4 Free At-Home Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests Can Be Ordered Online
Several local residents have reported difficulties finding free COVID tests or scheduling free COVID tests. In the US, residents can now order online four tests to be shipped free at the end of January to residential addresses through the post office for those who request them.
This is not for individuals who immediately need COVID-19 tests, but those who wish to order them online to have on-hand at home should they develop symptoms or in the future are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Those in need of tests more immediately, may look up options by clicking here.
Free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are available for order from COVIDtests.gov and shipment through the United States Postal Service®️. Each order will contain 4 tests. There is a limit of 1 order per residential address. Additional tests cannot be ordered regardless of the size of the household.
This effort is part of a federal program to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests with free shipping to every residential address and residential post office boxes in the United States. Orders cannot be shipped outside of the United States, but may be shipped to APO/FPO/DPO addresses and U.S. territories and possessions. Tests cannot be ordered for business addresses or business PO Boxes. Orders will ship free starting in late January. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days.
These free at-home COVID-19 tests can be ordered online. To complete the order online, visit: www.covidtests.gov To receive order confirmation and tracking information, please provide an email address. USPS Customer Care agents will not be able to retrieve tracking numbers and cannot assist you without it.
How, When To Protect Water Pipes From Cold Weather Damages
Homeowners in Hopkins County should give special attention to exposed water pipes during the winter months. Freezing pipes are a problem in warmer climates where they often run through uninsulated or under-insulated attics or crawl spaces. Although we only have a few cold snaps per season, it’s still necessary to protect exposed water pipes. Leaving pipes unprotected can cause them to burst, which can result in a tremendous amount of damage to the home and the contents inside. You can drastically reduce your chance of property damage by preparing your water pipes before a hard freeze. The following suggestions can help you accomplish this task.
What Kind of Water Pipes Freeze and When?
- Water pipes have the potential to freeze and burst when the outside temperature reaches
20 °F or below. - Pipes that are most vulnerable to freeze are usually exposed to severe cold, such as:
outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, water pipes in basements,
water pipes in crawl spaces, water pipes in attics, water pipes in garages, and water pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
Prepare While the Climate Is Warm
- Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines, following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- Remove and drain outdoor hoses. Store in a shed or garage. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs if possible. Cover hose bibs with insulated covers.
- Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
- Consider installing products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape,” “heat cable,” or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Many products are available at your local building supplies retailer. Newspaper can also provide some protection to exposed pipes as long as the cold temperatures are not frequent or prolonged.
Take Action During Cold Weather
- Keep the garage door closed if there are water supply lines located inside.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Keep the heating thermostat set at a consistent temperature both day and night.
- If going out of town during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home. Set the thermostat to a temperature no lower than 55 °F, and open cabinet doors where there is plumbing.
- If you are going out of town and have a heat pump system, and if the temperature is forecast to be extremely low, you may need to switch the setting to emergency heat and reduce the thermostat setting to 55 °F.
Thawing Frozen Pipes after the Storm
- If you suspect that the pipe is frozen; keep the faucet open. Water will begin to flow as you treat the frozen area, which will help to melt more ice in the pipe.
- Make sure you know where the main water valve is located outside of your home. The frozen pipe may already be broken, and it will leak when the water is thawed. If this is the case, you’ll need to turn off the main water valve to your home until the leak is repaired.
- Apply heat to the frozen portion of the pipe. This can be accomplished by using the following sources of heat: a heating pad, electric hair dryer, a portable space heater, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Make sure that electrical cords do not come into contact with water. Do not attempt to use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices; they present a serious fire hazard as well as release lethal carbon monoxide fumes into the air.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Call a licensed plumber if you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not within reach, or if you can’t get the pipe to thaw.
- Inspect all other faucets in your home to find out if additional pipes are frozen. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze also.
It is important to check for water leakage AFTER the cold weather hits. Remember that potable water is a scarce commodity and our water reservoirs are not at full capacity.
— Submitted by Dr. Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent For Hopkins County, Agriculture/Natural Resources, [email protected].
Tuesday Game Day Has Both Basketball Teams, Lady Cats Soccer in Action
Tuesday, Jan. 18 has three teams on deck; both basketball squads and women’s soccer on the road.
Men’s soccer was originally set to be on deck as well at home, hosting Terrell, but that game was cancelled due to staff and squad depletions from COVID-19.
Lady Cats soccer are the first team up in Tyler taking on the Lady Lions.
Coach Aguayo’s squad looks to get back in the win column when they take on Tyler at 6 P.M.
Sulphur Springs went 0-3-1 last weekend in the Forney tournament, dropping their season record to 2-4-1 overall.
They tied Sunset 1-1 on Friday to wrap up play in the 10th annual Lady Jackrabbit Invitational.
The Lady Cats have missed a number of keys starters recently, but have nonetheless stayed competitive despite their outing in Longview.
Coach Aguayo and women’s soccer take on the Lady Lions in Tyler on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 6 P.M.
Both basketball squads take on Mount Pleasant on this Tuesday game day. The Lady Cats basketball team host the Lady Tigers on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad got a good win Friday versus Longview 39-31 on Friday, Jan. 14 in the SSHS Main Gym.
Their win over the Lady Lobos was their second straight at home and second district win in three games.
Sulphur Springs now sits at 4-22 (2-4 district) after the Lady Cats recent string of success, going 4-3 over the last seven after starting 0-19.
Coach Delley’s squad have an incredibly tough task ahead of them Tuesday, Jan. 18 when they host undefeated Mount Pleasant (6-0).
Tuesday’s match-up with the Lady Tigers tips off at 6:15 P.M.
That game will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM. If given permission we will also livestream the game on to KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
The last team up on Tuesday, Jan. 18 is Wildcats basketball on the road in Mount Pleasant.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad has another tough contest ahead of them tonight taking on a team with the same district record of 3-1.
Sulphur Springs takes on the Tigers in Mount Pleasant, always a tough place to play for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats tip off on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 7:15 P.M.
Men’s basketball began their two-game roadstead last Friday, traveling to Longview to take on the Lobos.
Sulphur Springs won 62-57 to put themselves at their current district record of 3-1, tied with Mount Pleasant for second place.
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.
Community Health Day Postponed Due To Increase In COVID Cases
Due to an increase in community COVID cases, the Community Health Day planned Jan. 22 in Pacific Park has temporarily been postponed. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Spring and Columbia Lodge # 81 plan to reschedule the event for a later date at the HW Grays Building at Pacific Park.
“We apologize for any inconvenience, but want everyone to stay safe!” stated Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development for CHRISTUS® Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs in a release about the postponement.
Winnsboro Man Accused Of Stabbing A Man In The Hand With A Steak Knife
A search for a Winnsboro man accused of stabbing a man in the hand with a steak knife concluded a few hours later, when the suspect returned to the residence where the altercation reportedly took place, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators around 5:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, dispatched deputies to a County Road 2403 residence, where an active disturbance had been reported. Deputies Isaac Foley and Drew Fisher responded. Upon arrival, Foley spoke to a man and the man’s girlfriend, who were located beside the road at the address. The man’s hand bled, Foley noted in reports.
Deputies were told Christopher Pyron had been dropped off at the CR 2403 residence to gather up his belongings. Pyron and the man with the injured hand reportedly became embroiled in an altercation. Pyron allegedly stabbed the other man in the hand with a steak knife, and attempted to stab him in the neck, during the altercation. Pyron then fled, deputies said they were told.
A records check by dispatchers showed 32-year-old Pyron to be wanted on a violation of probation charge. Deputies entered the residence to locate Pyron. When it became apparent he was not there, deputies began searching other locations is known for staying at or being associated with.
While HCSO deputies, including Deputies Foley, Fisher and Aaron Chaney were searching, Winnsboro Police advised a person was seen walking down State Highway 11 east. Deputies responded but were unsuccessful in contacting the pedestrian.
Deputies surrounded the area and set up a perimeter within which to launch a search, and requested Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s search dogs to respond at the location to assist with the search. While waiting for the dogs to arrive, deputies were informed Pyron had returned to the CR 2403 residence and could be found on the back porch.
Deputies also returned to the CR 2403 location, where Pyron was indeed located and taken into custody at 8:25 p.m. Jan. 17, 2022. The Winnsboro man was transported to jail, where he was booked just before 10 p.m. not only on the warrant for violating probation, which he was on for an April 2019 controlled substance charge, but also on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge for allegedly stabbing the man with a steak knife, according to arrest reports.
Christopher Evin Pyron, who is also known by the alias Chris Ervin Pyron Jr., remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, Jan. 18, 2022, on both 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.
Sleep Medicine, Pulmonology Specialists Coming Soon To CHRISTUS Sulphur Springs Facilities
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
[email protected]
Community Health Day
In partnership with CHRISTUS Health, Columbia Lodge #81 invites you to attend an event aimed to build a community that is more secure, productive, healthy, and hopeful. We will have local experts speaking on a variety of health-related topics that will educate and empower community members to take charge of their own health and well-being. The event will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the HW Grays Building at Pacific Park, 413 Beckham St. in Sulphur Springs. For more information, contact Bryan Vaughn at [email protected].
Flu Shots: Do not Delay, Get Yours Today!
Flu shots are available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 105 Medical Plaza. We welcome walk-ins or by appointment; to schedule call 903.885.3181.
Thank you for your patience!
With a spike in COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County, please expect “longer than usual” wait times in the Emergency Department. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to provide high quality care in a timely manner. Thank you in advance for allowing us to provide for your healthcare needs, while extending grace to our staff.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs offers a COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the main lobby of the hospital until further notice. The available vaccines include Moderna (2-doses, ages 18 and older) and Pfizer (2-doses, ages 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (1-dose, ages 18 and older). ***This includes all three brands of boosters for fully vaccinated people. Appointments not required, but parent/guardian must accompany anyone 17 and younger.
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.
- Minor-age visitors must be accompanied by an adult, 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 7am to 9pm
- 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)
- Types of Visitors:
Services
Sleep Medicine
Dr. Aaron Pierce, Sleep Medicine Specialist, will be coming to Sulphur Springs the first Monday of every month to CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Medical Building 10, 113 Medical Circle. You may require a referral from your Primary Care Physician based on your insurance coverage; however, you may contact his office directly for more information by calling 903.606.1664. *Please indicate that you prefer an appointment in the Sulphur Springs location.
Pulmonology
On Jan. 20, we will be adding tele-Pulmonary outpatient clinic with Tyler physicians, Drs. Andrew and Amaya Skabelund. They will be providing services at CTC Medical Building 7 – 107 Medical Circle every Thursday interchangeably. The clinic operation hours will be 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. They will break from 12-1 p.m. The pulmonary clinic contact phone number is 903.606.2830.
*Please indicate that you prefer an appointment in the Sulphur Springs location.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care – Sulphur Springs
PLEASE NOTE – due to limited staffing, the Urgent Care may be forced to change its hours without notice… We recommend calling prior to your arrival to check the status of availability. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The CHRISTUS Urgent Care Hours of Operation is as follows:
In-Person Care Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Closed
Virtual Visit Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
To schedule a virtual visit, please visit urgentcare.christushealth.org, then select your location and click “Virtual Visit.”
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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
3 Men Jailed Over The Weekend On Felony Warrants
At least three people were jailed over the weekend on felony warrants, according to arrest and jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis and Bobby Osornio were made aware of Martin Gonzalez Guerrero had an outstanding warrant for his arrest Saturday. They went to the 46-year-old Como man’s Lynch Street residence, served the warrant and took him into custody at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 2022.
Guerrero was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:12 a.m. Jan. 16, 2022, on the aggravated assault of a date, family or household member warrant. He remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, in lieu of the $500,000 bond set on the charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputies Joe Hooten and Frank Tiemann traveled to Wrightsville, Georgia, and took custody of Thomas “Tommy” Edward Pepin. The deputies transported the 52-year-old Centerville, Georgia man to Hopkins County jail.
He was booked in at 8:22 p.m. Jan. 16, 2022, on the warrant for violation of parole, which he was on for theft of $2,500 worth or more but less than $30,000 worth of property, the deputies noted in arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail sans bond on the charge Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, according to jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Dustin Green stopped a red Pontiac G6 early Monday morning on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 122 for no license plate light. A records check by communications showed the man to be wanted in Canadian County, Oklahoma. Once the warrant was confirmed, Green took Antonius Brett Anderson into custody, the SSPD officer noted in arrest reports.
The 34-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:10 a.m. Jan. 17, 2022, and remained there Monday afternoon on the Oklahoma failure to appear on a possession of a stolen vehicle charge warrant, 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.
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed Twice In 4 Days
A 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed twice in four days on a felony charge, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Bobby Osornio, Josh Davis and Colt Patterson, and Sgt. Scott Davis went to a Brinker Street residence early Monday morning, Jan. 17, 2021, after being made aware Steven Charles Gilreath, a wanted man, was at the location. When deputies contacted the man, he allegedly opened the front door, then immediately shut and locked it upon seeing law enforcement.
Deputies reported the front door was breached, allowing deputies to enter inside the residence. They alleged putting the 25-year-old on the ground using the lease amount of force necessary. Although the man continued to resist while on the floor, deputies were able to place the man into custody at 1:21 a.m. Jan. 17, 2022, and transported him to jail.
Gilreath was booked into jail on seven warrants for violation of probation, which he was on for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, engaging in organized criminal activity, unauthorized use of a vehicle and three theft of firearm offenses. He was held in the county jail late Monday afternoon on all four charges, according to jail reports.
Monday was the second time Gilbreath has been jail in the last week. He was arrested early Thursday morning by police on Jan. 13, 2022, for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, after he was caught with a bag of suspected methamphetamine, police alleged in the Jan. 13, 2022 arrest report. Gilreath released from jail later Thursday on a $20,000 bond 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.
High Speed Chase On I-30 East Results In 1 Arrest
A high speed chase on I-30 east from Cumby to Sulphur Springs concluded with a 23-year-old Cooper man’s arrest Sunday evening, according to arrest reports.
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley reported seeing a black Toyota Tundra being driven recklessly at a high rate of speed on Interstate 30 east near mile marker 111 at 7:45 p.m. Jan. 16, 2022. The driver also disregarded another motorists’ safety by passing an 18-wheeler on the improved shoulder while traveling at a high rate of speed. The truck showed on the CPD officer’s in-car Stalker Lidar to be traveling at 105 in a 75 mile per hour speed zone.
Talley reported catching up to the speeding truck near the 114 mile marker, with lights and sirens on his vehicle to signal the vehicle to stop. The pickup driver allegedly abruptly changed from the left to the right lane, then back to the left lane, nearly striking another vehicle in the left lane as he did so, all in what appeared to the policeman to be an attempt to flee from him. The other vehicle moved to the right lane, avoiding the truck and allowing the police vehicle to safely pursue the truck, Talley alleged in arrest reports.
The pickup reportedly exited I-30 east at a high rate of speed, resting on the south frontage road near US Business 67, at the outer edge of Sulphur Springs. Talley conducted a felony stop and detained the driver, identified in arrest reports as Dylan Toon, at 7:51 p.m. Jan. 16, 2021, according to arrest reports.
The truck was impounded and the 23-year-old Cooper man was transported to Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center, where he was booked into jail for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and reckless driving. He was released Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, on a $5,000 bond on the felony evading arrest charge and $2,000 bond on the reckless driving charge, according to jail reports.
