Cumby PD: Gladewater Woman Tried To Evade Police In Vehicle, On Foot
A 32-year-old Gladewater woman allegedly tried to evade police in a vehicle and on foot, according to Cumby Police reports.
Cumby Police Lt. Paul Robertson spotted a blue Lexus with a registration that expired in July traveling on Mill Street around 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, so he pulled into a driveway to turn around and stop it. As he was doing so, he observed the vehicle accelerate, which Robertson stated in arrest reports he believed was an attempt to avoid being stopped. He turned on his patrol vehicle’s lights and began pursuing the 2002 Lexus RX 300.
Robertson, in arrest reports, noted the vehicle never slowed as it neared railroad tracks, just continued north on Mill Street at a high rate of speed with no acknowledgement from the driver of the emergency vehicle behind it. The vehicle then continued to be driven recklessly through a residential area, where the sped limit is 30, the CPD officer noted in arrest reports.
Eventually, the car turned right into a residential driveway. As Robertson pulled in behind the Lexus, the driver began fleeing on foot. However, when he called out, the 32-year-old woman stopped. While speaking to her she admitted she fled from a person she knew was a peace officer, Robertson alleged in arrest reports.
CPD Officer Justin Talley arrived and the woman was placed into the back of his patrol unit, where she began banging her head against the metal partition between the front and back seats. When she failed to heed after Talley attempted several times to get her to stop, he used his OC spray on her to get her to comply, Robertson alleged in arrest reports.
Mathis was booked into Hopkins county jail at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2, 2021, on a felony charge for trying to evade police in a vehicle and a Class A misdemeanor resisting arrest, search or transport charge, according to arrest reports.
The 32-year-old Gladewater woman remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, in lieu of the $10,000 bond set on the evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge and $2,000 bond set on the resisting arrest charge, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Revival Underway at Brashear Baptist Church Through October 6
The Brashear Baptist Church family is inviting everyone to Revival through Wednesday October 6, 2021, at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest pastor Chad Poe will bring messages from the Bible book of Hosea, on the theme of “God Will Meet You in the Middle of Your Trouble and Give You Hope.” Other references will be examined from the inspired writings of the Old Testament. Chad and Melaina Ferrell will serve as Music Ministers during the Revival.
Pastor Dustin Cowden, invites everyone to the Revival as well as regular services on Sundays and Wednesdays. The church is located at 134 FM 2653 N, next to the Brashear Post Office along Interstate 30.
Dike Man Accused Of Assault Of 2 Deputies And His Girlfriend, Resisting Arrest, Trying To Take Deputy’s Taser
Cumby Man Accused Of Resisting Arrest When Caught With Stolen Trailer
A 51-year-old Dike man was accused Sunday evening of the assault of 2 deputies and his girlfriend, as well as resisting and trying to take a deputy’s taser. The arrest marked the man’s second in less than 3 months for resisting arrest, according to arrest and jail reports. He also wasn’t the only person arrested over the weekend for resisting arrest.
CR 3520 Assaults
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 5:09 p.m. Oct. 3, 2021, at a County Road 3520 residence, where an active disturbance and assault was reportedly occurring.
Upon arrival, Deputy Jason Lavender encountered a 51-year-old woman. She and her boyfriend, identified in arrest reports as 51-year-old resident Jerry Mack “JJ” Price Jr., had argued. Price allegedly grabbed the woman by the arms and threw her onto a bed, then poured beer on her and threw beer cans at her. Lavender reported red marks visible on one of the woman’s arms.
Sgt. Todd Evans then arrived and began talking to the woman. Sgt. Tanner Steward arrived and, with Lavender following, approached the residence, were the assault was alleged to have occurred. Lavender reported seeing a man, identified later as suspect Price, run into the home, only to return a short time later.
Price walked up to one deputy’s patrol vehicle and began giving an explanation of what he alleged occurred. When deputies asked him about the marks on the woman’s arm and beer smell on her, Price claimed she must have poured the beer on herself and made the red marks on her arm herself.
When it became apparent the woman was cooperating with officers and Evans reported seeing a bruise coming up on her, the deputies instructed Price to turn around put his hands behind because he was being arrested for family violence assault causing bodily injury. Instead of complying, Price allegedly refused to put his hands behind him, and began actively resisting the deputies’ efforts to place him into handcuffs.
While Steward and Lavender began working to place the man into custody, Price allegedly continued to resist and refusing to comply with the deputies’ instructions. A struggle ensured, with Price being drive-stunned in the torso during the fight, although that did not seem to have much affect on Price. Steward and Lavender continued to try to place Price into custody and Price continued resisting and refusing to comply with the officers’ instructions. At one point, Price allegedly grabbed Lavender’s Taser and tried to take it away from him.
The deputies were eventually able to get Price’s right hand behind his back and to get a handcuff around that wrist. Lavender then put Price’s other hand behind his back. However, as the sheriff’s officers attempted to put that one in a handcuff, Price grabbed the handcuff and closed it while Steward’s fingers were inside the cuffs, injuring Steward’s hand. Price then allegedly continued resisting being taken into custody, causing one of Deputy Lavender’s knees to be injures as well. The deputies continued getting the Dike man into custody at 6:14 p.m. Oct. 3 at his CR 3520 residence.
Price was transported to the county jail, where he was booked not only on the original Class A misdemeanor assault charge for is alleged actions toward his girlfriend, but was also booked on a Class A misdemeanor resisting arrest charge, two third-degree felony assault on a public servant charges for the alleged assault of 2 deputies, and felony offense of attempting to take a weapon from an officer. The 51-year-old Dike man remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Oct. 4, 2021, on all five charges.
Jail reports show Sunday was the second time this year Price has been accused of resisting arrest, search or transport. He too was jailed July 29, 2021, for driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest.
On July 28, deputies stopped Price on FM 900 at CR 3524 just before 11:30 p.m. for an obstructed license plate on the green truck he was driving. Alcohol was smelled on him. Following standard field sobriety tests, deputies advised he was under arrest for DWI. He also on that occasion allegedly refused to put his hands behind his back and resisted by tensing his arms. He also allegedly used passive aggressive resistance to prevent deputies Josh Davis and Zack Horne from putting him into a patrol vehicle. He also allegedly refused to let the sheriff’s officer read him his statutory warning.
Upon arrival at the jail early July 29, 2021, Price was read his warning rights. Price then allegedly agreed to provide a blood sample, but only if it was analyzed and he was released immediately. He continued being argumentative when told he would not be immediately released. He was told deputies would be seeking a warrant requiring a blood draw. The Dike man allegedly continued resisting officers when they tried to get him to exit the patrol vehicle. The deputies and jail staff then allegedly assisted Price out of the vehicle and into the jail.
After a blood search warrant was obtained, Price was taken to the hospital for the blood draw, then returned to jail without further incident. He was booked at 2:18 a.m. Sept. 29, 2021, into Hopkins County jail. A records check showed the man had one previous conviction for a Jan. 19, 2011 DWI charge, resulting in Price being charged with second offense DWI and resisting arrest. The Dike man was released from jail later Sept. 29, 0221, on $2,000 bond per misdemeanor charge.
Frisco Street Arrest
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley was approached by a man at 10:34 p.m. Oct. 2, 2021, who told the officer he was searching for his stolen trailer. Talley reported locating the 16-foot black utility trailer attached to a 2004 GMC Sierra at a residence in the 300 block of Frisco Street. The 24-year-old in the passenger seat of the pickup was not the owner.
Talley attempted to take the Cumby man into custody, instructing the 24-year-old to put his hands behind his back. Aware Talley was an officer, the man allegedly began intentionally preventing the officer from arresting him for theft of the trailer by using physical force.
The suspect was taken into custody around 10:40 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, on charges of theft of property valued at $750 or more but less than $2,500 for the trailer theft and resisting arrest when the officer tried to take him into custody. The Cumby man was booked at 3:50 a.m. Oct. 3 into the county jail, where he remained Monday morning, Oct. 4, in lieu of the $2,000 bond set on each of the Class A misdemeanor charge.
According to jail records, this weekend wasn’t the first time the 24-year-old Cumby man has been in Hopkins County jail on a resisting arrest charge nor the first time this year he’s been jailed locally. He was arrested Aug. 2, 2016, for resisting arrest, search or transport, then released later in the day on a $2,000 bond on the misdemeanor charge. He spent Jan. 2-March 30, 2021, in the county jail on a warrant for a Dec. 10, 2020 burglary of vehicles charge and a defective bond on a possession of marijuana charge; he was released on a $5,000 bond per charge at the end of March.
‘John Chester’ Dutch Oven Cookoff, a Favorite Local Event
The John Chester Cookoff, an Autumn tradition in Hopkins County, was held on Saturday October 2 in Sulphur Springs’ Heritage Park. The number of participants was a little less than expected due to the threat of rain, but organizer Rick Wilson remained undaunted by the weather forecast. Despite an early shower, cooking began by 7:30am, and deliciously fragrant meals were ready for serving by 11am. Prior to serving, judging samples were collected for the six judges, and here’s how the 2021 contest turned out.
First Place Overall: Melinda Hitt
Second Place Overall: Donnie and Katie Martin
Third Place Overall: Marjorie Ford
Best Dessert: Don and Carol Barfield
Best Meat: Laney and David Whitlock
Best Vegetable: Rick Wilson and Les White
Best Bread: Coyle and Elizabeth Jones
Best in Pot: Eddie and Sheila Etmus
Rick Wilson sent out his appreciation. “Thanks to our host, the Hopkins County Heritage Park, and our sponsors City National Bank, Alliance Bank, Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau and the NE Texas Farmers Co-op for making it possible to hold this fun and historic event for the people of Hopkins County.”
Persons new to Hopkins County may ask “what’s a Dutch Oven?” Dutch oven cooking pots of various metals were first used in the Netherlands – that’s why it’s called a Dutch oven – but it is the British who were the first to use cast iron pots such as we have today. This essential pot or cooking oven came in some form to America with the colonists, and no doubt kept many pilgrims alive during those first seasons in the new land. The shape and the size of the cooking ovens has evolved over time. In the United States, the Dutch oven for outdoor cooking has become a shallower pot with shorter legs, helping it hover over the top of a fire, and it’s lid improved with a flange or rim that keeps the coals atop the pot from falling into the food inside. The fundamental two-piece design has traveled the world and remains a staple from South Africa to Australia, in many European lands and in American households. Hopkins County’s long history of Dutch oven cooking extends from the first settlers in 1850’s through the exciting years of the 1980s and 90s when Johnny “Buffalo” Chester cooked for large gatherings of friends over a multi-county area, to Rick Wilson’s revival of the skill more than a decade ago.
Cummings Announces Intent To Seek Re-Election As Justice Of The Peace For Precinct 2
Judge Brad Cummings announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for re-election as Hopkins County Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2.
Judge Cummings has served the citizens of Hopkins County for 13 years. The last 6 1/2 years, he has served as Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2, which includes Hopkins County Precincts 3 and Precinct 4.
The Justice Courts have original jurisdiction involving fine-only, Class C, misdemeanor offenses. JP courts hear disputes regarding evictions, truancy cases, and civil lawsuits involving controversies up to $20,000. Justices of the Peace preside over various hearings to include juvenile detentions, towing and property hearings, dangerous animal hearings, and driver license and handgun license suspension appeals. JPs considers applications for issuance of occupational driver’s licenses. Justices of the Peace perform magistrate duties at the jail, at the preliminary stages of a person’s arrest. JPs issue warrants of arrest concerning criminal actions and emergency detention warrants concerning mental health crises. The JPs in Hopkins County hold the responsibility as the coroner and conduct inquests whenever an unattended death occurs or when requested by a physician.
Since taking office, Cummings and his staff have disposed over 14,000 criminal cases and over 2,000 civil cases. He has conducted 350 inquests and has presided over 8,800 magistrate hearings.
He was elected in 2014, taking office January 1, 2015, after the retirement of long time Justice of the Peace, Judge Ronny Glossup. As of 2019, Cummings has been on staff with the Texas Justice Court Training Center, as an instructor. According to Cummings, this prestigious honor is comprised of training newly elected judges and instructing incumbent judges regarding the operations and responsibilities of Texas Justice Courts.
Cummings has also served, as recommended by the Texas Justice Court Training Center, as a mentor judge for the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. He collaborated with Sheriff Lewis Tatum and Hopkins County Jail Administrator Kenneth Dean in implementing the I.N.M.A.T.E. (Increasing Natural Motivation After Tabescent Expressions) program for at-risk youth, in attempts to curb behavioral concerns and reduce recidivism.
“President George H.W. Bush said, ‘No definition of a successful life can do anything but include serving others.’ I truly appreciate the confidence and encouragement that the citizens of our blessed county have in me. The service that my staff and I are graciously entrusted to provide is not something that is taken lightly, I assure you. I would appreciate your support for re-election, and the opportunity to continue my service to you,” Cummings said when announcing his intent to file for re-election for the Republican Party for Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace in the spring of 2022.
Winnsboro Police Department Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2021 Media Report
The Winnsboro Police Department’s weekly media report for Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2021, included the following:
Arrests
Timothy Johnson, age 20, of Hudson, was arrested on September 2, 2021, for possession of less than 20 ounces of marijuana, possession of a dangerous drug, and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 157 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 58 citations and 47 warnings during this reporting period.
PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE’S “TOWERS OF TOMORROW” EXHIBITION NOW OPEN
MORE THAN 500,000 LEGOS® USED TO CONSTRUCT 20 ICONIC SKYSCRAPERS IN PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE’S TOWERS OF TOMORROW EXHIBITION.
The eye-popping exhibition, presented locally by Highland Capital Philanthropies, features LEGO re-creations of architectural wonders including Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), the Empire State Building and many more; plus kids and adults can create their own towers using more than 200,000 bricks
DALLAS (Sept. 14, 2021) – The Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s newest exhibition –Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks – will feature 20 iconic skyscrapers from across the globe constructed over 2,000 hours with more than half a million LEGO® bricks. From the world’s tallest building to the Empire State Building, the architectural wonders are constructed by Ryan McNaught, one of only 21 LEGO certified professionals in the world. All ages can get creative as they build upon a growing LEGO installation using thousands of the popular colored bricks. Presented locally by Highland Capital Philanthropies, Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks makes its Texas debut Friday, Sept. 24, and runs through April 24, 2022.
“In our commitment to inspire minds through nature and science, the Perot Museum strives to bring in engaging exhibitions that spark those ‘ah-ha’ moments,” said Dr. Linda Silver, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum. “Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks is a hands-on experience for all ages and a fun way to cultivate that crucial interest in STEM.”
Among the towers on view will be the Barangaroo Hotel Crown Resort in Sydney; Burj Khalifa in Dubai; Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta; 111 West 57th Street, Central Park Tower Building, Chrysler Building and Empire State Building in New York City; CN Tower in Toronto; Eureka Tower in Melbourne; Infinity Tower in Brisbane; International Commerce Tower in Hong Kong; Marina Bay Sands in Singapore; N Seoul Tower in Seoul, Korea; Petronas Towers in Malaysia; Q1 in Queensland; Shanghai Tower in Shanghai; Taipei 101 in Taiwan; Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo; Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago; and Wilshire Grand Centre in Los Angeles.
“Highland Capital Philanthropies believes children learn best when they are having fun, which is why we are proud to support the Perot Museum’s effort to ignite STEM learning in our youth through this new exhibition, which showcases iconic skyscrapers from around the world – all constructed with LEGO® bricks,” said Lucy Bannon, Highland Capital Philanthropies communications director. “We’re especially excited about the hands-on experiences offered as part of the exhibition, which give guests the opportunity to construct their own buildings and in turn gain a deeper understanding of the ingenuity of these engineering feats.”
After interacting with the intricate structures, guests are encouraged to head to the construction areas, which are equipped with more than 200,000 LEGO bricks, to create their own ‘tower of tomorrow.’ All ages can channel their inner engineer by adding their creations to a steadily rising futuristic LEGO masterpiece displayed within the exhibition.
Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks is a travelling exhibition from Sydney Living Museums and toured internationally by Flying Fish.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS. For the safety of guests, all visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a face covering. All interactive exhibits will be disinfected regularly, and hand sanitizer stations are available. Guests should not visit the Museum if sick. Social distancing of at least 6 feet (or the average length of one velociraptor) is encouraged.
UPDATED HOURS. The Museum is open daily (except Tuesdays). Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.During Thanksgiving week, Winter Break and Spring Break, the Museum will be open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Member-only mornings provide exclusive access from 9-10 a.m. every Saturday and 10-11 a.m. every Sunday.
TICKETS. Museum general admission is $20 for adults (13-64), $13 for youth (2-12) and $18 for seniors (65+). Museum general admission is free for members. Children under 2 are always free. Towers of Tomorrowrequires an additional ticket of $8 for adults (13-64) and seniors (65+), $6 for youth (2-12) and free for children under 2. Member tickets for Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks are $5 for all age levels. Tickets are timed entry and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To avoid sellouts, visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase advanced tickets at perotmuseum.org. Prices are subject to change.
The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For parking information and other details, visit perotmuseum.org or call 214-428-5555.
NOTE: To obtain the news release, Perot Museum fact sheet, photos and more, please go to perotmuseum.org/press.
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About the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. A top cultural attraction in Dallas/Fort Worth and a Michelin Green Guide three-star destination, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a nonprofit educational organization located in the heart of Dallas, Texas. With a mission to inspire minds through nature and science, the Perot Museum delivers exciting, engaging and innovative visitor and outreach experiences through its education, exhibition, and research and collections programming for children, students, teachers, families and life-long learners. A trusted science resource for all of North Texas, the Museum is committed to preparing the next generation of STEM workers by supporting K-12 schools and educators through highly accessible programs. The 180,000-square-foot facility in Victory Park opened in December 2012 and is now recognized as the symbolic gateway to the Dallas Arts District. Future scientists, mathematicians and engineers will find inspiration and enlightenment through 11 permanent exhibit halls on five floors of public space; a children’s museum; a flexible-space, traveling exhibition hall; and a theater. Designed by 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Thom Mayne and his firm Morphosis Architects, the Victory Park museum has been lauded for its artistry and sustainability. To learn more, please visit perotmuseum.org.
Wildcats Tennis Coach Talks Last Week’s 11-8 Heartbreaker in Hallsville Ahead of Monday’s Senior Night Date With Marshall
Wildcats team tennis Coach Tony Martinez called Tuesday’s 11-8 loss in Hallsville versus the Bobcats a heartbreaker.
He said that in two or three of those 11 loss matches that Wildcats players lead, only to fall short to the Bobcats.
Sulphur Springs hoped to come into Hallsville on Tuesday to beat the Bobcats, and if they had done so they would have taken the Bobcats’ spot as the third seed from the district.
Instead, Coach Martinez and his program have all but stamped their ticket to the playoffs as the fourth and final playoff seed.
The Wildcats team tennis coach said they gave Tuesday’s match in Hallsville their best and his players shouldn’t have any reason to hang their heads.
He said his athletes played their best, and while some did not meet the results the coaching staff expected in their outing in Hallsville, some outperformed, Coach Martinez said.
Paige Miese and Jessie Lee had to come from behind and win their match in three sets, proving to be one of the crucial girls’ doubles that allowed the Wildcats to stay in the match with Hallsville.
Coach Martinez said Miese, a senior, played her heart out in Tuesday’s loss versus the Bobcats. Miese made some great shots, the Wildcats coach said.
Jeauxleigh Cantu, another senior and captain for Wildcats team tennis won both of her matches, including a mixed-doubles match win that had her partnered with Ian Westland, a freshman.
The freshmen fared decently well, Coach Martinez said. Ella Sand won her single match near the end but lost her doubles match with Kaylee Schumacher, but that they should not hang their head since they took on a tough match-up in Hallsville’s number one players.
The 11-8 loss on Tuesday, Sept. 28 put Sulphur Springs firmly into fourth place heading into their final showdown of the regular season with Marshall.
Next week, Coach Martinez said, John Tyler and Whitehouse will play each other for the top seed in the playoffs on Tuesday.
This match-up is something for team tennis fans to keep their eyes on as whoever wins on Tuesday will host Sulphur Springs in the Bi-District round of playoffs.
The Wildcats team tennis coach said he hopes to play John Tyler due to what he believes will be favorable match-ups for his squad.
But before they can nail down who their playoff opponent will be come Bi-District time, they will first have to get through Marshall when the Mavericks come to the Tennis Center on Monday.
Monday’s match with the Mavericks will be the final regular season match-up for Coach Tony Martinez and his squad before the Bi-District round of playoffs.
Monday’s match will also be Senior night for the tennis program.
The final regular season contest for Wildcats team tennis is set to get underway on Monday at 4 P.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.
Meal A Day Menu For Oct. 4-8, 2021
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 Oct. 4-8, 2021, includes:
- Monday – Parmesan Chicken, On a Bed of Egg Noodles, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Sticks.
- Tuesday – Oven Omelet, Sliced Ham, Mandarin Oranges and Blue Berry Cake.
- Wednesday – Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Roll.
- Thursday – Corn Flake Chicken Casserole, Candied Carrots, and Roll.
- Friday – Fish and Tartar Sauce, Corn Nuggets, Cole Slaw and Pinto Beans.
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.
Harvey: CHRISTUS Update – The COVID Unit Isn’t The Only Area With High Census
While CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs has seen a reduction in the number of patients in the COVID Unit over the past couple of weeks, the hospital has continued to have a high census count, CMFH-SS CEO Paul Harvey noted earlier this week in an update about the local hospital and CHRISTUS’ Sulphur Springs facilities.
COVID Unit
Since the surge in COVID cases starting in June, CMFH-SS has consistently had patient counts in the high 20s and 30s in the COVID unit, Harvey reported Tuesday. By the end of last week and into the first part of this week, those numbers dropped to the low 20s, and by Thursday CMFH-SS only had 18 lab-confirmed COVID patients.
The reduction of even 5-7 COVID patients daily made a big difference for the hospital. He noted that 96 percent of the COVID patients entering CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs since June have been unvaccinated.
“That number did not go down. That number stayed its course and that was pretty much, whether you were at a CHRISTUS hospital or not, we’re seeing the same high numbers from the hospitalization rate. A lot of people will come to their own conclusions, but that’s whey we are continuing our vaccine clinic every Friday until further notice,” Harvey said Tuesday afternoon.
High Census
While COVID numbers have declined, the hospital has still had a high census, so there really hasn’t been a decline in the total number of patients coming through the hospital. EMS transporting patients to CMFH-SS from Delta, Franklin and Rains counties also served by the local medical service has contributed some to those numbers. While that typically is good for the hospital in terms of funding, it’s not so good for the surrounding community to have so many in need of medical care.
Whereas CMFH-SS was able to obtain additional assistance from state nurses and respiratory therapists during the first big wave of the pandemic, the state removed those resources and staffing wasn’t necessarily available from alternate sources to help in the COVID unit or any other area of the hospital.
Most hospitals in the region are in the same boat, with increased patient counts, and fewer staff to help share the burden. Some hospitals in the region are on full divert for three-day periods at a time, placing more of a burden on the existing Sulphur Springs hospital and staff to care for the patients longer instead of being able to transfer those in need of a higher level of care than the facility can provide to a higher level facility for the necessary care.
The patient influx in CHRISTUS-Sulphur Springs’ emergency room in some cases could mean as much as 36 hours to 7 days before a bed at a facility with the specialty care needed becomes available.
“I am proud of my team on how they are doing. It is a testament to them, not having the staff we had last year,” Harvey said.
Despite competition from private nursing agencies which are offering unheard of salaries to get more to hire on, CMFH-SS has one of the lowest turnover rates in the CHRISTUS system, Harvey reported. The longer wait times have also meant a little dip in patient satisfaction scores. For the most part, being proactive and advising patients and families of the potential wait times for noncritical patients, most appreciate being kept abreast of the situation and are understanding.
“We continue to be sure we do everything we can to keep our associates, our patients and our community safe,” Harvey said.
Flu, COVID Vaccines
As fall and winter approach, flu shots are being made available at local pharmacies. CHRISTUS began this week administering flu shots to their associates.
“For us, flu shots have always been mandatory for healthcare workers. COVID vaccines are not mandatory at CHRISTUS. We continue to educate our staff on the benefits of COVID vaccine. We’re starting to see a little bit of an increase on that.”
The hospital plans to continue indefinitely hosting a Friday COVID vaccine clinic, offering Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines and Pfizer boosters from 9 to noon. Appointments are not necessary. People have only to show up at the hospital from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, let staff now whether they want their first Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, are getting their second dose of vaccine, or are in need of a Pfizer booster. CMFH-SS gave out the last dose of Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine 3 Fridays ago, and will not be receiving any more of that type of COVID vaccine.
“We’ve been averaging over the last four weeks over 200 plus, which is good. A lot of first timers, not just our associates, but in the community, have decided to go ahead and get the vaccine,” Harvey said.
While the facility is offering COVID booster shots, CHRISTUS as of Friday only offers Pfizer boosters. Per the CDC and FDA, CMFH-SS has paused offering a Moderna booster. While Pfizer has the full official approval of the FDA, the Moderna vaccine is still only approved under the emergency use designation has not yet attained FDA’s full approval as a tried and proven vaccine. Moderna is reported to still be in the process of attaining that status, but so far has not secured full vaccine use approval from the federal agency.
“We’ll have the regular vaccines, but hte only booster we’ll offer is Pfizer,” Harvey said. “We were doing both. When the initial CDC came out with this because of those who really needed it with health conditions. We will be pausing with Moderna booster, not the Moderna vaccine, but the booster.”
The third Pfizer COVID vaccine is available only to those who have already have two doses of Pfizer vaccine, and who meet the established criteria and are within the specified time window since their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Criteria includes being age 65 or older, immunocompromised, having certain other health condition, health care responders, people on the “front lines”
Those who’ve had COVID are recommended to talk to their doctor as the best course of action to determine whether a booster is recommended. That determination often is based on how long its been since the individual had COVID and antibody testing through a lab to check antibody levels in their system.
According to Kristi Shultz, a nurse and Hopkins County Hospital District Board member, antibody testing is conducted when individuals donate blood through Carter BloodCare. So, those antibody results should be accessible online through Carter BloodCare for those who have donated recently or plan to give blood during an upcoming drive.
COVID Testing
Testing for COVID is not offered four hours daily at the CHRISTUS Trinity Primary Care Clinic in Sulphur Springs, (the former indigent care clinic). This is for those unable to schedule an office or urgent care visit for COVID testing elsewhere.
Those needing a test will be required to call 903-885-3181, then press option 0, to schedule an appointment for drive-thru testing at the primary care facility. CHRISTUS will open the schedule daily by 8:30 a.m. depending on staffing availability for drive-thru COVID testing. Current tentative available times for testing are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
People then should arrive in the parking lot of 100 Medical Circle at the scheduled appointment time and remain in their vehicles. Someone will be out shortly to check the patient in and begin the appointment.
Patients are required to sign up for a MyChart account, where COVID testing results will be available to patients.
Saturday Sports Clinic
Harvey too reported the Saturday Sports Clinic has been successful, available to 9th-1st grade students in 22 different school districts, including Commerce High School this year, who have been injured.
Harvey said CHRISTUS is proud to be able to help the schools out again this year by offering this clinic for students who have sustained injury as a result of any athletic school activity, including football and volleyball. Students receive the screenings and care they need Saturday as opposed to having to wait until Monday to see someone.
Dr. Chris Meltsakos has had a lot to do with the program’s success, according to Harvey.
CHRISTUS Staffing
CHRISTUS is currently actively looking for another physician for primary care as well as another for midlevel care. The Sulphur Springs CHRISTUS facilities are also looking to add another orthopedic specialist to enhance the services available locally, and anticipate growth in this area over the next 2 years.
Dr. IL Balkcom is no longer with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, Harvey noted.
