Governor’s Executive Order GA-34 Lifts Mask Mandate, Allows Businesses To Open at 100 Percent Starting March 10
After almost a full year of COVID-19 restrictions, Governor Greg Abbott today issued Executive Order (GA-34) lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100 percent starting next Wednesday, March 10, 2021. The Governor made the announcement in Lubbock on Tuesday, March 2.
“With the medical advancements of vaccines and antibody therapeutic drugs, Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus,” said Governor Abbott. “We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent. Make no mistake, COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed. Today’s announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year. Instead, it is a reminder that each person has a role to play in their own personal safety and the safety of others. With this executive order, we are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny.”
During his remarks, Abbott discussed advancements Texas has made, including the “rapid increase of vaccines.” Nearly 5.7 million vaccine shots have been administered to Texans, and the state is now administering almost one million shots each week. By March 10, an estimated 7 million COVID-19 vaccine shots are expected to have been administered in Texas and over half of seniors in Texas will have received a vaccine shot. Abbott said that by the end of March, every senior who wants a vaccine should be able to get one. The vaccine supply is increasing so that more and more Texans will soon be eligible to receive a vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccines haven’t been as available in Hopkins County as they have in some larger more urban areas with designated vaccine hubs and super hubs. In fact, Hopkins County vaccine providers have been allocated first-doses of COVID-19 vaccines in only two of the last six weeks, and none this week. Residents have reported difficulty scheduling an appointment with Hopkins County providers when first-doses of the vaccine have been allocated. As of March 1, 12 weeks into COVID-19 vaccine allocations, Hopkins County has only been allocated 4,100, but 4,742 people in Hopkins County had been vaccinated, according to the COVID-19 Vaccine Data dashboard, a likely indication 642 residents have had to go elsewhere to receive the vaccine. Of the vaccines administered only 1,732 have received both doses of the vaccine, leaving 3,010 waiting on a second dose.
Abbott also Tuesday noted that Texas has a surplus of personal protective equipment and can perform over 100,000 COVID-19 tests a day. The state has invested in a variety of anti-body therapeutic drugs that have kept thousands of Texans out of hospitals. Texans have also adopted daily habits that reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection. More than 2.5 million Texans who were lab confirmed for COVID-19 have recovered since the beginning of the pandemic , and experts note the total number of Texans who have recovered from COVID-19 is likely 4-5 times that amount. The number of active COVID-19 cases is the lowest since November—meaning more Texans are recovering from COVID-19 than contracting it, Governor Abbott reported.
Hopkins County has had 1,514 confirmed COVID-19 cases since March 21, 2020, and 1,408 additional probable cases and 101 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, leaving 160 active cases of of March 1, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services Case Counts dashboard.
Executive Order GA-34 rescinds most of the Governor’s earlier executive orders related to COVID-19. Effective next Wednesday, all businesses of any type may open to 100 percent capacity. Additionally, GA-34 order ends the statewide mask mandate in Texas. Businesses may still limit capacity or implement additional safety protocols at their own discretion.
If COVID-19 hospitalizations in any of the 22 hospital regions in Texas get above 15 percent of the hospital bed capacity in that region for seven straight days, a county judge in that region may use COVID-19 mitigation strategies. However, county judges may not impose jail time for not following COVID-19 orders nor may any penalties be imposed for failing to wear a face mask. If restrictions are imposed at a county level, those restrictions may not include reducing capacity to less than 50 percent for any type of entity.
Click here to view the entirety of Governor’s Executive Order GA-34.
Street Improvement Program, Concessionaire Services Highlight March 2 Sulphur Springs City Council Agenda
The Street Improvement Program, concessionaire services and May election highlight the March 2 Sulphur Springs City Council meeting agenda.
As has been the practice through most of the last year, Tuesday night’s City Council meeting will be conducted virtually, with Council members and city employees participating in the meeting connecting through Zoom conferencing platform, which will be streamed on the City of Sulphur Springs Meetings YouTube channel for community members to view. A phone number will be given and time allocated at designated times during the meeting for anyone who wishes to address the council to call in and do so. The meeting is slated to begin at 7 p.m.
Council Election
The City Council will be asked to consider accepting the certificates of unopposed candidates for Places 1, 2, 3 and 5 in the May City Council Election; and orders cancelling both the General Election for places 1-3 and Special Election for Place 5.
Harold Nash Sr. was appointed to Place 2 on the Council in December 2019, when four council members turned in their notices of resignations from the council in the same week. Nash then ran for place 2 and Oscar Aguilar for Place 3 on the council in the May 2020 Special City Council Elections, which were postponed until November due to COVID-19 pandemic. Both Nash and Aguilar were unopposed for the remaining months of on the terms for Places 2 and 3 respectively on the council. Gary Spraggins finished ahead of Ricardo Chavarria in November for Place 5 on the Council, for which more than a year remained on the term. Jay W. Julian finished ahead of Mark Bradley for the remaining months of the term for Place 1 on the Council in a December runoff election.
The incumbents were the only candidates who filed in February for a place on the ballot for a full term in their seats: Place 1 Councilman Jay W. Julian, Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash Sr. and Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar. Incumbent Gary Spraggins was the only candidate to file for the 15-month term for Place 5.
Other Action Items
The agenda also calls for discussion on and consideration of contract bids for the annual Street Improvement Program. The City of Sulphur Springs budget $500,000 raised from the street maintenance fee collected on city utility bills and Capital Improvements funds to pay for improvements on the designated streets, along with various preventative maintenance measures.
City staff estimates that more than 2 miles on 6 different street segments will be paved using the street maintenance fee revenue in 2021, but noted that actual resurfacing and maintenance depends on the bids received by the city for materials and certain work. This year, will be the second full year the street maintenance fee has been in effect. The street maintenance fee is $5 per month per residential unit, $5 per month per unit for multi-family units, $12.50 per month for commercial units and $30 per month per industrial unit.
In 2020, the Street Maintenance Fee, enabled the City to pave 5.45 miles of city streets, 3.04 miles more than the regular Summer Paving program allows, according to the FY 2020 Street Maintenance Fee Report.
The City Council is also scheduled to discuss and consider bids for a contract for concessionaire services at designated city parks.
Presentations, Reports
During the presentations, proclamations and announcements portion of the meeting, a Texas History Month proclamation is slated to be given and Judy Moore to be recognized. The City manager’s report will include status of capital improvements, wastewater treatment plant operations, accidents and claims, and a review of expenditures and revenues (the latter is typically given by Finance Director Lesa Smith).
Slaton Proposes Bills To Protect Historic Monuments, Prohibit Gender Reassignment Surgery Or Transitioning For Children
District 2 Representative Proposes Bill Renaming Section of I-35 In Austin The ‘Steve Adler Public Restroom Highway’
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Tuesday, March 2 – Representative Bryan Slaton from House District 2 filed HB 2571 that will protect historic monuments and statues from being removed, altered or destroyed. The bill protects important pieces of Texas history, and creates fair legal processes for alterations, removal or relocations.
“On this Texas Independence Day, it is important that we remember the lessons and stories of the past and preserve our storied history for the future. At a time when monuments and statues representing our history and traditions continue to be destroyed across America and even within Texas itself, it is more important than ever that we protect our historic monuments in the public
square,” Representative Slaton said.
Similar legislation was filed in the 86th legislature by Senator Brandon Creighton. The bill was passed out of the senate, but failed to receive a vote on the House floor, Slaton noted in Tuesday’s release.
HB 2571 is one of a dozen bills Slaton has announced over the last week.
On Monday, Slaton’s office also announced the representative has filed HB 2471 proposing Interstate 35 in Austin between 4th street and 11th street, an area with a homeless population the representative called “Tent City,” be renamed Steve Adler Public Restroom Highway.”
“Liberal legacies deserve to be recognized. Since the legislature has made it clear it intends to rename some highways and bridges this session, I think it’s imperative that we start with a highway that truly recognizes the contributions of Mayor Adler. Texans who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it, and with the renaming of this highway we will ensure that citizens of the Texas capital never forget the legacy of failed liberal policies,” Slaton stated in the release.
Slaton’s office announced the District 2 Representative is co-authoring 10 proposed “conservative bills that will further advance a strong conservative agenda in 2021.” They include:
- HB 574 strengthens election law to help prevent fraud and increase penalties for election fraud.
- HB 749 bans the unethical and unfair practice of taxpayer-funded lobbying.
- HB 825 removes the required fee for obtaining a license to carry a handgun.
- HB 827 prohibits toll road entities from reporting vehicle speed to law enforcement.
- HB 957 allows the sale of firearm suppressors if the suppressor was manufactured in Texas, without federal interference or regulation.
- HB 1057 designates November 7th as Victims of Communism Day.
- HB 1218 requires schools to clearly display our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
- HB 1238 proposes Constitutional Carry for all law-abiding citizens.
- HB 1359 allows a referendum on Texas reasserting itself as a sovereign and independent state.
- HB 1399 prohibits gender reassignment surgery or gender transitioning for children
North Hopkins ISD Superintendent Resigns To Accept Administrative Post At Ennis ISD
School Board Launches Search For New Superintendent; Applications Accepted Through March 17
In a press release Tuesday morning, North Hopkins ISD Superintendent Darin Jolly and Board of Trustees President Sherry Smiddy announced Jolly’s resignation and the launch of a search for a new superintendent.
According to the release, the North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees approved Dr. Darin Jolly’s resignation, effective March 4, 2021, during a Special 6:30 p.m. board meeting Monday, March 1.
Jolly accepted an administrative position in Ennis ISD, south of Dallas, closer to several relatives and family members. Jolly will serve as Assistant Superintendent of Accountability and Operations, overseeing the daily operation of Ennis ISD, beginning March 5, the new release stated.
Jolly is scheduled to return to North Hopkins the week of March 15, during Ennis’ spring break, to provide transitional leadership for the district and will conclude his services to NHISD on March 23. Jolly has offered to be available, as needed, periodically in future days this semester, to assist the district and help a new superintendent become acclimated to NHISD.
The school board has launched the search for a new North Hopkins ISD superintendent, with a deadline of March 17, for applications. A board committee is currently exploring interim superintendent possibilities to add district leadership and support during the search process time.
“I am thankful for five great years in North Hopkins ISD. I have enjoyed leading this great district and community where so many great accomplishments were achieved for the amazing students in Panther Land. I’m thankful to have served with the North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees in the constant quest for excellence. I will miss everyone and look forward to hearing of the many future successes of the district,” Dr. Darin Jolly stated.
“With heavy hearts our North Hopkins Board is thankful for the success of our school under the leadership of Dr. Darin Jolly. We are thankful for his service and his willingness to help provide a smooth search and leadership transition for our next superintendent. Our board is unified in continuing our tradition of excellence with high expectations of leadership for our next
Superintendent of Schools,” NHISD Board of Trustees President Sherry Smiddy stated.
Sulphur Springs ISD Employees Will Receive Pay, Some At Premium, For Days School Was Closed Due To Weather
District Applying To TEA For Waivers For 5 Missed School Days
Sulphur Springs ISD employees will receive pay for the days school was closed due to winter weather; the district will also seek state waivers for 5 missed school days due to extreme, dangerous road and other conditions due to ice and snow last month.
SSISD Board of Trustees held a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in the Hopkins County Civic Center Exhibit Hall to consider wage payments during emergency school closings. They were asked and agreed to approve Resolution 1-21, which essentially says employees will not lose pay for time they were instructed not to work and were idle during the emergency school closings between Feb. 11and Feb. 19, 2021, due to extreme weather conditions, which not only made roads dangerous for travel, but also left many without water and power.
The resolution stipulates that wage payments will continue for all regular employees, contractual and noncontractual, salaried and non-salaried.
While many employees were home, there were some who were required to work during the emergency closings. Nonexempt employees who were called on to provide emergency-related services as part of the district’s response to the inclement weather and its effects from Feb. 11-Feb. 19 will be paid at premium rate as outlined in DEA(Local) policy for that time.
Administrators noted that some staff, especially Dan Froneberger and his staff, really stepped up during the closures to help address needs, which included some weather-related damages. Superintendent Mike Lamb noted that metal pipes were determined to no necessarily be the best type during extremely cold temperatures.
The trustees also approved submission of an application to Texas Education Agency requesting waivers for 5 days school was closed due to the weather emergency. The district plans to ask for a waiver which would exempt the district from having to make up Thursday, Feb. 11, and Tuesday-Friday, Feb. 16-19, later this year.
Following the very brief special school board meeting, the trustees entered into a work session with the Strategic Planning Committee to review the strategic plan developed one year ago, just before spring break, and determine what if any adjustments need to be made to the plan moving forward.
Lamb asked the committee and trustees to consider the major events that have occurred over the last 12 months, how that has impacted community members’ feelings toward educator and the social, emotional and learning impact of various events.
The district had planned to implement the strategic plan following spring break 2020, however, the pandemic closed schools for the rest of the school year, forced districts to use and attain technology quicker and provided some additional funding to enable districts to better do so. It also gave many a different perspective on all virtual and at-school learning environments and social interactions. The extreme winter weather last month showed the stress it has on infrastructure.
The number one goal, Lamb told the group is to pick up the ball and move forward. Administrators have met with district leadership groups to talk of ways to move forward following COVID, and what if any changes will be need once more are vaccinated and the number of infected individuals declines to a level that some pandemic measures can be relaxed or lifted.
The work session concluded with the committee deciding that the plans developed one year ago are appropriate and giving approval to begin implementing the plan.
Plant Some Trees This Winter! by Mario Villarino
According to King A.R former graduate student in the horticulture department in Texas A&M University and contributor for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, from the gardening perspective, the cold months of the year can seem to be relatively mundane.
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, garden activities seem less numerous and important. These cold months have been reserved for planting bulbs, soil preparation, and a few other garden chores. This year, why not think about taking advantage of this time to plant some trees.
When you plant a container-grown tree, there is often transplant stress as the tree acclimates to a different environment. Some species react more negatively than others to this change, but almost all trees suffer aesthetically and stop growth.
Winter is a wonderful time to plant trees and shrubs because cooler temperatures, though not ideal for growth, provide a much-needed time for root development and acclimation for the new tree, thus reducing transplant stress. Winter is also often a time of ample rainfall, resulting in even less tree stress. Local nurseries have a good selection of trees during winter.
When deciding which tree(s) to plant, you should take into account the characteristics of the proposed planting site, such as the amount of sun the site receives, the soil drainage, and the amount of room the tree will have to spread. Ask local nursery professionals about trees that are particularly well adapted for your area.
Here are a few safe options when looking for trees that thrive in Texas:
Consider these large trees:
- Baldcypress provides a glimpse of the South, with its picturesque pyramidal shape and fine foliage. Contrary to popular belief it will only grow knees (plant structures that pop out of the soil around the plant) if it is not receiving enough oxygen in the soil, such as in very wet conditions.
- Live Oak has a beautifully-rounded habit, and is well-adapted to most of Texas which makes it a natural for planting in landscapes.
- Shumard Oak is a wonderful species of Oak for our area, and it is one of the most dependable Oaks for red fall color in Texas.
For more confined spaces, consider some very attractive small trees:
- Crape Myrtles come in almost all colors and sizes, so it is a great choice for a number of different uses.
- Chinese Fringe Tree, although more rare, is a good small tree that puts on a spectacular show of refined, white flowers for two weeks in the spring. During the rest of the year, it has deep, dark, glossy green foliage and a nice shape that will certainly enhance any landscape.
- Redbud is also a wonderful choice for Texas plantings. It is typical in the fact that it has pink blooms in early spring, but it differs from other Redbuds by its beautiful dark purple or even maroon foliage. This deep, lush foliage makes for an interesting specimen and along with its eclectic seed pods provides interest throughout the year.
Winter buying and planting of trees also lends itself to another use; even if the people you are buying for do not garden, you could plant the tree for them and provide enjoyment and added character to the landscape.
As I prepare this article, the Hopkins County Master Gardeners had planted a Royal Empress Tree (Paulowinia Elongata) at the Regional Civic Center in memory of Robert “Bob” Suson, former Hopkins County Master Gardener president and Hopkins County Master Gardener who recently pass away By planting a tree, Bob Suson will be remembered in a very special way. So, brave the cool weather and plant some trees. Come spring, you willl be glad you did!
SNAP Benefit Replacement for SNAP Users from Winter Storm
This information was submitted to KSST on March 1, 2021 by Karon Weatherman, Director of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center
SNAP Benefit Replacement – If you, someone you know, or people in your community lost food during Winter Storm Uri, purchased with SNAP EBT dollars, they are eligible to have those food expenses put back on their SNAP EBT card.
This claim must be completed by March 31st.
Here’s how:
By Phone – (recommended)SNAP customers can request a benefit replacement for food lost or destroyed due to the winter storm in February 2021 by calling 2-1-1 You do not need to go to an HHSC local office.Call 2-1-1, select a language and then choose Option 2.
By Paper – To request a benefit replacement using form H1855:Complete Form H1855, Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed Food Stamp BenefitsSubmit it by mail or fax.Many smartphones have free downloadable FAX Apps that use your phone’s cameraLink to forms here (.docx, .pdf, Spanish and English)
Mail: Texas Health & Human Services Commission, PO Box 149027, Austin, TX 78714-9027Fax: 1-877-447-2839
If you still need additional assistance, you can contact NTFB at 214-269-0906 or [email protected] to speak to our social service team
Karon Weatherman, Program and Marketing Director
Senior Citizen’s Center, 150 Martin Luther King Blvd
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 (903) 885-1661
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – Feb. 22-28, 2021
The Winnsboro Police Department media report for the week of Feb. 22-28, 2021, included the following activity:
Arrests
- Melissa Griffin, 48 years of age, of Quinlan was arrested on Feb. 23, 2021, for Possession of a Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance, 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams.
- David Sanders, 51 years of age, of Leesburg was arrested on Feb. 28, 2021, on a Tarrant County warrant for Possession of a Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance, 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 128 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 42 citations and 37 warnings during this reporting period.
County Commissioners Consider Request For A Property Tax Payment Refund
Hopkins County Commissioners during a special court session called Monday, the Commissioners Court acted on a request for a property tax payment refund, accepted a donation and tabled a a contract to obtain new equipment for Precinct 1.
Tax Payment Refunding Request
On Feb. 22, the Commissioners Court was asked to consider a request from Carlos Whitaker for the $5,367.16 he paid on someone else’s taxes to be refunded to him.
Hopkins County Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Pogue Mitchell at the Feb. 22 meeting explained that the county had received a letter requesting the refund.
“Someone had told the man if he paid the taxes, it was going to be his. He didn’t pay Sulphur Springs ISD because they were quite a bit more than ours, but he did pay Hopkins County for three accounts in the amount of $5,367.16. So, they are asking for a refund of that money back to Mr. Whitaker,” Mitchell explained to the Commissioners one week ago.
Mitchell directed the request to the Commissioners Court because the amount paid is over $500; any refund above $500 requires a ruling by the Commissioners Court.
“I have to do refunds all the time for things from the Appraisal District, but I don’t ever have customers that pay other people’s accounts that come back and ask for a refund. That’s also very unusual,” Mitchell noted.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley pointed out the man did not go through the proper channels regarding the matter and asked why he didn’t go through his attorney to handle that transaction.
“I don’t know,” Mitchell replied to Bartley. “I didn’t wait on him. I don’t know what his intent was. The first story that I was kinda involved with, this man thought his house was built on one of these tracks. It is not, had nothing to do with it. The one acre that his house is on is like three tracts over. I don’t know where he got his information. I have no idea what the man had in his mind.”
Mitchell recommended that the $5,367.16 paid by Whitaker on the other person’s taxes be refunded to him.
“He should get his money back. He’s not going to get the property,” Mitchell said on Feb. 22, noting that approximately $10,000 in taxes are still owed to Sulphur Springs ISD for the properties in question. “Just because he paid me, he’s not going to get the property, and it wouldn’t matter if he paid the school, he’s not going to get the property. It does have a suit on it, but he was way out of line in paying the taxes.”
“My opinion is he was not trying to pay the taxes for someone. His intent was not to pay the taxes for someone. His intent was to gain the land so he was misinformed,” County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook told the court last week.
Bartley said he’d like to have more time to think about the matter, and made a motion Feb. 22 to table the matter. Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price seconded the motion, and the Commissioners Court unanimously agreed to table the request.
Monday, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted that the commissioners had time a work session last week to take a closer look at the situation and discuss it.
They “un-tabled” the request, with Price making the motion to return the money to Whitaker as requested. Bartley seconded the motion, which then received unanimous approval of the Commissioners Court.
Other Court Business
The agenda called for the Commissioners Court to consider approving the purchase of a 2019 Volvo pneumatic roller for Precinct 1 through Buyboard cotnract with Romco Equipment Company. However, at the March 1, 2021 meeting, Barker asked that the request be tabled. He noted that he needed to gather more information regarding the matter. Barker said he had planned to rent the needed equipment, but may still propose something different. He noted the Aulsbrook is checking into the matter for him.
Aulsbrook recommended accepting a donation of $41,538 from Summit Ranch Investments to Precinct 4 for road repairs on County Road 4721, and approving a budget amendment to move that funding from the general fund to the Precinct 4 road building fund to be used to make road repairs on CR 4721.
“I have a gentleman who bought some property down there. He’s wanting to be able to access Interstate 30, so he’s going to pay to have it rocked,” Price said, noting that there’s a house and the intend to add at 1-2 more homes along that stretch.
The court agreed and approved the budget amendment.
The Commissioners Court also approved payment of bills, revenues and expenses, and financial statements are presented. Typically, these items would have been approved at the Feb. 22 meeting. Aulsbrook at that time explained that her office had been off last week due to the weather and asked that the court delay payment and approval of all except payroll for another week to allow time for the necessary work to prepare them.
Hopkins County Received 153 Pallets Of Water, 2 Trailers Full Of Supplies Donated Following Winter Storms
Emergency Management Officials, Businessmen Recognized For ‘Meritorious Service’ During Winter Weather Disaster
Hopkins County received 153 pallets of water and two trailers full of supplies donated to help those in need in the community following February’s extreme winter weather. Two emergency management officials, the sheriff and local businessmen were recognized Monday by Hopkins County Commissioners Court for “meritorious service” during and immediately following February’s winter disaster.
Bottled Water Distribution
Hopkins County Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator Kristy Springfield, during Mondays special called Commissioners Court meeting, reported the county received 153 pallets of water to distribute to help county residents and others in the region who either had no water, low water pressure and those under boil water orders, especially North Hopkins Water Supply Corporation customers whose water had been turned off a few times over the weekend by the City of Sulphur Springs.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley expressed appreciation to TDEM and Rep. Bryan Slaton and Senator Bob Hall’s Office for going above and beyond to help.
“They really got on the ball and really helped us get things moving, Because we weren’t projected to get water until this past Friday. So we’d have gone the whole week without anything. They made a lot of phone calls and they got things moving for us,” Endsley said. “To all the Commissioners and precinct workers, that was a huge help having them out there, and the trustees and the sheriff’s department. There’s a lot of people involved in this. They got in there and joined up together, local citizens there in North Hopkins Water [Supply Corporation district]. We really appreciate it.”
Texas Department of Emergency Management sent 151 pallets of water, each containing 50 cases of bottled water, and Texas Baptist Men donated two pallets of water as well. Three pallets of water were sent to neighboring Delta County and 48 pallets to Lamar County, which were also experiencing water issues as well. Springfield reported.
County officials staged at Joe Bob’s store in Birthright most days from 8:30 a.m. until nearly 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Feb. 22-25, handing out water two cases per household at a time to NHWSC residents. Overall, 58 pallets of water were distributed to NHWSC customers.
Five pallets of water went to North Hopkins ISD and three pallets of water to Sulphur Bluff ISD so the schools, which had to cancel classes Monday, Feb. 22, due to the lack of water, could resume classes. Precinct 1 and Precinct 3 received three pallets of water. The City of Sulphur Springs received five pallets of water for customers in the city with water issues as well.
Overall, that’s 128 pallets of water distributed last week in Hopkins County, leaving 25 pallets that are still available in the county if anyone is still in need of water. Water in the county is in the process of being relocated to Hopkins County Community Chest, and will be available by contacting the agency as soon as that process is complete. Anyone living in Sulphur Springs who is still in need of water may contact Sulphur Springs Police Department at 903-885-7602.
Rewritten Story Donation
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum also reported that The Rewritten Story Foundation from North Carolina over the weekend donated two trailers and vehicles packed full of supplies to the county to help those in need following the winter storms. The organization’s purpose is to to “provide aid in times of crisis and pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.”
The sheriff explained that the North Carolina group heard about the problems in Texas and wanted to help. Randy Vann, a new resident here in Hopkins County, reach out to them last week via Facebook and asked if he could bless some residents of Hopkins County after the winter storms.
Tracy Story, a tire shop owner in North Carolina who founded the organization and serves as a part-time deputy/drug interdiction officer at Halifax County who donates his pay from the county to charities, asked his community for donations.
Story, Thomas Barrett, Randy Rolfe, Sean Cook and Caleb Cook made the 26 hour drive from North Carolina Friday to reach Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 7:30 Saturday to deliver the two trailer loads of donated items for local individuals.
The donations included everything from water to socks, diapers, blankets, Gatorade, clothing, formula, wipes, hand sanitizer, towels, vitamins, personal hygiene products, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, batteries, paper products, pet food, peanut butter and jelly and lots of other food. Tatum said the items were donated with the condition only to that it be used for help anyone who might be in need.
The dog food has already been donated to an animal rescue group in northern Hopkins County.
Tatum asked the court’s approval to donate the items, which are being sorted over the next couple of days, to residents in “Section 8 apartments on Woodlawn Street.” He said the amount wasn’t enough to open to the entire county to meet needs, but officials at HCSO feel there’s enough items to put into boxes and distribute to those needy individuals at the location to help them out.
The Commissioners Court expressed appreciation to The Rewritten Story Foundation of North Carolina for their generosity and gladly approved the donations to be distributed a box each to individuals in need in the community.
Service Recognition
The Commissioners Court recognized Burgin and employees at Joe Bob’s/Burgin Pipe in Birthright for “meritorious service provided during the disaster of the winter weather of February 2021.”
“I’d like to recognize Kristy and our Fire Marshal Andy Endsley for all the work they did to get us the water and helped distribute it. I appreciate you,” Barker said.
“I’d like to thank Mr. Joe Bob Burgin for his part in this. Through Burgin Pipe out there, they loaned us their lot to distribute these about 3,000 cases of water. That was a lot of work. Without Luke, your supervisor out there helping unload that, we’d have had an awful big job on our hands. And Joe Bob, I certainly appreciate you,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price said.
“We went to Corey, when we saw we saw we were going to have a large amount of water coming in. I asked him for permission. He said, ‘Don’t ask me again, just bring whatever you’d got to do.’ So was very cooperative and helpful. I appreciate that,” Barker said.
Price expressed thanks to him for allowing the county to disrupt the flow of traffic and business, and assisting in unloading. At one point on Wednesday, eight 18-wheelers sent by TDEM arrived at one time filled with pallets of water.
Barker and Price’s precinct crews also assisted at the water distribution site, as did the jail trustees.
recognized Joe Bob and Corey Burgin for allowing the county to use the Burgin Pipe and Steel property connected to Joe Bob’s in Birthright to distribute the water at a central location for distribution to NHWSC residents last week and assistance from business employees in unloading the pallets.
Joe Bob Burgin, who was on hand at Monday’s Commissioners Court meeting, noted they were glad to be able to help.
“This has been a quite a trying time for the county, you came through and pulled together,” Newsom said.
