to use that space for their office to do the things they do for us for us for Hopkins County Emergency Management,” explained Endsley. “It’s back to Red Cross, Salvation Army and CERT. They all three share that building there together. Red Cross always is adamant about having a contract with it and they also carry a $1 million liability on the building while they are inside it.”
Asset Disposal
The county officials too were asked and approved the disposal of some sheriff’s office assets. The sheriff’s office is selling 10 vehicles, a vending machine, second row seats for a Chevrolet Tahoe and a Ford Explorer, and two other items. A notice has been posted as required. The items are being sold online at Auctioneer Express. The list of vehicles includes pickup trucks, SUVs and a car.
“There are vehicles that have issues or would bring more at this sale, or were seized property the court has titles for,” Aulsbrook explained.
Public Forum
Dike resident Michelle Barnes, speaking on behalf of residents opposed to the planned solar project slated to begin in September, complained that an individual who spoke out in favor at of the project at a previous meeting doesn’t live in Dike, he just owns property there which he is leasing to the solar company Engie.
“There’s a major difference between actually living in Dike among this industrial power plant and just making making money off a lease with property you own but do not live on. In fact, almost all the people except one that signed the lease with the solar company do not live in Dike. So, how is that fair representation of homeowners when you made the decision to sign the contract,” Barnes said to when addressing the commissioners court during the public forum portion of the May 10 regular court session.
“Trusting the Commissioners Court that we will have a voice and be listened to is what we expect. The fact that our concerns seem to fall on deaf ears does not go unnoticed. I believe there should be representation of the people among the governmental leaders,” Barnes said.
Barnes contends that the Commissioners Court agrees with that sentiment, shown when the court on April 12 unanimously approved a resolution opposing Senate Bill 234 and House Bill 749, “because you believe rural governments will not have a voice in Austin,” which could result in unfair laws and regulations set at the state level and forced upon small rural counties including Hopkins County.
“I am against these bills, but a small fraction of me wants it to go through so you will know exactly how the citizens of Dike feel, in effect, putting the shoe on the other foot,” Barnes told the Commissioners Court.
Tim Fuller, a property owner for the Hopkins County Solar project, however, thanked the Commissioners for their forward thinking in allowing Engie to come in and build the solar project. Fuller noted that he spoke at the prior court meeting, and reiterated Monday that “the properties involved in the project are owned by individuals and we can use our land as whatever purpose within.”
“Again, I thank the commissioners for doing a job that are very seldom thanked. I’ve been here before. I would vote for anyone of you in the next election, preferably each one of you go unopposed,” Fuller concluded.
Beaumont Woman Jailed On Felony Theft Charge
A 34-year-old Beaumont woman ended up in Hopkins County jail on a felony theft charge Sunday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Mykeya Starlet James allegedly tried to leave Walmart with more than $50 worth of merchandise around 1:40 p.m. May 9, 2021. She reportedly passed all points of sale without paying for the merchandise she had collected in the store. She was detained until police arrived, then taken into custody at the store and jailed for theft of property valued at less than 2,500, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cameron Robinson noted in arrest reports.
The charge was enhanced to a third-degree felony offense, however, when it was determined James (who is also known by Keya Payne, Mykeya Starlet Payne and Kidd) had three prior theft convictions, one on Aug. 23, 2007; a second on July 12, 2012; and a third on July 11, 2018.
James was released from Hopkins County jail Monday, April 10, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the third-degree felony theft charge.
James’ jail record in Hopkins County goes back to 2006. Of the approximately 2 dozen times James was arrested, the last two were related to theft charges. She was taken into custody on July 11, 2018, to serve a 6 month commitment in a substance abuse felony punishment facility, part of a sentence for a January 2018 theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions charge. She returned to Hopkins County jail from March 19, 2019 to May 13, 2019 for violation of probation on the theft charge.
Richardson Man Arrested In Dallas On Hopkins County Warrant
A 28-year-old Richardson man was arrested and jailed in Dallas County on a Hopkins County felony warrant.
After Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was alerted, Deputy Amanda Weatherford traveled to Dallas County jail, took custody of Joshua Ryan Knox shortly after 1 p.m. May 10, 2021, according to arrest reports.
Weatherford transported Knox to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 4:45 p.m. May 10, on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, the deputy noted in arrest reports.
Knock, who is also known by Joshua Ryan Smith, remained in jail on the charge Tuesday, May 11, 2021, on the charge.
He was arrested on the original controlled substance charge on Oct. 7, 2018, after a sizable amount of suspected ecstasy was found in the van he and three others were traveling in, officials reported in arrest reports. He was released from jail on a $30,000 bond on Oct. 8, 2018, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Knox and his three codefendants were indicted in June 2019 by a Hopkins County Grand Jury on the 2018 possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge, according to court 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.
Lady Cats Golfer Mariam Tran Finishes State Golf Tournament Just 3 Over Par
Lady Cats senior golfer Mariam Tran played two good, solid rounds at the Class 5A State Golf Tournament Monday and Tuesday (May 10-11) at White Wing Golf Club in Georgetown.
Tran added a second day round of 1 over par 73 Tuesday to go with Monday’s 2 over par 74 for a two day total of 3 over par 147.
With just less than half of the field still on the course, Tran is currently in 11th place on the leader board just 7 strokes behind the leader.
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 School Boards Approves Coaches Changes Submitted by AD Greg Owens
Meeting Monday night (May 10), the Sulphur Springs School Board approved several coaching changes submitted by Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Greg Owens.
Current Middle School PE Teacher and Coach Easton Silman is moving over to the High School to be a Social Studies Teacher and Assistant Football Coach.
The board accepted the resignations of two current coaches.
Leaving are Varsity Football Cornerbacks Coach and Assistant Softball Coach Kevin Hatcher and Assistant Girls Basketball Coach and Assistant Cross Country Coach Bryan Jones.
Travis Willoughby has been hired as a Middle School PE Teacher and Coach. Trent Easley has been hired to be a PE and Credit Recovery Teacher and High School Coach.
Easley will coach varsity wide receivers on the football team.
Neal Parsons has been hired as a Social Studies Teacher and Coach at High School. Parsons will coach cornerbacks on the varsity football team.
Coach Owens said there would be a few more changes on his coaching staff in the future.
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 Fans Note Time Change for Regional Quarterfinal Playoff Game 1 Wednesday
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo says the game time for the Lady Cats first playoff game in their Regional Quarterfinal series with Huntsville in Whitehouse Wednesday (May 12) has changed.
Instead of 6 p.m., it is now at 6:30 p.m. The Friday and Saturday, if needed, game remain the same.
Game 2 is Friday at Rusk at 6:30 p.m. Game 3, if necessary, will be back at Whitehouse Saturday at 2 p.m.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Wildcats Head Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta Heading to Allen
Wildcats Head Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta has accepted the position as Head Basketball Coach at Allen High School. Coach Cip confirmed the news by text Tuesday (May 11).
Coach Cipoletta created a basketball culture in Sulphur Springs as Head Wildcats Coach for the past 7 seasons.
He had a record of 150-82 overall as Wildcats Coach but he was 131-40 for the past 5 seasons. His teams captured two district championships.
Coach Cipoletta’s highlight season was 2018-2019 as the Wildcats advanced to the State Tournament for the first time in many a decade.
The Wildcats lost to San Antonio Wagner in a State Semifinal Game. That team ended up 29-9 and was a perfect 10-0 in district play. They were Bi-District, Area and Regional winners.
The Wildcats under Coach Cip also advanced to Regional Quarterfinal game in 2019-2020 and 2017-2018.
The 2017-2018 team set the school record for wins going 30-5.
Last season, the Wildcats were 18-10 and made it to Area. Coach Cipoletta’s Wildcats never lost a Bi-District game.
He served as a Wildcats Assistant Coach for several seasons before becoming head coach. Coach Cipoletta said God has blessed him more than he deserves.
Coach Cip leaves behind a big pair of sneakers to fill.
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.
Woodard Named State Champion In Hair and Make-Up UIL Contest
The State UIL Theatrical Design officials Monday night, May 10, 2021, named student AllieGrace Woodard as the State Champion in the Hair and Make-up Contest
AllieGrace Woodard was chosen as a state finalist in two categories of the State Theater Design competition, marking at least the third time her theatrical designs qualified her as as state finalist.
The Sulphur Springs High School student too was a member of the school’s UIL One-Act Play cast and crew. The SSHS Wildcat Theatre’s production of the UIL One Act Play “You on the Moors Now” advanced to Bi-District. Kristopher Luce and Lesha Woodard were the directors.
AllieGrace Woodard, Rorie Young and Danielle Verlander all earned Honorable Mention All Star Cast recognition, while Hannah Shultz received All Star Cast honors and Ricardo Chavarria was named an Outstanding Crew Member at the Bi-District competition for their work during “You on the Moors Now.”
Woodard was also the director of a student film that advanced to the second round of judging in the UIL Film competition. The Wildcat team “wrote a nice script and received compliments from the judges for their production,” Grafton reported Monday night to SSISD Board of Trustees.
The cast of the film included included Lucy Braddy, Gregg English, Caitlynn Monaghan, Hannah Shultz, Caleb Talmage, Brandon Williams and Rorie Young. Phillip Dick was the sponsor for the film. Click here to view.
Woodard also earned third place in poetry interpretation at the District UIL meet.
Thank Hospital and Health System Workers During National Hospital Week, May 9-15
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, May 11, 2021 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Inspiring Hope through Healing
National Hospital Week is May 9-15, and is an opportunity to highlight our hospitals, health systems, and health care workers and the innovative ways they are supporting the needs of their community members, especially during the pandemic.
To all those working in America’s Hospitals and Health Systems, THANK YOU!
COVID Vaccines Available
Contact Holly Ragan at 903.439.4033 to find out about future vaccine schedules.
Hospital Visitation
We continue to ensure a safe and compassionate process for families and essential support persons to visit patients, while preventing person-to-person transmission of infectious diseases in our acute care settings. All visitors will continue to be screened to make certain they do not fit a COVID-19 profile, based on CDC guidelines. To safely regulate access to patient care areas within our hospital, visitor-screening stations are placed at the entrance of our facilities.
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable
- Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth
- Visitors must pass screening before entry
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- COVID Unit limited to (1) visitor (age 16 and over)
- ER and ICU limited to (2) visitors
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
Effective March 17, 2021
We will no longer restrict the number of visitors per patient, however, we strongly encourage to limit visitors to ONE (1) essential support person and for all other visitors – continue utilizing virtual communication through mobile devices to monitor your loved ones in our care.
Awards
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs was awarded an ‘A’ in the spring 2021, a national distinction recognizing CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs’ achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. This is the hospital’s fourth consecutive ‘A’ safety grade.
Environmental Services
When it comes to infection prevention, our Environmental Services Team (EVS) are the first defense. Donnie Lewis, Department Manager for the EVS team at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, does an excellent job leading the 31-member team, who have been consistent in following best practices for infection prevention. While already noted as being one of the cleanest facilities in the region, the EVS team has added extra steps and added every recommended process necessary throughout the COVID-19 crisis. We want to say a very special THANK YOU for their efforts in ensuring our patients and associates safety!
Clinic Services
Urgent Care
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care, located at 1339 South Broadway St. in Sulphur Springs, is now open. The Urgent Care hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Urgent Care is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays. The phone number to reach Urgent Care is 903.951.1001.
Pain Management
Do you have back or neck pain? Pain medicine physicians are part of a rapidly growing specialty that takes a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to treating all types of pain. Many patients come to us suffering from back and neck pain, painful joint or muscle conditions and nerve pain in the arms and legs. Each patient goes through an evaluation and assessment that leads to a highly personalized level of care. If you want help with your pain, call Dr. Matthew Johnson, at the CHRISTUS Trinity Pain Management Clinic in Sulphur Springs at 903.885.1740.
COVID-19
Don’t Delay Care
We want to be perfectly clear – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. Go to the Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 if you are urgently ill. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. To learn more about COVID-19, go to ChristusTMF.org or www.cdc.gov.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Sulphur Springs High School 2021 BBQ Build Off Draws 7 Schools, 8 Teams
Sulphur Springs High School’s annual BBQ Build Off may have been a couple of teams smaller than usual, but was still a success, thanks to the many local businesses who contributed to help with costs of materials and awards for participant FFA groups.
According to the SSHS FFA instructor costs for materials needed for students to challenge themselves to build a barbecue pit within a limited time frame on the school ground has gone up along with other construction and supplies as a result of the pandemic, thus, the donations were event more appreciated this year. They allowed the school to host the event at the same entry fee for participants.
The 2021 build-off featured teams from seven different school district, including two teams from C-P who competed for bragging rights and prizes. Participant FFA Chapters included those from Union Hill, Caddo Mills, Lone Oak, Bland, Rains, Como-Pickton and Sulphur Springs; Como-Pickton had two teams competing. Teams bring their own equipment, including welding materials and tools, are each given the same parts and tasked with building a barbecue smoker during the school day.
When time is called, all teams must put down their tools and step away from their barbecue pit, put away their tools and ready themselves for judging. Some teams had members who were new to the contest, while others had more experienced ag mechanics students and many were comprised of a mix of students with varied skills levels. Teams are ranked by a panel of guest judges, with the top three recognized, typically with tools or donated items.
When the day is over, the students load their projects onto a trailer and haul it home. If barbecue pit isn’t already consigned, they will be tweaked and completed upon arrival home, then sold later to help raise funds for future FFA projects and activities.
School teams are also encouraged to participate in a cook-off, cooking items on site for lunch, for bragging rights.
This year, to honors went to Bland ISD, with Caddo Mills placing second and Como-Pickton’s Team 1 earning third place honors in the build off. Grilling honors went to Union Hill this year.
