Nov. 25 COVID-19 Update: 1 Fatality, 7 New Cases, 64 Active Cases
Texas Department of State Health Services announced one additional COVID-19 fatality and seven new case in the Wednesday, Nov. 25, COVID-19 update.
COVID-19 Case Counts
That’s 24 new cases over the last week and 112 new cases so far this month. The DSHS COVID-19 dashboard also for the third consecutive day showed no new recoveries for Hopkins County, so the monthly total remains 82 and the cumulative total 691.
That increases the active COVID-19 case count among Hopkins County residents to 64, according to the DSHS COVID-19 dashboard and active case counts report. That gives Hopkins County an overall positivity rate of 2.18 percent
In the eight counties immediately surrounding Hopkins, four counties were reported to have more cumulative COVID-19 cases on the DSHS Nov. 25 COVID-19 update.
In Titus County, 1,774 of the estimated 32, 750 residents had tested positive for the virus as of Nov. 25, giving the county a positivity rate for the entire population of 5.42 percent — the highest in the area.
Hunt County, which boasts and estimated population of 98,594, was reported on Nov. 25 to have had 2,658 residents test positive for COVID-19 since March. That gives the county a positivity rate of 2.7 percent.
In Lamar County, 2,628 of the 49,859 population had tested positive for COIVD-19 since March. That give the county an overall positivity rate of 2.7 5.27 percent.
Wood County has had 886 of the 45,540 residents test positive for COVID-19 since March, giving the county a 1.95 percent positivity rate.
Although Delta County has only had 47 residents test positive for COVID-19 since March, the county’s positivity rate is higher than Hopkins County’s 2.18 percent because Delta County’s population is about one-seventh of that of Hopkins County. Delta has and estimated population of 5,330 compared to Hopkins County’s estimated 37,080, Thus, Delta County’s overall cumulative positivity rate is 4.15 percent.
COVID-19 Fatality Report
The DSHS Nov. 25 COVID-19 update also 52 Hopkins County residents have died from COVID-19. That’s one more than was reported the 4 previous days. The latest death was reported to have occurred on Nov. 4, a day in which the active case count was reported to be 149, including three new cases. That makes 5 Hopkins County residents confirmed to have died this month from the virus, according to DSHS reports.
Hopkins County residents were also reported to have died on Nov. 1, when the active case count was 144; Nov. 5 when the active case count was 152, including three new cases; Nov. 10 when the active case count was 115, including eight new cases; and Nov. 13, when 129 active case were reported, including four new cases.
COVID-19 fatality data, as of July 27, is based on death certificates. A fatality is counted as a COVID-19 fatality when the medical certifier attests on the death certificate that COVID-19 is a cause of death, according to DSHS.
Only two of the three counties with larger populations than Hopkins County have had more COVID-19 fatalities, but only 2 counties had higher fatality percentages among COVID-19 positive residents than Hopkins County’s 6.44 percent.
In Hunt County, 57 of the 2,658 residents who have tested COVID-19 positive since March (2.14 percent) have died from the virus. In Lamar County 67 of the 2,628 COVID-19 positive residents (2.55 percent) have died from novel coronavirus 2019.
Wood County has had 886 positive cases, including 48 who died, for a fatality rate of 5.42 percent among infected.
Ten COVID-19 deaths have been reported for Franklin County, that’s 21.28 percent of the 247 positive cases.
In Red River County, 48 of the 886 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 have died from the virus. That’s 8.14 percent.
Of the 47 positive cases since March, there has only been 1 COVID death in Delta County. That’s a 0.45 percent fatality rate among infected.
In Rains County, 160 of the county’s estimated 12, 515 residents (1.28 percent) have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, including 8 COVID-19 fatalities. That’s a fatality rate of 5 percent among residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Hospital Reports
Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials did not provide a data for patient counts in the COVID unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs nor a daily total for the Jefferson Street testing site. The free molecular testing site is scheduled to be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Nov. 27 at the Red Cross/Old Fidelity Express building, 128-A Jefferson St. in Sulphur Springs, according to information disseminated by DSHS on Nov. 24. Register online at www.GoGetTested.com
The DSHS Nov. 25 COVID-19 update showed COVID-19 hospitalizations throughout Trauma Service Area F to 14.68 percent on Nov. 25, up from 13.64 percent on Nov. 23 and 14.71 percent on Nov. 24.
There were 951 staffed in patient bed and 153 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in hospitals in Trauma Service Area F (which includes Hopkins County).That’s 12 fewer staffed inpatient beds and two fewer lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in hospital on Nov. 25 than on Nov. 24, according to the DSHS regional hospital report on the Nov. 25 COVID-19 update.
Eight ICU beds, 79 ventilators and 345 hospital beds were available in Area F hospitals on Nov. 25. That’s down from 373 hospital beds, 16 ICU beds and 180 ventilators available on Nov. 24, according to DSHS reports.
SBOE Approves Revised Health Education Standards
SBOE Also Approved Projected Record Distribution From Texas Permanent School Fund To Available School Fund
AUSTIN, Texas – Following more than 27 hours of public testimony heard over the course of three meetings, the State Board of Education (SBOE) gave final approval to revised Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for health education. This is the first time that the health education standards have been revised since they were first adopted in 1998.
In September 2017—in preparation for the revision of the health education TEKS—the SBOE requested that the Texas Education Commissioner prepare a study of current health education research and state standards, including national best practices, that would be used as a guide to begin the SBOE’s process to review and revise the health education TEKS. In 2018, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) convened a group of experts to develop recommendations to address the SBOE’s charge related to the health education TEKS.
Based on the response, the Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath provided recommendations to the SBOE at its June 2019 meeting. The joint recommendations from the study and Commissioner served as the starting point for the review and revision of the standards. From September 2019 through August 2020 SBOE-appointed work groups developed recommendations for revisions and SBOE-identified content advisors provided feedback on various drafts developed by the work groups throughout the process.
“The first step to a child being able to learn is that he or she is healthy. The revised Health TEKS will provide needed knowledge for our students to make good health decisions now, and in the future, as they become adults,” remarked State Board of Education Chair Dr. Keven Ellis.
In addition to adopting the health education TEKS, the board gave final approval to revised TEKS for four high school science courses: biology, chemistry, physics, and integrated physics and chemistry (IPC). The SBOE’s content advisors for science and initial Work Group A recommended that in order to ensure vertical alignment and to support students’ success in high school science, the process should begin with high school, followed by revision of the middle school standards, and then finally revision of the elementary standards.
The SBOE approved what is projected to be a record distribution from the Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF) to the Available School Fund for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Based on preliminary figures and projections, the annual distribution will be about $1.72 billion, or $3.44 billion for the biennium, which would be about $900 million greater than any previous biennial distribution by the SBOE.
The projected amount would result in increased distributions from the PSF for the fifth consecutive biennial period—that includes distributions made by the SBOE and total distributions from the PSF, a portion of which is managed by the School Land Board.
The SBOE also gave final approval to the Framework for School Board Development, the current requirements for team building training for local boards of trustees, and qualifications for trainers that provide the teambuilding training. The SBOE chair, Dr. Keven Ellis, appointed an ad hoc committee of SBOE members to work with key stakeholders to study the Framework for School Board Development and make recommendations to the board for updates. Prior to approving the framework, the board received significant input from stakeholders through public testimony at two different meetings.
Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell Said Defense Led To Lady Cats’ Home Win Tuesday
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell realizes the casual fan may not have noticed, but she says good defense played a big part in the Lady Cats home win over Mineola Tuesday afternoon.
After trailing 19-16 at the half, the Lady Cats only allowed the Lady Jackets 15 second half points including just 4 points in the decisive third quarter. Coach Tisdell says the team has goals on defense and she says they really bought in Tuesday.
She adds she is proud of her team, especially with them recently coming off a two week quarantine and having just two practices before games started. A very rusty Lady Cats’ team struggled in a road loss at Liberty-Eylau in the season opener on Monday. The Lady Cats are now 1-1.
Coach Tisdell says another big factor in the win Tuesday was the foul shooting of sophomore point guard Kenzie Willis. Willis only missed three of 17 free throws taken as she scored a game high 26 points. Coach Tisdell said senior Delanee Myles not only rebounded well but also played solid defense. Junior Jayla Yarbrough hit two big three-point baskets. Coach Tisdell said the shots really fired up the Lady Cats. Junior Addy Lamb also hit a big three pointer just before the buzzer sounded at the end of the third quarter. Coach Tisdell said her yell of “shoot” prompted Lamb to take the shot that the coach said she busted, a good thing.
After the quarantine, Coach Tisdell says she is really fired up and is ready for some practices. She admits she will have to wait a few days for the Thanksgiving holidays.
The Lady Cats play next at home on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Local Runners Stand Out Again At State Cross Country Meet
Miller Grove Boys, Billingsley State Champs; Saltillo Boys, MG Girls Finish 2nd At State Cross Country Meet; SB, NH Have Top 10 Finishers
Hopkins County cross country teams continued to shine brightly at the State Class 1A Cross Country Meet held Monday at Old Settlers’ Park in Round Rock.
In boys competition, Miller Grove captured the state championship followed by Saltillo in second place. Hornet runner Isaiah Billingsley also is a state champion finishing first. Saltillo’s Garrett Tarver placed second. Miller Grove’s Kobe Robertson was fourth. Hornet Lance Verner Davis was seventh. Lion Gunner Tarver was ninth and Miller Grove’s Tanner Hensley was10th.
In girls competition, Miller Grove was second in state behind Nazareth. Saltillo was seventh. Top area girls finisher was Bailey Neal of Sulphur Bluff who was third in state. Lady Hornet Jorja Bessonett finished fourth. Miller Grove’s Alaira Serrano was sixth and teammate Jolee Fox was seventh.
On the second day of the state cross country meet Tuesday, another Hopkins County runner had a top 10 finish. Jonathan Hatley of North Hopkins finished eighth in state in the boys Class 2A Cross County competition.
Motorists Urged To Take Simple Safety Precaution
TxDOT’s “Click It or Ticket” Campaign Reminds Drivers And Passengers About The Importance Of Wearing Seat Belts
AUSTIN–With health and safety a top priority for millions of Texans, Texas Department of Transportation reminds motorists of one of the simplest and easiest precautions everyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones: buckling up.
Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying by 45% for people in the front seat of passenger cars. For those in pickups, seat belts reduce the risk of dying by 60% since pickups are more likely to roll over than passenger vehicles.
“Our annual Click It or Ticket campaign is about saving lives,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “While almost 91% of Texans have gotten into the habit of using seat belts, there are still far too many motorists who are taking unnecessary chances by not buckling up. Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, wearing a seat belt—day and night—is the single most effective way to protect yourself from serious injury or death in a crash.”
TxDOT officials report that in 2019 there were 925 traffic fatalities involving an unbuckled driver or passenger, a 6% drop over the previous year. Although around 9% of Texans do not wear a seat belt, the lack of seat belt usage was reported in 42% of traffic fatalities for those people who had the option to use a seat belt (excluding pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle fatalities).
In addition, a 2019 Texas A&M Transportation Institute survey noted that drivers and passengers in 18 Texas cities buckle up less at night (between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.) than during the day. In Texas last year, of crashes in which an unbuckled driver or passenger was killed, 59% happened during nighttime hours (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.). Seat belt use among pickup drivers and passengers also continues to lag behind that of other motorists. Almost 46% of the 499 pickup drivers killed in crashes last year weren’t buckled up.
From Nov. 16 to Nov. 29, more drivers take to the road in celebration of Thanksgiving, state troopers, police officers and sheriffs’ deputies statewide will step up enforcement of the state’s seat belt and child car seat laws. Texas law requires everyone in a vehicle to be properly secured in the front or back seat or face fines and fees up to $200. Children younger than 8 years must be restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. If a child isn’t secured, the driver faces fines of up to $250.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Click It or Ticket initiative in Texas is estimated to have saved more than 6,234 lives, prevented more than 100,000 serious injuries, and resulted in $23.6 billion in economic savings since the campaign began in 2002.
The Click It or Ticket campaign is a key component 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. November 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 on Texas roadways.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of July 20, 2020.
Wednesday Game Day: Wildcats Basketball Team Scheduled To Get In Another Game Before Thanksgiving
The Wildcats Basketball Team is in action on this Wednesday game day. The game was originally scheduled to be played on Tuesday, but the Wildcats agreed to the rescheduling to assist Dallas Lincoln with their quarantine schedule.
The Wildcats will take on Lincoln at the PC Cobb Center in Dallas. The schedule called for a freshman game at 1 p.m., a JV contest at 2:30 p.m. with the varsity game at 4 p.m.
The Wildcats are 1-3 so far this young season.
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.
Men Receive Deferred Sentence For Controlled Substance Charge
Two men each received a deferred sentence on a controlled substance charge in district court this week. Two men and a woman also plead guilty in court and are slated to be sentenced in a hearing next month, according to court reports.
On Monday, Nov. 23, Rafael Sanchez Gutierrez appeared in the 8th Judicial District Court during the 9 a.m. session. He arranged to plead guilty on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
The offense is alleged to have occurred on Sept. 23, 2019, when he was arrested on that charge as well as for three traffic warrants. Rafael Sanchez Gutierrez remained in Hopkins County jail until Sept. 27, 2019, on those charges; bond was set at $80,000 on the controlled substance charge.
In exchange for the plea on Nov. 23, the 26-year-old received a 7-year deferred sentence on the controlled substance charge.
Seth Dalton Bryant arranged to appear before the 8th Judicial District Judge during the 1:30 p.m. court session on Nov. 24 on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
The alleged offense occurred on May 30, 2020. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies contacted the 20-year-old Cumby man after observing him in a vehicle reported as suspicious because it was stopped around 7:30 a.m. on the side of CR 4725. When they contacted him he had on only his underwear and shoes. He allegedly claimed he was trying to change his pants because he spilled something on them when deputies spotted him. He displayed signs of nervousness and bruxism, and marijuana paraphernalia was observed in his vehicle. A search allegedly revealed suspected methamphetamine in a Tic Tac container, suspected Xanax pills, a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.
After being placed into handcuffs, Bryant allegedly fainted and was transported by EMs to the hospital. After being medically cleared and released, he was jailed May 30. Bryant allegedly admitted to discarding a marijuana blunt out the window of a vehicle. The suspected methamphetamine weighed 2.11 grams and tested positive using a field test kit as a controlled substance.
Bryant remained in Hopkins County jail until Nov. 25, 2020 on that charge as well as a tampering with physical evidence charge for the alleged marijuana dumping and on Delta and Hunt County controlled substance warrants as well. Bond was set at $10,000 each on the Hopkins County controlled substance and tampering charges.
Bryant reportedly pled guilty in court Tuesday and received a 10 year deferred sentence, which required 180 days to be served in jail as a condition of probation, and he must also complete an intensive residential drug rehab program.
Three others also arranged to plead guilty in court this week on felony offenses.
Makenzie Corey McGill arranged to plead open during the 9 a.m. court session on Nov. 23 to an April 7, 2020 evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge.
Brandon Grady Teague, 33, of Sulphur Springs also arranged and pled open on a Jan. 22, 2020, possession less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge; a Jan. 18, 2020 evading arrest or detention with previous conviction charge in which he was alleged to have stolen a bicycle from Walmart then fled from officials on it; and a Dec. 27, 2019, credit or debit card abuse-elderly charges. He was arrested Feb. 3 on a warrant for a controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge. He was arrested June 1 on a credit or debit card abuse-elderly charge.
Jennifer Lee Lindsay arranged and pled open during the morning court session Nov. 24 on an April 20, 2020 abandoning or endangering of a child-criminal negligence charge and a Jan. 17, 2020 forgery financial instrument charge. The child endangerment charge stemmed from an investigation by SCU and CPS in which the 27-year-old Sulphur Springs woman and her 8-month-old allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.
Sentencing hearings for McGill, Teague and Lindsay are slated to be scheduled sometime in December.
The Lady Cats Basketball Team Evens Season Record With Home Win Tuesday Over Mineola
The Lady Cats Basketball Team is trying to get back into the swing of things after some time in quarantine due to coronavirus. They struggled mightily in their lopsided loss at Liberty-Eylau Monday, November 23, in Texarkana. They also started out slow in the first half in their home opener against Mineola Tuesday afternoon.
After leading 10-8 after the first quarter, the Lady Cats trailed at the half 19-16. The Lady Cats looked much better during the second half. They outscored the Lady Jackets, 29-15 in the second half, to take a 45-34 win. The third quarter was the big one for the Lady Cats as they had a 15-4 scoring edge.
Super sophomore Kenzie Willis led the Lady Cats with 26 points. Willis had a three pointer and hit 13 of 18 free throws. Jayla Yarbrough had 9 points including 2 three point baskets. Addy Lamb scored 5 points including a big buzzer beater three-point shot at the end of the third quarter. Jasmine Taylor hit a trey for her 3 points. Delanee Myles got two points but drew praise from Coach Brittney Tisdell for her rebounding and defensive work.
The Lady Cats go into the Thanksgiving break with a 1-1 season record. They resume play next Tuesday at 6 p.m. at home against Terrell.
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.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report For Nov. 18-23, 2020
Wood County Sheriff’s Office provided the following activity report for Nov. 18-23, 2020:
- Alarm: 6
- Animal Complaint: 9
- Arrest/Warrant: 9
- Assault: 4
- Burglary: 2
- Criminal Trespass: 1
- Disturbances/Disputes: 16
- Fire-Structure: 2
- Fraud: 3
- Inquest: 2
- Livestock at Large: 9
- Noise Complaint: 1
- Reckless Driver: 4
- Shots Fired: 3
- Suspicious Activity: 17
- Theft: 11
- Traffic Closed by Arrest: 2
- Traffic Hazard: 4
- Violation of Protective Order: 1
- Welfare Check: 14
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Hits Another Second Round Roadblock In 3-0 Area Loss to North Forney
In the recent playoff success of the Lady Cats Volleyball Team, the end of the road in most cases has been in the Area round, the second round. The Lady Cats have made the playoffs five of the last six years and in three of those seasons, dreams ended at Area. Two times there were bi-district losses. Tuesday, November 24, the Lady Cats took on North Forney in an Area contest at Royse City and the Lady Falcons ended the Lady Cats’ season by taking a 3-0 win.
The first set looked promising for the Lady Cats. They were tied or had the lead throughout the first two-thirds of the match. Finally, at 17-16, North Forney took its first lead. At that point, they were off an running to a 25-19 win.
The second set started as a back and forth affair until both teams were tied at 7-7. North Forney took the next 5 points and they were off and running again claiming a 25-13 set two win.
The third set appeared to be more of the same. At one point, North Forney had a 6 point lead at 17-11. The Lady Cats, perhaps sensing that their season was heading for a finish, decided they would not go out without a fight and they began to play better. They roared all the way back, tying the score at 20-20 and, then, even went ahead 21-20. With the score tied 22-22, North Forney did like they had done all night and made big plays when they really needed to. They got the last three points to take set 3, 25-22 and the match 3-0.
When the hurt subsides for the Lady Cats, they can remember winning a district championship with a 10-2 district mark. They also won 12 of their last 13 matches going into the Area game. Two-year Lady Cats Coach Bailey Dorner has led her team to Area each season. She may just keep doing it until a future team breaks through.
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.
