Farewell Reception For Freddie Taylor Planned June 7
A farewell reception for Freddie Taylor is planned June 7, 2022, just before the regular council meeting in the Council Chambers inside the Municipal Building (City Hall) on Davis Street.
Freddie Taylor, 18-year Place 4 City Councilman 
Sulphur Springs City Council February 2022 
Sulphur Springs City Council August 2021 
Freddy Taylor, Place 4 City Councilman, June 2021, the new HW Grays Building 
Sulphur Springs City Councilman, Place 4, Freddie Taylor June 2021 
Sulphur Springs City Council meeting conducted via Zoom February 2021 
Sulphur Springs City Council meeting February 2021 
Freddie Taylor November 2020 
Sulphur Springs City Council February 2020 
Freddie Taylor files candidacy for another term in Place 4 on City Council in January 2019 
Sulphur Springs City Councilman Freddie Taylor March 2017 
Freddie Taylor July 2014
The event is to show appreciation and recognition to Taylor for “18 years of loyal service, dedication and friendship to the citizens of Sulphur Springs,” while serving as a member of Sulphur Springs City Council.
The come and go reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 6:45 p.m. next Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Hors d’oeuvres and cake will be provided for everyone to enjoy.
Taylor opted not to seek another term in office this year. Tommy Harrison was unopposed and will be taking the Place 4 seat on the City Council.
Brief Interstate 30 Pursuit Concludes With Arkansas Man’s Arrest
An Arkansas man ended up in Hopkins county jail Tuesday afternoon following brief Interstate 30 pursuit, according to arrest reports.
Franklin County authorities attempted to stop a red Toyota Corolla inside of which an active assault between the driver and passenger was reported. The car did not stop. Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly were alerted and spotted what they believed to be the car in question nearing the 141 mile marker on I-30 west and hit the lights on their patrol unit to try to stop the car. May 31, 2022.
Instead of immediately stopping the car continued west on I-30 to mile marker 136 before resting. The sheriff and a deputy took the driver, identified in arrest reports as Joseph Kian Anderson, into custody at 2:03 p.m. May 31, 2022, and transported him to Hopkins County jail, HCSO Sheriff Lewis Tatum and Deputy Elijah Fite noted in arrest reports. The care was released to the passenger.
The 60-year-old Lakeview, Arkansas man was booked in on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, June 1, 2022, on the third-degree felony 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.
Repair Work On Second Half Of Lee Street Under Way
Repair work on the second half of Lee Street is currently under way. Work crews brought equipment and began preparing the road Tuesday.
The Lee Street project was originally slated last year, but was delayed for several months. One of the streets earmarked for improvements by Texana Land and Asphalt in 2021, the project kept getting pushed back. In November 2022, City Manager Marc Maxwell reported that the contractor had planned to be finished with the project by Thanksgiving Day, but supply chain constraints hampered the project. The project was at that point expected to be completed by Thanksgiving.
The first half of the repair work was delayed until the very end of January 2022, when the asphalt surface was ground off. On Feb. 1 the company anticipated cement stabilizing the road base, then putting a new asphalt driving surface on Lee Street from Broadway to Brinker Street. The first half of the work on Lee Street commenced, and was completed by March.
Further work was halted after Sulphur Springs ISD officials asked the city officials to put the second half of the street repair on hold until after the regular school year concluded so as not to disrupt traffic from buses and parents delivering and picking ups students from the Lee Street side of Sulphur Springs Elementary. The contractor was contracted and put work on hold as requested.
With school ending last week, the contractor had equipment and crews on site Tuesday, where work began to make much needed repairs on the highly traveled street. The eastbound side of Lee Street appeared to have some grating Tuesday in front of SSES just off League Street. Crews were focusing on the Texas Street intersection Wednesday, and had the road will be intermittently closed for a block eastward through the day as work progresses.
Any motorists, pedestrians and cyclists who normally travel along that stretch of roadway are recommended to find an alternate route of travel until the work is complete. Those who cannot avoid the area should expect travel delays and potential detours while crews work on that section of Lee Street. Motorists are reminded to drive with extreme care, watching for workers in the area.
Traffic waits for construction equipment to clear the intersection of Lee Street and Texas Street. The work is part of the Lee Street repair project, budgeted for the summer of 2021, but delayed until this week from League to Brinker Streets.
June Is National Men’s Health Month – Make Prevention A Priority
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Did you know that men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women? Part of the reason is that men are more reluctant to go to the doctor, according to menshealthmonth.org. In fact, studies show that women go to the doctor twice as much as men.
With June being National Men’s Health Month, this is a good reminder for men to schedule their “tune-up.” A routine physical is a great place to start. Many health conditions can be detected early with regular checkups and screenings from a healthcare provider. Let this also be a reminder to look in to your family health history. It can be helpful to your provider in determining risk and what if any additional screenings should be done.
Whether you need to see a Family Practice provider or a specialist, we have you covered. Call us today to schedule these important screening exams at 903.885.3181. Check back next week for more information on Men’s Health during the month of June.
The CARE Unit: Inpatient Rehabilitation
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Inpatient Rehabilitation provides a comprehensive rehabilitation program of the highest quality in order to improve the functional independence of those we serve. Some of the conditions we treat include amputations, brain injuries, knee and hip replacements, hip fractures, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and stroke. Opened 24/7, we provide around the clock nursing care, three hours of therapy per day, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and social work/discharge planning to return home. If you believe you or a family member may benefit from an inpatient rehab stay, please contact us at 903.438.4570 for more information.
Outpatient Physical Therapy
When you need rehabilitation and therapy services – the more convenient, the better. With a goal to return patients to normal function as quickly and safely as possible, our rehabilitation professionals at the hospital’s Healthplex provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to all ages. Our staff are specialized in skills such as cupping; dry needling, orthopedic and sports rehab, speech and language delays, Vitalstim, hand therapy, pool therapy, and much more. We even have an Anti-Gravity Treadmill – an innovative technology. If you would like more information on the available services, please call our team at 903.439.4053.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
Net Health continues to offer Adult and Pediatric COVID vaccines at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. They will provide vaccines from10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily every four weeks as listed: June 1-June 3, June 27-July 1, July 25-29, August 22-26, September 19-23, and October 17-21. No appointment is necessary.
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 Continue CARE 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 Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Sun Safety In The Texas Heat
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
That time of year is quickly approaching in Texas when the temperatures get up to three digit numbers, but it isn’t just the heat that is getting to you. The sun also emits UV rays which can be harmful to the skin. Did you know that excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important preventable cause of all skin cancers? Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Learning a few things about skin safety can help you prevent it.
There are different types of UV rays that come from the sun. Some sunscreens only protect from one type. Be sure to get a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Just because it is cloudy outside doesn’t mean that the UV rays are blocked from reaching your skin. Like light, UVA rays can go through glass, so before taking off for a car ride don’t forget to put some sunscreen on. UV rays can also do damage to your eyes so find a wide (3’’) brim hat and some sunglasses to protect your face as well.
Here are some tips on keeping the UV rays from harming you:
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun – it needs to soak in before being effective. Make it a morning routine and then you’ll never forget!
- Apply sunscreen every two hours when in the sun – SPF 30 or higher and one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember the hat and sunglasses too!
- Fill a basket by the front door with sunglasses, hats and sunscreen- so as you rush out the door you remember take a bottle with you to reapply later as needed.
- Make playing in the shade fun – During the peak hours of the day when the sun’s rays are at their highest point find some fun games at http://gameskidsplay.net .
- Use extra caution around water and sand – these surfaces reflect the UV rays which can increase your chances of getting a sun burn.
Also remember to stay hydrated during the hot summer months. The first sign of thirst is the first sign of dehydration. Water is the best source to stay hydrated. Sports drinks can be useful if you are working outside or participating in other strenuous physical activity for more than an hour. However, for most of us, water is sufficient and helps reduce the amount of sugar we consume.
Closing Thought
Bathe your children in prayer every day!
Contact Texas AgriLife Family and Community Health Agent Johanna Hicks at the Hopkins County Extension Office, P.O. Box 518 or 1200-B West St. Houston in Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
Hopkins County Grand Jury Indictments For May 2022
The Hopkins County Grand Jury during the May 2022 session issued 47 indictments accusing 40 people in the charges, including at least five people named in two offenses each.
More than half of the indictments were for controlled substance offenses. The remainder of the charges ranged from aggravated assault and aggravated robbery to evading arrest, tampering with evidence and firearm charges.
Indicted for aggravated assault of a date, family or house member with a weapon as well as assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation was Derek Wayne Bone. The Cumby man was accused during an April 2, 2022 altercation of choking his wife to the point she could not breath, then of using a shard of broken glass to lacerate her wrist. When the argument transitioned into the kitchen, Bone was accused of using a toolbox to strike his wife on the left side of her face. The man’s wife was treated at the hospital for serious bodily injury to her face. The 34-year-old has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest on April 2, 2022. Bond was set at $500,000 bond on the aggravated assault charge and $200,000 bond on the assault impeding breathing charge.
Timothy Blake Merrell and Christopher Howard Alves were also indicted on one count each of assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation.
Timothy Blake Merrell allegedly attempted late Jan. 25, 2022, to push the woman with whom he’d been in a dating relationship on and off for 8 months out of the vehicle he was driving and of choking her He allegedly drove recklessly, swerving as if to crash into trees. When they arrived at a County Road 1116 residence, she tried to gather her belongings and leave. He then allegedly choked her to the point she couldn’t breath, deputies alleged in arrest reports. He was booked in around midnight and remained in Hopkins County jail until Feb. 3, 2022 on the assault impeding breathing charge; bond was set at $15,000, according to jail reports.
Christopher Howard Alves was accused during an argument with a woman over her possibly cheating on him on Feb. 17, 2022, of pushing her into a bedroom or closet door and putting his hands around her neck. She reportedly pushed her off, so he pushed her on the bed and put his forearm around her throat and chest area. She reportedly stopped breathing and almost passed out. Alves admitted to arguing with the woman over a phone and putting his elbow on her chest while she was on the bed, according to arrest reports.. He was jailed Feb. 18, 2022, for assault impeding breathing charge. He was released from jail later Feb. 18 on a $15,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Indicted for aggravated assault of a date, family or household member with a weapon was Mark Lynn Hanson. The 62-year-old Pickton man reportedly admitted to deputies that during a verbal altercation he hit his cousin in the head with a mini sledge hammer he had when he greeted deputies from his CR 2379 porch on Feb. 19, 2022. Hanson allegedly admitted he’d thought about assaulting the cousin the evening before, but didn’t at that time have the courage to do so. Officers found the cousin on the bed in his room, where Hanson told them he’d be lying. The cousin reportedly had a laceration on his head and another on his forehead. He remembers being struck in the head, then waking up in the hallway, likely the spot where deputies reported seeing blood on the floor. The cousin was transported for medical attention and Hanson was taken to jail, where he’s remained since his arrest Feb. 19, 2022, on the aggravated assault charge; his bond was set at $50,000, according to arrest and jail reports.
Cristian Lonnie Jackson was indicted during the May 2022 grand jury session on an aggravated robbery charge. The 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest on an aggravated robbery charge on Jan. 24, 2022. His bond was set at $50,000 on the charge, according to jail reports. HCSO jail records show the offense is one of two aggravated robbery charges Jackson is accused of.
Rodney Arnold Harrington was indicted on two assault of a family or household member with previous convictions.
Both Norman Oscar Baez‐Baez and Fabian Chandler Ruiz were indicted during the May 2022 grand jury session on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle was Juan Carlos Duran.
Stephen Lance Boughton was indicted in May of 2022 on a burglary of a building charge.
Latira Jackson was indicted on a prohibited substance or item in a correctional, civic or community facility charge and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information charge. Sebastian Caine Page too was indicted on a prohibited substance or item in a correctional, civic or community facility charge, and Yesenia Rodriguez‐Cadena on a fraudulent use or possession of identifying information charge.
Among the individuals indicted on one possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge each were: Christian Kirby Collins, Ronald Martinez, Rosa Maria Medrano, Kevin Lamont Rushin, Rosa Maria Medrano. Joey Allen Pierce was indicted for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Henry Lee Wood Jr. was indicted on an attempt to tamper with or fabric charge and possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge.
Jakobe Ulysses McClinton IV and Jerry Steve Dodd were also indicted by the Hopkins County Grand Jury in may on a tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair charge each.
Additional individuals indicted on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge, including:
- Carlos Cordova‐Segovia,
- Enoc Ventura‐Delacruz,
- Gabriel Ventura‐Delacruz
- Freddy Victorio‐Herrera
- Lutrail Deion Farrier
- Star Herrera‐Mungia
- William Barry Fenton
- Michael Scott Patterson Jr.
- Wendy Dawn Smith
- Whitney Renee Armstrong
- Beverly Alaina Bailey
Indicted on one possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge each were Laura Marie Cook, Samantha Suzanne Evans, and Wyndel Dorsie Shepherd, Jr.
Preslie Paige Lappin and Rene Perea ‐Saldana, were each indicted for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Mark Dakota Sherrin and Dylan Ray Toon were indicted for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle or watercraft.
Terry Ray Born and 2229179 Edgar Campos were each indicted during the May 2022 grand jury session on a driving while intoxicated-3rd or more offense charge. Campos too was charge with possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana.
Mississippi Woman Arrested For Having Suspected MDMA Pills
A 27-year-old Jackson, Mississippi woman was arrested for having suspected MDMA pills, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Elijah Fite and Dan Turrentine, and Sgt. Richard Greer reported stopping a red Kia at 12:34 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2022, for a minor traffic infraction on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 142. Upon contact with the two occupants, Fite reported smelling a marijuana odor emitting from the vehicle. The driver reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana inside the vehicle.
Deputies had the pair step outside of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded two pills in a bag inside of a purse. Based on training, a contents were believed to be suspected MDMA pills. One firearm was found in the woman’s purse. The woman admitted there was another firearm in the trunk. Deputies secured the suspected MDMA pills and both firearms to a patrol vehicle and detained both occupants. The woman claimed both guns but claimed the Ecstasy (street name for MDMA) belonged to a relative.
Marcandice Justavea Gant was taken into custody at 1:14 p.m. May 30, 2022, and transported to Hopkins County jail where she was booked in on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge for having the suspected MDMA pills and unlawful possession of a firearm. The 27-year-old Jackson, Mississippi woman remained in Hopkins County jail. Bond was set at $5,000 on the felony controlled substance charge and $1,000 on the Class A misdemeanor weapon 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.
Hospital District Board Members Take Oath, Elect Officers
New EMS Station, District HQ On Track For October Completion
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors newly reelected members took the oath of office and elected officers from among the board. The board also received an update that the new EMS station and district headquarters is currently on track for an October completion, considered HCHD employee insurance carrier and received a brief update on hospital operations from the administrator.
Board Composition
The oath of office was administered to Kerry Law and Joe Bob Burgin. The incumbents were the only two individuals to file candidacy for the two seats on the hospital district board at the close of the filing period, thus, HCHD Board of Directors was able to cancel the May 7 election. After reciting the oath of office, Law and Burgin then signed the requisite paperwork as well.
“It’s a distinct honor and privilege to serve as president of this wonderful board, but it would not hurt my feelings at all if I’m not reelected as president,” Kerry Law told the board when calling for nominations for the three officer positions on the board.
Burgin quickly made a motion for Law to remain president, Chris Brown to continue serving as vice president and Dr. David Black to continue as secretary of HCHD Board of Directors. Board member Kristi Shultz made a motion to cease nominations. Eimy Medina seconded the motions. The board voted to keeping the board officers the same as recommended by Burgin.
The officers’ oath was taken by both Law and Dr. Black. Brown was not at the May 24, 2022 HCHD Board meeting. He will be administered the officer’s oath at a future meeting.
Insurance
Monica Blakeley with HUB International, an insurance brokerage that provides employee benefits, business, and personal insurance products and services, reminded the HCHD board transitions over the last year from United Health, which came in higher, to Cigna for medical insurance. There was really no rate adjustment last year, but HCHD was able to keep all three plans offered. Over that time, more was paid out by Cigna in medical claims that HCHD Board put into it. An adjustment is reflected in the quotes provided by Cigna for that.
The broker recommended staying with Cigna as doing so as projected wouldn’t result in any loss of benefits, and should allow employees’ copays to remain the same. With a guaranteed surplus rate adjustment for renewal and other adjustments, that would cut the renewal to half the original amount, with no increase to dental and voluntary benefits, and vision and life and disability are under rate guarantee.
HCHD CEO Brent Smith noted the proposals are the exact plans offered since the change to Cigna.
Law asked what HCHD employees say about their insurance.
Smith said he rarely hears any complaints about the plan. The new employees acquired from other agencies indicated HCHD’s plan is a better plan, one of the draws for paramedics and EMTs. It has been a good EMS staff recruitment and retention tool.
Angie Waller noted a few employees had complained about the hassled of having to make a change well into the year.
Smith said when the change was made, it took Cigna a little bit of time to catch up on some things. He noted that a few were charged a higher deductible for prescriptions. The issue was addressed to Cigna, and Cigna sent check reimbursing those employees who’d already paid that amount out of pocket.
“They made things right. I’ve been very happy with the program,” Smith said.
Smith noted that looking at the last three years, the plan utilizations should be on or pretty close to being on trend, because claims weren’t as high.
The board voted to renew medical insurance as recommended. Burgin noted that the board would have to reevaluate if the amounts keep going up next year.
Building Update
CEO/EMS Director Brent Smith reported the new EMS station/HCHD headquarters is still on track to be completed in mid-October. However, the steel beams for the apparatus bay have yet to arrive, but are expected in August.
“As far as the interior of the EMS building and administration, it’s really taking shape,” Smith said.
An RFP for landscaping services was slated to be posted at the first of this week, along with a potential for a one-year service agreement for all HCHD landscaping.
He then showed some photos of the building in progress, including a sidewalk that connects to nothing else. He pointed out what appear to be utility fixtures jutting crookedly out of the middle of one section of sidewalk that shouldn’t be there. The locker rooms, toilet and shower rooms, are starting to take shape but had no fixtures or tile work as of the May 24, 2022 meeting. Crews are utilizing what will become the district’s storage area to house some supplies on site and keep them dry.
The first cement entrance had to be redone because the asphalt did not meet code. So those responsible for the concrete had to redo that to meet City of Sulphur Springs requirements.
“Slowly, but surely it’s getting there. I think if we would have had steel a little bit sooner, not the whole issue with the whole apparatus bay we would probably be close to getting it all done right now,” Smith said.
Other HCHD Information
Smith said Hopkins County EMS is still looking for an accountant. Three were contacted. One declined; the individual wanted a remote job only and did not want to drive to Sulphur Springs for work. One did not show up for the scheduled interview. One was interviewed. Currently, Smith said at the regular May HCHD board meeting, the accounting position remains open.
HCHD’s legal council, Kevin Reed with Reed, Claymon, Meeker and Hargett of Austin, is still trying to find the answer to a legal question posed at a prior HCHD meeting, according to Smith.
“BKD has been conducting the first round of the single auditors for the first round of PRF funding, which was through COVID stimulus stuff. That should be getting wrapped up before too long. KBD is just waiting on just a few items from a couple of facilities,” Smith said.
Waller reported The district had it’s first Quality Incentive Payment Program (QIPP) IGT year six call, which is scheduled to settle on June 3 for $2.3 million. The next call will be Dec. 22, and the last for year 6 and it is expected to be the same.
QIPP is state directed payment program (DPP) which serves as a performance-based initiative to help nursing facilities achieve transformation in the quality of their services through implementation of innovative program-wide improvement processes. Facilities may earn incentive payments for meeting or exceeding certain goals. Improvement is based upon several indices of success, including quality metrics that are collected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. HCHD owns some nursing homes in other counties.
HCHD CEO Brent Smith reported EMS call volumes are still erratic. Overall, HCEMS in 2022 is on average down about 1 transport per day compared to 2021. He attributes the change to the volume of COVID calls last year. Destinations remain on track and are expected to still come in a little under last year’s rates, also due to COVID patient transports last year.
Hopkins County EMS, which served 4 counties, is currently fully staffed. The agency was able to hire 4 paramedics across the course of three weeks. Staffing came from Paris, Titus, McCurtain County and Sherman EMS services. Three fulltime EMTS and four PRN EMTS. Smith said, Hopkins County EMS has three personnel out on FMLA for various reasons. Two paramedics and one EMT also left: one for employment with Allen Fire Department, one with Hopkins County Fire Department and one for employment with Hunt County EMS. Fortunately, HCEMS was able to gain more employees than were lost, putting the department at full staff.
He extended appreciation on behalf of the EMS staff for all of food and other items donated to them by businesses and other entities in town during the recent EMS Appreciation Week.
Medical Director Dr. Smith attended the EMS Best Practice Medical Director Conference in College Station recently, where in addition to individuals he went to medical school with and former colleagues, he also had the opportunity to network with some of the best medical directors in the state. Smith said in his years with HCEMS, the doctor is the first to take part in the conference, in spite of HCEMS/HCHD offering to cover medical expenses for the medical director to attend. He plans to go over all clinical protocols, clean up some things, and ensure HCEMS is following the best practices for care. He said he is very excited by that.
HCEMS’ AmBus is also back in service, after approximately $100,000 in renovations paid for by the state. Smith said the bus did have mechanical issue on its way back from Houston. The rear brakes locked up. The braking system was completely redone, with expenses covered by the state. While there are not a whole lot of obviously things on the outside, looking inside all the wood was taken out and changed to aluminum, which lightened it up some. Bed-liner was sprayed on all exterior compartments to prevent rust in compartments in the future. Shocks were added so personnel won’t have to struggle lifting heavy metal doors to get supplies and equipment out; they’ll stay up now.
“There were a lot of odds and ends that maybe you wouldn’t if you walked through but the guys working on it did notice. It made a big difference. We’re proud to have the asset back and it’s in good shape,” HCHD CEO Brent Smith reported.
The funding was public health funds from Texas Health Services Commission, part of $2 million left over in their fund that had to be spent within 30 days. The money was funneled down for work on the “box.”
The architecture principal director for the Dallas architectural firm was scheduled to be at the May 24, 2022, HCHD Board meeting. However, a meeting he’d been waiting for a scheduling for three months was scheduled that night in Houston. He was required to be at the other meeting. He said he would be glad to come to any other meeting except that one.
Hospital Update
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital CEO Paul Harvey reported volumes have pretty much plateaued, especially on the inpatient side, but May is looking a lot stronger than April. However, the outpatients from March into April were the highest volumes in the hospital’s history on the records they have.
“I think we are going to end this year financially pretty strong, at or above the target NOI budget which is outstanding,” Harvey said. “We’ve been able to manage our expenses very well from a labor stand point. We are one of the few ministries in CHRISTUS that as of next week we will no longer have any contract employees. A lot of that happened during COVID. The prices charged for staff was just outrageous, but what could you do.”
In spite of that, Harvey said CMFHSS has had a low nursing turnover rate, which he attributed to the clinical team and leadership.
Harvey said an in-town bus accident involving a school bus on League Street recently resulted in more than 20 students who were on the school bus being treated, mainly as a precaution. HCEMS teams were on site as well. While the CHRISTUS ER staff was swamped, every child was seen and treated within an hour. Dr. Sherri Barclay came over from Jordan’s Place Pediatrics to assist with the students as well. He said that was an example of our community doing well what it does in times of potential tragedy. Harvey was very pleased with the way everyone worked well together.
Smith noted HCEMS then the next day responded to a second bus crash the next day in Winnsboro, that required similar efforts by local emergency personnel.
The meeting occurred the evening 21 died in Uvalde during the school shooting. That he says serves as a reminder that as a community, we all have to be prepared for unexpected situations.
“I’m just real pleased about the collaboration that occurred and us being able to take care of all of our kids,” Harvey said.
3 Arrested On Felony Warrants
Three people were arrested on felony warrants over the weekend, according to arrest reports.
Jessica Marie Reynolds turned herself in at 3:20 p.m. May 28, 2022, in the sheriff’s office lobby and was escorted into Hopkins County jail by Sgt. Todd Evans. She was booked in at 4:20 p.m. Saturday on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Bond was set at $30,000 on the charge. The 42-year-old woman remained in Hopkins County jail on the felony controlled substance charge Monday, May 30, 2022, according to jail reports.
Breunta Rhashod Hill turned himself in at 3:27 p.m. Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office lobby on two warrants. Deputy Richard Brantley escorted the 41-year-old Dallas man into the jail. The 41-year-old man was booked in at 4 p.m. for bond forfeiture on Jan. 10, 2022 possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm charges.
Hill, who is also known by Brehunta Hill, Brelinta Daniels and Tata Daniels, remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, May 30, 2022. His new bond was set at $60,000 on the controlled substance charge and $50,000 on the firearm charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Alvin Jordan took John Anthony Gonzalez into custody at 11:30 a.m. May 28, 2022, at the Adult Probation Office on a Rains County warrant. Jordan transported the 21-year-old Wills Point man to jail, where he was booked in at 12:50 p.m. Saturday for violation of probation on a driving while intoxicated, third or more offense charge.
He remained in Hopkins County jail until Sunday, May 29, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports.
Tennessee Woman Jailed In Hopkins County On Controlled Substance Charge
A 53-year-old Christina, Tennessee woman was jailed in Hopkins County Saturday on a controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley reported stopping an Infinity M35 at 5:55 p.m. May 28, 2022, on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 114 for an obscured license plate, which was later determined to be fake. The driver, identified as Laura Jean Simpson, agreed to let the officer search her vehicle. Talley found two hypodermic needles containing a liquid that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, the officer alleged in arrest reports.
He took Simpson into custody at 6:17 p.m. and transported to Hopkins County jail, where she was booked in at 7:56 p.m. Saturday on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. She spent the night in jail and was released Sunday, May 29, 2022. Bond was set at $30,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
