Sulphur Springs City Council Approves Requests for 5 Building Projects That Will Provide 80 New Housing Units
Sulphur Springs City Council on Jan. 5 approved requests involving five building projects that, upon construction, will provide about 80 new housing units in Sulphur Springs.
380 Agreements
The council first granted two 380 agreements, to SM Family Holdings LLC and one 380 agreement to Adrian Lopez. After constructing a single family home on property already within the city limits in identified areas (infill housing development). the applicant will be reimbursed an estimated $3,000-$5,000 in building fees such as the permit for the building itself, mechanical, electrical and plumbing fees associated with construction; water and sewer tap fees; and demolition fees associated with construction of the home.
The amounts of each incentive will vary by project based on a number of factors, including the condition of the property, whether the property has a city tax lien, square footage of the property, streets and utilities involved. The city typically makes up the amount reimbursed within 2-3 years through collection of city taxes and utility fees.
For instance, the single-family home SM Family Holdings LLC is in the process of building at 306 South Moore Street is expected to be valued at around $150,000. The new home alone would generate $660 a year in property taxes, $360 in sewer fees, $408 a year in water fees and $60 in street fees. Thus, the city will have recouped the funds reimbursed in 2-3 years. SM Family Holdings LLC will pay any delinquent taxes on the property, then be reimbursed for the delinquent taxes upon completion of the project, according to Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski.
Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian asked if there was a timeline by which applicants have to apply during or before the construction process in order to receive a 380 incentive agreement as SM Holdings has applied for an agreement for a project already in progress.
Niewiadomski noted that city staff advise applicants that if they start building before applying for an agreement, they do so at their own risk as they are under no contract with the city. If they want to be absolutely certain before they acquire the property, they should have the agreement in place before doing so, to be sure of the situation before moving forward with the project.
City Attorney Jim McLeroy noted the policy is relatively new, so there may be some projects that were in the works longer and the requests are just making their way to the City Council for approval.
SM Family Holdings LLC also was also granted a 380 agreement to build a single-family home at 222 Craig Street. That project will require a variance granted from the zoning board because it is so narrow.
Julian pointed out that it is actually located on Wilson what looks like a dead-end grassy lane, a street that perhaps was platted but never developed. City Manager Marc Maxwell noted city officials will likely bring to the council a request to abandon the street in the future. City McLeroy noted that is a close, narrow street. Perhaps it could be sold to one of the adjoining land owners or developer at fair market value based on square foot dollar amounts for that area.
Adrian Lopez plans to construct a single-family home at 832 Alabama Street. Construction., however, was contingent on receiving the agreement as the property does have city tax liens. As of December, the liens totaled $8,792, but will likely come in a little higher as they have accrued this month. If approved, Lopez indicated plans to proceed with the purchase of the property and construction of a single-family home there, according to Niewiadomski.
Community Facilities Contract
Sulphur Springs City Council also approved a Community Facilities Contract with Joe Ardis for property located at the corner of College and Lundy Street. Ardis owns the lot and plans to construct two sets of duplexes. He will need to connect to the water line on College and Lundy. To eliminate a dead end main, he will need approval for that dedication.
The duplexes will face Lundy to the west, with room left on the lot for potential development. Water and sewer would be in the rear so it could potentially serve the lot to the east in the future. The area is zoned multi-family as it has similar units near it.
Niewiadomski said there are three things that will need to be addressed for the project to proceed. City staff plans to work with Ardis to make sure those terms, including needed utility easements, ensuring fencing doe snot block utilities.
Dority Addition Final Plat
The City Council also approve the final plat request from Kenneth Dority for property at the corner of Fisher and Spence Street. Dority plans to construct 35 duplexes on the property. The plat was recommended to the council for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, provided four specifications are met.
Dority plans to put a new subdivision on the 10.48 acres at the corner of Spence and Fisher Streets. The property is to be divided into 35 lots on which residential duplexes would be located.
The project in October was rezoned from heavy commercial to single family attached zoning, on which duplexes can be placed. The engineered plans have been reviewed by the city engineer and are substantially acceptable provided they include: drainage easements for lots 12-25 and 27-35; requires maintenance responsibility for a retention pond area to Lot 35; increases the front building setback line from 25 feet to 36 feet for lots 12-35 for the off-street parking; and on-street parking is to be prohibited on Twin Oaks Street. Each will have two parking areas that are 20×36 feet, which would allow for four vehicles to be parked in the driveway on either side per unit, two side-by-side and and two behind the first two.
Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins asked if people would be able to park on lawns or on the street to accommodate a large gathering such as say a funeral. that would necessitate more vehicles than parking spaces allow. Niewiadomski said no parking would be allowed on the new street. Maxwell noted due to how narrow that street will be, allowing vehicles to park on the street would be a safety hazard, as a fire truck or other large emergency vehicle would unable to get past a vehicle parked on that street in the event of an emergency, which likely could result in tragedy due to the inaccessibility of other points on that street.
Maxwell recommended that the plat be approved contingent on the driveways being paved with concrete. McLeroy said the city would have to check into that, because of recent legal changes regarding municipalities ability to specify building materials for projects.
Julian asked how the city plans to go about binding whoever has Lot 35 to a requirements to be responsible for maintenance for mowing and maintenance of drainage area and the nearby retention pond. Niewiadomski noted that language would be tacked onto the plat document requiring it.
Lady Cats Basketball Team Earns Overtime Win At Hugo, Oklahoma, 47-41
The Lady Cats Basketball Team outscored Hugo, Oklahoma 8-2 in overtime to take a 47-41 win on the road Tuesday evening, January 5.
After the Lady Buffaloes hit a pair of free throws in overtime, the Lady Cats made four unanswered baskets to get the win. Nylah Lindley scored the first two baskets and Kenzie Willis and Dalanee Myles both added one.
The Lady Cats got into overtime thanks to a late three point basket by Addisyn Wall. The ball was thrown to her on a fast break and Wall had the presence of mind to step back behind the three point line before hitting the big shot.
Willis led all scorers with 14 points including 2 three-pointers. Wall scored 12 points on 4 three-point baskets. Lindley scored 9 points. Bre’Asia Ivery scored 6 points. Myles had 4 points. Serenity Lewis had 2 points.
With the win, their second in a row, the Lady Cats improve to 8-6 for the season. The Lady Cats are 2-2 in district play and they return to district competition Friday evening at home against Hallsville.
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.
Carrillo Named First Team Linebacker As 14 Wildcats Make the All-District Football Team
A total of 14 Wildcats Football Players were named to the All-District 8-5A Football Team selected by the district’s coaches.
Senior inside linebacker Ryan Carrillo, the Wildcats’ leading tackler, was named 1st Team All-District Linebacker.
Five Wildcats earned Second Team Recognition: senior defensive end D’Andre Peoples senior quarterback Kaden Wallace, senior running back Caden Davis, junior B-back Carson Fenton and senior offensive tackle Somjai Pryor.
Eight Wildcats made the All-District Honorable Mention list: sophomore wide receiver C.J. Williams, senior center Raydon McCormack, senior offensive guard Alfredo Olavide, sophomore defensive lineman Nick Cantillo, senior outside linebacker Landry Meskimen, senior outside linebacker Cameron Hargrave, senior cornerback Kaden Eaton and junior kicker Josh Tavera.
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.
Chamber Connection: Goal Setting For Meaningful 2021, Hopefully, Together
By Lezley Brown, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to the new year, everyone! Here’s to the hope that 2021 will be kind, fun, and meaningful. We’ve been goal setting around here, and more than anything, I want 2021 to allow us to be together in groups again. I know it will take some time, but I think we will finally get there!
Ribbon Cutting
Rythmic Productions Music Studio is hosting a ribbon cutting
Rythmic Productions Music Studio is hosting a ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, January 12, at noon. They are located at 817 Fisher Street here in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to attend and check out this new business!
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for January 7, One Soul Yoga. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Final 2020 Numbers Prove Dismal Year For Hopkins County
As the state of Texas continues to update fatalities attributed to Hopkins County due to COVID-19 for the year 2020, the final numbers for death certificates are coming is as well. Currently, the state DSHS dashboard shows 70 fatalities for deaths due to the coronavirus for residents that lived in Hopkins County. As the state sometimes takes several weeks to report deaths, this number for 2020 is certain to go up. It is important to know that the state attributes these fatalities to Hopkins County no matter where the resident was when they passed away. Conversely, Hopkins County death certificates are filed for every death that occurs in Hopkins County, regardless of the deceased’s residence. The number of people that died in Hopkins County in the year 2020 stands at 514, with nine additional pending deaths expected to be filed.
The total number of deaths as recorded by death certificates is the highest number of deaths ever recorded in Hopkins County. This dismal fact is due not only to a higher number of deaths of Hopkins County residents, but also the number of people transferred into Hopkins County and passed away due to various reasons. With the different ways that these numbers are calculated, it is impossible to separate only Hopkins County deaths and then calculate the percentage of those that were COVID related. Either way, we can all agree that the numbers are way too high, and we can only hope that 2021 will be a better year.
The following is a press release from Hopkins County.
Wildcats and Lady Cats Basketball Teams Hit the Road on Game Day Tuesday
Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats Basketball Teams have non-district games on the road on this game day Tuesday (January 5).
The Wildcats are making a long road trip to Nacogdoches. There will be a Freshman game at 4:30 p.m. The Wildcats JV plays Nac at 5:45 p.m. The Wildcats Varsity plays the Dragons beginning at 7 p.m. The Wildcats have a 9-5 season record and they have won two games in row. Their latest win came at Marshall Saturday in a district game. Max Preps has the Dragons with a 6-8 season record. Nacogdoches has faced five teams in the Wildcats district with wins over Longview and Pine Tree and losses to Hallsville, Marshall and Mount Pleasant.
The Lady Cats travel to Hugo, Oklahoma for a non-district game. The schedule calls for a JV game at 5 p.m. The Lady Cats Varsity plays the Lady Buffaloes at around 6:30 p.m. The Lady Cats are 7-6 so far this season after surprising previously unbeaten Gilmer last Friday at home.
Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats will be back in district play on Friday against Hallsville.
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.
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs News
On the first day back from the Christmas and New Years holidays, PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Assistant Director and Student Advisor Iris Gutierrez, right, helps returning student Andre Evans of Sulphur Springs as he registers for the 2021 Spring Semester. For information about applying for admission or scholarships to PJC, call 903-885-1232.
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.
Paris Junior College Scholarships Available for Spring Semester Classes Begin January 11
Paris Junior College has scholarships available for students to use in the Spring Semester, but applicants should take action now to gain funding for classes that begin Monday, Jan. 11. PJC is offering face-to-face, interactive video, hybrid, and online classes so students may best meet their educational needs.
New students need to apply for admission to PJC, either by contacting [email protected] or filling out the online form at www.parisjc.edu/apply. Returning students may contact their Student Success Coach to sign up for classes, or they may email [email protected]. Learn more about and apply for PJC scholarships at www.parisjc.edu/scholarships.
PJC will also be holding One and Done Registration Days at all locations:
• Tuesday, Jan. 5 at the PJC-Greenville Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (6500 Monty Stratton Parkway, Greenville)
• Wednesday, Jan. 6 at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1137 Loop 301 East, Sulphur Springs)
• Thursday, Jan. 7 at the Paris campus, Rheudasil Learning Center, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (2400 Clarksville Street, Paris)
• Saturday, Jan. 9, all locations, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Or, come to the location nearest you at any time to register. For questions, please call 903-885-1232.
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.
Duvall, Gonzales Sentenced On One Felony Charge Each
Two men were sentenced on one felony charge each Jan. 4 in district court, according to court reports.
Rowdy Dee Duvall was scheduled to appear in the 8th Judicial District Court at 10 a.m. Jan. 4 for a sentence on an unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon charge. The offense was alleged to have occurred on March 2, 2019.
The third-degree felony charge stems from a traffic stop on Jefferson Street around 2:45 a.m. March 2, 2019. Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Chris Rosamond reportedly stopped Duvall for failure to signal a turn. A probable cause search of the Lincoln Continental yielded a handgun within reach of both Duvall and a Andrea Nicole White of Winnsboro, whose criminal histories included a felony conviction, resulting in both being charged with possession a firearm by a felon, Rosamond alleged in 2019 arrest reports.
The 41-year-old Winnsboro man’s jail records show he was in jail in Hopkins County from June 1-Nov. 9, 2017 and from March 3-29, 2018, on violation on violation of parole charges.
Duvall was also alleged to have 1.7 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine in his possession, resulting in the 41-year-old Winnsboro man also being charged on March 2, 2019, with possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. March 2, 2019 was the second time he was arrested Duvall was arrested in Hopkins County on a controlled substance charge; he was also jailed June 1-Nov. 9, 2017, for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1, according to jail reports.
He was indicted in April 2019 on the firearm charge. Duvall has been in Hopkins County jail since he turned himself in at the sheriff’s office on Jan. 3, 2021, on a warrant for violating probation on the unlawful possession of a firearm charge, according to jail reports.
Duvall has been sentenced to 25 years in jail on the firearm charge, according to the prosecutors.
Rudolpho Gonzales was also scheduled to appear before 8th Judicial District Judge Robert Newsom during the 10 a.m. court session on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, to receive the judge’s ruling on sentencing for an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle or watercraft charge.
The 47-year-old was arrested Sept. 24, 2019, on the evading arrest charge as well as a reckless driving charge. He also had a warrant out of Dallas for insufficient bond on a criminal trespass charge, according to jail reports. Gonzales remained in Hopkins County jail until June 16, 2020 on the charges.
Gonzales, who is also known by Rudy Gonzales, Rudolfo Gonzales, Rudolfo Sergio Gonzalez, Rudopho Sergio Gonzales, Rudy Sergio Gonzales, Rud and Rudolpho Sergio Gonzales, returned to Hopkins County jail on Nov. 12, 2020 for bond forfeiture on the evading arrest charge, and has remained in custody ever since. His bond was originally set at $10,000 in 2019 and his new bond was set at $20,000 on the evading arrest charge in 2020.
According to jail reports, Gonzales had a prior felony conviction at the time of his arrest in 2019. He was jailed June 14, 2018 on a burglary of a building warrant and an unauthorized use of a vehicle warrant. He was was indicted July 19, 2018 on both charge, then, pled guilty and was sentenced on Oct. 9, 2018, to one year of state jail time on the burglary of a building charge, according to court records.
Gonzales also was sentenced Jan. 4, 2021, by the judge to 35 years on the Sept. 24, 2019 evading arrest or detention with a vehicle or watercraft charge, according to prosecutors.
Woman Jailed On Child Endangerment-Criminal Neglect Warrant
A 26-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was jailed Monday on a child abandonment or child endangerment-criminal neglect warrant, marking the second time she’s been accused of the charge in Hopkins County and the third time in less than a year she’s been booked into Hopkins County jail on a felony charge,, according to arrest and jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Officers located Mary Elizabeth Walker at her residence Monday afternoon,. Jan. 4. She reportedly gave officers permission to search her residence. Drug paraphernalia was located and destroyed, Sgt. Todd Evans and Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford alleged in arrest reports.
Walker was taken into custody at 4:30 p.m. on a warrant for an abandoning or endangering of a child-criminal negligence charge; the offense is alleged in arrest reports to have occurred on Nov. 28, 2020. She also is reported to be on parole, Evans and Weatherford alleged in arrest reports. She remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, Jan. 5, 2021 on a $1,500 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County jail records also show Walker was previously jailed in Hopkins County April 8 to April 10, 2013, on an abandoning or endangering of a child-criminal negligence charge. Another arrest for Walker on a charge involving a child was for driving while intoxicated with a child under 15 years of age in the vehicle on April 7, 2017, according to jail reports.
She also was arrested twice in 2020: on May 7 for possession on less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and on Dec. 2 on a warrant for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Jail records show she was jailed April 11-June 12, 2017, in Hopkins County and sentenced to 5 years in prison for violation of probation on a burglary of a habitation charge.
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.
