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.
Lady Cats Volleyball Wins Five Set Match Versus Longview
Things got interesting on Friday, Oct. 1 when the Longview Lady Lobos volleyball team travelled to Sulphur Springs to take on the Lady Cats.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s team took set one in dominating fashion, 25-12 as they looked to rebound from Tuesday’s loss in Hallsville.
While the Lady Lobos were able to to make the second set more competitive, they fell short to Sulphur Springs 25-17 to allow the Lady Cats to take a demanding 2-0 set lead over Longview.
The Lady Lobos, realizing a defeat would drastically hurt their potential playoff positioning, played hard in set three, never relenting and managed to steal the third set 26-24.
Set four proved to be a repeat, as even though Sulphur Springs was able to jump out to several big leads, Longview kept fighting and took set four 27-25 to force a pivotal set five.
Coach Dorner and her squad did what they do best when down; they fought back with their back against the wall and still pulled out a huge 15-5 set five win that propelled the Lady Cats to their fourth district win in six contests.
The win gives the volleyball team an 18-12 overall record (4-2 district). Sulphur Springs is now officially halfway through the fall 2021 district season.
The win also firmly put the Lady Cats in fourth place in District 15-5A.
Longview came into the game 2-3 in district, with Sulphur Springs a game ahead at 3-2. If the Lady Cats wished to keep up with Texas High, Marshall and Hallsville, they had to beat the Lady Lobos to keep up with the three teams who have two losses or less in district play.
They did just that, and while the Lady Cats have the same district record as Hallsville, the Tuesday loss at Bobcat Coliseum gives Hallsville the tiebreaker.
Hallsville and Sulphur Springs will meet again for hotly contest playoff seeding when Hallsville comes to the SSHS Main Gym on Oct. 22.
But before they can focus on the top three teams in District 15-5A they will have to get past the Mt. Pleasant Lady Tigers when they come to town on Tuesday.
Sulphur Springs swept the Lady Tigers in Mt. Pleasant 3-0 for a district-opening sweep on Sept. 10.
Coach Bailey Dorner and her program will no doubt hope for similar results when the Mount Pleasant Lady Tigers come to the SSHS Main Gym on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
That match is set to begin with JV and freshmen squads at 5 P.M. followed by the varsity showdown at 6 P.M.
Tuesday’s game, if given permission by Mount Pleasant, will be live-streamed onto KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
Regardless of livestream capabilities, Tuesday’s volleyball matchup with the Lady Tigers will be broadcasted on KSST 1230 AM.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Man Accused Of Assaulting Wife While Holding Machete-Style Knife
3 Other Men Arrested On Unrelated Assault Charges, 1 For Displaying Firearm In Public
A 61-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused assaulting his wife while holding a machete-style knife. Four other men were also arrested earlier this week on assault or weapon related charges, including a man accused of displaying a firearm in public, a man who struck a divorcing spouse in the head with a door, a man arrested on a felony assault warrant and a man accused of assaulting his girlfriend, and according to arrest reports.
Lamar Street Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police officers responded at 7:05 p.m. Sept. 29, 2021, to a disturbance reported on Lamar Street. Upon arrival, Officer Victor Reyna contacted a woman outside the residence.
The 51-year-old woman and her 61-year-old husband had reportedly been involved in a verbal argument in the house. Gaylon Voughan Younger allegedly injured his wife’s arm while holding a machete-style knife in a threatening manner and threatening to kill her if she didn’t leave, Reyna wrote in arrest reports.
Mr. Younger was taken into custody at 7:42 p.m. Sept. 29, 2021, on a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
He was released from Hopkins County jail Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, on a $50,000 bond, according to jail reports.
Fuller Street Arrest
A Child Protective Services employee notified police she planned to try to make contact with a wanted man in reference to a case she was working.
SSPD Officer Francisco Castro responded at 3:15 p.m. Sept. 30, 2021, at the Fuller Street location, where he found and contacted both the man and CPS worker.
A records check by dispatch confirmed the 30-year-old Sulphur Springs man did indeed have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The Dallas County warrant was confirmed to be active so Castro took Jose Ismael Cuevas into custody, according to police reports.
Cuevas was booked into Hopkins County jail a 3:53 p.m. Thursday Sept. 30, 2021, on the family violence assault-impeding breathing or circulation charge. He was released from Hopkins County jail later Sept. 30. Bond was set at $15,000 on the third-degree felony assault charge, according to jail reports.
Jail records show Thursday was not the first time Cuevas has been arrested in Hopkins County on an assault-impeding breathing or circulation charge. He was jailed March 11-July 12, 2021, on a local assault of family or household member-impeding breathing or circulation charge as well as warrants for bond forfeiture on Jun 28, 2020 possession of controlled substance charge and on a forgery of financial instrument charge.
West Industrial Drive Arrest
At 10:20 p.m. Wednesday night, police responded to what was reported as a gunshot wound at a West Industrial Drive business. Upon arrival, they learned a firearm had been discharged, but no one was hit by it, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley alleged in arrest reports.
A 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man did end up on the floor after displaying a firearm at the business. His behavior reportedly caused people to become alarmed, so they in turn assisted him on to the ground. The 41-year-old’s head reportedly sustained a gash and the weapon was discharged in the process, Whaley noted in arrest reports.
The injured man was taken into custody at 11:05 p.m. Sept. 29, then reportedly transported to the hospital, where he refused all medical treatment. He was then escorted to jail, where he was booked early Thursday morning on a Class B misdemeanor charge of displaying or discharging a firearm in a public place, according to police reports.
The man was released from the county jail on a $10,000 bond on the misdemeanor charge later Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, according to jail reports.
Haywood Street Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Aaron Chaney and Justin Wilkerson responded at 10:15 p.m. Sept. 30, 2021, on Haywood Street in Como, where an active disturbance was reported.
Upon arrival, deputies learned both household members at the address were in the process o f a divorce. A verbal altercation between the pair reportedly turned physical. The woman at the address was reported to be emotional and crying, while pressing a piece of ice to the side of her forehead reported to be slightly red and swollen.
During their investigation, the deputies ascertained the 26-year-old male resident became argumentative with the woman and was asked to leave her room. When he refused, she reportedly pushed him into the living room to put separation between them. The woman then reportedly shut the door between the bedroom hallway and living area. The Como man then allegedly forced his way through the door, striking the woman in the head as he did so, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
The 26-year-old Como man was taken into custody at 10:40 p.m. Thursday. He was booked into the county jail just after 1 a.m. Friday, on a Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury to a family member charge.
The Como man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. Bond on the misdemeanor assault charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
Oak Grove Drive Arrest
Sulphur Springs police responded just after 10:30 p.m. Sept. 24 to a report of a disturbance on Oak Grove Drive.
Upon arrival, police were advised a 40-year-old woman was in bed when her 45-year-old boyfriend, who also lives at the residence, punched her in the leg multiple times and hit her in the head with a pillow, causing her physical pain. Based on statements obtained at the scene and what were reported to be other injuries the woman sustained previously, officers took the 45-year-old Sulphur Springs man into custody.
The man was taken into custody at 10:51 p.m. Sept. 24 on a Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury to a family or household member charge. He was released from Hopkins County jail Sept. 30, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Jail records also show last week to be the second time this year the man has been jailed for assault causing bodily injury to a family member. He too was jailed Feb. 5, 2021, for the offense; he was released the next day on a $2,000 bond.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
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.
HHSC Encourages Breast Cancer Screenings During Awareness Month
AUSTIN – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is encouraging women to get screened regularly for the disease.
“Many of us have delayed life-saving screenings like mammograms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is understandable. But after 19 months it’s so important to get back on track with regular breast cancer screening,” said Lindsay Rodgers, HHSC associate commissioner for Health and Developmental Services. “Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.”
The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 45 to 54 get a mammogram annually, while women ages 55 and older get checked at least once every two years. Women with extra risk factors could start annual screenings at age 40.
HHSC’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Program (BCCS) helps fund clinics across the state to provide free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services such as clinical breast examinations, mammograms and breast biopsies to eligible women. BCCS also provides funding for cervical cancer screenings and treatment for precancerous cervical conditions.
Last year, the program helped more than 26,600 women, including more than 15,000 women who received breast cancer services. Uninsured and underinsured Texas women who have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply for BCCS. Additional eligibility requirements can be found here.
To learn more about women’s health programs and services offered, visit www.healthytexaswomen.org or dial 2-1-1.
About National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide education about prevention, screening, and treatments. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer became the most common cancer globally as of 2021, accounting for 12 percent of all new annual cancer cases worldwide.
This month, some breast cancer awareness observation dates include:
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day – Oct. 13
- National Mammography Day – Oct. 15
- Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day – Oct. 20
Watch for Bridge Work on CR 4712 in Hopkins County
Oct. 1, 2021
PARIS — Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a project to replace a bridge on CR 4712 in Hopkins County is slated to begin Oct. 10.
The contractor, Highway 19 Construction LLC, was granted 64 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $274,000.
The contractor will replace the bridge on CR 4712 at the Crooks Creek Tributary, officials said.
County Road 4712 will be closed at this location while this project is underway. The anticipated completion date of this project is mid-January 2022, officials said.
Motorists who travel frequently in these areas are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking or car audio or navigation systems.
For more information contact [email protected] or call (903) 737-9213.
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Board Approves 3-Cent Reduction In Hospital District Tax Rate
The Board of Directors this week approved a 3-cent reduction in the Hospital District Tax Rate for 2021-2022, and a budget during a special called meeting this week.
2021-22 Tax Rate
The hospital district tax rate will be 22-cents per $100 property valuation, down from 25-cents.
However, due to a 15.45 percent increase in appraisal values on the average taxable homestead value, property owners will likely see an increase in their tax bills. In other words, if the taxable value on a homestead in 2020 was $45,873, that homestead value in 2021 would increase to $52,961. The tax then on the homestead would increase by almost $2 from $114.68 to $116.51 in 2021 tax bills, according to the tax notice posted on the HCHD webpage.
The overall total tax levy on all properties within HCHD has decreased slightly, however, from approximately $5.78 million to $5.73 million, according to the public notice posted by HCHD Board earlier this month. That’s a $47,049.31 decrease in overall tax revenue, according to the public notice posted on the Hospital District webpage.
With no one from the public attending to speak during the designated public forum, the tax rate was unanimously approved by the board members present at the Sept. 28, 2021, special called board meeting.
FY 2021-22 Budget
The Hospital District Board too approved the budget, which includes $5,728,840.14 derived from projected tax revenue.
When asked by HCHD Board member Joe Bob Burgin about the lack of capital expenses in the proposed budget, HCHD COO/EMS Director Brent Smith said the budget did not include any capital expenditures, as the board had already approved the major cost of an ambulance at a prior meeting.
“The only capital request that we will ask for in the future will be closer to the time the [new EMS station/HCHD] building is complete are for items that need to go in that building,” Smith affirmed.
“Furniture and that kind of stuff?” HCHD Board President Kerry Law asked.
“Yes,” Smith affirmed during the Sept. 28 noon meeting.
“Ya’ll seem to always need a bunch of capital and I just want to make sure we are all on the same track,” HCHD Board member Joe Bob Burgin said.
“I try to look 2 to 3 years out. We’re in good position right now,” Smith noted.
“The last 2-3 months of hte budget, that stuff will be place din service, and it’ll start to depreciate once we put it in service. That’ll be in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, most likely,” Law said.
“We can buy cardboard boxes ’til the next fiscal year,” Burgin said jestingly.
The budget for FY 2021-22 which began Oct. 1, 2021 and ends Sept. 30, 2022, is projected to bring in $11.88 million in revenues, including the tax revenue and funds collected for rental services and EMS bills, and $7.83 million in expenses for EMS.
The district anticipates receiving another $15,996 in Texas fuel tax refunds, about $1,333 per month.
The budget too includes $4.5 million monthly in nursing home revenues, for a total of $54 million in nursing home revenue. Nursing home expenses are projected to be $4.4 million per month, or $52.8 million per year. That should mean about $1.2 million coming back to the hospital district.
The district too expects to spend $166,666.67 monthly for indigent care per their agreement, for a total of $2 million in indigent care expenses projected. So, $65,333.67 monthly, or $784,004 annually will need to come from other revenue sources to fund the obligation.
That should leave $499.484.12 after all expenses every month, or $3.27 at the end of the year once all expenses and revenues are reconciled, according to the summary provided by HCHD administration this week.
Other Business
Law said he likes the balance sheet and statement of cash flows as presented in the district financial statements, but would like to see an income statement that rolls the district and all the EMS into what is the bottom line for the entirety of the district.
“Right now, you can see what the district does, then you’ve got to add Hopkins County [EMS] to it, then you’ve got to add the other 3 districts [Delta, Franklin and Rains County EMS] to it to get to a real bottom line,” Law said of the 2020-21 financial statements.
Not counting the sale of hte district’s share in CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance, HCHD’s financials as of August 2021, were $3.97 million
“I was trying to get to what does this year looks like compared to what was budgeted. So I would say, that budget is probably a reasonable look at $3.2 million and some change. And we are sitting at $3.9 million. The balance sheet is pretty clean,” Law noted.
The board too discussed the depository bid process. and opted to post notices three consecutive weeks to start the process. The board last had to post notices seeking interested financial institutions for hospital district finances in 2016, staff reported.
Win Tickets to Mainstreet Uncorked on KRVA
KRVA is giving away tickets to Mainstreet Uncorked: Wine and Music Festival happening Saturday, October 9th from 1:00-7:00pm! Enjoy a relaxing night out on the town with tasty wines, fun shopping, and listening to great music!
To enter to win LIKE the KRVA Facebook Homepage AND this post! Winners will be announced Wednesday October 6th at 7:15 on KRVA 107.1 FM.
Winners and their guest MUST be 21 years or older and have a VALID ID to present at the festival check in where they will pick up their wine glasses and information on each vendor. Winners can pick up their specialty wrist bands at the KRVA/KSST Radio station in Sulphur Springs.
Friday Game Day Brings Lady Cats Volleyball At Home Versus Longview
The Lady Cats volleyball team are all too ready to be back on their home court.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad is the only team in action on this game day Friday, and with the team back in Sulphur Springs after a two-game road stretch that included a bye last Friday, Sept. 24, it marks the first time the Lady Cats will be playing in the Main Gym since their Sept. 17 four-set win versus Marshall.
Add in the fact that the second game, Tuesday’s duel in Hallsville that ended in heartbreaking fashion as Sulphur Springs lost to the Lady Cats in five sets, and Coach Dorner’s team is all too ready to return to the Main Gym.
The loss dropped Coach Dorner’s team’s overall record to 17-12 (3-2 district).
Now though, Sulphur Springs is set to host district foe Longview this afternoon at 4:30 P.M. at SSHS.
The Lady Cats will be looking for the bounce-back win today when they host the Lady Lobos in the first game of a two-game home stand.
Tuesday Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad will host Mt. Pleasant for the second match between the two teams.
Sulphur Springs won their district opener in Mt. Pleasant when they swept the Lady Tigers 3-0 on Sept. 10.
But before they can focus on Tuesday’s second and final match versus the Lady Tigers, they will have to get past Longview later today when the Lady Lobos come to SSHS Main Gym to take on the Lady Cats.
The matches will get underway with the varsity teams at 4:30 P.M. followed by freshman and JV squads at 6 P.M.
Today’s game, if given permission by Longview, will be live-streamed onto KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
Regardless of livestream capabilities, Friday’s volleyball matchup with the Lady Lobos will be broadcasted on KSST 1230 AM.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
DSHS: Flu Season Is Coming, Get Your Shot Now
Oct. 1 is Texas Influenza Awareness Day
With flu season approaching and COVID-19 still spreading in Texas, now is the best time to get a flu shot. The Texas Department of State Health Services encourages everyone to protect themselves, their families and their communities against respiratory illness throughout the flu season by getting immunized as soon as possible.
People can get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Getting vaccinated against flu will slow the circulation of the virus in Texas and keep people out of the hospital, conserving medical resources needed to care for COVID-19 patients.
“We have good reason to believe this flu season may be worse than last year’s,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “For most of last flu season, we didn’t have the COVID vaccine yet, and many Texans were practicing the same basic health protections and good hygiene that have proven to help stop any respiratory virus like COVID-19 and flu. For this upcoming flu season, we expect fewer people to be wearing masks and physically distancing now that we have effective vaccines for COVID-19.”
Getting a flu shot is especially important for people at a higher risk for complications if they do get the flu, including those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children and older adults. People who provide care to members of those groups should get a flu shot to protect themselves and to prevent spreading the flu to vulnerable people they care for in their families and communities.
Influenza is caused by a number of related viruses. Symptoms usually start suddenly and include fever, body aches, chills, a dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and extreme fatigue and can last a week or longer.
The same precautions Texans are already taking against COVID-19 – getting vaccinated, covering coughs and sneezes, physical distancing and hand hygiene – will help slow the spread of influenza.
DSHS encourages people to seek treatment promptly if they are experiencing flu symptoms. Antiviral drugs may help shorten the duration or lessen the severity of the flu if started within 48 hours of when symptoms begin.
The flu vaccines available in the United States this flu season will protect against four strains of the flu virus: two strains of influenza A and two of influenza B. People can contact their health care provider, local health department or local pharmacy to find out where flu shots are available.
Video messages for Texas Influenza Awareness Day in English and Spanish are available on the DSHS YouTube channel.
Oct. 4 Jury Summons Cancelled
The Jury summons for Monday, Oct. 4, at 8:30 a.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center has been cancelled, according to District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher. Those who received a summons do not need to report for service on Monday.
