CANHelp Receives Grant From United Way Worldwide
For the first time ever, United Way Worldwide announced and distributed $2 million in grants to 2-1-1s in the United States; CANHelp was among the organizations awarded one of the grants to help with their COVID-19 response.
Both United Way 2-1-1s and independently operated 2-1-1s were eligible to apply and a total of 52 organizations received funds to help manage surge and COVID-19 response services. CANHelp, an independent non-profit organization located in Sulphur Springs with the full name of Hopkins County Community Action Network, was one of the 52 organizations.
For this first distribution, grants ranged from $10,000-$50,000 based on weighted criteria including call volume, population coverage, and activation status.
CANHelp received $45,000 in grant assistance to help with their COVID-19 response. CANHelp has operated a 2-1-1 Texas call center for the Northeast Region for almost twenty years. The organization typically serves the counties of Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, and Titus, but have taken calls from across Texas since the pandemic began.
According to Executive Director, Shanna Martin, “On average, we take about 2,500 to 3,000 calls per month and have 3 full time call specialists working the phones. Due to our COVID-19 response, we are now taking over 2,000 calls per week. Our call volume has increased over 400 percent in the past month. We currently have every trained employee taking calls for 2-1-1, which is typically 5-7 employees on the phones at any time.”
From a press release issued on March 19, 2020 from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, CANHelp along with the governor and local officials, encourage all Texans in need of COVID-19 information and referrals to community resources to call the 2-1-1 Texas hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“As we encourage people to use social distancing and to stay at home when possible, this state resource can help the public stay informed, stay calm and stay safe,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services. “Our trained staff are working tirelessly around the clock to respond to all the public’s questions, through 2-1-1 as well as our HHS social media platforms.”
Texans, no matter where they live, can dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 and select option 6 to get information and referrals to COVID-19 social services, including testing, community clinics, unemployment benefits and more.
Texans can also dial 2-1-1 to find information about local community resources such as financial assistance for utilities or rent and food pantries, housing assistance, crisis counseling, utility payment assistance, and senior services.
Call center operators answered more than 785,000 calls by Texans for information and services during Hurricane Harvey and are available to help during this public health crisis.
Shanna Martin states, “We are very thankful for the grant from United Way Worldwide as it will allow us the additional funds needed to operate our call center at full capacity for next couple months without needing additional state funding.”
County, Yantis School Officials Are Working On Plans For Activities, Classes
As word of the Presidents’ three-phase Opening America Up Again plan and the Governor’s most recent instructions regarding COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines became widely known today, school officials are working on plans, assessing what remaining closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year will mean for their districts.
With no in-person events or classes on campuses, UIL officially cancelled all events and activities for the rest of the year as well.
During a time when seniors would be celebrating their successes and participating in time-honored traditions such as prom and honors programs, seniors and student graduating from one school to the next would be preparing for commencement excercises and activities.
Some school districts have begun recognizing their seniors on their Facebook pages. Where available senior photos are used, and information about the students’ achievements, civic and extracurricular activities provided for these students. Districts also recognize their career aspirations and the college, university, academy or military training plans.
Below are public responses made Friday afternoon, April 17, by Hopkins County and Yantis school district officials regarding the most recent plans issued at the state and local levels, and what that means for each school district.
Como-Pickton CISD
CPCISD Superintendent Greg Bower said while school officials don’t yet have answers, there will be a plan for graduation, scholarship and awards announcements, even if it’s online.
The district meal program will continue for students who are in need during the rest of our school year. Last week, CPCISD staff and cafeteria workers delivered almost 2,000 meals to students.
Below is his message Friday afternoon to the Eagle Nation Family:
Cumby ISD
Cumby ISD Superintendent Shelly Slaughter reported options are being explored for senior graduation and other celebrations. The district plans to have summer school and other learning options.
Slaughter issued the following news released regarding closing of school through the end of the 2019-20 school year due to the Coronavirus pandemic:
North Hopkins ISD
In a popup announcement NHISD’s website, official noted that while the school will be closed for classes for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, meals and distance learning “will continue as in process.”
Saltillo ISD
The Education Commissioner will give schools more guidelines concerning course work, meals, and graduation in the following weeks.
“Please rest assured Saltillo ISD will continue to provide the best we can for our students and families. Thank you to students, parents, school employees, school board members and community members for all that you are doing to keep Saltillo ISD one of the top schools in Texas,” school officials posted on The Saltillo ISD Lions Facebook page.
Sulphur Bluff ISD
Sulphur Bluff ISD “will still be sending home lessons from teachers and school lunches until our our original scheduled graduation date in May.”
Yantis ISD
Yantis administrators will meet on Monday to discuss senior activities, including graduation.
“These are challenging times for our students, staff, families and our communities, but we will continue to be flexible and keep you informed. We have high expectations for you all and will strive to provide the best education possible through the end of the year,” YISD Superintendent Tracey Helfferich, stated in a release.
Helfferich clarifies that while in-person classes on campus are suspended for all school districts in the state through the end of the school year, “online schooling will continue until the last day of the 2019-2020 school year which is May 22.” This is per TEA.
Questions may be emailed to Mrs. Helfferich at [email protected] or sent in a private message through Facebook.”
President Announces Guidelines For “Opening Up America Again” Plan
President Donald Trump has unveiled Guidelines for “Opening Up America Again,” a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives from COVID-19.
Phase One
Phase one of the Opening Up America Again plan for states and regions that satisfy the gating criteria includes:
Individuals
- All vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.
- All individuals, when in public(e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 10 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.
- Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing (e.g., receptions, trade shows)
- Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
Employers
- Continue to encourage telework whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
- If possible, return to work in phases.
- Close common areaswhere personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols.
- Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
- Strongly consider special accommodations for personnel who are members of a vulnerable population.
Specific Types of Employers
- Bars should also remain closed.
Phase Two
Then, phase two of the Opening Up American Again plan for states and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a second time includes:
Individuals
- Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.
Employers
- Continue to encourage telework, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
- Close common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce moderate social distancing protocols.
- Strongly consider special accommodations for personnel who are members of a vulnerable population.
Specific Types of Employers
- Schools and organized youth activitites (e.g., daycare, camp) can reopen.
- Visitors to senior care facilities and hospitals should be prohibited. Those who do interact with residents and patients must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene.
- Large venues (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols.
- Elective surgeries can resume, as clinically appropriate, on an outpatient and in-patient basis at facilities that adhere to CMS guidelines.
- Gyms can remain open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Bars may operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate.
Phase Three
Finally, phase three of the Opening Up America Again plan for states and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a third time includes:
Individuals
- Vulnerable individuals can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, minimizing exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical, unless precautionary measures are observed.
- Low-risk populations should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.
Employers
- Resume unrestricted staffing of worksites.
Specific Types of Employers
- Visitors to senior care facilities and hospitals can resume. Those who interact with residents and patients must be diligent regarding hygiene.
- Large venues (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under limited physical distancing protocols.
- Gyms can remain open if they adhere to standard sanitation protocols.
- Bars may operate with increased standing room occupancy, where applicable.
Alliance Bank: Call To Action On Paycheck Protection Program Funds
Alliance Bank April 17 announced on behalf of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) the following press release from Tom Sellers regarding the Paycheck Protection Program:
Our fears that the funds allocated by Congress for the critically important Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) would be exhausted have sadly become reality. The SBA announced this
morning that no further applications for this small business relief/survival program would be considered.
Community banks across Texas have stepped up in a major way to support small businesses and have been met with constant challenges, changes and delays in their attempts to process these loans. Virtually all the banks we have been in contact with have numerous applications still unapproved, despite their heroic efforts to move this process forward. There is rampant frustration from both prospective borrowers and the banks attempting to meet an unprecedented demand for these critical loans.
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas, in the strongest possible manner, urges our Congressional and Administration leaders to take immediate steps to provide sufficient additional funding for this program and make it clear to the public that they are committed to ensuring that adequate funds are appropriated to support the small business sector in this period of economic crisis. There are many areas of need in our country that should and will be addressed. In our assessment, this program should take precedence at this juncture.
To contact Texas Senators Cornyn and Cruz, as well as your U.S. House member, use this link to register your support for immediate and additional PPP funding!
https://www.ibat.org/grassroots-action-center?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f73543%2frespond
Sulphur Springs ISD Officials Are Working On Plan for High School Graduation
2020 Honors Breakfast, Prom and 8th Grade Banquet Postponed
In accordance with Governor Abbott’s executive order issued April 17, 2020, Sulphur Springs ISD will continue its school closure for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. SSISD will continue to serve students through May 21 via the Distance Learning Program.
The 2020 Honors Breakfast, Prom, and 8th Grade Banquets are postponed indefinitely. The District is working on a plan for our High School Graduation, and details will soon be available, according to SSISD Assistant Superintendent Rusty Harden.
All UIL sanctioned activities including contests, practices, rehearsals and workouts are suspended until further notice.
“Thank you for your support and cooperation as we ensure that all members of the community stay safe and healthy,” Harden stated in a news release.
While school is dismissed, the district will be holding Kindergarten Round-up, taking Kindergarten Dual Language Two-Way program applications and conducting new student registration April 20-24. Click this link for information.
Retail To Go Will Be Available April 24th For Retailers That Have Been Closed
Your favorite dress shop, gift shop, or other retailer that has been closed due to COVID-19 will be able to open with a “Retail-To-Go” format on Friday, April 24th. This opportunity to get retailers back open in stages has been announced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This information comes as welcome news to retailers that fall into the “non-essential” category determined by the state during the coronavirus pandemic. More information is yet to come from the state level as to what the next stage will be for each type of business. The State of Texas, will announce the next stage on April 27th.
Although some savvy retailers have already been using FaceTime and other resources to stay in touch with their customers, this new “retail-to-go” guideline will allow retailers to provide cubside service or home delivery of items from their establishments. Hopefully, this will expand with the next phase from the state level after a couple of weeks.
Carrie Crowson from Lou Nell’s Fashions tells KSST News, “that this is welcome news for retailers.” Crowson’s store has been closed since April 2nd but she has been staying in contact with customers in other ways.
Texas State Parks Will Open To The Public Monday, April 20th
After closing all Texas State Parks on April 7th, due to COVID-19, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that they will reopen on Monday, April 20th. Social distancing guidelines will need to be followed and gathering size will be limited.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will continue to stay current with the latest public health recommendations and will have up to date information on any restrictions concerning these guidelines.
Outdoor recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, biking, jogging, walking, hiking, wildlife viewing and the like are essential activities for Texas citizens. TPWD will continue to do its part to actively encourage and promote these opportunities in ways that are safe and close to home, said Smith.
Through this trying time, TPWD has worked diligently to facilitate access to the outdoors across the state, including in the state park system, which hosted nearly 740,000 day and overnight visitors throughout the month of March.
Questions regarding state park reservations can be emailed to [email protected] and general park information can be found at TexasStateParks.org.
Governor Abbott Announces Closure Of Texas Schools Through End of School Year
In a televised press conference on April 17, 2020 Texas Governor Abbott announced the closure of all Texas schools through the end of the school year. Teachers and administrators will be allowed back into the classrooms for video teaching, adminstrative duties and to finish up their duties in their classroom.
Cumby Special Election Cancelled
City Council Addresses Court Security Committee, Depot Street Sewer Line, Name Correction
The only actions taken by Cumby City Council during the Zoom meeting earlier this week involved the Cumby special election on May 2, need for a main sewer line repair, a name correction and proposal for a Court Security Committee.
Special Election
Cumby Mayor Doug Simmerman reported the city was contacted by state election officials last week regarding the Cumby special election scheduled May 2. The city was to share election costs with Cumby ISD. School trustees recently postponed the Cumby ISD bond election until November.
All candidates for Places 1 and 2 in the May 2 election were contacted, and all agreed due to the COVID-19 situation postponing the election until November is best for all. The council gave unanimous approval to cancel the May 2 election.
Sewer Line
Simmerman noted that the main sewer line and around it on Depot Street is deteriorating. When repairs are attempted it crumbles more. He noted that while consideration has been given potentially applying for a grant to help fund the project, the wait time for grant funding the city had been allocated for a new lift station has shown that process takes a while. The need is more imminent, as opposed to one that can wait for several months or over a year, the mayor explained.
Simmerman asked Hayder Engineering to look at the condition and give a proposed cost estimate, not a bid but a ball park estimate.
Place 4 Alderman Betty McCarter agreed that there are major issues with the Depot Street sewer line that need to be addressed.
Simmerman said the project, if attempted, would likely need to be done in increments, as not only will the sewer line need to be repaired, but also the street work to be addressed afterward. He asked the if they’d like to authorize him to start the process to go out for bids for the project.
“Yes, I think we should. The longer we keep putting it off the worse it’s going to get,” Place 5 Alderman Julie Morris said.
McCarter, who is directly affected by the “horrible” sewer line problems, made the motion to authorize the mayor to seek to go out for bids to repair the Depot Street sewer lines. Morris seconded the motion. It received approval from Mayor Simmerman and Place 3 Alderman Guy Butler as well.
Name Correction
The City Council also approved a resolution correcting the name of the city’s appointed auditor on official documents.
City Secretary Codi Reynolds explained that the council on Jan. 14 appointed Evans & Knauth to conduct the annual financial audit. Since then, the company’s name has changed to K. Evans & Associates. The name on the contract was the old name. The resolution simply authorizes the mayor and city secretary, in consultation with City Attorney Edgar J. Garrett, to take the necessary actions to correct or amend the name of the auditor to K. Evans & Associates.
Court Security Committee
The Cumby Court Security Committee was approved, as recommended by Cumby Judge Lana Adams.
“This is to get us in line with the law, Senate Bill 42 in effect since 2017, to be in compliance with a committee and standing order for court security. Every year, we’ll bring it for review,” Adams said.
The members selected are either on the committee because they are required by law or recommended to be on it, according to the judge.
The Court Security Committee is to be chaired by the presiding judge and will establish policies necessary to provide adequate court security.
Also on the committee are the mayor, Court Clerk Quanah Wright, City Attorney Jay Garrett, Police Chief Paul Robertson, City Secretary Codi Reynold and a slot for another court clerk, which is vacant at the moment, according to the information provided in the April 14 Cumby City Council agenda packet.
Court Security officers are required to hold a court security certification. Cumby Police Chief Paul Robertson and Officer Jeff Hundley have the required bailiff training and will serve in that capacity.
Cumby Municipal Building has secure access for comings and going for meetings and court sessions, which should put the city in compliance with requirements for that, the officials reported.
The council unanimously approved the Court Security Committee as recommended by Judge Adams.
HCSO: Two Men Jailed On Felony Warrants
Two men jailed in other counties were transported Thursday to Hopkins County jail on one felony Hopkins County warrant each, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office reports.
HCSO Deputy Elijah Fite traveled April 16 to Pushamataha County jail in Atlers, Oklahoma, where Shawn Wayne Austin was held on a Hopkins County warrant. Fite took Austin into custody and transported him to Hopkins County jail. The 38-year-old Sulphur Bluff man was booked on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for burglary of a building, according to jail reports.
Austin remained in Hopkins County jail on the charge Friday morning April 17, according to jail reports.
Deputy Fite also traveled April 16 to Hunt County jail, where Todd Phillip Jefferson was held. Fite took the 41-year-old Brashear man into custody and transported him to Hopkins County jail. Jefferson was booked into Hopkins County jail for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to jail arrest reports.
Jefferson remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning on the charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
