Sulphur Springs ISD Extending Period For Paid Sick Leave During Pandemic
Sulphur Springs ISD is extending the period for paid sick leave during the pandemic, one of two district polices discussed during the December school board meeting. The parent of a middle school student addressed Sulphur Springs ISD trustees Monday about the district dress code policy regarding earrings.
Sick Leave Policy
Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams asked SSISD Board of Trustees to consider a resolution extending the period during which employees receive paid sick leave if they have to be absent during the pandemic for a COVID-19 qualifying reason.
Some regular SSISD employees have already used the 10 additional paid sick leave days (the equivalent of 80 work hours) for qualifying reasons under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave provision of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. However, that act expires on Dec. 31, 2020.
Williams said there’s no way to know whether federal officials will extend that time period. There likely will be a need for additional employees to be out in the spring an extended time for sickness or isolation due to a pandemic. Having a policy in place providing up to 10 additional days of paid leave to all regular employees — regardless of whether they are contractual or noncontractual, salaried or non-salaried district employees — who meet the criteria will be good for employees as well as students.
SSISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the resolution providing the additional paid leave of up to 10 additional work days, unless the board authorizes a longer leave duration, for employees who are not permitted to report for work for a COVID-19 qualifying reason.
The resolution grants 100 percent paid leave of the employees’ salary for up to $511 a day if the employee is subject to a quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19, has been advised by a local heath care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19, or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis.
Staff can receive additional leave at 2/3rds the employee’s salary or pay up to $200 a day if the employee is caring for an individual subject to a quarantine order or recommendation; or who is caring for his or her child whose school or place of care is closed or whose child care provider is unavailable due to COVID-19 related reasons. The policy has been extended through the end of the 2020-21 school year or until federal leave becomes available after Jan. 1, 2021.
Dress Code Policy
Amanda Claypool addressed school trustees about the school dress code. She explained to trustees during the public forum at Monday’s noon meeting that she was notified last Wednesday, after her child was given the choice of removing his earring or going to SAC. A school employee reportedly approached her 8th grader during lunch and instructed her student to remove the earring.
While she agrees with guidelines that guidelines are needed to promote good grooming and hygiene, prevent disruptions, and minimize safety hazards, the mother contends neither the earring nor her student were disruptive. The school employee contacting her student during lunch was disruptive.
“It is not a disruption in today’s society,” Claypool said.
Claypool said student’s teachers reported he’s never caused disruptions. She also noted earrings have not been an issue in the months he’s worked in the office at school
She said her father, a 22-year Marine Corps veteran and international contractor for the military, noted the school district policy holds students to a higher standard than the military.
She said she is not asking the district for special attention for her youth, but does ask that the district amend its dress code to be inclusive to all students.
“That will give us food for thought as we move forward and I will be contacting you,” SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb told her.
Saltillo Basketball Tops Commerce JV
Saltillo Lions Get Victory Over Commerce JV
The Saltillo Lions Basketball Team picked up a win this past weekend over the top Commerce JV team, 59-31. The Lions improved their season record to 2-3. Gunner Tarver and Andrew Redburn led the Lions with 18 points each. Coy Collins and Colby McCoy had 8 points apiece. David Whitworth scored 7 points.
Wildcats Soccer Team Opens Season With Three Scrimmage Wins Saturday at The Prim
The Wildcats Soccer Team took care of business Saturday defeating smaller schools North Lamar, Sabine and Mineola in scrimmage games Saturday (December 12) at Gerald Prim Stadium. The Wildcats opened the day’s schedule with a 5-0 win over North Lamar. The Wildcats led 3-0 after the first 25 minute half and scored twice more in the second half. Five different Wildcats scored goals: Alex Yanez, Omar Hernandez, Alejandro Diosdado, Angel Andino and Edgar Salazar. Next the Wildcats topped Sabine, 4-1. Hernandez and Diosdado scored first half goals and Salazar scored twice in the second half. The Wildcats wrapped up the day with a 5-0 win over Mineola. Andino and Yanez scored in the first half. In the second half, Hernandez scored twice including one on a penalty kick and Salazar scored once. Hernandez and Salazar both had 4 total goals on the day with two goals apiece for Yanez, Andino and Diosdado. Wildcats Head Coach Alexi Upton split his team into two groups so everyone could get minutes. Alex Rodriguez and Tai Nguyen split goalkeeping duties. Things get much tougher quickly for the Wildcats. They will scrimmage West Mesquite on the road Monday at 7:15 p.m. The Wranglers are preseason ranked #4 in the region according to TASCO, the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches.
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.
Click here for more Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports
Wildcats Basketball Team Rallies in the Fourth Quarter to Defeat Mesquite Horn, 52-43
Going into the fourth quarter, the Wildcats Basketball Team trailed Mesquite Horn, 33-30 but they outscored the Jaguars, 22-10 in the final quarter to take a 52-43 win Saturday afternoon (December 12) in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School. Contributing in the big quarter for he Wildcats were Lamodrick Johnson, Kordrick Turner, Caleb Alexander and Justin Haire. During the first three quarters, both teams exchanged the lead in a tight game. The Wildcats led 12-7 after the first quarter but their lead was trimmed to one, 18-17 at halftime. The Wildcats were led by Alexander, who hit three 3-pointers, and scored 13 points. Johnson has 12 points. Turner hit a three point shot and had 10 points. Haire had 9 points. Boo Wilkerson had two three-pointers for 6 points. Jake Whisenhunt had 2 points. Horn’s Sean Moning led all scorers with 15 points. The Wildcats have won two games in a row and their season record is now 7-4. Next the Wildcats will face the toughest team they have seen this season on the road. They play Dallas Faith Family Academy in Oak Cliff Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Faith Family, a two time state champion, is currently ranked #1 in Class 4A and their only losses this year are to highly ranked Class 6A teams.
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.
1 Man Jailed Following Altercation At Cumby Rest Stop
An altercation at Cumby rest stop Sunday night resulted in a 62-year-old man going to jail on a misdemeanor charge, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 8:40 p.m. December 13, 2020 at the Cumby rest stop, where a disturbance was reported. Upon arrival, deputies reported a Cumby police officer had a man who had more than one head laceration detained in handcuffs on the ground at the rest stop.
After viewing camera footage and speaking with witnesses, officers determined that the 62-year-old man initiated the altercation by “yelling at a truck driver trying to enter the restroom area of the rest stop.” The man reportedly follow the truck driver to his truck, then began hitting the driver in the face with a closed fist. The truck driver alleged pushed the man to the ground, causing a laceration on the back of the 62-year-old’s head. The man was apparently not deterred as continued to attack the truck driver, who retrieved a pair of piers from his truck and struck the man on the head to stop the attack. The 62-year-old Quitman resident reportedly remained on the ground until Hundley arrived.
The Quitman resident was transported by EMS to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. After being cleared by doctors, the 62-year-old was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on a public intoxication charge. An assault charge related to the altercation at Cumby rest stop are pending, according to sheriff’s reports.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
Hopkins County Sheriff 
Cumby Police Department
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.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Awarded Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Distinction
Sulphur Springs, Texas, Dec. 14, 2020 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs was awarded an ‘A’ in the fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs’ achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.
The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is based on a hospital’s performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in their care.
“It is my honor to announce that CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs received an ‘A’ rating in patient safety from The Leapfrog Group for the Fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. It is the third consecutive ‘A’ rating this team has received, which is a testament to their continued dedication to excellence and to the safety of every patient who depends on us for their care!” said Paul Harvey, President/CEO, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
“We are extremely grateful to hospital leadership and health care workers who have remained steadfast in prioritizing patient safety as our nation battles COVID-19,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “This ‘A’ is a testament to the care and commitment of those who work for CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. With the current pandemic exposing existing flaws within the U.S. health care system, we appreciate you putting patient safety first. Lives depend on it.”
Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs was awarded an ‘A’ grade today when Leapfrog updated grades for fall 2020. To see CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs’ full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care.
The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information, they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler ContinueCARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 457 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler ContinueCARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Two Men Jailed On Intoxication Charges
Two men were jailed on intoxication charges Saturday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Brandon Mayes was dispatched at 2:07 p.m. December 12, 2020 to the 100 block of Connally Street, where an officer reported seeing a possibly intoxicated driver while helping direct traffic for the Blue Santa distribution. He had the driver park his car to await arrival of other officers.
Upon arrival, Mayes alleged the suspect, identified in arrest reports as 42-year-old Melvin Jerome Askew Jr. of Sulphur Springs, had heavy slurred speech, as if his tongue was swollen. Askew also allegedly had glassy, bloodshot eyes and continued to apologize, saying he was going to comply.
On horizontal gaze nystagmus test, Askew’s eyes showed clues of intoxication, but did not have detectable vertical nystagmus. Askew allegedly refused to perform any other test, and while being placed into custody admitted the arrest will be his third DWI. Dispatcher confirmed his statement and was taken to jail. He refused to provide a breath sample for testing but did agree to a blood sample, which was taken at the hospital.
The passenger who was in the car, a 61-year-old man who refused to give his address, was also arrested by police for public intoxication. SSPSD Officer Francisco Castro alleged alcohol was smelled on him and he also had slurred speech. He refused to perform field sobriety tests but admitted to being drunk.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
2 Targeted Improvement Plans, Financial Audit, Sick Leave Policy On Sulphur Springs ISD Dec. 14 Agenda
Targeted Improvement Plans for Lamar and Travis Primary, the annual financial audit and extension of the sick leave policy are all topics to be discusses and considered during Monday’s Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees meeting, scheduled to be conducted at noon rather than 6 p.m. as is tradition so as not to conflict with any other potential holiday programs and schedules.
Two public hearings will be conducted, one for anyone who wishes to address the board regarding a request for the agreement granting a tax incentive for Hopkins Energy LLC and another regarding SSISD’s state issued financial accountability rating for the 2019-2020 school year.
SSISD trustees in January granted an appraised value limitation for the planned $95.5 million Dike solar farm. Shelly Leung with of Powell, Youngblood & Taylor is scheduled later in the school board meeting to discuss the matter with district trustees. Then, the board will be asked to consider approving an amendment to the agreement with Hopkins Energy LLC.
At least two items on the agenda focus on evaluations of the district’s financial health. SSISD Business Manager Sherry McGraw is slated to conduct a public meeting to present and allow time for any discussion or questions regarding the district’s annual financial accountability rating for 2019-2020. Later in the meeting, Mike Taylor with Rutherford, Taylor and Company PC will present for board consideration his firm’s annual financial audit and compliance report of district finances for the fiscal year which began Sept. 1, 2019 and ended Aug. 31, 2020.
During the portion of the special noon meeting designated for administrative reports, Assistant Superintendent Kristin Monk is scheduled to present Targeted Improvement Plans for Lamar and Travis Primary campuses. Both will be submitted later in the meeting to trustees to consider as an action item.
Superintendent Mike Lamb is slated to present data regarding virtual learning during the first 9-week grading period.
Josh Williams, assistant superintendent, is scheduled to present for board consideration a resolution which would amend the school policy to extend sick leave for employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trustees then will have the option to enter into an executive session to discuss any personnel matters presented since the last board meeting. Any item requiring a vote would be pushed forward from the closed session and voted on during open session.
The SSISD Dec. 14 will begin at noon in the board room of SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
Dec. 14-18 Meal A Day Menu
Although the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center remains closed due to COVID-19, volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community.
The Dec. 7-11 Meal A Day Menu includes:
Monday – Della’s Beef Enchilada Pie, Refried Beans, Chips and Salsa and a Tossed Salad
Tuesday – Rope Sausage and Sauerkraut, Navy Beans, Corn Bread and Green Tomato Relish
Wednesday – Hopkins County Stew, Cheese and Crackers
Thursday – Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole, Okra and Tomatoes, and Corn
Friday – Fish, Pinto Beans, Corn Fritters 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.
Dec. 12 COVID-19 Update: 27 New Cases, 13 New Probable Cases, 266 Active Cases
Texas Department of State Health Services reported 27 new cases, 13 new probable cases, and made an adjustment that changed the number of COVID-19 fatalities. COVID hospitalizations in Trauma Service Area F rose a little bit, according DSHS’ Dec. 12 COVID-19 Case Counts and Test and Hospital Data dashboards.
COVID-19 Case Counts
Hopkins County’s molecular case count, which DSHS still considers the official confirmed case total, slowed for a few days, with only five new cases reported on Thursday and seven new cases on Friday. Saturday was another matter, however, with almost as many new COVID-19 cases reported Dec. 12 as during the six previous days.
The 27 new Dec. 12 COVID cases increased the weekly total to 57 cases. That’s 138 Hopkins County residents who have received a positive COVID-19 result on molecular testing this month. That’s as many new cases during the first 12 days of December as during the entire month of November. In fact, it’s more new COVID-19 cases diagnosed by molecular tests so far in December than the total for every other month during the pandemic except October, which ended with 323 Hopkins County residents receiving positive molecular COVID test results. Cumulatively, 970 Hopkins County residents have tested COVID-19 positive on molecular testing since the pandemic began in mid March.
DSHS also reported 13 new probable cases were also diagnosed on Saturday. According to DSHS, a probable case is from a person who has either tested positive through an antigen test or has a combination of symptoms and a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 without a more likely diagnosis is. The state the week of Nov. 22 began releasing weekly antigen probable totals, but as of Dec. 11 has incorporated in its daily dashboard reports molecular, antigen and antibody tests conducted by county.
On Friday, a total reflected 40 additional probable cases not in the last weekly probable cases report on Dec. 7, which the County Trends report said included one older test that had not been previously reported by a lab. Combined with the 13 new probable results received Saturday, that’s 53 additional probable cases reported since Monday. That increases the cumulative case count to 976 probable cases since the state began tracking the data.
DSHS also reported a cumulative combined active cases count of 266 on Saturday, Dec. 12. That’s 41 more active cases on Saturday than on Friday.
Th active cases total is calculated by taking the total number of confirmed and probable cases and subtracting fatalities and estimated recoveries. Because both active and recovered cases are estimates, they can vary from what is reported locally, DSHS notes.
While no new recoveries were reported on Saturday, there were 810 recoveries reported on Friday, doubling the overall case count to 1,620 on Dec. 11. That’s because probable and confirmed cases were tallied for one overall total.
DSHS’ Dec. 12 COVID-19 testing dashboard shows a total of 11,920 tests have been conducted, including 10,030 molecular tests, 846 antigen tests and 1,044 antibody tests.
Cumulative test totals include tests performed by public labs (Laboratory Response Network) and non-public labs (commercial labs, hospitals, physician offices, and drive-thru sites) reported electronically and non-electronically, according to DSHS.
Free molecular COVID-19 testing continues to be offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each Monday-Friday, and from 9 to 5 p.m. Saturdays in December in the Red Cross building (old Fidelity Express building) at 128-A Jefferson St. in Sulphur Springs. Registration for the free test is conducted online at www.GoGetTested.com. Those testing should plan to refrain from eating, drinking or using tobacco products for a minimum of 15-20 minutes before testing. The LHA nurse recommends refraining for up to an hour before testing to ensure more accurate results.
The DSHS Dec. 12 COVID-19 dashboard showed only 60 fatalities, one less than was reported on Friday. While the DSHS dashboard did not provide any explanation for the change, close inspection of the “Fatalities over Time by County” report shows the COVID-19 death reported earlier this week to have occurred on Oct. 21 has been removed from the report, leaving 60 COVID-19 fatalities for Hopkins County, including three deaths this month, one each on Dec. 1, Dec. 2 and Dec. 6.
COVID-19 hospitalizations accounted for 11.61 percent of the total capacity of all hospitals in Trauma Service Area F, which includes most of Northeast Texas including Hopkins County and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. That’s a small increase from 11.27 percent (124 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients) on Friday to 11.1 percent (130 patients) of the total TSA-F capacity on Saturday, Dec. 12.
In TSA-F, there were 1,120 staffed hospital beds, 20 more than on Dec. 11, but still 75 less than on Dec. 9; 523 total hospitalizations, down from 612 on Dec. 11 and 632 on Dec. 4; and 1,029 staffed inpatient beds, 29 more than on Friday.
For the third consecutive day, TSA-F had only five ventilators. Also available Dec. 12 in Trauma Service Area F were 63 ventilators, four more than on Friday, but seven less than on Wednesday and one less than on Dec. 8 and Dec. 10. Overall, there were 406 beds available in TSA-F on Saturday, which is nine more beds available than on Friday, Dec. 11, and 54 more than on Friday, Dec. 4.
