Construction Of New Tower Should Improve Cellular Service In Sulphur Springs
Both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustments this week voted in favor of a special use permit for construction of a new tower in the area of Coleman Park. This approval, which should improve cellular service, hinges on the applicant meeting a few additional stipulations.
A special use permit request was made to the city by the property owner on behalf of AT&T for construction of a 150-foot self-supporting cell tower with 6 foot lightning rod at 1212 West Industrial Dr. (683 Gosset Lane). This 0.36-acre site is directly west of the Coleman Lake water tower.
Brent Dozier, representing the group contracted by AT&T to see about 100 towers built on sites across Texas, noted that the site was selected in response to numerous calls received in the last 3-4 years from citizens, businesses and emergency responders. The chief complaint is little or no cellular service and dropped calls. This area is notorious for heavy data usage. Tin and pine trees in East Texas are the two biggest enemies of cellular communications and radar signals.
The city currently has 4 cellular towers:
- A 200 foot tower located in the heavy industrial zone, near commercial and industrial businesses. It is on Kirksey Street, 1.9 miles northeast of the proposed Gossett Lane site. This tower was installed with a special use permit in 1999.
- A 350-foot tower in the heavy industrial and light commercially zoned area on McKinsey Drive, located 4 miles northeast of the proposed site, installed before special use permits were required for the cell towers.
- A tower 950 feet south of Wildcat Way, off Holiday Drive, about 1.9 miles southeast of the proposed site on land included in the annex of properties along Wildcat Way into the city, in a single family-6 zone; and
- A tower in the 1200 block of Jefferson Street, 3.6 miles from the proposed site, in an undeveloped light industrial zone, approved in 2019.
Letters were sent to the two property owners within 200 feet of the property. The City of Sulphur Springs received 1 letter from the property owner in favor of the tower.
Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport Director Joey Baker objected to the request. As proposed, it’s location 2.25-2.5 miles south of the airport is within the flight path of the airport and exceeds the airspace flight path by 15 feet. This according to an FAA study. Sulphur Springs Director of Community Development Tory Niewiadomski told the Planning an Zoning Commission Monday and the Zoning Board of Adjustments on Tuesday that Baker would have no objection if the tower height were reduced by 15 feet.
Niewiadomski said city staff recommended the request either be denied outright due to the potential impact to the city’s airspace or approved with the stipulation the cell tower is reduced 15 feet in overall height to 141 feet.
Dozier said the original plan was for the tower to be 190 feet, but had reduced plans to 156 due to FAA feedback. While the taller height is preferred, the group he represents would not be opposed to reducing the height to 141 feet if doing so would allow the project to move forward.
The P&Z Commission considered the matter at their monthly meeting Monday night. They recommended approval of the 141 ft tower project to the ZBA, which also voted in favor of the special use permit.
CHRISTUS and Texas Oncology to Build New Cancer Institute in Tyler
Business News — Sept. 22, 2020
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, Sept. 22, 2020 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
CHRISTUS and Texas Oncology to build new cancer institute in Tyler
For years, leaders at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances and Texas Oncology met to come up with a partnership to help treat and care for cancer patients. With the new Louise Herrington Cancer Center on the fifth floor of the Bradley-Thompson Tower at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler opening, the partnership was announced. Texas Oncology and CHRISTUS said the new outpatient treatment and research center will be called the Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Institute. A groundbreaking ceremony is expected in within four months and the doors will open in summer of 2022. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org/trinity/tyler.
Flu Shots: Drive-Thru Clinics available for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic patients
Are you an existing patient of CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic? Take advantage of our drive-thru flu clinics on Thursday, September 24 from 2pm to 4pm, and Friday, October 2, from 2pm to 4pm.
You do not need to call ahead, but should be an existing patient, and bring your insurance card with you. The location of the drive-thru is the circle drive under the awning, directly in front of the hospital by the main entrance.
Are you an Uninsured Female over 40?
The Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation wants to help you! The Foundation is offering FREE Mammogram Screenings to uninsured women over 40. Appointments will be Saturday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call 903.439.4040 to schedule your appointment.
This is limited to the first 20 women.
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 7am to 7pm (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
Optometry
While no longer affiliated with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, Andrew Yoder, OD, Optometry is still practicing in his regular space at 1100 Mockingbird Lane, as an independent provider. Dr. Yoder’s private practice is now called iFocus Vision Care, and all hours and schedule remain the same. To schedule an eye appointment with Dr. Yoder, please contact his office at
903.439.2020.
Medical Records
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Medical Records Department is closed to the public. Our hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. If you need access to your medical records, there are several options:
MyChart
a. You may submit an electronic request via MyChart and it will be processed within 24-hours during business days.
Fax
a. You may fax an authorization request, and a copy of your photo ID to
903.439.4704.
- Phone
- a. You may call 903.439.4045, select option “3” from the menu, and one of our ‘release of information’ specialists will be glad to assist you.
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
Hopkins County United Way Goal, Theme Announced At Workers Kick Off Lunch
The 2020-2021 Hopkins County United Way goal and theme, along with a few changes to the annual campaign, were announced at the annual workers kick off lunch, held Tuesday, Sept. 22, at First United Methodist Church.
Campaign Chair Mike Horne said the goal this year is to be United Together to raise $150,000 to benefit people of all ages through HCUW’s allocations to 19 local agencies.
Horne chose the theme based on the challenges brought on by COVID-19 which over the last 6 months has separated many, as well as social injustices.
The chairman said while the $150,000 goal may seem like a lot, especial in these times of economic instability or change for some, he feels confident the Hopkins County community will rise to the challenge to their neighbors through United Way.
“That’s a little less than last year because of what 2020 is. I think we will greatly exceed that, but we wanted to be sure so we lowered it a little bit,” Horne said.
Beverley Owens, co-president with husband Bill Owens, expressed appreciation to all workers for collecting packets, which gives a helping hand to hope to people in the community through the 19 organizations allocated funds from the $150,000 campaign.
This year, Brandon Williams will be updating a Hopkins County United Way Facebook page regularly, including posting videos featuring representatives from some of the organizations who benefit from the annual fundraiser. A promotional link on Facebook will allow those who wish to give but who do not contribute already through a business or organization to do so online . There will also be a Pay Pal option for donations of any amount from $1 up.
The campaign chair will also be available for workplace visit in person or virtually, to discuss HCUW for those businesses and organizations interested. Contact him directly or contact HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning at 903-243-4066.
HCUW has allocated funding from the $150,000 campaign to the 19 agencies as follows:
- Boy Scouts of America, Circle Ten Council $2,100
- Bright Star Baseball $1,000
- CANHelp $8,000
- East Texas Council on Alcohol/Drug Abuse $2,000
- Heritage Christian Counseling Center $8,000
- Hopkins County 4-H $2,000
- Hopkins County Christian Alliance on behalf of Community Cupboard $7,000
- Hopkins County Christian Alliance on behalf of Empty Stocking $1,000
- Hopkins County Community Chest $54,500
- Jehovah Jireah Food Pantry $1,000
- Lake Country CASA $9,000
- Lakes Regional Community Center on behalf of Our Place $4,000
- Meal-A-Day Sulphur Springs $7,000
- Northeast Texaas Child Advocacy Center, Inc. $3,500
- SAFE-T (Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas $4,000
- Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center $4,000
- Sulphur Springs Symphony League $1,000
- Teen Court $3,500
- The Dinner Bell $3,000
HCUW also allocated $3,000 to United Way Worldwide. In the past 1 percent went to UWW. However, this year the global organization set a minimum membership fee of $3,000 to be part of the organization. United Way is a 65-year tradition in Hopkins County.
An additional $21,400 is budgeted for administrative expenses, which include a salary for the part-time secretary, supplies, utilities, the annual audit, postage and campaign materials.
HCUW will have weekly report meeting, during which campaign workers can turn in packets and give an update on progres, and the campaign total will be tallied. However, a HCUW 100% Club will not be announced following each meeting this year. HCUW officers determined that every donation is important and appreciated, no matter how large or small.
The 2020-21 HCUW officers offered thanks to the many who support HCUW through their financial contributions as well as service as the many community members who volunteer their time to serve as campaign workers. Many have served in multiple capacities over the years, some continue to serve in multiple roles.
This year the Board of Directors includes Chuck Askins, Larry Crowson, Debra Evans, Markeda Fisher, Charlotte Henderson, Mike Horne, Mike Jumper, Sherry McGraw, Kristy Moseley, Beverley Owens, Bill Owens and Larry Wills.
The Budget and Allocation Committee includes Lezley Brown, Markeda Fisher, Charlotte Henderson, Mike Horne Beverley Owens and Bill Owens.
After lunch, the campaign workers received campaign donation packets, which are being distributed to businesses and organizations in the community.
The American Pickers Are Coming To Texas
The hit History Channel TV show is coming back to Texas in November and plans to be filming several episodes while in the state.
AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s
most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.
If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: [email protected]. You can also give them a call at (855) OLD-RUST. Or find them on facebook @GotAPick.
Lady Cats Sweep Commerce Tigers on Senior Night, 3-0
The Lady Cats Volleyball Team recognized five seniors and a manager for Senior Night before the hosts swept the Commerce Tigers, 3-0 Tuesday evening.
The Lady Cats dominated, surrendering a lead in points only twice.
Sadie Washburn finished the game 18 for 30 in kills, with 8 aces, as she put the team on her shoulders in the first set. At one point, she scored 7 of 8 consecutive points for the Lady Cats as they obliterated their competition in the first set, winning by a score of 5-25.
Brooklyn Burnside finished with 8 for 12 in kills, 6 aces, and a block as well.
“We as a team had 20 [aces],” Coach Dorner said, adding that such a feat “is unheard of.”
The Lady Cats started the season 0-2, but have since won three straight to achieve a winning record for the first time in the still-young season.
The team resumes action this weekend with three games, all away and located throughout the DFW metroplex. The first is Friday, Sept. 25 versus Princeton at 4 P.M., with two more Saturday thanks to a duel match with Forney and Wylie East at 12 and 1 in the afternoon, respectively.
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.
Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra Weighs in on Scrimmage and Frisco Wakeland Offense
Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra said he was pleased with the defense during last Thursday night’s scrimmage against Mount Pleasant at Prim Stadium. He said a lot of young players got some good looks at what varsity football is all about. He said there were a couple of defense breakdowns, which he said was understandable. Coach Guerra said the defense played hard. Mount Pleasant scored on a long run after an option play pitch. The Wildcats don’t see a lot of option football. Coach Guerra said the touchdown was his fault because he had the Wildcats in a bad defense for that play. He noted that the referees were also working on get ready for the season and he added there were a couple of pass interference calls he just did not see on game tapes. The Wildcats got an interception and had another one negated by one of the pass interference calls. He liked the play of the secondary right before the end of the second quarter. Concerning Frisco Wakeland’s offense, Coach Guerra said they are disciplined and will take what you give them. He said they run counter plays and like to take shots with long passes down the field. Coach Guerra said the Wolverines had some tall receivers and he said the Wakeland quarterback did a good job throwing fade passes. He said he was also impressed with two of the Wakeland offensive tackles. He said the Wolverines were well coached. Coach Guerra said he was also impressed by the running of back Jared White during Wakeland’s scrimmage against Marshall last Friday. Coach Guerra has been working the Wildcats defense hard this week. He said the Wildcats defense struggled in three areas in the scrimmage against Mount Pleasant and he said all three were areas in which Frisco Wakeland does well.
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.
Wildcats Football Offensive Coordinator Matt Young Comments on Scrimmage and Frisco Wakeland Defense
Wildcats Offensive Coordinator Matt Young gave his weekly football review and preview Tuesday morning. Concerning the scrimmage last Thursday against Mount Pleasant, Coach Young said the Wildcats’ offense is in a good place but he added they still have a lot of work to do. He said his standards are higher than the level of play last week. Coach Young said the offense felt like they shot themselves in the foot when they did not score due to things like bad snaps, penalties or pass routes that were run too deep that led to negative plays. On the positive side, Coach Young liked the physicality of the offensive line, especially from seniors Somjai Pryor, Raydon McCormack and Alfredo Olavide. He said quarterback Kaden Wallace was a lot more comfortable in the pocket. He said receivers caught the ball well. Coach Young said Matthew Sherman made a great catch in the end zone and also blocked well. He said Bryant Sanchez and Cable Glenn did good jobs and he said C.J. Williams had some catches. Coach Young said the Wildcats got physical runs from backs Caden Davis, J.J. Hall and Douglas Deloney. Concerning Frisco Wakeland, Coach Young said they are a great program that does not have down years as they just reload. He said they play hard and are well coached. On defense, Coach Young said the Wolverines are good up front and have quickness in the defensive line. He added the Wakeland safeties are good players who he called ball hawks. Coach Young said even the new faces on the Wakeland defense look like Friday night players. He said the Wildcats must execute on offense.
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.
Lady Cats Volleyball on Game Day Tuesday, Team Tennis Match Postponed
On this Tuesday (September 22) game day, the Lady Cats Volleyball Team has a non-district home match against Commerce. There will be a JV Gold game at 4:30 p.m., followed by a JV Blue contest at 5:30 p.m. with the Varsity match scheduled to start at around 6:30 p.m. Tonight is also Senior Night. Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner said she has five senior players and a senior manager. The Lady Cats have started off the season at 2-2 after wins Saturday at Pittsburg and at home against Paris. KSST Radio will bring you all of the action of Lady Cats Volleyball Tuesday beginning at around 6:30 p.m.
The Wildcats Team Tennis squad was also supposed to play a home district match against Longview at 4 p.m. Tuesday but the match was postponed by rain. Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said he hoped to play the match on Wednesday. The Wildcats are 1-1 in district play and 2-1 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.
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs News
SPANISH LESSON
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Spanish Instructor Mayra Cummings reviews words and pronunciations with her students during a recent class. For information about education opportunities and enrollment at Paris Junior College, call 903-885-1232.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
High Speed Chase Ends With Crash
A high speed chase ended with a crash early Tuesday morning. The vehicle involved was reported to have been stolen from Bonham Monday evening, according to sheriff’s and arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Chaney at 2:48 a.m. Tuesday Sept. 22 reported radar showed a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling south on State Highway 19 north of Sulphur Springs at 75 miles per hour in the 65 mph speed zone. The northbound patrol deputy turned around to try to catch up to and stop the white sport utility vehicle.
Chaney alleged the driver, instead of pulling over or slowing down when he activated the emergency lights on his patrol vehicle, the driver accelerated. When the SUV continued, Chaney advised via radio that he was in pursuit of the vehicle. The vehicle allegedly reached speed of more than 120 mph on wet roads during the pursuit, which continued into Sulphur Springs city limits with the deputy keeping the SUV in sight but a distance behind it.
The SUV reportedly turned off SH 19 onto Loop 301 onto Hillcrest Drive, where it allegedly continued at a speed of more than 100 mph. The deputy reported closing the distance between his patrol vehicle and the fleeing SUV as the pursuit crossed State Highway 11 west and continued south on Hillcrest Drive.
As the pursuit neared the Hillcrest Drive-Main Street (US Highway 67) intersection, Chaney observed Sulphur Springs Police units waiting to try to intercept the SUV. The SUV then allegedly turned west onto Main Street and continued traveling at a speed of more than 100 mph as the pursuit approached Interstate 30, Chaney alleged.
As the SUV traveled south on US Highway 67 over the Interstate 30 overpass, the driver reportedly failed to navigate the sharp corner and crashed into a tree line south of the south service road connector, Chaney noted in arrest reports. The 24-year-old man allegedly got out of the wrecked Tahoe, where he complied with officers commands.
During an interview, Fred Castlow Jr. allegedly admitted to stealing the SUV the evening before from Bonham. A record check also showed the 24-year-old to be wanted in Bonham for criminal mischief, family violence assault with a previous conviction, cruelty to animals and bond revocation on the assault charge, Chaney noted in arrest reports.
Dispatchers contacted Bonham Police regarding the allegedly stolen SUV and notified EMS to respond to check out Castlow. The man reportedly refused treatment for any possible injuries. Chaney arrested Castlow at 2:53 a.m. Sept. 22, 2020, for evading arrest or detention in a motor vehicle, and transported the man to jail on that charge as well as the Bonham warrants.
Upon arrival at the county jail, dispatchers advised Bonham Police contacted the vehicle owner who confirmed the vehicle had been stolen. Consequently, the Castlow was also booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:22 a.m. Sept. 22 on an unauthorized use of a vehicle charge, according to arrest 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.
