Sulphur Springs Man Sentenced On Felony DWI Charge
A 56-year-old Sulphur Springs man was sentenced in district court Monday on a felony DWI charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Peter Millard Wyman was scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2022, for a trial before the court on a motion to revoke his probation on a driving while intoxicated-third or more offense conviction.
Jail records show Wyman was first arrested in Hopkins County on the third or more DWI charge on Nov. 25, 2018. He was released from jail 2 days later on a $10,000 bond on the charge, according to Hopkins County jail reports. The Sulphur Springs man was indicted in January 2019 on the charge, according to court reports.
Wyman returned to jail July 19-Oct. 27, 2019 on a warrant related to the charge; during that time, he was sentenced to serve 30 days in a state jail, according to jail records.
The 56-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked in Jan. 18, 2022, on a warrant for violation of probation on the third-degree felony DWI charge as well as a Franklin County warrant for a felony theft charge; he was released later that day on a $5,000 bond on the Hopkins County charge and a $10,000 bond on the Franklin County charge, according to jail records.
Wyman appeared and was sentenced April 11, 2022, in the 8th Judicial District Court to a 10-year commitment in Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He was taken into custody at 3:51 p.m. by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Richard Brantley and escorted to the county jail on the charge, according to arrest reports.
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SSISD Trustees Approve Professional Contracts, Three Dozen Other Personnel Matters
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees approved professional employment contracts for the 2022-2023 school year as well as three dozen other personnel matters Monday night.
Overall, one notice of retirement, 18 resignations, seven new hires and 10 job swaps were approved as recommended Monday which impact all district campuses and including aides, administrators, teachers, coaches, directors and coordinators.
Professional employment contracts for current teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses have been approved for these staff for the 2022-2023 school years. These professionals typically have until the first part of July, the date has not yet been stated, to accept their new contact offers or provide notice of resignation from the district and still be released from their contract.
Katherine Farrar’s notice of planned retirement as district transportation route coordinator was accepted.
Three special education aides who notified district administrators they plan to resign include Julia Shadix from Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center, and Dejarnae Nash and Kimberly Pace from Barbara Bush Primary. Cinthia Salas was approved to fill one special education aide opening at Bush Primary.
Sherry Sinclair will remain on the Douglass ECLC campus, but will switch jobs, from assistant Head Start director to become the principal and Head Start Director. She replaces Angela Edwards, who notified administrators in March of her intent to retire as Douglass principal and Head Start director.
Bowie Primary Principal Amanda Fenton will be moving to the Administration Building to become the director of professional learning. Pam Voss has been approved to move from the Administration Building, where she’s served as coordinator of English language arts and social studies, to Bowie Primary, where she will fill replace Fenton as campus principal.
Bowie also is losing math support teacher Kelli Hunt, whose turned in a resignation notice.
Rowena Johnson Primary will be losing first grade teacher Kristin Potts, dyslexia teacher Amanda Thompson and third grade teacher Whitney Vaughan; resignation notices were received from each.
Harlee Guzman will be moving next year from a first grade dual language enrichment classroom at Travis Primary to Rowena Johnson Primary to teach first grade English language arts and reading and social studies. Jady Martin will remain on the Johnson Primary campus, but will trade her position as an instructional aide for a second grade teaching position.
Cathy Gray too will be giving up a second grade English language arts and reading and dual language enrichment class at Travis to become a dyslexia therapist for students across the district.
Notices of resignation were also received from Sulphur Springs Elementary fourth grade math teacher Lori Green, fourth grade math and science teacher Alisa Kulak and fourth grade ELAR and social studies teacher Cain Langhoff. Summer Flora will be fill the opening for a fourth grade math teacher at SSES. Also approved to join the staff at SSES were Margaret Boyte as a Title I aide and Jordan Cruz as a special education aide.
Strings instructor Hannah Kirby notified administrators she will be resigning from her post teaching both High School and Middle School students. Also resigning from SSMS will be eighth grade ELAR teacher Jessica Gilbert and technology specialist Johnathan Stevenson. Middle School registrar Heather Garrison will be moving to the Administration Building to serve as curriculum secretary.
Mikki Daniel will remain at the Administration Building, but will be switching desks; Daniel will change from serving as PEIMS administrative assistant to administrative assistant to the superintendent.
Sulphur Springs High School is also losing four coaches as well as an agriculture science teacher. Submitting resignation were:
- John Luper, agriculture science teacher;
- Javier Aguayo, Spanish teacher and head girls soccer coach;
- Elmer Steven Moreno, math teacher and coach;
- Matthew Newcomber, world geography teacher and coach; and
- Zakarius Wells, CCP lab teacher and coach.
Approved to join the SSHS faculty and staff were Kenzie-Lou Bramblett as a math teacher, Kristen Shelton as a science teacher, and Matthew Newton as special teams coordinator.
Jeremy Offutt will be moving from high school, where he teaches and is a coach, to SSMS to serve as teacher and middle school athletic coordinator.
Kathy Wright, however, will switch from Austin Academic Center where she’s serving as a teacher to SSHS, where she will serve as testing coordinator.
Bed Bugs Among Warmer Weather Pests Reported Recently
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Hopkins County Agent for Agriculture/Natural Resources, [email protected]
As temperature increases, it is common to notice insect activity increase also. Because insects depend on environmental temperature to modulate their activities, warmer temperatures often prompt the development and multiplication of insect pests. Recently, several cases of home infestation by bed bugs have been reported to the Hopkins County Extension Office.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm (roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny), and can live several months without a blood meal. Bed bugs are found across the globe from North and South America, to Africa, Asia and Europe. Although the presence of bed bugs has traditionally been seen as a problem in developing countries, it has recently been spreading rapidly in parts of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe. Bed bugs have been found in five-star hotels and resorts and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found.
Bed bug infestations usually occur around or near the areas where people sleep. These areas include apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorm rooms. They hide during the day in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any other clutter or objects around a bed. Bed bugs have been shown to be able to travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep. A bed bug bite affects each person differently. Bite responses can range from an absence of any physical signs of the bite, to a small bite mark, to a serious allergic reaction. Bed bugs are not considered to be dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention.
One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by the tell-tale bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts while sleeping. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people so it is important to look for other clues when determining if bed bugs have infested an area. These signs include:
- the bed bugs’ exoskeletons after molting,
- bed bugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets,
- rusty–colored blood spots due to their blood-filled fecal material that they excrete on the mattress or nearby furniture, and
- a sweet musty odor.
It is hard to tell if you’ve been bitten by a bed bug unless you find bed bugs or signs of infestation. When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten. Most people do not realize they have been bitten until bite marks appear anywhere from one to several days after the initial bite. The bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea — a slightly swollen and red area that may itch and be irritating. The bite marks may be random or appear in a straight line. Other symptoms of bed bug bites include insomnia, anxiety, and skin problems that arise from profuse scratching of the bites.
Because bed bug bites affect everyone differently, some people may have no reaction and will not develop bite marks or any other visible signs of being bitten. Other people may be allergic to the bed bugs and can react adversely to the bites. These allergic symptoms can include enlarged bite marks, painful swellings at the bite site, and, on rare occasions, anaphylaxis.
Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Their slim flat bodies allow them to fit into the smallest of spaces and stay there for long periods of time, even without a blood meal. Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. The bed bugs travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. Most people do not realize they are transporting stow-away bed bugs as they travel from location to location, infecting areas as they travel.
Everyone is at risk for getting bed bugs when visiting an infected area. However, anyone who travels frequently and shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has a higher risk of being bitten and or spreading a bed bug infestation.
Bed bug bites usually do not pose a serious medical threat. The best way to treat a bite is to avoid scratching the area and apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine. Bed bug infestations are commonly treated by insecticide spraying. If you suspect that you have an infestation, contact your landlord or professional pest control company that is experienced with treating bed bugs. The best way to prevent bed bugs is regular inspection for the signs of an infestation.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected]
Lady Cats Softball, Wildcats Baseball in Texarkana for Tuesday Game Day
Both baseball and softball head to Texarkana Tuesday, Apr. 12 to take on Texas High.
Lady Cats softball look to get the season-sweep against the Lady Tigers. By doing so, Sulphur Springs will have swept five schools so far during their district season (Hallsville, Longview, Mount Pleasant and Texas High).
Regardless of a 3-5 district record, Coach David Carrillo and his team expect a tough match in Texarkana. The last time the two district foes played each other almost a month ago, Sulphur Springs rallied from being down four runs to win 5-4.
Coach David Carrillo and his team look to win the season series against Texas High when they travel to Texarkana Tuesday. That game tees off on Tuesday, Apr. 12 in Texarkana at 4 P.M.
Softball clinched a playoff berth with their win Friday over Mount Pleasant. After Tuesday’s duel in Texarkana, the Lady Cats have two remaining games to their district season before the big playoff push:
- Thursday, Apr. 14 versus Marshall (Senior Night)
- Tuesday, Apr. 19 at Pine Tree
Wildcats baseball also makes the trip to Texarkana on Tuesday, Apr. 12 to take on Texas High.
Sulphur Springs has another tough test ahead of them on this Tuesday gameday taking on the Tigers (5-2).
Last Friday the Wildcats travelled to Mount Pleasant for game one of a two-game road-stand and came out victorious against the Tigers 3-2. Baseball got two runs over the opening two innings and held on for their second win in district play, now 2-5 after the victory.
Coach Hammack and his team hope for similar efforts Tuesday, Apr. 12 when they take on the Texas High Tigers.
That game tees off Tuesday in Texarkana at 4 P.M.
Tuesday’s duel at Texas High will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Traffic Deaths Spike in Texas Work Zones
NEWS RELEASE
PARIS DISTRICT
Tim McAlavy
(903) 737-9213
[email protected]
TRAFFIC DEATHS SPIKE IN TEXAS WORK ZONES
TxDOT urges drivers to slow down, exercise care when traveling through highway construction areas
April 11, 2022
AUSTIN – As road construction projects ramp up statewide, TxDOT officials are asking motorists to slow down and stay alert when driving through the thousands of work zones in Texas to protect themselves and others. In 2021, traffic crashes in the state’s work zones claimed the lives of 244 people, a 33% increase over the previous year.
Drivers and their passengers accounted for the majority of those who died in Texas work zone crashes last year: 195 motorists or vehicle passengers were killed, along with 38 pedestrians, four bicyclists and three roadside construction workers. Speeding and driver inattention were among the leading causes of crashes.
With these alarming statistics in mind, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 11–15, by sharing safety tips to prevent work zone crashes and fatalities.
“It’s cause for tremendous concern that the number of people killed on our roadways reached a 40-year high last year and fatalities in our workzones rose dramatically,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s important for drivers to remember that driving conditions in work zones can be especially challenging because of extra congestion, slow-moving heavy equipment, temporary barriers and vehicles that make sudden stops. That’s why it’s crucial for everyone to give driving their full attention and drive a safe speed in areas where construction and maintenance are underway.”
The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign offers five tips for driving safely through a work zone:
Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and adjust your driving to match road conditions.
Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.
Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they wear is reflective clothing, a hardhat, and safety boots. Always follow flaggers’ instructions and be mindful of construction area road signs.
Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry, should you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of work zone crashes.
Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.
Roadside safety also extends to complying with the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law that requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.
Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law also can result in a fine up to $2,000.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
All roadway safety professionals are encouraged to wear orange on April 13 for National Go Orange Day to proudly show their support of work zone safety.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of March 9, 2022.
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Local Author Rolanda Hasten Signing Copies of A Day at the Beach April 16th
Local Author Rolanda Hasten will be signing copies of her book, A Day at the Beach Saturday, April 16th, 10:00am to 1:00pm, at Good News Christian Bookstore. For more details email the author at [email protected].
Six Arrested On Controlled Substance Charges In 4 Days
At least six people were arrested on controlled substance charges in the past four days, according to arrest and jail reports.
I-30 East Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Davis reported stopping a Mazda PS at 10:36 p.m. Sunday on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 131 for a defective license plate light.
A records check showed the driver to have an active warrant for his arrest. While awaiting confirmation on the warrant, Davis placed the 57-year-old San Antonio man into custody and asked permission to search the car. the owner, who was the passenger, refused.
A police K9 was called to the scene. The trained dog gave a positive alert on the car. Giving deputies cause to search it, Davis alleged in arrest reports. Drug paraphernalia was alleged to have been found in the vehicle.
After receiving confirmation of two Bexar County warrants, Davis assisted Victor Hugo Torres out of his patrol unit to search him, prior to transporting him to jail on those charges. Davis reported finding a coin pounce with suspected methamphetamine in it on the floor of his patrol unit. Torres allegedly admitted that the meth belong to him. The 57-year-old San Antonio man was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in after midnight for possession of 3.6 grams of meth, and Bexar County warrants for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and evading arrest or detention.
Torres remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, May 11, 2022, in lieu of $10,000 bond on the Hopkins County charge and $1,000 bond on the evading arrest charge, acording to jail reports.
Haywood Street Arrest
HCSO Deputy Justin Wilkerson reported stopping a Dodge Ram at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2022, on Haywood Street at Westgate Street for having an obscured license plate.
While speaking with the driver, Wilkerson noted he showed signs of bruxism, an involuntary clenching of the jaw muscles commonly associated with controlled substance use, specifically use of methamphetamine. When asked if he’d ever been arrested before, the 62-year-old Sulphur Springs man admitted he was currently out on bond on a controlled substance charge.
William David Baxter reportedly agreed to let the deputy search him and the pickup. Wilkerson reported finding a small marijuana joint in Baxter’s pocket, and noted the man had a clenched hand. He complied when instructed to open his hand, revealing a containing what the deputy suspected to be meth.
Deputy Elijah Fite arrived to assist. Another item of drug paraphernalia was found in the truck. Fite traveled to the nearby home of Baxter’s friend, who owned the truck. The friend claimed the truck and Baxter was transported to Hopkins County jail where the substance field tested positive for meth and weighed 0.5 gram including packaging.
Baxter was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:44 p.m. April 9, 2022, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. He was released from the county jail Sunday on a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
I-30 West Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams reported stopping a Hyundai Tucson at 12:42 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 134 for a traffic violation.
Upon contact, Tammy Lynn Crews was found to be in possession of 3 grams of methamphetamine. The 56-year-old Vivian, Louisiana woman was transported by SSPD Patrolman Thad Cook to Hopkins County jail. Crews was booked into jail by Williams on a charge of possession of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1B controlled substance charge.
Crews, who is also known by Tammy Hebert, remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, April 11, 2022, in lieu of $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
SH 19 Arrests
HCSO deputies reported asking for permission to search a Jeep Liberty at 12:26 a.m. April 7, 2022, on State Highway 19 at County Road 1174 for “due to behaviors exhibited by the driver.”
When Patricia Lynn Pemberton refused, deputies had the occupants get out. They observed drug paraphernalia in plain view, and initiated a probable cause search of the vehicle. Deputies reported finding almost 2.5 grams of meth and 1.2 grams of heroin. When no one from the vehicle claimed the substances, all were arrested at 12:54 a.m. April 7, Deputies Isaac Foley and Drew Fisher alleged in arrest reports.
Arrested on two charges of possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance were 58-year-old Aaron Ray Kiser, 31-year-old Patrick Adrian Wardell and 50-year-old Patricia Pemberton, all of Spokane, Washington. All three remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, April 11, 2022, in lieu of $10,000 per controlled substance 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.
Blood Drive In Honor Of Israel Lewis To Be Held April 14 At CHRISTUS parking lot
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Helping Ukraine
In light of the news of the attacks on Ukraine, we would like to extend an opportunity to aid the community of Kharkov (a city in northeast Ukraine). One of the hospital associates has a spouse who is from this city, and their family is still there. The hospital has been able to send some medical supplies. In addition, and thanks to the generosity of many others, we have been able to set up a fund through our Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation to raise money and send it directly to aid this city. To donate to this effort, go to Online Giving (christushealth.org) and select ‘Helping Ukraine’ in the drop down box.
Events
Blood Drive in Honor of Israel Lewis
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a blood drive in honor of Israel Lewis, a local community member suffering from medical complications. The drive will be held on Wednesday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Carter BloodCare Bus in the parking lot of the hospital.
**UPDATED – COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will no longer offer the COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning.
However, Net Health will be back offering Pediatric and Adult COVID vaccines. This vaccine clinic is located at the MMU tents behind the hospital. No appointment is necessary. Subsequently, Net Health will continue to come every four weeks to provide COVID vaccines.
From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily, Net Health will offer vaccines on the following weeks: May 2-6, May 31 – June 3, June 27 – July 1, July 25-29, August 22 – 26, September 19 – 23, and October 17 – 21.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- An adult must accompany minor-age visitors, be free of symptoms, and able to comply with masking and hygiene expectations throughout the visit.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only;
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person for the duration of hospital stay – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes;
- ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only;
- All other patients may have 1 Essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time)
Post COVID-19 Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Are you still suffering from shortness of breath related to previous COVID-19 infection? Medicare now covers pulmonary rehabilitation for individuals who have had confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and continue to experience persistent shortness of breath for at least four weeks. Neither hospitalization nor a positive COVID-19 test are required for program participation.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is designed to help increase strength, endurance, and overall health through exercise, education, diet, and support while decreasing patients’ shortness of breath.
Ask your physician for a referral to CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Phone Number: 903-439-4141 | Fax: 903-438-4697
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We are in need of volunteers to help in various different roles throughout our hospital. We are asking for anyone willing to give his or her time, to help bring a smile to someone in our hospital! For more information, contact Meredith Caddell at 903.438.4678.
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
New Local Health Authority Takes Office, Reorganization Of Fire Department Announced
A new Local Health Authority took office, reorganization of the county fire department and a shared grant with the city for equipment were announced, consolidated voting for May 24 election and an asset disposal was approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning.
Local Health Authority
The Commissioners Court at their last meeting recognized Dr. IL Balkcom IV for his 25 years of service to Hopkins County as the Local Health Authority, then approved Dr. Darrell Pierce to become the new LHA. Pierce was not able to attend the March 9 Commissioners Court session to be sworn into the office.
The LHA acts in place of a local Department of Health in a health or other community emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The LHA also has the authority to sign documents to allow county officials to proceeds in cases such as hazardous materials causing environmental issues, such as sewage, according to Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley.
The position is a volunteer, not paid office, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted. That is an indicator of Pierce’s servants’ heart, being willing to sacrifice his time for the community, even time with family on occasions. Newsom expressed appreciation to Pierce for “coming on board” and willingness to serve.
Pierce says he feels he’s been part of the community for some time and is “proud to be able to serve.”
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley too thanked Pierce for giving of his services and time.”
Fire Department Reorganization
Marshal Endsley noted some reorganization changes made recently at Hopkins County Fire Department.
Doug Skinner is working part time as the newly appointed operations chief, overseeing the day-to-day operations for HCFD. Skinner has recently put in for retirement from Longview Fire Department.
Rodney Caudle will served just under Endsley as Deputy Fire Marshal. Caudle also brings a wealth of knowledge to the job He has been employed with HCFD part time for a little while in he capacity of a fire investigator. He works full time as a fire captain in Rockwall, and plans to continue doing so. With the reorganization, Caudle will be the deputy fire marshal, a part time position, assisting with law enforcement investigations and things of that nature., Endsley said.
“I appreciate the privilege to be able to help the citizens of the county in this manner,” Caudle said.
The Commissioners Court, on a motion by Bartley that was seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin, unanimously approved making Caudle deputy fire marshal.
“Welcome aboard,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said.
Calibration Device
Endsley also reported that Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County have received a joint $5,000 donation from Atmos to purchase equipment needed to calibrate gas detectors both fire departments use on calls. The City of Sulphur Spring will serve as steward of the grant. In the past Atmos has calibrated the devices for the fire departments. They will no longer be able to provide that service. The grant will cover the full cost of the calibration device, enabling the departments to calibrate the equipment themselves moving forward.
Consolidated Voting
Hopkins County Clerk Tracy Smith asked the court to consider consolidating voting for the May 24 Election down to six boxes, as voting in this election is expected to have lower turn out. The request was approved on a motion from Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price, which Anglin second.
Asset Disposal
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker is trading in two International dump trucks that are not satisfactory for county uses and will use the funding to get one used truck from Enterprise’s Grand Saline feet.
State Board Of Education To Increase Texas History Instruction To Six Grade Levels
AUSTIN, Texas – At its April meeting, the State Board of Education voted to significantly increase instruction in Texas history. The board directed its Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) review work groups to include Texas-specific standards in kindergarten-grade 2, grade 6, and grade 8, and to keep Texas-specific standards as a focus for grade 7. Currently, Texas History is taught in grades 4 and 7; with this significant increase, students will study Texas and the people and events that define it in most grade levels prior to high school.
The next step is for the board’s TEKS review work groups to develop recommendations for the specific standards to be included at each grade level.
The SBOE will discuss proposed revisions to social studies TEKS at its June meeting and is expected to adopt final revisions in November of this year.
To follow the review and revision process and/or to view proposed drafts, visit the 2021-2022 Social Studies TEKS Review webpage.
