Crandall Coach Kyle Hardin Says He is Proud of His Team During This Pandemic Impacted Season
Between a leap from Class 4A to 5A and a pandemic, it’s been an interesting season for the Crandall Pirates, under first year Head Coach Kyle Hardin. Coach Hardin says he is proud of his kids for the way they have handled circumstances this season not knowing if games would be played from one day to the next. He said Pirates’ players have had positive attitudes and some have been pushed into different roles due to coronavirus. On the field, Coach Hardin says the Pirates have been up and down. That’s reflected in their 3-3 season mark. They finished zone play at 1-2, good enough for the zone’s #3 seed. That matches them with the #3 seed in the district’s other zone, Sulphur Springs, Friday night at Crandall. Coach Hardin likes the Pirates’ senior leadership with some talented youth around as well. Coach Hardin says he believes there may be no bigger jump than from Class 4A to 5A. Plus he says they landed in a very talented and tradition laden District 8-5A. Coach Hardin says the Wildcats are well coached and have talent. He adds the Wildcats play hard. Crandall offensive standouts include sophomore H back and slot receiver Sammy Omosigho, sophomore running back Chris Abron, sophomore wide receiver Luke Moffitt and junior quarter Jamonte Gordon-West. Coach Hardin says he has a lot of senior leadership on defense. Defensive standouts include senior defensive back Jeremiah Contreras, senior defensive back Mason Daugherty, senior inside linebacker Preston Chambless, senior defensive tackle David Omosigho and senior defensive end Tommy Crockett. Coach Hardin says the game Friday will feature two teams hungry for a victory.
Virtual Training Session to Help Prepare Businesses for Online Sales
Paris SBDC and Hopkins Chamber of Commerce to hold Virtual Retail Training
The majority of shopping for Black Friday and ShopSmall Saturday will be done online this year, and virtual retail training is available from the Paris Small Business Development Center and the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce to help prepare business for holiday e-commerce. The virtual retail training from Marc Willson is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
“Online sales and order fulfillment extend the storefront,” said SBDC Jennifer Johnston. “Retail expert Marc Willson will take you through the tips, tricks and science behind it all. Join us for strategies to market products, branding, and extend the customer experience online by registering for this meeting on Paris SBDC Facebook event link.”
Gone are the days that a brick and mortar store could stand alone because of the experience offered to customers was unparalleled. That experience is great, but is no longer enough during the pandemic to allow businesses to survive/thrive.
“You must take your offer online and reach people who are not comfortable enough yet to shop in public,” said Willson. “A robust digital shopping website is critical to success. On top of being busy in the store, you must now become a fulfillment center for your exploding online sales.”
Willson is a published keynote speaker, bringing 40 years of experience helping retail, restaurant and tourism-related small businesses refine and promote their concepts to the public. In 1975, Willson started his retail career as co-owner of the largest distributor of Earth Shoes in North America. He has since held executive positions with retailers such as Britches of Georgetowne, Crown Books, Wilson’s Leather, Circuit City, The Bicycle Exchange, Ecampus.com and Storetrax, Inc. Most recently, he traveled to Dallas, Texas to open the world’s first energy efficiency store for Current Energy, LLC, a company funded by Ross Perot, Jr.
The Willson Company was re-established in 2009 as a Small Business Strategy consulting group, and that year the Virginia SBDC contracted with Willson as a Retail and Restaurant Industry Strategist developing into a small business revivalist. He has traveled throughout the country delivering over 500 seminars and assisting over 3,000 retailers, restaurants and hospitality businesses.
To sign up for the virtual retail training, go to the Paris SBDC Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1006143893200979/.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Jailed Teen Charged With Additional Theft Of Firearm Offense
A jailed teen was charged with an additional theft of firearm offense Wednesday.
Rene Perea-Saldana was one of two teens jailed over the weekend on burglary of vehicles and theft of firearms charges. One of the suspects was reportedly captured on a residential surveillance video Nov. 14, 2020 entering a vehicle parked at a Hopkins County subdivision near Sulphur Springs. A vehicle burglary had already been reported.
Both allegedly admitted to involvement in the vehicle burglaries and theft; the other defendant helped officers locate two guns and a purse reported stolen during the vehicle burglaries.
Perea-Saldana and 18-year-old Daishawn Jerome Godbolt have remained in Hopkins County jail since Nov. 14, 2020 in lieu of $25,000 bond for the burglary and firearm charges.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Drew Fisher Wednesday reported being informed about another firearm allegedly stolen on Nov. 14 from a location from which the other items were allegedly taken. Fisher interviewed Perea-Saldana about the additional information; the 17-year-old provide information resulting in location of the additional firearm. Perea-Saldana was also charged Nov. 18 on an additional theft of firearm charge.
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.
$113 Million Settlement Reached Over Apple iPhone Throttling
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a coalition of over 30 other attorneys general in a $113 million settlement with Apple, Inc. regarding Apple’s 2016 decision to throttle customers’ iPhone speeds in order to address unexpected shutdowns in some iPhones.
After a multistate investigation, during which Texas served on an executive committee with Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Louisiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, the attorneys general allege that Apple discovered battery issues led to unexpected shutdowns in iPhones. Rather than disclosing these issues or replacing batteries, Apple concealed the issues and reduced iPhone performance. Apple’s concealment of the battery issues and decision to throttle caused Apple to profit from selling additional phones to customers whose phone performance had decreased, according to a press release from Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office.
“I am pleased to announce that Apple is being held accountable for their deceitfulness with consumers and secretive decision not to inform consumers of known issues,” said Paxton. “This settlement is a victory for honest business and customers and a stern warning to any companies who attempt to cover their mistakes at the expense of consumer choice.”
Texas will receive just over $7.5 million in monetary payment. In addition to the monetary payment, Apple must also provide truthful information to consumers about iPhone battery health, performance and power management on their website, update installation notes, and in the iPhone user interface itself, the AG’s Office reported Thursday afternoon, Nov. 19.
Assistant Attorneys General Beth Chun, Paul Singer, and Rick Berlin represented the State of Texas.
Apple also recently entered into a proposed settlement of class action litigation regarding the same conduct and upon finalization will pay out up to $500 million in consumer restitution, Paxton’s office reports.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Wellness Volunteers Recognized For Over 760 Hours Of Service
A group of dedicated local individuals were recognized Thursday for their service and impact as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Wellness Volunteers.
The MWV program allows individuals who have a passion about health and wellness to share that passion with others via worksite wellness programs community events and other means.
Collectively, had donated more than 760 hours to help Extension by the end of October, and have continued to add to those hours by assisting with preparation, hosting and assisting during Extension programs this month.
The volunteers, in addition to be being recognized on Thursday, also were happy to talk about the various Extension programs, featured in displays at the Extension Office, during a Leadership Advisory Board recognition reception. The reception replaced the annual banquet due to COVID-19.
Among the Master Wellness Volunteers recognized with certificates of achievement for their invaluable hours of service this year are:
- Patsy Neal – 290 volunteer hours
- Pat Connally – 168.25 volunteer hours
- Joan Brennan – 85.5 volunteer hours
- Marjean Allen – 68.5 volunteer hours
- Susie Faltesek- 65.25 volunteer hours
- Wendy Johnson- 56.5 volunteer hours
- LaTarra Giles-20.5 volunteer hours
- Sylvia Millsap-6.5 volunteer hours
- Nell Shipp-2.5 volunteer hours
“These hours are as of Oct. 31. Many more hours of volunteer service have been contributed in November,” said Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County.
Each Master Wellness volunteer commits to 40 hours of training to obtain knowledge and skills to live a healthier lifestyle and encourage others to do the same. Upon successful completion of the training, Master Wellness Volunteers then commit to giving back 40 hours of service to Extension.
Not all have gotten in their 40 hours yet, due in part to COVID-19 precautions, shutdowns and restrictions, but Hicks said, there are still some events coming up later this month and next month that will offer plenty of volunteer opportunities.
Other projects the Master Wellness Volunteers have assisted with include 4-H Food project kits, diabetes series, back-to-school drive-through fair, Christmas Joys holiday program, many hours of mask-making and many other tasks.
“I tell you, COVID had not stopped my volunteers one bit. Actually, I think some of them have worked even harder, preparing project kits, holiday program stuff, and other stuff. For that, I am truly grateful,” Hicks said.
Hicks said a lot of the hours put in by the MWV went to mask-making. Others, like Giles managed to put in over 20 hours, even with 2 small girls in the home. Neal has been involved in many programs, including working in the 100 degree temperature for several hours during the back to school fair.
Some of the Master Wellness Volunteers have been with the program several years, others are new to the program. Veteran MWV Shipp especially enjoys helping with the TwoGether in Texas marriage education workshop, typically held a 2-4 times a year depending on interest and scheduling. Shipp helps set up for the luncheon hosted in conjunction with the session and enjoys talking with the couples attending,, Hicks noted.
“I love to come and help,” said Shipp. “I don’t drive anymore so somebody has to come and get me, but I love to stay busy.”
Marjean Allen said she took loves volunteering her time as a Master Wellness Volunteer. She says she too enjoys staying busy with MWV program.
“I just want to thank you ladies so much from the bottom of my heart, because without y’all we could not have the impact that we have here in the county. Not only are your volunteers, but I consider you my friends. I think we’ve developed some pretty close relationships. I even went on a quilting cruise with a couple of my volunteers that I consider friends. I do thank you very much,” Hicks said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Each MWV received a certificate of appreciation denoting her volunteer hours.
The Extension Supporter of the Year is scheduled to be recognized during the 9 a.m. meeting of Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday, Nov. 23.
The next Master Wellness Volunteer training session will begin in January. Registration is open at http://agrilife.org/mwv through Jan. 14, 2020 Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first session will be Jan. 19 and the final session on March 3, with an online study in February. There is a $75 registration fee, reduced to $25 for college students.
For more information about the local Master Wellness Volunteer program and upcoming training or any other Extension program, contact the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension office, 903-885-3443, 1200-B West Houston Street. MWV applications are also available at the Hopkins County Extension Office. Additional information about the state program can be found online at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu
Wood County Sheriff’s Report Nov. 11-17, 2020
Wood County Sheriff’s Office provided the following activity report for Nov. 11-17, 2020:
- Abandoned Vehicle: 2
- Alarm: 8
- Animal Complaint: 8
- Arrest/Warrant Service: 5
- Assault: 4
- Burglary: 3
- Criminal Mischief: 4
- Criminal Trespass: 3
- Disorderly Conduct: 1
- Disturbances/Disputes: 6
- Fire Structure: 1
- Fraud: 5
- Livestock at Large: 8
- Missing Person: 2
- Motorist Assist: 3
- Reckless Driver: 2
- Shots Fired: 2
- Suspicious Activity: 21
- Theft: 7
- Traffic Hazard: 2
- Unauthorized Use of Vehicle: 1
- Welfare Check: 11
KSST Video Interns: Interview with Kaitlynn Monaghen
The KSST Interns interviewed Monaghen about the upcoming SSISD Theater performance of Puffs. The play debuts on November 19th, 2020. Online tickets can be purchased here.
KSST is proud to support local students by offering intern opportunities throughout the school year. It’s a tradition that reaches back to the early days of KSST radio in Hopkins County. This semester we have a total of 6 interns working with our stations.
Interns are encouraged to work together to create projects that have a positive impact on our community. On the whole they are allowed to pursue topics they choose. We do give them a nudge every now and then.
They would love to hear feedback on all their work. Feel free to email feedback and/or story ideas to [email protected].
DSHS Offers Tips To Help Reduce Risk Of COVID-19 During The Holidays
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Texas enters the holiday season at a time when novel coronavirus is spreading rapidly and hospitalizations continue to rise throughout the state. The Texas Department of State Health Services is providing guidance on how to decrease the risk of spreading COVID-19 during the holidays.
This year, DSHS recommends being safer by celebrating in person with the people who live in your household and connecting virtually with those who live elsewhere.
A virtual Thanksgiving dinner allows friends and family to gather in their own homes and connect online or by phone as they sit down to dinner together. Other safe activities could include watching parades, programs and holiday movies at home or making a meal for a neighbor and delivering it without direct contact.
DSHS recommends those who do choose to gather with people they don’t live with take the following steps to reduce the chances of spreading novel coronavirus:
- Talk ahead of time to set expectations about the precautions everyone should be taking.
- Keep gatherings small.
- Wear a mask with multiple layers that completely covers tje nose and mouth.
- Always maintain 6 feet of physical distance between people who don’t live together.
- Gather and eat outside or, those who do choose to be inside can improve ventilation by opening windows.
- Have guests bring their own food rather than sharing dishes and utensils.
- Frequently clean and disinfect items and surfaces touched by multiple people.
DSHS recommends that people avoid large gatherings, including crowded stores at peak shopping times, as a means to help decrease spread of COVID-19 during the holidays. Instead, the state health officials recommend shopping at less busy times or in open air markets and places where physical distancing is possible.
Washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick can also help prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses from spreading.
Tira News: Annual Community Christmas Party Cancelled Due To COVID
By Jan Vaughn
The quarterly meeting of the Tira City Council is scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Community Center.
The annual Community Christmas Party has been cancelled due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure. We hope to have a big party next year.
Joyce Dodd, speaking on behalf of the Council, would like to express appreciation for the “people who help keep our pantry going with their generous and heartfelt gifts of food and money to help those who are having to struggle due to loss of jobs during this pandemic.”
We want to express our sympathy to Debra Wood and her sister, Barbara Cockrum. They lost two cousins less than three weeks apart. Debra reported, “Bonnie Johnston of Enloe passed away on October 28th and her sister Sandra Watkins of Cooper passed away on November 14th, due to COVID complications.” Bonnie’s funeral was held on Monday, Nov. 16, at the Delta Funeral Home. At the time of Debra’s report, Sandra’s funeral arrangements had not been made. Please remember the family in your prayers.
Yvonne Weir shared that her daughter and granddaughter, Dacy and Elise, visited on Sunday and they all went to Justa’s Barn and got a few bargains.
Our great-grandsons spent a few hours with us on Saturday evening. They enjoyed fishing and playing on the riding toys outside and coming in to play electronic games.
I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very safe and happy Thanksgiving!
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Nov. 18 COVID-19 Update: 1 Fatality, 3 New Cases
Another Hopkins County resident was confirmed Nov. 18 to have died from COVID-19. according to Texas Department of State Health Services. Three additional new cases were also reported by Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials in the Nov. 18 COVID-19 update.
HC/SSEM Nov. 18 COVID-19 Update
The HC/SSEM officials reported three additional Hopkins County residents have received lab-confirmed positive molecular COVID-19 tests. That’s 18 new cases this week, 85 so far this month and 769 cumulative cases since March. That’s 2.07 percent of the county’s estimated 37,084 population who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March.
No additional recoveries were reported in the Nov. 18 COVID-19 update. So, the count remains at 82 Hopkins County residents who were confirmed to have recovered from COVID-19 this month. Cumulatively, that’s 622 recoveries since March.
With no recoveries to offset the rise in COVID-19 cases, that means the active case count also increased by 3 on Nov. 18, for a total of 147 active COVID-19 cases among Hopkins County residents who have received positive molecular COVID-19 tests results, according to the Nov. 18 COVID-19 update.
HC/SSEM officials showed 96 additional molecular COVID-19 tests performed at 128-A Jefferson Street on Tuesday, Nov. 17. That’s 360 oral swab tests performed at the location in the last 7 days, 1,257 so far this month and 3,653 since the Sulphur Springs testing site opened on Sept. 25.
Molecular testing will continue to be offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays in November. Register online at www.GoGetTested.com for the oral swab test.
Sulphur Springs ISD COVID-19 Notifications
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Wednesday evening, Nov. 18, sent to parents, students and employees on five district campuses notifications of 12 students and 3 staff members who have received positive COVID-19 results; these individuals have been on the school campus in the last week.
New cases reported Nov. 18 are as follows:
- Sulphur Springs Elementary – 2 staff and 1 student
- Sulphur Springs High School – 2 students, 1 staff
- Sulphur Springs Middle School – 6 students
- Barbara Bush Primary – 2 students
- Lamar Primary – 1 student
Hospital Update
For the third time this month, the patient count in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs has risen to 17, the fullest its been since HC/SSEM began reporting the hospital data in August.
That reflects a fairly steady increase in the number COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state over the last 1 1/2 month, from 3,190 (on Oct. 1 to 7,958 (12.04 percent of the total hospital capacity) on Nov. 18. That’s out of 60,587 staffed inpatient hospital beds in Texas. That left available in hospitals across the state 866 ICU beds, 7,457 ventilators and 11,350 hospital beds.
In Trauma Service Area F, which includes Hopkins County, there were 9 available ICU beds, two fewer than on Tuesday; 74 available ventilators, 1 less on Nov. 18; 138 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients currently in hospitals, 1 less; 620 total hospitalizations, 18 more; 984 total staffed inpatient beds, 18 more than on Tuesday; 1,075 staffed hospital beds, 18 more; and continued to be 364 available hospital beds.
| Trauma Service Area F Categories | Nov. 17, 2020 Counts | Nov. 18, 2020 Counts |
|---|---|---|
| Population Estimate 2020 | 273,329 | 273,329 |
| Total Staffed Hospital Beds | 1,057 | 1,075 |
| Available Hospital Beds | 364 | 364 |
| Available ICU Beds | 11 | 9 |
| Available Ventilators | 75 | 74 |
| Lab-Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in Hospital | 139 | 138 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 602 | 620 |
| Total Staffed Inpatient Beds | 966 | 984 |
DSHS County Fatality & Case Reports
A 49th COVID-19 fatality was reported by DSHS in the Nov. 18 COVID-19 “Fatalities by County of Residence” dashboard, that’s one more death than was reported over the past five days.
The date of the latest Hopkins County resident reported to have death from COVID-19 had not been released by DSHS at 8 p.m. Nov. 18. As of Nov. 17, only one Hopkins County resident was confirmed to have died from the virus in November. There were 28 Hopkins County residents whose death according to their death certificates was COVID-19, 11 in September, 6 deaths in August and 2 in July.
Although the 49 COVID-19 deaths represent only 0.13 percent of Hopkins County’s population, the fatality rate among the residents who have tested COVID-19 positive since March is 6.37 percent.
Hunt and Lamar are the only two surrounding counties with more COVID-19 deaths than Hopkins County.
| County | Total Positive COVID-19 Cases | COVID-19 Fatalities |
|---|---|---|
| Hopkins | 769 | 49 |
| Titus | 1,723 | 38 |
| Hunt | 2,515 | 54 |
| Lamar | 2,385 | 65 |
| Franklin | 242 | 10 |
| Delta | 45 | 0 |
| Red River | 213 | 18 |
| Wood | 817 | 46 |
| Rains | 141 | 6 |
In Hunt County, 2.55 percent of the population(2,515 of the county’s 98,594 residents) had tested positive for COVID-19 as of Nov. 18, including 54 who have died of COVID-19 (2.15 percent of the COVID-19 positive residents.
In Lamar County, 2,385 (4.79 percent) of the 49,859 population have tested positive for COVID-19, including 65 residents who died of COVID-19. That’s a 2.73 percent fatality rate among Lamar County residents who have tested positive for the virus.
The only area county with no COVID-19 deaths is Delta, where only 45 of the 5,331 residents (0.84 percent) have tested positive for COVID-19. Six of the 141 Rains County residents who have tested positive of COVID-19 have died. That’s a fatality rate of 4.26 percent for Rains County residents who have tested positive for the virus, according to DSHS reports.
While both Titus County and Wood County have both had more COVID-19 cases, both have had fewer fatalities from the virus.
Titus County has had 1,723 of the 32,750 residents test positive for COVID-19 (5.26 percent), including 38 who died from COVID-19 (2.21 percent of positive cases).
Wood County, which has an estimated population of 45,539, has had 817 residents (1.79 percent) who received positive COVID results, including 46 who died from COVID-19. That’s 5.36 percent of positive Wood County residents dying from COVID-19 in Wood County.
The local county with the highest fatality percentage among COVID-19 residents is Red River County. The county has had 213 of the 12,023 population test positive for novel coronavirus 2019 (1.77 percent), but has reported 18 deaths, giving Red River County a fatality percentage of 8.45 percent, according to DSHS data.
HHS Nursing and Assisted Living, Child Care Center Counts
Texas Health and Human Services made a correction to the case numbers for Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab.
Monday, HHS reported 5 resident COVID-19 deaths at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab as of Nov. 2. On Tuesday, HHS reported 27 resident recoveries, 13 active resident cases and 54 cumulative resident cases at SSHR as of Nov. 3. On Wednesday, however, HHS reported there have only been 4 resident deaths at SSHR, 26 resident recoveries, 14 active resident cases and 53 cumulative resident cases as of Nov. 4.
Ten active COVID-19 cases were also reported among Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab employees on Nov. 4, according to the HHS nursing facility report.
The Nov. 18 HHS nursing facility report showed both Carriage House Manor and Rock Creek Health and Rehab to have one active resident COVID-19 case each on Nov. 4, the most recent data available from HHS.
There were no active COVID-19 cases reported in assisted living facilities on on Nov. 4 and licensed child are centers, school-age programs, and before and -after-school programs Nov. 17 in Hopkins County, according to HHS reports.
