On Being Kind…A Letter to Srs from Karon Weatherman
Karon Weatherman, Director of the Sulphur Springs Seniors Center, thinks very highly of her Srs! She is always planning surprises and doing special things on their behalf. On the final day of March, Karon sent out an email to all of them on her email list,, saying she hopes they are doing fine and that she misses them! Til she can see you again in person, Karon wants to hear back from you who are shut in and those at home practicing social distancing. To send a reply, email to [email protected].
Dear Friends,
Just a little note to say that I miss all of you guys and that I hope you are feeling OK. I wish I could call all of you guys but that is just not an option.
If you get this email please answer me back and let me know that you are OK.
I know some of you have kids that are probably taking good care of you and checking on you. I know some of you don’t have anyone to check on you.
If you need anything from the store and don’t have family or friends to help you and you can’t get out yourself please let me know. I have volunteers that are standing by to help you guys.
This is a scary time but if everyone will wash their hands often, cover coughs and sneezes or just plain STAY HOME we can get through this.
Please let me know how you are. I will be letting you know when we will be up and running again. Lots of events are having to be rescheduled for a later date. It will be a very BUSY Summer and Fall.
Love and Prayers, Karon
Superintendent: Saltillo ISD Will Be Closed Through April 30, Per Governor’s Decree Due to COVID-19
Superintendent David Stickels announced Tuesday afternoon that Saltillo ISD will be closed through April 30, per Governor due to the continued spread of COVID-19 in Texas. School meals will continue to be offered and work will continue online or by paper packets.
Below is Stickels official announcement:
In accordance with The Governors executive order concerning COVID-19, Saltillo ISD will be closed through April 30th. Saltillo ISD continue to feed families and make school work available either online or by paper packets. All school and practices are canceled as well. Saltillo ISD will continue to work alongside local health officials and monitor guidance issued by federal and state health authorities in determining when students and staff may safely return to school.
Please continue to monitor The Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and Texas Department of State Health Services: http://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ for updates and procedures to help keep you and your family safe from COVID-19.
Saltillo ISD appreciates your trust and understanding as we make these tough decisions in the best interest of our students, staff, and community at large. Saltillo ISD will continue to update you using the school app https://www.teamapp.com/clubs/37304, facebook, and our phone messaging system.
Sincerely,
David Stickels
Superintendent
Saltillo ISD
PJC Opens Remote Registration For Summer Classes
By PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, Public Information Services
Registration is now open at Paris Junior College for the May mini-term and other summer semesters. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the college continues to operate in a remote environment but those wishing to register may contact the college by email or phone. PJC is also offering a scholarship covering tuition for one Summer I or Summer II class to all graduating
high school seniors in the five-county PJC service area.
“We encourage students to go ahead and begin the registration process now,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin, “since the College is operating remotely the process may take a little longer than normal.”
New students who have yet to apply to PJC should contact [email protected] or call 903-782-0425; returning students may sign up for classes by contacting [email protected] or calling 903-782-0426 in Paris, 903-454-9333 in Greenville, or 903-885-1232 in Sulphur Springs.
Summer terms now open for registration include a three-week all-online Summer Mini-Term (May 18 – June 5), a 12-week Summer Long Term (May 18 – Aug. 14), a 10-week Summer Extended Term (June 1 – Aug. 14), and a five-week Summer I Semester (June 1 – July 7) or Summer II Semester (July 8 – Aug. 14). Within the internet and physical location lists, courses are grouped by term/semester and may be viewed at www.parisjc.edu/schedule.
Graduating high school seniors from Delta, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, and Red Rivercounties, and those from the Fannindel and Honey Grove school districts in Fannin County qualify for a scholarship covering tuition for one Summer I or Summer II class. Many courses from the State of Texas Academic Core are available for transfer to university, as well as workforce courses for those wanting to gain skills to start a career.
The online scholarship application is at www.parisjc.edu/scholarships. High school seniors wanting the summer class scholarship should enter “graduating senior 2020” in the scholarship application box that asks for “semester/year to attend PJC.” Those with questions may submit them to [email protected] or [email protected].
While many courses are already available online for the summer terms, there are still many unknowns with the COVID-19 pandemic. Those courses listed as face-to-face courses by location may be changed to online at a later date. All students will be kept up-to-date with Dragon Alerts, through DragonMail, or by checking http://www.parisjc.edu/covid-19.
Community Chest Changing Food Bank Service Dates
Effective April 1st, the Hopkins County Community Chest “Food Pantry” will only be open for drive-in assistance on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The change will allow the staff to better assist clients.
“Unlike businesses and stores who have closed, our intent is to continue operating through the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that these times are exactly when our clients need us most. We ask for your patience as we continue servicing Hopkins County,” said Judy Moore, HCCC and Christian Alliance executive director.
Hopkins County Community Chest is located at 217 Linda Drive. For additional information, call 903-885-3452.
Section Of State Highway 154 To Be Closed April 1 For Maintenance
A section of State Highway 154, on Gilmer Street near the railroad tracks, is scheduled to be closed from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, for repairs. According to the Texas Department of Transportation Sulphur Springs Area Engineer, the work is a maintenance program by Kansas City Southern Railroad.
Motorists who travel on that stretch of SH 154/Gilmer Street at Martin Luther King Drive at the railroad tracks should plan for the road closure on April 1.
CMFH-SS COVID-19 Response Includes Entry Screenings, Virtual Medicine, Chatbot
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs Celebrates Doctor’s Day, Welcomes New Wound Care Associate, Prepares For Blood Drive
A CMFH-SS News Release — CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Happy National Doctor’s Day, a day celebrated to recognize the contributions of physicians to individual lives and communities. CMFH-SS appreciates you and all that you do!
For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
- (1) Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
- (1) Visitor per patient
- Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old.
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken.
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken.
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
Services
CHRISTUS Virtual Medicine
At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, our goal is keeping our patients healthy and well. By expanding our services to offer video and telephone visits, we provide patients a convenient alternative to in-office visits for simple illnesses, including a cough or cold, to more complicated conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Go online to ChristusVirtualMedicine.org and schedule your appointment today! You may also call 903.606.DOCS to schedule.
COVID Health Chatbot
In an effort to help respond to questions and concerns regarding COVID-19, we have added the COVID Health Chatbot on our websites to help with triage and to ease concerns. The dedicated tool offers self-screening information for the virus, which will in turn provide direction on what next steps are needed based on the information given. The Chatbot is available 24/7, and the clinical pathways that guide our Chatbot were edited and verified by CHRISTUS clinical experts and will direct patients to the best care locally.
Wound Care
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Wound Care is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Scott McDearmont. Dr. McDearmont brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with a background in General Surgery.
Our wound care team provides specialized treatment of complicated, non-healing wounds of any kind. Our goal is to heal wounds, promote early recovery, prevent hospitalization, and avoid prolonged or permanent disability and amputations restoring your quality of life through individualized plans. Advanced healing therapies such as Hyperbaric Oxygenation are available as well. To reach our Wound Care team, please call 903.438.4670.
Events
Carter Blood Drive
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a blood drive at the Medical Office Building – Plaza Conference Room (113 Airport Road, first floor) on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 4 pm. For more information, contact Patricia Wilson at 903.438.4380.
Community Preparedness
COVID-19
We want to be perfectly clear: CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. From physicians and nurses, quality and safety experts to those responsible for ordering supplies and keeping the hospital clean – all our Associates are involved in making sure we provide a safe environment for our patients. Every single day.
To be connected to our CHRISTUS COVID Hotline, call 1.800.458.4559.
For more information on COVID-19 and preventive measures, please visit www.CDC.gov.
PJC Urges Business Owners To View Online SBA Informational Meeting
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
Public Information Services
Paris SBDC to hold Tuesday (March 31) online Q&A for small business emergency loans
The Paris Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been fielding many questions and assisting businesses with loan applications due to revenue loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to help local businesses navigate these difficult economic times, the SBDC will hold a virtual meeting through Zoom videoconferencing from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, to answer questions. Presenting will be Paris SBDC Director Jennifer Johnston, and Small Business Administration DFW Lead Economic Development Specialist Ahmad Goree, addressing the
funding and sustaining of small businesses. “This would be of interest to city administrators, Chamber of Commerce staff, Economic Development Corporations, lenders, and small businesses to gain information and address concerns about applications and resources to utilize,” said Johnston. Topics will include the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, SBA Funding Options for Business Liquidity, an update on the Care Act Loan Forgiveness, and local questions. “Our state and national leadership are aggressively working to respond to current business conditions,” Johnston said, “and updates continue to stream down the communication chain. We’ll be identifying some of the questions to support businesses’ decision to act. The SBA has various loan programs to support local business growth, and the videoconference will be committed to discussions relative to these unprecedented economic times.”
“The SBA EID Loan’s purpose is to provide working capital liquidity to eligible business owners who demonstrate the capacity to repay. The terms of these loans can up to 30 years with a low interest of 3.75 percent.
To join the Zoom meeting from a computer, go
to https://parisjc.zoom.us/j/669451007?pwd=T0VIb0dVbVFNaUVwYUMyQnNXVFpPUT09 and enter the Meeting ID: 669 451 007. To connect from a mobile phone, dial 1-346-248-7799,
and enter the Meeting ID: 669 451 007 and #.
Paris SBDC is a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Texas, and Paris Junior College. Advising services are offered by the Paris SBDC without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, sex, or disability. Special provisions will be made for limited English speaking individuals and those with disabilities. For questions, please contact the Paris SBDC at 903-782-0224.
No Injuries Reported In County Road 2392 Blaze
A mobile home in the Pickton area was destroyed by a fire late Tuesday morning. No injuries were reported in the County Road 2392 blaze, according to fire reports.
Hopkins County, Pickton-Pine Forest, Como, Brinker and Saltillo firefighters were dispatched at 10:16 a.m. March 31, to what was reported as a structure fire on County Road 2392 near Pickton. Hopkins County sheriff’s officers responded to assist at the scene as well, according to firefighters.
Upon arrival, PPFVFD members reported the structure had burned beyond salvaging. All other responding departments except Hopkins County Fire Department were disregarded prior to arrival, according to fire reports.
The resident reportedly told firefighters his dog barking woke him up. He said he saw heavy smoke and exited with his dog, getting a safe distance from the blaze before calling for help. Neither the occupant nor dog were reported to have been injured; the home and its contents were destroyed, however, the county fire marshal reported.
The cause of the blaze at this time is undetermined. The resident indicated he will be able to at least temporarily stay with relatives, according to HCFD reports.
(Photos Courtesy Pickton-Pine Forest VFD)
Dinner Bell for April 1, 2020
A big thank you to the Cross Country Cowboy Church and the Lions Club, Community Partners while we were closed.
CHANGE, we must in these times. Meals will be prepared and packaged to go. They can be secured under the covered walk way at the northern edge of the First United Methodist Church campus. There is no inside dining until further notice. Dinner Bell’s mission is to feed and not endanger the health of our friends. Drive between the buildings and continue to turn right. Meal distribution is under the covered area.
Chicken Spaghetti
Salad and Ranch Dressing Cups
Buttered Bread Slices
Apple
The distribution starts at 11:45 a.m. We ask that you take as many meals as are persons in your car. Around 12:30 you may pick up meals for members of your family not in the car. Please follow this plan so that no one goes unfed. Our process is designed to hand out meals. Persons who try to receive more meals than allowed violate the mission of this ministry. COOPERATE and ALL may be fed. This is GRAB and Go DINNER BELL!
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
The Texas Two-Step Method To Control Fire Ants
By Charlotte Wilson, Hopkins County Master Gardener
We have been battling fire ants in our orchard and gardens for 15 years with pretty poor results. We treated mounds and a month later a new mound would appear five feet away. Every spring and fall we would have to completely retreat a bunch of new mounds.
I would like to explain the Texas Two-Step Method, created by Michael Merchant and Bastiaan Drees with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. We treated a 2-acre area in September and 7 months later, I can still see a big difference. A few mounds have appeared so I will again treat using the Texas Two-Step Method as soon as the weather warms up a bit.
The first step is to broadcast one of the many excellent fire ant baits over your entire yard. When collected by foraging ants, bait particles are carried to all colonies in the yard and shared with queens and other ants in the underground nests. This controls visible as well as hidden fire ant nests.
The second step is to spot treat any individual mounds that appear, or those that need immediate control, such a mound in a play area or vegetable garden.
Two types of spreaders can be used to broadcast fire ant baits. The type you use depends on the bait you choose. Read the label! It will tell you which spreader to use. One pass over the area is generally sufficient, as the amounts are low. Our spreader was set on the lowest setting and we were surprised at the small amount of pesticide that sprinkled on the ground. Follow the label instructions as to how much to apply. Using more than the label recommendations will only waste pesticide and your money. Using too much may also create runoff into sensitive outdoor areas such as ponds, pools, and storm drains.
Baits do not kill ants overnight, so be patient. Products containing indoxacarb, hydramethylnon and spinosad work the fastest, around two weeks. Baits that contain an insect growth regulator (such as fenoxycarb, pyripoxifen or methoprene) usually require 2 to 6 months for control, but they generally do not need to be reapplied more than once every 1 or 2 years if you treat 1 or 2 acres.
It is important to apply baits at the right time. Ants actively forage when soil temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees. This time of the year may be warm enough.
If you live in town, consider asking your neighbors to join you in fire ant control. It takes longer for fire ants to re-infest when larger areas and multiple yards are treated with the Two-Step Method.
I hope you try this program. I can honestly recommend it to people treating their city yards or those with acreage.
