Candidate Profiles: Sulphur Springs City Council Place 1, Place 5
Sulphur Springs City Council will hold an election to fill places left vacant when 4 members resigned in December. The election was scheduled to be held in May, but was postponed due to COVID-19. Voting will be conducted along with other General Election Voting on Nov. 3.
Early voting by personal appearance will begin Tuesday, Oct. 13 and continue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 30, in the Game Room at First Baptist Church Recreational Outreach Center, called The ROC. Extended voting times will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24; from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25; and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 and Thursday, Oct. 29.
Sulphur Springs voters will be asked to select one of the four candidates for Place 1 and one of the two candidates for Place 5 listed on the ballot in each of the council races.
The election is a special election, thus, the names of the candidates for Place 2 and Place 3 will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, even though they did not draw opponents. Harold Nash Sr. was appointed in December to fill the Place 2 Council seat. He is unchallenged in the Nov. 3 Election. Oscar Aguilar was the only candidate seeking the Place 3 seat on the Council. The City Council in May appointed Aguilar to the seat until the election.
To help voters learn a little more about the six council candidates who are challenged for the seat they seek, KSST asked each to complete a candidate profile provide information about themselves and their candidacy, including their reasons for seeking a seat on Sulphur Springs City Council. Candidates responses are shared here, in ballot order by Place.
City Council, Place 1 Candidates
Name and office sought: My name is Jay W. Julian, and I am seeking the office of Sulphur Springs City Council, Place 1.
Family information: My parents are the late J. W. Julian, Sr. and Mary E. (Ames) Julian. I have one brother, John P. Julian, of Winnsboro, Texas.
Occupation, brief job description: I have spent the last thirty-two years in Sulphur Springs in the community banking space in bank operations in one capacity or another. Currently I am an assistant vice president within the risk management department.
Education, training, special skills, experience: I have attended Sulphur Springs High School, University of Texas at Arlington, and East Texas State University.
Why are you seeking this office? I have worn many hats in my 30+ years of community banking — problem solver, fact gatherer/ researcher, negotiator, independent thinker, development team member, strategist, trainer, project manager, committee member, counselor, and futurist. As a result, I have a unique ability to manage multi-disciplinary projects and to navigate complex challenges. But my actual experience has taught me that my professional and civic values boil down to the following:
- I am a curious being, and I always have been. As a result of my curiosity, I ask a lot of questions on the journey toward solutions and believe that minds are like parachutes, working best when they are open.
- I dissect things in order to get to know and understand things. Understanding means fewer missteps, and missteps cost money.
- I have BIG ideas. Big ideas require execution, execution is what matters, and I DO execution.
- I run full steam ahead into “fires.” What I mean by that is, when things are chaotic and at their worst, I tend to thrive.
- I am a man of unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible.
I want to take my drive and work experience and apply it within the council environment to solve the issues of today and tomorrow.
What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them: First and foremost, we need a city council that is committed to working together for the common good of the city and its citizens, leaving personal differences, personal agendas and grudges at the door. I do, however, believe that thoughtful fact based challenge and debate is healthy in all levels of government. It is by working through our differences coupled with compromise that yield the wisest decisions.
My top concerns, in no particular order, are growing the city’s tax base, an aging city infrastructure (that is, water, sewer, and drainage pipes/systems that are aged some greater than fifty years), city streets, and the recently annexed Luminant property. The Luminant property needs to be utilized in a way that generates tax revenue and/or fee income, or at the very least, be expense neutral and self sustaining—meaning that the Luminant property does not cost the city tax payers any financial resources.
What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I am a lifelong resident of Sulphur Springs. I have been attending Sulphur Springs City Council meetings as a regular citizen since approximately June of 2017 and have spoken out on many issues that have come before the council. In September 2018, I accepted an appointment to the City of Sulphur Springs Charter Review Commission. Commission members reviewed and updated the city charter for the first time since the 1980s. The commission was comprised of appointed citizens, city councilmen, the city manager, the city attorney, and the mayor. In June of 2019, I accepted an appointment to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals, on which I still serve. My ZBA voting record is open to the public, and I have endeavored to base every ZBA decision on its own merits with thorough research without any bias or favoritism. I think that my experience coupled with my increasingly incremental interaction with the city administration positions me to be able to ramp up on city issues quickly so I can have a positive Impact immediately.
Name and office sought: City Council Seat 1
Family information: I am a married man. Married to Gloria Bradley. We have been married for 41 years and have four children, Gavin, Angela, Graeme and Leigh-Ann and three grandchildren Kayla, Devon and Finzelle.
Occupation, brief job description: President and Chief Executive Officer of “A2Z Contractors”. And in a partnership B Builders
Education, training, special skills, experience: Lived in South Africa for the first 45 years of my life. Immigrated to the United States of America Legally in June 2000. I am a CPA (CA SA) equivalent. Trained at KPMG. Been in Property Developer partnerships, owned my own business and have been employed as Chief Financial Officer’s for most of my life. Have been part of constructing new buildings and houses, renovated old historic buildings with extreme care and recycled and repurposed buildings to create better use for them.
Immigrated to the USA years 20 years ago and worked in Orange County and Los Angeles as a Chief Financial Officer for the first ten years after immigrating, before purchasing my own company.
Currently, we are general contractors: “A2Z-Contractors” and working on property development B Builders and A composting business. We strive to do excellent work in everything that we do.
Why are you seeking this office? The people and Town Council of Sulphur Springs have done a wonderful job developing the downtown area, and recruiting new businesses to our area, but there is still a lot of work to do.
I have a vision to create Sulphur Springs as the Garden Town of north East Texas It will be the Hallmark Town where everyone will want to be.
We can take what has been started by the excellent people of this Town and make it grow, so that it can me more prosperous, successful and beautiful than ever before.
Imagine Broadway Street, Church Street, College Street and the others with Sweeping sidewalks, manicured lawns and gardens. Overhead lighting sporting spring succulent baskets and Christmas wreaths in the winter.
I want to give back to society and especially the people of Sulphur Springs. Many houses are derelict. The owners as well as the tenants have lost interest in their assets. Let’s help give the people of Sulphur Springs pride of ownership, where everyone can feel safe and feel great in their surroundings, so that Sulphur Springs and all its people will prosper.
What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them:
- We need better affordable housing for all.
- We need financial Stability for Sulphur Springs.
- While we have a wonderful downtown area, we need to improve and beautify all roads and accesses to this area.
- Parking and Travel routs to and from the downtown area need better planning
- We need to clean up some properties. We will find the legal way to help and assist all people.
- Let’s help diversify the businesses in order to create more jobs.
- Create more small affordable retail outlets and affordable commercial outlets with ample parking to assist entrepreneurs, where we can use the diversity of our many cultures and multi cultures to encourage success.
- Let’s focus on the town center and build our ideas outwards. We have so many pocketed developments outside of the Town area.
What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I love the United States of America. My family and I adopted this wonderful country 20 years ago and this country adopted us. We are now all, American Citizens.
I am people orientated. I am hard working and honest and I never give up. I always try and think out of the box and try to get on top of a situation rather than be wallowed up in the confusion of friction. I always pray for wisdom and as a result I am very aware that when one chooses a side, that there will always be those that are rejected as well. Hence, I try to accommodate everyone.
I treat everyone with respect, regardless of what class status they have, or do not have. Excellent education is crucial for all our children and no child should be left behind simply because they mature educationally or emotionally at a slower pace.
May God Bless this wonderful country of ours.
Name and office sought: Vanessa Diosdado-City Council Place 1
Family information: I am the daughter of Juan and Nereyda Diosdado and granddaughter of Maria E. Medina and Alfonso Diosdado.
Occupation, brief job description: I am a full-time college student at Texas A&M University Commerce. I am majoring in Political Science and have a minor in English. I plan on graduating in May 2021.
Education, training, special skills, experience: I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. I have worked in past local elections as an election clerk. I have also volunteered in past campaigns, such as Reiko Alexander’s county clerk and city council campaign.
Why are you seeking this office? I am excited to add more diversity of age, gender, and culture to the seats of our city council. One of the main reasons I have decided to run is because of what many of the younger generations, and even older generations, do not realize. Local governments impact our life every single day. There are many important decisions made here downtown at City Hall. I strongly believe that this is the greatest opportunity for me to spread that awareness over local government to the youth and learn.
I also want to be an inspiration to other first generation students, children of immigrants, young moms, overall the youth, and many more. I want to set the stage for the future leaders of Sulphur Springs who will one day join me in the decision making of our town.
What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them: Everyone starts out somewhere. I want to start here. No one begins their journey knowing everything. We learn as we go. I truly believe that my will to learn and listen will create a positive impact and outcome for the city.
What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I am the youngest, the only woman, and part of the diversity of the campaigns. I think we need that. We need as many voices of representation when running for a position. The city is made up of various people.
Name and office sought: Justin Brown, Sulphur Springs City Council Seat 1
Family information: Single, never married, no children
Son to Bobby and Delores Brown
Grandson to Hubert Poskey and Dell D’Lizarraga
Occupation, brief job description: Walmart, Assistant Store Manager
Customer service, oversee daily operations, control wages and expenses, reduce loss of inventory, and monitor safety
Education, training, special skills, experience: Sulphur Springs High School – Graduated with diploma
South New Hampshire University – Currently enrolled for Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Formerly Licensed and Trained Texas Peace Officer and Corrections Officer
Wage handling, Reviewing Profit and Loss reports and making administrative adjustments accordingly, administrative investigations, Partnering with private and public entities to reach a common goal, adapting to and advancing in new work environments
Why are you seeking this office? Sulphur Springs is my home. I was raised here and I plan to settle here. I feel that my generation needs to take a more active role in the local government infrastructure and help guide it into the future,
What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them:
I feel that we need employers that can pay higher wages in order to raise the median income, and a selection of affordable housing to help give more options to the community as a whole.
What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I am your peer. I know the struggle of finding work and housing. I want to do what is best for our community. Our local government has done a great job revitalizing the square and immediate surrounding area, but now is the time to see how we can improve the daily life of the average citizen.
City Council, Place 5 Candidates
Name and office sought: Ricardo Chavarria, City Council Place 5
Family information: I am Married to Maria Chavarria and have four children ages 17, 14, 12 and 10.
Occupation, brief job description: I am a Master Sergeant (MSG) with the U.S Army and scheduled to honorably retire by the end of October 2020. During the past 21+ years I have travel the world on different missions in defense of our Nation and have deployed seven times on multiple contingency operations such as, Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield … to name a few.
Education, training, special skills, experience: (Civilian) Graduated Central Texas College with a two year degree in Applied Science and Applied Technology and working on a Bachelors degree in Romance Languages. (Military) Basic Military Training, Advanced Individual Training, Primary Leadership Development Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, General Engineering Supervisor, and Safety and Occupational Health Specialist. Also, I served as the Mayor in a Military Base, Bagram, Afghanistan.
Why are you seeking this office? “Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless-Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage”. I have lived these values ever since I learned to use common sense, and I strongly believe that serving the people honorably, is one of the most rewarding duties to perform as a Citizen of this greatful Nation.
What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them: In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” Solve one Concern, one need or one challenge at a time, as long as it is for the improvement of the community.
What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I met my wife here. My parents are buried here and I will most likely be buried here as well, so why not serve this Sulphur Springs of mine while the Lord keeps me alive.
Name and office sought: Gary Spraggins, Place 5, Sulphur Springs City Council
Family information: Wife, Deanna Spraggins, 45 years, music teacher at SSES; 3 boys all went to SSHS.
Occupation, brief job description: salesman
Education, training, special skills, experience:
First president of the Choral Society when it started 23 years ago.
Originally from Jacksonville, born in Tyler, went to high school at Riverside in Fort Worth, then moved Brownwood, where I graduated Howard Payne University. I pastored a church in Brady for 5 years. I do a little preaching, doing music, and am fairly well entrench. I served on the Planning & Zoning Commission and 6 years on City Council. My two terms on City Council were while the city was engaged in the Downtown project to support increased business in our community. I do all sorts of stuff, cater, DJ, marrying and burying licensed (performing 1-3 wedding and funeral a year).
Why are you seeking this office?
I tried to talk myself out of doing. I wanted to. When six doors are open, that’s an opportunity. I’m a natural born politician in the best sense. A good politician is imperative to community, state and nation to Drive in government to keep things right. I’m excited about things the Council will be doing in few years. If I go on and off, I want to leave it in better shape than when I got there. I’m very excited about the upcoming opportunities and excited to serve on the Council.
What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them:
Obviously, infrastructure is important. We are still behind. Street, water lines and sewer lines are an important part of our city. We are behind on it, behind about 50 years. We are trying to catch up, but doing it slowly. The general flow and attitude of our city, not saying it’s bad, but I want to chance to be part of something very good. I want to be part of something that’s good. I don’t have an ax to grind or any cause. I think you hire good people, then get out of their way to work. The Council is important to set police and tone of the city to going in a positive direction.
What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy?
I do not have an ax to grind. I do have experience being on council already. I miss going and seeing.
I don’t know and don’t have anything against the man running. I tip my hat to him. I will apply commons sense to the way we do things. We will do well.
Come to the pole and I will ask people to vote for Gary Spraggins May 2. I want to make a difference in our city. I think it’s a good place to live.
TxDOT Paris District Road Report For The Week Of October 12, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Oct. 12, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sulphur Springs Area
(Hopkins, Franklin Counties)
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin County Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins County Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
- SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install guard fence and perform striping operations.
- SH 19, Hopkins County: From Loop 301 to Delta County Line. Watch for crews performing work on cross drainage structures.
- I-30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
- I-30, Hopkins County: From Hunt County Line to Loop 301. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform concrete pavement repairs.
- FM 3389, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews begin work on cross drainage structures.
Paris Area
Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta County Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar County Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
- FM 79, Lamar County: from Loop 286 to BU 82 H (Bonham Street). Watch for lane closures while crews mill and place new asphalt pavement and improve cross drainage structures.
- FM 1507, Lamar County: from South Collegiate Drive to Loop 286. This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway.
- SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement, upgrade bridge rail, and place new hot mix.
- BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). Watch for daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing roadway.
- US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. A new traffic pattern is in place this week. Traffic will shift to the north side of the roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the south side.
- FM 195, Red River County: from FM 410 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence and complete cross culvert extensions at two locations.
- SH 37, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail from Clarksville to Bogata.
- FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews safety treat drainage structures and rehabilitate the existing pavement.
Greenville Area
Hunt, Rains Counties
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt County Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains County Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
- FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903. This project will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor is currently working on establishing vegetation, removing existing signage and replacing mailboxes. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
- FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is constructing cross culverts on this roadway. Roadway rehabilitation work is scheduled to begin in early October. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
- Hunt County maintenance crews are performing overlay work on FM 499 at various locations. Crews will also perform spot base work on FM 1737 at various locations. Maintenance crews will be performing ditch work, pothole repairs, mowing and metal beam guard fence repairs at various locations in Hunt County. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
- Rains County maintenance crews will be performing patch work on FM 1564 from SH 34 to FM Crews will be working on US 69 at the Rest Stop Area and on SH 276 and FM 751 at the boat ramps. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this portion of the roadway.
- SH 34 bridge, Hunt County: 3.5 miles south of Quinlan. TxDOT has placed a temporary concrete traffic barrier to protect travelers from the damage caused by an 18-wheeler accident. The bridge/road is now open to both lanes of traffic. Please drive cautiously and safely in this area.
Sherman Area
Fannin, Grayson Counties
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
- US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar (SH 56) is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street (SH 56) exit. The northbound frontage road from South Travis Street to near Park Avenue is closed in order for crews to work on building the remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75 at the South Travis Street intersection. Traffic is requested to use the US 75 main lanes during this closure. There will be daily closures from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. for the northbound Washington Street exit ramp as crews work to construct detour pavement in this area. Exiting traffic wishing to access Washington Street should use the Park Street exit or the North Travis Street exit. There will be a nighttime lane closure on the southbound main lanes on Sunday night Oct. 11 for crews to perform restriping and to adjust traffic barriers along the main lanes and frontage roads between Park Avenue and FM 1417. The FM 1417 exit ramp will be closed during this time, and exiting traffic should use Exit 58 for Houston Street. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the lanes should be reopened to traffic by 6:30 a.m. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
- The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
- US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete slabs. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
- FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
- SH 289, Grayson County: from FM 120 in Pottsboro north to the end of State Maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to stripe and install rumble strips on the roadway.
- FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to the temporary detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
- US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
- US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM The new FM 691 exit ramp is open to access FM 691.
- Spur 503, Grayson County: from US 75 to SH 91. Watch for daytime and nighttime lane closures for both eastbound and westbound lanes as crews perform concrete pavement repairs.
- US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
- US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
- SH 289, Grayson County: between SH 56 and FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance workers blade level the roadway.
- SH 160, Grayson County: between SH 11 and the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
- FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
- FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
- FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
- FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
- FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
- US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided section. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement on the eastern end of the project between the Fannin and Lamar County line and County Road 2975. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while crews work on the inside lane to work on building the crossovers and turn lanes. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median. The SH 121 and US 82 frontage road intersections have been converted to signalized intersections. The on-ramp to westbound US 82 from SH 78 has been closed while crews work on building the new westbound main lanes. The westbound exit ramp for SH 121 is closed as crews work on building the new main lanes in this area. Exiting traffic for SH 121 is asked to use the SH 78 exit and continue along the frontage road to SH 121.
- County Road 3530, Fannin County: at Wafer Creek. County Road 3530 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new culvert. Traffic on CR 3530 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
- County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
- FM 274, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to SH 78: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews blade level the roadway.
- US 69, Fannin County: in Leonard from FM 896 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform ditch cleaning work.
Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews. Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
Early Voting Begins Oct. 13 for the Nov. 3 Elections
The General Election is less than a month away. There are a few changes to the voting process during the Nov. 3, 2020 election.
In accordance with House Bill 25, passed during the 85th Legislative session, there will be no straight-party voting, effective Sept. 1, 2020. Anyone who wishes to vote for all candidates affiliated with one party will need to select each candidate, one at a time on the ballot.
Registered voters will have an extra week to cast ballots this fall in Texas. Early voting will begin Oct. 13 for the Nov. 3 election in an effort to give voters extra time to vote, with a goal of not having as many at one time at the poles, to better observe social distancing.
The early voting location for Hopkins County has changed. All early voting in the Game Room at The ROC, First Baptist Church’s Recreational Outreach Building, located on 115 Putman St., about a block of the downtown square, in Sulphur Springs. Voting will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct.13-Friday, Oct. 30. Extended voting times will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24; from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25; and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 and Thursday, Oct. 29.
The last day an application for a ballot by mail will be accepted is Friday, Oct. 23; that means the application must be received by Oct. 23, not just postmarked. The last day to receive a ballot by mail will be Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.
To qualify for an absentee ballot, the registered voter must be:
- Absent from the county of residence on Election Day and during the early voting period
- Sick or have a disability that prevents the voter from voting in person without assistance
- 65 or older
- Confined to jail serving a misdemeanor sentence; or confined to jail without bail pending trial for a felony or appeal of a felony conviction
The early voting clerk’s address is: Tracy Smith, Hopkins County Clerk, 128 Jefferson St., Suite C, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. She may be contacted at phone weekdays at 903-438-4074, by fax at 903-438-4110 or email at [email protected].
Election Day voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 3, 2020, at the following consolidated voting centers, listed by voting precinct:
- Precinct 1 — Front foyer of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1000 Texas St, Sulphur Springs
- Precinct 2A — Fellowship hall of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist church, 208 Fuller Street, Sulphur Springs
- Precinct 3 — First floor courtroom, Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St., Sulphur Springs
- Precinct 3A — Fellowship hall of Grace Family Church, 1901 Loop 301 East, Sulphur Springs
- Precinct 4 — West Hall at Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston St., Sulphur Springs
- Precinct 4A — Front foyer at League Street Church of Christ, 1100 South League St., Sulphur Springs
- Precinct 5 — Ag lab at Saltillo ISD, 150 County Road 3534, Saltillo
- Precinct 11 — city meeting room at Cumby Municipal Building, 100 East Main St., Cumby
- Precinct 12 — Foyer outside the gym at Sulphur Bluff ISD, 1027 County Road 3550, Sulphur Bluff
- Precinct 13 — Art room at Como-Pickton CISD, 13017 Texas Highway 11 East, Como
- Precinct 16 — Foyer outside the gym at Miller Grove ISD, 7819 FM 275 south, Cumby
- Precinct 17 — Administrative building at North Hopkins ISD, 1994 FM 71 West, Sulphur Springs
Oct. 12-16, 2020 Meal A Day Menu
Although the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center remains closed due to COVID-19, volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. The Oct. 12-16, 2020 Meal A Day Menu includes:
Monday — Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, Carrots and Pickled Beets
Tuesday — Sliced Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Spinach and a Roll
Wednesday — Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Thursday — Chicken and Dumplings, Tossed Salad and Crackers
Friday — Chili Cheese Dogs, Fritos and Cole Slaw
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.
2020 Hay Bale Sculpture Contest Underway
Hay bale art is once again appearing around Hopkins County. Making art, or possibly making a statement with hay bales has become part of our fall festivities.
The purpose of the event is to:
- Creating a Fun and Entertaining way to Celebrate the Hopkins County Fall Festival
- Recognizing the Importance of Hay on the Economy of Hopkins County
- Developing County Spirit, Teamwork, and Hometown Pride
- Encouraging our community to show support to this industry and have fun!
Judging will take place on Friday, October 16th and the winners will be announced at the Civic Center at 2:00PM Saturday October 24th, 2020.
KSST found this submission on Sunday October 11th, 2020.
If you have a picture of your submission, or you feel one is news worthy, email it to us at [email protected]
19th COVID-19 Death Reported For Hopkins County
Texas Department of State Health Services on Oct. 10 reported another novel coronavirus 2019 fatality, marking the 19th COVID-19 death reported for Hopkins County.
The death, according to the DSHS County Trends report, occurred on Sept. 20. That’s 9 Hopkins County residents who, according to the cause of death on the official death certificate submitted to the state, died during the month of September: two each on Sept. 22 and Sept. 30, and one each on Sept. 30, Sept. 24, Sept. 25, Sept. 26 and Sept. 28.
Six Hopkins county residents were also reported to have died in August: 2 on Aug. 17 and one each on Aug. 2, Aug. 4, Aug. 7 and Aug. 28. Two COVID-19 fatalities were also reported on July, on one July 17 and the other on July 23.
Two COVID-19 deaths have already been reported this month, both on Oct. 5, according to the DSHS reports.
That’s a 4.4 percent death rate among Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March.
According to DSHS, the number of fatalities for recent days could continue to grow as more death certificates are filed for those days.
Across the state, only 94 new COVID-19 fatalities were reported on Oct. 10, increasing the total number of Texas residents who have died to 16,526, according to DSHS.
Sulphur Springs City Council Place 1 Candidate Jay Julian
Four places are on the November 3, 2020 ballot for the special Sulphur Springs City Council election. The seats became open when four council members resigned in December.
Harold Nash Sr. was appointed on Dec. 13 to serve in Place 2 on the council until the election; he was the only candidate to file for the seat. Oscar Aguilar was the only candidate to file for Place 3 on the council. He was sworn in to the sea Both Nash will appear on the Nov. 3 special City Council Election ballot.
Place 1 has 4 candidates — Jay W. Julian, Mark Bradley, Vanessa Diosdado and Justin M. Brown. Place 5 has 2 candidates — Ricardo Chavarria and Gary Spraggins.
KSST sent requests to each candidate to schedule a quick interview about their candidacy. Jay W. Julian is the only Place 1 candidate to do so, thus far.
Julian said aside for a brief time in college he has been a Sulphur Springs resident all of his life. He has worked at a local community bank for 33 year.
He said he wants to serve on the council to promote growth and prosperity in Sulphur Springs.
“I’m very growth oriented. I tend to be ordinance last, not ordinance first, so I tend to be a little bit more conservative as far as the ordinances goes,” Julian said. “I also tend to be a little bit more fiscally conservative in my views.”
He began attending City Council meetings in 2017. He currently serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustments and previously served on the city’s Charter Review Commission.
Julian said he’d like to see the creation of a Youth City Council, something he pitched to the City Council in February.
“I believe that’s very important that we try to engage the youth of the city and get them involved. Basically, we would be bringing up our newest crop of people that we hope will take our place some day. I think it’s real important that we foster that early,” Julian said. “I’m going to continue to push that whether I’m on City Council or not. I would still like to see that done.”
Julian said he doesn’t shy away from hard issues, and doesn’t take it personally when others don’t vote the same way he does. For instance, on the ZBA, he noted, his is often the one dissenting vote.
“I don’t shy away from it or take it personally. I just shake it off and we’ll see you next month,” Julian said.
He said regardless of personalities, he believes there is always room to find common ground to push forward the business of the people.
Sulphur Springs City Council Place 5 Candidate Ricardo Chavarria
Four places are on the Nov. 3 ballot for the special Sulphur Springs City Council election. The seats became open when four council members resigned in December.
Harold Nash Sr. was appointed on Dec. 13 to serve in Place 2 on the council until the election; he was the only candidate to file for the seat. Oscar Aguilar was the only candidate to file for Place 3 on the council. He was sworn in to the sea Both Nash will appear on the Nov. 3 special City Council Election ballot.
Place 1 has 4 candidates — Jay W. Julian, Mark Bradley, Vanessa Diosdado and Justin M. Brown. Place 5 has 2 candidates — Ricardo Chavarria and Gary Spraggins.
KSST sent requests to each candidate to schedule a quick interview about their candidacy. Ricardo Chavarria was the first candidate to do so.
Chavarria said he is seeking the Place 5 seat on the council because he loves city and people of Suphur Springs.
He said he has spent the last 22 years in the military, serving this country and dealing with many situations at the international level. He will retire as a Master Sergeant (MSG) with the U.S Army, starting Nov. 1. He wants to now serve the people of Sulphur Springs, taking care of things at home in the community where he lives, as a member of the City Council.
He said he’s been talking to residents and has noticed some things that need improvement. He believes that addressing those matters to the appropriate city personnel with a clear understanding of what needs to be done, these situations can be improved.
Chavarria said in the military, things are planned 6 weeks in advance, and it’s his understanding the city follows a calendar. He’s already talking with current council members about working together for improvements according following the needed schedule and process.
He said he wants to hear from and work with “all kinds of people, especially in the situations we have going on right now.”
“In the military I learned, I’ve been all over the world, so I learned to deal with all kinds of people and cultures. I think that helped me become a better human being as well,” Chavarria said.
He said he is willing to listen to anyone who might have a problem and see if the individual has a recommendation to resolve the situation, then, work with the individual to try to find a solution. When needed, he would also help present the request or suggested resolution to the appropriate decision-makers to achieve the goal.
Chavarria said his next venture will be farming, something Harry Lewis is mentoring him in.
Saltillo ISD To End Virtual Learning On Nov. 9
On Friday, Oct. 9, Saltillo ISD became at least the second school district in Hopkins County to announce the district will end virtual learning. Starting Nov. 9 all Saltillo ISD students will be required to return to campus, unless in quarantine.
Como-Pickton CISD Superintendent Greg Bower was the first to announced all district students, unless in quarantine, would be returning to all on-campus learning starting Monday, Oct. 12, because “online learning for our students has not been successful.”
Dr. Bower on Sept. 28 in a letter to parents stated the decision was due largely to the fact that too many online students were failing as a result of their neglect to attend school online in regards to the state’s mandated 90 percent attendance policy, or were at risk of failing as a result of their neglect to do required assignments or tests. He also, in a letter to parents noted the overwhelming additional workload that online learning has created for CP teachers “is not sustainable for such poor results.”
Saltillo ISD Superintendent David Stickels Friday announced that the district passed a resolution to terminate the synchronous and asynchronous instruction, often called virtual instruction, offered to Saltillo students.
“The overwhelming experience of our students and educators indicate that in-person, on-campus instruction remains the optimal method to provide the highest level of education that you expect from Saltillo ISD,” Stickels stated in the Oct. 9 letter to “Return to In-Person, On-Campus Instruction.” Virtual instruction will continue to be offered through the school district only for a student who is the subject of a quarantine order issued by a governmental entity or on the recommendation of healthcare provider.”
“Saltillo ISD will also consider, on a case-bycase basis, virtual instruction of students who provide documented evidence of immunocompromised health or other extenuating circumstances,” according to Stickels.
The district will continue to follow other health and safety protocols as outlined in the district’s 2020-21 back to school plan.
Families who do not wish their student to return to in-person classes on campus at Saltillo ISD, legally, may also withdraw from SISD and switch to home schooling, enroll in a private school or transfer their student to a district that allows transfers and offers remote learning, Stickels notes.
Any additional questions regarding Saltillo ISD’s decision to terminate distance learning effective Nov. 9 may be directed to Stickels at 903-537-2386.
DSHS School COVID-19 Case Counts: 16 New Cases At Hopkins County Schools
Over the last week, 1,698 students and 985 staff in schools across the state received positive COVID-19 test results the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4. That’s 38 more Texas students and 71 more staff testing positive during the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4 than from during the week of Sept. 21-27., according to the Texas Department of State Health Services School COVID-19 Case Counts report.
Cases in the Oct. 4 DSHS COVID-19 public schools report are defined as any staff member or student who participates in any on-campus activity that is test-confirmed COVID-19 of which a public school is notified. These do not include case counts from private schools. Case data if self-reported to DSHS by individual public schools.
Sixteen of the 2,683 new Texas schools cases were reported at Hopkins County schools, according to the DSHS School COVID-19 Case Counts report.
Cumulatively, there have been 99 people, 67 students and 32 staff members at Hopkins County school districts who have tested positive for COVID-19 since classes began for the fall semester. Of those cases the source of infection was reported to be on campus for 18 cases, off campus for 11 cases and unknown for the remaining 70 cases, according to the DSHS report
Overall, that’s 7 new student and 9 new staff COVID-19 cases reported by 3 local school districts over the last week. Como-Pickton, Saltillo and Sulphur Bluff ISDs reported no additional COVID1-9 cases on their campuses.
For the third consecutive week, Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas Education Agency indicate that no COVID-19 reports have been received from Miller Grove ISD.
From Sept. 27-Oct. 4, Cumby reported 3 additional COVID-19 cases, increasing the overall total number of cases in students and staff to 13. over the last week, a Cumby High School student and two employees received positive COVID-19 rest results, including two individuals who were off campus when infected on one individual for whom the source of infection is unknown.
Overall, that’s 8 students in grades 7-12 and 5 Cumby ISD staff members who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since school resumed for the fall semester. That’s three individuals whose source of infection was on campus, 4 whose source of infection was off campus and 6 for whom the source of infection is unknown.
North Hopkins ISD reported a 4 new cases during the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4, two students at the high school level, which serves grades 7-12 and 2 new staff cases. The source of infection for all 4 was unknown, according to the DSHS report. Cumulatively, that’s 6 students cases and 5 staff cases since school started this fall; the source of infection, off-campus, was known for only 1 of the 11 cases, according to the data reported to TEA and DSHS.
Sulphur Springs ISD had four additional students on campuses serving students in grades 7-12 and 5 additional staff members who who tested positive for COVID-19 for the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4. The source of infection for all 9 cases was unknown, according to the data SSISD reported to the state.
Since school started on Sept. 1, SSISD has reported 42 COVID-19 cases, 24 student cases (4 in early childhood classes to 3rd grade, 2 in grades 4-6 and 18 in grades 7-12) and 18 staff cases. Of those, 1 person was known to have been infected off campus. The source of infection for the other 41 cases, was unknown as of the Oct. 4 report.
