Heroin, Meth Located Following FM 1536 Traffic Stop
Suspected black tar heroin and methamphetamine were located following a a FM 1536 traffic stop later Tuesday night. The passenger, a 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man, was arrested on possession charges and a misdemeanor warrant, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff Office deputies reported stopping a Saturn Aura at 10:31 p.m. April 28 on FM 1536 for having a defective brake light, one that was high center mounted. The driver steered the car onto a residential property before stopping, HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Justin Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports.
Deputies contacted the passenger, who communications operators reported had an outstanding warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a driving while intoxicated charge. Robert Neil Brown was asked to exit the car and taken into custody, according to arrest reports.
A search of the car reportedly revealed no contraband. Thus, the driver was given a verbal warning for the defective high mounted brake light, then released in the vehicle. Brown, however, was transported from the address of the FM 1536 traffic stop by deputies to the county jail in a patrol vehicle, according to arrest reports.
Upon arrival at the jail, deputies observed Brown moving around in the back seat. When asked if he had anything illegal on him, Brown allegedly admitted to having a hypodermic syringe in his boot. Deputies removed the syringe, which deputies allege had a small amount of liquid in it, then released Brown to jail staff, Steward and Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports.
While he was checking the back seat of the patrol vehicle, a jailer informed the deputy he found a small bag in Brown’s waistband, Steward and Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports. The bag allegedly contained one smaller bag with a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and another that field-tested positive for black tar heroin. The liquid in the syringe also allegedly field-tested positive for meth as well. The baggy of suspected meth weighed 1.84 grams and the bag of suspected heroin weighed 0.4 grams, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, the 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into jail on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and less than 1 gram of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, as well as the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for DWI, according to arrest reports.
He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning. Bond was set at $10,000 on the third-degree felony controlled substance charge and at $5,000 on the two other charges, 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.
Como-Pickton FFA Chapter Recognizes Students At Virtual Banquet
The Como-Pickton FFA Chapter may not have all been able to gather together in the same building Tuesday night, but that didn’t stop them from holding their annual FFA Banquet. The CP FFA Chapter, working remotely put together a “virtual” banquet members could view online Tuesday night, April 28, on the chapter Facebook page to recognize and honor outstanding students.
Among only 60 selected as Texas FFA Foundation Ambassadors for 2019 were Sydnee Neal, Kara Tifft, Presley Cummins and Summer Gilbreath. They worked behind the scenes last year with sponsors, dignitaries and special guests at the Texas FFA Convention.
Presley Cummins, representing Texas, also received a silver rating at the National Dairy Cattle Handler’s Competition. She shows registered Jersey cattle with the CP FFA Show team. She is a National Dairy Cattle Handler. Cummins also was elected to serve as Paris District FFA Officer.
Rhayne Thomas, an 8th grader actively involved in several aspects of the FFA program, was named Star Greenhand.
Junior Cindy Munoz, an active FFA member for the last 2 years, participating in several aspects of the FFA program, is this year’s Star Chapter Farmer.
Summer Gilbreath, active in several aspects of the program, was named Ag Science Student of the Year. In addition to serving as a Foundation Ambassador, she has her level floral certification and was the CP FFA Challenge Contest 2019 Grand Champion. She is always up for a challenge and willing to lend a hand.
Sydnee Neal earned Star Lonestar Farmer. Her Supervised Agriculture Experience includes various ag mechanics projects that she built in woodshop. She also spent the last 3 years participating in Prepared Public Speaking, Ag Communication CDE and Public Relations.
Neal also received the Dekalb Award for agricultural accomplishment. She is an active FFA member, involved in leadership roles, teams and contest. She plans to join the Air Force with a focus in firefighting.
Como-Pickton FFA has two candidates, Presley Cummings and Parker Cummings, for the highest honor FFA bestows, the American FFA Degree. Presley attends Texas A&M University-Commerce and Parker attends Texas Christian University; both are majoring in nursing. If these students receive the degree, it will be conferred this fall at the national convention.
The Ag Co-Op Student of the Year is Carol Nabors, a senior FFA member. She always had impeccable records and which she kept up to date. She plans to continue her education at Tyler Junior college in the fall.
Breanna Bowen is a National Finalist in Dairy Production Entrepreneurship. She progressed through district, area and state competition to advance to the national finals, where she interviewed as one of the top four in the nation. Bowen is currently attending Tarleton State University, where she is majoring in agricultural communication. Her Supervised Agricultural Experience consists of registered Jersey cattle.
To see these and additional honors and recognition announced during the virutal banquet, including NETLA Ag Mechanics and Junior Market Show winners and participants, the 11 Skills USA state qualifiers, LDE participant and breeding show team, check out the Como-Pickton FFA Chapter Banquet on Facebook.
Scholarships, Tractorcade
All senior FFA scholarships will be announced along with all other senior scholarships. The current FFA officer team will continue to serve until an FFA officer election can be conducted.
While Como-Pickton will be unable to host the annual Tractorcade at the school this year due to COVID-19 in-person school closure, Como-Pickton FFA plans to host a virtual Tractorcade on May 8. Students who have tractors at home can participate by showing themselves on their family tractors. As details are firmed up, they will be posted on the CP FFA Facebook page.
CHRISTUS Weekly Business Report for April 29, 2020
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News
Sulphur Springs, Texas, April 29, 2020 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
HEROES work here!
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 7am to 7pm (subject to change)
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
Urgent Care
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care at 1339 S. Broadway St. in Sulphur Springs, is temporarily closed. Anyone needing to be seen by a physician may walk-in at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary Care at 105 Medical Plaza, or to schedule, please call 903.885.3181. If you are showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, please call our COVID-19 Hotline at 800.458.4559, Option 9, to be screened, and instructed on how to proceed. As always, if it is emergent, present to the Emergency Room or call 9-1-1.
We want to reassure our patients that CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital continue to be a safe place to receive your care, and we encourage you to follow up with your regular healthcare needs. For any reason you cannot come into the clinic, or do not feel comfortable, virtual visits and telephone visits are available. Please contact your provider to discuss all of the many options for accessing care.
Services
As a reminder, at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, we are performing scheduled surgeries and procedures. Please contact your healthcare provider for more information.
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.
# # #
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler ContinueCARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
Bed count – 51 – Tyler ContinueCARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Chamber Report, Nod to ‘Biz of the Week’ Heritage Christian Counseling
This is the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce weekly report for the final week of April, 2020, submitted by Chamber CEO Lezley Brown.
Some people hate change… they hate it. There are others that just drink it in, and I fall in that category. I just want to share that as we work to re-open Hopkins County, we should embrace a spirit of change with caution.
Things may look differently than they did before we headed into the COVID-19 fog. In all actuality, we don’t know what day to day life is going to look like for sure.
I’ve read about all the different “curves” the experts are discussing for the economy: v curves, w curves, u curves. Not even the experts agree with each other completely. But here is something I know… Hopkins County is going to do their very best to bounce back and keep on running. I encourage everyone to continue showing patience and grace, because we are all going to need it.
Let’s see what happens next in this chapter of a book we couldn’t have even imagined. Let’s continue to be there for each other every step of the way. Let’s carefully get to the other side of this and be wiser for it!
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week.
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for April 30, 2020, Heritage Christian Counseling.
Tira News — April 28, 2020
By Jan Vaughn
The Tira Community Center will remain closed through the month of May. Tira council members will look at the situation at that point and determine if it can be reopened in June. The Tira Food Pantry is continuing to be stocked. Donations for the pantry are always appreciated.
Thankfully, Tira was spared from damaging storms on Tuesday night. The only report that I have is about a lightning strike that caught a transformer on fire at the home of Landon and Laiken Joslin and left some without power for a few hours.
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].
COVID-19 Testing Update: Free Screenings Thursday; 174 Negative Results
Although Hopkins County has had no new lab-confirmed positive cases in 24 days, Texas Department of State Health Services will be offering free mobile screenings to the public Thursday in Sulphur Springs and in Cooper by Texas Department of State Health Services, according to Hopkins County Hospital District COO/EMS Director Brent Smith’s COVID-19 testing update and Hopkins County Emergency Management Team reports.
Free COVID-19 Screenings
The free drive-through screenings are offered to the public April 28 “to help provide surveillance around the state so that our officials can make informed decisions in reference to getting our communities and economy open again.”
In Sulphur Springs, screenings will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hopkins County Civic Center. The City of Cooper will also hold testing at Cooper Elementary School Thursday. Registration is required. Call 512-883-2400 to register for the screening. Registration for the drive-thru testing will being at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 29. When registering, people may request either location, according to Smith.
Callers will be asked will be asked some very simple brief questions about any symptoms. Those who work in the fields of healthcare, public safety or critical infrastructure will automatically be accepted for the testing even if they have no symptoms.
“Please take this opportunity to test if you feel that you may have come in contact with someone or feel you have symptoms.
Hopkins County Testing Update
There continue to be only four lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 in people with Hopkins County addresses in the 43 days that HCHD/EMS has been receiving testing updates from the majority of healthcare providers in Hopkins County. The last confirmed case was reported on April 4. That’s 24 days without any new lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases for Hopkins County.
And, all four of the COVID-19 patients are reported to have recovered from the virus, according to information provided HCHD/EMS and the HCEMT. The last of the four patients battling COVID-19 was reported April 22 to have recovered, according to officials.
In the last six days 37 additional tests have come back negative, for a total of 174 lab-confirmed negative tests as of the last report on April 28.
Three tests were pending at the 4 p.m. reporting time, two fewer than one week ago. Overall, 181 potential cases met testing criteria put in place by DSHS and the Centers for Disease Control for screening.
| HOPKINS COUNTY COVID-19 TESTING TOTALS AS OF: | 3/21 | 3/27 | 3/30 | 4/02 | 4/06 | 4/10 | 4/15 | 4/20 | 4/22 | 4/28 |
| Total Confirmed Positive Cases | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Confirmed Negative Tests | NA | NA | 16 | 41 | 65 | 97 | 115 | 130 | 137 | 174 |
| Total Pending Cases | NA | NA | 44 | 32 | 20 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 3 |
| Total Screenings Sent for Testing | 31 | 53 | 62 | 76 | 89 | 114 | 126 | 141 | 149 | 181 |
| Total Confirmed COVID-19 Patients who Have Recovered | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| COVID-Related Deaths | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Texas Testing Update
Overall, 207 of Texas’ 254 counties have reported positive cases of COVID-19, which is 7 more counties reporting cases than reported on April 22. All counties in Northeast Texas had reported cases by April 20.
Some areas of Northeast Texas are doing better than others as far cases reported. Delta, Red River and Franklin Counties each still had only one-confirmed COVID-19 case as of the April 28 DSHS report. Rains County only had two cases, Hopkins County four cases, Morris County five cases, Camp County six cases, Wood County seven cases, Marion County nine cases, Cass and Upshur Counties 13 cases, Van Zandt County 14, Titus County 15, Fannin County 17 cases, Hunt 44, Lamar County jumped to 51 cases due to an outbreak at a nursing home over the weekend, Rockwall County 58, Gregg County 69, Bowie County 69, Kaufman County 74, Smith County 139 and Harrison County 84.
In and around the Metroplex area, Johnson County had 62 cases, Ellis County 133, Collin County was up to 676 cases, Denton County 725. Tarrant County’s 2019 cases and Dallas County’s 3105 cases falls just shy of Harris County’s 5,827 cases for as the leader in COVID-19 cases in the state.
An additional 147 COVID-19 deaths were reported in Texas in the last six days, for a total of 690 fatalities reported to DSHS and HHS, as of the April 28 report. Overall, 84 of the 254 counties in Texas have reported COVID-19 fatalities, eight more counties than just 6 days ago. In Northeast Texas, Harrison, Van Zandt, Rockwall and Bowie Counties have each reported one COVID-19 fatality. Hunt County reported two COVID-19 deaths and Smith County three.
However, an estimated 4,445 additional Texas patients have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six days, increasing the total number of Texas recoveries to 11,786 as of the April 28 report.
Throughout the state, 83,601 additional COVID 19 screenings have been sent for testing over the past six days, up to 300,384 total screenings for Texas as of the noon DSHS/HHS report on April 28.
An additional 5,102 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed throughout the state during the past six days, with only 874 new cases in the last 24-hours of the reporting period. That brings the total of Texas confirmed positive COVID-19 cases to 26,171.
Demographically, 30.4 percent of Texas COVID-19 patients are Hispanic, 29.9 percent are white, 17.2 percent Black, 3.9 percent Asian and 0.7 percent are considered “other.” The race or ethnicity of the other 17.9 percent of patients is “unknown.” By gender, 48.4 percent of COVID-19 patients in Texas are female and 47.7 percent male, and 3.9 percent are pending further information.
The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals increased by four patients over the last six days to 1,682 in the hospital for COVID-19 as of the April 28 report. Throughout Trauma Service Area F, within which Sulphur Springs is located, 18 COVID-19 patients were reported to be in regional hospitals, one fewer than six days ago, according to the state report.
| TEXAS Reports (DSHS/HHS) | April 10, 2020 | April 15, 2020 | April 20, 2020 | April 22, 2020 | April 28, 2020 |
| Total tests | 115,918 | 151,810 | 190,394 | 216,783 | 300,384 |
| Cases reported | 11,671 | 15,492 | 19,458 | 21,069 | 26,171 |
| Lab Confirmed COVID-19 Patients Currently In Texas Hospitals | 1,532 | 1,538 | 1,411 | 1,678 | 1,682 |
| Estimated Number of Patients Recovered | 1,366 | 3,150 | 5,706 | 7,341 | 11,786 |
| Fatalities | 226 | 364 | 495 | 543 | 690 |
While the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases remains small, only four confirmed cases during the 43 days, HCHD/EMS remind everyone to continue practicing social distancing and proper hand-washing techniques. Doing so will help keep the Hopkins County positive number low by helping to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 through the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paris Junior College Regents Approve Core Curriculum Changes
At a video-conference meeting on April 27, the Paris Junior College Board of Regents adopted a Curriculum Committee recommendation to add Learning Framework (EDUC/PSYC 1300 or 1100) and Computer Literacy (BCIS 1305 or COSC 1301) to the College’s Core Curriculum.
Another Curriculum Committee recommendation receiving approval was a reduction in the number of hours for the Cosmetology Operator Certificate program. Currently it is 41 semester credit hours (SCH), and will now be 32 hours. The Texas Cosmetology Board reduced the number of clock hours required to take the state examination, necessitating the change.
In other business, the Regents:
• Received a financial report from Controller Keitha Carlton showing that both revenues and expenses are down from a year ago. They also learned that fiscal effects on PJC from COVID-19 will take a little longer to assess.
•April is where we’ll begin to see the effects of COVID-19,” said Controller Keitha Carlton.
• Approved the audit engagement letter from McClanahan and Holmes for the 2019-2020 independent financial audit of Paris Junior College and the Paris Junior College Memorial Foundation.
• Received an update indicating that the College is looking at cuts in three revenue streams – State appropriations, tax revenue and tuition revenue. There will be reductions in utility bills, but also additional technology expenses due to moving courses online.
“We’ll do everything we can to minimize expenses,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “We do plan on bringing back workforce students to finish their labs and finish the spring semester on May 18. Students will be brought back on a staggered schedule to maintain social distancing and minimize number of students on campus. Academic classes will be online for the summer. Everyone will be required to wear masks.”
She added that all 50 Texas community college presidents are working to develop phased-in measures to return to full operations by the fall semester on the same timeline and taking the same actions.
The College is also planning a virtual graduation for late May. Students may drive through for cap and gown pick up, then send in a photo of themselves wearing them to be used in a video of the ceremony.
• Accepted the employment of Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Foy, effective May 1, 2020.
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.
Paris SBDC to Hold Virtual Meeting: Small Business Disaster Loan Information
The Paris Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to address disaster loans and specifically updates on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding. The purpose of the meeting is to update businesses on new information available and present an opportunity for them to direct questions to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBDC.
Presenting will be Susheel Kumar, SBA Public Information Officer, Office of Disaster Assistance, Field Operations Center – West with guest, Christy Hester, Director of Growth and Development, Independent Bankers Association of Texas joining in for a meeting hosted by Jennifer Johnston, Paris SBDC Director.
This meeting will be of interest to those who are in the process of requesting PPP funding and also for those who have received funding and have questions on guidelines relative to the use of funds applicable to the forgiveness aspect. Paris SBDC has continued to receive questions on
the core difference between the PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and where to apply. Interim rulings for PPP have again been released as of April 24. Also addressed will be questions related to the sole proprietor applying as their application was staged at a later date of
initial applications being accepted, presenting a unique set of calculations and documentation for use.
Assisting local businesses navigate these difficult economic times is a Paris SBDC goal, whether it is how to access funds or diversification.
To join the Zoom meeting from a computer, go to https://parisjc.zoom.us/j/94439964793?pwd=ViswNkJGM1dpMy9PU2pXNThBbGtMQT09 an
d enter the Meeting ID: 944 3996 4793 . To connect from a mobile phone, dial 1-346-248-7799, and enter the Meeting ID: 944 3996 4793 and #.
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.
Commissioners Court Approved Amended Disaster Declaration Reopening More Local Businesses Today
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved amended disaster declaration, which will help reopen more of Texas economy starting at noon today (April 28), ahead of the May 1 date issued by the Governor on Monday.
The county declaration adopts all measures of GA-18, the Executive Order issued by Governor Greg Abbott April 27, and refers businesses to the Texans Helping Texans guide book compiled by the state regarding Phase I reopening of Texas. It can be accessed at www.gov.texas.gov.
That means all businesses and operations that meet the terms outlined by the Governor Monday — in-store retailers, restaurants, museums and libraries, movie theaters, shopping malls, etc.. — can reopen under the 50 percent occupancy provision established for counties with five or fewer cases. According to the GA-18, mall food court dining areas, play areas and interactive displays and settings are to remain closed. Local government operations that relate to permitting, recordation and document-filing services can reopen.
Hopkins County Courthouse is open. The annex buildings continue to be closed until Dallas and Rockwall Counties reopen their offices or Hopkins County is able to install more protective measures for the clerks at those county offices, according to the county judge. Otherwise, the offices will continue to operate as they have since the lobbies were closed to the public last month.
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell Tuesday morning reported the City Hall and the water building office are going to reopen. The water treatment plant, wastewater treatment and public works buildings will remain closed at this time. Social distancing practices will be observed for safety of staff and community members. That means people can expect to see city staff with masks and gloves when they pay their water bills. Those who can are still able and encourage to use the online payment options.
The municipal court will be partially open. People will be able to come in and talk directly to clerks at Sulphur Springs Municipal Building, according to Maxwell.
However, courts proceedings in the Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court that are not imminently necessary are still pushed back until June 1. Some things that can be handled by Zoom conferencing are being allowed. However, because not everyone will have access to this online option, it is not required, according to the justices of the peace.
The city police and fire department lobbies will remain closed, as these are the city employees “most critical during time of pandemic,” according to the city manager. Should there be an increase in cases, these are the individual who are on the front lines in the community. This measure will help protect them when they are not out on priority calls.
Hopkins County at the time the disaster declaration was passed Tuesday morning had only four confirmed COVID-19 patients. The county also had no additional cases reported since April 4. All four of the patients had recovered from COVID-19 as of last week.
The county local public health emergency disaster declaration, however, again includes a provision for “locked businesses,” which could allow additional local businesses to operate.
The provision applies to any business with less than 10 employees to remain locked to the public at all times, but to be open by a key or appointment only. All individuals inside the business would have to observe safety precautions. The declaration specifies:
- All individuals inside the business must remain at least 6 feet distance from all other individuals.
- If it is necessary for the business operator to be closer than 6 feet to the client, the operator must wear a protective mask.
- All equipment used by the business operator or client must be sanitized between uses.
- All business operators must exercise proper hand sanitizing at all times.
The Commissioners Court said that could mean businesses such as Daron Bilyeu’s Sulphur Springs ATA could offer services as a closed business, provided all other conditions are met.
Bilyeu, prior to the official signing of the disaster declaration, asked the court to consider the impact their decisions would have on many other small businesses including those offering martial arts, dance and gymnastics. He said for 6 weeks his business has been closed to the public. He has been able to offer some services online via Zoom, but has seen a sharp decline in students, which impacts his business financially. Not only does his business offer the services, but they are an outlet for youth who need things to do now that they are not in a traditional classroom.
Bilyeu asked for some guidance and clarification as the Governor’s Order did not expressly address his type of business. Sulphur Springs ATA had already implements several health safety measures in the normal course of business and had planned additional steps to fit COVID-19 guidelines, including reducing the class sizes to fit the distancing criteria. Industrial grade cleaners are used to disinfect after each class. Students work in a big area. Parents would be asked not to enter the building, and they numbers would be kept in accordance with the law. Families with adults age 65 and over who raise children will be encouraged to remain at home, and students not comfortable with attending at this time would still be able to receive online services.
County Judge Robert Newsom said the decisions were not made lightly, but after being up much of the night, and taking into consideration the many calls and messages he and the court had received regarding the impact of the declaration on local businesses.
Newsom said he also consulted with the county attorney regarding the potential legal aspects of the declaration, and taking into account the plans issued by both the President and Governor to re-open the country and state, and the Texans Helping Texans guide issued by the state.
County Attorney Dusty Rabe said this could leave up to hair salons whether to open as a “locked business” not open to the public but available by appointment provided all protocols are followed. She said she feels local law enforcement would not impose any penalties, but could not speak for administrative licensing oversight. They could potentially face administrative licensing fines, but with the county order in place and all protocol followed, did not see any local criminal cases being filed.
“The Court must follow the Governor’s directive. However, some of the directives are open to interpretation. If done well, you can keep citizens safety in mind while balancing economic impact,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barter said.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at about 3 1/2 hours later, however, issued a clear warning that cosmetology salons, nail salons, estheticians, mini-salons and massage therapy establishments are to remain closed.
While some contend some of these businesses can be considered sole proprietorships, TDLR, stated clearly, even these types of salons and establishments that are sole proprietorships, are to remain closed, as specifically stated in the Governor’s Executive Order GA-18 on April 27. As stipulated in GA-18, the Governor’s Order overrides all local and county orders, TDLR reminds
Hopkins County Dairy Festival 2020 News
According to David McCaig, President of the Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board of Directors, just as 2020 has been a different kind of year, so this year’s Dairy Festival will be a little different from the normal, too. At this time, plans are to hold an abbreviated one-day Dairy Festival event on Saturday August 8, 2020. Features of that day are to be a Parade in the morning, the Judges Dinner in the afternoon, and the Pageant that evening in the SSHS Auditorium. A milking contest will also likely be held, with the date, time and location still being determined. Some other annual features such as the Hot Air Balloon Rally and the Ice Cream Freeze-off will not be held in 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on meeting together, the Dairy Festival Board has faced challenges in planning this year’s events, with meetings being held by ZOOM and with communication largely by e-mail. Hopefully, by July 1, all details will be finalized in keeping with any restrictions or limitations current at that time. McCaig thanks everyone for their interest in this year’s event, and stated that the Board appreciates the generous support and participation of loyal Festival sponsors in past years. Due to COVID-19 hardships on local business, no further participation from sponsors is being sought by the Board for the 2020 Dairy Festival event.
