Hopkins County Needs Workers
Hopkins County is in need of workers for the upcoming primary elections. To qualify, attendance of a mandatory training session is required. Training will be at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
There are two session dates available, with several classes each date.
Monday Jan 31st there is 3 classes
8:30am to 11:30am
1:30pm to 4:30pm
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Tues February 1st
8:30 am to 11:30am
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
For related questions and more information contact Tammy Calhoun at 903 438 4074.
Meal A Day Menu – Jan. 17-21, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for Jan. 17-21, 2022, includes:
- Monday – Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, Pinto Beans and Pickled Beets.
- Tuesday – Beef Spaghetti, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Toast.
- Wednesday – Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli and Sweet Potato Fries.
- Thursday – Taco Soup, Crackers and Tossed Salad.
- Friday – King Ranch Chicken, Corn and Black Beans, Green Tomato Relish.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
2 Men Jailed On Felony Warrants On Jan. 13, 2022
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies booked two men, one accused of criminal negligent homicide and one on a simulated controlled substance charge, into the county jail on felony warrants Jan. 13, 2022, according to arrest reports.
Brandon Augusta Brown turned himself in at 6:21 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at the sheriff’s office on felony warrants. HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans escorted the 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man into the county jail, where he was booked on the outstanding “criminal negligent homicide-alias capias” warrants. The offenses, Evans reported, are alleged to have occurred on June 12, 2021.
Brown was released from Hopkins County jail later Jan. 13, 2022, on $5,000 bond per state jail felony offense.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Gregg Williams on June 14 reported that Brandon Brown was driving a Dodge Challenger north on State Highway 154 south when he failed to control speed and struck a Lincoln SUV ahead of him. The collision caused SUV to leave the road and hit several trees. The two occupants of the SUV, 73-year-old Brenda Mowat Coker and 79-year-old Tracy Coker, both of Pickton, died at the State Highway 154 crash scene.
The Dodge Challenger then struck a Dodge Ram that was traveling south on SH 154. Brown and the driver of the pickup,73-year-old Jimmy Young Sr. of Fort Worth, were transported to a local hospital with what appeared to be non-incapacitating injuries, Sgt. Williams reported in June.
HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman transported Evan Clay Chapin from Hunt County jail to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked for bond forfeiture on an Aug. 31, 2020 manufacture or delivery of a simulated controlled substance-substance he represented to be a controlled substance, as well as three traffic warrants.
The 29-year-old Commerce man remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Jan. 15, 2021, on all four charges. Bond on the felony charge was set at $10,000. Fees owed for the failure to maintain financial responsibility and two expired registration charges totaled $1,176.50, according to jail and arrest reports.
Chapin and another Commerce man were jailed on Aug. 31, 2020, after they unknowingly contacted the Hopkins County sheriff in their attempt to sell pills late for some extra cash. The sheriff alerted deputies someone had offered to sell him hydrocodone pills for $5 each, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
They arranged to meet the pair on State Highway 11 west. When Chapin and Stephen Anthony Braumuller arrived, deputies initiated a felony takedown of the pair. The deputies found a plastic bundle which felt to contain pills. Once opened, the deputies discovered what appeared to be over-the-counter ibuprofen, not prescription pills. Chapin allegedly admitted to trying to pass the pills as false narcotics. The other man admitted he’d agreed to drive him to the meeting spot in exchange for a share of the profit. Both were taken into custody at 11:51 p.m. Aug. 30, and booked into jail early Aug. 31, 2020, on a manufacture or delivery of a simulated controlled substance or representing a substance as a controlled substance charge, deputies alleged in the 2020 arrest reports. They were indicted in February 2021 on the simulated controlled substance charge.
Man Jailed On 3 Controlled Substance Charges
Woman Arrested After Pipes Found In Her Car
A 27-year-old man was jailed on three controlled substance charges after police found a pistol, pills and suspected cocaine were found in his vehicle. A 36-year-old Commerce woman was also jailed on a controlled substance charge in an unrelated traffic stop Friday evening, according to arrest reports.
Cadi Lane Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro reported contacting the driver of a GMC SUV at 12:17 p.m. Jan. 14, 2021, on Cadi Lane at Marianne Circle for suspicious activity. The SUV seemed to officers to avoid them, turning into a residence. As the driver exited the vehicle, Castro recognized him as Marc Oneil Hutchings, a man who did not have a valid driver’s license when the officer last contacted him during the course of work. SSPD Officer Sean Hoffman soon arrived to assist.
When asked about his activity and being at the address, Hutchings claimed to be there so the passenger could charge a phone. The passenger, however, said she did not know who lived at the residence and did not have having any business at the address, alleged in arrest reports.
The passenger claimed no knowledge of any marijuana in the SUV when the officer asked her about the smell, and said if there was any, it wasn’t hers, Castro alleged in arrest reports. Hutchings, however, admitted there was a bag of marijuana in the vehicle. A search allegedly revealed a bag of suspected marijuana in the front of the SUV. In a backpack in the back, police reported finding a bag of white powdery substance suspected to cocaine, a bag or orange pills later identified as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, a bag of Xanax, a bag of suspected marijuana and a pistol.
Hutchings allegedly admitted the contraband was all his and claimed the passenger had nothing to do with it, then was taken to jail. The powdery substance field-tested positive for cocaine., and the substances were weighed, police alleged in arrest reports.
The man, who refused to provide officers with his address, was booked into Hopkins County jail on the following charges: possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, the cocaine; possession of 1 gram ore more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, the bag of orange pills; possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance, the Xanax; and unlawful carrying of a weapon, the pistol found in the bag with the other contraband, according to arrest reports.
Hutchings remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Jan. 15, 2021, in lieu of $60,000 in bonds: $25,000 bond each on the Penalty Group 1 and 2 charges, and $5,000 each on the two other charges, according to jail reports.
State Highway 11 Arrest
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Chris Sorley stopped Marissa Anne Faulkner around 8:40 p.m. Jan. 14, 2022, on State Highway 11 for an improperly placed license plate on the Honda Civic she was driving.
An open container was visible behind Faulkner’s seat, and she admitted to having a meth pipe in her bag in her car, Sorley alleged in arrest reports. The trooper reported finding not only the pipe but a marijuana grinder with residue inside of it.
Faulkner was taken into custody and transported to Hopkins County jail, where she was booked at 10:18 p.m. Jan. 14, 2022, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance. She remained in the county jail Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, 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.
Crime In Sulphur Springs At 22-Year Low In 2021
New 22-Year Lows Set in 3 Major Offense Categories, High Set In Another Last Year
Crime declined in 2021 in Sulphur Springs, dropping from 188 offenses in 2020 to a new 22-year record low of 128 offenses recorded by Sulphur Springs Police Department in the seven major offense reporting categories. In the past, the least number of offenses recorded by SSPD in a year was 162 in 2019 and the most was 371 offenses in 2004.
From 2020 to 2021, crime decline in five of the seven offense categories. In fact, new lows were set in three of the seven major offense categories.
SSPD recorded no criminal homicides in 2021. This category has continued to be low, with murders reported in only nine of the past 22 years. The most criminal homicides recorded in a single year was three in 2003 and 2020. Two murders each were documented by SSPD in 2011, 2015 and 2018; one each in 2002, 2005, 2009 and 2013; and none in the remaining years from 2000 to 2021.
The most significant drop was in the thefts over $200 category, which declined from 93 in 2020 to 58 last year, setting a new record low. Previously, the fewest number of thefts in a single year was 75 in 2011 and the most was 178 in 2004.
Only one robbery was reported in Sulphur Springs in 2021 – the least number of robberies in any year since 2000; the previous low was two robberies in 2006. That’s down from six robberies in 2020, which was half the record high of 12 robberies reported in 2008.
Also in 2021, 13 aggravated assaults, listed in SSPD reports as “assaults other than simple,” were recorded for Sulphur Springs, which is 11 less than in 2020 and, more notably, four less than the prior low of 17 aggravated assaults set in 2016. The most aggravated assaults recorded in one year by SSPD was set at 44 in 2000.
SSPD took 10 sexual assault reports in 2021. While that’s only one more than in 2020, 2021 ties 2015 for worst year. In 2012 no sexual assaults were recorded by SSPD.
SSPD made offense reports for 20 motor vehicle thefts in 2021, which is 16 less than in 2020 and 30 less than in 2001, when the 22-year high was set. Eleven more vehicles were reported to SSPD as stolen in 2021 than the record low of nine vehicles reported stolen in 2009.
A total of 26 burglaries were recorded in Sulphur Springs in 2021, the third lowest in the last 22 years. There were only 17 burglaries in 2020 and 20 in 2019. The most burglaries in a single year was set at 118 in 2002 and repeated in 2004.
Of the 26 burglaries recorded in 2021, a dozen were home burglaries, the same as in 2019, and 14 were building burglaries.
In only one other year were fewer burglaries recorded than in 2021, eight in 2020. The most home burglaries recorded during the 18-years the police department has been tracking and reporting the two types separately was 76 in 2004, followed by 55 home burglaries in 2005, and 52 in 2008 and 2009.
Five more buildings were broken into in 2021 than the nine each reported in 2020 and 2013. The fewest number of building burglaries reported in Sulphur Springs since 2014 was eight in 2019. The most annual building burglaries recorded by SSPD was 42 in 2004, followed by 40 in 2006.
Wildcats Soccer Falls to Lufkin, 4-1
The men’s soccer team could not keep up with a talented Lufkin squad, losing 4-1 in their second day of the Lobo Invitational on Friday, Jan. 14.
Coach Alexi Upton’s squad kept up with the Panthers through the first half, tied 1-1, but the second half Lufkin put the tourney match on ice.
The Panthers scored three goals unanswered in the second half to beat Sulphur Springs 4-1 on Friday, Jan. 14 in Longview.
Osvaldo Arellano scored the goal against Lufkin and assisted by Jose Rodriguez.
“[The] varsity is going to keep trying new things until we figure it out,” Coach Upton said. “Once we get a goalie back, a lot will change. Can’t win [in] football without a quarterback.”
The loss drops men’s soccer’s season record to 0-5-2.
Coach Upton’s squad hopes to avenge Thursday and Friday’s loss by wrapping up the Lobo Invitational with a win against Forney.
That match kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 15 at Lobo Stadium at 11:30 A.M.
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.
Gale Roberts To Be Honored Jan. 19 With Retirement Reception
Community members are invited to stop by the Council Chambers inside Sulphur Springs Municipal Building (City Hall) between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, to help celebrate Gale Roberts at a reception hosted to celebrate the retiring city secretary.
The reception will be a come and go event and all are welcome to stop by, express appreciation to Roberts for her service to the city and to wish her well as she begin retirement.
Roberts notified city officials more than a year in advance of her planned retirement this year, giving them plenty of time not only to find a suitable replacement, but for her to work with that individual to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
She began her work for the city with Johnny Vance. She began training to become the city secretary on June 1, 2004, and officially took the oath of office on Dec. 7, 2004, following the retirement of Sharon Ricketson. She has dedicated more than 17 years serving as city as secretary. Part of her duties have included serving as the city’s elections officer as well.
From January of 2015 to Oct. 25, 2019, Roberts not only diligently performed her duties as city secretary but also completed the course work needed to become a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk, the only university-level professional education program for city clerks and city secretaries In Texas, and is the third oldest of such programs In the country.
Administered by the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc., and recognized by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, the program includes approximately 200 hours of individual home study and online homework; examinations over each of four courses; and attendance at eight 2-day seminars. Roberts was recognized in January 2020 at the Annual Texas Municipal Clerks Election Law Seminar in Frisco for completing the program.
Roberts has worked with Natalie Darrow, a 25-year city who advanced from records clerk at the task force to records manager and computer systems specialist at Sulphur Springs Police Department, since she was named the top candidate to become city secretary in July 2021. Roberts helped prepare Darrow to take over the role of city secretary, and expressed confidence in Darrow’s proficiency as city secretary.
In addition to presenting the consent agenda for approval by the City Council, the duties of city secretary includes serving as election official. One of her last officials duties at her final council meeting as city secretary was administering the oath of office to both the new city attorney and secretary on Dec. 7.
Those who’d like to help celebrate Roberts’ career with the City of Sulphur Springs and express well wishes to her in her retirement are invited to the come and go reception being held in her honor for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, at city hall.
COVID-19 Continues To Rise, With 578 Active Cases In Hopkins County On Jan. 14
As has been the case across the country, state and world, COVID-19 cases have continued to surge in Hopkins County this week. Over the past four days alone, new cases have far outpaced recoveries with only 24 recoveries and 157 new COVID cases, which coupled with the 174 new cases reported Jan. 1-7, 2022, leaves 578 Hopkins County resident who still actively had COVID-19 on Thursday, Jan. 13, according to Texas Department of State Heath Services.
Another 34 Hopkins County residents had as of midday Jan. 13, 2022, received lab-confirmed positive results for COVID-19, increasing the total from Jan. 8 to Jan. 13 to 150 Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. That makes 265 Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for the virus during the first 13 days of January 2022.
That’s not counting the 13 new “probable” cases reported for Hopkins County on Thursday, bringing the 6-day total of probable Hopkins County cases to 74 Jan. 13 and the 13-day total to 134.
According to DSHS, 253 people were tested for COVID-19 in Hopkins County on Wednesday, down from 272 on Tuesday, but more than both Sunday and Monday when 129 were tested in the county for COVID-19. If the drive-through lines at local pharmacies and grumblings of people having a hard time finding rapid or free tests due to potential exposure to COVID-positive individuals or symptoms are anything to go by, those numbers could very well continue to rise into next week.
Overall, Hopkins County entered the month with 842 active COVID cases, then peaked at 878 active cases on Jan. 3, due largely to the 697 new probable cases reported on Dec. 21 which increased the active case count from 101 to 845 that day. One day later, on Jan. 4, 2022, a total of 558 recoveries were reported, dropping the active case count to 320. Since then the active and new case counts have continued to rise, with 578 Hopkins County residents reported to have the virus on Thursday.
Despite accounts of some having a hard time finding anywhere in the area to get a COVID test if they’ve potentially been exposed to someone with the virus or are displaying symptoms, many are still getting COVID tested in Hopkins County daily. The big complaint KSST has heard is that people are having to wait in drive-through lines at pharmacies, where rapid testing is harder to come by. Often only molecular tests – those which are sent to a lab and take 1-3 days for results – are the tests available at no charge to the individual. Most testing locations also require prior registration or an appointment. Many school districts have also offered rapid COVID testing, a service suspended while classes are closed at most due to the coronavirus.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 13, a total of 1,971 COVID tests were reported to have been administered in Hopkins County, including 1,091 Jan. 1-7. On Jan. 8 only 93 were tested, that rose to 129 tests conducted Jan. 9-10, then 275 on Jan. 11 and 253 tested in Hopkins County on Jan. 12. Molecular and antigen tests continue to be the ones most used in Hopkins County. On Jan. 11, a total of 124 molecular and 151 antigen tests were performed in Hopkins County. On Jan. 12, DSHS reports 155 molecular and 96 antigen tests conducted.
Vaccines continue to be administered daily at local pharmacies, doctor’s offices and during the Friday clinic at the hospital. On Jan. 9, a total of 14,214 had been fully vaccinated for COVID, 16,247 had received at least one dose of COVID vaccine and 4,081 had received COVID booster shots. Another 40 received at least one dose of vaccine by Jan. 12. Twenty-four more in Hopkins County were fully vaccinated from Jan. 10-12, and another 85 had gotten a booster dose of COVID vaccine during that time. Cumulatively, that makes 16,286 who’ve gotten at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, 14,238 who are fully vaccinated and 4,166 who’ve also gotten a booster dose of COVID vaccine in Hopkins County since the shots first became available.
Across Trauma Service Area F, which includes all of Northeast Texas, 119 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients were in area hospitals, 84 adults in regular beds, 35 adults in ICU beds, 7 on ventilators, including 23 who were admitted the previous 24-hours. There were no pediatric patients in TSA F hospitals on Jan. 12, 2022.
According to the CDC’s 7-day Metrics through Jan. 11, Hopkins County has had a 45.83 COVID positivity rate, with 17 new hospital admissions although none of them were reported to be in ICU beds during that time.
As of Jan. 13, 2022, only one COVID death had been confirmed for Hopkins County during January. The resident died on Jan. 3, 2022, according to DSHS.
Both Basketball and Soccer Teams in Action On Friday Game Day
Even with school out until Wednesday, Jan. 19, both basketball and soccer teams are in action for this Jan. 14 edition of Friday game day.
Both basketball squads take on Longview and men and women’s soccer are locked in for day two of tournament play.
Men’s soccer are the first team up on Jan. 14 in day two of their second tournament of the season in the Lobo Invitational.
Coach Alexi Upton’s squad takes on Lufkin at 10:30 A.M. at the Lobo Soccer Complex.
The Wildcats lost their opening match on Thursday, Jan. 13 against Tyler’s Chapel Hill 3-1. Edgar Salazar scored the lone goal for Sulphur Springs in the loss.
The head men’s soccer coach said after the loss to the Bulldogs Thursday night his squad is going to keep trying new things until they can figure it out.
The loss for men’s soccer drops their season record to 0-4-2.
Coach Upton and his squad have the chance to get the elusive first win on Friday against Lufkin at 10:30 A.M.
Lady Cats soccer are up shortly thereafter on the Jan. 14 Friday game day in Forney at the 10th Annual Lady Rabbit Invitational.
Coach Javier Aguayo and his team take on Wylie, a preseason top-10 6A squad at 11:30 A.M. at Jackson Middle School Stadium.
Women’s soccer takes on Sunset at 2:30 P.M. for their second match of the day again at Jackson MS.
Sulphur Springs went 0-2 on Thursday, Jan. 13 in Forney. The Lady Cats lost to McKinney North 4-0 then fell to host Forney’s junior varsity team 5-1. Anna Williams scored the lone goal on the day.
Coach Aguayo said after the losses Thursday night that his squad played some tough opponents that “had some very skilled players.”
The losses dropped Lady Cats record to 2-3-0.
“We’re still plagued with injuries and had some girls out on other extracurricular activities,” the women’s head soccer coach said.
Coach Aguayo’s squad looks to get back in the win column on Friday, Jan. 14 when they take on two more tough opponents in Wylie and Sunset.
Moving over to basketball, both teams play Longview.
The Lady Cats take on the Lady Lobos at home and the Wildcats are in Longview.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad is the only team of four in action on Friday, Jan. 14. in Sulphur Springs.
Women’s basketball hosts the Lady Lobos in the SSHS Main Gym at 6:15 P.M. JV precedes the varsity at 5 P.M.
The Lady Cats fell to Hallsville 58-37 at Bobcat Coliseum on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
The loss dropped Sulphur Springs to 3-22 (1-3 district).
They look to get back in the win column on this Friday game day hosting the Lady Lobos at 6:15 P.M. in the SSHS Main Gym.
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.
Men’s basketball are the final team up on Friday game day, in Longview taking on the Lobos.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad lost a heart-breaker Tuesday at home to Hallsville 63-59 (OT).
The loss to the first place team in District 15-5A on Tuesday dropped the Wildcats to 18-8 overall (2-1 district).
While the loss may have been a tough one for the men’s basketball team, they remain tied fro tied in district with Mount Pleasant.
Sulphur Springs looks to return to their winning ways Friday in Longview against the Lobos at 7 P.M.
Due to the Lobos having one gym at LHS, Friday’s varsity match-up in Longview may tip off later than its scheduled 7 P.M. start time.
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.
Several Area Schools Closed Following COVID-19 Surge
Regardless of your opinions regarding COVID-19 and vaccinations, the virus has definitely taken a toll on local school districts this week, further taxing staff who were already feeling the stress caused as illnesses swept from classrooms to campuses and across districts. Many school districts in the area on Wednesday and Thursday announced plans for their schools will be closed through Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and are set to reopen Jan. 19, while a few will be closed a full week due to COVID-19 and illnesses.
Hopkins County Schools
Cumby ISD
Most school districts in Hopkins County had by 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, sent out notices that classes will be canceled the rest of the week.
Cumby ISD at noon announced that classes will be closed Friday, and remain closed during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, with no extra-curricular activities Jan. 14-17, due to a large percentage of staff and student populations out due to illness. The COVID testing facility at school too will be closed until classes resume. At that time, the plan was for school to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected during the closure, and for classes to resume on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Around 2 p.m., the decision had been made to cancel the Cumby Junior High games scheduled Thursday night, Jan. 13 as well. All Cumby Youth Sports Association Games scheduled at North Hopkins the remained of the week were canceled as well at that time.
At 5 p.m., Cumby ISD reported the school closure has now been extended. All classes and extracurricular activities scheduled Jan. 14-18, 2022 are now canceled, “due to the rapidly increasing percent of the staff and student population being out due to COVID-19 illness.”
Any CISD student or staff who starts experiencing symptoms may contact the school nurse at any time at 903-243.7077; she can help arrange for COVID-19 testing for those who need assistance.
Como-Pickton CISD
Como-Pickton CISD Superintendent Greg Bower around 2:30 p.m. Thursday reported that illness hit the campus hard this week. The amount of staff affected makes it logistically difficult to report to work as normal on Friday.
Thus, CPCISD will not have classes Jan. 14-Jan. 18, nor will any extracurricular athletics be played on those days. Junior High games continued Thursday night, with both boys and girls teams picking up wins. Classes are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2022.
Varsity basketball games scheduled for Friday, Jan. 14, will be rescheduled for the first available day after classes resume. Currently, that would put the varsity make up game on Wednesday. There will be no make up games for the canceled junior high or junior varsity games, according to Dr. Bower.
North Hopkins ISD
North Hopkins ISD administrators shortly after 3 p.m. announced classes would close on Friday, Jan. 14 and remain closed Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, due to “a sharp rise in Covid and other illnesses in students and staff today.”
Classes and school events at NHISD will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
For information on the district’s COVID-19 responses and process, click here. Further Covid-19 questions or concerns may be directed to the school nurse at 903-945-2192, ext. 8014.
Saltillo ISD
Superintendent David Stickels at 4:20 p.m. Thursday reported that while Friday, Jan. 14, will be a regular school day, Saltillo ISD will be closed and all activities will be canceled Jan. 18-21, “due to a larger number of staff/student absences.”
That means buildings will not be available for community or individual use. They will be locked to all except the cleaning staff, who will be performing a thorough cleaning of the facility.
The goal is to allow students and staff to stay home, thereby reducing the spread of the COVID-19, as the current strand is reported to be very contagious. They encourage staff and families to help stop the spread of the virus by staying home or away from others as much as possible.
Sulphur Springs ISD
Sulphur Springs ISD administrators around 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, announced the decision to close schools Friday, Jan. 14-Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, “due to staffing inadequacies caused by COVID-19.”
Extra cleaning and disinfecting measures are scheduled to be taken during while school is out.
Extra-curricular events, however, will continue as scheduled, if feasible, SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb noted in a news release sent around 5:40 p.m. Thursday to local media outlets.
All SSISD classes are scheduled to resume as usual Wednesday morning, Jan. 19, 2022.
Others Area School Districts
Yantis, Rains, Campbell ISDs
Three area districts just over the county line appeared to have been impacted by COVID-19 a little sooner than those located within Hopkins County.
Yantis ISD and Rains ISD superintendents made the decision Wednesday to cancel classes for the rest of the week (Jan. 13-14) due to COVID and other illnesses, which prevent employees from safely staffing campuses, transportation and other district programs.
Classes and buses at both Yantis ISD and Rains ISD are scheduled to resume at the regular times on Tuesday morning, Jan. 18, 2022.
Yantis and Rains school districts are also suspending rapid testing at the school until classes resume. Families are encouraged to contact their physician regarding testing if their child has symptoms. Any YISD students who do test COVID positive are asked to report the positive result to Stacie Gammill at [email protected]. Any Rains ISD students who test COVID positive should report the positive result to Trinity Edwards at [email protected] or leave a message with the information at 903-473-2222, ext. 2154.
YISD Superintendent Tracey Helfferich and Rains ISD Superintendent Jennifer Johnson each noted the decision to close school for 2 days was made after a review of attendance and the rising number of illnesses, and consulting with medical professionals. The goal is to allow those who are sick to heal while minimizing the spread of illness and providing time for all campus facilities to be thoroughly cleaned and distanced as much as possible.
Campbell ISD administrators also announced Wednesday that school would be close Thursday, Jan. 13, and would not reopen until Monday, Jan. 24, due to an increase in COVID cases and other illnesses among students and staff on Jan. 12. All classes will be closed during this time, including for those who receive virtual instruction in order to allow the sick to heal and minimize spread of the virus.
Families are encouraged to consult their physician if a child presents COVID symptoms, then to notify the school of any positive COVID test results.
Mt. Vernon, Paris ISDs
Illnesses didn’t impact some other area districts like Mount Vernon and Paris ISD as much until Thursday.
Paris ISD just after 10 a.m. Thursday announced all campuses will be closed from Friday, Jan. 14 to Tuesday, Jan. 18, due to the high number of absences among staff and students.
Classes at Paris ISD will resume Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022.
Food will be provided for the days that students are out of school. Food items can be picked up at either Justiss Elementary School or Crockett Intermediate School from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 14.
Officials at Paris ISD are reworking the district calendar to make up days, as necessary. Currently, the last day of instruction at Paris ISD remains May 26, 2022.
Mount Vernon ISD administrators just before 3 p.m. Thursday made the decision to close school Friday-Tuesday, Jan. 14-18, due to the number of student and staff absences on Jan. 13 and those having to leave due to illness as the day progressed, and predicted number of absences on Friday.
No decision had been made regarding extra curricular activities, but school officials indicated they would send that information out as soon as its determined.
School operations at Mt. Vernon ISD will resume at the regular time on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022.
