Lady Cats Volleyball Wraps Up The Edge Conditioning Program Thursday
Lady Cats volleyball players began The Edge conditioning program back on June 8. It will conclude Thursday, July 23.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner says it’s been a good summer. She said middle school and high school players have showed up and worked hard. Coach Dorner says it’s been good getting the girls back in the gym to work out the kinks before the season gets under way. Volleyball practice for this season starts Sept. 7.
As for The Edge, Coach Dorner says she has had a good core group that has showed up. She says they are now in a lot better shape and don’t die like they did at the first. Coach Dorner says the ones who showed up, worked hard and listened to the coaches improved their volleyball skills. She says The Edge conditioning program was especially important after girls missed out on off-season work during the spring.
Coach Dorner says there will tryouts for varsity and JV team slots on Aug. 10.
AD Coach Owens Has Filled All Vacancies On Coaching Staffs For This School Year
Wildcats Athletic Director Greg Owens has filled all the vacancies on his coaching staffs that cropped up after the abrupt end of the 2019 school year.
Steven Moreno, who was working as an At Risk Aide at the Middle School, is now the Assistant Lady Cats Soccer Coach for Head Coach Javier Aguayo. Coach Moreno, a former Wildcats soccer player, is replacing assistant coach Kristov Martinez, who resigned.
Coach Owens has retained all of his head coaches and only had to find five new assistant coaches to fill vacancies on coaching staffs.
He lost two varsity football assistants, Cameron Warren, now the Defensive Coordinator at Commerce for Coach John McSheffery, and Chris Valdovinos, now Defensive Coordinator at Mexia for Coach Triston Abron. Coach Owens promoted two freshmen coaches to replace them, Jason Meskimen and Kevin Hatcher. He hired Kendall Mathis and Ira Franklin to fill the slots for freshman team coaches.
Coach Owens hired a Wildcats Assistant Basketball Coach, Jacob Sexton, who is filling in for Assistant Coach Joe Garcia, who is on military leave with the National Guard. Coach Sexton will be the freshman basketball coach.
Coach Owens also hired an assistant Lady Cats Basketball Coach for Head Coach Brittney Tisdell. Timothy Aguillon replaces Katelyn Webster who resigned.
City Considering Pursuing Grant To Repair, Add New Sidewalks On Oak Avenue
Officials for the City of Sulphur Springs anticipates applying to Texas Department of Agriculture for a Texas Community Development Block Grant Program 2020 Downtown Revitalization Program Grant. The city anticipates the funding would be used for sidewalks on Oak Avenue.
At the July 7, 2020 meeting of Sulphur Springs City Council, GrantWorks was set to be the TDA qualified administrator for the grant, and will only collect a fee if the city receives the grant. At that time, city staff indicated the funding would be used for one of two potential projects, replacing water and sewer lines on Tomlinson Street or for sidewalks on Oak Avenue.
After further research for both projects, the infrastructure upgrades on Tomlinson were determined to be much more expensive than the potential grant funding the city is eligible to apply for. The cost to replace or repair extremely old water lines and add new tie-ins was estimated at $1.5 million.
“The grant parameters are within $50,000 and $500,000 of what they will award,” Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski said.
The program requires a minimum 3.5 percent cash match, which on a $500,000 project would be $17,500. The city anticipates using in-house engineering staff to cover the additional costs. The city engineer is still working on the project to determine the full scope and cost of the project. The total cost could be less than the maximum $500,000 allowable grant request. That would mean the city’s required matching amount would be less as well, which would provide improvements to the downtown area, Niewiadomski noted.
The Oak Avenue project would be a better fit for the grant program, as 51 percent of the project has to be ADA focused. The project would enhance the “pedestrian network” around downtown by adding sidewalks in areas that have none and replacing deteriorating walkways in others. The sidewalks would be more ADA focused and oriented for accessibility, to enable someone with mobility issues, including someone in a wheelchair, to access the downtown area from Oak Avenue. The funding would include ADA ramps and crosswalks as well.
People could walk from the new Senior Citizens Center, to be constructed on Oak Avenue, to downtown. Easier walking access to other parking areas along Oak Avenue to downtown would be possible, officials noted during a public hearing conducted via Zoom Tuesday evening, July 21, 2020.
Officials invited anyone with other ideas, needs or additional concerns regarding the downtown area to voice them.
The application deadline is September 1, 2020. Niewiadomski anticipates presenting to the City Council at the August council meeting a proposed outline the scope and cost of the project. The application would be made available for public view upon request.
Projects will be scored in September. Officials hope to be notified by Christmas whether they city will be awarded a grant, although the exact time frame is unknown as the work schedules for TDA employees have also been impacted by COVID-19. Those approved to receive grants would have 2 years to construct their projects once a contract is struck with TDA.
East End Allegiance Back to School Fair Set August 16
In an email to KSST News from Bridgette Cooper, President of East End Allegiance: Our Youth; announced the 2020 Back to School Fair. The nonprofit organization in Sulphur Springs, TX is devoted to making a difference in the lives of our youth. Our mission is to empower our youth to be self-sufficient and confident in their being through; education, enrichment activities, training, mentorship, and community involvement.
We are preparing for our 3rd Annual Back to School Ready “Drive-Thru” event August 16, 2020 at 5pm at Pacific Park. Due to the nation’s pandemic, COVID-19; we have opted out of having activities and haircuts for the youth community. It has been announced that school will continue, rather its in person or through distance learning. This year our goal is to give away 75 backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene bags.
We are seeking donations to make this event successful and meet the needs of the youth in the community. All kids will receive a backpack, school supplies, hygiene bag, and a meal to go! Donations are greatly appreciated and needed.
Donations of drinks, napkins, hotdogs, small bag chips, hotdog buns, and condiment packages are needed to prepare the meal to go. Our non-profit organization relies on support of generous donors such as you. Your donation will help ensure that we are able to meet the needs of the youth and prepare them for a ready start for the school year. All extra donated items will go to SSISD. Attached is the official donation letter.
I can be contacted at 972-802-8705 any time. If you would like to meet with me, please don’t hesitate to call. Arrangements can be made to pick up items. Donations can be made at Alliance Bank. Jady Pogue Martin is assisting this year with our event; she can be contacted at 903-348-3510 and she is local. We thank you for your consideration of our request and look forward to hearing from you.
We’re a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and I am asking that this information be shared with the community.
Chamber Connection for July 23: Latest Stew Contest News
By Lezley Brown, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
I know that you are all wondering about the 2020 Stew Contest, and whether or not it will be cancelled. The answer is … we don’t know yet, but the Chamber is doing everything in our power to plan this year’s stew in a
way that will keep everyone safe. Cooks’ letters have been mailed out this week. Once we know how many cooks will be cooking in the contest, we will take our safety and logistics plan to our city and county officials. We will all sit down together to make a decision.
Until then, we have something fun for you! Last year, we sold a very limited number of shirts that we named Stew + 75482. We are bringing these back by popular demand! These are not the shirts that will be sold for the 51st Annual Contest (BRACE yourself for those!), but these shirts celebrate Stew and the location in which it is held. You may purchase these in short sleeves, long sleeves, and hoodies; and you may choose light grey or royal blue. Call the Chamber to place your order!
The deadline is fast approaching for the upcoming Adult Leadership class. The Adult Leadership Class is a community leadership development program sponsored by the Hopkins county Chamber of Commerce. The
course was created in 1989 with the concept of offering leadership training and community involvement for emerging business and community leaders. Leadership Sulphur Springs is a nine-month session, with meetings
held once a month. For more information and to get an application, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515. Deadline to apply is Aug. 1.
Bare Bones BBQ & Soul Food hosts ribbon cutting
Bare Bones BBQ & Soul Food will host a ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, July 23, at noon. They are located outside of Backstory Brewery, 211 Magnolia Street in Sulphur Springs. Make plans to come by and welcome this business to Hopkins County. Please wear a mask if attending.
Goodwill is hosting a bottled water drive
Goodwill is having a Bottled Water Donation Drive from July 15 through Aug. 15. They are collecting cases of water (6 bottles and up) to deliver to the homeless shelters and food banks. They will accept water donations at our local store located at 1320 Shannon Road West in Sulphur Springs.
Hunt Regional is offering Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on July 29 in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call ( 903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week.
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for July 23, Northeast Texas Heart of Hope. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Cool Off, Relax and Recharge at Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, TX— Cool off, Relax, Recreate, and Recharge at Cooper Lake State Park during August, which is our hottest month of the year! We all know we need time away from all the rigors of life (especially now!) and Cooper Lake State Park is that happy place! The lake is full and our newly improved sandy swimming beach at the South Sulphur Unit is waiting on you. Our sand volleyball courts are prepared, playgrounds are open, and our trails are beckoning for you to partake. Experience the darkest skies so close to Dallas which is an unexpected treat providing spectacular views of the Milky Way!
During these unprecedented times of COVID-19, your Texas State Parks are here for you. Just please remember to social distance, no groups larger than 10 persons (outside your household) and wear your masks when in our facilities or near other visitors. Please make your camping and day-use reservations online well before you plan to visit to guarantee your admission. We are currently limited to 75% capacity due to COVID-19 and we regularly book up on weekends.
The pandemic has eliminated our in-person educational programs temporarily, but we have several fun and educational alternatives. Like our Facebook page for specific details and rules. Prizes will be awarded to those who complete these challenges and adventures! They include:
- Self-Guided Photo Scavenger Hunt
- Hiking Challenge
- iNaturalist Adventure
- Sandcastle Contest
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest (Statewide Contest)
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, please visit and like our Facebook pages or give us a call (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903)-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903) 395-3100).
Hopkins County 4-H Members Excel In Spite Of COVID-19
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent
Although our summer 4-H camps have been cancelled, Hopkins County 4-H members have found other outlets in which to direct their attention. 4-H Record-keeping is a valuable skill which can be used later in life – college admission, job applications, and organization.
Recently, three Hopkins County 4-H members qualified for District 4-H Record Book judging. The record book has several sections: 4-H Story and Photo portfolio, 4-H Project Experiences summary for main projects, 4-H Leadership Experiences, 4-H Community Service, other 4-H Projects, 4-H Recognition and Awards, Non 4-H Activities (school, church, etc.), and College/Career Exploration. Through the process, members learn to keep a calendar of activities and expenses/income, if any, from projects. Below are the results from the recent District Record Book judging:
- Senior Division (grades 9-12): Jorja Bessonett, Health & Personal Safety – 4th place
- Intermediate Division (grades 6-8): Rylie Carroll, Consumer Education – 1st place
- Intermediate Division (grades 6-8): Ethan George, Health & Personal Safety – 1st place
Geoffrey Stewart, son of Stephanie Stewart, will also be recognized as recipient of the Janie Crump Memorial 4-H Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to qualified 4-H applicants who have excelled in 4-H. Geoffrey was very active in the 4-H Shooting Sports project (archery), and served on the County 4-H Council as an officer. He was also active in Multi-county 4-H Camp as a teen leader and exhibited his expertise in archery at Heritage Park during special events.
In addition, two of our 4-H members will receive the Danforth “I Dare You” Award. This Leadership Award is not a contest, but rather recognition of young people who have demonstrated unusual integrity, balanced personal development, and a willingness to assume responsibility. The “I Dare You” award was first offered in 1941 by business and philanthropist, William H. Danforth, who dared young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of service. The 2020 recipients of the “I Dare You” award are Jorja Bessonett, daughter of Bill and Cherrie Bessonett, and Savannah Allen, daughter of Sara Allen.
Both of these families come from a long line of 4-H involvement. Actually, Cherrie and Sara grew up with Hopkins County 4-H, and now the legacy is being carried by their children.
Congratulations to these 4-H members on a job well done!
2020 Skills Camp Underway
The 2020 Skills Camp for youth did not take place in the usual format, but it is going strong! The maximum number of participants was reached and projects kits were assembled by the Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers. There are five project kits focusing on STEM, Upcycling, Fun with Money, Woodworking, and Leatherwork. All materials needed for each project were provided and packed for participants to pick up.
Also included were daily life skills challenges and Super Summer Salad Recipes. For evaluation purposes, participants were given a survey to determine knowledge gained and intent to adopt practices. A special incentive will be given to those who complete and return the survey. Thanks go to Master Wellness Volunteers Patsy Neal and Wendy Johnson for assisting in preparing the kits! As a reminder, if you have a student who signed up and did not yet pick up the project materials, please try to do so by Friday, July 24.
Closing Thought
The heaviest work load you can carry is a bundle of bad habits. – William James
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, by mail at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; by phone at 903-885-3443; or by email at [email protected].
Hopkins County EMS Receives Achievement Award
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs, Texas, July 21, 2020 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Awards
The American Heart Association proudly recognizes Hopkins County EMS with the Mission Lifeline EMS – Gold Plus Achievement Award – another excellent accomplishment by Hopkins County EMS and quality teamwork with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, Emergency Room, and the Cath Lab team. The AHA recognizes our EMS Agency for
demonstrating continued success in using the Mission Lifeline program, which applies the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes in a community. This marks 6 years in a row that they have earned this prestigious award.
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.
COVID-19 Testing
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.
3-D Mammography: Now Scheduling
We are excited to announce the soft opening of our Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. Using our new Hologic Genius 3D Mammography with biopsy equipment purchased with funds raised by the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation, we are now performing 3-D mammograms right here in Sulphur Springs.
There are plans to host a grand opening of the new addition very soon. For more information, call 903.439.4325.
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.
2 Zoning Ordinance Amendments Proposed
Sulphur Springs Planning & Zoning Commission heard two proposals July 20 from city staff to amend zoning ordinances, and is recommending both to the City Council. One proposed amendment defines cosmetic tattooing and permanent makeup and establishes zones in which salons would be allowed to provide those services without a special use permit while the other defines accessory dwelling unit, as well as eligibility, criteria and zoning in which they would be allowed.
Cosmetic Tattoo/Permanent Makeup
Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski explained that the P&Z Commission has received several requests for special use permits from salons and beauty shops to perform cosmetic tattoos or permanent makeup services including microblading.
At least 2 special permits requested for these services have been approved since in the last few months, one for a Hillcrest Drive business and one for a Main Street business.
The city’s zoning ordinance doesn’t specifically identity these uses, which have been classified as a special use under Article 20, and are treated as tattoo and body piercing parlors.
After many discussions over the last few months, city staff proposed defining “permanent makeup and cosmetic tattoos,” then allowing these services as a “use by right” in commercial zoning districts or in multi-family zoning, if performed as an ancillary use within a beauty shop or salon.
As proposed, a cosmetic tattoo/permanent makeup would be defined as “a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyeliner and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids. It is also used to produce artificial eyebrows, and to disguise scars and blemishes to the skill to provide a more natural appearance.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the proposal, which is being sent to the City Council for consideration as a zoning ordinance amendment during a future meeting. The City Council will have final approval on the ordinance amendment.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory dwelling units too have been discussed at various city meetings in recent months as a means of “promoting infill development to help pay for infrastructure costs.”
Essentially, an ADU is a smaller, secondary home on the same lot as a primary dwelling, often referred to as granny flats, garage apartments or in-laws’ houses.
The goal in allow ADUs is four-fold:
- Increase the number of housing units while respecting the style and scale of single-dwelling development.
- Bolster the efficient use of existing housing stock and infrastructure.
- Provide housing that is affordable and respond to the needs of smaller, changing households.
- Serve as accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities.
City staff recommended amending another zoning ordinance to allow for one of these structures on a residentially zoned, single-family lot. One of the two structures would need to be owner occupied, as there will be a deed restriction on the property, with approval from the city.
As proposed ADU’s would be treated as a separate single-family home from a utility billing standpoint. If approved as presented any habitable already existing accessory dwelling unit would be grandfathered in as a “non-conforming use that does not conform” to ADU standards. Mobile homes or manufactured homes would conform to the recommended ADU standards. Portable buildings most likely would not meet the design criteria as proposed for ADUs.
Additional parking would be required if parking for the ADU displaces existing parking for the primary dwelling, and must be on an improved or paved surface, not on the grass.
The proposed zoning amendment also provides design specifics such as size, height, entrances and stairs, and yard and building setbacks for ADUs.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, during the July 20, 2020 Zoom meeting, accepted the proposed policy as presented. City staff anticipate presenting the proposed ADU and cosmetic tattoo/permanent makeup zoning ordinance changes to the City Council at their August meeting.
6 New Hopkins County COVID-19 Cases Reported July 21
Six new positive COVID-19 cases were reported for Hopkins County Tuesday afternoon, July 21, according to Hopkins County Emergency Management officials.
That brings the overall cumulative total from March-July 21 for Hopkins County to 130 cases. Of those, 72 Hopkins County residents have recovered from COVID-19, leaving 58 active cases overall.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom also reported that there were 3 patients in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital –Sulphur Springs. However, only one of the patients is a Hopkins County resident.
