Traffic Deaths Spike in Texas Work Zones
NEWS RELEASE
PARIS DISTRICT
Tim McAlavy
(903) 737-9213
[email protected]
TRAFFIC DEATHS SPIKE IN TEXAS WORK ZONES
TxDOT urges drivers to slow down, exercise care when traveling through highway construction areas
April 11, 2022
AUSTIN – As road construction projects ramp up statewide, TxDOT officials are asking motorists to slow down and stay alert when driving through the thousands of work zones in Texas to protect themselves and others. In 2021, traffic crashes in the state’s work zones claimed the lives of 244 people, a 33% increase over the previous year.
Drivers and their passengers accounted for the majority of those who died in Texas work zone crashes last year: 195 motorists or vehicle passengers were killed, along with 38 pedestrians, four bicyclists and three roadside construction workers. Speeding and driver inattention were among the leading causes of crashes.
With these alarming statistics in mind, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 11–15, by sharing safety tips to prevent work zone crashes and fatalities.
“It’s cause for tremendous concern that the number of people killed on our roadways reached a 40-year high last year and fatalities in our workzones rose dramatically,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s important for drivers to remember that driving conditions in work zones can be especially challenging because of extra congestion, slow-moving heavy equipment, temporary barriers and vehicles that make sudden stops. That’s why it’s crucial for everyone to give driving their full attention and drive a safe speed in areas where construction and maintenance are underway.”
The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign offers five tips for driving safely through a work zone:
Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and adjust your driving to match road conditions.
Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.
Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they wear is reflective clothing, a hardhat, and safety boots. Always follow flaggers’ instructions and be mindful of construction area road signs.
Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry, should you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of work zone crashes.
Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.
Roadside safety also extends to complying with the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law that requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.
Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law also can result in a fine up to $2,000.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
All roadway safety professionals are encouraged to wear orange on April 13 for National Go Orange Day to proudly show their support of work zone safety.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of March 9, 2022.
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Local Author Rolanda Hasten Signing Copies of A Day at the Beach April 16th
Local Author Rolanda Hasten will be signing copies of her book, A Day at the Beach Saturday, April 16th, 10:00am to 1:00pm, at Good News Christian Bookstore. For more details email the author at [email protected].
Six Arrested On Controlled Substance Charges In 4 Days
At least six people were arrested on controlled substance charges in the past four days, according to arrest and jail reports.
I-30 East Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Davis reported stopping a Mazda PS at 10:36 p.m. Sunday on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 131 for a defective license plate light.
A records check showed the driver to have an active warrant for his arrest. While awaiting confirmation on the warrant, Davis placed the 57-year-old San Antonio man into custody and asked permission to search the car. the owner, who was the passenger, refused.
A police K9 was called to the scene. The trained dog gave a positive alert on the car. Giving deputies cause to search it, Davis alleged in arrest reports. Drug paraphernalia was alleged to have been found in the vehicle.
After receiving confirmation of two Bexar County warrants, Davis assisted Victor Hugo Torres out of his patrol unit to search him, prior to transporting him to jail on those charges. Davis reported finding a coin pounce with suspected methamphetamine in it on the floor of his patrol unit. Torres allegedly admitted that the meth belong to him. The 57-year-old San Antonio man was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in after midnight for possession of 3.6 grams of meth, and Bexar County warrants for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and evading arrest or detention.
Torres remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, May 11, 2022, in lieu of $10,000 bond on the Hopkins County charge and $1,000 bond on the evading arrest charge, acording to jail reports.
Haywood Street Arrest
HCSO Deputy Justin Wilkerson reported stopping a Dodge Ram at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2022, on Haywood Street at Westgate Street for having an obscured license plate.
While speaking with the driver, Wilkerson noted he showed signs of bruxism, an involuntary clenching of the jaw muscles commonly associated with controlled substance use, specifically use of methamphetamine. When asked if he’d ever been arrested before, the 62-year-old Sulphur Springs man admitted he was currently out on bond on a controlled substance charge.
William David Baxter reportedly agreed to let the deputy search him and the pickup. Wilkerson reported finding a small marijuana joint in Baxter’s pocket, and noted the man had a clenched hand. He complied when instructed to open his hand, revealing a containing what the deputy suspected to be meth.
Deputy Elijah Fite arrived to assist. Another item of drug paraphernalia was found in the truck. Fite traveled to the nearby home of Baxter’s friend, who owned the truck. The friend claimed the truck and Baxter was transported to Hopkins County jail where the substance field tested positive for meth and weighed 0.5 gram including packaging.
Baxter was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:44 p.m. April 9, 2022, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. He was released from the county jail Sunday on a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
I-30 West Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams reported stopping a Hyundai Tucson at 12:42 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 134 for a traffic violation.
Upon contact, Tammy Lynn Crews was found to be in possession of 3 grams of methamphetamine. The 56-year-old Vivian, Louisiana woman was transported by SSPD Patrolman Thad Cook to Hopkins County jail. Crews was booked into jail by Williams on a charge of possession of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1B controlled substance charge.
Crews, who is also known by Tammy Hebert, remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, April 11, 2022, in lieu of $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
SH 19 Arrests
HCSO deputies reported asking for permission to search a Jeep Liberty at 12:26 a.m. April 7, 2022, on State Highway 19 at County Road 1174 for “due to behaviors exhibited by the driver.”
When Patricia Lynn Pemberton refused, deputies had the occupants get out. They observed drug paraphernalia in plain view, and initiated a probable cause search of the vehicle. Deputies reported finding almost 2.5 grams of meth and 1.2 grams of heroin. When no one from the vehicle claimed the substances, all were arrested at 12:54 a.m. April 7, Deputies Isaac Foley and Drew Fisher alleged in arrest reports.
Arrested on two charges of possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance were 58-year-old Aaron Ray Kiser, 31-year-old Patrick Adrian Wardell and 50-year-old Patricia Pemberton, all of Spokane, Washington. All three remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, April 11, 2022, in lieu of $10,000 per controlled substance 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.
Blood Drive In Honor Of Israel Lewis To Be Held April 14 At CHRISTUS parking lot
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Helping Ukraine
In light of the news of the attacks on Ukraine, we would like to extend an opportunity to aid the community of Kharkov (a city in northeast Ukraine). One of the hospital associates has a spouse who is from this city, and their family is still there. The hospital has been able to send some medical supplies. In addition, and thanks to the generosity of many others, we have been able to set up a fund through our Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation to raise money and send it directly to aid this city. To donate to this effort, go to Online Giving (christushealth.org) and select ‘Helping Ukraine’ in the drop down box.
Events
Blood Drive in Honor of Israel Lewis
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a blood drive in honor of Israel Lewis, a local community member suffering from medical complications. The drive will be held on Wednesday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Carter BloodCare Bus in the parking lot of the hospital.
**UPDATED – COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will no longer offer the COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning.
However, Net Health will be back offering Pediatric and Adult COVID vaccines. This vaccine clinic is located at the MMU tents behind the hospital. No appointment is necessary. Subsequently, Net Health will continue to come every four weeks to provide COVID vaccines.
From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily, Net Health will offer vaccines on the following weeks: May 2-6, May 31 – June 3, June 27 – July 1, July 25-29, August 22 – 26, September 19 – 23, and October 17 – 21.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- An adult must accompany minor-age visitors, be free of symptoms, and able to comply with masking and hygiene expectations throughout the visit.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only;
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person for the duration of hospital stay – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes;
- ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only;
- All other patients may have 1 Essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time)
Post COVID-19 Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Are you still suffering from shortness of breath related to previous COVID-19 infection? Medicare now covers pulmonary rehabilitation for individuals who have had confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and continue to experience persistent shortness of breath for at least four weeks. Neither hospitalization nor a positive COVID-19 test are required for program participation.
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. Phone Number: 903-439-4141 | Fax: 903-438-4697
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We are in need of volunteers to help in various different roles throughout our hospital. We are asking for anyone willing to give his or her time, to help bring a smile to someone in our hospital! For more information, contact Meredith Caddell at 903.438.4678.
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 multi-specialty 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
New Local Health Authority Takes Office, Reorganization Of Fire Department Announced
A new Local Health Authority took office, reorganization of the county fire department and a shared grant with the city for equipment were announced, consolidated voting for May 24 election and an asset disposal was approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning.
Local Health Authority
The Commissioners Court at their last meeting recognized Dr. IL Balkcom IV for his 25 years of service to Hopkins County as the Local Health Authority, then approved Dr. Darrell Pierce to become the new LHA. Pierce was not able to attend the March 9 Commissioners Court session to be sworn into the office.
The LHA acts in place of a local Department of Health in a health or other community emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The LHA also has the authority to sign documents to allow county officials to proceeds in cases such as hazardous materials causing environmental issues, such as sewage, according to Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley.
The position is a volunteer, not paid office, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted. That is an indicator of Pierce’s servants’ heart, being willing to sacrifice his time for the community, even time with family on occasions. Newsom expressed appreciation to Pierce for “coming on board” and willingness to serve.
Pierce says he feels he’s been part of the community for some time and is “proud to be able to serve.”
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley too thanked Pierce for giving of his services and time.”
Fire Department Reorganization
Marshal Endsley noted some reorganization changes made recently at Hopkins County Fire Department.
Doug Skinner is working part time as the newly appointed operations chief, overseeing the day-to-day operations for HCFD. Skinner has recently put in for retirement from Longview Fire Department.
Rodney Caudle will served just under Endsley as Deputy Fire Marshal. Caudle also brings a wealth of knowledge to the job He has been employed with HCFD part time for a little while in he capacity of a fire investigator. He works full time as a fire captain in Rockwall, and plans to continue doing so. With the reorganization, Caudle will be the deputy fire marshal, a part time position, assisting with law enforcement investigations and things of that nature., Endsley said.
“I appreciate the privilege to be able to help the citizens of the county in this manner,” Caudle said.
The Commissioners Court, on a motion by Bartley that was seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin, unanimously approved making Caudle deputy fire marshal.
“Welcome aboard,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said.
Calibration Device
Endsley also reported that Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County have received a joint $5,000 donation from Atmos to purchase equipment needed to calibrate gas detectors both fire departments use on calls. The City of Sulphur Spring will serve as steward of the grant. In the past Atmos has calibrated the devices for the fire departments. They will no longer be able to provide that service. The grant will cover the full cost of the calibration device, enabling the departments to calibrate the equipment themselves moving forward.
Consolidated Voting
Hopkins County Clerk Tracy Smith asked the court to consider consolidating voting for the May 24 Election down to six boxes, as voting in this election is expected to have lower turn out. The request was approved on a motion from Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price, which Anglin second.
Asset Disposal
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker is trading in two International dump trucks that are not satisfactory for county uses and will use the funding to get one used truck from Enterprise’s Grand Saline feet.
State Board Of Education To Increase Texas History Instruction To Six Grade Levels
AUSTIN, Texas – At its April meeting, the State Board of Education voted to significantly increase instruction in Texas history. The board directed its Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) review work groups to include Texas-specific standards in kindergarten-grade 2, grade 6, and grade 8, and to keep Texas-specific standards as a focus for grade 7. Currently, Texas History is taught in grades 4 and 7; with this significant increase, students will study Texas and the people and events that define it in most grade levels prior to high school.
The next step is for the board’s TEKS review work groups to develop recommendations for the specific standards to be included at each grade level.
The SBOE will discuss proposed revisions to social studies TEKS at its June meeting and is expected to adopt final revisions in November of this year.
To follow the review and revision process and/or to view proposed drafts, visit the 2021-2022 Social Studies TEKS Review webpage.
Wildcats Baseball Gets 3-2 Win in Mount Pleasant Friday
Sulphur Springs scored two runs early and held on for a 3-2 win Friday, Apr. 8 in Mount Pleasant.
The Wildcats got up 2-0 over the Tigers on their home diamond.
Lead-off batter Matthew Millsap reached first on a single, followed by two quick errors coughed up by Mount Pleasant, and Coach Jerrod Hammack’s found themselves in scoring position to begin the game.
RF Ty Stroud singled bringing Milsap home for a 1-0 lead for Sulphur Springs. The story was the same in the Wildcats’ second at-bat.
A single and an error fielding a fly ball had the Wildcats with another run waiting 90 feet from home base. Colby Albritton stole home base to give Sulphur Springs the lead 2-0 after two full innings.
The Tigers scored their first run in the bottom of the 5th. Unfortunately for Mount Pleasant, Coach Hammack’s squad capitalized on two singles and two walks to get what would the difference-maker in a third run, leading 3-1.
With the game on the line, the Tigers scored a run and threatened to send the game to bottom of the 7th, but a fly out ended the rally attempt for Mount Pleasant as they fell to Sulphur Springs 3-2 last Friday.
Milsap and Stroud led the way in hitting, recording two hits against the Tigers. LF Brady Driver and Albritton got a hit in Mount Pleasant.
The win in Mount Pleasant gives the Wildcats a 5-13 record (2-5 district). Friday’s win over the Tigers snapped a three game skid for Sulphur Springs. With getting their second win in district play, the Wildcats remain one game behind 4th place Longview and Pine Tree.
Before baseball can shift their focus to those rematches later this month, Sulphur Springs heads back on the road for another district duel.
Coach Hammack’s team wraps up their two-game road-stand on Tuesday, Apr. 12 against Texas High.
That game tees off in Texarkana Tuesday at 7 P.M.
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.
Softball Rallies, Beating Mount Pleasant 7-2 and Clenching Playoff Spot
Coach David Carrillo and his team got the win over district foe Mount Pleasant Friday, clinching a playoff berth in the process.
Lady Cats softball got up early against Mount Pleasant Friday, but quickly saw it disappear as the Lady Tigers led Sulphur Springs 2-1 last week.
Coach Carrillo’s squad exploded in the bottom of the 4th as the Lady Cats drove in six runs for a huge 7-2 lead. Three Lady Cats recorded 2 RBI hits in the inning to launch Sulphur Springs past the Tigers.
Two and a half scoreless innings later and Sulphur Springs found themselves with their ninth straight district win.
P Crimson Bryant got her eighth district win in nine starts. The junior gave up seven hits but only allowed two runs to score. Bryant walked three and struck out 10 in the victory. Friday’s efforts were good enough to earn her a fifth straight starting win.
Bryant, Reese Ragan, and Kinz Smallwood all recorded two hits in Friday’s win over Mount Pleasant. Ragan scored two runners with her hits in the victory.
Friday’s come-from-behind win gives the Lady Cats an 18-1-2 record (9-0 district).
The 7-2 win over Mount Pleasant (5-4, 4th in 15-5A) gives the Lady Cats the season sweep of the Lady Tigers.
The second-to-last home game also clinched a playoff birth for Sulphur Springs.
- Coach Carrillo’s team also holds series sweeps against Hallsville (6-2, 2nd in district)
- and Longview (5-4, 3rd in 15-5A) with just three games left on the schedule
Sulphur Springs plays two of their remaining three on the road:
- Tuesday, Apr. 12 at Texas High
- Thursday, Apr. 14 versus Marshall
- Tuesday, Apr. 19 at Pine Tree
Bold denotes home game. All three games listed above tee off at 6 P.M.
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.
Sulphur Spring Facility Named Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Of The Year
Sulphur Springs Utility Director James Jordan returned from the annual Water Environment Association of Texas conference with a plaque and flag recognizing the City of Sulphur Springs Wastewater Treatment Facility as the Category 2 Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year.
“The award is a really big deal for us. I can’t be more appreciative for receiving this award, because, for one, it’s never been accomplished. So that says a lot,” said City Utilities Director James Jordan. “I make the statement all the time: I feel like a turtle on a fence post. I didn’t get up here by myself. There are a lot of people who played a role in this. It’s very heartwarming.”
WEAT, or Texas Water as it’s sometimes called, is a state organization that’s over operations and new innovations in water treatment in Texas. WEAT presents one award each year per category, which are based on population of the area served, to a Texas water treatment facility deemed to have “consistent outstanding performance of daily activities beyond the normal call of duty.”
WEAT notified the City of Sulphur Springs at the end of 2021 that the Sulphur Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant had been nominated for the award based on the facility’s performance. Once nominated, city officials had to provide documentation, including the facility’s monthly operating reports, safety plan, asset management and risk management plans. When all of the information had been evaluated from all nominees, the Sulphur Springs Water Treatment Facility was awarded WEAT’s Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year Award for Category 2.
“It’s truly an honor to receive that. But, one of my biggest thank yous is to the WEAT organization for recognizing the due diligence that we put forward to be able to accomplish something like this,” Jordan said. “The staff that we have here at the City of Sulphur Springs goes above and beyond on a daily basis. The mindset we have here at the plant keeps the bar held high. We always walk in the door expecting excellence and we achieve it this time.”
The award is due largely to the successes with the recently upgraded and redesigns Sulphur springs wastewater treatment plant and each worker’s commitment to excellence. The wastewater plant currently employees five certified operators, according to Sulphur Springs Utilities Director James Jordan.
In 2017, the City started the preliminary design for the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The plant was created in 1968 and the most recent upgrades at that point had been a sludge storage tank at the back of the plant in the early 1990s.
“As far as an operational stand point and parameters, none of our parameters really changed, because what we were doing was we were exceeding those limits set by the state before we went into a rehabilitation. So now, with the rehabilitation complete, we are able to now operate within those parameters and under those parameters,” Jordan said.
For example, on parameter the state monitors is suspended solids the city sends down the creek after it’s been treated at hte wastewater treatment plant. That, Jordan said, is based on a seasonal approach, where the city is allowed to send 12 to 15 parts per million of suspended solids to be send down the creek. Currently, the wastewater treatment plant is maintaining well below 0.04, far below the standard.
The city’s Water Treatment Plant staff during the 2017 re-design process expressed the wants and needs for the facility to the engineers, who came up with an effective plant that not only factored wants and needs for 2017, but the future needs and standards as well.
“We were to the point as a treatment stance we could either take one more industry on or we could take on about 5,000 more residences. So, we took the approach during the design to make room for more residents and along with industrial growth as well,” Jordan said.
The community also played a key role in the Sulphur Springs Wastewater Treatment facility receiving the WEAT plant of the year award, Jordan noted.
“Fats, oils and greases are one of the biggest hurdles we have to overcome here at the wastewater treatment plan. When the citizens go to pay their water bill at the utility building office, we have free to the customers the oil and grease bags. Where they can be disposed of properly besides sending them down the drain, because that does cause us problems here at the plant,” Jordan said. “But, luckily, I think we have some really good citizens that are aware of that situation and they do take advantage of stuff like that.”
The plant’s redesign also included elements, looking ahead, which would allow the facility to be in compliance with state regulations for years into the future, not just then or the current day. Aware the plant would require more modernization, the city incorporated that technology in the design process, so the software equipment can hep monitor pumps, flows and things of that nature it’s already in place and meeting standard before the change become effective, the computer screen in the office that allows plant employees to track all facets of the operations at the click of a screen or mouse, to potentially identify areas that maybe aren’t running as effectively as they could or to look and track back to identify where an issue throughout the city’s infrastructure may require more measures or less, the utilities director noted.
While available, the program is used more in a monitoring capacity than an as standard operational use. It can be used by any of the five certified operators to make changes as needed.
“We always want to make sure our operators are knowledgeable of the situation and can react to any situation, not based off a computer screen,” Jordan said. “They are stellar, second to none, in my opinion.”
Jordan also credited Garver Engineers for the successful renovation, for not only listening to but putting into effect the needs and wants city staff conveyed to them during the redesign and renovation process. Garver staff were very attentive and responsive to all needs queries expressed by the City of Sulphur Springs.
Looking Ahead
In fact, the City of Sulphur Springs also recently signed another contract With Garver Engineers for renovations at the city’s water treatment, using federal COVID funding to improve the infrastructure there. While the funding will not afford a full revamp of the facility, the money will enable the city to begin making improvements at the Water Treatment Plant in phases. The first phase will address filters, getting the work horses of the water treatment facility all back up to a good operating standard.
“Most of that stuff there is structural issue that we have. That plant was also constructed in the 1960s as well. As you well know, it’s had a lot of water go through it, so it’s time to pay a little attention to that. In the meantime with the filters, we are going to try to get a plant re-rate. Right now, at the water treatment plant we are rated for 10 million gallons per day and we would like to see that go anywhere from 12-to-15 million gallons per day,” Jordan said.
Meal A Day Menu – April 11-15, 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 April 11-15, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Smothered Beef Patties, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Tuesday – Chicken Pot Pie, Pickled Beets and Broccoli.
- Wednesday – Sour Cream Beef Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Chips and Salad.
- Thursday – Chicken and Dumplings, Crackers and Tossed Salad.
- Friday – Baked Ham, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw and 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.
