Court System To Begin Taking Precautions To Prevent Potential Spread Of Coronavirus
Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt Friday sent out a notice to those involved in the court system in Hopkins County notifying them measures are being implemented, at the recommendation of the Office of Court Administration, as a precautions due to the spread of coronavirus across the state, country and globe.
All non-essential proceedings are being rescheduled as needed. To avoid large groups of people, as state and federal officials are recommending, non-essential in-person court proceedings will be avoided through April 1.
The court will be working to reset until April or May dockets in the 8th Judicial District Court for defendants who are out on bond.
Currently scheduled bench trial will proceed as scheduled, as will several “essential proceedings.”
Additional accommodations could be made regarding bond for those in custody and new arrests as deemed appropriate by Northcutt and County-Court-At-Law Judge Clay Harrison, to prevent overcrowding at the jail. Accommodations can be made in advance to the public in keeping with the open courts provision in the Constitution.
Below is Northcutt’s full letter to court officials and others affiliated with the system who could be impacted by the limitations on judicial proceedings:
Paris Junior College Extends Spring Break One Week for Students
Although there are no cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Paris Junior College, there are some confirmed cases in nearby counties. Consequently, out of an abundance of concern for our students, faculty, staff, and our community, PJC has determined to extend the 2020 spring break for students for one week, March 16-20.
Campuses will be closed to students during this week, but students may call the campus. This time will allow faculty and staff to prepare and coordinate planning for the remainder of the semester. Online classes, including the 8-week term courses set to begin March 16, will continue as normal.
On Monday, March 23, PJC classes will resume, strictly in an online environment. It is hoped that face-to-face classes will resume on April 6. The College will continue to monitor the situation and confirm this date or extend online classes depending on the situation at that time. A determination will be made in the coming weeks about the ability to continue face-to-face classes for the remainder of the semester, hold final exams in person/on campus, and the ability to hold commencement as currently scheduled.
Faculty and Staff
Although students will receive an additional week of spring break (March 16-20), all full-time faculty and staff should report to campus on Monday, March 16. The week of March 16-20 will be used for faculty and staff to prepare and coordinate planning for the remainder of the semester. Part-time employees are not to report to work unless contacted and instructed to do so by their supervisor.
Student Workers
Student workers are not expected to return to campus to work until Monday, April 6. The College will continue to monitor this situation and confirm this date or extend the date depending on the situation.
Self-Monitoring / Self-Isolation / Self-Quarantine
If a student or an employee who has traveled outside of the U.S. during the last 14 days or who has traveled to an area in the U.S. that has had reported COVID-19 cases, this individual may need to self-isolate or self-quarantine and should follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. Students who choose to self-isolate should notify their instructor. Employees electing to self-isolate should notify their supervisor and Human Resources.
Student Travel
Student Travel (including athletics) – All Paris Junior College sponsored student travel (including athletic travel) is suspended until Monday, April 6. The College will continue to monitor the situation and confirm this date or extend the suspension of travel depending on the situation at that time.
Employee Travel
All travel for PJC employees is suspended until Monday, April 6, unless it is determined to be mission-critical or health-critical and has been approved by the College leadership.
Employees are responsible for canceling all travel plans and reservations. Please note that the College will work with faculty and staff regarding incurred expenses for conferences or events that have been canceled or for conferences or events where the College has suspended
travel.
Precautions to Continue to Take
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer
• Avoid shaking hands
• Maintain a good “social distance” between you and others
• Disinfect frequently touched objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
College leadership will continue to monitor this rapidly changing situation. The College will issue additional updates as the situation evolves. We greatly appreciate your support as we continue to work with health and government officials to protect your safety and health. For those wishing to register by phone in online classes, call 903-782-0425 in Paris, 903-
454-9333 in Greenville, and 903-885-1232 in Sulphur Springs.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Dan Flynn Urges Governor To Cancel STAAR Tests
In a letter dated March 13, 2020, Representative Dan Flynn wrote to Governor Greg Abbott urging the Governor to “cancel and eliminate” the STAAR testing requirement this 2019-2020 school year.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report Feb. 26-March 3, 2020
Wood County Sheriff’s Report Feb. 26-March 3, 2020
February 26
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 12:41 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1516 near Alba, at approximately 6:12 a.m., in reference to an alarm.
- Deputies spoke with the property owner and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1558 near Alba, at approximately 6:25 a.m., in reference to an alarm.
- Deputies spoke with an employee and determined it was an accident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2436 near Mineola, at approximately 8:01 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the property owner and determined it was an accident.
- At 10:06 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3812 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:14 a.m., in reference to an animal complaint. Deputies located the dogs and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 2:43 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2235 near Mineola, at approximately 3:17 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies responded to a motorist assist on FM 49 near Hawkins; at approximately 6:33 p.m. Taylor Christensen, 32, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:37 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 7:25 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- At 8:34 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
February 27
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:26 a.m., in reference to harassment on FM 778 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 11:23 a.m.
- Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.Deputies responded to an abandoned 911 call on CR 2460 near Mineola; at approximately 4:01 p.m. Deputies made contact with the individuals and everything was OK.
- At 5:27 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
- At 5:31 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2320 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 6:59 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:35 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5295 near Yantis, at approximately 7:51 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Patton St. in Mineola; at approximately 8:49 p.m. Megan Ratliff, 32, of Alba, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 10:54 p.m. Jimmy Curry, 52, of Quitman, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
February 28
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Loop 564 near Mineola; at approximately 12:14 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2270 near Mineola, at approximately 1:44 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and determined it was an accident.
- At 8:08 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1600 near Alba.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:21 a.m., in reference to a scam on PR 5935 near Yantis. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:42 a.m., in reference to a scam on HWY 11 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 12:05 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4494 near Winnsboro.
- At 12:33 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4930 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 7495 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:56 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 14 near Quitman; at approximately 1:26 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1668 near Alba, at approximately 2:20 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged a gate and stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2270 near Mineola, at approximately 10:44 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Lake Holbrook point; at approximately 11:21 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
February 29
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2155 near Quitman, at approximately 12:21 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2174 near Quitman, at approximately 12:54 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies made contact with the individuals and cleared the incident.
- At 1:36 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1901 near Yantis, at approximately 7:26 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the day.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 2966 near Quitman; at approximately 11:33 a.m. Steven Rogers, 57, of Quitman, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Tamper Fabricate Physical Evidence.
- At 3:00 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2980 near Alba, at approximately 3:29 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the reporting party.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 4:04 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:16 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass on HWY 80 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3955 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:13 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies located the individuals with firearms that shot a dog. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4560 near Winnsboro; at approximately 5:32 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2350 near Quitman; at approximately 6:43 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:01 p.m., in reference to a disturbance on FM 852 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 10:01 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Mineola.
March 1
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 12:15 a.m. Travis Battee, 25, of Big Sandy, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated with Open Alcoholic Container.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2200 near Mineola, at approximately 1:59 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1785 near Yantis; at approximately 4:08 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6278 near Mineola, at approximately 9:19 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Justin Mitchell, 24, of Mineola, was arrested for Deadly Conduct Discharge Firearm.
- At 9:36 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1570 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4294 near Como, at approximately 2:14 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3269 near Quitman, at approximately 4:56 p.m., in refrence to an
- assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1858 near Yantis, at approximately 4:56 p.m., in reference to harassment. Deputies made contact with the reporting party and cleared the incident.
March 2
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Main St. in Yantis; at approximately 4:02 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1602 near Alba, at approximately 7:09 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the day.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4165 near Quitman, at approximately 8:47 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 9:07 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2121 near Quitman, at approximately 9:36 a.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole a vehicle from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2351 near Mineola, at approximately 9:52 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
- Deputies were dispatched to Valley Wood Tail near Hawkins, at approximately 1:13 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6963 near Alba, at approximately 1:21 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:12 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint on CR 2460 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 4:46 p.m., in reference to a possible theft. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 5:45 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:11 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass on Walnut St. in Yantis. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
- Deputies were dispatched to Lane St. in Quitman, at approximately 10:40 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
March 3
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:08 a.m., in reference to harassment on HWY 80 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 7:54 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the individual that set the alarm off and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2425 near Mineola, at approximately 8:52 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 8:57 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Yantis.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4510 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:02 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:49 p.m., in reference to a scam on FM 515 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 4:15 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, used the reporting party’s company checks without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Edwards St. in Mineola; at approximately 9:54 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Agency Assists
- Between the dates of February 26 and March 3, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Precinct 2 Constable, Department of Public Safety, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services, Quitman Police Department, and Mineola Police Department.
Total Jail Count
- 125 inmates
- 104 males
- 21 females
Reminders from Sheriff Castloo
Sheriff Thomas Castloo would like to remind everyone, if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
Hopkins County Records For March 13, 2020
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Alejandro Rodriguez Mendoza and Nancy Crystal Arana
- James Raymond Dunham and Sharon Ann Newkirk
Land Deed Transactions
- Barry Wade to Selene Moreno and Francisco J. Saldana; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Denise Campbell, Larry J. Wade Jr. and Marrion Wade to Barry Wade; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Ronnie C. Turner to Kason Childress; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Josh Collins and Nikki Collins to David Poe and Patricia Poe; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Gary T. Hancock and Marilyn Hancock to Josh Collins and Nikki Collins; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Sandra Smith to Danny Weems and Lynda Weems; tract in the B. Anderson survey
- Angela Correa and Antonio Correa Salas Jr. to Samuel Correa-Salas and Elizabeth Alexa Gandara; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Stella Snider to Carmen Kelley; tract in the John Clark survey
- Archie Braddy and Asia Braddy to Wynar Unique Home Care, Asia Braddy Acting CEO
- David Allen Walker to Danny Arnold and Lindee Arnold; tract in the Thomas Yates survey
- Marlin Lester Gallender to Antoinette R. Frack and Stephen Kay Frack; tract in the Duncan Sanders survey
- Pecan Ridge Holdings Series LLC and Pecan Ridge Holdings Series LLC Series Mag-1 to Alan Screws and Kim Screws; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Gary Lewis to Ronald G. Haygood; tract in the Agaton Caro survey
- Anita L. Pugh Spa, Larry W. Pugh and Anita L. Steger to Deborah M. Osbourn and Donald J. Osbourn; tract in the J. Ybarbo survey
- Brent Johnson and Rachael Johnson to Craig Paul Anderson; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- Miller Family Trust, Maureen Miller trustee, to Clint Bailey and Jessica Bailey; tract in the Daniel Morgan survey
- Horacio Saenz and Sarai A. Seanz to Nestor Hernandez and Norma Hernandez; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Teal S. Clayton to Brian Shurtleff; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Joe Jennings and Patricia Jennings to Patricia Renee Jennings; tract in the John G. Gant survey
- Rebecca Jane Woods to Eira Marios Conley and Lacinda Kay Conley; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- CT310 LLC to The Rilam Group III LP; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Jana Zane Hayes sub trustee to Big State Land and Cattle Inc. and CRH Investments Inc.; tract in the Alex O. Wetmore survey
- Felicia Allen to Felicia Allen and June Sykes; tract in the D. Patterson Addition
- John Allen Jr. to Felicia Allen; tract in the D Patterson Addition
ALL Hopkins County Schools To Be Closed Next Week, March 2020
March 13, 2020 – The list of local schools extending spring break, as a precaution against coronavirus, continued to grow Friday afternoon with all Hopkins County districts and Yantis opting not to hold classes next week. UIL has also suspended all activities March 16-29.
Cumby, North Hopkins, Como-Pickton, Sulphur Springs ISD, Miller Grove, Saltillo, Sulphur Bluff all confirmed this afternoon that they will not have classes next week.
SSISD posted their notice at noon that classes are canceled next week and all extracurricular activities are suspended as well. SSISD Fine Arts staff are working to determine the changes in local performance and competition schedules, with everything canceled next week.
Cumby ISD posted the following notice just before 3 p.m. Friday, March 13:
Due to the the seriousness of the corona virus. It is in the best interest of our students and athletes to close our campus down next week. All sports, including workouts, are canceled/postponed until a later date.
As updates are available, we will post.
Cumby ISD Superintendent Shelly Slaughter at 5 p.m. distributed the following news release:
North Hopkins ISD also sent out and posted the following alert:
“At this time, due to concerns for the health and safety of our North Hopkins family – students, staff, and community, North Hopkins ISD will extend Spring Break one week to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19. Beginning Monday, March 16, no extracurricular, practices or UIL activities will take place until further notice. We understand that this decision will directly impact students and staff and we thank you for your support.
“The extended break will allow the district time to assess the situation. As decisions are made beyond the coming weeks, information will be forthcoming. We will continue to work to keep updates posted to the district’s website at www.northhopkins.net as well as our normal tools of communication.
“As of now, NHISD staff and students should plan to return Monday, March 23 to resume school.
Shortly after 3 p.m. Como-Pickton CISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Bower posted a letter to the community that after conferring with state and local officials, the decision has been made to extend spring break another week as well. School is tentatively slated to resume on March 23. All extracurricular activities for students and staff are canceled as well.
Saltillo ISD Superintendent David Stickles just before 5 p.m. March 13 also released the following news release regarding the district’s preventive measures in relation to coronavirus.
Sulphur Bluff ISD Superintendent Dustin Carr about 4:40 p.m. reported SBISD will also be closed next week as a precaution against coronavirus.
Miller Grove ISD Superintendent Steve Johnson also posted the following press release just before 4:30 p.m. Friday notifying families that MGISD too will be closed.
Yantis ISD will also be closed next week, Tracey Helfferich reported just after 6 p.m. Friday, March 13.
UIL also as a health safety measure has suspended all UIL activities for the time being.
UIL, however, has left rehearsals and practices to the discretion of local school districts.
“We are urging our member schools and their communities to stay vigilant and take every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty during this unprecedented time. Please know UIL leadership is working diligently to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and will share updates as soon as possible.”
The UIL will continue following the direction of state and local officials to monitor this situation and will make additional announcements as needed.
For those wondering when activities will be made up, be sure to check the UIL website regularly for academic, athletic and music scheduling.
Sulphur Springs ISD Extends Spring Break One Week
In response to the worldwide pandemic know as the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) the Sulphur Springs ISD has decided to extend Spring Break for one week for all students in the district, to minimize public interaction between students, teachers, faculty and staff. The cautious measure follows school districts across the state and nation. This does NOT mean that any cases are confirmed or suspected in the SSISD community, but will hopefully minimize any suspected cases that could arise. The SSISD administration does not want to cause any panic, but wants to be responsible, and follow the example of others across the nation. This extended break will give them time to assess the current situation.
Students, faculty and staff will return to the classrooms on March 23rd.
Local Preparations, Cancellations, Restrictions Related to coronavirus
Local emergency management officials are slated to meet Friday afternoon to discuss what, if any, preparedness actions Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County will be taking related to coronavirus.
“Multiple agencies in Hopkins County are meeting this afternoon to discuss COVID-19 this afternoon. We have had nothing in the county that I am aware of. This is to discuss the potential,” said Kristy Springfield, assist Hopkins County management coordinator.
“We are working on a plan,and have been working all week in conjunction with the Department of State Health Services, CDC and Texas Emergency Management. A lot of it will be on the side of caution. We are working to get everyone in the county on the same page. The safety of our citizens of Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs, our employees and school districts are of top priority. We just encourage everyone to use good hygiene and observe the recommended precautions from the CDC, including hand-washing and avoiding large groups,” said Hopkins County Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley.
Several school district administrators put out cautions to their students and staff, and noted they have been and continue to be in regular contact with state health authorities regarding the situation. Some county districts are expected to be represented or respond based recommendations following the multi-agency county meeting Friday afternoon.
Sulphur Springs and Cumby school district administrators were meeting Friday morning, and said they would notify the media, send out via district notification systems and social media when and if any additional decisions are made.
Below are the notices posted by SSISD and Cumby ISD administrators on Thursday:
CHRISTUS Mother Francis Hospital-Sulphur Springs at this time are limiting visitation with hospital patients; they are asking no one under 12 to visit at this time as a precaution for their health as well as that of the patients.
“Christus Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has cancelled the attached event that was suppose to be held at the Senior Citizens Center on March 20th. They will be cancelling all of their events for the next couple of weeks,” Karon Weatherman, SCC director, reported Friday morning, of the information session that had been scheduled to answer residents questions about Medicare.
Several local nursing homes and assisted living facilities are also taking precautionary actions to guard their patients against potential exposure to coronavirus.
No visitation is currently being allowed at Sulphur Springs Nursing and Rehab and Rock Creek Nursing and Rehab.
Carriage House Manor will be screening all visitors for fever and symptoms before entering.
Sunny Springs Nursing and Rehab staff at 11 a.m. Friday said the facility is strongly discouraging visitation but has not officially restricted visitation.
Hopkins Place is not allowing any outings provided by the community at this time. They are also asking for no large groups, for family members to be careful and those who visit or bring supplies to consider shipping the materials. They are very strict on hand washing and anyone coming in may be subject to screening to protect residents, staff and guests.
For more information about coronavirus, including Texas counties where cases or potential cases have been reported, and preparation steps that may be taken, visit the TDSHS website.
CHRISTUS Birthing Center Expands Options for Moms
Kristi Couch and Hanna Boone work in the OB Department at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs, and both are excited about the new options now being offered to new moms. Hanna has been a nurse for three years, working at CHRISTUS in Sulphur Springs for the past two years. She shares, “I love this field. I come from Winnsboro, and knew I wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse since I was about 7 years old! I attended Texas Tech, graduated from their Nursing School, and worked for a time in the Metroplex. But when I moved back to Winnsboro, I applied and was hired at the Sulphur Springs hospital”. Kristi was raised in Sulphur Springs, and has been a local hospital employee for more then ten years. She is a nurse in the Nursery Department and is a Lactation Consultant for moms who plan to nurse their babies. Says Kristi, “We have an array of helpful programs for new moms, like ongoing Breastfeeding classes as well as a Breastfeeding Support Group, called B.I.B.S. or ‘Breastfeeding Is Best Support’ available on Facebook and in monthly meetings. Now, we have brought back a Childbirth Class which is designed to instruct the new mom about what to expect from the experience, and help her select the types of services she is interested in. And CHRISTUS also has a Certified Nurse Midwife on staff, Deb Logan, whose practice offers in-hospital births with midwife assistance. We have a lot of options to offer moms who are planning their baby’s birth”.
According to Hanna, a type of pain management that is uniquely helpful during labor is exclusive to Sulphur Springs at this time. “Nitrous Oxide has been used by dentists for a long time, known as ‘laughing gas’. A mild version of Nitrous Oxide can be used by patients in our Birthing Center to manage pain during portions of labor, delivery and in post partum, too. It has short-term effect and clears the system quickly. It is safer for baby than intravenous pain management, because the patient controls it herself. It’s another option in our birthing center besides epidural and I.V. and is becoming popular though not available everywhere yet”.
Kristi added, “Besides attending classes in person, both our Childbirth Class and our Breastfeeding Class can be taught remotely, and that’s new. If you are interested in finding out more, just call the Hospital and set up an appointment. We will be happy to meet with you and extend our assistance during your journey”.
