Sulphur Springs ISD To Receive Additional Funding For Connectivity
Sulphur Springs ISD and Sulphur Bluff ISD are among many school districts across Texas that have taken advantage of money funneled through the state to help with technology and connectivity purchases related to COVID-19. Sulphur Springs ISD will receive additional funding for connectivity.
SSISD trustees this summer agreed to the purchase of 600 iPads and 100 AT&T hotspots to ensure district students have access to technology and to provide connectivity for more students who do not have internet for distance learning. The district already had 100 Verizon hotspots. The hope is that the additional hotspots will help provide service for students who do not have internet service at home and for whom the Verizon hotspots won’t reach.
The state has already agreed to pay half the cost and the district will pay the other half. SSISD officials have since learned that if other local entities are willing to help with the cost by contributing some of the CARES Act funding awarded to that city or county, the state also will match that amount dollar for dollar provided the connectivity request is COVID-19 related, SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb explained to Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday night.
SSISD officials have contacted both City of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County officials to see if each would consider contributing CARES Act funding.
Sulphur Springs ISD asked the city for $31,950. Sulphur Springs City Council gave unanimous approval to designate the requested city CARES funding to help SSISD provide the needed technology and connectivity for students.
“Guys, I can’t say thank you enough. You guys are awesome, appreciate it very much,” Lamb said.
SSISD is seeking funding help from the Hopkins County as well.
“The county is considering doing the same things, but the county has 6 other schools as well SSISD to consider,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom County said Wednesday.
Lamb Tuesday acknowledge that while the county may not be able to contribute as much as the city because any available county CARES funding likely will be divided between the seven school districts in Hopkins County, any additional funding the county can provide will be appreciated.
At SSISD, 834 students were enrolled Monday in Virtual Academy, offered for families who opted for out of face-to-face instruction on the school campuses this semester.
Enrollment as of Monday, Aug. 31 at SSISD, for each campus was as follows:
- Douglas ECLC – 141 face-to-face students, 47 VA students (25 percent)
- Bowie Primary – 257 face-to-face, 55 VA (18 percent)
- Barbara Bush Primary – 274 face-to-face, 61 VA (18 percent)
- Lamar Primary – 230 face-to-face, 49 VA (18 percent)
- Travis Primary – 225 face-to-face, 66 VA (23 percent)
- SSES – 544 face-to-face, 119 VA (18 percent)
- SSMS – 911 face-to-face, 197 VA (18 percent)
- SSHS – 240 VA students (20 percent)
Yantis Man Caught With Heroin, Pills, Marijuana, Methamphetamine
A 36-year-old Yantis man allegedly lead officers in a foot pursuit before being caught with heroin, pills, marijuana and methamphetamine, according to Sulphur Springs Police Department Special Crimes Unit investigators.
The SCU officers had been investigating Adam Joshua Hodges for suspected illegal distribution of controlled substances. Methamphetamine was allegedly purchased from Hodges during an undercover buy, SCU Lt. Mark Estes reported. Officials then obtained a warrant for Hodges’ arrest and were conducting surveillance Wednesday, watching for his vehicle in an effort to make an arrest, according to the SCU investigator.
Estes and SCU Sgt. Joe Scott reported first seeing the vehicle being driven by Hodges around 1:25 p.m. September 2 on College Street. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the car continued into the 200 block of Morris Drive before stopping. The driver, identified by officers as Hodges, then jumped out of the car and ran. Estes and Scott, along with SSPD Officer Sean Hoffman who had responded to assist, chased after the man. Hodges ran through a yard and jumped two fences before being caught in a field behind a residence.
The 36-year-old Yantis man allegedly had a baggy containing what were believed to be 4.54 grans if hydrocodone pills in his pocket and had a bag containing smaller bags that had 18.73 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 1.38 grams of suspected heroin in them. A 5-gallon bucket found in the trunk of the car reportedly contained 4.85 pounds of marijuana as well, according to the SCU officers, according to the SCU officers.
Consequently, Hodges was arrested at 1:51 p.m. September 2 on the manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrant, as well as possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a controlled substance with intent to distribute it, possession of marijuana and evading arrest with previous conviction charges, according to the SCU officers and arrest reports.
The Sept. 2 arrest marked the second time in less than 2 weeks and third time this summer that Hodges has been booked into Hopkins County jail on a controlled substance charge.
He was most recently arrested Aug. 21 on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. On August 21 authorities went to a Georgia Street residence to investigate suspected selling of narcotics. Officers reported seeing a methamphetamine pipe and several pieces of a crystal-like substance suspected to be meth on the night stand in the front bedroom. Authorities also found 3.23 grams of suspected methamphetamine in the top drawer of the night stand, according to the Aug. 21 arrest report. Hodges was released from jail Aug. 22 on a $10,000 bond.
Hodges also was arrested July 23, 2020 on possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, tampering with evidence with intent to impair and evading arrest or detention charges. He was allegedly spotted near a Georgia Street back yard and took off running when deputies approached him. Officers found him in a garage down the street, but he again ran and was apprehended on Lee Street. A bag with more than one pill later determined to be morphine was allegedly found along the path Hodges had attempted to elude officers. He was released from jail July 24 on a $10,000 bond on that controlled substance charge, $10,000 bond on the tampering with evidence charge and $2,000 bond on the evading arrest or detention charge.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
3 Ordinances Receive Final Approval, 4 Ordinances Introduced At Sulphur Springs City Council Meeting
Three ordinances received final approval following public hearings and four additional city ordinances were introduced at the Sulphur Springs City Council meeting Tuesday night, September 1, 2020. A “commercial-industrial” reinvestment zone; involvement in Sulphur River Basin Authority; and contracts for masonry, concrete and steel for the new Grays Building were also considered.
Ordinances Approved
The City Council approved, on the second and final reading, amendments to zoning ordinances which define and establish eligibility and design standards for accessory dwelling units. This effort will maximize available space and infrastructure while providing additional housing within the city limits. The amendments will also define permanent makeup and cosmetic tattoos as services which salons and beauty shops in multifamily dwelling and certain commercially zoned districts will be allowed to provide as ancillary services without requiring a special use permit.
Also approved on the second and final reading is an ordinance amending the 2019-20 budget ordinance. The total budget appropriation change is for $1,065,528, this includes adjustments for CARES Act grant funding, fees and funds associated with the park improvement projects, as well as debt service adjustments.
Introduced Ordinances
The Council approved on first reading four ordinances, which will be heard again at a future meeting before a final vote is taken.
After a public hearing regarding the proposed city property tax, the council heard on first reading an ordinance to set the tax rate at 44-cents per $100 property valuation.
City Finance Director Lesa Smith said the wording of the proposed ordinance may seem like the tax rate is being increased, but it is not. Property value increases account for a 0.16 percent tax revenue increase, which requires a public hearing as worded. This is the same tax rate the city has had for at least 18 years, according to the city manager.
The Council also heard the first reading of the appropriations ordinance for the 2020-21 budget as proposed by city staff. The budget is very similar to the 2019-2020 budget approved last year, with a few capital construction projects changing, but no other major changes. This year, the budget reflects funding related to the planned construction of the Grays Building, Pacific Park improvements and Senior Citizens Center projects in the works, according to city officials. The proposed 2020-21 budget is available for download on the city website, sulphurspringstx.org, by selecting the Required Tax Rate and Budget Posting link from the main page.
Also introduced was Ordinance No 2272, which authorizes updated service credits, which enhance each retirement account of current employees for inflationary factors above specific thresholds. This is designed to help balance the lower amounts paid earlier in the city employee’s career with inflation increases over time.
City officials reported this simply updates service credits for all current full-time city employees. The city’s 2021 TMRS contribution rate is 7.76 percent without updated service credits and increases to 8.12 percent with the adoption of updated service credits. The funded ratio will decrease from 94.8 percent to 94.2 percent. The cost for the updated service credits is estimated at $32,690.63 for the 2021 funding year.
Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski presented on first reading a proposed ordinance which established the 4,857-acre coal mine property now owned by the city and annexed into the city limits as a commercial-industrial reinvestment zone. Establishing a reinvestment district would allow the city to issue time limited tax abatements on properties within the district if substantial enhancements or upgrades are made to the property in the area that help promote economic development in the city. This would serve as placeholder help initiate investment potential. Approving the reinvestment zone would not, however, guarantee issuance of a tax abatement; it would simply give the city the ability to grant one if desired in the future, the city officials noted.
EDC Budget
The $2 million Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation budget, presented by Executive Director Roger Feagley, was also approved.
Feagley reported the budget has very little change, but does include the $200,000 approved by taxpayers to go to the city for the senior center and Pacific Park improvements. Most line items, he reported, will stay the same. Personnel will continue to account for 22 percent of the budget, promotions 5 percent (allowable is 10 percent), 23 percent to debt service. There are no budgeted capital projects this year. A 1 percent increase is budgeted for operations, but the “unallocated” fund was adjusted by 1 percent. Unallocated funds include “everything left over from the budget coming in, which can be used to pay incentives out of.
Grays Building
The City Council also approved contractors for masonry construction, building concrete and structural steel materials for the new Grays Building in Pacific Park.
The city and Tandem Consulting sent out notices to more than 50 potential bidders for four work categories and received 5 responses. Two were considered “non-responsive” because they did not meet bid specifications, particularly the requirement to submit a bid bond for amounts over $100,000. They did not.
Sulta Manufacturing’s bid of $60,310 was approved for steel materials. These bids came in a little higher than anticipated. Potts Concrete’s bid of $136,887 was accepted for concrete construction. J&J Masonry’s bid of $39,685 was accepted for masonry work.
Executive Session
The City Council, after an executive session, reconvened. A motion was made giving the city manager authorization for an agreement with a consulting firm for future economic development services.
Sulphur River Basin Authority
A resolution authorizing $25,000 a year for 5 years in fees and dues for involvement in the Sulphur River Authority was presented for City Council consideration.
“I think we should support the Sulphur River Authority, which regulates the affairs of the Sulphur River basin. If there’s a future water project on river, and I believe will be, they’ll have a great deal to say on how that gets managed. I expect see movement in 3-5 years. That means we pledge membership to the organization,” City Manger Marc Maxwell said. “This will show local support for the organization to avoid sun-setting and give more clout on how water should be managed in the basins.”
The resolution received council approval. This is listed as dues and membership in the city’s utility billing budget.
Other Items
The City council also approved a resolution calling for the annual review of Investment Policy as required by the Public Funds Investment Act. It is unchanged, Smith said.
Transfer of an airport ground lease agreement for Lot 1220-15b from Steve Hudson to Brian and Mattie Jacobs was approved.
An emergency mutual aide agreement between the cities of Sulphur Springs and Commerce was approved. Sulphur Springs Fire Chief David James reported the cities have had an unofficial agreement in place for sharing resources if needed. This would make it official. This would allow the each department to send additional apparatus or staff to assist in emergency situations if requested.
The city also agreed to allow the police department to spend $22,500 from the asset forfeiture fund for department purchases.
A resolution approving a negotiated settlement between Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corporation, Mid-Tex Division was approved by the council. This is something that comes up annually, which shapes the amount of rate increases the company charges. Atmos had proposed a $141.2 million settlement largely due to significant repairs to the system, but the committee negotiated it down to $90 million. The approximate impact on the average residential bill will an increase of about $5.15 or 9.9 percent and for commercial use by about $15.48 or 6.56 percent per month, according to Maxwell.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report — September 2020
On Wednesday, September 1, 2020, Sulphur Springs City Council received from City Manager Marc Maxwell the monthly manager’s report:
COVID-19 RESPONSE
The number of active cases in Hopkins County maintains a range of 30 to 70 cases. We currently have 47 active cases in Hopkins County. The state recently tested 483 people at the civic center, and I expect an increase in active cases over the next few days. We have had 196 recoveries in Hopkins County.
GRAYS BUILDING
The Capital Construction Division is finished preparing the pad site for the Grays building. The soil for the site came from the drainage way just south of Spring Street (behind the pawn shop). This gives us the added benefit of increased storm water retention which will further reduce the threat of flooding on Oak Avenue.
The construction manager solicited bids for various contracts for foundation, structural, HVAC, etc. You will consider those bids later on the agenda. City staff will perform all dirt work, construct all sidewalks and on-street parking. Staff will also perform all plumbing and electrical work.
SENIOR CITIZENS BUILDING
We have hired REES Associates to design the senior citizens building. The design process is underway. REES is working closely with the design committee to design a building that is both functional and pleasing to the eye. I expect the design process to conclude this month.
After that we will begin building the pad with soil that will also be taken from the drainage way south of Spring Street. When we are done building the pad we will have greatly reduced the threat of flooding on Oak Avenue, and we will have significantly raised the elevation of the site as well. It is the proverbial win-win.
BELLVIEW STREET
Atmos is still replacing their gas line on this project. I expected them to be done by now, but it hasn’t worked out that way. At this point I don’t feel comfortable estimating a completion date for Atmos.
MCCANN STREET
Construction has begun on this street. The Capital Construction Division is making rapid progress. Installation of the new sewer main is nearly completed. I expect them to complete the sewer main next week. Construction on the new water main will be next. The water pipe is already ordered.
CONNALLY STREET
The construction is complete!
Claims
We did not have any workers compensation claims in August. We did have one liability claim from an attorney on behalf of Michael Polnac. I expect this claim to become a lawsuit.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will not give a year-to-date report of revenues and expenditures since she has previously presented the proposed budget including a year-end estimate of the current year’s budget. Lesa will present a year-end review next month.
Miscellanoues:
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Rehabbed the belt press building at the wastewater treatment plant.
- Performed repairs on the chlorination system at the wastewater treatment plant.
- Treated wastewater effluent to a daily average total suspended solids reading of.67 mg/L.
- Repaired 17 water main ruptures.
- Unstopped 35 sewer mains.
- Repaired 4 sewer mains.
- Washed 80,000 feet of water mains.
- Made repairs to #1 clear well at the water treatment plant.
- Flushed 36 dead-end water mains.
- Treated 196 million gallons of potable water.
- Made 5 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Patched 108 potholes.
- Replaced 31 STOP signs, 10 NO PARKING, and 12 STREET signs.
- Repaired a section of Teer Street with 78 cubic yards of concrete.
- Conducted 34 building inspections, 24 electrical inspections, 20 plumbinginspections, 9 mechanical inspections and issued 30 building permits.
- Sold 2,147 gallons of AvGas and 5,131 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Cleaned the fountain wall at the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial.
Marc Maxwell
City Manager
201 N Davis Street
Sulphur Springs, TX
75482
903-439-3700
sulphurspritngstx.org
2020 HC United Way Campaign to Kick Off
In a letter from Susan Berning, Secretary of Hopkins County United Way, this year’s campaign is getting up and running. Plans are in place for a Workers Luncheon as well as a Lead Donor Luncheon, typically held prior to the start of weekly Report meetings. Here is updated information from Susan for United Way volunteers regarding these dates.
We are planning towards another exciting and successful Campaign, and as of now, we are moving forward with our typical Campaign lunches. We hope you will be able to join us at both events.
Please mark your calendar for the Workers Lunch on Tues., Sept. 22 at noon, at First United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Many of you will notice the change in our typical location. Please let me know by Wed., Sept. 16, if you will or will not be able to attend the Workers Lunch. With your RSVP, please let me know if you need a gluten-free lunch option.
Also mark your calendar for the Lead Donor Lunch on Wed., Sept. 30 at noon, at Sulphur Springs Country Club. Please let me know by Friday, Sept. 11, if you will or will not be able to attend the Lead Donor Lunch.
In addition, beginning this year, we will not be producing a 100% Club listing. I will, however, continue to send updated Campaign totals following our weekly Report Meetings.
Report meetings are currently scheduled for the following dates at the Texas AgriLife Extension office, with all meetings starting at 9:00 a.m.
Tues., Oct. 6
Tues., Oct. 13
Tues., Oct. 20
Tues., Oct. 27
Wed., Nov. 4
Tues., Nov. 10
I look forward to receiving your lunch responses, and I will update if there are any changes to the lunch events or Report Meetings. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk through another Campaign with you by our side.
Susan Berning
Executive Secretary
Hopkins County United Way
P.O. Box 735
Sulphur Springs, TX 75483
903-243-4066
Hopkins County LHA, Emergency Management Report On Ages Of COVID-19 Patients, Daily Case Counts
Hopkins County Emergency Management officials and the Local Health Authority on Tuesday, Sept. 1, not only reported the daily counts of new COVID-19 cases, but also released information regarding the ages of Hopkins County residents who had tested positive for COVID-19 through Sept. 1, and changes in county case reporting.
Statistical Breakdown of COVID-19 Cases By Age
HCEM and LHA Tuesday released by age the percentages of all lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 case results reported to Hopkins County’s LHA from midMarch through Sept. 1.
While 22 percent of all COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County have been in residents over 60 years of age, the next largest group might surprise some; 19 percent are individuals individuals ages 31 to 40.
Next, at 15 percent are Hopkins County residents ages 51-60. Two groups, those ages 21-30 and ages 41-50, each account for 14 percent of the overall 246 COVID-19 cases reported in Hopkins County through Sept. 1.
Another 10 percent of those who tested positive for COVID-19 were ages 11-20. The remaining 6 percent consisted of children age 1-10 years old.
Daily COVID-19 Update
Hopkins County Emergency Management officials reported 3 new cases and 6 recoveries, for a total of 44 active cases, on March Cumulatively since midMarch, HCEM officials have reported a total of 246 lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, including 202 Hopkins County residents who have have recovered from novel coronavirus 2019.
One more patient was reported to be in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs Sept. 1 than the 5 reported on Aug. 31.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson reported 65 additional COVID-19 tests were at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. That makes a total of 548 oral tests conducted at the Civic Center from Aug. 20, through Aug. 31.
Testing will be offered for one more ay at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Testing will continue Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Civic Center. No symptoms are required to have a free molecular test conducted. However, those planning to test are requested to register at GoGetTested.com.
The testing is open to anyone, including children. Anyone who needs to find a free testing sight after Wednesday can still go online the website to search by locations, to learn how many slots are still available, the estimated turn around time for test results and the estimated wait time in line at a testing site.
There were no new COVID-19 positive cases reported by Texas Health and Human Services Commission for local nursing home, child care centers or assisted living facilities. There have been no resident cases in nursing homes. Only one assisted living facility had any active cases, 6 active resident cases on Aug. 18, the most current reporting date, according to the HHS report.
A preschool facility was added Aug. 30 to the HHS list of Hopkins County child care centers that are reporting COVID-19 cases to the state. That facility has had one employee test positive for COVID-19 since March but no active cases, according to the data. Child care data is through Aug. 31.
No new deaths were assigned to Hopkins County by Texas Department of State Health Services on Sept. 1, leaving the total COVID-19 fatality count at 7 for Hopkins County.
COVID-19 Reporting Changes
The county officials reported planned changes in COVID-19 reporting starting Sept. 2. The county will now only provide updates on local COVID-19 cases counts Monday-Friday.
The LHA plans to partner with as many local health care providers as possible in an effort to provide a weekly report on the number of Hopkins County residents who received positive results on antigen testing as well.
“A lot are going to get antigen tests as opposed to molecular. This will give the public a better idea how many are coming up positive,” LHA Nurse Brynn Smith said.
Monthly Death Report For Hopkins County
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom also gave his monthly report on death totals in the county, according to data from Hopkins County Clerk’s office.
Newsom reported that there have been a total of 230 deaths in Hopkins County, from all causes, from Jan. 1-Aug. 31, 2020. That’s 30 fewer than in 2018 and 38 fewer than in 2019.
“This is encouraging information for Hopkins County. We are doing really well overall. We have challenges but are doing well overall,” Newsom reported.
Joel Robinson Welcomed As New Provider At Foot Specialists Of Tri-County
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, September 1 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Hospital Visitation
For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
- 1 Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
- 1 Visitor per patient
- Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
- 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 7 p.m. (subject to change)
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
Local Services
The CHRISTUS Comprehensive Wound Healing Center at Sulphur Springs
Under the direction of Dr. Scott McDearmont, our wound healing team provides specialized treatment of complicated, non-healing wounds of any kind. Our goal is to heal wounds, promote early recovery, prevent hospitalization, and avoid prolonged or permanent disability and amputations restoring your quality of life through individualized plans. Advanced healing therapies such as Hyperbaric Oxygenation are available as well. To reach our Wound Care team, please call 903.438.4670.
Podiatry
Foot Specialists of Tri-County founder Dr. Lanhuong Pham, podiatrist (or more commonly known as a foot and ankle specialist), would like to announce the addition of a second provider, Dr. Joel Robinson. Dr. Pham has expanded the practice from Winnsboro into Sulphur Springs. Dr. Pham and Dr. Robinson will see patients in Sulphur Springs and Winnsboro. She also has privileges at our hospital and can do any procedures or surgeries that are necessary as an outpatient option, or for our patients in the hospital. If you have foot or ankle pain, or other concerns about your lower extremities, contact Foot Specialists of Tri-County office at 903.885.2754, or visit their website at www.healthyfeeteasttexas.com.
Dermatology
Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center will be opening an office in Sulphur Springs and accepting patients under the care of Roxanne Swafford, FNP. She will begin seeing patients on October 1, at 1228 Church St. Suite D. To schedule your appointment, call 972.390.9002 and select “Option 1.” You may also schedule online at www.mdbarrows.com.
COVID-19
Experiencing Symptoms?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, chills, muscle pain or headache, or diarrhea, please call your provider for either a face-to-face appointment or a telemedicine consultation. If your provider determines you need to have a COVID-19 test, they will send you to the appropriate outpatient location for testing. If you are experiencing an emergency, please present to the Emergency Room. At this time, we are preserving our Emergency Room COVID-19 tests for those who are experiencing an emergency. Otherwise, we would ask that you follow the steps above. If you do not have a healthcare provider, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic welcomes new patients. Please call 903.885.3181 to talk to one of our associates about setting up an appointment.
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
Two Men Arrested In The 8th Judicial District Court
Two men were arrested Monday in the 8th Judicial District Court and remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Sept. 1, according to arrest and jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Kevin Lester and Major Willis took Ken Franklin Cabler into custody at 9:45 a.m. for insufficient bond on a sexual assault of a child charge, according to arrest reports.
The 54-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested Feb. 27 by Sulphur Springs police on a sexual assault of a child warrant. He was released from jail March 4; bond on the charge was set at $50,000, according to jail reports. The offense is alleged to have occurred on or about Jan. 15, 2020, according to arrest reports.
Lester and Willis took Nicholas Glenn Sisk, 34, of Dallas into custody at 3:41 p.m. Aug. 31, 2020, in court on one felony warrant for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger younger than 15 years of age and on five warrants alleging abandoning or endangering a child-criminal negligence. The offense, according to arrest reports was alleged to have occurred on or about March 16, 2020, according to arrest reports.
Cash Prizes Awarded to Teachers in Hopkins and Rains Counties
By Ross LaBenske
SULPHUR SPRINGS — Hopkins-Rains Retired School Personnel recently completed a service project in support of public educators returning to work in these challenging times.
The members voted to award a $50 cash prize to one teacher in each district in Hopkins and Rains Counties. Drawings were held in each district to pick the winner of a $50 bill to be used for classroom needs.
The photos below show the winners at Sulphur Springs ISD. Superintendent Mike Lamb at SSISD was extremely resourceful, soliciting matching donations from area banks so that a teacher at each campus in Sulphur Springs ISD could receive a $50 cash gift. Photos of their nine winners are pictured in the slideshow below.
Winners of the award in rural Hopkins county schools and rural Rains county schools are picture in the slideshow below.
Como-Pickton CISD: Carrie Williams, AVID facilitator 
Cumby ISD: Misty Sawyer, 4th grade Math 
Miller Grover ISD: Belinda Smith, High School Science 
North Hopkins ISD: Elementary Literacy Specialist 
Rains County ISD: Jennifer Pederson, 2nd grade teacher 
Sulphur Bluff ISD: Janie Vandiver, Family & Consumer Science
Sulphur Springs City Council Sept. 1 Meeting Agenda Includes Hearings For Tax Rate, Zoning Ordinances
The Sulphur Springs City Council Sept. 1 meeting agenda includes public hearings regarding the proposed tax rate, two zoning ordinances and a budget amendment ordinance. The agenda also includes numerous other items, including consideration of a contract for construction of the Grays Building, an emergency services mutual aide agreement between the cities of Sulphur Springs and Commerce, Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation budget, and establishment of a commercial-industrial reinvestment zone.
The 2020-21 tax rate, as proposed, would be $0.44 per $100 property valuation for the City of Sulphur Springs. City Manager Marc Maxwell in previous council meetings has reported city officials are not proposing any increases in the city tax rate. The Council is scheduled later in the meeting to hear on first reading an ordinance setting the tax rate for the City of Sulphur Springs for fiscal year 2020-2021.
A hearing is scheduled for second and final reading of an ordinance amending the fiscal year 2019-2020 annual budget ordinance.
The 7 p.m. City Council meeting will also mark the second and final reading for proposed amendments to city zoning ordinances which would define accessory dwelling units and establish eligibility and design standards for them; and define “permanent makeup and cosmetic tattoos,” which would allow salons and beauty parlors to offer these as ancillary services in certain districts without having to seek a special use permit. The ADU ordinance amendment is designed to provide additional housing while maximizing existing city infrastructure and property within the city limits.
The meeting will be conducted by videoconferencing due to COVID-19 gathering guidelines and precautions. The meeting will available for live streaming on the City of Sulphur Springs Meetings YouTube page. A phone number will be announced for each portion of the meeting, where the public can call in and comment, including during the public hearings.
The City Council Sept. 1 meeting agenda also includes a request to contribute $31,950 in CARES Act funding to Sulphur Springs Independent School District for the purchase of iPads and hotspots.
The City Council is also scheduled to consider bids for and award a contract for construction of the Grays Building, part of the Pacific Park improvement project.
Also proposed for first reading are ordinance authorizing updated service credits and establishing a certain area as a commercial-industrial reinvestment zone.
The agenda calls for discussion and potential action on resolution for the annual review of the investment policy as required by the Public Funds Investment Act; authorizing funding for Sulphur River Basin Authority; and approving a negotiated settlement between Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corporation, Med Texas Division, regarding the company’s 2020 rate revision mechanism filing.
Other items up for discussion and potential action include items related to the asset forfeiture budget, SS-HCEDC budget, assignment of an existing Airport Ground Lease Agreement, agreement for mutual aid in emergency services between Sulphur Springs and Commerce.
The agenda also calls for an executive session to allow the City Council to discuss during closed session potential “economic development.” Following the session, the council will have the option to consider taking action on the economic development matter discussed during the closed session.
