Seniors Dinner/Dance Filled the House with Music, Fun
Karon Weatherman cooked up a wonderful Stuffed Pork Loin holiday dinner, complete with several desserts choices. All eighty available seats were reserved! Couples and groups arrived in holiday attire, and everyone was in the holiday spirit. Music was provided by Sentimental Journey, and Enola Gay of KSST “interviewed” many of the guests to find out their most treasured Christmas memories as well as their biggest blessings in life. As the evening ended, many were heard to tell Karon, “we’d like more of this!” Once constructed, the new Seniors Center will have more space and a larger seating capacity.
Hopkins County Hospital District Dec. 17 Agenda
Hopkins County Hospital District
Regular Meeting of Board of Directors
Trinity Clinic Plaza Conference Room
6 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Notice is hereby given that a Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Hopkins County Hospital District will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 6:00 pm in the Plaza Conference Room of the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic at 113 Airport Road, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
AGENDA
- Call to Order
- Invocation
- Public Forum
- Review, Discuss, and Approve HCHD Representatives for the CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance Board
- Review and Approve Renewal of Property and Casualty Insurance
- Review and Approve Replacement for Medic 2 Ambulance That Was Totalled In an Accident
- Review and Approve Proposed RFP for Demolition of Three Houses on Airport Road
- Review and Approve Proposed RFP for Engagement of an Architect for Design and/or Drawings for New EMS Facility
- Review and Approve Financial Statements for One Month ended 10-31-19: a. Financial Statements for Month Ended 10-31-19; b. EMS Update.
- Consent Agenda: a. Review and Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting of 10-29-19; b. Review and Approve Nursing Home Reports; c. Review and Approve Christmas Bonus and/or Gift Cards for Employees for Christmas; d. Review and Approve Termination of Frozen 403(b) Retirement Plan; e. Discuss and Approve Notification for May 2, 2020 Election
- Update for CHHA by Paul Harvey, President/CEO
- Executive Session. a. Review Minutes of Executive Session for Regular Meeting of 10-29-19; b. The Board will meet in closed session either with its attorney pursuant to Section 551.072, or without its attorney pursuant to Sections 551.085 and 551.074, of the Texas Government Code to discuss Real Estate Matters. *
- Return to Regular Session: a. Approve Minutes of Executive Session for Regular Meeting of 10-29-19; b. Consider and take action, if any, on the Real Estate Matters
- Adjourn
* The Board may,during the course of the meeting covered by this Notice, determine that a closed or executive session of the Board should be held or is required in relation to any agenda item included in this Notice. In that event, such closed or executive meeting or session, as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, will be held by the Board at the date, hour, and place given in this Notice concerning any and all subjects for any and all purposes permitted by Section 551.071 -551.087 of the Texas Government Code and the Texas Open Meetings Act, including but not limited to, Section 551.071 for the purpose of a private consultation with the Board’s attorney on any or all subjects or matters authorized by law. An announcement will be made at the meeting regarding the basis for the executive session discussion. The Board may also publicly discuss any item listed on the agenda for executive session.
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed On Felony DWI Charge
A 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed Saturday afternoon on a felony drunk driving charge, according to police reports.
Officers were dispatched to a report of a reckless driver in the area of West Park Street at Church Street around 12:15 p.m. Dec. 14. Upon arrival in the area, officers conducted a traffic stop on a blue Ford vehicle, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Adrian Pruitt and Lt. Pat Leber alleged in arrest reports.
The driver was identified as 35-year-old Chaisen J. Chamness of Sulphur Springs. Alcohol allegedly emitted from Chamness, police alleged in arrest reports. Officers found 11 opened beers and one unopened beer in the vehicle.
Field sobriety tests were administered to Chamness; he failed.The Ford vehicle was impounded and Chamness was transported to jail, according to police reports.
At the jail, Chamness allegedly refused to provide a blood sample for analysis. A search warrant was obtained requiring the blood draw, according to arrest reports. The sample was taken at CHRISTUS Mother Frances, and Chamness was transported back to the county jail, where he was charged with driving while intoxicated, third or more offense.
Chamness was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, Dec. 15, on a $10,000 bond.
Jail records also show that Chamness was booked into Hopkins County jail on Oct. 7, 2013, for DWI, marking his second DWI charge. He was sentenced to three days in jail on one DWI charge in August 2014, and on January 29, 2015, was arrested for violating probation on the second DWI charge.
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.
Officer Assisting Stranded Motorist, Female Injured By Passing Vehicle Sunday
A Cumby police officer who’d stopped on the Interstate 30 service road to assist a stranded motorist and a female at the site were reportedly injured by a passing vehicle Sunday night, Dec. 15. No apparent life-threatening injuries were reported, according to law enforcement reports.
“This was GOD all the way folks and we are thankful that Officer Geer is going to be good to go in a few days! Thank you all for your concerns, prayers and phone calls!” Cumby Police stated in a Facebook post made at 12:25 a.m. Dec. 16 regarding the crash.
No charges had been filed against the driver of the vehicle that struck the officer and female, however, the crash was still under investigation by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers Monday morning, according to DPS reports.
Cumby Police Officer Nicholas Geer and a motorist were both reported to have stopped to assist a stranded motorist on the north Interstate 30 service road near mile marker 115 Sunday night when the crash occurred. The other stopped vehicle was reportedly being used to try to jump start the stranded vehicle, according to Cumby police.
“For unknown reasons, a motorist traveling east bound struck the vehicle that was stranded and struck Officer Geer while he was standing at the vehicle. These vehicles were as far over as you could get and were partially in the grass median. Officer Geer was thrown over the stranded vehicle and landed in the median between the North Service Road and the Interstate. Before Officer Geer was struck, he was able to push one of the females out of the way of the oncoming vehicle. The other female was injured as a result of the oncoming vehicle striking the stranded vehicle,” according to the Cumby police statement.
Hopkins County emergency dispatchers were alerted at 8:41 p.m. Dec. 15 of the crash. Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies, and Hopkins County and Cumby firefighter, and emergency medical services personnel were dispatched to the crash site, according to dispatch reports. DPS also responded at the crash site and are in charge of the crash investigation, officials reported Monday.
A sheriff’s deputy patrolling nearby arrived on scene within about a minute of the dispatch and began checking on the injured pair and administering aid at the scene until other emergency responders could arrive, according to sheriff’s reports.
Cumby police also reported that one of the females “was possibly pinned between the vehicle that was stranded and the vehicle being used to jump the stranded vehicle off. As a result, it is believed her leg was broken. She was taken to the Emergency room in Greenville by ambulance.”
Geer was reportedly transported by ambulance to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs. After being checked out by doctors, Geer was sent home later Dec. 15 with no broken bones, torn muscles nor head injuries. He did have “a lot of bumps and bruises,” according to Cumby police reports.
“This was GOD all the way folks and we are thankful that Officer Geer is going to be good to go in a few days! Thank you all for your concerns, prayers and phone calls!” the Cumby release stated.
Saltillo Lady Lions Fall To Union Grove
Saltillo Lady Lions Rally Comes Up Short at Union Grove Friday
The Saltillo Lady Lions Basketball Team dug themselves into a hole in the first half at Union Grove Friday (December 13) and were unable to make up the difference in the last two quarters. Union Grove took a 37-33 win. Union Grove led 15-9 after one quarter and 23-12 at the half. The Lady Lions outscored Union Grove, 8-2 in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to 25-19 after three quarters. The Lady Lions outscored Union Grove, 13-12 in the fourth quarter. For the Lady Lions, Anna Reeder scored 10 points. Julianna Giles had 8 points. Chandler Bain added 7 points. Kristina Wade scored 3 points. Maddy Smith and Paisley Kastner had 2 points each. Brittney Peeples added 1 point. The Lady Lions are now 12-7 for the season. Lady Lions Coach Bill Giles said his team was not ready to play at the beginning of the game. He gave credit to Union Grove Coach Littlejohn for doing a good job. Coach Giles added the Lady Lions got back to within one point with about two minutes left but just could not get over the hump. The Lady Lions JV won over Union Grove, 25-8 to improve their season record to 8-1.
'Wreaths Across America' 2019 Attended by All Branches of Military and Citizens of Hopkins County
What began as a gift to Arlington National Cemetery during the 1992 Christmas holiday has become a nationwide drive to “Remember, Honor and Teach” now at more than 1700 cemeteries. On Saturday December 14, Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Mel Haven Cemetery and Black Oak Cemetery were included in the observance.
A ceremony involving representatives from all branches of the military began at 11am outdoors in front of the Myra Wilson Chapel. Bringing the welcome was Retired Army SSG James Clayton Bounds, who called for presentation and the posting of the colors by local Civil Air Patrol Cadets. Prayer was offered by Dr. Jeff Gravens, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jade Rowland and the National Anthem sung by Danette Lovelady. A presentation of wreaths for each branch of the military was led by Gold Star/Blue Star Mom Patti Sells. She spoke of the ultimate sacrifice made by her son Tanner Higgins, and of her two other sons currently in military service. A fly-over of two vintage WWII aircraft (a P-51 Mustang and a B-26 Bomber) from the Air Museum in Mt. Pleasant was witnessed by all. Taps was played by Garry Hall, a member of the Marine Corps League. The ceremony was concluded by SSG Bounds, who reminded those gathered of the responsibility of freedom with a quote by former President Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” After being dismissed, attendees went out into the cemeteries to place the wreaths on the marked graves of Veterans. Many families went out together, from grandchildren to grandparents. At each marked grave, the name of the veteran was to be spoken aloud to carry out the mission, “Remember, Honor and Teach”. There are 700 veterans graves within the City Cemetery and Mel Haven Cemetery, and over 70 graves of veterans at Black Oak Cemetery.
Wildcats Soccer Dominate At Prim
Wildcats Soccer Team Wins Three Games at First Scrimmage of the Season Saturday at The Prim
Wildcats second year Head Soccer Coach Alexi Upton called Saturday (December 14) an amazing day as the Wildcats had their first scrimmage of the season at Gerald Prim Stadium. Playing two 25:00 halves, the Wildcats shut out Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill, 3-0, edged by Sabine, 2-1 and then topped Mineola, 5-0. Against Chapel Hill, the Wildcats got goals from Omar Hernandez assisted by Hector Hidalgo, from Straton Salverino assisted by Cristin Ramirez and from Alfredo Vargas unassisted. Against Sabine, the Wildcats got goals from Alejandro Diosdado unassisted and from Hernandez, assisted by Jorge Santacruz. Against Mineola, the Wildcats goals were scored by Ricardo Torres unassisted, Diosdado, assisted by Isaac Gutierrez, Matthew Johnson unassisted, Joel Vasquez unassisted and Hidalgo assisted by Christian Palomino. The Wildcats JV, coached by Salvador Mejia, won handily against Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill’s JV, 8-1. Coach Upton said the Wildcats’ Saturday opponents were all 3A teams but he added the Wildcats played well. He said it was a good day with two lines of players participating so that everyone got into the game. He added the JV ended the day with a massive win. The Wildcats scrimmage Paris at Prim Stadium Tuesday. The Wildcats JV will take on the Paris JV at 5:30 p.m. The Wildcats and Paris varsities then play at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Wildcats Basketball Settle For Second
Wildcats Basketball Team’s Last Shot Does Not Fall as They Have to Settle for Second Place in Tourney
After falling behind by 11 points at halftime due to a less than stellar first two quarters, the #3 ranked Wildcats Basketball Team staged a serious comeback in the second half that came up just one point short. The Colony, ranked #14 in Class 5A, hung on to win 47-46 to take the Championship Game of the 2019 Forney ISD Winter Classic at Forney High School Saturday (December 14) night. The Wildcats trailed 47-43 with 37.7 seconds left when Day Day Hall hit a high arcing three-pointer from the top of the key. Moments later while trailing by one, the Wildcats got a steal with about 10 seconds left. Boo Wilkerson, who had already made 3 three-point baskets, attempted another but this one did not go in. Cameron Kahn grabbed the rebound as the horn sounded before he could take a follow shot. The Wildcats had a tough first half as they were plagued by turnovers. The Colony led 15-9 after one quarter and 28-17 at the half. The Wildcats came out with added spark in the second half and outscored the Cougars, 16-12 in the third quarter to trim the lead to 40-33. The Cougars strategy in the fourth quarter was almost fatal. They chose to go into a delay game rather than run their offense like they had the first three quarters. It seemed to get them out of sync offensively. The Wildcats outscored The Colony, 13-7 in the last period. Cameron Kahn led the Wildcats with 16 points. Wilkerson and Hall both had 13 points. Lamodrick Johnson added 4 points. Hall was named to the All-Tournament Team. The Wildcats are now 11-4 for the season. They will take on Denton Guyer, ranked #6 in Class 6A, in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School, Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Meal A Day Menu for December 16-20, 2019
Monday – vegetable beef soup, cheese cubes and crackers.
Tuesday – Broccoli and ham quiche, sliced tomatoes and cottage cheese.
Wednesday – Beef Patties with roast gravy, macaroni and cheese, California blend vegetables and a roll.
Thursday – chicken fried chicken/gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and a roll.
Friday – Barbecued wieners, baked beans, cole slaw and a roll.
Downtown Revitalization Board To Consider Sign Application; Planning and Zoning Commission To Consider Special Use Permit, Discuss Accessory Dwellings
Two city board will meet Monday night to consider requests for special use and a sign.
An Application asking to be allowed to put a sign at 230 Main St, Suite A, will be considered by the Downtown Revitalization Board during their regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at City Hall. The only other item on the Dec. 16 agenda for consideration is to approve the minutes from the Nov. 19 meeting, and to discuss any other business presented.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will be asked at the 6 p.m. meeting Monday, Deb. 16, to consider approving a special use permit to allow construction of a 180-foot self-supporting communications tower at 402 Church St. and to discussion of accessory dwelling units.
If Planning and Zoning Commission approves of the tower, the recommendation will be forwarded to the Zoning Board of Adjustments at the regular Dec. 17 meeting.
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell and Tourism Director Tory Niewiadomski asked the Planning and Zoning Commission at the November meeting to start considering to possibility of allowing accessory dwelling units, which they said could be a potential answer to future housing and infrastructure needs.
An accessory dwelling unit could include single person or smaller housing on the same property as an existing home or structure, and could include what are referred to as granny flats, in-law’s suites, guest housing or garage apartments. The last 50 years of so, those have not been allowed. However, this could provide additional housing on a smaller scale, the city officials reported at the November meeting.
Niewiadomski referred to a presentation he gave during the regular October City Council meeting regarding housing and infrastructure needs, and noted he’d plan to present that to the Planning and Zoning Commission at an upcoming meeting as well.
Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Commission regularly meets the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 201 North Davis St.
