Wood County Sheriff’s Report April 1-7, 2020
Wood County Sheriff’s report April 1-7, 2020
April 1
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:56 a.m., in reference to an animal complaint on PR 7131 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 10:21 a.m., in reference to a traffic hazard. Deputies located the trailer that had already been moved out of the roadway, prior to their arrival.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:12 p.m., in reference to a dispute on Whitefoot near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 3:18 p.m., in reference to an animal complaint. Deputies located the dogs and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3250 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:49 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies attempted to gain access to the property, but were unable to do so.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:12 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on FM 1254 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6938 near Alba, at approximately 5:53 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:40 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 8:16 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:21 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
April 2
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2163 near Quitman, at approximately 1:48 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1426 near Quitman; at approximately 2:00 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7131 near Mineola, at approximately 8:33 a.m., in reference to an animal complaint. Deputies gave the owners advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 2:51 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 4:01 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2118 near Quitman, at approximately 4:30 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:50 p.m., in reference to a scam on HWY 80 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:25 p.m., in reference to a scam on CR 3859 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 6:50 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the homeowner and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1416 near Quitman; at approximately 7:47 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 near Mineola, at approximately 8:42 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actors.
April 3
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 12:28 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Beaulah St. in Hawkins, at approximately 4:56 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies determined a delivery driver entered the wrong code by accident and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:02 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 7:32 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1612 near Alba.
At 8:39 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Holbrook point; at approximately 12:00 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2689 near Hawkins; at approximately 1:56 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 2:41 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
At 3:24 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2351 near Mineola, at approximately 6:26 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 8:06 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Shawn White, 42, of Quitman, was arrested for Burglary of Habitation and Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 9:47 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
April 4
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 2:50 a.m., in reference to shots fired. A known actor fired a gun towards an individual. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Quitman, at approximately 3:14 a.m., in reference to a structural fire. Quitman Fire Department extinguished the fire and the incident was cleared.
At 11:12 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4440 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Holbrook beach; at approximately 12:52 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
At 2:20 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2100 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3420 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:28 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and transported to their residence by EMS.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:45 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3460 near Hawkins; at approximately 5:25 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 6:30 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2320 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3118 near Quitman, at approximately 10:20 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Donald Moss, 44, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury of Family/Household Member – Impede Breathing/Circulation and Resist Arrest Search or Transport.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 11:28 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
April 5
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 4:01 a.m., in reference to damage to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 10:15 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3750 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:12 p.m., in reference to disorderly conduct. A known actor drove by and pointed a gun at the reporting party. This case is forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2298 near Mineola, at approximately 5:44 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1210 near Quitman, at approximately 6:53 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3580 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:50 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s residence and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Loop 564 near Mineola; at approximately 8:00 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2140 near Quitman; at approximately 11:00 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
April 6
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 12:02 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 2:13 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
At 4:01 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 4930 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2270 near Mineola, at approximately 6:14 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 7:57 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
At 1:45 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:53 p.m., in reference to a dispute on CR 2280 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 3:30 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2700 near Mineola, at approximately 5:17 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4798 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:22 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s storage building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6662 near Mineola, at approximately 7:25 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 9:38 p.m., cows were reported out on Lloyd St. in Yantis.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:41 p.m., in reference to a dispute on CR 3118 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1700 near Yantis, at approximately 10:48 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
April 7
Deputies were dispatched to Cumbie St. in Hawkins, at approximately 1:03 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and determined it was a civil matter.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Holley St. in Alba; at approximately 3:12 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 4:16 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:44 p.m., in reference to a possible assault on HWY 80 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:30 p.m., in reference to a dispute on FM 2659 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3650 near Hawkins; at approximately 9:04 p.m. The individual was located and transported to the hospital by EMS.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4700 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:33 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actors.
Deputies were dispatched to Estate Lane in Yantis, at approximately 9:49 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the incident.
At 10:57 p.m., horses were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to Comanche near Quitman, at approximately 11:59 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Agency Assists
- Between the dates of April 1 and April 7, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Hawkins Police Department, Emergency Medical Service and Rains County Sheriff’s Office.
Total Jail Count
- 121 inmates
- 102 males
- 19 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.
Tira News – April 9, 2020
By Jan Vaughn
Tira resident Judy Moore, director of Hopkins County Community Chest, and her son, Gene, lost their house to fire on Tuesday, April 7.
Their neighbor, Janie Lewis, reported that firefighters from Tira, North Hopkins, Sulphur Bluff, Dike, Klondike, Hopkins County, and Delta County fire departments came to fight the destructive fire. She adds that a lot of other people stopped by to help and shared that the Salvation Army provided drinks.
I spoke with Judy and she said the “firemen were awesome.” They were able to get her dogs out. She said the dogs are suffering from smoke inhalation and they are still “terrified,” but she is thankful that they survived.
I asked her what the community could do and she said just continue to pray and love on them. Also, if anyone knows of a house for rent in Tira or the surrounding area, she would be interested in looking into a place to stay while she figures out the next steps.
The Tira Community Center remains closed through the end of April. The closure could be extended if necessary.
The Tira Food Pantry is still being stocked. Joyce Dodd reported receiving a monetary donation from Martha Payton and her brother, Von Honzell. Contributions are always needed and appreciated. I, also, want to express thanks to the council members who volunteer to fill the pantry on an ongoing basis.
I haven’t heard of any activities in the community. I’m sure most of us are staying home. It’s been nice to have some sunny days, when we could sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Joyce Dodd recently expressed her thankfulness for living in the country, where folks can get outside to walk and work in their yards and kids can play and ride their bikes. I agree that we are blessed to live in the great community of Tira.
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].
SBDC Offering April 9 Webinar On Disaster Injury Loans, Payroll Protection
A Question & Answer webinar will be held Thursday, April 9, at 4 p.m. by the North Texas Small Business Development Center. Small business owners can log into the webinar to listen to overviews of the Small Business Administration Disaster Injury Loans and the Payroll Protection Program offered through local financial institutions for COVID-19 relief.
Payroll Protection, Disaster Injury Loans
The SBA Disaster Injury Loan has the option of a $10,000 cash advance. This advance is forgivable if used for payroll and rent. Then, business owners have the option of taking loan funds at a low interest rate, but don’t have to decide right away. Those who are okay right now but may not be in three months down the road can choose to accept that money at that time. Business owners have six months to decide if they need to accept the loan or not accept it.
The Payroll Protection Program is to help pay business employees. This program is separate from the SBA Disaster Injury Loan. Business owners will contact a local banker to apply for this stimulus money.
For More Information
Business owners are encouraged to seek advice from their local banker or from the local SBDC. The SBDC offers free business consulting, and they will be able to answer questions with the knowledge given to them.
“Don’t sit and suffer because you are afraid of the term ‘loan.’ Go ahead and learn as much as you can, because knowledge helps us make our best decisions,” said Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Lezley Brown.
The local SBDC may be contacted at the main number, 903.782.0224. Jim Struwe may be contacted at [email protected] or 903.782.0206 and Jennifer Johnston at [email protected] or 903.782.0223. There is also an appointment request link on the SBDC website.
The webinar covering Disaster Injury Loans and Payroll Protection Program will begin at 4 p.m. today (April 9). The meting topic is “SBA Disaster Assistance Response to the Coronavirus: EIDL & PPP Updates Presentation, Q&A with Susheel Kumar.”
Join the Zoom meeting at:
https://parisjc.zoom.us/j/384470662?pwd=ZTk4YSsyV0VuQnJKTGkyOU5zZHR1UT09
The meeting ID is 384 470 662; and the password is 427107
Two Arrested Following Disturbance Complaints
Two people were arrested following disturbance complaints at Sulphur Springs residences Wednesday, according to police and sheriff’s reports.
The first disturbance was reported at a Wildcat Way apartment complex just before 8 a.m. April 8. Upon arrival, Sulphur Springs Police officers contacted the parties alleged to have been involved in the disturbance, according to arrest reports.
Based on their investigation, officers determined an assault had occurred prior to their arrival, the officers noted in arrest reports. A 58-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was alleged to have been the primary aggressor in the disturbance in which the alleged victim, reportedly a younger family member, sustained bodily injury, police alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, the 58-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was arrested on Wildcat Way for assault causing bodily injury to a family or household member. She remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning on the Class A misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
The second disturbance was reported on FM 2560 shortly before 11 p.m. April 8.
Hopkins County Sheriff Office deputies responded to a verbal disturbance at the address. Upon arrival, deputies assessed the situation. Deputies believed there could be further family violence if a 25-year-old man were left at the residence, the deputies alleged in arrest reports. The Sulphur Springs man was also found to have outstanding misdemeanor warrants, according to arrest reports.
Consequently, the man was arrested on FM 2560 at 11:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 , not for assault but on to warrants for no driver’s license and one for failure to maintain financial responsibility, according to arrest reports. He was released from the county jail Thursday morning, April 9, on the charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
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 Teen Arrested For Allegedly Threatening His Neighbors
A Como teen was arrested for allegedly threatening his neighbors Wednesday afternoon.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Communications Operators at 2:30 p.m. April 8 received a call about a suicidal person, possibly someone with a firearm at Westgate park in Como, deputies reported. While deputies and investigators were en route to the address, dispatchers further reported they’d been told the teen had “made statements he was going to shoot himself” and planned to walk across the street and “kill his neighbors,” HCSO Deputy Aaron Chaney noted in arrest reports.
Deputies arrived at the address, but weren’t able to contact the teen. Dispatchers, however, contacted him via phone; he was reported to be riding his bicycle in the area of FM 69, north of Joe Bob’s store in Como. Deputies reportedly located the teen in Joe Bob’s driveway.
The teen reportedly gave deputies his pass code to unlock his phone so they could look through it. When deputies searched the phone, they allegedly discovered messages in which statements were made threatening to kill two people, who deputies believed were his neighbors. The messages stated the person sending them “was going to wait until dark to shoot out the security lights by his neighbors’ house and beat his neighbor with a golf club,” deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, the 17-year-old Como resident was taken into custody at 3:50 p.m. Wednesday and transported to Hopkins County jail for making a terroristic threat toward neighbors, according to arrest reports. The 17-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning on the Class A misdemeanor 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.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – April 7, 2020
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell presented the following report to Sulphur Springs City Council during the April 7, 2020 meeting conducted via Zoom and online:
COVID-19 RESPONSE
- All City offices are closed to the public except by appointment.
- Much of City staff are alternating workdays.
- Police and Fire have instituted new procedures for dealing with persons suspected of COVID-19.
- Police and Fire have their temperature taken when arriving at work.
- Meetings are conducted virtually when possible.
- Department Heads, the City Manager and the Mayor meet 3 times each week (virtually) to coordinate our efforts.
- Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief and Fire Chief attend EOC briefings three times per week.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
The issues I previously reported with the blowers have been resolved. All 3 blowers are operating without issues. We have returned the rented blower. I expect to close out our contract with Gracon this month.
GRAYS BUILDING
Specifications are being written for the new Grays building. I expect to advertise for bids in 60 days. In the meantime we will build up the pad for the building.
BELLVIEW STREET
The water main was completed this month. Next up will be cement stabilization of the subgrade and asphalt pavement. Unfortunately street work can’t begin until Atmos has replaced their line. I expect Atmos won’t be finished for 90 days.
MCCANN STREET – HOLIDAY DRIVE
These streets are up next on our list of capital improvement projects. We have begun doing some investigative work onsite, but we are discussing the possibility of delaying the project until we have a better understanding of the financial impact of the pandemic. We may be scheduling this topic at a future City Council meeting.
CONNALLY STREET
The sidewalk on the north side of the street is completed. We will start on the other side of the street soon.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM – The Capital Construction Division replaced various curb segments for the streets that will be repaved in this year’s Street Improvement Program, (S.I.P.). The S.I.P. is funded by a combination of General Fund revenues and the Street Maintenance Fee on the water bill. I expect the contractor, Texana Land and Asphalt to begin as soon as weather permits. The following streets will be repaved this year:
S.H. 11 WIDENING (LIFT STATION)
The lift station is operational. All that remains is a little TxDOT paperwork.
CLAIMS
We had 3 minor worker’s compensation claims in March and zero liability claims. We submitted a property claim to the TML Risk Pool for a police cruiser that was totaled in a pursuit.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will give a year- to-date report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Conducted 20 building inspections, 23 electrical inspections, 10 plumbing inspections and 7 mechanical inspections and issued 15 building permits.
- Responded to 174 fire/rescue calls including 3 structure fires and 2 vehicle fires.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 20 fire hydrants.
- Performed 15 fire inspections and reviewed 15 pre-fire plans.
- Checked out 2306 items from the library and 755 eBooks.
- Sold 1,640 gallons of AvGas and 5,100 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids count of .54 mg/L.
- Repaired 3 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 7 water meters.
- Unstopped 32 sewer mains.
- Repaired 4 sewer mains.
- Washed 70,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 36 dead-end water mains.
- Treated 132 million gallons of potable water.
- Responded to 164 animal control calls while achieving a 93% adoption rate.
- Made 8 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 42 accidents, wrote 354 traffic citations, recorded 57 offenses and made 51 arrests in the Patrol Division.
- Performed 8 major street repairs following utility repairs.
- Replaced 310 feet of curb and gutter in preparation for Street Improvement Program.
- Patched 422 potholes.
- Installed “No Parking” signs on Connally Street.
Tira Residence Destroyed By Blaze
Donations Accepted Thursday At Community Chest For Residents
A Tira residence was destroyed by a blaze Tuesday afternoon. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Emergency dispatchers were first contacted at 3:35 p.m. April 7; the caller reported the FM 1536 home was reported to be fully engulfed flames. Hopkins County, Tira, North Hopkins, Dike and Sulphur Bluff firefighters were dispatched. Hopkins County EMS and Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies also responded.
When Hopkins County EMS, who had been staging at 19 and FM 71, arrived on scene, personnel confirmed a single story brick house was fully involved with fire. They were able to ascertain the woman and her son, who resided at the home, were out of the house. The family’s dogs were reportedly found in the fenced area behind the house. The neighbors went over and got the dogs, according to fire reports.
Delta County firefighters were contacted for mutual aid; Cooper and Klondike responded. Hopkins County EMS and the Salvation Army provided rehab for firefighters on scene. The Red Cross was contacted by phone fore a teleconference regarding the situation, according to officials.
Hopkins County Fire Department is still investigating; no cause had been determined yet.
A hotel room was provided for the two residents, Hopkins County Community Chest Director Judy Moore and her son, Gene, who also volunteers at HCCC.
Those who would like to help may donate clothing for the displaced residents may do so at Community Chest on Linda Drive in Sulphur Springs, on Thursday, April 9. Needed are ladies size 2X clothing and size 6 1/2 shoe; and men’s size 38 x 32 pants, XL shirts and size 10 1/2 shoes.
Plane Crash Reported In Pecan Gap
A plane crash reported in Pecan Gap Tuesday evening resulted in serious injuries for the pilot, Delta County authorities reported.
The crop dusting plane reported clipped a tree and crashed into a field off FM 64 in Pecan Gap at 7:07 p.m. April 7, 2020, catching on fire. The pilot reportedly dragged himself out of the plane and about 300 yards away to a back porch. The residents reported seeing the crash through a window, spotted the man and called for help, according to Delta County Sheriff’s Office.
Delta County Fire Departments, Sheriff’s Deputies and Constable; Hopkins County EMS; and Lifestar responded at the crash site.
The pilot sustained burns throughout his body. He was flown to Parkland Hospital for treatment. No additional information was available Wednesday, according to DCSO reports.
Bob Evans Foods Offering Free Food For Families On Good Friday
Bob Evans Foods is will be offering free food for families on Good Friday. The company will be bringing two 18-wheeler trucks loaded with egg and potato products to be given away in bundles to the first 2,400 families who arrive, completely free of charge, on April 10.
Families will be able to get a bundle of groceries April 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Civic Center Arena. This is a drive-through process; people are not to leave their cars.
To receive a bundle, simply get in line, pull through the arena, have groceries placed in the trunk, and then pull away.
“It’s that easy! We have enough groceries to give to 2,400 families! This is only occurring on Friday, and once they are gone, they are gone,” said Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce President Lezley Brown.
COVID-19 Update: CHRISTUS Officials Report Hospital, Clinic Are Open and Safe
Hospital Officials: COVID-19 Test Results Are Coming Back Quicker
During a meeting with Hopkins County Emergency Management Team Wednesday, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs officials gave an COVID-19 update which included information on hospital preparedness, COVID-19 testing and wait times, and reporting.
Hospital Preparedness
“It is a safe place to come and get your care at hospital and in the clinic,” CMFH-SS CEO Paul Harvey said. “Our number one goal is to provide a safe place to have care in Hopkins County.”
While some places across the state or nation may be reporting shortages, Harvey said CMFH-SS has plenty of beds available to treat COVID-19 patients as well as other patients. The hospital has 96 licensed beds, and has 77 beds available at any time for medical surgical, ICU or COVID-19 patients in Northeast Texas. The facility also have ventilators available.
Harvey and Dr. Martin Fielder, chief medical officer for CMFH-SS, report the hospital and clinic are ready to “take on any surge” in COVID-19 patients, if it were to come to that. In anticipation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital has converted the ICU into a COVID 19 unit that is “set up to be completely isolated from the rest of the hospital.” ICU has been moved. They report the CHRISTUS hospital and clinic have the ventilator capacity and staff to be able to take on that type of a surge. Different PPE is designated to care for COVID-19 patients for the safety of all patients and associates.
Fielder said the hospital is also now beginning to reschedule patients whose care was delayed at the outset of the pandemic as a precaution.
“We are reading the environment and adapting to the situation. We are able to meet many needs in a safe area. Our infection control specialists are on top of this,” Fielder said.
He clarified that these may include surgeries and procedures that are needed, but did not have to be performed immediately. CHRISTUS facilties will continue to adapt along with the COVID-19 situational changes. CMFH-SS and clinic operates utilizing guidance from the corporate Irving and Regional Tyler offices.
Other outpatient care has moved to video and telephone visits, when possible, for both specialist and primary care. This is an added safety measure in keeping with state, federal and local guidelines. This has proved especially helpful for those patients who might feel uncomfortable going out during these times.
Speed of Results, Testing Process
Dr. Fielder said exciting news from a testing standpoint is that testing for COVID-19 has shorter results times, especially if the test is done at a hospital.
Testing continues be conducted on a priority basis as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control on outpatient basis and inpatient basis. Testing from CHRISTUS labs are going to the labs in Tyler, which means a faster turnaround time. Tests taken “in-house” are coming back within a day.
CHRISTUS is working to get more test kits and cartridges to conduct more tests. Testing should soon be moving to blood testing, which are antibody testing. Fielder said he hopes to have this testing in the CMF hospital soon. That could mean results in hours instead of days.
“We are starting to antibody test as of today, which will speed up results within hours. I’m not sure the exact time frame when we’ll have that in Sulphur springs, but I expect within the week or early part of next week,” Fielder said.
Antibody tests can detected IGM and IGG. IGM results show early infestation, and IGG shows later infection and may stay positive for an extended period of time, according to Fielder.
The number of people who can be tested varies daily based on availability of swabs and test kits. Initially, individuals were tested using both.
Hopkins County Hospital District COO/Director of EMS Brent Smith, when asked, said he does not foresee EMS performing COVID-19 testing, unless standards change.
“We aren’t certified to perform tests, because of the sterilization process involved,” Smith said.
Who Gets Tested
Individuals continue to be tested based on the three levels of criteria established by the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services.
Health care providers make a judgement call on who is tested based on where the individual falls in the three categories, according to Fielder.
The most common symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, a deep cough that is typically considered pneumonia.
Test numbers
Hopkins County as of 3 p.m. continues to have only four confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, with one of those four individuals reported to have recovered from novel coronavirus. Positive cases represent people whose address is Hopkins County, and whose case has been reported to the state health authorities, the CHRISTUS and HDEMT officials reported.
Thus, this does not necessarily reflect the number of cases tested in Hopkins County. If a person who lives outside of Hopkins County is tested at a Sulphur Springs facility and has a positive result for COVID-19 and is treated in Hopkins County, that positive case will be attributed to the county in which lives. That’s the way the state is handling information.
At this time, no additional details will be released about COVID-19 patients; this is to protect their privacy and follow HIPPA guidelines and procedures of the department of health and health authority in an area. Because of the legal patient protection rights, officials are limited in information they receive and are able to release.
Testing counts are being provided by healthcare partners to Smith, who is reporting confirmed information.
“Some other counties are covered by a public health department. IT’s a Different process with DSHS. We have a local health authority. We receive limited information. It boils down to manpower, what information is allowed to be shared from different health authorities. It’s a complex web. DSHS is over all of it,” Smith said.
Because some areas of the community are so small, giving an age and community of residence could potentially identify an individual.
The officials said as new health processes are implemented and the situation continues to evolve, it’s possible the local health authority may be able to release some demographics in the near future, Smith said.
