Free COVID-19 Testing Resumes In Sulphur Springs Today
Free COVID-19 testing resumes in Sulphur Springs today. However, the testing site has changed. Testing is now being conducted at Hopkins County Annex building, located at 128A Jefferson St., in Sulphur Springs.
There were still 192 test slots available at 3:51 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, with testing available as early as 3:56 p.m.
There are no requirements for testing, but registration is conducted online at GoGetTested.com. Those testing are also asked not to eat or drink for 15 minutes prior to swabbing in order to get a good sample for testing.
Free COVID-19 testing in Sulphur Springs will be offered every day except Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. Simply complete the test request, then receive a message with instructions. Testing is drive-through. Registrants need only show the QR code that is sent to them. Testing typically takes only 5-10 minutes and testers remain in their vehicles.
Results from the free COVID-19 testing typically are returned in 48-96 hours.
Arrested This Week On Controlled Substance, Marijuana, Related Charges
Six men were arrested this week, Sept. 20-25 on controlled substance and marijuana charges, according to arrest reports.
I-30 Traffic Stop
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Arturo Ugalde stopped a Chevrolet Malibu around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 116 for speeding. Upon contact with the occupants, Ugalde reported seeing a Glock handgun on the front passenger’s side floorboard, within reach of the 19-year-old passenger.
The passenger, identified in arrest reports as Steven Remone Parks of Jacksonville, Arkansas, had what appeared to be marijuana residue on the front of his hoodie and pants, Ugalde alleged in arrest reports. A probable cause search of the car by Ugalde allegedly revealed a usable amount of suspected marijuana in the passenger’s side door next to where Parks had been sitting.
In Parks’ wallet, the trooper reported finding a credit card with someone else’s name on it. He claimed his grandmother gave him the card, but didn’t know what name was on the card.
Parks was taken into custody for unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana. The driver and another passenger were released.
Ugalde reported when he asked the teen again about the credit card, Parks admitted he shouldn’t have been in possession of a card if he wasn’t the cardholder. Consequently, Parks was also charged with credit card abuse, according to arrest reports.
Parks remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning. His bond was set at $5,000 on the credit card charge, $2,000 on the weapon charge and $1,000 on the possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana charge, according to jail reports.
Transfers From Wood County Jail
Two men were transferred from Wood County jail to Hopkins County jail by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Fite on controlled substance warrants Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Both 37-year-old Wesley James Chester of Sulphur Springs was booked into Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning on a warrant for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Sept. 25; bond on the charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
Wayne Thomas Hall of Pickton was booked into was booked into Hopkins County jail Sept. 23 for surety off bond on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. He was released from Hopkins County jail Sept. 24 on the charge, according to jail reports.
Gilmer Street Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nick Marney stopped a Dodge Ram 1500 at 2:37 a.m. Sept. 22, on Gilmer Street for having a registration that expired in February 2020.
While talking with the driver, Marney noticed the man to have nervous body language and asked if he could search the truck. Deputy Thomas Patterson was requested to bring his police canine, Chiv, to the location to conduct a sniff search. Chiv allegedly gave a positive response for contraband during the sniff search.
Contraband was allegedly located inside of a flashlight in a door pocket on the truck during a probable cause search, Marney alleged in arrest reports. The driver, 22-year-old Justin Powell Freeman of Sulphur Springs, was arrested at 2:54 a.m. Feb. 22 for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. The truck was released to the passenger.
Freeman was released from Hopkins County jail later Sept. 22, on a $20,000 bond, according to arrest reports. The arrest marked the second time in the last 5 months he’s been booked into Hopkins County jail. He was also arrested May 9 on three warrants for not taking care of failure to maintain financial responsibility charges, according to jail reports.
Bond Revocation Arrest
Tommy Ray McCollum was taken into custody at 1:19 p.m. Sept. 21 at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office by Deputy Dan Turrentine.
The 45-year-old Quinlan man was jailed on an order revoking bond on a May 9, 2020 possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
McCollum remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 25, according to jail reports.
South Broadway Street Traffic Stop
A 44-year-old Sulphur Springs man was stopped by HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward at 10:56 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, in a South Broadway Street parking lot for failure to maintain a single lane of travel.
A records check reportedly showed a female passenger to be wanted.
The driver and passenger gave conflicting stories, according to arrest reports. Walter Lynn Crawford reportedly admitted he’d previously been arrested; jail reports show one prior Hopkins County arrest on Jan. 22, 2001 for theft of property valued at $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, according to jail reports.
He reportedly had a gray cloth under him on the floorboard with an object in it. He refused to let the deputy search the Nissan truck so Steward requested a police canine to respond at the location. While waiting, Steward alleged he could see a ab containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine neary the gray cloth.
The police canine arrived. The officer reported his canine partner alerted on the vehicle for contraband. A probable cause search of the vehicle allegedly revealed two glass pipes of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine, a bag containing a small amount of suspected meth, and another bag in a sweatband on a cowboy that contained a substance that field-tested positive for meth. The seized substance weighed 0.88 gram. Crawford was taken into custody at 11:19 p.m. for possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, Steward noted in arrest reports.
When the passenger was advised she was being arrested on the warrant, she began complaining of stomach pain and requested medical attention. She was transported by EMS to the hospital, according to arrest reports.
McCollum was released from Hopkins County jail later Sept. 21; bond was set at $5,000 on the controlled substance charge, 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.
Williams Returned To Hopkins County Jail For 5th Time In Less Than 6 Months
Jeremy Lindre Williams has been returned to Hopkins County jail for the 5th time in less than 6 months, according to arrest reports.
The 36-year-old Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody at 5:30 p.m. at the 8th Judicial District Court by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Baumann on an order revoking his bond on a voyeurism charge.
Williams was first arrested on a warrant for voyeurism naming a victim younger than 14 years of age as well as a warrant assault causing bodily injury to a family member on April 16. He was released from jail on April 17 on a $15,000 bond on the voyeurism charge and a $5,000 bond on the assault charge.
A protective order was reportedly issued prohibiting Williams from contacting the 29-year-old female he was accused of assaulting. However, he allegedly sent social media messages to the woman’s phone the day he was released from jail. A warrant was issued for Williams’ arrest for violation of bond/protective order. Police took him into custody for violating bond/protective order at 5:05 p.m. April 22. He was released from jail on a $5,000 bond on the charge on April 23.
Williams was booked into Hopkins County jail again on July 30 for insufficient bond on the voyeurism charge. His new bond was set at $500,000 on the charge; he was released form custody later that day.
He then spent Aug. 13-17, 2020, in custody for bond revocation on the charge. His bond was set at $100,000 at that time, according to jail reports.
On Thursday, Sept. 24, his bond was revoked on the voyeurism charge and he was returned to Hopkins County jail for the 5th time in 6 months. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Sept. 25, Hopkins County jail reports stated.
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.
2 Men Arrested On Warrants Alleging Offenses Involving Minors
Deputies arrested 2 Hopkins County men in 2 days on warrants alleging offenses involving minors, according to arrest reports.
Indecency with a child charges
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Dennis Findley conducted an investigation of Christopher Lee Vail on allegations of indecency with a child. The 62-year-old Sulphur Springs man agreed to be interview viewed by Findley at the sheriff’s offices, and was transported there by officials.
Due to information obtained during the interview, Findley filed for arrest warrants. The warrants were executed at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, by HCSO Deputy Chris Baumann at the sheriff’s office. Vail was escorted into jail by Baumann. Vail was booked into jail on two felony indecency with a child charges, the deputy noted in arrest reports.
Vail remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, on both indecency charges, according to jail reports.
Online solicitation of a minor charge
HCSO Deputy Chris Baumann and Sgt. Tanner Steward were made aware of an active warrant for a 35-year-old Saltillo man’s arrest. Upon arrival at the man’s residence, they saw him exit the home. Jonathon Ryan Swindell was taken into custody at 11:04 p.m. Sept. 23, on a warrant for online solicitation of a minor, according to arrest reports.
The deputies reported patting Swindell down for weapons. Deputis alleged locating a glass pipe with suspected methamphetamine residue on it and a clear bag containing 0.256 gram of suspected methamphetamine in his pants pocket.
Consequently, Swindell was also charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Swindell remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Sept. 24, on both charges according to jail reports. The arrest was the second time in two months he has been jailed locally. He also was arrested July 25 for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license invalid, 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.
7 New COVID-19 Cases Reported For Sulphur Springs High School
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams Thursday evening notified families, students and employees that 7 new COVID-19 cases have been reported for Sulphur Springs High School
Six additional students and 1 staff member were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19; all seven were reported to have been present at SSHS during the last week, according to Williams. A dozen of the cases have been reported in the last 7 days: including 5 SSISD employees and 7 students.
Cumulatively, that’s at least 9 employees and 16 students of SSISD who have been on campus since classes resumed for the fall semester who have tested positive for COVID-19.
| SSISD Campus | Student | Employee |
| Austin Academic Center | 0 | 0 |
| Barbara Bush Primary | 0 | 0 |
| Bowie Primary | 2 | 0 |
| Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center | 1 | 0 |
| Lamar Primary | 0 | 0 |
| Travis Primary | 1 | 0 |
| Sulphur Springs Elementary | 0 | 3 |
| Sulphur Springs Middle School | 3 | 3 |
| Sulphur Springs High School | 9 | 1 |
| Other (bus driver, special services, admin. etc.) | 0 | 2 |
The district and local health department have begun a case investigation and will contact any individuals determined to be in close contact with the infected individuals. All students and staff who came into close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual will be directly notified as soon as possible. Those in close contact will remain off campus for up to 14 days to ensure they do not have the virus, so that there will not be any further spread, Williams noted in the notification letter.
All are asked to continue watching for symptoms of COVID-19, especially anyone who was determined to have been in close contact with coronavirus positive individuals..
Any of the following symptoms may indicate a possible COVID-19 infection:
- Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
- Loss of taste or smell
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Shaking or exaggerated shivering
- Significant muscle pain or ache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
SSISD administrators encourage any member of the SSISD community who does begin experiencing any of these symptoms in a way that is not typical to contact their physician. Anyone in the SSISD community who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 is asked to notify the school by contacting the campus nurse.
Questions or concerns may be directed to Williams at 903-885-0999. The SSISD website, www.ssisd.net, also has information regarding COVID-19 as it pertain to the district.
Cumby Police Caught Grapevine Man Driving A Stolen BMW
Cumby Police caught a Grapevine man driving a stolen BMW on Interstate 30 early Thursday morning, according to arrest reports.
Cumby Police Officer Jonathan Painter reported being alerted shortly after 1 a.m. Sept. 24 by dispatchers that a stolen vehicle had been spotted traveling east near Interstate 30 mile marker 101. Painter reported seeing a 2020 white BMW with a Tennessee license plate pass the 107 mile marker. After verifying the vehicle license plate was that of the allegedly stolen vehicle, Painter followed the car off of I-30 at the 110 exit and into a gas station parking lot.
Painter said he had the occupant exit the vehicle. When the officer explained the reason for contacting the motorist, the man allegedly claimed he did not know who owned the vehicle. When asked how he came into possession of the car, the driver reportedly claimed he noticed it had keys in it and thought he would return it, Painter alleged in arrest reports.
Painter took 27-year-old Peter Son Bac Nguyen of Grapevine into custody and jailed for unauthorized use of a vehicle vehicle. Nguyen was released from Hopkins County jail later Thursday, Sept. 24, on a $5,000 bond on the felony UUV charge, 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.
Tira News: Annette Loper Shares Inspiring Story Of Compassion and Generosity
By Jan Vaughn
We want to express our sympathy to the family of Randall Wright. He passed away on Sept. 18 and a memorial visitation is being held on Friday, Sept. 25 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home from 12 to 2 p.m. Please be in prayer for his mother, Janie (Shaw) Lewis, and all of his family.
At the quarterly Tira City Council meeting, the group discussed routine business – Community Center upkeep, Tira Food Pantry, etc. Jan Vaughn, City Secretary, reported that Evelyn Horn, Tami Joslin, and Yvonne Weir are unopposed for their council positions. Joyce Dodd shared that we have some “awesome” contributors to the Pantry. We want to express our gratitude for all who help with this. Donations of food or money for the cause are always welcome and appreciated.
The Council voted to keep the Community Center closed except for families at the time of a funeral or emergency and to have the Center cleaned and disinfected after each use. The annual Christmas party, which is scheduled for the first Saturday evening in December, was discussed, in the hopes that we will be able to have it at that point.
Volunteer firefighters Tony Macy and Shawn Martin provided a very informative report on their calendar of activities the and needs for the department. Allen Joslin shared that Tully Insurance Agency in Sulphur Springs is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Hopkins County volunteer fire departments. You can contribute on their website or at their business location.
Yvonne Weir spent Friday in Rowlett with her granddaughter, Everly. On Friday night she visited Regina Taylor and spent the night. Yvonne reported that they “attended a great meeting at Cottonwood Creek Church on Saturday.”
Annette Loper shared an inspiring story of compassion and generosity. While in Tyler for an eye appointment, she and Tim went to Sam’s and picked up quite a load of items. When they went to check out, they discovered that their debit card had a transaction limit on it and they had to set some of the items aside.
Annette reports, “There were two black ladies behind us and a black man behind them and when we went to the back of the line one of the ladies came over to me and said, ‘Ma’am I would like to purchase that food for you!’ I told her there was no need for her to do that, we would just get them tomorrow and she said, ‘okay’. The man behind her looked at me and said, ‘She is going to do it anyway!’ I looked up and the cashier was scanning the food items we had put back.”
Annette thanked her and asked if she could hug her and said “God bless you!” The woman shared that He already had when she had COVID-19 and was on a ventilator and she felt God pulling her through. Annette commented about some of her own struggles and they hugged each other again.
Annette said, “I told her we serve an awesome God. I will always remember her and her thoughtfulness. She was paying it forward and was so sincere. I feel that God puts people in our paths for a reason and I just wanted to share my story since there is so much hatred and racism stuff going on that people should know it doesn’t have to be that way. God bless her and keep her safe and well. God bless and heal this nation, put peace and love in everyone’s hearts.”
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected]
Hopkins County Sept. 24 COVID-19 Update: 4 New, 89 Active, 337 Cumulative Cases
Four new positive COVID-19 cases were reported in Hopkins County by the Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials in their Sept. 24 COVID-19 Update.
That 41 Hopkins County residents who have been lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 this week and 94 during the first 24 days of September. That increases the active cases count to 89 and the cumulative case count for Hopkins County to 337.
Although there have been no recoveries reported in the last three days, 25 Hopkins County residents recovered over the weekend. So far this month, 52 county residents have recovered from COVID-19. Cumulatively since March, 248 county residents have recovered from the virus, according to the Hopkins County Sept. 24 COVID-19 update.
HC/SSEM also reported a dozen patients in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. That’s four fewer patients than the 16 reported to be in the unit on Sept. 23.
Texas Health and Human Services reported 5 active COVID-19 cases among employees of Carriage House Manor and 2 active resident cases on Sept. 9, according to the Sept. 24 HHS nursing home report.
There were no active cases among either employees or residents of Sulphur Springs assisted living facilities on Sept. 10, according to HHS. No active employee or child cases were reported Sept. 22 at Hopkins County child care facilities, the Sept. 24 HHS report stated.
Texas Department of State Health Services reported no new COVID-19 deaths for Hopkins County on Sept. 24. Therefore, the total number of deaths assigned to Hopkins County based on a death certificate cause of death ruling of novel coronavirus 2019 remains at 8.
Zoning Of Thermo Mine Property As Heavy Industrial Receives P&Z Approval
City Seeking Grant Funding To Improve Mine Road
The Planning and Zoning Commission Monday recommended zoning of the old Thermo mine property as heavy industrial, despite communication from multiple area residents who are opposed to the idea and an online petition in opposition to the zoning change.
Tuesday evening, the City of Sulphur Springs also authorized the city manager to apply for grant funding to improve the old Thermo/Luminant mine road.
Mine Zoning Proposal
A public hearing was conducted Monday, Sept. 21 during the virtual City of Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Commission meeting regarding the city’s request for the 4,857-acre former Thermo/Luminant mine property located between Highway 11 and FM 1570 to be rezoned as heavy industrial.
The city-owned property, annexed into Sulphur Springs city limits on March 3, 2020, was not brought in with a zoning designation at that time. The property was previously utilized for heavy industrial use while a coal mine operation from the 1970s moving forward, and has potential to be used for industrial purposes in the future, city staff stated in their recommendation for the zoning request.
“There’s a rail. The KSC line comes right through and there are a couple of 7,000-foot spurs that come off from that,” Tory Niewiadomski, Community Development Director, said. “That will probably be where the actually industrial development happens. As we move forward in the future, we can rezone different tracts of the property out there.”
Most property near railroad tracks in the city limits are zoned heavy industrial, Niewiadomski said. However, zoning the mine property as heavy industrial does not mean that’s all the property can or will be used for, however, the community development director pointed out.
“We are putting that as placeholder on the property for now,” Niewiadomski said. “We hope that there are parts of the property we can use. … There’s talks about having some of it as parks, which that can still happen. Heavy industrial just give us a lot of flexibility.”
If the Economic Development Corporation were to invest in the area for development, it would have to be for infrastructure and industrial purposes. The EDC is already in discussions with some businesses to potentially relocate on the property.
If one of the businesses chooses to relocate there, the development would essentially double the city tax base, according to the city manager. Those funds could then potentially be used for much needed infrastructure improvements and repairs such as streets, water and sewer, according to the city staff.
Niewiadomski acknowledged that not all of the 7 1/2 mile property between FM 1870 and State Highway 11 will be “developable.” There are some areas due to the way the land was mined in the past that are not suitable to sustain construction of structures on the land. Luminant is still in the reclamation process required by the Railroad Commission for some parts of the property as well. Area H, which has a lake and tall hill, has been identified for potential recreational uses. However, it is “still under bond” until 2027. Utility infrastructure is also limited on the old mine property, which will “dictate where we have mine development.”
If the city were to attempt to develop every developable part of the property, doing so would likely take generations due to the sheer size of the property and the cost, which would be $30-$40 million, according to Niewiadomski.
The city doesn’t have split zones on the property; the survey for the full property alone when the city began attempting to purchase the land cost $65,000. Surveying smaller areas within the property and identifying them for specific uses at this point would be be costly as well, the community development director told the P&Z Commission. The city will look for potential opportunities for the property use over the next few years, and conduct additional zoning at that time as needed, Niewiadomski said.
P&Z Commission member Pat Chase asked what the setback from the other properties was previously when the mine was in operation, and if that transferred to the city in the land deal.
“The mine had an internal policy of 100 feet from the state right-of-way. It was their own policy,” City Manager Marc Maxwell. “No, that’s nothing that would transfer. That was their own internal policy.”
Response to Notification Letters
Niewiadomski told the P&Z Commission Monday night that 102 certified letters had been sent out to owners of property within 200 feet of the mine property. By Friday, 10 people had replied, 7 in opposition of the mine, 2 indicated they were undecided and 1 was in favor of the zoning designation. On Monday, they received 12 additional comments in opposition to the mine.
“Most of the people who live out there like the quiet country lifestyle. They like having the wildlife that’s abundant on the property,” Niewiadomski said. “They feel that having heavy industrial uses would increase the noise and traffic, which would negatively affect their property values. I think some of this is fear of the unknown of where this industrial activity could occur.”
As far as potential impact a zoning change would have on nearby property values, Niewiadomski said, “This rezoning alone does not affect property value. As many properties in Hopkins County are not zoned.”
Others, the community development director reported, expressed concern that the designation would require their property to become annexed, then, subject to city taxes. The only area annexed was the mine property; the March annex did not include any other property. Those living around it are still county residents only.
“The city cannot unilaterally annex property anymore based on the 2018 Legislative Amendments,” Niewiadomski stated. “What that means is that any annexation which occurs in the future will be voluntary and property owners will have to petition the city in order to be annexed into the city. This particular zoning designation would only apply to the city property. So we’re not adding county residents.”
Niewiadomski pointed out that the county residents will still have many benefits of living in the county, including not having to pay city taxes or have to follow city zoning rules and regulations. They also are close to city amenities. That, he pointed out means, that while the city cannot tell property owners outside of the City of Sulphur Springs limits, that also means those individuals also can’t tell the city or their neighbors what they can and cannot do with their property.
Any major changes to the property would require approval of Sulphur Springs City Council.
Some, he added, have the false impression that the property was gifted to the city for use as a park. That was not the case, city staff reported.
“The property was not donated to the city on the condition that it was going to be used for a park. This is something that the city has identified as some potential uses, recreation and opportunities for this 5000 acre site — 7 1/2-square mile. Just by rezoning this property, it does not change the outcome of what happens on this property in regards to parks and recreation,” Niewiadomski said.
Zoning Change Petition
The city also received from Change.org website information regarding an online protest with 214 signatures, that included individuals’ names, city of residence and date they signed the petition. Some protesters listed Sulphur Springs addresses and the rest listed addresses for other cities in Texas, North Carolina, Florida and California, Niewiadomski told the Planning and Zoning Commission Earlier this week.
Started by Jennifer Moon 2 weeks ago, the online petition alleges:
City of Sulphur Springs is trying to turn land on Hwy 11E from FM 1870 to FM 2560 into Heavy Industrial instead of Parks and Recreation that like they originally stated they were planning to do. This zoning will allow big companies, factories and who knows what else to ruin the peacefulness of where we live, take away homes of Deer, pigs and other wildlife that have been living in the area. They are trying to do this with only letting the people that live within 200 ft of the property and keeping it quiet from the rest of the people in the area, including the people over 200’. One solid argument is that this cannot be voted on by the people it affects due to it being city and not county. The citizens of Sulphur Springs (inside the city limits) will be able to vote the outcome for us without us (county citizens) having any rights or say in the matter. We, as county citizens are not allowed to vote on city ballots. We need your help in opposing this plan to ruin the peace of the country and disruption of country wildlife. I agree with factories and jobs, including the expansion of Sulphur Springs, our hometown, but not in our front yards.
“I don’t believe only those who vote on city ballots should be able to decide the outcome of something that will drastically affect the people in the county who cannot vote,” Betty Bettes of Cumby posted 2 weeks ago on the website.
“I believe that the people that live around this should be able to vote . Are you willing to buy them out if they want to sell due to this plan?” Melissa Gammill of Sulphur Springs posted.
“I’m signing because my home is within 200 ft. of this property. This will affect our property value, our country views, and the wildlife that calls that area home. When the city acquired this property, it was presented to the citizens as something that could be used for recreation and enjoying nature, not as a possible money-making venture!” Cheryl Blount commented.
Clay Bartley who has a Yantis address posted a belief that “residents in the area should have a say in what is happening!”
Jeff Moore and Gail Boles indicated they understood the land had been gifted to the city for parks and recreational purposes. Jamie Pearsall comments an understanding it had been designated for the latter purpose as well.
“I am signing because Sulphur Springs needs to be a part in the best use of our natural resources, including a bird sanctuary at the Thermo Mine Property,” Jeannie Pearsall posted on the website petition.
Comments During Public Hearing
One caller said she doesn’t care what the city does on the old mine property but does not want heavy industrial traffic entering and exiting and entering the property at State Highway 11 east. She said her family’s property spans to SH 11, where it’s already hard enough to get onto the highway due to traffic. She said she too thought the property had been designated for parks and recreational uses, and didn’t want to see or have heavy industrial crossing family land.
Maxwell said in all of his discussions with the EDC regarding proposals for the mine property, the entrance to the property has always remained the same — on the county road off FM 1870 and College Street.
He pointed out that the area has been for heavy industrial use for the last 40-plus year, and consideration would be given to surrounding properties during development
Jennifer Moon, a SH 11 east residence, also called in during the public hearing to voice her opposition to zoning a 5,000-acre property as a heavy industrial zone.
A State Highway 11 resident asked if there would ever be an opportunity for people who grew up next to the mine to purchase any acres of the property?
Niewiadomski said those interested would need to visit with city officials, with those determination to be made on a case-by-case basis.
A County Road 2307 resident said there a children on that street and any 18-wheelers would be using that road to enter and exit the old mine property. Maxwell said that would not be a good route from the property, so he does not anticipate large vehicles using CR 2307 to access the former mine property. The preferred entrances are by the overpass and another from just off of College Street.
A caller asked about the status of two large ponds dug by the mine near her property. Niewiadomski said those are still retained by the former coal mine owners. They are part of the 40-50 acres of the former mine area that are not in the city limits, according to Maxwell and Niewiadomski.
Ricky Orr, a CR 2307 resident whose yard faces the large hill, asked about the pond in Area H. Maxwell noted that 400 to 500-acre area has been designated for future recreational purposes as a park. That area is still under reclamation by Luminant and not expected to be available for use for 10 about 10 years. After reclamation is complete, the area has to “sit for 8 or 9 years after that.”
P&Z Commission’s Response
P&Z member Pat Chase said the property in now city-owned and under “responsible ownership” as opposed of some other potential options that could have occurred, such as becoming a landfill or a hog farm.
P&Z member Matthew Mattison asked Maxwell if the city official had any preliminary estimates for the tax benefit the land use could have for the city?
“It’s tough to say at this point because we don’t really know what kind of institutional investment we’re going to have. But, I can tell you the EDC has been speaking to a couple of companies that would like to relocate over by the railroad tracks. I can tell you that if one of them decided to pull the trigger, it would nearly double the tax revenue of the city. And, the other one, not quite as much but still would be huge. I say that, but for every 50 that will come and see us, 1 will land. We’re seeing lots of interest from some big companies,” Maxwell said.
Mattison made the motion to move forward with the request to zone the old mine property as heavy industrial. The motion was seconded by P&Z member Tommy Harrison and receive unanimous approval of the commission.
Grant Application
Sulphur Springs City Council during a special meeting Tuesday night approved a resolution authorizing the city manager, or his designee, to act on behalf of the City of Sulphur Springs to prepare and submit an application for $2,976,960 from the Economic Development Administration Program Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, including CARES Act funding.
According to City Finance Director Lesa Smith, the city has the opportunity to apply for the EDA Public Works grants throughout the year.
“This has CARES Act funding with it. I did speak to an EDA grant representative last week and he did say wee would qualify based on the things that have happened in the economy in regards to the pandemic,” Smith told the council during the meeting, conducted via Zoom and streamed on YouTube.
The CARES Act funding allows an 80/20 match, which gives us up to a $3 million grant amount whereas if we only did a Public Works grant we would only be eligible for $1 1/2 million. The CARES Act, given the amount of funds available, time is of essence to from what we are hearing from EDA and and our ArkTex as far as trying to get this going,” Niewiadomski noted.
If granted, the funds would be “used to engineer and construct roadway into the old mine property to provide heavy truck access as an intended Industrial Economic Development Property that is located at FM 1870 Southeast of downtown Sulphur Springs approximately 3-miles from I-30.”
The project we would help pave 2 miles of concrete road going into the mile, starting at FM 1870 and going into mine. Funding is tied to economic development of some sort. This would provide opportunities for industrial development in the mine. Without road, it will be harder to attract economic development, according to Smith.
Sellers asked if the proposed paved road would follow the established road that lead from FM 1870 into the mine headquarters.
Maxwell said there are two haul roads, one that spans east to west and the other that spans north to south. The intended road would be on top of the existing north-south road, across the railroad tracks then go onto FM 1870
“So there would be a new entrance out on 1870,” Niewiadomski said. “Rather than follow the curve parallel to the railroad track, once it crossed the railroad track it would go straight to 1870. So, it would be a shorter distance.”
The council gave unanimous approval to the resolution to submit the grant.
A public meeting is scheduled to be held at 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, at 5 p.m. at the City of Sulphur Springs City Hall, 201 North Davis St, regarding the matter. For more information, contact Tory Niewiadomski at 903-885-7541. “Written comments must be received at the City of Sulphur Springs City Hall, 201 North Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 or email [email protected] on or before Monday Sept. 28, 2020.
Wildcats Team Tennis Coach Tony Martinez is Glad to See District’s Top Two Teams in the Rear View Mirror
The good thing for Wildcats Team Tennis is that they are now through with the district’s projected top two teams, perennial district champ Texas High and Longview. Both defeated the Wildcats, 19-0. The Wildcats lost to Longview Wednesday at the Wildcat Tennis Center. The match was played Wednesday after a rain out on Tuesday. Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said it’s always tough when you play Longview. Longview is back as a district foe after several years in Class 6A. Coach Martinez has a lot of respect for the Lobos and he said their coach and kids are classy. He felt the talented Lobos did not punish or beat up the Wildcats’ players. Coach Martinez said they just kept the ball in play and saw the Wildcats hit balls into the net and out of bounds. He said the Wildcats did have some good rallies in their sets. Despite the shutout loss, Coach Martinez said his players kept smiles on their faces. He said there was no crying. With Texas High and Longview over with, the Wildcats have a most important match coming up next Tuesday at Pine Tree. Coach Martinez predicted that the winner of that key match would earn a playoff spot. He said he feels a key to winning that match might be in girls doubles and Coach Martinez thought his girls doubles teams hung in there fairly well with Longview. Overall he said the Longview match was a good learning experience for his team. The Wildcats are 1-2 in district play and 2-2 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.
