Cumby ISD Nurse, Employees Receive Stipend For Extra Duties During COVID-19 Pandemic
Cumby ISD nurse and school employees will be receiving a stipend for their extra duties during the COVID-19 pandemic. District trustees approved the extra pay and administrative contracts, recognized the school nurse for going above and beyond the normal call of duty this year, discussed Lone Star Guidance Quarterly Tracker actuals for February and April target gals, and heard updates regarding graduation, prom and an internet safety addendum during their regular February board meeting, held earlier than usual in order for trustees to consider a proposal calling for a school bond election.
Recognition
Each months Cumby ISD Board of Trustees designate time to recognize outstanding students, staff and supporters. On Feb. 11, CISD recognized Juliana Osornio her relentless dedication to Cumby ISD this year. In addition to serving as school nurse, she is also the school district health coordinator, which requires her to do all of the contact tracing for the district any time someone tests positive or a potential COVID-19 exposure has been reported, and doing the resulting reporting to the state as well. She is literally always on call as the health coordinator, Superintendent Shelly Slaughter noted.
“”This year has been crazy and you have just been relentless in what you’ve done for the district, the calls you’ve had to make, the decision you’ve had to make about things being our health contact for the district, and having to work with Hunt and Hopkins counties and several different entities,” Slaughter said.
Osornio is also the district’s health science teacher and is also the junior high and varsity cheer sponsor. Slaughter expressed appreciation to Osornio for “the things that you do every day for us” and doing so with a smile on her face.
“You always lead with grace. You are a true example and we so appreciate you. Just thanking you tonight is not near enough. I don’t know if you how many people look up to you and appreciate you, but it was not hard finding lots of people who had nice things to say about you. You’re doing an amazing job. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you,” Slaughter told Osornio, who joined the meeting via Zoom on Thursday, a day in which class was not in session due to the hazardous icy road conditions.
Slaughter noted that students and staff planned to present her with a show of appreciation they would be presenting to her in the future as a small show of thanks for her many contributions.
“Thank you for all of your kind words. I really appreciate it,” Osornio said.
Stipends
First the school board was asked to approve a stipend for the school nurse to compensate her for her extra duties as district health coordinator. She began working in the summer, helped the district shape the COVID-19 health plan, often is required to put in hours on weekends and after hours, including contract tracing, and submits required information to TEA and other state agencies as required due to COVID-19.
Slaughter asked the board to consider paying her an extra stipend for 10 extra days outside her contract for the extra duties as health coordinator.
One board member noted Osornio’s job has certainly shifted, with many extra duties in addition to her traditional job description. The school board unanimously agree to give Osornio the stipend for this school year.
District administrators also asked the trustees to consider awarding a COVID-19 stipend to all CISD employees, extra duty pay for the extra hours put in on duties and responsibilities beyond the normal scope of their duties, particularly for virtual learning. Two options were recommended, either paying $400 for certified faculty and $250 for non-certified staff for a total of $25,150 extra to be allocated for the stipend, or paying a stipend of $500 to certified staff and $250 to non-certified staff for a total of $29,750 allocated for the stipend.
Trustee Marsha Krotky made the motion, seconded by Kyle Pettit to pay the 46 certified faculty members an extra $500 and the 27 non-certified staff $250. The motion passed. 6-0
Contracts
Cumby school board approved three administrative contracts at the Feb. 11 board meeting, for High School Principal Donna George, Elementary Principal Doug Wicks and Athletic Director Charles Boles. As recommended by Slaughter, each received a 2-year contract at their pay scale for the next school year on a 6-0 vote of the board, who offered thanks and appreciation to the administrators for all they do at Cumby ISD, including being instructional leaders and showing character education.
Reports
The school board members were reported to have seven hours of training, except Jody Jarvis, who had three hours. Additional training sessions are planned in the near future.
Cumby ISD Police Chief Tony Crouse submitted to the board a form exempting the school department from having to compile a racial profiling report. He and Slaughter explained that he does not as a normal part of his duties perform traffic stops, and therefore is exempt from having to compile the racial profiling report. The board must be notified of the exemption, which is submitted to the state and kept on file for legal auditing purposes. The trustees approved the report for the exemption as presented.
Slaughter also made a gave an update on LSG goal progress and the need to adjust the timeline a bit for a few April goals to better fit current progress and pace for attainability.
Adding an internet safety addendum outlining the school’s plan for children’s internet safety was also discussed.
The need to schedule a community meeting to discuss and answer questions related to the May 1 2-proposition bond election, which trustees called for during the meeting, was also discussed.
Announcements
Prom and graduation will be held at the school this year, High School Principal Donna George told the trustees.
Having graduation in Sulphur Springs was not an option. There had been some discussion of holding the graduation at Texas A&M University-Commerce, but doing so would mean very limited seating due to COVID-19. There are 34 students scheduled to graduate this year. There would only be room for 150 guests total in the A&M-Commerce Auditorium. The decision was made to host both prom and graduation in the school gym, which can host more than 150.
Finding another location other than the school to hold the prom during COVID-19 can be problematic as many aren’t renting or scheduling their facilities. So, the decision was made to hold the prom at the school too instead of searching for a different venue.
The maintenance and police departments have been working together to plan and install fencing and security measures. More landscaping is also in the works.
The NETLA Livestock Show and Ag Mechanics competition are coming up at the end of the month. Cumby will have students competing in both. Third grader Michael Petty submitted a photo and letter inviting the school board members to come see him at the competition, where he shows his pig, Spots.
Lady Cats Soccer Team Has a Tough Time With Freezing Weather and the Pine Tree Lady Pirates
It was a tough night for the Lady Cats Soccer Team as they dropped a 5-0 match to Pine Tree at a frozen Gerald Prim Stadium Friday evening (February 12). According to Max Preps, the Lady Pirates got 3 first half goals and then added 2 more in the second half. In five matches, the Lady Cats have two outright wins, a shoot out win and two outright losses. Their season record is now 8-6-4. The Lady Cats get a bye next Tuesday. They return to district action next Friday as they travel to Hallsville to complete the first half of district play.
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.
Wildcats Soccer Team Loses 2-1 in Overtime at Pine Tree On a Frigid Night
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton noted that his team had lots of chances but did not finish in a 2-1 overtime loss at Pine Tree on a sub-freezing evening Friday (February 12). The Wildcats only bright offensive spot was an unassisted goal by Alejandro Diosdado that got the Wildcats into overtime. The Pirates got the winning goal in overtime. Coach Upton also noted that the Wildcats scored an apparent goal that was called back by officials. The loss dropped the Wildcats to 2-3 in district play. They are now 11-7-1 for the season. After a bye Tuesday, the Wildcats close out the first half of district play by hosting Hallsville at Gerald Prim Stadium next Friday night.
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.
Late Lady Cats Basket Proves to be the Difference in 56-54 Bi-District Win Against Nacogdoches
The Lady Cats Basketball Team survived a shaky fourth quarter and got a go ahead basket from sophomore Addisyn Wall to squeeze by Nacogdoches, 56-54 Friday evening (February 12) at Athens in a bi-district playoff game. Wall received a perfect in bound pass and hit an uncontested layup. There was just over 3 seconds left and the Lady Dragons could not even put up a final shot before time expired as senior Bre’Asia Ivery pressured a Nacogdoches player all down the court.
The Lady Cats had to play the last 9 seconds of the game without sophomore Kenzie Willis, who suffered an injury. She was taken to the locker room for evaluation. The first three quarters, the Lady Cats seemed to have the game in hand. They hit five 3-point baskets in the first quarter to take a 19-9 lead. Willis and Wall hit two and Ivery had one. The Lady Cats were outscored 10-9 in the second quarter but still led 28-19 at the half.
The Lady Cats had a good third quarter outpointing the Lady Dragons 17-13 to build their lead to 45-32 after three. The Lady Cats struggled in the fourth quarter getting outscored, 22-11. The Lady Dragons caught up and even had a two point lead after one three point basket. The Lady Cats did just enough to win down the stretch. Wall, with three treys, led the Lady Cats with 14 points. Ivery added 13 points including one three-pointer. Willis had 12 points with 2 three pointers. Senior Dalanee Myles scored 7 points. Senior Nylah Lindley added 6 points. Junior Baylee Large had 4 points. Nac’s senior inside force Jakeyshia Flemon led all scorers with 17 points before fouling out late in the game.
The Lady Cats have won seven games in a row and improved their season record to 17-7. The Lady Cats will now meet a familiar foe, the Royse City Lady Bulldogs, in an Area game next Monday or Tuesday. Royse City shocked #18 state ranked Midlothian, 42-38, Friday to advance.
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.
Saltillo Lions Basketball Remains Undefeated in District Play
The Saltillo Lions march closer toward an undefeated district season with a strong 53-39 win at Sulphur Bluff Friday night.
Another game, another slow start for the Lions. Unlike on Tuesday, Senior Night for Saltillo, the Lions trailed Sulphur Bluff, 15-8 after the first quarter. Saltillo found its footing before halftime, though, as the visiting Lions took the upper hand going in to halftime, 24-23. Saltillo outscored the Bears (16-11, 8-4 district) in both the third and fourth quarters; 18-10, and 11-6, to leave Sulphur Bluff with a tough 53-39 win over the Bears.
The Lions remain unbeaten in district play at 10-0. They are 16-7 for the season and are ranked #13 in Class 1A in a TABC Poll.
Next up, the Lions (17-7 overall, 11-0 district) will return home to take on Yantis in the final regular season game for Saltillo as the Lions will hope to keep their undefeated district season intact.
Hopkins County Records – Feb. 12, 2021
Land Deed Transfers
- Jennifer Mays Cooper to Saltillo ISD; tract in the Charles Thompson survey
- Anthony Todd Bernhardt, who is also known as Anthony Todd Hughes, and Katherine Ann Hughes, who is also known as Kathy Akaann Hughes, to Karli Emmons and Seth Roberts; tract in the Starr survey
- Rhonda Batchelor, Don Edwards Reynolds, John Charles Reynolds and Terri Reynolds to Candice Mead and Nick Mead; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- B Dees and Christopher Dees to Jessica Amy Tarifa and Pablo Tarifa; tract in the Numan McGee survey
- Linda T. Buchanan to Breanna N. Dees who is known as Breanna N. Mefford; tract in the Numan McGee survey
- Melva Edwina Burkett to Larry Craig English LLL; tract in the ER Henley survey
- Diana L. Williamson, trustee for the Diana L. Williamson Trust, to McIlrath Properties LLC; tract in the Ira Stephenson survey
- Thomas Jenkins to Roberto Gregorio; tract in the RC Graves survey
- Zachary L. Loyd to David Christopher Kirk and Kayla Suzanne Spencer; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- David Leigh Crone to Cameron Gray and Madison Gray; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Matthew Richey to Adrian Lopez and Maher H. Sweidan; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Jeffery B. Davis who is also known as Jeffery Blane Davis and Jeffrey Blane Davis to Alexander Mario Valenzuela; tract in the John Morris survey
- Alexander Mario Valenzuela to Jeffery B. Davis who is also known as Jeffery Blane Davis and Jeffrey Blane Davis; tract in the John Norris survey
- Mark Thomas and Stephanie Thomas to Adrian Lopez; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Danielle L. Cooksey and Hunter W. Cookseyt o Daniel Jacobs; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Julia Romero and Irma Villasenor to Mariano Romero; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Larry Newton and Sharon Newton to Syet Hussain, Syed Akbar Hussain and Muzafar Syed Jameel; tract in the HT Barclay survey
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Juan A. Ramirez Morales and Maria Guadalupe Carmona
- Rodney Glen Mize and Mary Catherine Harvin
- Brandon Paul Gomez and Hanna Michelle Ottwell
- David Rojo and Alice Mae Richey
- Jerome Vaughn and Etha Delorsie Mosley
- Tyler Glenn Davison and McKenzie Nicholle Francis
Sulphur Springs ISD Put Contingency Plan In Place In Case Inclement Weather, Dangerous Road Conditions Persists Next Week
While Monday is a regularly scheduled student holiday for many school districts, including those who attend Sulphur Springs ISD, after Thursday’s icy conditions, administrators are busy working on a contingency plan in case the freezing drizzle and snow persist past Presidents Day, making travel unsafe.
Sulphur Springs ISD began putting the contingency plan in place Friday, just the roads remain too icy for families, staff and buses Tuesday and beyond, and sent out a district-wide notice to parents so they can prepare their students.
If dangerous weather or road conditions prevent SSISD from having school on Tuesday, February 16 or thereafter, staff and all students – both in-person and virtual – will move to 100 percent remote learning from home. Remote learning will continue each day until weather conditions allow for a safe return to school.
Campuses Friday sent students home equipped with devices and other necessary resources and equipment for learning remotely, so that all students are prepared for this possible scenario. Parents were asked to make sure, when their student arrives home Friday, to have them bring their device inside to prevent it from being damaged by extremely cold temperatures.
If SSISD must transition to remote learning, at home learning resources are available on the SSISD website at: http://www.ssisd.net/page/curr.familyresources
The SSISD website includes links to videos for both Seesaw for Prekindergarten through 5th grade students and Microsoft Teams for students in grades 6-12. The videos are designed to help families log in and navigate the learning platform through which students will receive and interact with their learning activities each day.
If the decision is made to transition to 100 percent remote learning next week, SSISD will provide additional guidance to support families through the process.
Updates from SSISD will be made to the community via Blackboard, e-mail, text and social media as decisions are made regarding school closures, which would enact the contingency plan.
4 Receive Deferred Adjudication, 1 State Jail Sentence, 1 Reduced Charge
Six people were sentenced in the 8th Judicial District Court this week: four received deferred adjudication, 1 a state jail sentence and 1 had a charge reduced under a plea agreement.
Mary Elizabeth McDonald of Oklahoma arranged to plead guilty in court Monday in exchange for sentence of 5 years of deferred adjudication and a $1,000 fine on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge.
The charge stems from an Aug. 9, 2019, traffic stop by police. McDonald, who was 31 at the time, and the driver were arrested after a marijuana cigarette and class pipe used to smoke methamphetamine were found in the vehicle they were in. A bag of suspected methamphetamine was allegedly found in her pocket while the Guthrie, Oklahoma woman was being booked into Hopkins County jail on the marijuana controlled substance possession charges, Sulphur Springs Police alleged in reports at the time of her arrest.
Zachary Gene Schmidt arranged to plead guilty Monday in court in exchange for having his charge reduced from the state jail felony offense of possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge to a misdemeanor charge, per 12.44(b) Texas Penal Code which allows the court, at the prosecuting attorney to request, to authorize the prosecuting attorney to prosecute a state jail felony as a Class A misdemeanor. Texas Penal Code 12.44(b) only applies to individuals facing punishment on a state jail felony offense. Schmidt was sentenced to two-days in the county jail, which he had already served on the March 8, 2019 controlled substance charge, according to court reports.
Lacy Renee Steele also arranged to plead guilty in the 8th Judicial District Court to a May 30, 20120 state jail felony theft of property charge. She was sentenced Feb. 8 to 5 years deferred adjudication and a $1,000 fine. The defendant fully paid restitution prior to her plea, according to the District Attorney’s office.
John Taylor Woods arranged to plead guilty to the state jail felony offense of assault of a pregnant person in exchange for a 10 years of deferred adjudication, a $1,000 fine. He also is required to have his mental health evaluated and he must comply with any treatment recommendations and he must complete the Batterers Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP) as part of his sentence, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Woods, who was 20 at the time, was arrested on June 18, 2020 on a warrant alleging the offense, which was alleged in court reports to have occurred on June 6, 2020. He was released from jail June 19, on a $10,000 bond on the third-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Qieshon Odell Flecker and Keaton Pierce Wilkerson were both sentenced Feb. 10 in the 8th Judicial District Court on charges stemming from a May 7, 2020, incident, in which they were reportedly involved a vehicle chase down College Street to the downtown square, where the stolen car they were in crashed into a hedge and brick around 8:40 a.m. May 7. They then ran from officers but were soon apprehended by officers, police alleged following the pair’s arrest.
Flecker, 18, was accused of unauthorized use of a vehicle charge and engaging in organized criminal activity. He was sentenced to 9 months in a state jail on each case, to be served concurrently, according to the DA’s Office.
Wilkerson, 18, was accused of unauthorized use of a vehicle, engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest with a vehicle. He received 10 year’s deferred adjudication, will be required to pay a $1,000 fine, restitution to the victim in the unauthorized use of vehicle case, and attend an Intermediate Sanctioned Facility Cognitive 90-day program on the evading arrest are detention with a vehicle charge. The unauthorized use of a vehicle and engaging in organized criminal activity charges were dismissed as part of what is referred to as a 12.45 agreement (Section 12.45 of Texas Penal Code). Wilkerson had to admit to both offenses to the judge, who could then take them into account during sentencing; those two charges were then dismissed.
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.
This Week’s Friday Trash Pick Up Rescheduled In Sulphur Springs
Trash pick up has been rescheduled this week for City of Sulphur Springs residents who normally would have their garbage collected on Friday. Trash will be picked up on Saturday, Feb. 13.
Weather a Concern on Friday Sports Game Day
It’s another big game day Friday with coaches keeping an eye on the weather.
The Lady Cats open the playoffs Friday (February 12) evening with a bi-district game against Nacogdoches at Athens beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Lady Cats won a warm up game Monday at Caddo Mills, 50-49 in overtime and come into the playoff contest with a season record of 16-7. The Lady Cats are the #1 playoff seed in District 15-5A. The Lady Cats are tri-district champs with Hallsville and Mount Pleasant after all three compiled 9-3 records. The Lady Cats did better than the other two in head to head competition. Nac is 8-14 for the season after finishing 4-6 in district play in District 16-5A according to Max Preps. The Lady Dragons are their district’s #4 seed. KSST will bring you all the action of the Lady Cats and Nacogdoches bi-district game from Athens beginning at 6:30 p.m. The game will feature streaming audio.
The Wildcats Basketball Team might be able to identify a bi-district playoff opponent for next week after the dust settles from play in District 16-5A Friday (February 12) night. Jacksonville may be the most likely opponent but it also may be Lufkin or even Nacogdoches. The Wildcats have rescheduled a warm up game against Anna at Anna at 10 a.m. Saturday. KRVA-FM plans to broadcast the air with Ross Labenske doing the play by play. The Wildcats are 16-9 for the season. They are the #2 seed in the playoffs in District 15-5A after compiling a 9-3 district record. They wrapped up district play last Friday with an 74-68 win at home against Texas High.
The Wildcats Soccer Team will now have a varsity only game Friday at 5 p.m. at Pine Tree due to the weather. The time change will allow the Wildcats to return to Sulphur Springs earlier. The Wildcats are 2-2 in district play and 11-6-1 for the season. They have won their last two district games at Texas High last Friday and at home Tuesday against Marshall. The Pirates are 2-1 in district and 5-7-1 overall according to Max Preps. No fans will be allowed at the game because of ice around Pirates Stadium. Pine Tree is expected to stream the game.
The Lady Cats Soccer Team is also playing a varsity only game against Pine Tree at 5:30 p.m. at Gerald Prim Stadium Friday. The Lady Cats have two outright wins, a shootout win and a loss in district play. Their season record is 8-5-4. The Lady Cats won big at Marshall Tuesday night, 9-0. The Lady Pirates are 1-2 in district play and 6-3-2 for the season according to Max Preps.
Wildcats Baseball and Lady Cat Softball scrimmages are a victim of the frigid weather on this game day Friday.
Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack said he has canceled his next two scheduled scrimmages, Friday evening’s one with Terrell at home as well as Monday’s at Bullard. The Wildcats are scheduled to scrimmage North Lamar next Friday at home. They did get in one scrimmage, at Sherman on Monday.
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo canceled not only a Friday home scrimmage against Sherman but also the Lady Cats planned season opener at home against Wylie East Monday. Coach Carrillo now hopes to open the season at his own Sulphur Springs Tournament next weekend. The Lady Cats were able to get three scrimmages in all on the road at Gilmer, McKinney North and at Royse City on Monday.
