Signs Are Up For Takeout Together – Curbside Pick Up From Sulphur Springs Restaurants
The launch of “Takeout Together” was announced Tuesday. This will allow local restaurants in Sulphur Springs to continue to serve patrons curbside until the coronavirus concern has passed.
“We will be designating certain parking spaces, specifically downtown where they have shared parking, for that purpose and no other purpose. So people can show up, the restaurant staff will bring their food and they can take off,” City Manager Marc Maxwell said Tuesday.
A number of local food establishments are already offering curbside pick up. Additional information, including a list or restaurants participating, and a video are expected to be posted by end of week about it social media sites.
Maxwell said for people to start watching for the Takeout Together signs. This effort will help curtail potential spread of germs and viruses and help local businesses stay open. Many, he said, are already impacted by the measures being taken in communities across the country in an effort to reduce potential spread of COVID-19.
While more people are remaining in their homes as recommended, that means less business for local restaurants and businesses. This will allow patrons to continue supporting local businesses while still taking precautions, according to the city manager. Look for Takeout Together on Facebook for information about your favorite restaurant or call for information.
So far, Maxwell said, no confirmed cases have been recorded in Sulphur Springs, but that could change as the number of people across the state confirmed to have the virus increases.
The City of Sulphur Springs did order the Senior Citizens Center closed starting March 16, and Sulphur Springs Public Library will close tonight at 6 p.m. They will remain closed indefinitely, until the coronoavirus concern has passed.
Other city offices and operations remain open. City officials are encouraging those who can to pay their water bills online as a precaution for their health as well as city staff. They understand some are unable to do so. Thus, city offices remain open for people to pay water bills and municipal court tickets. All trials in the municipal court have been postponed until further notice, however.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson said city staff like other officials continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 and are taking appropriate precautions where possible. Emergency personnel have been equipped with protective gear for their safety while responding to calls in the field.
SSISD Tax Office Closed; Other Payment Options Available
Sulphur Springs ISD Tax Office is closed at this time due to the COVID-19 concerns. However, there are other options for taxpayers who need to make a payment. See the SSISD post below:
Tira News for March 18, 2020
Tira Community Center Closed, Food Pantry Stocked
By Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council met at the Community Center on Monday, March 16. The group discussed upkeep of the building and grounds. The Council considered adding storage for pantry items and will be discussing this more at the next quarterly meeting on June 1. Janie Lewis gave a report on the Community Center rentals. As of March 18, 2020, the Community Center is closed for gatherings through April. This closure could be extended, if necessary.
The Tira Food Pantry will continue to be stocked. The Council is asking that
those in need take what is they require, but leave some for others.
Joyce Dodd expressed a concern that the Tira Food Pantry demands may exceed the supply. Amie Davidson, a teacher at North Hopkins School, brought some bags of food for the pantry on Monday. We want to express our appreciation for the donation. If you would like to help out, please contact Joyce Dodd at 903-348-8754 or Tami Joslin at 903-268-2496.
Yvonne Weir reported that Dacy, Eli, and Elise visited on Sunday, March 7.
They went to Justa’s flea market, fished, and then had supper at Tejano’s in Cooper. Dustin, Everly and Maria visited that Monday. Daci and Dustin are Robert and Yvonne’s daughter and son.
Robert, Yvonne, and Wesley spent three nights in Hot Springs, Arkansas during Spring Break. They enjoyed the Mid-America Science Museum, flea markets, and strolling downtown.
Nicole Klemptner would like to let you know that her boys are doing yard work again this year. She says, “It is called DJK Lawn Service and they can contact me at (430) 252-4603 or Dalton at 1 (430) 252-4594. They are very hard workers and do a wonderful job at anything they are asked to do!”
We spent most of Spring Break at home, but we did go to the Dallas Arboretum on Thursday. We had lunch at Razoo’s Cajun Café in Mesquite, and then picked up Chip’s sister Linda Ellen after she got back from working that morning. The flowers and grounds were gorgeous! It was a little warm, but there was a nice breeze, which made for
a wonderful day.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Miller Grove ISD Will Be Closed Through March 27; Schedule Pick Up Is Saturday
Parents Need To complete Home Technology Survey on MGISD Website ASAP
Miller Grove ISD will be closed another week, through March 27, with online learning beginning Monday, March 23. The situation will be evaluated every two weeks after that, school officials announced on the school website Wednesday evening.
Updates from the Centers from Disease Control, local and state officials were cited as factors in the decision.
“We believe that it is in the best interest of public health to support social distancing by closing schools for traditional instruction. As you may have seen, many of our fellow school districts are facing this same situation. We will notify you of any changes as soon as we have the information,” the MGISD release states.
Saturday, March 21, has been designated for materials pickup at the school. From 9 a.m. to noon, students can pick up items that are in their locker/classroom as well as electronic devices supplied by the school and hotspots provided by the school, if needed, and any other supplies they may need.
Elementary parents should pull their vehicle into the elementary parking lot, the same as they would for drop off and pick up. Junior high and high school parents/students should pull up to the front door of the school.
All are asked to please remain in their vehicles; school employees will deliver the items to the car.
Miller Grove FFA advisor also noted that due to the extended school break, the Community Clean-Up Day planned for March 21 will have to be rescheduled after students return to school. All FFA events and contests scheduled through Aprils, like all other school events and competitions have been canceled at this time as well.
Redneck Bar & Grill Faces Health Crisis Head-On
Redneck is now offering and encouraging curbside pick-up as well as delivery options. Zane Darling, owner of Redneck Bar & Grill on Main St in downtown Sulphur Springs, is never one to shy away from a challenge. He freely admits though that the current health crisis is worrisome not only to his employees, but his customers as well, many that eat at his establishment several times a week. “We think of our employees and customers as family, and want to make sure everyone remains healthy.”, Zane stated. He added, “we take pride in the cleanliness of our restaurant but will take extra precautions when sanitizing/disinfecting all areas of the building, as well as monitoring our employees every morning when they come into work.”
Redneck has been in business since 2013 and opened on Main Street back in 2015. They have been a fixture in the downtown dining area ever since. With coronavirus at the top of everyone’s mind, the restaurant is encouraging curbside pick-up right outside their front door in parking spaces blocked off by the city, as well as offering delivery options by calling 903-885-1600. Zane Darling told KSST News, “we want to continue to serve our loyal customer base, but still want to follow guidelines of social distancing and understand those that want to limit their interactions with larger group sizes.” Although take-out has always been available at the restaurant, picking up curbside has now been made available through the city blocking off the parking spaces. They now want to offer delivery to meet the demand they are seeing from their customers.
COVID-19: Cumby City Facilities Closed To The Public
The City of Cumby has closed all city facilities to the public in response to the continued threat of COVID-19. Bills may be paid online, by phone or dropped in the designated dropbox outside of City Hall, according to a notice posted by Cumby Mayor Doug Simmerman.
The Easter Egg hunt scheduled in Cumby on April 4 has been canceled as a precaution as well.
15 Days To Slow The Spread
March 18th, 2020
Although there have been NO postitive cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Hopkins County, local and state officials are encouraging residents to follow the guidelines set out by the federal government. These guidelines called “15 Days To Slow The Spread” are as follows:
- Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
- If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
- If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.
- If someone in your household has tested positive for the Coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.
- If you are an older American, stay home and away from other people.
- If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition—such as a significant heart or lung problem—stay home and away from other people.
- Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
- Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
- If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
- Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
- Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
- Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
- Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance
- Practice good hygiene:
- Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
SSISD To Make Decision Regarding Classes By Thursday Afternoon
Trustees To Hold Special Meeting To Address Employees Pay During Emergency School Closure
Sulphur Springs ISD will be making a formal decision by noon on Thursday, March 19, about extending the date through which schools are closed and will send out notifications about it when the decision is made.
SSISD addressed some community questions related to school, including credits and course work, and have provided a link where concerned parents can submit questions.
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees have called a special meeting tonight at 6 p.m. The only action item on the agenda, to “discuss and consider possible action regarding resolution to pay employees during emergency school closure,” is to be discussed during an executive session. Any action would immediately follow that session.
Emergency Management Team Confirms Still NO Positive Cases Of COVID-19 In Hopkins County
March 18, 2020
During a scheduled teleconference with Hopkins County Emergency Management team members, Andy Endsley stated that there are still NO positive test results from any Coronavirus tests. The number of tests that have been performed is unknow at this point, as all testing is sent to one of the state run labs. Team members were quick to point out, that although we don’t have any positive cases in Hopkins County, everyone should follow the guidelines set out by the CDC on group sizes and social distancing. You can find those at this link. 15 Days to Slow the Spread There was no difinitive answer from the Emergency Management members as to what changes may occur if and when a positive test should result. As is the rest of the state, nation, and the world, the team members are literally working around the clock and must make these decisions hour by hour.
Emergency Management coordinator Andy Endsley noted that many restaurants in Hopkins County are offering delivery and curbside pick up but that it was the choice of the business owners whether or not to close their dining rooms. County Judge Robert Newsom stated that Hopkins County is in constant contact with other cities and state officials to determine if and when a limit on group gathering size should be mandated.
All Hearings, Including March 19 Pre-Trial, In Sulphur Springs Municipal Court Rescheduled
There will be no pre-trial hearings in Sulphur Springs Municipal Court on Thursday, March 19, according to Court Administrator Karen Newsom.
The Sulphur Springs Municipal Court is rescheduling all defendants, jurors, and witnesses set for a hearing or trial from March 16, 2020 through and including April 3, 2020. Those impacted will receive a written notice from the Court advising of the new date, time, and location of their hearing, trial, or jury service.
The court office remains open for those needing to take care of a ticket. However, due to the Coronavirus 2019 threat, Sulphur Springs Municipal Court is encouraging community members, when possible to do the following as relates to any civil and/or criminal citations/cases, jury service notice, and/or witness notification a person may have with the Sulphur Springs Municipal Court:
- Call our mainline at 903-885-7454 M-F 8am-5pm. (In many instances, you can address your citation online or through the mail and not have to appear in person).
- If you believe you are sick, or have been exposed to someone who is sick, or a member of a high risk group according to the Center for Disease Control please exercise the following options to address your citation, witness notice, or jury service without entering a court facility:
- Call our main line at 903-885-7454, M-F 8am-5pm
- Submit documents to the court for upcoming court dates at the email or fax below
- Submit a request to reset a court date at the email or fax below Email: [email protected]
Fax#: 903-438-9548
Be sure to include current complete typewritten or legibly printed: name, address, DOB, phone, email address and citation # (if known), along with a request for reset providing notation as to why. A Judge will review and notice will be provided as to the Judge’s decision.
