Downtown Renaissance Diminished by Business Failure for Others
With the recent number of new businesses opening in downtown Sulphur Springs, many of these new establishments have seen success in turnout. Other businesses, however, have not been as fortunate. The Home Plate Family Restaurant has closed their doors for good recently and Redneck Roadhouse has moved from their location on Interstate 30. They are among a number of restaurants and other establishments along I-30 and other places outside the downtown area that have seen a decline in business since Celebration Plaza began to flourish.
Home Plate Family Restaurant
Redneck Roadhouse
Memorial Hospital Survey Results; Reactions
Hopkins County Memorial Hospital has been notified that on November 6th of this year, they will no longer qualify for Medicaid or Medicare payments. The hospital administration is working to head off termination of their agreement to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs by November 6 due to failure to meet minimum health and safety standards uncovered in CMS surveys. A meeting with CMS officials will take place Tuesday, October 27th at 1 p.m. and hospital officials hope to get the matter resolved at the meeting or they will begin an appeal process. Michael McAndrew commented on the CMS survey report and following his comments (in this article) are the findings of that report.
In a released comment, Hospital CEO Michael McAndrew stated, “I wanted to take a few minutes to respond to some concerns regarding the announcement that CMS has terminated our Medicare reimbursement on November 6th.” McAndrew is meeting with CMS officials.
“One of the things we hope to convince them is that we are not the organization that is portrayed in the Form 2567, which is the evaluation of our organization. We certainly acknowledge that we had some issues identified that needed to be taken care of. Like any organization we always have opportunities for improvement. The survey team that came in found those opportunities and we addressed them immediately in most cases and set about events to get all them addressed. Some of the items that could not be addressed immediately, we are engaging consultants and are having some construction done.
“One thing I want to do is assure the community that again Form 2567 is not representative of who we are truly as an organization. We have worked very hard over the past 13 years to create an organization that takes really good care of patients.
“We are not a perfect organization and the surveyors from the state helped point some of those things out that we need to fix. We take ownership of that. We again have fixed virtually everything that has been identified.
“The reason for the termination is not so much that we had issues, it was that in two separate visits they found issues that they felt were worthy of siting this Immediate Jeopardy. Typically in Immediate Jeopardy situations the goal is to correct the findings while the surveyors are still in the building. In the case of the second Immediately Jeopardy we were not able to clear it because there were things that we had to get done that could not be done that day. Again we had to hire consultants and we had to hire construction crews.
“We are going to tell the CMS staff today, we have evidence that we are a good organization and that evidence exists on their websites—hospital compare.gov, where we have very good patient satisfaction scores, very high quality scores and a very low infection rate.
“Did we take this seriously, ABSOLUTELY—certainly one of the most powerful things that has happened to me in hospital management.
“I am very proud of this organization and feel like what has happened is not an accurate reflection of who we are and the care we give.”
During a complaint survey of Hopkins County Memorial Hospital on August 14th of this year, the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) cited immediate jeopardy (IJ) for failure to safely administer psychotropic medications in the Emergency Department. Psychotropic medications were administered to patients with no indication and/or when the medication was considered harmful for the patient’s medical condition, according to Bob Moos, Public Affairs Specialist for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Region 6. According to Moos, “One patient diagnosed with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome was given a psychotropic medication which resulted in the patient becoming unresponsive and requiring intubation. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a life threatening neurological condition for which the use of psychotropic drugs is harmful and can cause adverse reactions in patients.”
At that time, the survey team for TDSHS determined the hospital had failed to have complete physician orders and clear protocols for anesthetic/sedatives being administered. That the hospital failed to ensure staff followed physician orders when administering the anesthetic/sedative and to ensure that less restrictive alternatives were tried before administration of the psychotropics and sedatives.
On September 30th, a follow-up and full survey visit was conducted with Immediate Jeopardy identified a second time by the survey team. This IJ involved the hospital’s failure to provide a safe, sanitary environment to avoid possible transmission of infectious diseases. Endoscopic and surgical instruments were not properly sterilized in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Staff designated to conduct the sterilization of endoscopes and surgical instruments did not have knowledge of sterilizing processes. Following that survey, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a notice of final termination on October 22nd.
In the September 30, 2015 report, CMS stated that all patients were at risk for the likelihood of harm, serious injury, and possibly subsequent death regarding patient rights, infection control, and surgical services. The facility was not able, at that time, to implement a plan to abate the IJ so the IJ remained at the survey team exit. According to the Conditions of Participation, the hospital Governing Body, Patients Rights, Infection Control and Surgical Services were out of compliance.
The survey team stated that the patient care/surgical equipment used for invasive surgical procedures were not properly sanitized. They stated that staff responsible for sterile processing did not know the appropriate time to incubate the biologicals. Some floors did not meet the survey team’s standards. They stated some were “dull and had no finish” in the surgical area. A cabinet was found to be overflowing with equipment and supplies, a few of which were out of date. The surgical tech told the surveyor that she could re-sterilize what was found in the cabinet. Water leaks under a sink and drippy faucets were also noted. An exterminator’s box used to catch bugs to determine what to treat were found to have been in the area for an extended time. They also noted a Trauma Kit just expired. And unused patient bed alarms that were old and not sanitized due to not being used.
Anesthesia was also noted. The survey team said that the anesthesia personnel were not evaluating patients post anesthesia before being discharge from the day surgery care area, nor were they evaluating patients that were admitted to the hospital within the required 48 hours. They said patients were signing consent for anesthesia without family present and were not give options to alternatives to anesthesia.
The survey team stated that the immediate availability of a registered nurse for bedside care of a patient was out of compliance. They said the facility failed to ensure accurate nursing assessments were done and interventions were implemented on patients who were at risk for suicide. They noted one patient that they observed who was hostile to hospital staff, who assaulted a peace officer that claimed to be suicidal was untreated for three hours. They said a suicide assessment and medications were not given immediately.
Infection control did not meet their criteria in several departments due to “unsafe practices that caused increased risk to patients risk of infection.”
Old medical records also failed to be stored in a manner to protect them from fire and rodents in the storage building. The Pharmacy failed to ensure emergency medications and other patient medications were stored in a locked area.
In the kitchen, the walk-in freezer had a rectangular plastic tub used to collect water that was dripping from a vent. A couple of bags of meat were open and exposed to air. There was no indication that the meat would be used.
Commentary: “I Trust Hopkins County Memorial Hospital” can be found here.
Hopkins County Grand Jury Hands Down 51 Indictments Monday Afternoon
Monday afternoon, October 26, 2015, a Hopkins County Grand Jury handed down 51 indictments. Not all indicted have been arrested but those indictments that can be released include:
Michael Allen Coker for theft of property over $20,000 but under $100,000. On September 18th of this year, 47-year old Michael Allen Coker was transported from the Dallas County Jail to the Hopkins County Jail to face a theft charge in Sulphur Springs. The man allegedly stole a truck.
Robert Charles Vaughn for theft of property over $20,000 but under $100,000.
Dan Iven Hamiter for theft of property over $2500 but under $30,000. On October 24th, Dan Hamiter, 79, was charged with theft of property over $1500 but less than $20,000 in a magistrates hearing Saturday morning at Hopkins County Jail. Hamiter was arrested Friday morning just after 9 a.m. at his home. A two time candidate for Sulphur Springs City Council and a local businessman know by his nickname “Dan the Man”, Hamiter purchased items at an auction conducted recently in Hopkins County at an auction house on State Highway 154. However, his check bounced. He was allegedly given time to make the check good but failed to do so.
Rene Gamaliel Herrera for aggravated sexual assault of a child. On September 18th, ksstradio.com reported 24-year old Rene Herrera of Sulphur Springs had been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child before JP Brad Cummings who set his bond at $100,000.
Darrell Lynn Payne for two counts of attempted sexual assault. On September 21st, Sulphur Springs Police Detective Sgt. David Gilmore arrested 51-year old Darrell Lynn Payne of Sulphur Springs for two counts of attempted sexual assault. The case involved boys ages 14 and 15. The two boys told their parents of the incident and the parents reported to police that a neighbor who lived down the road had proposed committing a sex act on the boys September 4th. He confessed to doing what the victims reported. Gilmore said most cases of this type are reported much later than the occurrence. Gilmore said these two reported it immediately to the parents. The boys gave identical statements which were confirmed when the perpetrator confessed. Gilmore said the two boys did exactly what they should have done in resisting and reporting it instantly to their parents.
Jeffery Thomas Miller for online solicitation of a minor for sex. On August 25th, Jeffery Thomas Miller, 45, of Mesquite was in Hopkins County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Miller, who posted an ad soliciting sex, received a response from one whom he thought to be a minor—a 16-year old female. He began talking to her and arranged to meet for her in Sulphur Springs for the purpose of sexual acts, according to local law enforcement. Miller, a maintenance man by profession arrived at a League Street location where he met local law enforcement. He gave no resistance to arrest as he confessed to the online solicitation of a minor.
Miranda Marie Bazaldua for aggravated assault of date or family. On September 8th, Justice of the Peace B. J. Teer set bond at $75,000 for 33-year old Miranda Marie Bazaldua of Sulphur Springs. Bazaldua was arrested Sunday night just after 10:30 p.m. after she reportedly threatened her mother with a knife. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Wade Sheets and Deputy Shea Shaw were sent to investigate a case of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. When they arrived, a woman said her boyfriend had assaulted her. He denied it and others present agreed with him. The woman finally admitted she had argued with her mother, had threatened her with a knife and had stabbed the knife into a wall several times.
Lydia Ellen Campbell for abandonment or endangering a child. On August 6th, a 30-year old Terrell woman was arrested at a Hopkins County resident south of Como, where she and her husband were staying, in connection with a Kaufman County theft case. Lydia Ellen Campbell was charged with possession of a controlled substance, theft over $1500 and child endangerment. During a search, drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, and a weapon were found. Children present in the residence were surrendered to Child Protective Services.
Michael Dale Campbell for abandonment or endangerment of a child and for possession of a controlled substance under 1 gram, theft of services under $1500, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. On August 6th, Campbell was arrested in Hopkins County in connection with a stolen lawn mower tractor and trailer from Kaufman County charges from Kaufman County. Campbell was charged with possession of a controlled substance, burglary of a habitation, burglary of a building and three counts of theft over $1,500, all from Kaufman County. His charges in Hopkins County are child endangerment, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a controlled substance and theft over $1,500.
David Allen Grimes for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Grimes, 46, reportedly struck an individual with his vehicle in an incident near FM 2560 and County Road 2174 on September 2nd of this year.
Steven Hair for assault of family or house member.
Jessica Perez for assault of a public servant.
Kenneth Shane Henson for burglary of a habitation and for possession of a controlled substance under 1 gram.
Lindsey Renea Icenhower for abandonment or endangerment of a child and for possession of a controlled substance under 1 gram.
Michael Brandon Price for stalking.
Michael Anthony Edwards for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
Jacob Gonzlo Zambrono for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
Randy Deray Willingham for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon
Brandon Darel Roach for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon
Robert Lee Green for a prohibited weapon
Bethany Kay Stevenson for fraudulent use of and/or possession of identifying items
Keshanna Lejanae Thompson for possession of marijuana over 4 oz but under 5 lbs
Linda Ann Miears for manufacture and delivers of a controlled substance under 1 gram
For possession of a controlled substance under 1 gram those indicted include:
Kimberly Sue Ibarra; Richard Allen Kinnard; Jesus Fidencio Macias; Gene Leonard Self Jr.; and James Marlin McPherson
Crime Stoppers Assist in Property Theft Arrest
A 44-year old Sulphur Springs man was arrested Monday in connection with recovery of an estimated $250,000 of stolen property. Brent Glen Self has been charged with four counts of theft over $2,500. JP Brad Cummings set bond at $10,000 for each charge. The recovery began when a stolen camper trailer was found thanks to help from a Hopkins County resident. According to Sheriff’s Department spokesman Alvin Jordan, Crimestoppers will be paying an anonymous caller $1,000 for the tip that led to the arrest of the suspect. After the stolen camper trailer was found, a search warrant resulted in a major recovery of stolen items including two more campers, three pick up trucks and numerous other property. Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum has been investigating the case since October 20.
Early Release for SSISD Friday
Yes, it is another out-of-town long trip for Wildcat football and teacher-parent conferences facilitated by early dismissal.
All students in the Sulphur Springs ISD will be released at 12:50 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2015 allowing elementary teachers to conduct required Title I Parent Conferences beginning at 1:00 p.m. Teachers will be calling parents to schedule conference times. Middle School and High School teachers will be involved in staff development for the afternoon.
All campus staff will be dismissed at 3:30 p.m.
The SSISD Transportation Dept. will deliver all regular route bus students to their homes approximately 3 hours earlier. Buses will leave Prim Stadium hub at 1:10-1:15 and begin afternoon runs. Please make this adjustment to your family schedule for the afternoon of October 30.
Hospital Makes Necessary Equipment Purchase; Meeting Today Set to Resolve Issues with CMS
The Hopkins County Memorial Hospital Board voted to purchase some non-budgeted equipment for the Operating Room due to a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services survey critical of the hospital. Some of the equipment will sterilize hospital operating instruments better and faster. It was noted that the equipment was not all the OR needed but it was a start, Hospital CEO Michael McAndrew’s CMS Update was moved to the closed executive session as allowed for quality assurance matters pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code.
The hospital administration is working to head off termination of their agreement to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs by November 6 due to failure to meet minimum health and safety standards uncovered in CMS surveys. A meeting with CMS officials will take place Tuesday, October 27th at 1 p.m. and hospital officials hope to get the matter resolved at the meeting or they will begin an appeal process. Hospital CEO Michael McAndrew stated, “If we are unable to do so at that time we will officially begin an appeal process. We intend to be transparent about this. We realize the gravity of the situation and have done and will do whatever it takes to address the findings. As we learn more we will disseminate the information.”
Thursday of last week, the hospital received notice via email that it has been terminated from the Medicare/Medicaid program effective November 6th. McAndrew said, “As CEO of the hospital, I was very surprised at the notice of termination. Our hospital staff and physicians work hard to provide high quality patient-centered care. We will work diligently to resolve the issues identified during the recent CMS survey.”
Survey results; reactions here
North Hopkins Advancing to State
The North Hopkins varsity boys cross country team is advancing to State competition with their fourth place overall team finish at Regionals at Joe Pool Lake today. Javier Rojo advanced individually in 10th with a time of 17.45.95. They will be running at Round Rock on Nov. 7.
Mapps Arraigned Monday
Tilton Joshua Isaiah Mapps, 21, was arraigned before 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt Monday, October 26, 2015 for the murder of Jonathan Trahern Young at Pacific Park on June 8th of this year. Mapps will now have a bond reduction hearing later this month. He is being held in Hopkins County Jail on a $1.5 million bond for murder and two $20,000 bonds for tampering with evidence.
He was indicted for the charges by a Hopkins County Grand Jury on Wednesday afternoon, September 23 2015.
Mapps became a suspect in the murder after local law enforcement questioned several witnesses at the park. Police obtained a warrant for Mapps arrest the day of the shooting. At that time, Mapps, who was known to live in Greenville, was considered armed and dangerous and area citizens were asked to report his whereabouts to local law enforcement.
Mapps allegedly shot Young multiple times and disposed of the fire arm after he admitted to throwing the weapon into an unspecified body of water. SSPD Criminal Investigator David Gilmore had said at the time that one of the key pieces of evidence in a homicide is the murder weapon. Gilmore said Mapps was very vague regarding what body of water the weapon was thrown. Tampering with evidence is a felony 3 carrying 2-10 years in a state penitentiary.
Mapps proved to be elusive. On June 11th, KSST News reported that Texas Ranger John Vance, the U. S. Marshal’s office, and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety were assisting in the search. They felt hampered in the search because, as they stated, the family members and associates of Mapps are not law abiding citizens and were assisting Mapps in eluding law officers. Mapps was arrested in Fort Smith Arkansas on Monday June 29.
Mapps, along with his girlfriend, Tressa Macon, were located by the Marshal’s office. Marshalls along with Ranger Vance, Sgt. Gilmore, and the Fort Smith Police made the arrest at an apartment complex where the pair and others were staying. Mapps was being assisted in his attempt to evade arrest by several individuals, according to Gilmore. A decoy car was used in an attempt to draw law officers away from the scene. After the first vehicle had left with two police cars giving chase, a second vehicle was used in which Mapps laid down in the back seat and, in an attempt to hide from view, pulled a pink swimming pool floaty over him. Gilmore said that the Marshal Service and the Fort Smith police worked together with a part of the force apprehending the first vehicle while the remainder of the force continued to watch the apartment. That group of officers was able to apprehend the second vehicle as Marshals converged on the vehicle as it was pulling away from the curb. Gilmore stated that even though the law officers had not worked together before, they were able to orchestrate the arrest as though they had worked on other arrests.
Gatewood Qualifies for State Meet
SSHS Wildcat Jacob Gatewood, a senior, is state bound following his 15th place finish at the regional Cross Country meet in Grand Prairie Monday. Gatewood, who ran the distance in a time of 16:07 led the Wildcats to a 13th place team finish. Gatewood just missed the state meet last year
The Lady Cats finished 16th at the regional meet.
Weekend Rainfall Totals Vary in County
October 26, 2015 – Rainfall amounts varied in Hopkins County during the weekend deluge. At the water plant in Sulphur Springs, the official rainfall station, 8.88 inches of rain was captured. A resident near North Hopkins received just over 7 inches of rain.
Hopkins County and the surrounding area had been placed under a flood watch in the late hours of Thursday night by the National Weather Service. The watch extended to Sunday morning. The watch became a warning Friday as rainfall increased on the already soaked area.
Friday night’s Wildcat football game was moved to Emory’s Rains High School Wildcat Stadium and other planned activities were moved inside Thursday and Friday. The Corvette Show and Hopkins County Stew contest took place in the rain. Although some participants were deterred by the weather, most attended.
Hopkins County escaped the major flooding that occurred south of the DFW metroplex.
