Man Caught Trying To Conceal Bag Of Pills In His Pants
7 Arrested This Week on Controlled Substance And Related Charges
Among the 7 men arrested this week on controlled substance and related charges was a Sulphur Springs man caught trying to conceal a bag with 86 Oxycodone pills in his pants and found to be wanted by Tarrant County authorities on a murder charge, three wanted men, and a Lone Oak man caught near a school with methamphetamine, according to arrest reports.
Shannon Road Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s office Deputy Drew Fisher reported stopping a silver SUV at 2:54 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, for speeding on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 122 then on Shannon Road at Bill Bradford Road. When he contacted the driver, Fisher reported smelling a marijuana odor emitting from the Chevrolet Equinox.
As the driver began exiting the SUV, Fisher reported seeing hte man stuff what appeared to be a bag with pills into the back of his pants. Shawn Cardale Sims was placed into custody and the item removed from his waistband. He allegedly admitted to having marijuana in the SUV. The vehicle was searched, then impounded.
Police reported the bag contained 86 pills or 9 grams of oxycodone and 3.88 ounces of marijuana found in the vehicle. The 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested for possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, possession of 2 ounces or more but less than 4 ounces of marijuana and on an outstanding city no driver’s license. Later, a Tarrant County murder warrant was also added to his list of charges, according to jail reports.
Cardale remained in Hopkins County jail late Saturday morning awaiting bond on all four charges, according to jail records
Warrant Arrests
HCSO Deputy Terry Thompson took Dustin James Spieldenner into custody at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 8, 2022, at Johnson County jail, and transported him to Hopkins County jail on a bench warrant.
The 29-year-old Dekalb man was booked in at 11:47 a.m. July 8, on the warrant for violation of probation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. He was held in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 9, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports.
At 6:31 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2022, HCSO Deputy Thomas Patterson escorted Christian Kirby Collins into Hopkins County jail, where the 29-year-old Pickton man was booked in for bond revocation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge.
Collins, who is also known by the alias Kyle Trey Collins, remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 9, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Isaac Foley took Ricky Lee Wayne Liebel into custody at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at a courtroom, where he was assessed a jail commitment, the term of which was not specified in arrest and jail reports, for violation of probation on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
The 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man, who is also known by Ricky Waynelee Liebel, Wayne Liebel and Ricky Lee Lieber, remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 9, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports.
Liebel was last in Hopkins County jail May 26-June 30, 2022, on three city warrants for dog as large and two for not vaccinating animal against rabies, as well as violation of probation on the controlled substance charge, jail records show.
South Broadway Street Arrest
HCSO Deputy Justin Wilkerson reported stopping a Ford Taurus at 11:04 p.m. on South Broadway Street for expired registration. Upon contact with the sole occupant, Wilkerson noted the 48-year-old Lone Oak man looked way while talking to him throughout their conversation and was deceptive.
When the man refused to allow Wilkerson to search the vehicle, the deputy called for a police canine. Deputy Colt Patterson arrived with his canine partner, Chiv. The K-9 gave an alert during a free air sniff around the exterior of the vehicle, giving the officers cause to search the car.
A small cigarette wrapper with a marijuana cigarette blunt was found during the vehicle search resulting in Sean Kristoffer Stacy being taken into custody at 11:44 p.m. July 7, 2022, for possession of drug paraphernalia. A pat down of Stacy, however, revealed a bag containing a crystal-like substance deputies suspected to be methamphetamine, Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports. Stacy was jailed on the charge and the contraband was seized.
At the jail, the substance weighed 0.257 gram, including packaging, and tested positive for meth. Stacy was booked into jail for possession of drug paraphernalia as well as possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. A drug free zone enhancement was added to the controlled substance charge due to the proximity of the traffic stop to a local elementary school, according to arrest reports.
Stacy was released from Hopkins County jail Friday, July 8, 2022, on a$5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
Arrest On I-30 West At MM 140
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams reported stopping a black car at 12:44 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2022, on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 140 for a traffic violation. He found Trenton George Turner to be in possession of 15-20 grams of Ecstasy.
Williams placed Turner into custody at 12:59 a.m. July 7, 2022, and had SSPD Sgt. Matt Glenn transport the 29-year-old Denton man to Hopkins County jail. Turner was booked in a short time later for possession of more than 4 pounds but less than 200 pounds of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. He was released later July 7, on a $20,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Arrest On I-30 East At MM 114
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Arturo Ugalde reported stopping a Lexus for not having a front license plate and a window tint violation on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 114 Monday morning, July 4, 2022.
While talking to the driver, Ugalde observed Marcus Darrell Fitch had a distant gaze, and loose tobacco mixed with marijuana “shake” on the front of his shorts and shirt. The 33-year-old Austin man reportedly admitted he’d smoked marijuana earlier in the morning. Fitch showed clues of intoxication during standard field sobriety testing. A probable cause search of the car revealed two THC canisters labeled “86% THC” and a usable quantity of marijuana in the console, Ugalde alleged in arrest reports.
Fitch’s driver’s license also showed to be suspended. The Austin man was placed under arrest at 8:31 a.m. July 4, 2022. He was transported to the hospital, where he provided a voluntary blood specimen for analysis.
The 33-year-old was then jailed for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, driving while intoxicated, possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana and driving while license invalid. Fitch was released from Hopkins County jail July 5, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, a $1,000 bond on the DWI charge and a $1,000 bond on the marijuana charge.
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.
3 Jailed This Week On Felony Warrants
At least 3 people were jailed this week in Hopkins County on non-controlled substance felony warrants.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis and Bobby Osornio contacted Kasey Anderson Benson at an FM 69 south residence and placed him into custody at 10:10 p.m. July 7, 2022. The 44-year-old Como man was booked into Hopkins County jail after midnight on the injury to a child, elderly or disabled person charge.
Benson remained in Hopkins County jail later Friday, July 8, 2022. Bond on the first-degree felony charge was set at $50,000, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where Sarah Renee Grubbs was in custody at Calcasieus Correctional Center on a Hopkins County warrant. He took custody of the 33-year-old Sulphur Springs woman at 12:50 a.m. July 7, 2022, and transported her to Hopkins county jail.
Grubbs, who arrest and jail records show is also known by Val Hampton, Valory Hampton and Vanity, was booked into Hopkins County jail July 7, 2022, for interference with child custody. She remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, July 8, 2022, in lieu of the $10,00 bond set on the state jail felony charge.
HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans and Deputies Isaac Foley and Rains County Deputy David Rojo located Lane Wesley Keller at his residence and took him into custody at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2022, on 10 warrants.
The 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into and remained in Hopkins County jail in Friday, July 8, 2022:
- 2 Hopkins County warrants for violation of probation on theft of cattle charges (held without bond)
- bond forfeiture on a Hopkins County theft of property charge (new $5,000 bond),
- bond forfeiture on a Hopkins County failure to identify as a fugitive (new $5,000 bond),
- 2 Sulphur Springs warrants for failure to appear charges (fees owed totaled $860.20),
- 1 Sulphur Springs warrant for failure to maintain financial responsibility ($500.50 fee owed on the charge),
- 1 Harris County warrant for assault causing bodily injury ($5,002 bond),
- 1 Lamar County warrant for theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 ($5,000 bond),
- insufficient bond on a Young County theft of property valued at $750 or more but less than $20,000 charge ($7,500 bond set).
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.
Slaton & Colleagues Ask Governor To Halt COVID Vaccines For Children Under 4 Years Of Age
Unanswered Questions About Vaccine’s Effect On Young Children Among Concerns Cited In Letter to Abbott
Representatives Bryan Slaton (House District 2), Jeff Cason (HD 92) and Kyle Biedermann (HD 73), as well as House District 93 candidate Nate Schatzline, emailed a letter Friday, July 7, 2022, to Governor Greg Abbott requesting he direct the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to halt distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to children under 4 years of age.
The letter was written in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s June 17, 2022, emergency use authorization of Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for use in children down to 6 months of age.
For the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, the FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) to include use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 17 years of age. The vaccine had been authorized for use in adults 18 years of age and older. The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a primary series of two doses, one month apart, to individuals 6 months through 17 years of age. The vaccine is also authorized to provide a third primary series dose at least one month following the second dose for individuals in this age group who have been determined to have certain kinds of immunocompromise.
For the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, the FDA amended the EUA to include use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 4 years of age. The vaccine had been authorized for use in individuals 5 years of age and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a primary series of three doses in which the initial two doses are administered three weeks apart followed by a third dose administered at least eight weeks after the second dose in individuals 6 months through 4 years of age.
According to the FDA, the agency’s “evaluation and analysis of the safety, effectiveness and manufacturing data of these vaccines was rigorous and comprehensive, supporting the EUAs.” Thus, the FDA “determined that the known and potential benefits of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the known and potential risks in the pediatric populations authorized for use for each vaccine.” The federal agency noted in the June 14, 2022 announcement that “prior to making the decision to authorize these vaccines for the respective pediatric populations, the FDA’s independent Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee was consulted and voted in support of the authorizations.”
[For the FDA June 17 announcement of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for children from 6 months to 17 years, click here.]
The three House Representatives and HD 93 candidate contend in their letter to Abbott that “all objective standards this Covid ’emergency’ has long been over,” negating the need for the extended emergency use authorization of the vaccines, especially for children as young as 6 months.
“The FDA’s Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccines for infants has raised many concerns and unanswered questions across the country, as we highlighted in our letter,” Slaton commented in a news release Friday, July 8, 2022, about the letter. “Governor Abbott has often publicly committed himself to protecting children, and my colleagues and I are respectfully requesting that he do that in this situation. Until these concerning questions regarding the effects of this vaccine on infants have been answered, it is our firm belief that Texas should pause all distribution of the vaccine to young children.”
The letter states as follows:
5 Rezoning Changes Approved By City Council
Five rezoning changes were approved this week by Sulphur Springs City Council during the regular July meeting. While the City Council voted 4-3 to deny Libba Land LTD‘s request to rezone 12 acres at the corner of Industrial Drive and Hillcrest Drive, that was not the case for five other requests.
1659 Arbala Road
Andrea and Malachi Sandoval are asking the city to rezone 0.93 acres out an 11-acre parcel of land they own at 1659 Arbala Road as light commercial. The lot, located at the northwest corner of Arbala Road and Wildcat Way, is currently zoned single family.
During the June 20, 2022 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski reported that it is their understanding that the change would allow the applicants to construct a coffee shop on that corner, but at present there are no structures on it. Mini self storage is planned behind the 0.93-acre parcel, according to city officials and the sign posted on the property.
“The land use plan along Wildcat Way identifies it as a commercial corridor in the future,” Niewiadomski said. “It’s primarily commercial in all directions except to the west, which is single family, and most of the land is vacant, with the exception of a single family home to the east that is currently zoned heavy commercial.”
The P&Z Commission approved the measure June 20 as meeting zoning requirements, but added one stipulation as recommended by city staff: that the applicant subdivide the lots in according with the rezoning request. That was forwarded to the City Council.
Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian asked about ingress and egress from the property, the impact the proposed business would have on traffic in that area, which at certain times of day can be pretty heavy. Niewiadomski noted traffic would be managed through Texas Department of Transportation, and other matters would be considered when subsequent applications are sought and will be taken up with the city engineers.
On Tuesday, July 5, 2022, the City Council approved on first reading an Ordinance granting the the request to rezone that portion of Arbala Road light commercial. As is the case with all Ordinances, the City Council must approve it on second reading before it becomes official. The City Council is scheduled to consider the request on second reading and, if granted, final approval at the regular August 2022 City Council meeting.
1120 Church Street
Jason and Jennifer Lacomfora’s request to rezone 1.54-acres of property at 1120 Church Street from multifamily to heavy commercial zoning was approved July 5 on second and final reading. The property is split-zoned multifamily and heavy commercial, and the couple want to make it have one designation. They noted that should make it easier when they try to develop the property in the future. It is surrounded by heavy commercial property to the north, west and south, with multifamily zoning to the east.
During an April Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told nearby property owners who’d expressed concerns about water abatement for drainage and fencing that while those were not directly addressed in a zoning request, but those would be taken into consideration when/if the lot if developed. On-site utilities, adequate drainage, fencing equipment to separate the lot from abutting residential property would be required at the time of development.
The Lacomforas indicated that someone had at one time had shown interest in constructing a mini storage facility at the site, but nothing specific at that time. Having all the property zoned the same would help when and if development is considered. No plat or development proposals had been made at that time to the city, according to Niewiadomski.
The rezoning request for 1120 Church Street was first approved by the City Council on June 7, 2022, and became final upon second reading and approval at the July 5, 2022 City Council meeting.
302 & 306 Magnolia Street
A request by Hopkins County Holdings LLC to change 302 Magnolia Street and 306 Magnolia, which spans 0.66 acre, from light industrial to multifamily zoning was also approved on final reading at the July 5, 2022, City Council meeting.
The applicant indicated the zoning change would better accommodate residential development on the lot, located at the southeast corner of Magnolia and Hinnant Street, Niewiadomski reported at an April Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
The property at the southeast corner of Magnolia and Hinnant Streets is surrounded by railroad tracks on the north, with an office in a light commercial zone on the east, and residences in multifamily zoning on the south and west. Thus, making the multifamily residential zoning request an appropriate designation in keeping with the land use plan for that area, according to Niewiadomski.
525 Church, 530 Davis Street
Hopkins County Hospital District’s requests to rezone a 0.49-acre lot at 525 Church Street and a 0.46-acre lot at 530 Davis Street to professional office zoning were both approved on first reading at the June 7, 2022, City Council meeting and one second and final approval at the July 5, 2022, City Council meeting. This would clean up some zoning, where the structures have long been used for professional offices, when occupied.
Niewiadomski reported 525 Church Street is located four lots north of Houston Street, along Church Street, and has been zoned multifamily, with medical offices within it for a long time. It abuts property zoned multifamily on three sides and single family-10 to the west.
The HCHD plans to sell the 525 Church Street property; the land could not be utilized for office space unless zoned professional office. Based on the land use plan of commercial and context of the area, rezoning 525 Church St. for professional offices would be appropriate, Niewiadomski told the City Council at the June 7, 2022, meeting.
Niewiadomski at the May 2022 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting and the June 2022 City Council meeting noted that 530 Davis Street, the old Longino Clinic located at the southeast corner of Woodlawn and Davis Streets near Sulphur Springs Public Library, is zoned single family-10, but is not suitable for habitation as it does not have sufficient bathroom and kitchen facilities. The lot has been a medical office for a long time and the Hospital District has aske that it be rezoned to professional office to maintain the professional uses on the lot.
Properties to the north and east are zoned multifamily and to the south and west are single family-10. Land uses are residential in all directions except the east, which is office. The Hospital District is planning to sell the property to a local media company, who will be moving a few blocks northward from Dabbs Street to North Davis Street.
Both requests from HCHD were approved by the City Council on first reading at the regular June 7, 2022, meeting, and on second and final reading at the July 5, 2022, City Council meeting.
Hopkins County Records – July 8, 2022
Land Deed Transactions
The following are land deed transactions filed and posted at Hopkins County Clerk’s office June 23-24, 2022:
- CMH Homes Inc. to Leticia Anguiano and Luis Eduardo Anguiano; tract in the Dolores Padillo survey
- Michelle Williams, independent administrators for the Laverne Arline Watson Estate, and Michael Watson to Michelle Williams; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Billie D. Haygood and Paul Arnold Haygood to Randy Melvin Haygood; tract in the Agaton Caro survey
- AAAGT Properties LLC, Antoon Aag Jacobs, Jacobs Dairy LLC and Johanna Jacobs JHC to 3 Pints LLC
- Bennie Bryant same person as Benny Bryant, Johnnie Ben Bryant and Linda Bryant to Hopkins County PCT #4; tract in the JA Arocha survey
- Michelle Clark and Ryan Clark to Amelia Osei and Yaw Osei; tract in the McCann Addition
- Franklin D. Seers and Joanne Sears to Melinda Ann Dixon; tract in the Sarah Norris survey
- High Point Estates, James L. Masters Estate AKA Jimmy Masters Estate, Nina Monique Masters independently and as independent executor, and Mike Moore to Joshua Thomas and Krysten Thomas; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Douglas Wayne Jenkins Jr. and Sheila Nicole Jenkins to Thomas Jenkins; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Dena Marie Jenkins Klein to Douglas Wayne Jenkins Jr.; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Jean Arnold Estate, Joseph Kent Arnold independent executor, to John Charles Arnold; tract in the Priscilla Hastings survey
- Jean Arnold Estate, Joseph Kent Arnold independent executor, to Joseph Kent Arnold; tract in the EP Beckton survey
- Jean Arnold Estate, Joseph Kent Arnold independent executor, to David Roger Arnold; tract in the J. Pettyjohn survey
- Frances Klein and Keith Klein to Frances Klein Irrevocable Trust, Frances Klein trustee, Keith Klein irrevocable Trust and Keith Klein trustee; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Cristal Ramirez to Cathy Culpepper; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Kim Moore and Mike Moore to Chesley K. McGlamery; tract in the James Johnson survey
- Brandon Caldwell to Charles W. Murray and Grace Murray; tract in the AJ Butts survey
- Charlotte Arrington and Jason Arrington to Taylor Arrington; tract in the Santos Coy survey
Applications for Marriage Licenses
The following individuals applied July 1-7, 2022, at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office for applications marriage licenses:
- Tod Edward Goodwin and Stacy Michelle Osborne
- David Richard Laubach and Amber Danielle Wilkerson
- An Le and Anh Chieu Ta
TxDOT Seeks Public Input on State’s 10-Year Transportation Plan
Public invited to comment on transportation projects
NEWS RELEASE
[email protected]
(512) 463-8700
July 8, 2022
AUSTIN – TxDOT is seeking public input on the draft 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), the state’s 10-year transportation plan. The UTP guides the development of projects around Texas to improve safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways for Texas drivers. In addition to highway projects, the UTP addresses public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight and international trade, and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.
“The Unified Transportation Program is TxDOT’s road map to developing projects across the state,” said Executive Director Marc Williams. “It is important to work with our transportation partners and hear from the public to guide transportation improvements that address congestion and enhance safety across our state.”
The public comment period for the draft 2023 UTP begins Friday, July 8, 2022, and ends Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at 4 p.m. (CST). Various methods to comment will be posted to the UTP Public Involvement webpage. The presentations and recordings for the previous public meeting and hearing will be available for viewing on the UTP Public Involvement webpage.
TxDOT works with its transportation partners to identify projects to be included in the UTP. Public comments and feedback are also very important in developing the plan. Available in English and Spanish, the UTP Fact Sheet can be found on the same TxDOT.gov webpage and provides an overview of the program. The Texas Transportation Commission approves the UTP in accordance with Texas state law every August during the commission meeting and publishes the approved UTP on TxDOT.gov.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
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Looking For Something To Do? Opportunities Abound With Texas AgriLife Extension
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County, [email protected]
A local news agency has stopped asking if Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has anything going on, and now asks, “What’s coming up next?” They know we always have an opportunity for involvement – seminars, workshops, community events, etc. So with that being said, I wanted to provide a list of upcoming events for both youth and adults. Please note that our staff will be taking turns manning the office during the month of July due to vacations, State conferences, and trainings.
- July 11-13
- Hopkins County has six youth who will be participating in Multi-County 4-H Camp in Lone Star, Texas. Our staff serves on the planning committee. This camp provides opportunities to learn, lead, and listen, but also lots of fun!
- August 1
- County 4-H Council will meet, 6 p.m. to finalize plans for the 2022 4-H Achievement Banquet. All 4-H members are invited to attend the meeting, but we will need a head count for dinner arrangements.
- August 8-10
- Youth Basic Sewing Workshop, Hopkins County Extension Office, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (times may vary). The workshop is full, but we have started a waiting list in case someone drops out.
- August 13
- Twogether in Texas Marriage Education workshop, Extension Office, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No charge. Engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license at their county clerk’s office. Must call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
- Mid-August
- 4-H Enrollment will be open statewide. Contact your local Extension office for information on how to enroll in the 4-H program. Hopkins County residents may call 903-885-3443.
- August 20
- Hopkins County 4-H Achievement Banquet, League Street Church of Christ, 6 p.m. 4-H members, parents, leaders, and guests must contact the Extension office for ticket information. Meal and recognition of our outstanding 4-H members will take place.
- Ongoing
- Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show applications are now being accepted. Dates of the event are October 21 and 22, at the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria and north entrance. This show is for hand-crafted items for exhibitors to sell. Applications and guidelines are available at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs. This show is open to anyone.
- The 2022 Hopkins County Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest will take place on October 21 and 22 at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. Check-in of items is October 20 ad 21. Contact the Extension Office for categories and age divisions. Because of space limitations, this contest is for Hopkins County residents only.
- September
- “Cooking Well with Diabetes” 4-session series – watch for more details!
- September 17 — “Beef 101” youth cooking session, Hopkins County Extension Office, 10 a.m. Please contact our office to sign up.
In other news, Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers remain active as they assist with various functions and take the lead in specific projects. Through May, they have contributed 624.25 hours! You will see several of them at the functions listed above.
We are also kicking off the 2022/2023 Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador program. Hopkins County has two new youth, along with the returning young person. They will be assisting with various projects throughout the year, as well. Volunteers are the backbone of effective programming in Hopkins County and we appreciate all they do!
I was recently invited to a birthday celebration for our longest-term Master Wellness Volunteer, Nell Shipp. She is 90 years young and still participates, although in a limited capacity. Congratulations to Ms. Nell on her accomplishments in volunteerism and in life!
Closing Thought
Without discipline, there is chaos in homes, schools, and communities. Support your teachers and law enforcement, and remember to pray!
Contact Johanna Hicks, at the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; at 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
City Budget, Master Fees Schedule Ordinances And 2022 SIP Contract Amended
Inflation has skyrocketed over the last year, increasing costs of pretty much everything, forcing many individuals, groups and businesses to cut back or find other ways to make up the difference in their budgets. The City of Sulphur Springs is no exception.
To more accurately reflect the record inflation levels and changes from projected revenues and expenses, Sulphur Springs City Council approved Ordinances adjusting the city budget and master fees schedules. The City Council also considered a contract amendment for the street improvement program due to increased costs as well.
Budget Ordinance
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith on June 7, 2022, asked the City Council to consider on first reading Ordinance No. 2798, which amends the 2021-2022 budget Ordinance No. 2794.
Smith, at the regular June 2022 City Council meeting, explained that the amendment addresses changes that have occurred during the fiscal year due to action by the public, City Council, and circumstances outside of city control.
The overall expenditure limit increased by $1,069,820. The additional revenue that the City is collecting amounts to a projected increase of $1,060,970. The remaining $8,850 comes from the Airport fund balance, according to Smith.
The city budget originally adopted for Oct. 1, 2021-Sept. 30, 2022 in Ordinance No. 2783, allows for appropriation of funds other than current year ad valorem taxes. Appropriations were projected to be $30.73 million or 85.71% of the total estimated revenue of the city for fiscal year 2021-2022; $5.125 million of that was projected to come from ad valorem tax revenue with a 98.354% collection rate this year, that’s about 14.29% of the projected $35,855,231 in total city revenue in FY 2021-22 projected to come from ad valorem taxes.
Ordinance No. 2798 would increase the total estimated revenues for the city to $36,925,051 for the city in FY 2021-22, with appropriations increasing to $31,799,900, which represents 86.12% of the total estimated revenue for FY 2021-22. Collecting at a collection rate of 98.354%, ad valorem tax revenue was account for $5,125,151 or 13.88% of total revenues from all sources to be collected for the city for FY 21-22.
Total city expenditures — as established in Ordinance No. 2783 and including debt requirements, operations and capital improvements — are not to exceed $35,855,231 in FY 21-22. Ordinance No. 2798, as proposed would amend the budget to allow total expenses up to $36,925,051.
Sulphur Springs City Council approved Ordinance No. 2798, as proposed by Smith, on first reading at the regular June 7, 2022.
As is the case for all city ordinances, Ordinance No. 2798 was presented again at the July 5, 2022, regular City Council meeting, for a public hearing and second reading. There, the City Council gave final approval to the amendment as proposed.
Master Fees Schedule
The City Council also was asked the summer to consider amending Ordinance No. 2790, which outlines the master fee schedule for costs, fees and rates associated with permitting, utility services and other services provided by the city.
In September 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2790, establishing a Master Fee Schedule. Part of the reason for having the schedule separate from the budget was so that if fees needed to be changed during the year for any reason, it could be done more easily, Smith explained during the June 2022 City Council meeting. The purpose of user fees are for the City to recoup the cost —or most of the cost — of providing a service to an individual benefactor instead of putting the burden on the general population.
With inflation at record levels, city staff reviewed fees and, at the June City Council meeting, recommended that the fees be increased. Since the utility-related fees were adopted 2018, the City has we have faced a significant increase in the cost of parts, fuel, labor and other material costs. The City of Sulphur Springs Distribution and Collection Department calculated the current cost required for them to purchased materials and perform the work, Smith explained.
City officials reported that, in addition to rising costs, the number of taps and meters being installed or requested in Sulphur Springs has risen significantly in the past several months, which means the margin of loss is getting wider as well and it is important to close that gap.
The change, city officials pointed out at the June 2022 meeting, do not impact the general population, only those who directly benefit from the service the City is providing to them.
After discussion, the City Council on June 7, 2022, approved on first reading Ordinance No. 2799, which sets the master fee schedule as recommended by staff. Ordinance No. 2799 was presented July 5 for second reading. The City Council again approved the amended fee schedule as recommended by Smith and city staff during the July 5 meeting.
SIP Amendment
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Directory Tory Niewiadomski, during the July 5, 2022 meeting asked the City Council to consider amending the contract for the street improvement program due to increased materials costs.
Niewiadomski reminded the City Council that when Texana Land & Asphalt was awarded the bid for the 2021 Street Improvement Program in March 2021, the contract included a provision which allowed the City in February 2022 to extended the contract another year at the same unit prices, depending on available quantities of materials and provided oil prices remained stable, within a 20% variance.
On June 24, 2022, Texana was advised by material provider RK Hall that a price increase would be necessary to fulfill the city’s hot mix contract. From January to June of this year, the rack price of liquid asphalt oil increased by $240 per liquid ton, but Hall would only charge Texana an additional $13 per ton of asphalt. Diesel has also increased $2.10 per gallon, a 58% increase. Texana contacted the City asking to increase the price for Type D and F HMAC surface by $13 to cover the cost in crease from material supplier RK Hall. That would raise the price for Type D from $98 per ton to $11 per ton and would increase Type F from $99 per ton to $112 per ton, Niewiadomski told the City Council at the July 5 meeting.
City staff recommended approving the price modification due to the large price increase in asphalt oil and diesel price increases. Doing so, Niewiadomski noted will impact the Capital Improvement Program Street Funds and Street Maintenance Fee funds available to complete these projects. In fact, the modification will mean a cut of $125,000 worth of street work this year.
“I think based on the size, Houston Street we’ll have to postpone until next year,” said Niewiadomski, referring to the 4,800 linear-feet of paving work planned on Houston Street from League to Hillcrest as part of the $2.01 million in street work designated in the 2022 SIP.
“So, my take is this is painful but we’ve got to do it,” City Manager Marc Maxwell told the City Council Tuesday evening.
Mayor Doug Moore noted that if the 2022 SIP contract is amended, the city would not be spending any more money, but would be getting less paving for the amount budgeted.
“Yes, less band for the buck,” Niewiadomski affirmed.
Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian made a motion, which Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash seconded, to amend the 2022 SIP contract as requested by Texana and recommended by city staff.
New Sulphur Springs Rotary Club President
Mike Jumper passes the gavel to Robert Newsom, who was sworn in as the new president of Sulphur Springs Rotary Club during the group’s regular meeting Thursday, July 7, 2022.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report — July 5, 2022
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell presented the following report to the City Council during the regular monthly council meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
Claims
We had four workers compensation claims in June. Two were serious enough to result in lost time. One resulted in hospitalization. Both of the more serious injuries were in the Capital Construction Division. (The more serious injury a worker fell off the back of the truck onto a hitch that was behind it, broke several ribs and punctured a lung. He’s home recuperating now.) The other two were in the Parks Department and the Police Department had one minor liability claim in May.
Senior Citizens Building
The contract with Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is not ready for signature yet. I had expected to sign the contract in June, but we have gotten word that it may still be a few months.
Pacific Park
The splash pad is complete, and the children are having lots of fun.
The Capital Construction Division in installing the remainder of the concrete walking path around the park.
The basketball pavilion contract was let to XLNT Contracting. They expect to be finished by October.
College Street
I reported previously that the contractor, Highway 19 Construction was off to a rough start. We have ironed out the issues and things seen to be going a bit more smoothly now.
Oncor Rate Increase
Oncor has filed their rate case. The Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor is performing an evaluation of the rate case now.
Revenues and Expenses
Finance Director Lesa Smith is absent tonight so we will not have the usual report from her. We will catch up next month
Street Improvement Program
Texana Land and Asphalt has paved Lee and League streets on an extension of last year’s contract. Recently, the price of asphalt emulsion has significantly increased, and the contractor seeks a price increase. This item is on the agenda for consideration. The following streets will be paved:
Other Reports
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Checked out 4,791 items from the library plus an additional 718 eBooks.
- Responded to 217 fire/rescue calls including 4 vehicle fires and 12 grass fires.
- Performed 30 fire inspections.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 82 fire hydrants.
- Responded to 229 animal control calls while achieving an 82% adoption rate.
- Made 3 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 38 accidents, recorded 27 offenses, wrote 500 traffic citations, and made 58 arrests in the Patrol Division.
- Cleaned storm drain inlets.
- Repaired 182 potholes.
- Made 18 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Installed asphalt tie-ins for 4 new driveways.
- Shredded the Lake Sulphur Springs dam and emergency spillway.
- Conducted 40 building inspections, 16 electrical inspections, 7 plumbing inspections, 4 mechanical inspections and issued 11 building permits.
- Sold 2,755 gallons of AvGas and 8,990 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 1,621 operations (take-offs and landings) at the airport.
- Made repairs to Clearwell at the water treatment plant.
- Treated 171 million gallons of potable water.
- Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids reading of .09 mg/L.
- Performed preventative maintenance on several items at the water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant.
- Repaired 12 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 10 water meters.
- Unstopped 16 sewer mains.
- Repaired 5 sewer mains.
- Washed 85,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 39 dead-end water mains.
- Filled 3,000 feet of sidewalk seams downtown.
- Hosted one baseball tournament and one softball tournament.
