Sulphur Springs Couple Accused Of Child Endangerment
A Sulphur Springs couple was accused of child endangerment after their 1-year-old tested positive for methamphetamine.
Child Protective Services launched an investigation of the pair in early July. During the course of the month-long investigation, Justin Dwayne Humphries and Shania Lynn Humphries and their 1-year-old all tested positive for methamphetamine, according to arrest and police reports.
Working in conjunction with Sulphur Springs Police Department, a warrant was obtained for each parent’s arrest. SSPD Special Crimes Unit Lt. Mark Estes and SSPD Sgt. Terry Miller went to a Parkins Street address, served the warrants and took the 28-year-old man and 24-year-old woman into custody at 2 p.m. Aug. 8, 2022, on one child endangerment charge each, according to police reports.
Shania Humphries was released from Hopkins County jail later Monday; her bond was set at $15,000. Justin Humphries, however, remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022. His bond was set at $25,000, according to 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.
EEA Our Youth 5th Annual Back 2 School Ready Scheduled Aug. 14
East End Allegiance: OUR YOUTH will host the 5th Annual Back 2 School Ready event from 3 to 6 p.m. August 14, 2022, at the HW Grays Building in Pacific Park.
EEA Our Youth is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that relies on the generous donations of the community to make events such as this one possible.
“Every year, we have been consistent on getting the kids in the community ready to be great! With the support of all, we have been able to do so,” said Bridgette Cooper with EEA:OY. “We’ve had over 70 families sign up for free backpacks and supplies. The sign up list is closed, but the event and festivities are for all families. The children must be present.”
The Back 2 School Ready event will provide free haircuts, wellness checks, community resources, family fun, food, games and much more. The event will feature many fun carnival activities. Food, a clothing ministry, music , face painting will also be offered. Everything is free for children and families thanks to the sponsorship of local businesses and individuals investing in the community by helping to equip youth for the 2022-2023 school year.
Over the weekend, the contestants from the recent Miss Juneteenth Pageant showed their community spirit by “donating a bulk of just backpacks and school supplies,” event coordinators noted.
Check out the EEA: Our Youth Facebook page for information on sponsors and contributors to the 5th Annual Back 2 School Ready and additional information on upcoming activities and opportunities to become involved.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report — Aug. 1-7, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week Aug. 1-7, 2022, included:
Arrests
- Bobby Hughes, 55 years of age, of Kilgore, was arrested on Aug. 4, 2022, for Possession of Less than 2 Ounces of Marijuana.
- Daniel Ramirez, 58 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Aug. 5, 2022, for Driving While Intoxicated — 3rd or More Offense.
- Ronald Dickson, 58 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Aug. 6 2022, for Evading Arrest or Detention with a Vehicle.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 139 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 27 citations and 53 warnings during this reporting period.
Pulmonary Rehab Program Can Help You Breathe Easier, Improve Your Quality Of Life
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, August 8, 2022 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Back to School
Are you going through the checklist of things to take care of before returning your students to school? Perhaps they need their annual vaccines or sports physical? We want to help! Call us at 903.885.3181 to schedule an appointment with a Pediatrician or Family Medicine provider today!
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Do you need help managing your lung condition? Pulmonary rehabilitation can help. Pulmonary rehab is a program that can help you learn how to breathe easier and improve your quality of life. You can benefit from pulmonary rehab if you have:
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- A Neuromuscular disease (such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease)
- Lung Cancer
- History of smoking
- Post lung surgery
- Post COVID shortness of breath
Pulmonary rehab can make a difference. It is a safe, smart way to help you: decrease symptoms like being short of breath, coughing and wheezing. It can help you breathe better, get stronger, decrease stress, and reduce the risks of future lung problems and related hospital admissions. Pulmonary rehabilitation is designed to help increase strength, endurance, and overall health through exercise, education, diet, and support while decreasing patients’ shortness of breath.
Ask your physician for a referral to CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs’ Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program 903.439.4141.
Sports Medicine
FREE Saturday Athletic Injury Clinic for student athletes of all ages is back this month! Starting August 20, Saturday sports injury clinic will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. August 20 through November 12.
The clinic will be held at our CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedics, Medical Building 5, at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call 903.885.6688.
Student athletes in Hopkins County from 7th grade to college age will be able to get a free exam and x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury.
COVID Vaccine Clinic Dates
Net Health continues to offer adult and pediatric vaccines and boosters every three weeks at the clinic on 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. The clinic will be held on the following dates:
- August 22-26,
- September 19-23, and
- October 17-21.
You may walk in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. No appointment is necessary.
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 multispecialty 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
Pills, Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Meth Found During Search Of A Cumby Residence Saturday
3 Others Also Jailed Over Weekend On Unrelated Controlled Substance Charges
Officials reported finding multiple types of pills, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and fraudulently used or possession of ID and debit cards during a search of a Cumby residence Saturday night; four people were taken into custody on felony charges as a result. At least three others were also jailed on felony controlled substance charges over the weekend, according to arrest and jail reports.
Cumby Search Warrant
At approximately 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Johnny Painter and Officer Justin Talley, along with Cumby ISD Police, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and Sulphur Springs Special Crimes Unit personnel executed a search warrant in the 400 block of Main Street in Cumby.
Cumby police reported debit cards and other identifying information, several items of drug paraphernalia, pills, methamphetamine, marijuana, several baggies containing white crystalized substances and multiple syringes containing a clear liquid suspected to be meth during the search of the Cumby residence.
Overall, CPD in reported noted the following recovered as evidence during the search:
- 6.7 ounces of marijuana,
- 237.9 grams of suspected meth,
- 65 white bar shaped pills suspected to be 130 mg Alprazolam pills,
- 29 white round pills (30 mg),
- five 10 mg yellow pills,
- two 5 mg white pills,
- two scales with a crystal-like residue,
- 15 pipes of the type used to smoke illegal substance which contained a residue, 24 used syringes with a residue and
- two syringes loaded with a clear liquid suspected to be meth.
All of the people inside the residence were placed into custody at 10:20 p.m. Saturday.
Booked into Hopkins County jail early Sunday morning, Aug. 7, 2022, were the following residents 60-year-old Michael Ray Watkins and 52-year-old Kobi Janea Peyton on five charges each, 66-year-old Geraldine Harris on three charges, and 39-year-old Audra Lee Duran.
Cumby Police Chief Jeff Hundley reported that one additional person went to the hospital and will be facing at least one additional charge as well.
Because of the address’ proximity to a school zone, all controlled substance and marijuana charges also carried a drug-free zone enhancement.
Watkins and Peyton (who jail records show is also known by Kobi Adams Martinez and Kobi Janea Martinez Peyton) both remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, in lieu of $165,000 in bonds each — $50,000 each on two possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone charges, $50,000 on a possession of 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge, $5,000 on the possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana in a drug-free zone charge, and $10,000 on the fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, according to jail reports.
Duran remained in jail Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, in lieu of a $50,000 bond on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Harris also remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, in lieu of a $20,000 bond on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone, a $50,000 bond on the possession of 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and a $5,000 bond on a possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana in a drug-free zone charge.
League Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Edward Jaime reported stopping a Chevrolet 1500 at 2:22 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, on League Street at Lee Street for a traffic violation. During the stop, Jaime alleged in arrest reports, Marty Lee Kays removed a small clear baggie containing a crystal-like substance the officer believed to be methamphetamine from a shirt pocket.
The 46-year-old Sulphur Springs man was placed into custody at 2:43 a.m. Sunday. Jaime reported officers also found another clear baggy with crystal-like substance suspected to be meth on Kays. The substance and packaging, according to Jaime, weighed 25.4 grams.
Kays, who jail records show is also known by Cowboy Kays and Cowboy Marty, was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:01 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance; a drug-free zone enhancement was added due to the proximity of the traffic stop to a school property, according to arrest reports.
The 46-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, in lieu of the $30,000 bond set on the first-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
I-30 West Traffic Stop
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley reported stopping a westbound gray Ford Fusion without tail lights illuminated at 11:31 p.m. Friday on Interstate 30 near mile marker 114.
The driver was identified by an Arkansas ID card as Jovan Tyree Tyson. A records check showed the 40-year-old Little Rock man to be wanted in his home state for violation of parole, which he was on for manufacture, delivery or possession of a controlled substance. Tyson was taken into custody at 11:45 p.m. Aug. 5, 2022, after the warrant was confirmed, Talley noted in arrest reports.
Talley reported seeing a clear plastic baggy containing a white rock-like substance he suspected to be cocaine, when he opened the door of his patrol vehicle so Tyson could get out at the jail. The suspected cocaine weighted 1.71 grams, according to Talley, resulting in Tyson being booked into Hopkins County jail at 12:57 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, on not only the parole warrant but also a new possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Tyson was held in Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. Bond on the Hopkins County charge was set at $10,000. However, he was being held for Arkansas authorities on the warrant.
East Shannon Road Arrest
Trenton Scott Horn was served with a warrant Friday at an East Shannon Road business. According to arrest reports, the 21-year-old Mount Pleasant man was involved in a Sulphur Springs Police Special Crimes Unit controlled substance “buy,” with approximately 7 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance including packaging. SCU Lt. Mark Estes was able to attain a warrant for Horn’s arrest and notified Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Brandon Mayes about it.
Mayes located Horn at the East Shannon Road business, and Lt. Estes had the warrant in hand. Thus, Horn was taken into custody at 8:19 a.m. Aug. 5, 2022, on the warrant. His vehicle was released to Horn’s coworker at his request. Horn was booked into Hopkins County jail at 8:59 p.m. Aug. 5, 2022, on the outstanding manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a controlled substance warrant.
The Mount Pleasant man was released from Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, on a $100,000 bond on the first-degree felony delivery warrant.
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.
SSPD: 75-Year-Old Sulphur Springs Woman Injured During Altercation With Granddaughter
A 75-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was reportedly injured during an altercation with her granddaughter at a Glover Street residence Saturday afternoon.
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Brandon Mayes and Officer Derrick Williams responded at 12:43 p.m. Aug. 6, 2022, to the reported disturbance. Upon arriving the older woman was reported to have been pushed down by her granddaughter, Jessica Elizabeth Bender. The grandmother reportedly fell over a wooden glider and hit a glass end table, causing injury to her wrist. The grandmother claimed the wrist to be burning. A short time later, Mayes noted the woman’s wrist was red.
The 31-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was taken into custody at 1:11 p.m. Aug. 6, 2022, in connection with the altercation and assault of her grandmother. Police, in arrest reports, noted Jessica Bender showed some resistance to the officers efforts.
Police later learned Bender’s grandmother is a 75-year-old woman, resulting in the 31-year-old being booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:36 p.m. Aug. 6, on an injury to an elderly charge, according to arrest reports. Bender remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. Her bond was set at $30,000 on the third-degree felony injury to elderly charge, according to 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.
Dike Man Accused Of Shooting At Son During Disturbance
A 46-year-old Dike man was accused Saturday evening of shooting at his son during a disturbance, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Isaac Foley, Zack Horne, Chris Baumann and Sgt. Tanner Steward responded at 6:14 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, to a disturbance in which a man was alleged to be shooting a firearm at another man in front of a County Road 3518 residence.
Upon arrival, deputies located and made contact on the with the alleged shooter, the 46-year-old resident, on the front porch as well as his 22-year-old son. Kenneth George Andrews was detained for further investigation.
The younger man claimed his father, Kenneth Andrews, and he were involved in a verbal altercation that took place in front of the CR 3518 residence. The father began shooting a pistol at him while in the driveway of the residence. The son told police he ran to his grandfather’s residence on the same property, seeking cover. The younger man then alleged his father drove across the yard in front of his grandfather’s residence, exited the vehicle and continue shooting the firearm while in the grandfather’s yard, Foley noted in arrest reports.
Deputies reported finding evidence on the property that would seem to support the accusation. Kenneth Andrews agreed to let them search his vehicle and his residence. Deputies located 15 spent shell casings, 9mm ammunition matching the spent shell casings, a bag containing a white powdery substance they believed to be cocaine and other miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. Deputies took photos of both residences and arrested Kenneth Adams at 6:25 p.m. Aug. 6, 2022, then transported him to the county jail.
Kenneth Andrews was booked into Hopkins County jail at 11:42 p.m. Aug. 6, 2022, on an aggravated assault of a family or household member with a weapon and a possession of 4 grams or less, but more than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance after the substance field-tested positive for cocaine and weighed 4.194 grams including packaging.
Andrews was released from Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, on a $100,000 bond on the aggravated assault charge and a $50,000 on the controlled substance 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 Empowers Students With Move to 8-Week Classes
Paris Junior College
Public Information Services
PJC empowers students with move to 8-week classes
Building on a long-standing commitment to student success, a majority of Paris Junior College courses will transition from 16-week to eight-week terms this fall. Students registering for Fall 2022 courses will choose Fall 1 from August 29 to October 24 and Fall 2 from October 24 to December 15. Some courses, such as those with clinicals, will remain 16 weeks in length.
Addison Exum of Paris took Anatomy and Physiology I at PJC this summer and embraced the short format.
“I think it’s best to take a short class because you have things due a lot quicker,” Exum said. “Instead of drawing it out with lecture after lecture after lecture, it’s a couple of days and an exam, then a couple of days and an exam. So everything is closer together and you don’t forget. When you have a midterm coming up, it’s easier to study.”
Increasingly, non-traditional students who work full-time, are parents, or who are both, find that they can only manage two or three classes at once.
Moving to eight-week instead of 16-week classes will, the College believes, help these students improve grades and graduation rates since they will be classified as full-time. That, in turn, helps with student completion of a certificate or degree.
Dr. Jack Brown, PJC Biology Instructor, oversees the biomedical sciences articulation agreements with Texas A&M University and the University of Tyler – MD Anderson Cancer Center. He piloted Anatomy and Physiology I in the 8-week format.
“The traditional 16-week semester tends to grind after the halfway point and I know students who have had four to five exams in one week with traditional 16-week semesters,” said Brown. “That won’t happen with 8-week terms, and with fewer classes at once students can focus more on the content since they have fewer courses at one time. Many students balance jobs and family, and I think the 8-week model will help them get their classes and maintain their work and family life.”
Colleges that have converted to the 8-week model have demonstrated increased completion of degrees by their students. The rigor remains, but students can avoid burn-out that tends to boost student dropout rates around the ninth week of a 16-week semester.
History and Government Instructor Kelly Payne piloted the new model in the Spring 2022 semester. She found benefits for both faculty and staff.
“Classes move quickly, which I found to be more interesting for me to teach,” Payne said, “and it was easier to get students on the same page.”
She innovated in the classroom with mini-video lectures and using multi-media in teaching.
“Students didn’t seem to get the mid-semester lull and were able to focus better,” Payne said. “They gained confidence with online learning and using Blackboard, they didn’t have to study for as many finals, and had more flexibility with doing homework.”
She added that students who prefer face-to-face but have limited time benefit from the hybrid model through greater flexibility. That also benefits students who work or take care of family.
Rachel Jones of Hugo, Oklahoma is a freshman English major who also took a five-week summer course at PJC.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Jones said when told of the move to 8-week classes. “It’s a lot less stress and it’s great to take three classes in eight weeks, take a break and then start back with two or three. I like the five-week format; it’s quick paced, to the point, and gets it over with.”PJC Drama Instructor William Walker agrees.
“I believe the 8-week courses alleviate many of the stressors that students encounter with a full 16-week course,” Walker said. “In the 8-week courses we are refining our output to the students to focus on the actual lessons to be taught rather than on assignments. In my case we were able to focus on what theater is really all about. As a faculty member it really helps me to focus my teaching so that my students get the information that they need to be successful in my class. At the end my students told me it was refreshing to just talk about what theater is rather than have every day as a prep for an assignment.”
At Grayson College, 11 percent of the students who were part-time converted to full-time when the college switched to the eight-week model. And at Amarillo College, student success in completing courses increased by nine percentage points.
Jeovanny Avitua graduated from Paris High School and will attend PJC in the fall, pursuing a degree in Allied Health with plans to transfer to the nursing program.
“It’s more studying and other activities have been cut down,” said Avitua, “but I think it’ll pay off. Studying more helps me remember more, and I’ve learned a lot more than I would in high school.”To get started at PJC, call 903-782-0425, email [email protected], or apply online at www.parisjc.edu/apply.
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.
Meal A Day Menu – Aug. 8-12, 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 week of Aug. 8-12, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Beef Spaghetti, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Baked Sliced Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli and a Roll.
- Wednesday – Chicken Fried Chicken and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Roll.
- Thursday – Shepherd’s Pie, Normandy Vegetables and Pickled Beets.
- Friday – Chicken and Dressing Casserole, California Blend Vegetables, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce and a Roll.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Changes Proposed For City’s Enterprise Zone Program, Video Gaming Facility Policies
Sulphur Springs City Council this week approved on final reading a reinvestment zone and a rezoning request, as well as a reinsurance contract, a resolution appointing 3 to the Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Board, and on first reading two ordinance amendments.
Video Gaming Facility Ordinance
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson asked the City Council to consider approving Ordinance No. 2810, which would amend Ordinance No. 889, which has remained on the books unchanged since 1982. This would simply update the definitions and authorized locations for videogaming facilities, premises and devices within the city.
Ricketson said the city has over the 10-15 years experience a growing problem with 8-liner machines in businesses, the kind that look similar to slot machines. A number of businesses have opened them, and officials have shut them down because they were operating illegally.
During that time, the business owners have worked with lawyers to try to find ways to circumvent the law regarding gambling.
“Over the last several years, we’ve had owners of these businesses try to figure out ways to circumvent the law, try to find loopholes in the law. They have found a few loopholes. They have some lawyers and some backing on their side. That’s why when you see a lot of these, it’s still a growing problem in Texas. To me it’s still illegal, it’s gambling, but some lawyers and prosecutors see some loopholes in that,” Ricketson said.
Ricketson said the city had a videogaming ordinance, but the definitions of videogames have changed significantly since the Ordinance was enacted in 1982 and do not reflect the machines now in use. The proposal presented to the council modernizes the definitions of video gaming facilities, premises and businesses, and establishes lawful limitations for locations and advertisements of video gaming businesses within the city limits of Sulphur Springs.
Ordinance No. 2810, as proposed, defines gaming facility, gaming facility premises and video gaming device as follows:
- “Gaming Facility” – The premises of a business which is licensed to house, or offer for play, video gaming devices within this city.
- “Gaming Facility Premises” – Land, together with all buildings, improvements, equipment, and personal property located thereon which is controlled by an applicant or licensee and associated with video gaming activities authorized by this article.
- “Video Gaming Device” – Computers and other types of electronic machines or devices of any kind or character which are operated by, or upon, the payment of any form of consideration, including but not limited to paper currency, coins, legal tender, metal slugs, tokens, electronic card or checks, and which is used or capable of being used or operated for amusement and/or pleasure, including, but expressly not limited to versions of machines or devices commonly referred to as a slot machine and/or eight-liner machine which awards the player a ticket voucher as defined herein. This term expressly excludes gambling devices as defined by Texas Penal Code chapter 47, coin-operated music machines, pay toilets, pay telephones, coin-operated rides for children, and all other coin-operated machines which dispense or vend merchandise, commodities, confections or music or which award non-cash merchandise.
City staff noted that modern videogaming businesses have the ability to offer patrons the ability to gamble or for the patron to profit in various ways. They also offer numerous ways for patrons to pay, including credit card, online currency and subscriptions, many of which are required to have age restrictions or require oversight from government agencies. While the city doesn’t disallow lawful use of modern video gaming businesses, because of the above “special considerations” city officials argue the video gaming businesses should be restricted in their physical proximity to certain facilities and areas, which “warrant protective attention for citizens.”
Video gaming facilities, according to Ordinance 2810 as proposed, that meet licensing requirements would be allowed, provided they are located within a commercial zoning district and are a minimum of 1,500 feet from 10 designated locations: child care facility; church or place of worship; dwelling; hospital; building in which alcoholic beverages are sold; public facility; public park; school; existing licensed sexually-oriented businesses; or any area zoned Single Family-10 (single-family dwelling district 10,000 square feet), Single-Family 6 (Single-Family Dwelling Attached Dwelling District), Multi-Family Dwelling District or other residential zoning classification.
The City Council at the Aug. 2, 2022, regular meeting approved on first reading Ordinance 2810, amending the city’s video gaming ordinance. The policy must be read and approved a second time by the City Council at an upcoming meeting before it can become official.
Texas Enterprise Zone Program Ordinance
Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Executive Director Roger Feagley asked the City Council to consider approving Ordinance No. 2808, which would amend Ordinance No. 2395, which the city adopted in 2003 related to the City’s participation in the Texas Enterprise Zone Program. The amendment would expand the list of local incentives offered and nominate Ashoka Steel Mills LLC to the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism, through the economic development bank as an enterprise project.
“It’s the ordinance that established the reinvestment zone policy. You have one that’s now 20 years old. They have new guidelines and new rules. Basically, what we are doing is we are updating what we had from years past to make it applicable today,” Feagley said, noting that a consultant and two others who are putting the Ashoka project together.
Basically, the Texas Enterprise Fund Program is designed to allow companies to recoup the 6.25% sales tax they pay, but does not affect eh 2% sales tax the community collects. Thus, Feagley said, the policy would allow Ashoka to recoup the state’s portion of the sales tax, but not the city’s portion of sales tax collected in regard to the project.
City Manager Marc Maxwell noted the program was used when Lowe’s set up a store in Sulphur Springs several years back, but will be updated as required with the new rules and guidelines.
The proposed ordinance states that Ashoka meets the criteria for the designation:
- Ashoka would engage in active conduct of a trade or business at a qualified business site, with at least 35 percent of the business’ new fulltime employees will be residents of an enterprise zone, economically disadvantaged, veterans or meet other qualifying employment criteria;
- The enterprise project would contribute significantly toward the achievement of City plans for development and revitalization of the area; and
- A high level of cooperation between public, private and neighborhood entities would continue.
Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins made a motion, which Sellers seconded, to approve on first reading as proposed Ordinance No. 2808. The motion receive unanimous approval from the council. A public hearing will be conducted and the proposed ordinance will be presented again for Council consideration during a special called City Council meeting at noon, Tuesday, Aug. 23, for second and, if granted, final approval so it can be submitted by the Sept. 1 deadline. It is recommended it be submitted tot he state a few days prior to Sept. 1 to ensure it arrives on time.
Even approval, however, does not guaranty the business set up an operation in Sulphur Springs. The city is one of two cities in the competing for the project; Tulsa, Oklahoma is the other, Feagley noted.
D6 Reinvestment Zone
A reinvestment zone was approved on second and final reading for D6 which will allow the business to apply to the hospital district for a tax incentive for an upcoming expansion of the Sulphur Springs operations, which will in the near future include the corporate headquarters, which are moving from Portland, Oregon to Texas. The zone is located in Lot 1 of Pinnacle Business Park in Sulphur Springs.
Approving Ordinance No. 2806 granting the reinvestment zone in no way commits the city or any other taxing entity to approving any tax incentives within the area; it simply creates a zone so that taxing entities that require a reinvestment zone for such purposes may consider a tax incentive such as a tax abatement or economic development agreement for the business located within the reinvestment zone.
Arbala Road Rezoning Request
The request by Andrea and Malachi Sandoval to rezone 0.93-acre of a larger tract located at 1659 Arbala Road from single family to light commercial was approved. This paves the way for a new coffee shop type business to be constructed at the corner of Wildcat Way and Arbala Road. The zoning change made on second reading and final approval of Ordinance No. 2807 on Aug. 2 is consistent with the intended plan for that area, according to city staff.
Employee Health Insurance Program
Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith noted that the City had gone out for proposals for the employee health insurance program, as is done annually and receive bids. Bidders were Blue Cross, American Fidelity and Highmark (HM) Life.
The city continues a partially self-funded program of health insurance for its employees. For at least the past 10 years, the city has requested proposals for reinsurance coverage only. The city will keep Blue Cross as the claims administrator, using the Blue Choice Network.
The reinsurance proposals are a result of the types and amounts of claims the city has each year. Last year, medical claims were over $463,000 and prescriptions were over $394,000, bringing the total amount of claims to over $857,000. This year, medical claims are up but prescription claims are down from last year, but still high. Overall, medical claims are estimated at $916,000 and prescription claims were estimated at $305,000, for a total of $1.22 million. Budget claims were just over $1.05 million for Fiscal Year 2022 after a budget amendment in June. That’s with 3 months of FY 2022 to go and nearly a full months of the health insurance plan year (which ends Aug. 31, 2022).
Although HM Life had the lowest total fixed cost at $362,731, city staff recommended awarding the contract to Blue Cross, who’s bid was second with $380,142, for reasons other than that bottom line, including the contract term. Under Blue Cross’ claims contract, any claims that may have billed incorrectly will come back to the city; without a claims contact, the city would be on the hook for that, Smith explained. Under HM Life’s claims contract, the business would only cover anything incurred 12 months back, so there’d be more risk going with HM Life even at an $18,000 savings.
Reimbursement times was another factor considered in the recommendation. The city requested proposals for a specific stop loss attachment point of $80,000, the same as this year. Stop loss attachment point means that for each covered participant the city would pay up to that amount of Internal Services fund for the year. Anything over $80,000 comes back to the city for covering individuals claims. Since Blue Cross is a plan administrators, there would be an automatic reimbursement on anything over the $80,000 mark, while HM Life could take a 1-2 months or longer to get through their review process.
The City Council agreed to award the reinsurance contract to Blue Cross Blue Shield, as recommended by city staff.
Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Board
The City Council too passed Resolution No. 1308 appointing three members from among the council to serve as on the Board of Directors of City of Sulphur Springs Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone #1, with two to serve as directors and one to serve as chair of the board, and to provide an effective date.
City Manager Marc Maxwell explained that a TIFRZ in the city is managed and controlled by the City Council based on recommendations of the Board of Directors for that Zone. The downtown TIFRZ #1 consists of the three City Council members they appointed, one of whom chairs the Board, as well as one director from Hopkins County Hospital District and one from Hopkins County. Directors serve a 2-year term and the board chair serves 1-year in that position.
The TIFRZ #1 has not been active since the summer of 2017, and appoints from that board have long expired. Resolution No. 1308 appoints the three city members to the board to get the annual board meetings back on track. Board members are to expect to meet in the next 1-2 months, then again annually in January, with additional meetings scheduled only as needed.
The City Council selected John Sellers and Gary Spraggins to serve as directors, and Oscar Aguilar to serve as chairman of the board, effective immediately.
