The Texoma Gospel Music Association Convention and Gathering to be Held in Sulphur Springs October 7-8
Buddy and Ina Gore announce the Texoma Gospel Music Association Convention and Gathering will be held October 7th and 8th in Sulphur Springs, Texas. There will be over 40 artists from many states attending.
The Texoma Gospel Music Association, (TGMA), began in 1977 and is one of the oldest Gospel Music organizations in Texas and Oklahoma (thus (TGMA) and now includes many other states. Originally, Country Gospel was the main forte and TGMA came under the umbrella of the International Country Gospel Music Association (ICGMA) which is now the Oldest Awards show in the United States, 66 Years strong. Buddy and Ina Gore are members of both organizations and have been recognized with several awards from ICGMA including recently inducted into the “Hall of Fame” and most recently received the “Living Legend Award.”
The best in Christian, Southern, Country, and Gospel music, The Texoma Gospel Music Association Fall Gathering and Convention will be held at the ROC of First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs, 115 Putman, October 7th and 8th, 10am to 8pm each day. There will be filming for TV shows, live interviews with DJ Marty Smith of “Heavens Country”, and so much more. Admission is free to the public. A Love Offering will be received. Come join in the fun!
Sheriff: Deputies Arrest 2, Recover All Property Stolen During A Home Burglary
October 3, 2023 – Sheriff’s officers had two Cumby men in custody and had recovered all of the property reported stolen within 7 hours of being notified of a home burglary Monday, according to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary at 8:46 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. The actual burglary of a habitation was believed to have occurred on or after 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, on County Road 1125. Deputy Zack Steward and Investigator Michael Russell responded to the call. The complainant not only had photos of a vehicle pulling into the residence several times, bu thad passed a vehicle matching that description and followed it to a residence, Steward noted in arrest reports.
(HCSO jail image)
Deputies found the vehicle parked next to a camper trailer with the stolen property in front of the white pickup at a FM 2653 address, located about 4 miles from the CR 1125 property. They contacted Shane Michael Ray and Joshua Lee “Johanna” Ray about the stolen items. Both allegedly gave a full confession of breaking into the residence and stealing the AC unit, a Whirlpool stove and refrigerator, and miscellaneous tools from the CR 1125 residence, Steward and Russell alleged in arrest reports.
Both 30-year-old Shane Michael Ray and 27-year-old Joshua Lee Ray of Cumby, were taken into custody at 11:45 a.m. Monday, and all of the stolen items had been recovered and returned to their owner by 3:15 p.m. Oct. 3, 2022, according to Tatum.
Shane Michael Ray (who jail and arrest reports state is also known by Billy Partridge, Shane Michael Partridge and Sara Ray) and Joshua Lee Ray (who jail and arrest reports show is also known by Johanna Ray) by 1:15 p.m. Oct. 3, 2022, had both been booked into Hopkins County jail, where they remained at Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, in lieu of the $100,000 bond each on the burglary of a habitation 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.
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Education Adviser Maria Zuniga Gives a Helping Hand
GETTING ADVICE
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Education Adviser Maria Zuniga gives a helping hand to Kalyle Wright of Sulphur Springs with his college admissions paperwork.
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.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Women Encouraged To Receive Regular Screenings
AUSTIN – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is encouraging women to get screened regularly for the disease.
“Breast cancer screenings can save a woman’s life and mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat,” said Rob Ries, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Family Health Services. “As we bring awareness to this issue, we’re urging women to make time for their health and to get screened regularly.”
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women age 50 to 74 get a mammogram every other year. Women with extra risk factors could start annual screenings at age 40.
The HHSC Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) program helps fund clinics across the state to provide free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services such as clinical breast examinations, mammograms and breast biopsies to eligible women. BCCS also provides funding for cervical cancer screenings and treatment for precancerous cervical conditions. In addition, local clinics help eligible women apply for the Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer program that helps women get treatment for breast and cervical cancer.
Last year, the BCCS program helped more than 29,000 women. Of those women, more than 290 were diagnosed with breast cancer.
Uninsured and underinsured Texas women who have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply for BCCS. Additional eligibility requirements can be found here.
This month, some breast cancer awareness observation dates include:
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day – Oct. 13
- Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day – Oct. 19
- National Mammography Day – Oct. 21
To learn more about the women’s health programs and services that HHSC offers, visit the Healthy Texas Women website or dial 2-1-1.
About National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide education about prevention, screening, and treatments. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer became the most common cancer globally as of 2021, accounting for 12% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide.
Update: Pedestrian Struck By Vehicle While Crossing FM 71 West
A 75-year-old Birthright woman was reportedly killed after being been struck by a vehicle on FM 71 west Friday afternoon, Sept. 30, 2022, while crossing the road, according to Texas Department of Public Safety reports.
County 911 dispatchers received two emergency calls about the incident. At 3:13 p.m. Friday, a female reported a person had been hit by a car on FM 71 west at the school. Deputies, park officers and a school officer responded. At 3:14 p.m., dispatchers received a second 911 call about the crash.
According to preliminary Texas Department of Public Safety crash report compiled by Trooper Arturo Ugalde that was released Sunday night, a 75-year-old Sulphur Springs woman in a Ford Edge was traveling west on FM 71, 3 miles west of the Birthright community. The pedestrian failed to yield to the vehicle and crossed the road, walking to a mailbox when she was struck by the vehicle, DPS Sgt. Gregg Williams, Media Communications/Safety Education trooper for the Texarkana/Mount Pleasant-North Texas Region, reported Oct. 2. 2022.
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer pronounced the 75-year-old pedestrian, identified Sunday night as Barbara Cockrum, at 3:15 p.m. Friday at the crash site.
Cockrum was a retired educator, having dedicated 35 years teaching English and computer science at North Hopkins ISD. She was active in the local chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution and a member off the local retired school personnel organization.
Lady Cat XC Narrowly Misses Out on First Place Finish
Cross country Coach Ross Hicks and his teams headed to Grand Prairie Thursday, Sept. 29 to participate in the Ken Gaston Invitational.
In their second-to-last meet prior to the district championship, Lady Cats XC again led the way at second with the men placing 10th Thursday.
“We went in to it wanting to win, but when we learned we got second we were still very very excited,” Coach Ross Hicks said Friday.
Getting second place Thursday in a crowded meet of almost 300 schools, makes the cross country coach proud. It’s also the sixth time in seven competitions that the women’s team placed second or higher.
As has been the case for most of the season, junior Haylee Schultz led the way in sixth place at the meet, with a time of 12:34.40. After finishing third for the team last Saturday at the Wildcat Invitational, the junior showed more control coming out of the gate. With identical splits for both miles, she passed most of her competitors on the second lap, allowing her to finish sixth Thursday.
Sophomore Edith Martinez came 10th Thursday, at 12:42.40. Coach Hicks said he’s loved how Martinez challenges Schultz each and every week to keep them both at the top of their game.
Senior Laney Hurst led the next wave of Lady Cats, coming in at 30th with a time of 13:15.30.
The first freshman to finish for Sulphur Springs, Jolea Moore, at 38th, crossed the line at 13:28.20 and sophomore Jaicee Jasmer, with a time of 13:36.30 got 47th. The cross country coach said the sophomore in only her second race on the year dropped a minute off her time.
Freshmen Abbey Williams and McKenzie Buckland finished 54th and 86th, respectively. Dylan McKinney crossed the line between the two previously mentioned runners at 62nd.
With 122 points, Lady Cats XC narrowly missed out on a first place finish, as winner Godley took home the victory with one point less. A second place finish is still a sixth straight top-4 finish for Sulphur Springs.
“A lot of teams that go to this competition go believing they have a chance at state, so to finish second out of that group I tried to really emphasize that it’s a huge accomplishment,” Coach Hicks said to his runners following their outing.
Wildcat XC placed 10th in their second-to-last competition prior to their district meet.
Freshman Mateo Perez led the men’s team with a time of 18:46.80, finishing 35th. Coach Hicks said Thursday’s race in Grand Prairie is the freshman’s best yet, giving Perez a lot of confidence moving forward. Junior Ivan Gonzalez was next up for Wildcat XC, at 50th, crossing the line at 19:16.40. The cross country coach applauded the one of two juniors on this squad for his consistency week in and week out.
Not too far behind Gonzalez came Candelario Monsivais getting 56th Thursday. Gabe Mayo, another freshman for Sulphur Springs, finished 71st at the meet.
“He pushes himself every single day, [so] he’s one of the guys I have to rein in… a lot of kids you have to push, give ’em some motivation… [but] he’ll run himself into the ground,” Coach Hicks said. The cross country coach said he is working to find a medium-ground for the young gun. Sophomores Jaydon Conner and Andrew Resendiz placed 110th and 114th respectively. Rafael Florez finished just after Conner at 111th.
Sulphur Springs stumbled to a 10th place finish Thursday. They had 303 points as a team in the course they could potentially run in late-October should they qualify for Regionals.
“They are still showing improvement, and so I’m excited [to see] what they’re gonna do come district and regionals… I think they have a great shot at district to advance on to Regionals,” Coach Hicks said.
But before that, both teams head to Lindale Thursday, Oct. 6 for their final competition prior to the 15-4A District Championship.
Another large meet has Sulphur Springs taking on several potential Regional competitors in Kaufman and Mabank. However, due to the coming race taking place a mere six days before the district championship, Coach Hicks may use Thursday’s meet in Lindale as something of a training day and may rest a good number of runners. Even so, the cross country coach wants to maintain momentum as they prepare for their last regular season competition.
That invitational begins Thursday a little before 10 A.M. (due to a rolling start, beginning at 9) in Lindale.
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.
Meal A Day Menu – October 3-7, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the remainder of the week of October 3-7, 2022 includes:
- Monday, Oct. 3 — Chicken Cuisine, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli and Cheese and a Roll.
- Tuesday, Oct. 4 — Oven Omelet, Sliced Ham, Blueberry Muffins and Fruit Cups.
- Wednesday, Oct. 5 — Taco Soup, Cheese Cubes and Crackers.
- Thursday, Oct. 6 — Dirty Rice, Okra and Tomatoes, and Garlic Toast.
- Friday, Oct. 7 — Sloppy Joe Casserole, Green Beans and Pickled Beets
Meal-A-Day is a non-profit organization providing 150-160 meals Monday-Friday to local senior citizens. Approximately 120 meals each day are delivered by volunteer drivers to seniors on 5 separate routes in Sulphur Springs and 1 route covering the Como-Pickton area stretching from State Highway 11 to Interstate 30. The remaining meals are available for reservation and pick-up at the Sulphur Springs Senior Center for those seniors who have transportation. Seniors currently pay $2 per meal. Call 903-885-1661 for more information about the Meal-A-Day Program, including how to volunteer as a cook or meal delivery driver.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center is located in the heart of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The City of Sulphur Springs has provided a place senior adults age 50 and over can go to for fun and fellowship. The Center offers a variety of activities for seniors citizens Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Activity Center can be found at 301 Oak Ave in Sulphur Springs.
Paris District Road Report for October 3, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Oct. 3, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
SH 56 (Lamar St.) at the Post Oak Creek bridge is closed to traffic for contractors to perform bridge repairs. The closure is scheduled to last for nine days. During this closure, traffic is signed to detour onto Woods Street and then take Pecan Street back to the US 75 frontage road. After the initial closure, the remaining work will be completed using lane closures.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The southbound lanes for SH 91 are closed at the US 75 underpass for crews to begin construction on the new overpass. Motorists traveling southbound on SH 91 will be detoured along the northbound US 75 frontage road to Taylor Street where they will make a left on Taylor Street and another left on the southbound frontage road. This closure is expected to last until Oct. 25, weather permitting.
The northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road intersections with Center Street have been converted to an all-way stop condition. Traffic on the frontage roads is asked to pay attention to the advanced warning signs and new stop signs, and approach the intersection prepared for a stop there.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. The US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The Taylor Street intersection on the east side of FM 1417 has been reopened to through traffic. The West Cypress Grove Road intersection on the east side of FM 1417 will be closed to through traffic to work on paving at the intersection beginning Oct. 3. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Cypress Grove Road is asked to use Mimosa Drive and Redbud Trail as a detour route.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project, while the new bridge is built in phases.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from Randy Street to Walnut Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to construct sidewalks and curb ramps. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: south of Whitesboro at the railroad underpass near US 377. Watch for lane closures with signals controlling traffic while crews work to upgrade the bridge railing.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install a minimum eight-foot-wide sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect daytime lane closures while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 69, Grayson County: from US 82 to Spur 503. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 121, Grayson County: from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall as well as the approaches to the bridge.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for occasional temporary one-lane closures as workers complete the remaining items on this project.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 100 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 1752 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews rehabilitate the roadway.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, perform bridge maintenance, and make crossover closures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: At Collegiate Drive intersection and the westbound FM 195 exit ramp. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, perform bridge maintenance, and make crossover closures.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
CR 15100, Lamar County: at a Branch of Cuthand Creek. Be aware that the road is closed while crews replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 (bridge replacement project), Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 bridge. The contractor has removed the existing CR 2132 bridge. The proposed drill shafts, abutments and bridge slab have been constructed. The contractor is allowing cure time for concrete slab at this location. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH-224, Hunt County: The contractor has placed barricades and warning signs along with the detour route. The contractor will be forming and pouring abutments and caps this week. Grading for stone rip rap and building crane pads should be done shortly followed by rip rap and setting beams. Please be aware of the current construction, detour signage and workers in the area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor worked on laying profile tracks and RPMs. The contractor performed hand work on the SH 19 intersection. The contractor is cleaning up the area and working on final punch-list items. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor is working on the west and east tie ins and the widening of SH 34. The contractor is finishing up drainage and inlet placement for the project. Work will begin soon on sidewalks and signals. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various overlay and potholing operations. Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing base repair on FM 1563 near Wolf City, Tx and addressing culvert erosion on SH 24 near commerce, Tx. Rains County crews will be working on SH 19 and clearing ditches on SH 276. Crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Town Hall Meeting Scheduled Oct. 4 At FBC’s The ROC For SSISD Bond Election Discussion
Another Town Hall meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, at First Baptist Church’s The ROC, 116 Putman St, with Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Michael Lamb and Trustee Robert Cody slated to discuss the SSISD bond election with the community. Anyone who has questions or comments about the bond proposal is encouraged to attend the meeting for answers and additional information.
The SSISD Board of Trustees on Aug. 22, for the second time this year, called for a bond election. The first election proposed $93 million in campus improvements, additions and several new buses; it was defeated May 7, 2022, with 958 Sulphur Springs ISD voters in favor of and 1,195 against the $93 million proposal for school improvements and renovations. The second proposal trimmed the original proposal down; voters are now asked to consider approving an $81.5 million bond proposal during the Nov. 8, 2022 election.
The Overall Plan
School trustees note that the primary reasons for the bond proposal are the age of district facilities and continued costs for repairs, improvements to make campuses ADA/TAS compliant and more safe and secure, and renovations to better meet district needs and ventilation guidelines for restrooms or kitchens.
The original proposal was devised by a committee which included district, parent and community members who evaluated the condition of district campuses, then made recommendations for the top needs. The smaller proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot scaled back the areas the district would use the funding to address, keeping in mind information and comments from community members during and immediately following the May 7 election.
A 30-year facilities upkeep and improvement plan was also created, then, amended in late spring and during the summer, taking into consideration advice and concerns expressed by the community during the May election period.
The Nov. 8, 2022, bond proposal allocates $39.5 million to construct a new Travis Primary campus. Seven of the 10 district facilities are over 60 years old, putting them past the recommended or expected lifespan for school facilities. In fact, all except two SSISD facilities are over 40 years old — Middle School has been open for 9 years and Barbara Bush Primary 25 years. In fact, the average age of SSISD campuses is 49.
Only the SSISD administration campus, at 100. Travis has been in operation for 67 years and is experiencing multiple issues, including a need to update access to power for technology used in the classroom. Contractors hired to help SSISD with the bond and, if it passes, construction process, commended the district maintenance for their upkeep of the facilities, which have allowed them to remain in operation years after most other school facilities across the state and country have been retired.
The new Travis campus as proposed would likely be constructed at the end of the current SSES property, where the track and field are located, facing Texas Street with a cut through between it and the SSES campus to help with traffic flow around the schools.
The current SSES campus has been allocated $5 million, if the bond proposal passes on Nov. 8, to upgrade security by reconfiguring the front entrance and office area. The reconfiguration would be done over one summer, so as not to disrupt classes. The 4th-5th grade campus also would get a new roof and building updates as needed.
Also proposed is $10 million worth of work at Bowie Primary. Planned are eight additional classrooms, additional cafeteria space and improved pick-up and drop-off areas. This addition would be constructed near the current building, on the Bowie Primary property off Mockingbird Lane and Duckworth Street.
Another $25 million of the proposed $81.5 million bond proposal would go to Sulphur Springs High School. The current front entrance and surrounding area would be renovated for additional space. A new front office and security vestibule would be installed, making the front entrance on Houston Street (the side where students currently enter the school). The reconfiguration on the Connnally Street side of hte property could be conducted while classes are in session without too much disruption, officials reported at a Sept. 17 town hall meeting.
SSHS would receive a fine arts addition, which would provide designated rooms in the current facility for the drill team, a third art classroom and similar programs. High School also needs a new roof. The campus also would see some painting and parking upgrades as needed, funding allowing.
Another million dollars from the bond would would go to Barbara Bush Primary to improve parking and a toward a new intercom system.
The final $1 million would allow the district to finance 10 new buses, replacing buses that have been experiencing mechanical break-downs. The district has a bus replacement plan, but the SSISD budget hasn’t always stretched annually included a couple of new buses. The buses would be funded through a separate bond sale, and financed over the course of 5-10 years.
If the proposed $81.5 million bond does not pass, administrators said the district will need to redirect educational funds used for instructional programs to fund increased building maintenance costs.
Tax and Financial Impacts
If the voters approve the bond proposal on Nov. 8, 2022, there will be a 1 cent increase in the district tax rate. School tax rates consist of two different components, the maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate and the Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax, property owners would pay per $100 property valuation.
The M&O rate is used to operate the school district, including salaries, utilities, furniture, supplies, food, gas, etc. The I&S rate is used to pay off school construction bonds. Bond sales only affect the I&S rate.
Due to the complicated formula the state has devised to figure tax rates, which must be kept below certain rates, the school tax rate has declined regularly over the past four years, down from $1.35 per $100 valuation. Even with the 1 cent I&S bond increase, the SSISD tax rate would still be the lowest it has been in 13 year.
Citizens ages 65 and older may apply for a homestead exemption. Under state law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older cannot be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65 or disabled. In order to receive this tax exemption, the taxpayer must apply for the exemption. That doesn’t mean the resident’s tax bill will stay the same. A resident’s tax bill could go down with a decrease in tax rates or appraisals, and then go up to the frozen amount.
To download Form 50-114, the Residence Homestead Exemption Application with instructions, click here, or select that option on the bond website, https://www.sulphurspringsisdbond.com/ and select the form.
The tax rates on homes valued at $125,000-$300,000, which are eligible for the $40,000 homestead exemption, would increase $0.70-$2.16 monthly.
The SSISD tax rate approved by trustees on Aug. 22, 2022, was $1.1651 per $100 cash valuation, with $0.31050 gong toward debt service and $0.85460 toward maintenance and operations, for tax year 2022.
Any businesses with 313 Agreements with SSISD would still be required to pay their full I&S taxes. The tax incentive would only apply to M&O taxes owed.
Additional Information
If the bond passes, plans to get all of the required documents in order are expected to take 8-9 months before construction can begin. New construction is estimated to take about 18 months. That would mean about 24 months before the new school could possibly be ready. If it passes, architects anticipate having the design completed by the end of the year for new facilities, provided there are no supply chain delays or delay in start of construction while contractors finish other projects so they are free to start building new SSISD facilities.
Costs for projected projects are figured based on other similar construction projects the construction manager has been involved with, plus current rates of inflation. If that goes up more and quicker than anticipated, the plans would likely be scaled down to fit the budget..
Any new facilities and construction too would be build in a way that they could be added onto, should the district experience a sudden population boom which would require additional facilities sooner than anticipated.
For additional information, community members are encouraged to attend the Oct. 4 Town Hall meeting, where they will be given an opportunity to ask questions related to the bond proposal and election. Questions may also be submitted online by selecting Contact on the www.sulphurspringsisdbond.com website, or by contacting administrators by phone at 903-885-2153 or at the SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St. during regular school business hours.
Community Chest Announces Upcoming Closures
CHanges Are coming!!!!!!!
We will be closed for 2 weeks October 18th – 28th.
Week A clients will be allowed to receive double food on October 4th or 6th.
Week B clients will be allowed to receive double food on October 11thor 13th.
Door Dash Clients will maintain the same
scheduled deliveries during the closure.
Please make sure you
pick up food during your
week as no exceptions will be made during the closure.
