2020 SSHS Graduation Plans Announced
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Friday announce plan for the 2020 Sulphur Springs High School Graduation. In order to observe COVID-19 guidelines in place, the 2020 SSHS Graduation will be a different kind of commencement exercise, with individual celebrations combined to create one big overall video instead of a large community event held in the stadium or Civic Center arena, according to the news release issued around 11 a.m. April 24.
“We have collaborated with SSISD staff members, parents, community members, and students to provide the best possible graduation ceremony for our seniors. After carefully weighing ALL options for our 2020 Commencement, we have determined that the richest and most inclusive option for our seniors is to create individual graduation experiences, with family members in attendance, with an all-inclusive graduation video to follow,” the SSISD press release stated.
May 1-15 individual graduation experiences will be created for every graduating senior in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Each senior’s “individual graduation” will be filmed.
“We know that our ceremony will not be exactly the same as in normal times, but we intend to create as many of the experiences (sights, sounds, hugs, pictures, and memorable moments) as possible for every senior…together as the Class of 2020,” the SSHS press release stated.
Students and families can expect to cross the stage in graduation dress and receive their diploma cover, with up to 10 family members attending to cheer, take pictures, and share experience with their graduate.
After crossing the stage, graduates and family members can take more pictures in a photo area. Professional graduation picture packages will still be available for purchase. SSISD will also purchase one complimentary 8 x10 inch graduation photo for every graduate. Seniors and family members will receive a graduation program.
Also filmed will be traditional parts of the commencement exercise, including the presentation of the colors, National Anthem, invocation, valedictorian and salutatorian speeches, and school song. These will be combined with the individual celebrations to produce a full graduation “ceremony” featuring the entire senior class, which will air online on May 22.
2020 Bright Star Scholars Announced
The 2020 Bright Star Scholars recipients were announced this week for 11 Hopkins County seniors. Five recipients were selected from rural Hopkins County schools and six from Sulphur Springs ISD.
North Hopkins senior Eastan Lewis, Saltillo senior Jocelyn Ochoa, Sulphur Bluff senior Ryan Vance, and Como-Pickton seniors Diana Gallegos and Mya Lewis were selected from among applicants from county schools for a Bright Star Scholarship.
The 2020 Bright Star Scholarship recipients from Sulphur Springs High School include Allie Thurman, Grayson McClure, Isaac Gutierres, Mattie Thurman, Thomas Owen and Zach Tiemeyer.
The program, funded by the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation, provides $4,000 per semester, renewable for up to eight semesters, to pay for undergraduate studies. Students who complete their undergraduate studies in less than 8 semesters after high school may apply the remaining grant funding at a rate of $4,000 per semester toward graduate studies up to 8 semesters.
The Bright Stars scholarships are open each year to all graduating seniors from the seven school districts in Hopkins County: Como-Pickton, Cumby, Miller Grove, North Hopkins, Saltillo, Sulphur Bluff and Sulphur Springs.
The Gillis Foundation was developed and is supported by John and Deborah Gillis and will be managed by former teacher and educational consultant Robin Shrode. All three are Sulphur Springs High School graduates.
John Gillis, chairman/CEO of Gillis Holdings, Inc., is a fifth-generation Hopkins County native. Both are graduates of East Texas State University. The couple, when announcing the creation of the foundation, noted they have been blessed and felt compelled to give back. They opted to do so by providing funding to enable economically disadvantaged Hopkins County students to pursue higher education.
The scholarship program is the second platform of the Gillis Foundation’s commitment to local education. The foundation also awards grants to local schools for innovative programs in their schools.
The purpose of the Bright Stars Grants To Schools program is to support schools as they prepare students who graduate from high school to be college and career ready whatever their life goals may be.
Additional information about the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation, can be found online at jdgillisfoundation.org
ZBA Grants Special Use Permits For Main Street Boutique, Cargo Container
Two special use permits approved this week will allow a new boutique to offer cosmetic tattooing on Main Street and allow a cargo container to remain at 1400 College St.
Both permits were presented April 20 to the Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Commission, which then recommended both to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals. The ZBA approved both at the April 21 meeting. Both meetings were conducted via Zoom conferencing due to COVID-19 precautions.
Cosmetic Tattoo Permit
Susie Dunn asked both groups for permission to allow her to perform cosmetic tattoos at a new store, Susie Q’s Boutique and Permanent Cosmetics, to be located at 213 Main St. on the downtown square.
Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski reported 38 letters had been sent to property owners within 200 feet of the property. They received three responses back. One was in opposition to the proposed permit and two would allow the permit, one was specifically in favor of permitting Dunn to provide cosmetic tattoos to cover scars and blemishes after a surgery.
Niewiadomski said of the three other businesses that have requested special use permits for tattooing to operate in the city, two were granted permission and one was declined over the last two years. The denial was for what would be a full tattoo parlor.
Dunn explained that this would not be a “tattoo parlor.” She noted she is a registered nurse and has also received the skills training and certification to help people who have cancer and to remove tattoos for people joining the military. For instance, Dunn uses her skill to help a breast cancer survivor whose had a mastectomy and reconstruction have what appears to be a normal areola. She can also help those experiencing alopecia by creating eyebrows and the like.
Dunn says she’s already providing this service and currently has people waiting her to be allowed to resume operations following the COVID-19 measures.
Susie Dunn’s husband told the ZBA members that his wife is “one of the two best in the country at what she does.” He explained that doctors call her and refer their patients to her for medical issues. She helps breast cancer survivors look as natural as possible. She has people not just from the area and Dallas, but people who come from as far away as California and New York for her services.
Robert Cote, who was in November was granted permission to open a tattoo studio on Houston Street, said he supports Dunn and thinks what she does is amazing. However, he asked, from a legal standpoint, for clarification regarding what would be allowed with the permit and any potential broader impact from granting the permit.
Niewiadomski said the request is for cosmetic tattooing only. Any tattooing outside of that would violate the terms of the special use permit for cosmetic only tattooing.
“Everything I do is for the public. I do not and will not do body tattoos,” she told the Zoning Board of Adjustments Tuesday night.
Dunn emphasized she will not have anyone else in her shop performing tattoos either.
“I don’t tattoo at all. It’s permanent makeup,” Dunn said.
The state classifies all tattooing, whether regular art tattooing or cosmetic tattooing, the same. A tattoo breaks the skin and inserts ink under the skin, it was pointed out.
After a couple of different motions that failed to receive full approval, the motion was finally approved by the ZBA to grant a special use permit to Susie Dunn for cosmetic tattooing specific to the terms the applicant requested.
Cargo Container Permit
Texas Animal Health Commission asked the city to consider renewing the special use permit allowing a cargo/shipping container to remain in place at 1400 College St.
The container, located at the southwest corner of the nearly 4-acre site, is used for secure storage of product for TAHC. It is off the edge of the parking lot in an open area near a tree lined/screened area, behind an auto repair shop on Shannon Road.
According to Niewiadomski, the container has been at that location for the last year, and in that time city staff have received no inquires about it. Ten letters were sent to property owners within 200 feet of the property notifying them of the permit request, and offering a chance to weigh in either for, again or undecided. City staff received no responses.
TAHC owns the container. The commission indicated a desire to remain at that location indefinitely.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday approved the request and forwarded it to the ZBA with a recommendation that the special use permit be approved for TAHC for three years.
The commission’s request for a special use permit to keep the container on site was approved as recommended Tuesday.
Texans Can Use SNAP For Online Grocery Purchases At Partnering Retailers Soon
AUSTIN –Texas Health and Human Services recently received federal approval to allow Texans to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for online grocery purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot program is expected to start by May 18 statewide.
“By allowing SNAP recipients to purchase groceries online throughout the COVID-19 response, we are removing barriers to healthy and nutritious food for many families in Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “I am grateful to our federal partners at the USDA for approving this request. As the Lone Star State continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are exhausting all avenues to both protect the health and safety of Texans while ensuring families, including recipients of SNAP, have the ability to provide for their families during this challenging time.”
“Because families, including SNAP recipients, have had to adjust to social distancing and staying home when possible, some homes have encountered challenges when finding certain grocery items,” said HHS Access and Eligibility Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. “Adding another option for Texans using SNAP to get the healthy and nutritious food their families need helps ease the minds of families and limit their exposure to COVID-19.”
With approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, HHSC is implementing a pilot program to allow online grocery purchasing for SNAP clients in Texas. Walmart and Amazon are the first retailers to join the pilot in Texas, scheduled to start by May 18.
This announcement is the latest change Gov. Abbott and HHSC has made to the SNAP program in response to COVID-19, and SNAP clients are now receiving their maximum eligible allotment and have also had renewal requirements temporarily waived.
2 Men Jailed On Felony Warrants
Two men were jailed on felony warrants, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Justin Wilkerson reported taking Charles Damon Williams into custody at the Hopkins-Delta County line at 11:55 p.m. April 22. The 41-year-old Cooper man was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked around 12:20 a.m. April 23 on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrant. The offense, according to arrest reports, allegedly occurred March 19 on Church Street.
Williams was released from the county jail later Thursday, April 23. Bond was set at $10,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
Anthony Louis Mills reportedly turned himself in at 5:41 p.m. April 18 at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Kevin Lester took the 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man into custody and escorted him into the county jail, where he was booked on Sabine County warrants for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, disorderly conduct and unlawful carrying of a weapon, according to arrest reports.
Mills was released from Hopkins County jail later April 18. Bond was set at $5,000 on the felony tampering with evidence charge and $1,000 each on the weapon and disorderly conduct 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.
Man Allegedly Ran From Officers Wednesday Night
A Sulphur Springs man allegedly ran from officers who contacted him about a parking violation, resulting in his arrest on a felony charge, according to arrest reports.
Special Crimes Unit Sgt. Joe Scott and Sulphur Springs Police Officer Zach Brown reportedly contacted the 26-year-old man at 10:51 p.m. April 22 after observing the man sitting in the driver’s seat of a Nissan Altima illegally parked facing traffic on Freeman Street.
The man allegedly stepped out of the car, then ran away from officers. Officers “caught the subject and brought him to the ground with the least amount of force necessary to make the arrest,” Scott alleged in arrest reports. A small amount of marijuana was also allegedly found in the Altima.
Jaquarius Oqeyth Johnson was booked into Hopkins County jail shortly before midnight April 22 on an evading arrest or detention charge, which was enhanced to a felony due previous convictions, according to arrest reports.
Johnson remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning. Bond on the evading charge was set at $5,000, according to arrest reports.
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.
Man Caught Knocking On Window Arrested On Trespassing Charge
A 19-year-old Sulphur Springs man caught knocking on a window, possibly in an attempt to break into the building, was arrested early Wednesday morning on a criminal trespassing charge, police alleged in arrest reports.
When Sulphur Springs Police officers arrived on North Davis Street, they reported seeing the man, who fit the suspect description inside of a fenced in back yard, where he was standing near the back of the residence, according to arrest reports. A no trespassing sign was posted on the fence, according to police reports. Thus, the man was placed into custody at 4:25 a.m. April 22.
The Sulphur Springs teen allegedly denied attempting to break into the residence. In fact, he claimed to have been invited to the residence by the complainant, police alleged in arrest reports. The complainant, however, denied not only inviting the teen to the residence but also denied knowing the 19-year-old at all, according to arrest reports.
Consequently, the 19-year-old was booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:37 a.m., then released later Wednesday on the charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
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.
NETBIO Sale Still On For May But With Some Restrictions
The Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization will hold its next pre-conditioned calf and yearling sale on Wednesday, May 20.
Producers have consigned nearly 5,000 head of cattle to the sale. The sale, held at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Market, will begin at 1 p.m.
Calves consigned to the sale will have been weaned by April 5 and have had their boosting shots by April 20.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines that restrict large gatherings, Sulphur Springs Livestock has arranged the auditorium so that auction attendees are seated six feet apart. This restricts seating to 33 people and they will be reserved for buyers. Buyers are asked not to bring extra people with them to the
auction.
Sellers are encouraged to watch the sale online. The auction is broadcast on the Internet at LMA Auctions.com. Buyers planning to purchase cattle online should contact the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction office prior to the day of the sale to sign up as an Internet buyer.
The cafe will be closed to dine-in customers in accordance to COVID-19 guidelines, but to-go orders will be available. Customers can call 903-348-1582 to place an order, or if they are on site they can go to the north door of the cafe to order.
For more information, call the Sulphur Springs Livestock office at 903-885-2455 or visit their Web Site at www.sslivestockauctions.com.
HCSO: Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Attempted Indecency With A Child
April 23, 2020 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies Wednesday took into custody a 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man accused of attempted indecency with a child by sexual contact, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office had received a complaint of a possible child sexual offense. An investigation was launched. A forensics interview was conducted. Based the investigation, HCSO officers sought and obtained a warrant for Joseph Dean Winship’s arrest for criminal attempt to commit indecency with a child by sexual contact, according to HCSO Chief Investigators Corley Weatherford.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tanner Steward, Deputy Justin Wilkerson and Deputy Drew Fisher just before 5:30 p.m. April 22 received information Winship was inside his Sulphur Springs residence and attempted to served the warrant. Deputies located Winship in a closet, according to arrest reports.
Winship was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on the warrant for criminal attempt-indecency with a child by sexual contact, according to arrest reports.
According to Texas Penal Code, a person commits criminal attempt:
“if, with specific intent to commit an offense, he does an act amounting to more than mere preparation that tends but fails to effect the commission of the offense intended.
(b) If a person attempts an offense that may be aggravated, his conduct constitutes an attempt to commit the aggravated offense if an element that aggravates the offense accompanies the attempt.”
c) It is no defense to prosecution for criminal attempt that the offense attempted was actually committed.
(d) An offense under this section is one category lower than the offense attempted, and if the offense attempted is a state jail felony, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
Winship — who is also known by Josuah, Jo-Jo and Jo Jo Winship — remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning on the third-degree felony 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.
Application Process Open For SSISD Head Start And Pre-Kindergarten Programs
The application process for SSISD Head Start and pre-kindergarten programs for the 2020-2021 school year is under way for new-to-the-district children. As with everything these days, registration will be conducted differently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These programs, for children who will be 3 or 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, are typically housed at Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center. Parents/guardians may complete the process to see if their children qualify for either program.
Head Start provides certified teachers/assistants, two nutritional meals and a snack per day, full-day educational services, outdoor playground facilities, limited transportation services, social services, parent involvement activities, speech/hearing/vision evaluations, health/dental screenings and accepts children with mild, moderate or severe disabilities as determined by individual needs.
To apply, first collect all of the following information as it applies to the household and child:
- Parent ID/Driver’s License
- Household Income — (2019 Tax Returns, 2019 W-2 Forms)
- If above documents are not available, a notarized letter from employer, including yearly salary, must be on official letterhead.
- TANF, SSI, SSA, Child Support/Alimony, Military Documents (LES/FSSA)
- Proof of Residency (Recent Electric/Water/Gas Bill) – You must reside in Sulphur Springs Child’s Official Birth Certificate
- Child’s Social Security Card
- Child’s Up-to-date Immunization Record
- Current Medicaid, Private Insurance or CHIP Card
- Food Stamp Card
- WIC Card
- Foster Care 2085 Form
- IEP – Individualized Education Plan
- Dr.’s Notes Concerning Allergy/Health Needs
- Custodial or Court Orders
The contact Rita Taylor, ERSEA sSpecialist, by email at DECLCdocs@ssisd.net. Parents/guardians who do not have an email address, may call the school at 903-885-4516 to leave their name and the best contact number.
Parents/Guardians will receive a response to schedule an interview via telephone. After the interview process, applications can be emailed or mailed. Completed applications can be dropped off at Douglass, Monday-Friday, between 7:30 and 11 a.m. Parents/guardians will be notified by letter if their child has been accepted or put on a waitlist. If accepted, the district’s Skyward, online application must also be completed.
