CARES Funding For Qualifying Small Businesses Being Distributed By City
CARES funding to help qualifying small businesses has finally come through. The checks for $2,500 were being distributed Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020 by the City of Sulphur Springs to 28 qualifying small businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic.
This City of Sulphur Springs COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program is made possible by the CARES Act-Coronavirus Relief Fund. The funding is passed through to the city from the state of Texas. The application process for the program was opened by the city in July, contingent on approval of Texas Department of Emergency Management. The city is to use a portion of the $890,945 in CARES funding to help eligible local businesses.
The City of Sulphur Springs had planned for up to 88 grants for Sulphur Springs small businesses that meet the established criteria. The city received 37 applications and was able to approve 28 small businesses in Sulphur Springs to receive $2,500 each. Nine of the applicants could not be approved by the Small Business Assistance Program Committee because they did not meet program requirements, according to the city finance director.
The checks were made out Monday, and approved applicants were notified Monday and Tuesday their $2,500 checks are available.
The businesses, as part of the program, are required to sign a 380 agreement which stipulates the small business must continue to be still be owned by the applicant and remain open for the next 90 days.
“We were glad to be able to do this with the CARES funding we were eligible for,” Sulphur Springs Finance Director Lesa Smith said. As long as they stay open for 90 days, I think they can do with the funds however they need to do to recover from the pandemic.”
The $890,945 in CARES funding the city is eligible for must be requires 75 percent to be reimbursable expenditures related to public health, medical expenses or payroll expenses; and 25 percent of expenditures may be used to provide economic support.
City staff also applied for and was approved for a $645,088 public safety reimbursement for police and fire department salary expenses for April and May related to COVID-19 and $22,795 for public health purposes such as personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and disinfectant. Another $31,900 in CARES funding was designated to Sulphur Springs school district as part of a technology funding match to help the school district purchase iPads and hotspots.
Potential use of the approximately $120,000 remaining in eligible CARES funding, within the scope allowed, will be up to to Sulphur Springs City Council. Sulphur Springs City Council is scheduled to meet next at 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, 2020.
Wildcats Football Offensive Coordinator Discusses Upcoming North Forney
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, we here at KSST radio met up with Wildcats football coordinators to discuss the upcoming game on Friday versus North Forney.
Wildcats offensive coordinator Matt Young said the North Forney defense might be the best the Sulphur Springs squad plays all year, adding that the defensive unit is extremely talented.
Coach Young said that not only do the Falcons have an incredibly talented disruptor inside in #99 for North Forney, but on top of that, they have eight guys standing up that can run really well. The offensive coordinator for the Wildcats said that the team will have their hands full Friday, but will gladly accept a good challenge.
Coach Young said he expects the North Forney defense to disrupt some things at times, but said the the team knows where they will be and what they could do. Ultimately, though, it comes down to execution and doing one’s job for Young’s offensive unit.
If the Wildcats do their job, they will end up in the end zone. No matter what ensues Friday, Couch Young remains grateful for the opportunity to play, seeing as how the last game played was the Oct. 2 loss versus Lovejoy, almost an entire month go now.
Last week North Forney had a bye, but entering Friday’s match versus the Wildcats, the Falcons offense averages 43.5 points per game.
The Wildcats will have their hands full as this Friday Sulphur Springs (0-0 district, 0-2 overall) hosts the North Forney Falcons (1-0 district, 4-0 overall) at Gerald Prim stadium at 7:30 P.M.
This Friday’s match-up between the two teams will be the third home game in a row for the Wildcats, as they will be looking to avoid starting the season 0-3.
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.
Tax Abatements, Nursing Homes Acquisition On Oct. 27 Hopkins County Hospital District Agenda
A tax abatements and nursing homes acquisition are among the items on the Oct. 27 Hopkins County Hospital District agenda.
The HCHD Board of Directors will be asked during the 6 p.m. meeting to consider approving tax abatements for Hopkins Energy LLC, a solar farm planned in the Dike area, and My Perfect Pet, a new business in Sulphur Springs.
Hopkins Energy, which recently changed ownership, is asking for tax incentives from Sulphur Springs and Sulphur Bluff ISDs and from Hopkins County to put a
Hopkins County Commissioners Court on Oct. 12 approved a document establishing a reinvestment zone for Hopkins Energy LLC. Establishing the reinvestment zone allows Hopkins County Hospital District to consider a tax abatement for the business.
The propose reinvestment zone spans approximately 2272 acres across 20 parcels of land in Dike.
My Perfect Pet, a pet food business relocated by owner Karen Neola from California to Sulphur Springs. a more central location from which to ship the specialty a gourmet pet food product to sellers across the country.
Neola officially broke ground for the project on July 31, 2019. My Perfect Pet’s 19,000 square foot facility in Sulphur Springs is now complete to USDA standards for production of human grade frozen pet food. The project is a $2.5 million investment. The business began its first production shift Oct. 7.
One of the incentives offered to Neola for the relocation was a tax abatement from the hospital district. The hospital district does not have the legal authority to create a reinvestment zone. Sulphur Springs City Council on Oct. 6 approved on first reading Ordinance No. 2774 establishing a geographic boundary of an area where a taxing entity can offer a tax incentive. The reinvestment zone doesn’t create a tax abatement with the city, but should allow the hospital district to consider a tax abatement for My Perfect Pet, Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley reported earlier this month.
The Hospital District will be asked to consider that tax abatement at the Oct. 27 meeting, to be held in the Plaza Conference Room at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 113 Airport Road.
Also submitted for HCHD Board approval is a resolution for Petal Hill and Rose Trail acquisition by Billy Shindele as manager, according to the agenda.
Two items on agenda reflect items for the Hopkins County EMS service.
A representative from Rees is scheduled to present for HCHD Board approval a design and pre-bidders conference for a new EMS headquarters planned on three hospital district-owned lots across the street from CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs.
A budgeted remount of Medic 6 and a new ambulance, are also expected to be presented for approval as well.
Financial statements for August 2020 and and EMS update are on the agenda for approval. The consent agenda includes nursing home reports and minutes from the Sept. 14 meeting.
Paul Harvey, hospital resident/CEO, is scheduled to present a CHHA update.
Planned during executive session are real estate matters, a performance review and compensation for the HCHD CEO and minutes from the Sept. 14 executive session. The board then will be asked to approve in open forum any of those items pushed forward for action.
North Hopkins FFA Auction and Stew
Lindsey Faulks, Kenna Lane, and Jessica Hatley want to invite everyone to come out and support the North Hopkins FFA. Funds from the auction and stew will support events and projects throughout the school year. The event will be November 7th, 2020.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report — Oct. 19-25, 2020
The Winnsboro Police Department media report for the week of Oct. 19-25, 2020, included the following activity:
Arrests
- Jerry Crawford, 46 years of age, of Quitman, was arrested on 10/21/2020 on a Wood County warrant for Violation of Bond.
- Tristan Hyatt, 21 years of age, of Mineola, was arrested on 10/22/2020 for DWLI with previous convictions.
- Brandon Hicks, 38 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 10/25/2020 for DWI, 3rd or more offense, and Evading arrest with previous convictions.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 132 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 39 citations and 35 warnings during this reporting period.
Free Fitness Classes for Seniors Weekly at The ROC
At this time, the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is not hosting fitness classes for Srs, however, The ROC center of First Baptist Church has stepped up to help. Now there are classes 5 mornings per week, and all classes are FREE to senior citizens. Masks must be worn by all who attend!
Here is the schedule, according to Karon Weatherman:
“Fit and Strong” is starting back on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM. John Little will be back as the Instructor for this class.
You will need to WEAR A MASK while you are attending the class.
You can also take advantage of the Tai Ji Quan class that we moved to the ROC a month ago. That balance class meets on Mondays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM. Karen Moseley is the Certified Instructor for that class.
Both of the Class are FREE. These are two ways that you can get out, get some exercise and see your friends. If you have your weights, exercise balls or stretchy bands stored here at the Senior Citizens Center, please feel free to come and get them. Just please wear your mask while you are in the building.
The Seniors Center really appreciates the First Baptist Church and Jody Pair for opening up the ROC for us to use.
Fall Color Abounds at Cooper Lake State Park’s Forests, Prairies, Lakeside
Experience Fall’s Coolness and Color at Cooper Lake State Park!
Cooper, TX— Midfall is a most special time of year here in Northeast Texas with leaf color peaking with reds, yellows, and oranges aglow. This year the leaf change is a little ahead of the 2019 season. With cool nights, sunny warm days, moderate rainfall, and a little luck, we should have outstanding color from now through mid-November.
Leaf color is a biological process that is based on leaf pigments. We all have heard about the green pigment chlorophyll but may not be as aware of others such as carotenoids (yellows and oranges) and anthocyanins (reds and purples). In the fall as day length decreases and nights become cooler, this signals the plant to shutdown chlorophyll production and the carotenoids, which are always present, begin to shine through. The reds and purples develop in the fall since the anthocyanins are being produced by the same forces that cause the decline of chlorophyll. This is a simplified explanation of the complex chemistry but with luck, it will all come together for us this year! The park is ready for you to enjoy nature’s watercolors.
Currently, the forests at the park are developing beautiful color with red sumac, Virginia creeper, poison ivy (look but don’t touch!), and rough-leaf dogwood all expressing deep reds. Elms are developing yellows as are multiple other forest species. Many trees and shrubs are still green creating a contrast of color. Also, don’t forget about the flush of fall flowers scattered in the park’s pocket prairies.
Many state parks in the region have beautiful fall colors such as Daingerfield State Park and Lake Bob Sandlin State Park just to name a couple. With your paid admission at Cooper Lake State Park, you can visit other state parks on the same day for free! Plan a day with family and friends to experience all the beauty fall has to offer at a Texas State Park!
Cooper Lake State Park entrance fees are $5 for adults; kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. Unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70, which is good for over 12 months. Buy your pass and let your Texas adventure begin!
For more information on the park, please visit and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903)-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek (903) 395-3100).
Hopkins County Oct. 26 COVID-19 Update: 11 Recoveries, 8 New Cases
Although 8 additional Hopkins County residents received positive COVID-19 results, 11 residents recovered from COVID-19, decreasing the overall active case count from 185 to 181 on Oct. 26, Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials reported in the Oct. 26 COVID-19 update.
Overall, that makes 247 Hopkins County residents who have received positive COVID-19 results and 144 who have recovered from the virus this month. Cumulatively, 608 Hopkins County residents have tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019 since March, including 427 who have recovered from the virus.
Nine Hopkins County residents have died in October as a result of COVID-19, which increases the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in Hopkins County to 27, according to Texas Department of State Health Services.
The number of patients in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs rose to 10 Monday, up from 8 on Friday, HC/SSEM reported in the Oct. 26 COVID-19 Update. That’s the 5th weekday this month a double digit patient count has been reported. There were 11 on Oct. 20, and 10 patients in the COVID-19 unit on Oct. 16, 19, 21 and 26.
Another 126 COVID-19 tests were performed Saturday at the free testing site at 128-A Jefferson St. in Sulphur Springs, that’s 1,734 COVID-19 tests conducted at the free testing site this month. The 126 tests performed Saturday increase the overall number of free tests performed at the free testing site since it opened on Sept. 25 to 2,018, according to Oct. 26 COVID-19 update.
Free COVID-19 testing is scheduled to continue until Oct. 31 at 128-A Jefferson St. Testing is offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Symptoms and high-risk exposure are not required for this free molecular testing. Anyone can be tested, including children provided they are accompanied by a parents or guardian. To register for the free oral swab test, go online to GoGetTested.com.
Sulphur Springs ISD also on Oct. 26 reported 5 new cases. A staff member at Sulphur Springs Elementary School, 2 staff members at Barbara Bush Primary and two students at Sulphur Springs High School who were all reported to have been present on their campus during the last week had received positive COVID-19 results on Monday.
State Reports
Texas Health and Human Services’ Oct. 26 nursing facility report showed 7 fewer active resident cases at Carriage House Manor from Oct. 9 to Oct. 12, the most recent data available from the state for nursing facilities. Unfortunately, four of those residents died as a result of COVID-19. That makes 19 residents of Carriage House Manor who have died from COVID-19, 55 who have tested positive for the virus and 27 who have recovered, leaving 9 active resident cases on Oct. 12, according to the Oct. 26 HHS report.
Carriage House also had 6 fewer active COVID-19 cases on Oct. 12; cumulatively, the facility has had 40 employee cases since March, according to the HHS report.
Rock Creek Health and Rehab LLC reported the facility’s 1st COVID-19 cases on Oct. 12. An employee had tested positive for the virus, but no resident cases had been reported as of Oct. 12, according to the Oct. 26 HHS nursing facility report.
One additional employee at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehabilitation, giving the facility 3 active and 5 cumulative employee cases on Oct. 12. SSHS&R reported no active resident COVID-19 cases on Oct. 12, but a total of 16 resident cases since March, including 2 deaths, according to the Oct. 26 HHS nursing facility report.
Sunny Springs Health & Rehab reported 1 additional employee had tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 12. Cumulatively, the facility has had 20 employee cases and 3 residents cases since March, according to the HHS report.
The only active COVID-19 case reported for Sulphur Springs assisted living facilities on Oct. 12 was one active employee case at Wesley House, according to the HHS Oct. 26 assisted living facility report. The employee was first reported by HHS on Sept. 30 to have tested positive for COVID-19.
There continued to be no active employee or student cases of COVID-19 on Oct. 25 at the 6 licensed child care centers, school-age programs, and before or after-school programs, according to the Oct. 26 HHS reports.
Road Materials Bids, Equipment Purchase Approved By Hopkins County Commissioners Court
Bids for road materials, continued participation in a grant program to help feed county residents, improvements to the courthouse, a new BOMAG machine for Precinct 4 and a reappointment to the county appraisal district board were among the items approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Courts
Road Materials
“We went out for bids for road materials and received back from all the normal vendors that send back every year,” Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook said.
“I just want to make mention that the material prices keep going up, up, up. As much money as we spend with these companies, I think it would behoove us — if that is the correct word– to do some communicating with the powers that be at each one of these vendors to try to get these prices down a little lower. It’s getting out of control, in my opinion,” Precinct 1 Mickey Barker said.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker noted the prices for the materials continues to increase. He said it might benefit the county to communicate with the “powers that be” for each vendor in an effort to “get prices down a little lower.”
Hopkins County Commissioners went through the bids received for various road materials, with each commissioners selecting their top 1-3 choices, but approved all bids.
Basically, by designating their top choices but accepting all bids, the commissioners have the option to make a purchase from another bidder on the list if the top bidders don’t have the product they are seeking in stock, Aulsbrook noted.
Choices varied by commissioner based on varying costs per mile from the different businesses to each county barn Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley and Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price noted. For instance, a Paris business would have to travel less for a location in the northern part of Precinct 3 than to Precinct 1 or 2, thus, the hauling cost would likely be more for Precinct 1 or 2.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said in other instances, trucks may not be available to perform or deliver the product at a specific time needed. In those instances the commissioner can opt to call on their second or third choice.
Bartley noted that if choice 1 doesn’t give him a good enough service, he defaults to his second choice in these areas when applicable.
Bids were for metal and plastic culverts, road materials, road oil, road surface sealant, oil sand, granular sub-base materials and shingles.
The county received no bids for chip sealing, according to Aulsbrook.
Budget Amendment
Aulsbrook asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving one final budget amendment to close out the 2019-2020 budget.
“It’s for security systems that were put in last budget year. We paid for it from the security budget and that budget wasn’t funded for it. So, we need to move general fund money over to cover it. We paid out $49,338 to install security systems in 2020. So, that’s what I would be moving to the security fund,” Aulsbrook said. “Those were approved and passed. I was just waiting until we paid for it all so I could get the total and move the money once.”
The 2019-2020 fiscal year ended last month and the new year began Oct. 1. Making this final amendment will allow for updated accounting to meet requirements prior to the annual outside audit of county finances, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted.
Oct. 26 is the last day that any bills can be paid or financial business added to the 2019-2020 budget.
“My understanding is y’all got it to the penny this year. I don’t know that we’ve ever been able to do that just that perfectly. So I want to brag on Kelly [Kaslon], Danny [Davis] and Shannah and all their staff. They got it to the penny this year. I’m talking everything is accurate and balanced out. That’s really amazing because outside auditors actually allow quite a bit of allowance if you’re not perfect. But we’re perfect, so I really commend yall for good work,” Newsom said.
Courthouse Repairs
The court also approved a commercial work order of $34,100 from Horn Brothers Roofing for courthouse repairs. Newsom said the company is in progress of repairing windows at Hopkins County Courthouse, hence the equipment located outside the courthouse.
“We have a wonderful, wonderful courthouse. It’s 125 years old, but it takes quite a bit of maintenance to make it work,” Newsom said.
He noted the basement and first floor windows were repaired a couple of years ago for more than $140,000. The second and third floor windows need repairs. Those got under way last week and include work inside and outside of the courthouse.
Other Items
The court approved the purchase of a Bomag from RB Everett and Company through Buyboard for $179,850 for Precinct 4. Price said they had a couple of pieces of equipment that have worn out. He plans to keep an older Bomag to be used as a mixer for the time being. Aulsbrook said Price is required to go out for bid for the project because it’s being purchased by Buyboard contract.
Newsom reported that each year the county approves a memorandum of understanding with East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. He recommended that the county do so again this year.
The court also approved the name change and ownership of Hopkins Energy LLC solar project agreement; the project is changing to NG Holdings Inc. out of Houston. This won’t change the agreement, just the name in the agreement.
A resolution authorizing the county participation in a grant program for 2021 which would allow Lamar County Human Resources Council to continue to serve Hopkins County residents by providing food for them. This is something the county does annually to allow LCHRC to feed rural homebound residents across Hopkins County. The county gives a small contribution to the program. An annual resolution approving an agreement is required in order for LCHRC to continue the service, according to Newsom.
Hopkins County Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Pogue Jenkins agreed to again serve on the Hopkins County Appraisal District Board of Directors.
One Sports Event Postponed, One Takes Place On This Rainy Game Day Monday, Oct. 26
It’s a rainy game day Monday, Oct. 26. The Wildcats and Lady Cats Golf Teams were scheduled to play at a Lovejoy-sponsored tournament Monday at the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club. That event has been postponed. Plans now call for the tournament to be played on Monday, Dec. 7
Meanwhile, the District 15-5A Cross Country Championship at Mount Pleasant did get under way on this game day Monday. The Wildcats and Lady Cats are participating. The top two teams at district will qualify for the regional meet in Dallas on Nov. 9. In the past, the top three teams would qualify but in an attempt to reduce the size of the regional meets, the UIL decided to cut district qualifiers from the top three to the top two.
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.
