Texas Pedestrian And Bicyclist Deaths Continue To Climb
By TxDOT Media Relations
Despite a decrease in traffic crashes in 2020, Texas saw a dramatic rise in the number of people killed walking and biking on our roadways. Last year, 731 people died in pedestrian-related crashes, an increase of 9% from 2019. Crashes involving bicyclists claimed the lives of 82 people, up from 68 deaths the previous year. These numbers reflect an alarming trend of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities increasing over the last five years.
Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths account for one in five of all traffic fatalities in the state. Safety officials attribute this growing concern to people’s widespread failure to follow state laws designed to protect pedestrians and bicyclists. To that end, the Texas Department of Transportation is kicking off a public awareness campaign this month that urges all Texans to walk smart, bike smart and drive smart.
“More than 800 people lost their lives last year while walking and biking on Texas roads. Even one death is too many,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot or riding a bicycle, we’re reminding all Texans that they need to be safe and smart, and that starts with paying attention to driving and obeying traffic laws.”
As Texans head out this summer to enjoy their favorite activities, TxDOT wants them to know the laws for safe walking, biking and driving—and to follow them. Drivers are required to take specific steps to protect pedestrians and bicyclists, who are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when involved in a crash with a motor vehicle. State laws mandate stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists when turning, and passing bicyclists at a safe distance and giving them room to ride.
Like drivers, bicyclists are required to obey all traffic signs and signals, including stopping at red lights and stop signs. State laws also dictate that those who ride bicycles must use hand signals when turning or stopping, ride with traffic, use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb, and when riding at night, make sure their bikes have a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
Pedestrians must cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks, obey all traffic and crosswalk signals and always use sidewalks. If there isn’t a sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the street or road, facing oncoming traffic.
Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists can expect to see these safety reminders on TV, billboards, gas pumps, buses and social media, as TxDOT reminds Texans to do their part to prevent pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign and pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative are key components of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
Weekly Announcements August 16-22, 2021
Hopkins County Community Chest and Food Bank has announced it will temporarily suspend the weekly food distributions through August 31, due to COVID precautions. Families who receive food distributions are asked to be patient and await further information from the Hopkins County Community Chest and Food Bank.
According to Tammy Reardon, organizer of Terrific Tuesdays, beginning August 17, 2021, the weekly respite program will be on pause for the time being, due to Covid concerns. The safety and health of the members of the Terrific Tuesdays Club is the #1 priority of the program.
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society proudly announces that their website is back up and running. Following updates, the site hcgstx.org is now ready, and apologies are extended for inconveniences while the site was down. When you visit, you will notice a Members Only section, which requires a password to access.
Parents of SSISD students are being notified that meals will be offered on all SSISD campuses this school year at no cost, under the Seamless Summer Option. USDA guidelines allow the free meals for every student this school year. Only Middle and High School students need submit an online application, which can be found at Meal App Now. Parents of Pre-K through 5th grade SSISD students need not make application for meals during the 2021/2022 school year.
SSISD HeadStart and Pre-K students can meet their teachers on Monday August 16 from 4-6pm.
Sulphur Springs ISD first day of school is Wednesday August 18, 2021.
SSHS students can pick up schedules through Tuesday August 17 during morning or afternoon time frames. Sulphur Springs High School students have Meet the Teacher on the afternoon of Tuesday August 17.
SS Elementary students have a Back to School Bash and Parent Orientation on Monday August 23. Primary campus students have a Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday August 24, 2021.
Saltillo students start class on Monday August 16.
Yantis ISD plans an Outdoor Parent/Teacher meeting on Tuesday August 17 from 6-7:30pm. First day of school at Yantis ISD is August 19.
North Hopkins ISD Elementary and Secondary students have Meet the Teacher on Monday August 16 from 5-6:30pm. First day of school at North Hopkins ISD is Wednesday August 18, 2021.
Cumby, Miller Grove, Como-Pickton and Sulphur Bluff ISD classes have already gotten underway for the Fall semester.
On Wednesday August 18, the Carter Bloodcare Bus will on the front lot of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs to receive donations of the gift of life. Blood donations are greatly needed now. To donate blood, make a reservation by calling 903-438-4380.
A free COVID-19 clinic is being held each Friday morning in the lobby of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs, from 9-11am. All 3 types of vaccines are in plentiful supply.
The 4-H Achievement Banquet will be held on Saturday August 21, 2021 at the Hopkins County Civic Center, The banquet will recognize the accomplishments of 4-H members. Families are invited. Tickets are $2 person, Reserve your tickets by Wednesday August 18 by calling 903-885-3443
Wildcats Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Football Scrimmages All On Deck This Week
Even with school starting Wednesday, Aug. 18, teams here in Sulphur Springs are slowly but surely ramping up for their regular and district seasons.
The first team up on Tuesday, Aug. 17 is Wildcat team tennis, who will be traveling out to Tyler to play Tyler High at 3 P.M.
Last week Team Tennis, coached by Tony Martinez, played three different schools, in Mesquite Poteet last Monday, followed by Bullard (Tyler) High School on Wednesday and Greenville on Thursday.
Volleyball, like team tennis, has been busy since August began. Coached by Bailey Dorner, her Lady Cats participated in a tri-match between Sulphur Springs, Sherman and North Lamar last Tuesday. The volleyball team left the season-opening tri-match on Aug. 10 with a 1-1 record.
Not only that, Coach Dorner’s squad took part in the Garland Tournament on Friday and Saturday. The volleyball team went 2-1 on Friday in Rowlett, losing to (Richardson) JJ Pearce before turning it around to beat Forney and South Garland.
On day two on Saturday, held at Sachse High School, the Lady Cats were originally slated to play their first game at 8 A.M. before Ranchview had to pull out of the tournament due to the coronavirus, giving Coach Dorner’s squad an automatic win in the tournament and allowing them to move on to the next round.
Sulphur Springs then fell to Tatum at 11 A.M. on Saturday, two sets to three, thus eliminating them from the tournament. The Lady Cats head in to their match with Greenville on Tuesday sporting a 4-3 overall record.
Cross country held an intra-squad meet last Saturday, Aug. at the SSISD Athletic Complex. They will be practicing this week before taking place in their first meet of the year at the Commerce Tiger Invitational, held at Commerce High School.
Football also participated in their first scrimmage of the fall season. On Friday, Aug. 13, the Wildcats travelled to Texarkana to play Liberty Eylau. In what is to be expected in the first scrimmage of the year for both teams, LE and Sulphur Springs struggled to punch the ball in the end-zone early.
However, Coach Owens’ and his staff and players took advantage of a number of plays and showcased some impressive abilities as they pulled ahead of the Leopards 9-7 and never looked back, winning their first scrimmage of the season.
This week the Wildcats will take place in their last scrimmage before regular-season play when they host Pleasant Grove this Thursday, Aug. 19 at Gerald Prim Stadium.
That game is scheduled to kick-off at 7 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.
Tira News – Aug. 16, 2021: Write-In Candidacy For Tira City Council Accepted Through Aug. 20
By Jan Vaughn
Declarations for Write-In Candidacy for a place on the Tira City Council are being accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. For more information contact Jan Vaughn, Tira City Secretary, at 903-438-6688.
Faculty and staff returned to work at North Hopkins School last week and students return on Wednesday, August 18. First Baptist Church hosted a lunch for the area school employees on Tuesday, August 10, at the ROC in Sulphur Springs and Peerless Baptist Church provided lunch for North Hopkins ISD employees on Thursday, August 12. We enjoyed the food and fellowship and appreciate the support of these churches.
Yvonne Weir recently returned from her trip to South Dakota. She reports, “I had a wonderful time visiting family and friends. We played lots of Mexican Train.”
Dakota Weir won free tickets to Hawaiian Falls water park and took Lucas, Levi, Dustin, Natalie, and Everly on Sunday, August 7. Yvonne commented, “The kids loved it!”
Yvonne and Wesley Weir went to Greenville Friday night with Brenda Allen and Elizabeth Wallace for supper and a Motown concert at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium. Yvonne added, “It was an excellent show.”
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Filing For 3 Places On Cumby City Council Ends Aug. 16
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Calls For Nov. 2 Constitutional Election, Voting Center Relocation
Texas voters, including those residing in Hopkins County, will be asked Nov. 2 to consider proposals which would amend the state Constitution. Cumby voters could also be asked to vote for their choices for three places on Cumby City Council on Nov. 2, 2021.
Cumby City Council Election
Filing for Cumby City Council opened on July 17 and will conclude at 5 p.m. today (Aug. 16) for Place 3, Place 4 and Place 5. These are for regular two-year term seats on the council. Those interested in serving on the Cumby City Council must get their completed applications filed at the City of Cumby Municipal Building, 100 East Main St.,today. Betty Jo Hardman, city secretary, is serving as as filing election officer.
Serving in the seats whose terms expire in November 2021 have been Wayne Mobley, Place 3; Betty McCarter, Place 4; and Ryan Horne, Place 5.
Constitutional Amendments
Hopkins County Commissioners Court on Friday, called for an election of Nov. 2, 2021. The Constitutional Amendments Election and Cumby City Council are the only 2 elections that County Clerk Tracy Smith, who also serves as the county’s election administrator, is aware of that will be on Hopkins County ballots.
“We have to go ahead and set that election,” County Judge Robert Newsom said. “A lot of people don’t know this but Hopkins County Court actually sets the election or we don’t have an election. I’m always amazed. We have a lot of responsibilities here in Hopkins County, to make sure everything works. The first thing I want to present to you is a change of location for Precinct 2A voting center.”
The Commissioners Court agreed for voting for Box 2A to be moved from Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church to the newly constructed HW Grays Building, located at 413 Beckham Street in Pacific Park.
Newsom said he contacted Harold Nash, pastor of Morning Chapel MBC who as also a Sulphur Springs City Council member about the voting center relocation, as well as Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell to ensure the building would be available and could be reserved for the national election, and potentially to serve as a voting center in future elections as well if things go well as the location. The proposal was made after Newsom received affirmation from both Nash and Maxwell for the move.
All of the other voting centers will remain the same as in the past for the Nov. 2, 2021, Constitutional Amendment Election, according to Newsom.
Early voting this year will be conducted in the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Courtroom in the Courthouse Annex on Jefferson Street. Newsom noted that The ROC, where early voting has been conducted the last couple of elections, would not be available for use this year during the election.
Work is planned to officially separate the County Tax Assessor/Collector and Justices of the Peace Offices, so that no one will be standing in the hallway in front of the tax assessor’s office. The modification will provide one opening straight into the courtroom, Newsom noted. Work is expected to begin on the project this week. However, that will depend on whether the glass needed arrives on schedule.
“We all know with COVID we’ve had some delays, but we don’t want to start that over there until we have the product in,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price noted.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also issued a proclamation at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, ordering a general election to be held throughout the State of Texas on November 2,2021, for eight constitutional amendments.
Click here to view the proposed amendments to the Constitution.
For more information and resources for voting in Texas, visit VoteTexas.gov.
Tira City Council
According to Jan Vaughn, City Secretary, Declarations for Write-In Candidacy for a place on the Tira City Council will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. For more information contact Jan Vaughn, Tira City Secretary, at 903-438-6688.
North Hopkins ISD
Sign-up forms for the November North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees’ elections are available in both the Administration building and the Secondary School offices. Forms for this election are also due by the close of business today (August 16, 2021). Filing is for two board members to serve three-year intervals.
Meal A Day Menu For August 16-20, 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 Aug. 16-20, 2021, includes:
- Monday –Chicken Spaghetti, Green Beans and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Ham and Broccoli Oven Omelet, Blueberry Muffins, Mandarin Oranges and Fresh Tomato Wedges .
- Wednesday – Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole, Pinto Beans and Corn.
- Thursday –Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, Candied Carrots and Stewed Squash.
- Friday – Corn Dogs, Sweet Potato Fries and Cole Slaw.
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.
Additional Fall Semester Aid to Paris Junior College Students
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
Public Information Services
PJC able to provide $1000/$500 in pandemic aid to fall students
Thanks to pandemic aid funding from the federal government, Paris Junior College will make available $1,000 to full-time students and $500 for part-time students enrolled in fall 2021 classes who meet eligibility requirements.
“PJC is always ready to assist our students,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President. “We are pleased to pass along additional funds to help them meet challenges caused by the pandemic.”
Fall classes start August 30, so students need to register as soon as possible to ensure they get the courses they need.
The additional aid is made possible by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) and will be awarded until it runs out. HEERF III funds may be used to assist with tuition, fees and other expenses directly related to education. The funding will be distributed no later than mid-semester. Students may apply the funds to a past due or current balance with PJC.
PJC’s in-district tuition for 15 semester credit hours is $2,460, eighth best among all Texas public community colleges, according to information from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. PJC tuition is also lower than nearly all nearby colleges and well below the state average of $3,018.
To provide more options to students wanting to register in-person, PJC will be open Saturday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at all locations. The College will also be open until 6 p.m. on weekdays from August 23 to Sept. 2 to assist students. For more information go to www.parisjc.edu, or call 903-782-0425 in Paris, 903-454-9333 in Greenville, or 903-885-1232 in Sulphur Springs.
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.
116th COVID-19 Death, 249 Active Cases Reported For Hopkins County
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise, so too does the fatality rate and the number of COVID patients in the hospital and Northeast Texas. The 116th COVID-19 death and 249 active cases in people with Hopkins County zip codes had been reported as of 1:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Aug. 14, 2021, according to the DSHS COVID-19 Case Count dashboard.
On Friday, DSHS reported another Hopkins County resident has died from COVID. The death is not only the second reported over the last week, but is the second COVID death to have occurred on Aug. 6. Prior to that, there had been no Hopkins County COVID deaths since May 30.
So far, there have been 236 new COVID cases reported for Hopkins County this month, The last time Hopkins County has had even close to that many cumulative cases in a month was February – then, 269 new cases were reported in Hopkins County over the 28 days of the month. If case counts continue to surge, August could potentially reach or exceed October, December and January, the three months in which the most COVID cases and deaths. A total 580 COVID cases were recorded in October, 483 in December and 400 in January. Twenty-nine Hopkins County residents died from COVID-19 in October, 26 in December and 15 in January.
So far this month, 170 Hopkins County residents have received lab confirmed molecular COVID-19 results, 76 the first week and 94 this week, 28 of which were reported on Saturday. Another 66 Hopkins County residents were reported as new probable COVID cases, 22 the first week of August and 44 this week, including 10 new cases on Saturday – two of which were reported to be older cases. Cumulatively, 2,191 Hopkins County residents have received lab confirmed COVID test results since spring break 2020 and 1,813 probable cases since November of 2020.
Unfortunately, only 95 Hopkins County residents are reported to have recovered this month from the coronavirus, and only 39 this week. Cumulatively, 3,639 of the 4,004 cumulative Hopkins County residents reported to have COVID-19 since March of 2020. That leaves 249 active COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County as of 1:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, up from 108 active cases at the beginning of the month and 162 at the end of the first week of August.
Hospitals too are filling up across the state and across Region F Trauma Service Region with increasingly more COVID-19 cases, which many healthcare professionals report are mostly in people who have not received a COVID-19 vaccination. Cumulatively, there have been 2,804,145 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 21,896 new confirmed cases, 4,558 new probable cases and 117 newly reported fatalities. That makes a total of 203,083 active COVID cases in Texas on Saturday.
On Friday, 11,381 of the 60,608 hospitalizations in Texas consisted of lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients, that means that 21.34 percent of all hospitalizations in Texas are lab-confirmed to have COVID. Hospital COVID patients also took up 17.52 percent of the total hospital capacity in the state. according to the Aug. 14, 2021 DSHS’ “Combined Hospital Data over Time by TSA Region” report.
For the second day in a row, the overall capacity of all hospitals in Region F Trauma Service Area (which covers all of Northeast Texas including Hopkins County) remained above 20 percent. According to the DSHS COVID Hospitalizations dashboard, there was only one ICU bed available in the entire TSA F region. Of the 666 total hospitalizations in TSA F, 178 were lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients, representing 20.51 percent of the overall hospital capacity. COVID-19 patients account for 62 of the 88 ICU patients in TSA F and 7,473 of the ICU patients across the state.
Lady Cats Volleyball Closes Out Final Day of Garland Tournament Going 1-1
The Lady Cats volleyball team were originally slated to begin day two of the Garland tournament at 8 A.M. versus Ranchview, but they pulled out of the tournament due to the coronavirus.
With that, Coach Bailey Dorner and her Lady Cats were given the automatic win in the tournament held at Sachse High School, allowing her team to move on to the next round where they would be facing Tatum on court two at 10:30 A.M.
Set one started a theme that would last throughout the entire duration of the best of three match; a back-and-forth affair.
The first set between Sulphur Springs and Tatum tied eight separate times; 1-1, 2-2, 8-8, 9-9, 10-10, 11-11, 12-12 and 13-13, before the Lady Eagles would score 12 of the next 19 points en route to a 25-20 set one win.
Set two started out with the Lady Cats firing on all cylinders, reeling off six straight heading 6-0 in to a Tatum time-out.
The Lady Eagles eventually found their footing, able to pull in close to Sulphur Springs, but never within three points as the Lady Cats capitalized on their strong start in a 25-16 set two win to tie the match up at one set a piece.
In the deciding set three, neither team wanted to give up an inch.
The Lady Cats started out hot like in set two, scoring three straight points at the onset of set three, but then the Lady Eagles turned up the heat as they scored six of the next eight points to lead Sulphur Springs 6-5.
Coach Dorner’s Lady Cats were able to retake the lead at 10-7, but the next phase of the game was akin to the Maginot line.
Tatum and Sulphur Springs traded blows back and forth, tying set three at 10-10, 11-11 and 12-12, before Tatum took control of the game from there.
Even though the Lady Cats showed a tough fighting spirit, never relenting, it was not enough Saturday morning as the Lady Eagles took set three 25-18 and the match against Sulphur Springs. The two teams tied five times in set three.
With the loss, Coach Dorner and her Lady Cats were eliminated from the Garland Tournament after going 2-1 on Friday and 1-1 on Saturday, Aug. 14.
Lady Cats volleyball’s season record now stands at 4-3 after the tournament. Next up, Coach Dorner’s squad will be traveling out to Greenville on Tuesday, Aug. 17 when they take on the Lady Lions.
JV will get things going at 4:30 P.M. followed with the varsity, who are scheduled to serve the first ball at 5:30 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.
Vehicle Pursuit Through Sulphur Springs Ends With A Crash
A vehicle pursuit through Sulphur Springs ended with a crash and an arrest early Saturday morning, according to arrest reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley attempted to stop a white Chevrolet Cobalt around 3:30 a.m. Aug. 14, 2021, for failing to yield right-of-way and failure to stop at a designated stopping point on Como Street at College Street. The driver failed to yield and the officer pursued the car as it continued on Como Street, Whaley alleged in arrest reports.
The vehicle pursuit ended when the Cobalt crashed at the Como-Putman Street intersection. The driver then attempted to run on foot from the officer. Whaley was able to take the man, identified as Rashad Oneal “Shad” Hall, into custody.
The 30-year-old Commerce man was booked into Hopkins County jail just before 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and driving while license invalid with previous convictions.
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.
