Council Expected This Summer To Consider Granting Homestead Exemption On City Taxes
Sulphur Springs City Council is expected this summer to consider implementing an ordinance granting homestead exemptions to residential taxpayers for city taxes.
Assistant City Manager Lesa Smith presented information regarding the taxing option during the regular City Council meeting Tuesday evening, April 5, 2022, noting that there is a specific timeline that must be followed if the city officials want to consider granting homestead exemptions in any given year, as allowable by tax laws.
Smith noted that a homestead exemption is simply a tax credit for an owner-occupied residential property. The exemption would reduce the taxing value on a home by the percentage set by the governing body, which in this case would be the City Council. A homestead exemption cannot be claimed by a property owner on more than one home. In other words, if the taxpayer owns five homes, that individual would only receive the exemption on the home he or she lives in.
A homestead exemption can be granted for up to 20% of the property value, but the minimum exemption is $5,000 of valuation. Aside from school districts, each taxing entity determined the amount of exemption allowed for that tax.
Currently, school districts are mandated by the state to offer a $25,000 homestead exemption. The upcoming election, however, includes a proposition asking Texas voters to consider increasing the amount of homestead exemption offered by schools from $25,000 to $40,000
Currently, in Sulphur Springs, taxpaying residents are offered a $25,000 homestead exemption on school taxes and the maximum 20% and minimum $5,000 homestead exemption on county taxes. The hospital district and city do not currently offer homestead exemptions for Sulphur Springs residents on their home property taxes.
The tax roll or the City of Sulphur Springs included 2,714 homesteads with a total value of $312 million. Approximately, 5,020 single family homes on the tax roll, that would mean about 54% of homes would qualify for a homestead exemption.
In other words, if the city had a 5% homestead exemption, that would be about $15.6 million of property value that’d be exempted for a total of $66,000 in property tax exempted. A 10% homestead exemption would be $31 million in property value exempted and approximately $133,000 exempted in property tax. A 20% homestead exemption would mean about $62 million in property value exempted and $266,456 in property tax exempted.
Smith noted that the city did take into account when figuring the overall impact on city taxes, homesteads valued at $100,000 or less, which would actually be an exemption of more than 20% because their normal overall tax bill would be less than the $5,000 minimum exemption. So no matter what, if a homestead exemption is granted, individuals’ tax bills would receive no less than a $21.35 savings.
The average taxable value of a home in Sulphur Springs is $115,000. So the average homeowner would save $24.55 on their tax bill if the city were to set a homestead exemption at 5%, $49.10 savings with a 10% exemption, $73.65 savings with a 15% homestead exemption and $98.20 on a 20% exemption on the average home property valued at $115,000, Smith explained.
Smith acknowledged that the city is not immune to inflation, The city faces the same increases in materials and fuel costs as everyone else and is in a competitive labor market. However, no matter the state of the economy, the city has a limit on the property tax that can be brought in from existing properties.
She noted that the cap on property tax revenues has increased as well. In 2019, she reminded the council, Texas passed Senate Bill 2, which keeps cities from growing their property tax revenue, excluding new construction, by more than 3.5% in any one year, That cap required the city to reduce the tax rate from the longstanding $0.44 per $100 property value to $0.42693 per $100 property valuation. Reducing the tax rate results in $160,610 in property revenue the city isn’t able to receive without holding a tax election.
Under SB 2, commercial and industrial properties received the bulk of savings compared to residential property owners. The average homeowner saved about $13 on their property tax bill. Owners saved about $81.50 on an average commercial property and about $955.9 on the average industrial property through the SB 2 tax rate deduction. That’s 41% of the savings going to residential and the remaining 56% to commercial and industrial properties.
Smith noted that there’s an imbalance between the growth of commercial and residential properties and their values, set by appraisal districts in accordance with laws set by the state. Residential appraisals are based on market values based on the amount homes are selling for in a given neighborhood, proving residential property owners with less room to protest appraised valued. There are several different ways commercial appraisals can be done on commercial property, especial that owned by large businesses.
“So while both businesses and residents are every important to the City, homestead exemptions allow the City to provide property tax savings to the residents first,” Smith said, providing a savings to the people who live and work in Sulphur Springs.
To illustrate the imbalance between single family residential property growth and commercial property growth from 2018-2021, Smith said 8 existing homes and 8 existing and commercial/industrial properties were selected at random.
The sample shows the value of single family residential growth increasing 1.15% in 2018, 3.99% in 2019, dipping 0.06% in 2020 (COVID), then spiking 14.86% last year. The market value for the 8 sampled commercial/industrial properties, however, decreased 0.19% in both 2018 and 2019, and dipped 0.26% in 2020. While the market value on the eight commercial/industrial properties rose 7.53% in 2021.
Looking ahead, Smith said using the 2021 tax information, the actual tax at $0.42692 per $100 property value would be $853.86, giving the city a little over $5,132,000 in tax revenue. If the city this year had implemented a 10% homestead exemption, that rate rate $0.43839, but the tax on the $200,000 home would have gone down to $789.20. Estimated tax revenue, however, would have been slightly higher with $5,133,000 instead of $5,132,000.
If the city has a 10% growth on the 2022 tax roll, with a 10% homestead exemption, the tax rate would be $0.40833, making the tax bill $734.99 on $200,000 home. The total property tax revenue would still go up $5,237,618.
A 10% growth in 2022 with no homestead exemption in 2022, the tax rate would be $0.39735, but the taxes taxes on a $200,000 home would $794.70, and total property tax revenue for the city would be $5,233,000.
In the long run, if the area experiences a recession, which is being projected, property values will begin to decrease. With the way the state has set the law regarding taxable values on homesteads, taxable values are capped at a 10% growth each year. So that could mean that taxable valued could continue to increase during a recession.
She gave examples from among the houses among in the samples compiled to show the disparity in residential and commercial, industrial growth disparities. House 1 was valued at $67,500 in 2020, but the market value on the tax roll was $87,540. Because of the 10% cap however, House 1 could only go up to $74,250 on the tax roll. It would take it 3 years in order for it to reach the market value of 2021 based on the 10% cap.
“So, you can see, despite a recession, if the values weren’t lowered to pre-2020 values, then it could actually continue to increase over the next year,” Smith said. “On the homestead cap offs, in 2020 we had $7 million of valuation that was lost on the 10% cap. Last year, we lost $30 million on that loss. So we are going to continue to see that increase go on the tax rolls year by year.”
City Manager Marc Maxwell asked Smith to come back the May Council meeting with figures to show 10% growth and 20% homestead exemption, with the de minimis rate.
Smith said she would be glad to do that as well as provide calculations using the $5,000 minimum exemption as well.
Mayor John Sellers thanked her for presenting the information in a manner that made the complicated topic more easily understood. Sellers also said he would like to see the homestead exemption option on a future City Council agenda.
Smith noted that if the City Council wants to put for a vote a city homestead exemption, it would have to be approved by ordinance by July 1 in order to go on that tax year’s taxes. So in order to consider it this year, the proposed city homestead exemption ordinance would need to be presented for first reading on the May 3 City Council agenda, the second reading on June 7. The city would then receive tax values in July, the tax rate would be passed September and in October the property tax would be levied.
Lady Cats Golf Finishes 2nd at District 15-5A Championship, Moves on to Regional Tournament
Lady Cats golf had numerous delayed starts to their district championship last week.
The district tourney changed to a two-day schedule, but Sulphur Springs overcame numerous obstacles en route to a 2nd place finish, moving on to Regionals.
Sulphur Springs got to Tempest Golf Club around 11 A.M. last Wednesday but a lightning strike occurred an hour later to delay the competition.
At 1 P.M. the Lady Cats got the 15-5A golf district championship underway, but not before another rain delay in the middle of the round caused another stoppage in action.
Not only that, but coaches from around the district hastily made last-minute alterations to the course so that it could in fact be playable for last week’s district tourney.
Add in some choppy winds, and Lady Cats golf had their work cut out for them.
At the end of day one, Sulphur Springs found themselves in 2nd place, only 14 strokes behind Longview and only eight strokes ahead of 3rd place Texas High. All this set up for an incredibly eventful and exciting day two with everything yet to be determined.
Coach Whitney Spigener’s team overcame all the aforementioned adversity, leaving Gladewater as the 2nd place team in District 15-5A.
The 2nd place finish allows Lady Cats golf to move on to Regionals.
“I’m just very proud of them for how they battled through it,” Coach Spigener said. “For us to be able to have this team get 2nd place is a testament to how they battled together and did what they needed to do,” Coach Spigener said.
The women’s golf coach said her team was very consistent, shooting 378 on day one and 379 on day two.
Freshmen McKenna Meskimen finished 5th, shooting 91/91. Coach Spigener said her performance last week is amazing in spite of the tough conditions the team faced. Another freshman, Kenzie Posey finished two spots behind Meskimen, shooting 93/92 at the district championship.
The third and final freshman for Sulphur Springs, Allison Thomas shot 100/97 in Gladewater.
Mykylie Meador, one of the few Lady Cats returning from last year’s squad, shot 94/99 in Gladewater. Brylie Brock went 101/99 at the tourney.
Coach Spigener said her team is the youngest in the district, making last week’s efforts in Gladewater allowing Sulphur Springs to move on to Regionals all the more impressive.
“It was just awesome to see these girls battle through the whole time,” Coach Spigener said. “They were very impressive not only for caring about what was going on, but just being very coachable,” the Lady Cats golf coach said.
Sulphur Springs recorded a couple of birdies for the first time this season. On top of that, the Lady Cats coach said this was the first time in her seven year coaching career at SSHS that all five girls on the varsity team finished with sub-100 scores.
“We’ve always had somebody in the 100’s,” Coach Spigener said. “So this was awesome to see,” the Lady Cats coach said.
Women’s golf now are set for the Regional meet held next week at Rockwall GAC. Sulphur Springs opened their spring season at the course in the Regional Preview.
The Lady Cats head out there for a practice round and to re-familiarize themselves with the course and hope for a solid outing like last week in Gladewater.
The 5A Division I Region II Tournament for women’s golf runs Apr. 20-21 at Rockwall GAC.
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.
Area Schools Come Together To Show Support For Family Involved In SH 11 Crash
Como-Pickton Student Reportedly Passed Away Wednesday As A Result Of Injuries
Area schools are coming together to show support for the family with two children and an adult care-flighted from a State Highway 11 crash Monday afternoon. One of the injured youths was reported Thursday morning to have died.
The April 4 crash involved three vehicles, an westbound 2016 Ford F-150 towing a trailer, the 2018 Ford F150 traveling behind it and an eastbound 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, all traveling on State Highway 11 east in Como at FM 69.
According to DPS reports, 45-year-old Jessica Pegues of Como failed to control speed in the 2018 Ford F-150 and struck the trailer attached to the 2016 F-150 driven by 48-year-old Wade Stuart of Gilmer, then struck the eastbound Chrysler driven by 32-year-old Markie Smith of Como. The 2018 Ford then rolled over into the bar ditch and caught on fire. In the vehicle with Pegues was a 9-year-old and 15-year-old Hannah Pegues, according to the April 8, 2022 Texas Department of Public Safety release on about the crash.
Three helicopters were requested and landed in the ball field near Como City Hall and Como Volunteer Fire Department’s Station 2 to transport Pegues and the two girls to area trauma centers, one to Children’s Hospital in Dallas and the other to a Tyler hospital. Jessica Pegues was reported to have been flown to another Tyler hospital for treatment of her injuries. The 9-year-old, identified by other sources as Adalyn Pegues, and Jessica Pegues were reported to have sustained serious injuries. Hannah Pegues died a few days later at the hospital, according to DPS and community reports.
The driver of the truck and trailer was not injured. The driver of the Pacifica was treated and released, according to the DPS release about the crash.
Both Hannah and Adalyn were enrolled at Como-Pickton CISD, where Hannah was involved in extracurricular activities. Before teaching at Winnsboro ISD, Jessica Pegues taught 7th and 8th math at CP for 10 years, has been a school bus driver and has served on the CPCISD Board of Trustees.
In a message to community members and posted Thursday morning, Como-Pickton Superintendent Dr. Greg Bower expressed to the Pegues family the deepest sympathies of the school board, administration, faculty, staff and students at the “untimely passing of our Hannah Pegues.”
Bower further noted that CPCISD is providing psychologists, counselors, ministers, and extra staff to assist students and teachers through this difficult time of loss.
Many schools throughout the week, upon learning of the crash, also posted notices of sympathy and support for Como-Pickton and the Pegues family online. Several schools dedicated a day this week for their students and employees to don War Eagle blue to show support for the Pegues family.
Sulphur Springs, Cumby, Miller Grove, Saltillo, Sulphur Bluff, Mount Vernon joined Como-Pickton Friday, April 8, in observing “Sky Blue for Hannah” and Como-Pickton Day. Students and employees at those schools as well as community members were encouraged to show support of their friends at Como-Pickton school and the Pegues family by wearing Como-Pickton gear and/or C-P sky blue Friday.
Miller Grove ISD and Sulphur Bluff ISD will also be collecting monetary donations to send to the Pegues family. Most on flyers about the day noted the Go Fund Me Account established for the Pegues family as well. Donations made through SBISD may be sent to school with students or contacting the office.
Yantis ISD launched “Let’s Help Together,” an effort to show support by raising funds next week to help the Pegues family and asks others to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. For $1 Yantis ISD students will be allowed to wear hats to school for the day. Teachers can wear jeans all week for a $10 donation. All funds raised will be contributed directly to the Pegues family. Monetary donations may also be made at YISD offices.
Saltillo ISD will be raising funds to benefit the Pegues family. Students may wear a hat to school for a donation of $1 a day. The district will be selling ice cream for $1 during all three lunches each day in the cafeteria. Monetary donations to benefit the family can be sent with a Saltillo ISD student to school or dropped off in the main office at Saltillo ISD through Thursday, April 14, 2022. District staff plan to present the funds to the family that afternoon.
North Hopkins ISD will show support for CPCISD in thoughts and prayers by paying $1 (or more) to wear pajamas and caps to school on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.
Several schools noted the online account set up on April 5 at https://gofund.me/5162bcs73 by Katie Tifft to accept monetary donation for the Pegues family. As of 1:05 p.m. Thursday, April 7, a total of 147 donations had been made bringing the total raised to help the Pegues family to $10,706.
Wildcats Baseball Can’t Keep Up, Losing to Longview 10-4
Baseball lost a much-needed win in a duel with Longview Wednesday.
Errors plagued the Wildcats as walks, errant throws and wild pitches allowed the Lobos to get the victory of Sulphur Springs in the Wednesday duel.
Wildcats baseball trailed to start the game.
Coach Jerrod Hammack’s team made a rally to lead shortly thereafter, only to watch it slip away as the Lobos stormed back for a 10-4 win Wednesday.
Sulphur Springs found themselves trailing early to Longview, as the Lobos capitalized on a few Wildcat errors leading 2-0 heading in to the bottom frame of the 1st.
Leading off in the 2nd, Ty Stroud singled to begin the at-bat for Sulphur Springs. An error, a single from LF Brady Driver, combined with 1B Dawson Carpenter HBP, and the Wildcats found themselves leading by one at 3-2.
Longview answered right back, putting five runs on the board leading 7-3 in the 3rd. Two assurance runs between the 5th and 6th innings and the Lobos led big Wednesday 10-3.
Sulphur Springs got their final two hits in the 7th, with a sac fly allowing Cole Haney to score, but that was all they could manage as the Wildcats fell to Longview Wednesday 10-4.
Ty Stroud lead the way in hitting going 3 for 4 with three singles. Colt Silman rounded out hitting not previously mentioned with a hit in his first AB. Both Griffin Crawford and Driver were walked twice by Longview.
The loss drops Wildcats baseball’s record to 4-13 (1-5 district).
Wednesday’s loss to the Lobos ends the first half of district play for Sulphur Springs.
It’s a quick turnaround for Coach Jerrod Hammack and his team as they get back on the road heading to Mount Pleasant Friday, Apr. 8.
The duel with the Tigers tees off in Mount Pleasant Friday 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.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – April 5, 2022
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell presented the following report to the City Council during the regular monthly council meeting on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
We have 0 patients in the COVID unit at the hospital.
CLAIMS
We had a fleet accident in March involving a truck from Water and Sewer Distribution Division. There were not any injuries. The other driver has not filed a claim with TML yet.
We had one other small claim involving a tire and rebar that was protruding from a driveway approach. TML denied the claim.
SENIOR CITIZENS BUILDING
It looks like we are going to get the $2.4 million in grant funding that we applied for. It won’t be official until later this month, but we scored well above the cut-off line.
PACIFIC PARK
The playground is under construction. I expect it to be completed this week.
The Capital Construction Division in installing a concrete walking path around the park.
COLLEGE STREET
The water/sewer/drainage is nearly complete for phase 1 from the plaza to Patton. Next, Highway 19 Construction (the contractor) will build the road and the Capital Construction Division will continue to the east with utility construction on Phase 2 (Patton to Como).
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will present a report of year-to-date revenues and expenditures.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Texana Land and Asphalt has begun the SIP program with work on Lee Street. Work will continue later this month with some of the projects that do not require cement stabilization, and then in June/July they will go full-steam and get the remainder of the projects done. Portland cement is in short supply these days, but should balance out before summer.
MISCELLANEOUS
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Repaired 400 potholes.
- Cleaned storm drain inlet boxes 3 times.
- Replaced various traffic control signs around town.
- Made 13 significant street repairs following utility repairs.
- Cleaned and prepared the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial and the interactive fountain for the season.
- Held grand opening event for the National Fitness Campaign fitness court at Pacific Park.
- Prepared sports fields for the season.
- Responded to 205 fire/rescue calls including 4 structure fires and 1 vehicle fire.
- Performed 35 fire inspections.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 90 fire hydrants.
- Responded to 182 calls for animal control, and achieved an 81% adoption rate.
- Made 3 felony arrests in the special crimes division.
- Responded to 35 accidents, wrote 606 citations, made 46 arrests and recorded 53 offences in the patrol division.
- Sold 3,797 gallons of AvGas and 11,037 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Had 1,605 operations (take-offs or landings) in March.
- Repaired scoreboard at Buford Park.
- Ordered parts for new electrical service at Pacific Park.
- Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids reading of .27 mg/L
- Replaced waterfall pump at Lake Coleman.
- Checked out 3,232 items from the Library
- Conducted 37 building inspections, 24 electrical inspections, 21 plumbing inspections, 51 mechanical inspections and issued 37 building permits.
- Repaired 10 water main ruptures.
- Unstopped 33 sewer mains.
- Repaired 9 sewer mains.
- Washed 75,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Treated 133 million gallons of potable water.
Sulphur Springs City Council Invite Community To Upcoming Events
Rodeo, Lewis and Abron Medical Fundraisers, First Responders Events, Kids Kingdom Work Days Coming Up This Mont
Sulphur Springs City Council, before addressing the business and action items on the regular April meeting agenda, took time at the beginning of the Tuesday night, April 5, 2022 council meeting, to report on and invite community members to attend a few upcoming events they are involved in or aware of that will be happening in the next few weeks in town.
“April is a very busy month,” Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers said. “There are a lot of great things and worthy things going on this month.”
Israel Lewis Benefit
Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers noted a benefit is planned this Saturday evening, April 9, for Israel Lewis who has been very sick.
The Better Together BBQ will event will also feature a live auction. All funds raised will go to Israel Lewis, who has been battling illness. There will even be live music provide by Songbird Jones.
The event will be held at Heritage Park, located on North Jackson Street.
Kenneth Abron Benefit
Sulphur Springs Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash noted another upcoming event is a benefit for Kenneth Abron and his family on Good Friday. Abron, a deacon at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, is in the hospital. He faces 2 years of medical bills, which are very financially taxing for his family.
The city wide benefit will be begin at 6 p.m. Good Friday, April 15, at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 208 Fuller St. in Sulphur Springs. The Community Choir Gospel Musical Fund Raiser is expected to be about an hour in length, with all funds raised going to help Abon and his famiy.
Nash said everyone is welcome to attend this event to help Deacon Kenneth and the Abron family.
UPRA Rodeo
Sulphur Springs Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar invited the community to attend the Hopkins County Rodeo Committee’s annual 2-day UPRA Rodeo, which will feature some accomplished big name individuals in the industry who will lend their skills to provide additional entertainment as well as quality contracting and sounds at the April 15-16 event. Among them will be trick rider Jane Revercomb, professional announcer Mark Evans and barrel man Ronald Burton.
Revercomb is an outstanding cowgirl, worked for the 6666 Ranch and has also been part of the 1883 series – spinoff of Yellowstone. She will be in town, enjoying the cuisine at local restaurants, meeting sponsors who are helping to get her in Sulphur Springs to show off her skills, Aguilar noted.
Burton, known as the Man in the Can, has than 20 years of experience as a rodeo clown and entertainer. He has been named and been nominated PRCA Barrel Man of the Year several times, Aguilar noted. Burton was named the PRCA Ram Great Lakes Circuit Finals Barrel Man in 2020, CPRA Contract Act of the Year 11 times (2011-2021), CPRA Finals Barrell Man 9 times (2011-2014, 2016-2019, 2021), SPBR Barrel Man of the Year in 2010 and 2012, in addition to numerous other honors and awards bestowed him as finals bullfighter for nine different rodeo organizations from 1996 to 2007, according to his website.
“He’s pretty interesting. He’s got videos and songs and al that on YouTube if you look him up,” Councilman Aguilar said of Burton, who is listed on YouTube and Facebook as Ronald Burton Rodeo Clown.
Evans is from the local area, from Hagansport area, but travels all over the United States. He was last year’s nominee for Sound Man of the Year. Often one person announces and another works in the background to provide sounds. On his own, he does both. Which can be complicated, but Evans does a good job doing both and getting the point across, Aguilar noted.
“We’ve got pretty good entertainers and the contract personnel that we have this year, so we hope to see you at the rodeo this next weekend,” Aguilar said.
The doors at Hopkins County Civic Center’s Indoor Arena will open at 6:30 p.m. April 15-16, 2022, with the UPRA Rodeo set to begin at 7:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets are available in advance at Circle E Western Store for $10 for ages 13 and older and $5 for children ages 6-12 years, a free for kids ages 5 and younger. The rodeo will feature 9 events as well as a calf scramble, chuck wagon races, Easter egg hunt, bicycle give-away, junior bronc riding and barrels, mutton busting, and steer and boot scramble.
First Responders Events
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson noted an upcoming First Responder event planned later this month.
The First Responders Meet & Greet will be hosted by Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs Fire Departments, Sulphur Springs Police Department, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Hopkins County EMS from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the Grays Building, located at 413 Beckham Street in Pacific Park.
In addition to becoming acquainted with the first responders from each department, the community can enjoy a complimentary barbecue lunch during the family friendly event. There will a bounce house for kids to enjoy. Weather permitting, the first responders hope to be able to have a medical helicopter stage behind the Grays building, alongside fire trucks, police cars and ambulances for kids and families to check out.
The law enforcement and firefighters associations are donating some bicycles, which will be awarded as door prizes during the meet and greet event on April 23.
City Manager Marc Maxwell said he anticipates the new playground being constructed in Pacific Park should be completed by Friday.
Then, one week later, on April 30, the High School Leadership Class will be hosting a Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament starting at 10 a.m. on the girls softball field at the high school, with sponsorship by Chick-fil-A. This too will be an event, with bounce houses and other activities for kids and the whole family to enjoy between the softball and baseball fields.
“Due to manpower issues, trying to get all the shifts covered, we also talked with the high school softball and baseball coaches and they are going to allow the kids to play to play with the officers and firemen on those days too. It’ll be a good community event, getting everybody together,” Ricketson said, inviting everyone to both the First Responders Meet and Greet on April 23 and the Battle of the Badges Tourney on April 30, 2022.
Kids Kingdom Improvements
Sellers also noted that the Chamber of Commerce Adult Leadership Class will begin April 22-23 making improvements to Kids Kingdom.
“That’s really exciting. That’s been an important thing for our city, something that was done many years ago by Mary Bonham and the effort of our local citizens. Now, the Leadership Class has chosen to go back and revisit that, doing some much needed updating of the facility and the equipment. I’m real excited bout that happening,” Sellers noted.
April 22-23 have been designated to re-stain all the wood in Kids Kingdom and spread mulch. It will be professionally power-washed before that weekend to prepare for the staining. The Leadership Class is also planning to either replace or repair equipment such as the handicap swing, chains, swings and tires at the playground, to restore the ground mulch and install lighting for safety and security.
Church and civic groups and individuals are encouraged to help with the project. Click here to go to the designated website, or contact the Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-8515 or [email protected] to sign up to help show love to community children by volunteering their time and efforts to “Lights, Stain, Action – Serve Days” April 22-23. Volunteers will work from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with lunch and drinks provided.
History Walk
Sellers also reported he will soon be providing a History Walk from City Hall along North Davis Street and surrounding area around 10 a.m. April 23. He said the session is already full, but he’s had some requests for and is considering offering a second History By Foot session at 1 p.m. that day.
Information about the historical walks through downtown offered a couple of times a year are posted on the History by John Facebook page.
April 2022 Designated As Fair Housing Month In Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers during the presentations and announcements portion of the April 5 City Council meeting, proclaimed April 2022 as Fair Housing Month in Sulphur Springs, and noted the importance of the fair housing laws.
Sellers noted that Title 3 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, prohibits discrimination in housing and declares it’s nation policy to provide within constitutional limits for fair housing in the United States.
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, (and as amended) handicap and family status. Title VIII of the Act is also known as the Fair Housing Act of 1968, what the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) notes was intended as a follow up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
George Romney, the Michigan Governor who successfully campaigned for ratification of a state constitutional provision that prohibited discrimination in housing, was named Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Samuel Simmons was appointed the first Assistant Secretary for Equal Housing Opportunity.
The principle of fair housing is not only a national law and national policy, but a fundamental human concept entitlement for all Americans.
In April 1969 arrived, HUD celebrate the Act’s 1st Anniversary, during which the Title VIII Field Operations Handbook was completed, and a formalized complaint process was instituted. HUD hosted a gala in the Grand Ballroom of New York’s Plaza Hotel. Advocates and politicians from across the nation shared in the evening, including members of the National Committee Against Discrimination.
In subsequent years, the tradition of celebrating Fair Housing Month grew larger and larger. Governors began issuing proclamations designating April as “Fair Housing Month.” Schools sponsored poster and essay contests focused on fair housing issues in April. Hud, working with the National Association of Homebuilders, National Association of Realtors, and the American Advertising Council provided “free” billboard space throughout the nation to get the fair housing message into neighborhoods, industrial centers, agrarian regions and urban cores. Every region also had its own celebrations, meetings, dinners, contests and radio-television shows that featured HUD, state and private fair housing experts and officials.
Continuing to designate April as Fair Housing Month provides an opportunity for all Americans to recognize that complete success and a goal of equal housing opportunity can only be accomplished with the help and cooperation of all Americans, Sellers read from the proclamation during the regular 7 p.m. City Council meeting.
In proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month in Sulphur Springs, Sellers Tuesday night urged all citizens to become aware of and support fair housing laws.
Baseball Making Up Tuesday’s Game at Home For Wednesday Game Day
Baseball is at home hosting the Lobos on this Wednesday game day.
Sulphur Springs originally was scheduled to host Longview on Tuesday, Apr. 5 but outfield drainage issues forced the district match-up to be pushed one day to today, Wednesday, Apr. 6.
Coach Jerrod Hammack’s team has to get a win Wednesday over the Lobos if they wish to stay in the playoff race.
Sulphur Springs fell in Hallsville last Friday 9-1 and fell to 1-4 in district play. Baseball looks to snap a two-game losing streak Wednesday.
The Wildcats host Longview on this Wednesday Gameday.
The Lobos (2-3, 4th in 15-5A) bring a two game winning streak into Wednesday’s game. A win over Longview tonight goes a long way to staying in the playoff hunt.
That game tees off at Wildcat Park Wednesday, Apr. 6 at 7 P.M.
Wednesday’s baseball’s district match-up with Longview will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM. If given permission, we will also livestream Wednesday’s game on to KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
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.
April 6 Chamber Connection – Lots of Upcoming Activities Planned This Month
Be A Super Hero April 7, Help With Kids Kingdom Rehab Weekend of April 22-23, School Days Lunch & Learn On April 20
By Butch Burney, Chamber CEO/President
Kids Kingdom needs your help the weekend of April 22-23, just as it did when it was built 25 years ago.
The Sulphur Springs Leadership Class has selected to rehab Mary Bonham’s Kids Kingdom in Buford Park. And just like when it was constructed quarter-century ago, everyone is invited to help.
Friday and Saturday, April 22-23, have been designated as work days to re-stain all the wood in Kids Kingdom and spread mulch. It will be professionally power-washed before that weekend to prepare for the staining.
The class is also planning to replace and/or repair the equipment, such as the handicap swing, chains, swings, tires, etc. for the playground, restore the ground mulch and install lighting for safety and security.
Church and civic groups, as well as individuals, are encouraged to help with the project. To sign up to help, go to the website: https://forms.monday.com/forms/bcbe10e346b300167c125ad23b7dd17c?r=use1 or contact the Chamber at 903-885-8515 or [email protected] to sign up to help that weekend!
School Days
Education will the be topic of the Chamber’s next Lunch and Learn, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast.
Cumby ISD faculty will be on hand to talk about their PTECH program and how student internships can benefit businesses and students alike.
Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Mike Lamb will also be on hand to discuss the $93 million bond proposal that will go before voters in May.
Cost of the Lunch and Learn is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers. To register, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email me at [email protected].
Wildcat Jazz
Wildcat Jazz Band’s 2nd Annual Jazz on the Square is coming to downtown at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21. They will feature songs from Three Dog Night, The B-52s, the Blues Brothers and more.
Living Well
Be Well, Live Well is the topic of a four-session program offered by Texas AgriLife Extension Office.
The sessions are April 11, 14, 18 and 21, at 10 a.m. each day. Contact Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443 or [email protected].
Be a Kids Superhero
You can be a superhero in attire and deed with the CASA Superhero Virtual Walk to promote Child Abuse Awareness. During the month of April, you are encouraged to walk or run anytime anywhere while earing a superhero costume, cape or simply a blue shirt. Post your photo on social media with the hashtag #lakecountrycasa.
Spring Market
The Spring Market on Main is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, on Main Street. Come out, shop, eat and purchase from vendors, booths and shops.
Warrior Run
The 10th and final Tanner Higgins Warrior Run is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at Celebration Plaza. There will be a 5K Warrior Run and a one mile Grunt Run. Registration is $20.
Rodeo Weekend
The Nottingham’s Sulphur Springs Dodge UPRA Rodeo will be contested April 15 and 16 in the Hopkins County Civic Center Arena at 7:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $10 for adult, $5 for children ages 6-12, and 5-and-under are free. Tickets can be purchased at Circle E Western Store.
Pop Up Shopping
Beauty Grace, at 220 Connally St., will have a pop up shop Spring Fling from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, a perfect time to shop for Easter attire.
Night With Champions
Texas A&M-Commerce is hosting a Night With Champions, celebrating student-athlete success and the university’s transition to Division I on Friday, April 8, at the Rayburn Student Center. The event starts at 5:15 p.m. with a VIP reception and the program begins at 7 p.m. Proceeds support student-athlete scholarships.
For more information, contact Lion Athletics at 903-468-8760 or email [email protected].
Ribbon Cutting
The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at noon Tuesday, April 12, at the museum on State Highway 11. Please join us for that event.
Lady Cat Softball Walks-Off Longview in 12 Innings
It took almost two full games’ lengths, but Lady Cats softball pulled out the win Tuesday, Apr. 5 in walk-off fashion.
Sulphur Springs beat Longview 1-0 in 12 innings.
A pitcher’s duel ensued Tuesday night at Lady Cat Park.
Softball head coach David Carrillo’s anticipated this coming in to Tuesday’s duel in Sulphur Springs.
“[Tuesday’s] the 4th time we’ve faced [Longview P Rios], and each time she’s been on,” Coach Carrillo said. The softball coach applauded the pitcher for her abilities, calling her the 2nd best in 15-5A behind only Crimson Bryant.
Both teams struggled to hit the ball. Sulphur Springs got two hits versus Longview in their first-at bat, only obtaining a few more hits versus the Lady Lobos along the way.
Coach David Carrillo’s team had several chances to get the go-ahead run but stranded close to a dozen runners Tuesday.
“We left a lot of runners on tonight,” Coach Carrillo said. “We had opportunities that we need to do better at getting those girls in,” the softball coach said.
It wasn’t until the 12th inning that softball was finally able to capitalize on runners in scoring position. Longview threatened to get themselves out of another tricky situation as the Lady Cats had surrendered two outs in the at-bat.
P Crimson Bryant, facing a 1-2 count made an excellent play with a push bunt towards the pitcher.
“Crimson plays around with that push bunt all the time,” Coach Carrillo said. While he and his junior ace pitcher joke about it all the time, the softball coach knew that one day that same push bunt would be the difference-maker in a game. Tuesday against the Lady Lobos it came to pass.
When Longview’s pitcher and another infielder could not scoop it up and toss it to 1st for the final out, the Lady Cats as a result walked it off in the 12th 1-0.
Bryant got her team the win after pitching all 12 innings. While she did allow 3 hits and hit two batters, the junior struck out 25 batters Tuesday in the win.
The walk-off win gives softball a 17-1-2 overall record (8-0 district).
Next up, Coach Carrillo’s team hosts 4th placed Mount Pleasant Friday, Apr. 8.
That game tees off at Lady Cat Park Friday 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.
