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.
Fall 2021 Paris Junior College Students Named to the President’s and Dean’s Lists
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
Public Information Services
Paris Junior College is pleased to announce that 157 students were named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement during the Fall 2021 semester.
To be eligible for the President’s List, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average, (straight A’s) on a minimum of 15 semester hours. Those on the Dean’s List must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average for at least 15 semester hours and have no grade lower than a “C.” Both lists are compiled exclusive of developmental hours.
Students on the President’s List by their hometowns in Texas:
Commerce: Evan Humphries
Como: Crystal Romero
Cooper: Bryce Barrientos-Mendez
Cumby: Trevor Moore
Dike: Bailey Neal
Emory: Naim Diego
Honey Grove: Miguel Ochoa, John Yarbrough
Pecan Gap: Jessie McGuire
Pickton: Timothy David
Saltillo: John Beadle
Sulphur Bluff: Tori Raine
Sulphur Springs: Kayla Carney, Jaeel Espinoza, Lindsey Faulks, Kayla Garcia, Oscar Martinez, Lane Potts, Gerardo Reyes, Kelsie Thomas, Zachary Tiemeyer, Weston Vasquez, Jennifer Wilson
Wolfe City: Wiley Cox, Matthew Shia
• Dean’s List
Students on the Dean’s List by their hometowns in Texas:
Brashear: Juan Andrade, Gabriel Rubio
Brookston: Kyle Brown, Latharian Huff
Como: Diana Gallegos
Cooper: Raven Maxwell
Cumby: Nathan Brown
Emory: Hannah Chairez, Darence Rushing
Honey Grove: Richard Davis, Lyndsey Howard, Paula Moody
Klondike: Austin Henderson, Mary Lane
Leander: Jacob Shackett
Pickton: Anna Reeder
Quitman: Jason Johnson
Sulphur Springs: Cassidi Froneberger, Angie Hughes, Luis Olivo, Abigail Owens, Jocelyn Perez, Aaliyah Valles
Sumner: Bernardo Coronado, Veronica Froese
Winnsboro: Jelle De Jong
Yantis: Jarrett Bartle
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
“Over the Moon” Theme for Daddy Daughter Dance
“Over the Moon” Theme for Daddy Daughter Dance
Dance Also Features Dad and Daughter Activities
(January 12, 2022, Commerce, Texas) The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum will give dads a chance to be “Over the Moon” about their daughters. The event will be the annual Daddy Daughter Dance on February 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 with the theme of “Over the Moon”. The event will feature a dance; play in the 20,000 sq ft Children’s Museum; interactive activities with dads and daughters; Moon Crafts; and Moon Food.
This year’s dance will welcome Jim Ayres as disc jockey. His familiarity with this role should bring excitement to the dance floor. But what if a dad does not want to dance? There will be other participatory activities for the duo. Dads and daughters can compete in such activities as the Asteroid Throw, Shoot the Moon, and Moon Rock Throw. And there is always the opportunity for the girls to play in the estimated 50 exhibits in the Children’s Museum.
Brenda Estes, food chairperson for the event, said, “I love to prepare food that looks exciting and interesting for the young girls.” This year’s menu will include crescent meat pies, cheese stars, and astroids. And what would the night be without Moon Pies? Thalian Culture Club will again be a sponsor for the food.
With the help of Lonnie Plunkett and Elana Barton, large moons will shine over the event. Moon crafts such as painting moon rocks will provide a memorable souvenir for each girl of this special evening. Another memory of the evening will be possible through photographs by Joe and Emily Shipman. Their expertise captures the moment for years to come.
“‘Over the Moon’ has so many connotations. Dads are over the moon about their daughters; the supporters of the Children’s Museum are over the moon that the museum is celebrating its twentieth year.” said Sharline Freeman, Executive Director. “The “Over the Moon” theme will be carried out throughout 2022 as we celebrate the longevity of the Children’s Museum. However, we hope that dads will take the opportunity of showing their daughters they are “Over the Moon” about them on February 5.”
Discounted tickets are now on sell at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum and can be purchased online or by calling 903-886-6055. Tickets purchased before the day of the event are $35 for a young girl and her escort of a dad, granddad, uncle, or older brother. Each additional girl will be $10. Tickets will be $40 for each couple on the day of the event.
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Late Registration was Held at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Campus
REGISTERING
Miriam Frias, left, and Jazmin Perdomo came to late registration held at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus Wednesday. Financial Aid specialist Katie Barnes is advising and assisting them. The first class day for the spring semester is Tuesday.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Sulphur Springs ISD Cancels School Until Wednesday
Sulphur Springs ISD just before 5 p.m. Thursday announced on the district’s social media pages that school will be closed Friday, Jan. 14-Tuesday, Jan. 18. “Staffing inadequacies caused by COVID-19” were cited for the closure.
According to a news release sent at 5:40 p.m. from the superintendent’s office, “extra-curricular events will continue as scheduled, if feasible.”
School was already slated to be out Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No SSISD classes are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, either. Classes for Sulphur Springs ISD are scheduled to resume as usual on Wednesday, Jan. 19.
According to SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb, “extra cleaning/disinfecting measures will be taken” while classes are out.
COVID Campus Counts
On Monday, Jan. 10, only 0.51% of SSISD students and staff was reported to have been identified as actively having COVID-19.
The highest the active case count SSISD has had since COVID began in March 2020 has been 1.5%, and there have been times when the campus active COVID percentage has been 0. That was the case Monday for Bowie Primary, Sulphur Springs Elementary, Austin Academic Center and district staff not permanently assigned to a campus where students attend classes, according to the weekly SSISD COIVD-19 Dashboard report posted Jan. 10, 2022.
SSISD on Monday reported 22 active positive student cases and 36 new student cases from the prior week, and 4 active positive staff cases and 14 new cases from a prior week. Since the first day of the 2021-2022 school year on Aug. 18, 2021, SSISD has had 329 cumulative positive COVID cases and 52 cumulative positive staff cases.
Sulphur Springs High School had 12 student active and 16 new student cases from a prior week, and two active staff cases and two from a prior week – the most cases of any campus on Monday, Jan. 10. That gave SSHS a 0.97% active case percentage.
Travis was the next highest with a 0.95% active case percentage: 2 active student and 1 active staff cases, plus 2 new student and 4 new staff cases for a prior week.
Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Plan
The notice comes just 3 evenings after SSISD administrators presented to the school board the updated Sulphur Springs ISD Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan, which districts are required to approve and make available to students, staff and the general public. (The 5-page plan can be found by clicking the blue and gold COVID-19 Information link on the main page of the district website, then selecting the SSISD Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.)
The plan, updated on Jan. 10, is based on the latest Centers for Disease Control, Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas Education Agency guidelines and recommendations regarding COVID-19, including the required actions if a student or staff member tests positive for the virus, is exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus, or exhibits COVID-like symptoms.
Williams said the plan shortens the at-home period for individuals who have had close exposure to a person who tested positive for COVID-19. He said as a rule of thumb, follow the pre-COVID plan regarding illness: if you are really sick, stay home. This gives the sick individual’s body and opportunity to rest and heal, while reducing the risk of spreading the sickness to others. Those experiencing potential COVID symptoms should stay home and contact the campus nurse via telephone to begin the process of determining what, if any, additional steps are needed.
While school districts are not required to conduct COVID-19 investigations, SSISD’s plan is to notify students’ parents if the students has been in close contact with someone determined to have the virus. The district will not conduct contact tracing, however. Public health entities have the authority to conduct contact tracing. SSISD had previously worked closely with the Local Health Authority nurse, who had authority to investigate COVID cases. However, the Local Health Authority nurse earlier in the month submitted her resignation to Hopkins County Emergency Management officials.
Parents may choose, but are not required, to keep their students home if the students are determined to have been in close with an individual who has COVID-19. Parents who do choose to send their students to school are encouraged to closely monitor their children for symptoms for 2 weeks following exposure.
Students who were in close contact with someone who had COVID, per CDC guidelines, may return to school on day 10 after close contact exposure if the student has had no symptoms without a COVID test. Students who receive a negative PCR acute infection test result after exposure can return to school.
According to the return to in-person plan, SSISD returned to classes for face-to-face instruction this year and semester, but the district is prepared if it become necessary to return to remote instruction if necessary, while continuing services addressing students’ academic needs, and student and staff members’ social, emotional, mental health and other needs. That would include health and food services needs if the district had to return to remote instruction, acording to the five page plan.
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.
Upcoming Events at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is starting off this year with three events in February.
If you would feel more comfortable, please wear a mask when you come to the Senior Citizens Center.
There will be a Valentines Day Luncheon Friday, February 11th beginning at 11:00am. Elvis will be there singing Love Songs. Please let Karon Weatherman know if you will be attending so she can reserve you a spot. She needs to plan for Food and Seating. The Senior Citizens Center will be providing a Light Lunch and Dessert. Elvis is ALWAYS a fun show.
Wednesday, February 16th at 11:00am. there will be a Hospice 101 Luncheon Sponsored by Hospice Plus. They will have several different people at the Seniors Citizens Center talking about different subjects. They will be serving a FREE Lunch to everyone who attends. Please let Karon Weatherman know if you are planning to attend so we can plan for Food and Seating.
On Saturday, February 26th at 10:00 AM, the Winter 42 Tournament will be held. Please register by Friday, February 11th. Cost is $10.00 a person. After February 11th it will be $ 25.00 a Team. Karon Weatherman needs to plan for Food, Seating, Name Tags and Score Boards. This Tournament pays money so the more people who play the more money you can win. Hope to have a full house. Karon will be mailing out the Registration Forms and Letters the week of January 13th.
Regular Events are still happening Monday – Friday each week. Come see what you have been missing.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center is located in the heart of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The City of Sulphur Springs has provided a place senior adults age 50 and over can go to for fun and fellowship. The Center offers a variety of activities for seniors citizens Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Activity Center can be found at 301 Oak Ave in Sulphur Springs.
Diabetes Education Sessions To Be Held At 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 17, 21, 24 & 28
AgriLife Extension Also Offering Feb. 19 Marriage Education Workshop
By Johanna Hicks, Family & Community Health Extension Agent, [email protected]
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides great opportunities in the areas of Family & Community Health, Agriculture & Natural Resources, 4-H & Youth Development, and Community Development. One of the banner programs offered by Extension is diabetes education. Keep reading for more information.
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes
Diabetes is an ever-growing challenge in Hopkins County and across the country. “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” (DWBW) is a research-based, evidence-based five session series covering topics such as: Getting Started – How Food Affects your Blood Glucose; Understanding Carbohydrates; Improving Blood Glucose Control with Physical Activity; Medications; Celebrating Blood Glucose Control and Avoiding Complications. Targeted toward individuals with type 2 diabetes, the series will provide practical, easy-to-understand information on diabetes management. The series does not take the place of a doctor’s visit, but is designed to help clarify information you might have received about the disease.
Experts in the field will contribute to teaching the sessions. Recipes and taste sampling will be provided with each session. Participants will receive a notebook with copies of the power points, handouts, and other supplemental materials. Take note of the details, especially the time as it has changed from 6 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. so as not to conflict with the Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet on Feb. 17. Call the Extension Office if you would like to participate.
- Dates: February 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28 (Mondays and Thursdays)
- Location: Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs
- Time: 1:30 p.m.
- Cost: $20 – covers materials, sampling, and door prizes
- Call: 903-885-3443 to sign up. Please give your name, address (or e-mail address), and phone number. A registration form will be sent.
- Family members are welcome to attend as well at no charge. Please call if you have questions.
Twogether in Texas
At the heart of a strong community are strong families. At the heart of strong families are strong marriages. We often see the strong bond between grandparent and grandchild, or between aunts and uncles with their nieces and nephews. Those are special bonds, indeed, but the marriage is the only relationship that begins with a vow.
Twogether in Texas marriage education workshop is not counseling. It is designed to equip couples with the tools to form a stronger relationship. Sign up is now taking place. Details below:
- When: Saturday, February 19
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs
- Cost: none
- Call: 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Topics include: Marriage Expectations, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Money Management, and Goal Setting. At the conclusion of the workshop, couples will be given a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license at their county clerk’s office. The certificate is good for one year, so even couples who are not planning to wed until later in the year can still reap the benefit of the savings.
Closing Thought
Fairness is not an attitude. It’s a professional skill that must be developed and exercised. – Brit Hume
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
