WiFi, Other Options Available For SSISD Students Who Do Not Have Internet
As Sulphur Springs ISD continues its online school programing during the COVID-19 school closure, district administrators report the availability of four options for SSISD students who do not have internet at home
SSISD reports at Suddenlink/Altice, Sprint Mobile, T-Mobile, Verizon and SatPro Wireless Entertainment all offer reduced rates, special plans or free or additional options to help families during COVID-19 pandemic.
The District is checking out Kajeet Hot Spots to students who need and can use them. SSISD has ordered extra devices have been ordered and will be distributed as they become available. Families in need should let their child’s teacher know if this could be an option for their student.
The District is also using WiFi equipped buses as hubs for student use. Bus Hub WiFi will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Gerald Prim Stadium west parking lot, located at 1000 Houston St. Students must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, all visitors must exercise sound social distancing protocols (recommended to remain in vehicle). All SSISD Student Code of Conduct rules apply. To access Bus Hub Wifi, the student can connect to “smart_bus” using the password “wildcats123”.
Student devices can access SSISD building WiFi from some parking locations in the district. Parking lot hub WiFi will also be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day at certain parking areas at most SSISD campuses. Students must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, all Hub visitors must exercise social distancing protocols (remain in your vehicle while using SSISD WiFi), and all SSISD Student Code of Conduct rules apply. This wireless internet connection will only connect to SSISD issued iPads and student laptops.
Check out the Sulphur Springs ISD website or Facebook link for a map of facility parking lot WiFi hubs and more information related to distance learning, the meal program for kids 1-18 and other services available to students and their families during the COVID-19 school closures.
DSHS Offers Tips To Help Prevent The Spread Of COVID-19
With more cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported daily across in the state, nation and world, the need is even more important for people to follow Texas Department of State Health Services tips to help CDC recommends these tips to help prevent the spread Of COVID-19 or any virus, according to local and state health officials.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person: between people who are in close contact, within 6 feet, of one another; and via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Thus, the CDC and DSHS offer these tips to help prevent the spread of COVID‑19:
- Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.
- If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
DSHS also recommends that you start practicing social distancing. Social distancing involves staying away from other people to avoid catching or spreading illness. It’s a fancy term for avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact. This could mean avoiding concerts or weddings, skipping the handshake, and/or staying at least 6 feet away from others.
COVID-19 Update: Third Positive Case Reported March 30 In Hopkins County
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team Monday, March 30, reported a third positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Hopkins County, marking the second case reported in two days. The individual, as was the case with the two prior who tested positive for Coronavirus, is in isolation, the HCEMT reported.
Very little is known about the case, as the Department of State Health Services takes over the investigation after the case is confirmed; if and when officials receive additional information that can be shared with the public they will released it. They were just notified of the third case Monday afternoon, the local officials reported.
The first case was reported on Tuesday, March 24, the second case was reported on Sunday, March 29. The county has had 62 potential cases that met the requirements for testing in Hopkins County in the last 15 days. As of March 27, 44 cases were pending results, 16 cases were confirmed negative through screening either by a local healthcare provider or DSHS, Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS reported at 10 a.m. Monday. Monday afternoon, one of the 44 pending cases came back with a positive result, marking the third positive COVID-19 case in the county, HCEMT reported.
The HCEMT stressed the important as more cases of COVID-19 are diagnosed for people to continue practicing social distancing, and remaining at home when not necessary. While no shelter at home order is in place, the need to reduce spread of germs by staying in grows with each case, the officials reported.
“We want to remind people only one person needs to leave the house to get supplies. Use common sense to not leave house when not required. We want businesses to not suffer. You can still go to get supplies. Only one person should go to get food. If you take them, kids should stay in car with another adult or the kids should be left at the house with another adult. We’ve had a lot report seeing families going to Walmart shopping as family. Only one person out of the household needs to leave the house to get supplies. Even if they are shopping at Lowe’s or wherever else, it’s still OK to get supplies, but please use only one member of thee household to get them,” Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tanner Crump urged.
The HCEMT encourages community members to follow the guidelines listed on the Texas Department of State Health Services website; they also are available in Spanish by clicking here or on the Hopkins County Texas Emergency Management Facebook page where all updates are being posted.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator (HCFD Chief) Andy Endsley and Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Coordinator (SSPD Chief) Jason Ricketson urge heed the social distancing orders from the President, Governor Greg Abbott, Hopkins County Commissioners Court and Judge Robert Newsom. The orders recommend people who do gather keeps groups to 10 people or less. They remind people the importance of no social gatherings at this time to slow down the spread of illness in the community.
The emergency management officials also asked via their Facebook page for any business that has certified n95 masks to spare or for sale, to text or call Sulphur Springs Fire Department at 903-335-0300.
Como-Pickton CISD Closure Extended Through May 1
Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Greg Bower announced Monday afternoon, in a letter addressed to parents and students, that school will likely remain closed through May 1, due to COVID-19. The decision for the Como-Pickton CISD Extended closure was made following the President’s extension of social distancing guidelines through the end of April.
Bower announced May 4 as a tentative restart date for Como-Pickton CISD unless state, federal and local officials decide an earlier date if more appropriate.
Bower encouraged parents to use the instructional materials sent home to their children as to help guide students’ learning while the campus is closed. Parents who struggle in helping their children are encouraged to reach out to their child’s teacher or campus; staff are available from home to help students.
Meals
The school meal program continues to offer meals for children. Last week, CPCISD prepared, distributed and delivered approximately 1,000 meals to children in need. CPCISD plans to continue offering this for students as long as resources allow, Bower wrote in the letter.
Como-Pickton CISD offers lunch and breakfast for students. A drive-up pick-up service is available between 10:15 and 11:15 a.m., Monday through Friday, at the front entrance of the elementary school.
In order to prepare the correct number of meals each day, families are asked to call the School Closure Student Meal Hotline, 903-488-8895, the day prior to picking up the child’s meals. The hotline will be answered Friday for Monday meal pick-up. Hotline hours will be 8-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday.
While all who are able are encouraged to participate in the pick-up process, the school realizes there are instances where that’s not possible. District staff will deliver meals if it’s “impossible for you to make arrangements to pick them up,” district resources permitting.
Any further questions may be made to the Student Meal Hotline from 8-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday, or may be emailed to the child’s campus principal.
COVID-19 Update: 62 In Hopkins County Met Screening Requirements
Hopkins County officials reports 62 potential cases have met testing requirements over the last 15 days, up from 53 potential cases meeting requirements on March 27. So far, local and state health sources have reported only 2 cases have come back from testing as positive for COVID-19, according to Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS. It’s taking more than a week to get results back after testing, so not all results are back yet.
The estimated number of screenings of COVID-19 sent off for definitive testing to either a Private Lab or Texas Department of State Health Services (TX-DSHS), according to a HCHD/EMS press release, are:
- 62 potential cases that met testing requirements. (Testing requirements in place from TX-DSHS & CDC)
- Number of cases pending results from Private Labs or TX-DSHS = 44
- Confirmed Negative screened cases = 16
- Confirmed Positive screened cases = 2 in Hopkins County per local healthcare providers or TX-DSHS.
- Results from screenings are taking an average 10 business days to get a result from the Private Labs or TX-DSHS Labs.
Across the state, 35,880 have been tested, with 2,877 cases confirmed and 34 deaths, according to TX-DSHS. In the United States and it’s territories, 122,653 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed and 2,112 deaths reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Questions about screening or guidance should be directed to your local physician or 903-606-DOCS (3627). Those who do not have local physician, may go to the Christus Urgent Care Center, located at 1339 South Broadway St. in Sulphur Springs.
Anyone feeling short of breath or having trouble breathing are urged by HCHD/EMS to call 911.
The Hopkins County emergency officials urge community members to continue practicing social distancing and proper hand washing to help slow the spread and process of the coronavirus.
Hopkins County Hospital District recommends people stay informed by following the CDC and DSHS websites and your local emergency management guidance.
Medicaid, SNAP Renewal Requirements Waived During COVID-19 Crisis
AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services Saturday announced SNAP and Medicaid benefit renewals currently due will automatically be renewed so existing clients can maintain continuity of coverage during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
“During this difficult time, we’re making sure Texans in need continue to receive their food and medical benefits without the added worry of having to renew their coverage in the midst of a crisis,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner for Access and Eligibility Services.
To ensure benefits continue, Texas requested and received federal approval to automatically extend benefits for recipients who were up for renewal. Renewing the SNAP and Medicaid applications automatically means that those who were up for a renewal do not have to call or complete their renewal to receive continuous coverage. SNAP and Medicaid benefits are extended until further notice, and Texas HHS will continue to provide updates to the public during the coming months.
Additionally, as authorized by section 2302 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Texas is also waiving interview requirements for households applying for SNAP. As part of that, households are not required to complete an interview before approval if identity has been verified and mandatory verification steps are completed.
Waiving interview requirements means people do not have to come into an office or call the agency about their application or renewal, and HHS can process applications as they are received and make eligibility determinations faster.
Administered by Texas HHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.4 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas, with monthly benefits worth nearly $400 million.
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage to 4.6 million Texas children, pregnant women, parents of eligible children, people with disabilities, and older Texans who need nursing home care.
Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.
Sulphur Springs Man Arrested On Felony Warrant
A 64-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested Saturday afternoon at Econo Lodge on a felony warrant.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Cpl. Todd Evans reported seeing Jackie Lee Corley, a man he knew to be wanted, at the hotel. Corley allegedly walked toward Evans, was identified and taken into custody around 2:15 p.m. March 28 on the charge, according to arrest reports.
Corley was booked into Hopkins County jail Saturday afternoon on the warrant for alias/capias on a giving a false statement for property or credit valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 charge; he remained in jail Monday morning, March 30, in lieu of $15,000 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.
Meal A Day Menu for March 30-April 3, 2020
The Meal A Day program is headquartered inside of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center. The Meal A Day menu for March 30-April 3, 2020 includes:
- Monday — Tator Tot Casserole, Peas and Carrots and Corn
- Tuesday — Chicken Spectacular, Broccoli and Pickled Beets
- Wednesday — Sliced Ham, Sweet Potato Casserole, Providence Vegetables and a Roll
- Thursday — Beef Lasagna, Green Beans, Garlic Toast and Tossed Salad
- Friday — Vegetable Beef Soup, Crackers, Cheese Cubes and Salad
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.
COVID-19 Update: Second Confirmed Coronavirus Case Reported In Hopkins County
The Hopkins County Emergency Management Team reports a second positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Hopkins County by Texas Department of State Health Services.
Th HCEMT was notified Sunday morning by DSHS, but received very few details regarding the case. It should be assumed at this point that the diseases was community spread not travel related, the officials said shortly after noon Sunday.
The officials said it is their understanding that both of the individuals in Hopkins County who tested positive are in self isolation. No additional information was available regarding the individual’s health condition.
While no additional measures are planned this time city or county wide, local emergency management officials remind local residents of the importance of good hygiene and social distancing as the virus continues to spread across the world, country, state and communities.
The HCEMT asks that everyone be especially vigilant in these areas as the virus spreads. The emergency officials ask community members to also stay home unless necessary for supplies or necessary employment. The officials urge people to refrain from hosting social gatherings as the community and nation works to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19. While the weather has been nice the last few days, they ask people to continue to remain at home when possible so as not to spread or contract COVID-19.
Texas is doing better than some states statistically, with 2,552 of the 25.483 tests coming back positive for COVID-19, the local officials reports. There have been 34 deaths so far in Texas, however. To prevent others in the community from contracting the virus and other potentially worse circumstances, the officials urge people to closely follow the CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19. After three weeks of measures, it is hoped that the spread.
Included below are the CDC recommendations and guidelines in Spanish:
Equipment Issues At City Wastewater Treatment Plant Partially Resolved
The blower issues that sidelined two of the three blowers at the city’s wastewater treatment plant are partially resolved, according to the city manager.
There have been some vibration issues since the blowers were installed in last August. Two of the three blowers at the wastewater treatment plant developed vibration problems and the issues became bad enough to render the units inoperable. One unit continued to operate, but signs of vibration were detected within it as well, Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell noted in his monthly report to the City Council.
Maxwell instructed Utilities Director James Jordan to locate a portable blower just in case it was need it and instructed the city attorney to file claims on contractor Gracon Construction’s surety bonds, the city manager reported.
Two of the blowers are now working. The problem in the third blower has been identified and work is in progress to correct the issue, which is in the motor diver not the blower itself, according to Maxwell.
Maxwell said while only one blower is needed for the operation, not having the specified equipment can result in fines of up to $10,000 per day if not rectified within the required time frame.
