Dallas Woman Allegedly Tossed Methamphetamine Out Window During Stop
A 35-year-old Dallas woman allegedly tossed meth out of a vehicle window during a traffic stop early Saturday morning, according to sheriff’s reports.
When Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nick Marney attempted to stop a Ford passenger vehicle around 2:45 a.m. Nov. 21 at mile marker 129 on Interstate 30 east for a defective license plate light the driver continued to the 131 mile marker, taking the exit ramp before stopping. After the car exited I-30, Marney reported seeing a white object ejected from a window on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle stopped on the south service road, just off the exit, Marney alleged in arrest reports. Additional deputies, including Deputy Aaron Chaney, assisted at the location.
Upon initial contact with a woman in the car, the woman was asked multiple times to provide identification and proof of insurance for the vehicle but did not provide the requested documents, Marney and Sgt. Scott Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Chaney remained with the vehicle while Marney attempted to locate the white item ejected from the vehicle. Marney reported finding a white sock and small clear bag containing a crystal-like substance he suspected was methamphetamine.
When Marney returned to the vehicle, the woman had closed the driver’s side window and and locked the door and was still unwilling to identify herself to officers, deputies noted in arrest reports. Deputies were able to unlock the doors from the passenger’s side of the vehicle, then “retrieved” the woman from the vehicle, put her in handcuffs and sat her in a patrol vehicle, Marney and Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Chaney reported finding a Texas ID card in the card. A records check using the information showed the woman to be wanted in Collin County for violation of probation on a third or more driving while intoxicated charge, Marney alleged in arrest reports.
The woman, identified in arrest reports as 35-year-old Carolyn Suzanne Hinson of Dallas, was arrested not only on the warrant but also for tampering with evidence (the suspected methamphetamine) and possession of 0.5 gram of the suspected Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and failure to identify as a fugitive from justice, according to arrest reports.
Hinson remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday afternoon. Her bond was set at $5,000 on both the tampering and controlled substance charge and $2,000 on the Class B misdemeanor failure to ID charge, according to jail reports.
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.
Suspected Meth, A Firearm, Large Amount Of Cash Discovered During Traffic Stop
A firearm, suspected methamphetamine and large amount of cash discovered by police during a traffic stop Friday night resulted in a 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Special Crimes Unit Sgt. Joe Scott reported seeing a GMC sport utility vehicle illegally parked. When the car left, officers initiated a traffic stop on the corner of Martin Luther King Drive and Gilmer Street.
Scott reported seeing an open container near the center console. He had the man in the vehicle step out, then patted him down. Scott alleged finding a glass pipe of the kind used to smoke methamphetamine and detained the man.
A search of the SUV revealed a 9mm pistol and 1.8 grams of suspected meth near the driver’s seat. A large amount of cash (nearly $8,000) was found in a backpack in the back seat. Several items of drug paraphernalia, including a large amount of plastic bags of the type used for narcotics packaging and sales were also located. Communications operators advised 40-year-old Alexander Garza of Sulphur Springs is a convicted felon.
Suspecting the money to be proceeds from the sale of illegal narcotics, police arrested Garza at 9:45 p.m. on unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and money laundering charges. He remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning on the charges, according to jail reports.
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.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of November 23, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Nov. 23, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
The annual contract to perform crack sealing operations in Grayson County is in progress. Daytime lane closures will be present during crack sealing operations and drivers should expect delays. The following roadways in Grayson County will be crack sealed this year; Business US 377D in Tioga, Business US 377C in Collinsville, SH 289 from the Collin County line to US 82, FM 996 from FM 120 to FM 1417, SH 91 from US 75 to FM 1310, the US 82 frontage road in Sherman, FM 120 from FM 1753 to the Oklahoma State line, FM 1897 from US 69 to the end of State maintenance, FM 898 from SH 11 to the Fannin County line, FM 121 from FM 3356 to SH 289, FM 120 in Pottsboro from Chrissa Drive to Vine Street, and the US 75 frontage roads from FM 902 to the Collin County line.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91 as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar Streets (SH 56) is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street (SH 56) exit. The northbound frontage road from South Travis Street to near Park Avenue is closed for crews to work on building the remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75 at the South Travis Street intersection. Traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. The southbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the North Travis Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete slabs. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge and the approaches to the bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to the temporary detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the southbound US 75 frontage road while construction crews work on completing the remainder of the project. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691. The new FM 691 exit ramp is open to access FM 691.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
FM 131, Grayson County: between FM 120 and US 82. Watch for daytime lanes closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
The annual contract to perform crack sealing operations in Fannin County is in progress. Daytime lane closures will be present during the crack sealing operations and drivers should expect delays. The following roadways in Fannin County will be crack sealed this year: FM 1396 from SH 78 to FM 2029; FM 1752 from US 82 to FM 1753; US 82 from SH 121 to the Grayson County line; SH 11 from SH 121 to SH 78; SH 78 from SH 11 to US 69; and FM 68 from SH 78 to SH 34.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided section. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement on the eastern end of the project between the Fannin and Lamar County line and County Road 2975. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while crews work on the inside lane to work on building the crossovers and turn lanes. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median. The SH 121 and US 82 frontage road intersections have been converted to signalized intersections. The on-ramp to westbound US 82 from SH 78 has been closed while crews work on building the new westbound main lanes. The westbound exit ramp for SH 121 is closed as crews work on building the new main lanes in this area. Exiting traffic for SH 121 is asked to use the SH 78 exit and continue along the frontage road to SH 121.
County Road 3530, Fannin County: at Wafer Creek. County Road 3530 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new culvert. Traffic on CR 3530 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
I-30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews begin work on cross drainage structures.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
FM 79, Lamar Co.: from Loop 286 to BU 82 H (Bonham Street). Watch for lane closures while crews install drainage inlet and place final pavement markings.
FM 1507, Lamar County: from South Collegiate Drive to Loop 286. This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway.
US 271, Lamar County: 4.5 mi. north of Loop 286 (southbound). Watch for right lane closure while crews fill in milled rumbled strips on the shoulder.
SH 19, Delta County: from the Delta-Lamar County line to SH 24/19 south. Watch for lane closures while crews perform full-depth concrete repairs.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement, upgrade bridge rail, and place new hot mix.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). Watch for daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing roadway.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the north side of the roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the south side.
SH 37, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail from Clarksville to Bogata.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903. This project will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor is currently working on establishing vegetation. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is constructing cross culverts and rehabilitation work on this roadway has begun. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor will be placing SW3P devices and prepping the right-of-way. No work will be performed at this location from Nov. 25-29. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing pothole repairs, mowing and metal beam guard fence repairs around the county, and removing debris from I-30 early this week. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing various sign installations, potholing and debris removal. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway.
SH 34 bridge, Hunt County: 3.5 miles south of Quinlan. TxDOT has placed a temporary concrete traffic barrier to protect travelers from the damage caused by an 18-wheeler accident. The bridge/road is now open to both lanes of traffic. Please drive cautiously and safely in this area.
Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews. Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
###
Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Assaulting Ex-Wife
A 36-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of assaulting his ex-wife early Saturday, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cameron Robinson responded to an assault complaint at a West Spence Street at 12:30 a.m. Nov. 21. Upon arrival at the residence, Micah Wayne Reynolds was accused of punching his ex-wife in the face, causing her pain, and of shoving her to the floor. His wife’s children reportedly witnessed the assault. Reynolds was taken into custody at 1:43 a.m. Saturday to prevent further violence from occurring, according to arrest reports.
A records check showed he had engaged in family violence two or more times within a 12-month period. Thus, Reynolds was charged with assault of a family or household member twice within 12 months, a third-degree felony charge, according to arrest reports.
Jail records show Reynolds was arrested Dec. 21, 2019 and March 21, 2020 on family violence assault charges. He also had a May 9, 2013 assault charge on his record as well, according to jail reports.
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.
Wildcats Football Team Explodes On Offense, Outscoring Crandall 72-44
The Wildcats Football Team exploded for 10 touchdowns, outscoring Crandall 72-44 Friday night, November 20, at Pirate Stadium.
The Wildcats never punted. Crandall got things going, scoring on the opening drive going 56 yards. Pirate junior quarterback Jamonte Gordon-West tossed a 31 yard TD pass to receiver Sammy Omosigho. The Pirates then went for two and successfully completed a pass. The Pirates led 8-0 with just 56 seconds gone in the first quarter.
The Wildcats struck back going 49 yards. Senior back Caden Davis ran 19 yards for a touchdown. Josh Tavera’s extra point kick was good and Crandall’s lead was only 8-7 with 8:31 left in the first quarter.
After the Wildcats forced Crandall to punt, the Wildcats went 61 yards for a score. Junior back Douglas Deloney scored on a one yard run. The Wildcats led 14-8 with 4:42 left in the initial quarter.
Crandall answered right back covering 75 yards in only 48 seconds. Gordon-West threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Luke Moffitt. Crandall went up 15-14 with 3:54 left in the first quarter.
The Wildcats went back in front, going 47 yards in just 51 seconds. Davis ran 20 yards for a touchdown and the Wildcats were ahead 21-15 with 3:03 left in the first quarter.
After the Wildcats’ defense forced the Pirates to turn the ball over on downs, the Wildcats continued their scoring barrage in the second quarter. They drove 85 yards. Davis had a long run during the drive. Back J.J. Hall scored from 2 yards out and the Wildcats increased their lead to 28-15 with 11:34 left in the second period.
Crandall struck back ; 53 seconds later, as they covered 75 yards. The three play drive was capped off by a 71 yard TD pass from Gordon-West to Joshua Smith and the Wildcats lead was cut down to 28-22 with 10:41 left in quarter number 2.
After the Wildcats drove the ball but missed a field goal, Crandall took the lead again. They went 80 yards with Gordon-West tossing a 50 yard TD pass to Sammy Omosigho. The Pirates led 29-28 with 6:01 left in the second quarter.
Just 1:23 later, the Wildcats went ahead for good. They drove 75 yards. Hall ran 23 yards for a TD and the Wildcats led 35-29 with 4:38 left in the second quarter. The Wildcats then forced Crandall to punt and the Wildcats tallied one more score just before halftime. C.J. Williams ran 2 yards to the end zone out of the Wildcat package with just 19 seconds left before the half. The Wildcats took a 42-29 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats got the ball to open the third quarter and drove 70 yards for another score. Deloney rumbled 58 yards down the field for the score. The Wildcats led 49-29 with 10:52 to go in the third quarter.
Just 1:51 later, Crandall scored again. Back Chris Abron ran 9 yards for a score. Again the Pirates completed a PAT pass for two points and, the Pirates then only trailed 49-37 with 9:01 left in quarter number 3.
The relentless Wildcats struck right back taking only 10 seconds to score in one play covering 75 yards. Quarterback Kaden Wallace hooked up with receiver C.J. Williams for the pass and catch. The Wildcats extended their lead to 56-37 with 8:51 left in the third quarter.
Crandall answered going 75 yards for a score. Gordon-West threw a TD pass to Abron and the Wildcats lead was reduced to 56-44 with 4:18 left in the third quarter.
Again, the Wildcats found the end zone. They drove 64 yards and Deloney covered the last 13 yards. The Wildcats led 63-44 with 2:15 left in the third quarter. Crandall was on the march again but, their drive ended on a bad snap on fourth down.
The Wildcats then scored in the fourth quarter. Deloney scored on a 7 yard TD run. The Wildcats led 70-44 with just 5:48 left in the game.
Defensive back Dominique Sims ended the next Crandall drive with an interception. On the Wildcats next drive, several players lost their tempers and a near brawl ensued. Order was finally restored and the Wildcats turned the ball over on downs. Crandall could not move on their next possession and disaster struck them on a fourth down punt. The center snap sailed over the punter’s head and he ran out of the back of the end zone for a safety with several Wildcats in hot pursuit. And, that’s the way it ended with the Wildcats up 72-44.
Crandall quarterback Jamonte Gordon-West ended up with 5 TD passes. For the Wildcats, Deloney scored 4 touchdowns, Davis had 2 and Hall also had a pair. Williams scored twice, one on a run and another on the receiving end of a Wallace pass.
The Wildcats improved their season record to 2-4. After a bye next Friday, the Wildcats end the season at Forney on December 4.
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Wins Bi-District Match 3-0 Over Tyler in Grand Saline Friday Night
The Lady Cats Volleyball Team put a solid effort on the court to sweep by Tyler, 3-0 in a bi-district match Friday evening, Nov. 20, at Grand Saline. The Lady Cats won 25-14, 25-14 and 25-7.
The district champion Lady Cats got a big game from junior middle blocker Brooklyn Burnside who had a team high 13 kills and 4 blocks to go along with 3 digs and 3 service aces. Senior outside hitter Sadie Washburn had 8 digs, 8 kills and 3 aces. Junior setter Peyton Hammack had 5 digs, a kill, 22 assists and 2 aces. Senior libero Parris Pickett had 11 digs and an ace. Sophomore outside hitter Addisyn Wall had 3 digs and three kills. Junior middle blocker Kaslyn Hurley had a dig, 2 kills and 3 blocks. Senior outside hitter Caroline Hurley had 4 kills and an assist. Senior Nylah Lindley had an assist. Senior Bre’Asia Ivery had 3 digs and a kill. Mali Maeker had 2 digs. Sophomore Laney Hurst had 4 digs and 3 aces. Landry Speer had a dig, 4 assists and 2 aces.
The Lady Cats improved their season record to 15-7. The Lady Cats now face North Forney in an Area match Tuesday at Royse City at a time to be determined.
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.
McKinney Boyd Uses Big Fourth Quarter To Defeat Wildcats Basketball Team
The Wildcats Basketball Team dropped a game down the stretch on the road Friday night, Nov. 20, losing to McKinney Boyd, 71-64.
The Wildcats got off to a solid start leading the Broncos, 21-9 after the first quarter. The Wildcats also led at the half, 32-25 and 46-44 after three quarters. Boyd outscored the Wildcats 27-18 in the last quarter to put the game in the win column.
Senior guard Boo Wilkerson led the Wildcats with 21 points. Senior point guard Lamodrick Johnson scored 12 points. Junior guard Caleb Alexander added 11 points. Sophomore post Kordrick Turner scored 9 points. Cason Arrington had 8 points. Senior Malique Cole scored 3 points.
The Wildcats season record is now 1-2. The Wildcats return to the home court to play Sherman Monday at 4 p.m.
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.
Nov. 20 COVID-19 Update: 4 New Cases, 19 In COVID Unit
Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials in the Nov. 20 COVID-19 update reported 4 new lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases and a patient count of 19 patients in the hospital COVID Unit.
HC/SSEM Nov. 20 COVID-19 Update
That makes 28 additional Hopkins County residents whose COVID-19 test results came back positive this week and 95 who received positive results this month. Cumulatively, 779 Hopkins County residents have tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019 since March, according to the HC/SSEM Nov. 20 COVID-19 update. That’s a cumulative positivity rate of 2.1 percent for the overall Hopkins County population.
There were no COVID-19 recoveries reported on Friday, marking the 11th straight day without any Hopkins County residents recovering from COVID-19. Earlier this month 82 residents had recovered, increasing the cumulative number of recoveries to 622.
That leaves 157 Hopkins County residents who still had COVID-19 on Nov. 20. That’s the highest active case count so far this year, the most since Oct. 30, when the active case count fell from 159 to 144.
There also were no new fatalities reported for Hopkins County on Nov. 20. The 50 COVID-19 deaths previously confirmed by death certificate accounted for only about 0.13 percent of the population. The fatality rate among positive cases, however, was 6.42.
The testing site at 128-A Jefferson St. also performed 111 COVID-19 tests on Thursday, for a total of 573 swab tests performed at the site in the past 7 days and 1,473 molecular tests so far this month. Since the free testing site opened on Sept. 25, a total of 3,866 oral tests have been conducted, HC/SSEM noted in the Nov. 20 COVID-19 update.
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.
Hospital Counts
The COVID Unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs held 19 patients on Friday, HC/SSEM reported in the Nov. 20 COVID-19 update. That’s eclipses the previous high of 17 reported by HC/SSEM on Nov. 19, Nov. 10, Nov. 16, and Sept. 28.
The COVID count at hospitals across the state also rose Friday. COVID hospitalizations accounted for 12.03 percent of the total hospital capacity on Friday, up from 11.92 percent on Thursday, Nov. 19. That’s 8,164 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients currently in Texas hospital, out of 67,845 total staffed hospital beds and 62,140 total staff inpatient beds. That leaves available 11,214 hospital beds, 877 ICU beds and 7,440 ventilator, according to the Nov. 20 Texas Department of State Health Services Texas Case Counts COVID-19 dashboard for Test and Hospital Data.
In Trauma Service Area F, which includes Hopkins County and CMFHSS, there was 1 more staff hospital bed on Friday, and 1 more staffed inpatient bed than the 1,019 reported on Thursday. The number of total available beds has continued to increase over the last two days, rising from 364 on Wednesday to 375 on Thursday and finally, 387 available hospital beds in TSA-F on Friday. The number of available ventilators increased by 1 daily, from 74 on Wednesday to 76 on Friday in TSA-F. There were 14 available ICU beds on Friday. five more than on Wednesday and Thursday and 3 more than on Monday. There was 1 less lab-confirmed COIVD-19 patient in the hospital in TSA-F on Friday than the 149 reported on Nov. 19; the 148 on Friday was still 10 more COVID hospital patients than on Tuesday and nine more patients than on Monday, according to the DSHS data.
| Trauma Service Area F Categories | Nov. 17, 2020 Counts | Nov. 18, 2020 Counts | Nov. 19, 2020 Counts | Nov. 20, 2020 Counts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population Estimate 2020 | 273,329 | 273,329 | 273,329 | 273,329 |
| Total Staffed Hospital Beds | 1,057 | 1,075 | 1,110 | 1,111 |
| Available Hospital Beds | 364 | 364 | 375 | 387 |
| Available ICU Beds | 11 | 9 | 9 | 14 |
| Available Ventilators | 75 | 74 | 75 | 76 |
| Lab-Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in Hospital | 139 | 138 | 149 | 148 |
| Total Staffed Inpatient Beds | 966 | 984 | 1,019 | 1,020 |
HHS Facility Case Counts
Texas Health and Human Services reported no active cases among assisted living facilities in Sulphur Springs on Nov. 6 and none among licensed child care centers, school-age programs, and before- or after-school programs as of Nov. 19.
The Nov. 20 HHS nursing facility report showed 2 additional resident COIVD-19 deaths at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab on Nov. 6. That’s 37 total resident fatalities among the 167 residents at Sulphur Springs nursing homes who have tested positive since March: 24 fatalities at Carriage House Manor, 6 at SSHR and 7 at Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab as of Nov. 6, the most recent nursing facility data available from HHS.
Five additional employees had tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 6 for a total of 16 positive employee cases among Sulphur Springs nursing facilities. Carriage House had 1 positive case on Nov. 6; Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab had 14, 1 more than the day before; and Sunny Springs Nursing and Rehab still had 1 positive employee cases, according to the Nov. 20 HHS nursing facility report.
One additional resident recovery was also reported at SSHR on Nov. 6, leaving 13 active resident cases at the facility. One resident at Rock Creek Health and Rehabilitation still had COVID-19, while another resident at Carriage House Manor had tested positive, giving the facility two active resident cases on Nov. 6, according to the Nov. 20 HHS nursing facility report.
Friday Game Day features Wildcats Football, Playoff Lady Cats Volleyball and Wildcats Basketball
Wildcats Football, playoff Lady Cats Volleyball and Wildcats Basketball all on this game day Friday (November 20).
The Wildcats Football Team is in uncharted territory. Tonight might just be the very first time the Wildcats have played Crandall in a football game. A check of Wildcats football records find no mention of a game against Crandall. Wildcats Coach Owens has to go back to his days as Lindale Head Coach to remember facing the Pirates. This game is between the #3 seeds in the two zones the district broke into in an attempt to get a meaningful season in during this coronavirus pandemic. Both the Wildcats and Pirates went 1-2 in zone play. That means that right now both are out of the playoff picture. The game’s winner tonight will be the next option for the playoffs if any of the top four district teams are sidelined by the virus, heaven forbid. The Wildcats are 1-4 this season and Crandall is 3-3. Crandall won games against Jacksonville, Joshua and Forney. They have losses to Pine Tree, Ennis and Royse City. The Wildcats got their win against Corsicana and they lost games to Frisco Wakeland, Lovejoy, North Forney and Greenville. Crandall’s head coach is Kyle Hardin, in his first year. He came to the Pirates from McKinney North where he was the Offensive Coordinator. He also coached at Rowlett. Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens is in his 15th year here. KSST Radio will bring you the game tonight from Crandall with streaming audio starting at around 7:30 p.m. The station will also be attempting to have a live video stream of the game. The game will be recorded and posted to YouTube and will air on tape delay also on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
The Lady Cats Volleyball Team, district champs of District 15-5A, play a bi-district match against District 16-5A’s number 4 seed Tyler tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Grand Saline. The Lady Cats come in with a 14-7 season record. They have won 11 of their last 12 matches The winner of tonight’s contest will face North Forney next Monday or Tuesday in an Area game.
The Wildcats Baksetball Team will play their third game of the season and their first contest on the road. The Wildcats play at McKinney Boyd with game time set to start at around 7:30 p.m. There will also be a JV game at 6 p.m. The Wildcats are 1-1 with a loss to Tyler Legacy and a win over North Lamar, with both games at home. The McKinney Boyd Broncos Head Coach is former Wildcats Basketball Coach Jeremy Josey. He had a young JV assistant coach in Sulphur Springs named Clark Cipoletta. Coach Cip refers to Coach Josey as one of his mentors in the coaching business.
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.
Hopkins County Had Lowest October 2020 Unemployment Rate In Area
Hopkins County had the lowest October 2020 unemployment rate in the Texarkana Area Unemployment Statistics report, which covers the 9-county area which spans from Bowie and Cass counties west to Lamar, Delta and Hopkins counties.
The unemployment rate in Hopkins County like that across the state declined over the last month, but has yet to fall to pre-COVID-19 rates, according to Local Area Unemployment Statistics released Friday by Texas Labor Market Information and Texas Workforce Commission.
Hopkins County had a 4.8 percent unemployment rate for October 2020; that’s 824 of the county’s 17,222 civilian labor force who were looking were unemployed in October. That’s a 0.9 percent decline in the unemployment rate from September 2020, when 972 of the 17,171 labor force were unemployed, to October 2020. The unemployment rate in October 2019 was 2.9 percent, according to the WDA unemployment reports for the Texarkana/Northeast Texas region.
The next lowest unemployment rates in the WDA for October 2020 were posted by Hopkins County’s nearest neighbors.
Delta County had 5.0 percent unemployment rate in October 2020, with 120 of the county’s 2,392 labor force unemployed; that’s down 0.8 percent from September 2020, when 137 of the 2,380 labor force were unemployed. Delta County’s unemployment rate was 3.4 percent in October 2019, when 84 of the 2,466 labor force were without work.
The unemployment rate in Franklin County fell from 6 percent in September 2020, when 23 of the 4,552 work force were without jobs, to 5.2 percent in October 2020, when 237 of the 4,567 labor force were unemployed. That’s still up from the 3.4 percent unemployment rate posted in October 2019, when 158 of Franklin County’s 4,642 labor force were unemployed.
Lamar County’s unemployment rate fell from 6.8 percent in September 2020, when 1,633 of the 24,143 labor force were unemployed, to 5.7 percent in October 2020, when 1,382 of the 24,127 labor force sought jobs. In October 2019, the unemployment rate was 3.2 percent, with 773 of the 24, 378 labor force without employment, according to the WDA October 2020 unemployment report. In Paris alone, the unemployment rate fell from 7.8 percent in September 2020 to 6.5 percent in October 2020, which is still 3.1 percent higher than the unemployment rate posted in October 2019 for the city.
Unemployment rates declined in all other counties in the WDA. The rate ranged between 6 and 7 percent for October 2020 for all other counties in WDA, except Morris and Cass Counties.
Morris County continued to have the highest unemployment rate in the WDA in October 2020, as was the case 1 year ago. The unemployment rate rose from 5.1 percent in October 2019, when 246 of the 4,820 labor force sought jobs, to 12.3 percent in October 2020, when 612 of the 4,978 labor force sought work. The October 2020 unemployment rate was a 1.4 percent decline from September 2020, when 688 of the 5,005 labor force sought jobs.
In Cass County, 960 people from among the 12,517 labor force were without jobs in October 2020, giving the county a 7.7 percent unemployment rate. That’s down from 8.6 percent in September 2020, when 1,083 people from among the 12,528 sought employment. That’s still 3.7 percent higher than in October 2019, when 489 people out of the 12,473 workforce were without jobs.
Those decreases amount to an overall October 2020 unemployment rate of 6.2 percent for the North East Texas WDA, a 1.1 percent decrease from September 2020, but still 2.5 percent higher than the October 2019 unemployment rate.
Across Texas, the unemployment rate was 6.7 percent in October 2020, down from 8.2 percent in September 2020, but still 4.4 percent higher than October of 2019. The seasonably adjusted unemployment rate for Texas was 6.9 percent, 3.9 percent below October 2019, according to Texas Workforce Commission and Texas LMI.
The Texas unemployment rate for October 2020 is in line with the National unemployment rate of 6.9 percent. Texas’ private sector added 136,300 jobs over the month, according to TWC.
“While the unemployment rate captures only a snapshot of our economy at a specific moment in time, the job growth we have seen over the past 6 months shows an enduring strength in the state’s economy,” TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel was quoted in a TWC press release. “To maximize our efforts, TWC will continue to provide opportunities for Texans to enhance their jobs skills, search for new jobs and participate in other workforce services at one of our many Workforce Solutions Offices.”
In October, the Professional and Business services sector added 45,200 jobs—the largest monthly increase recorded for this industry since the series began in 1990. Leisure and Hospitality added 27,700 jobs and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 19,300 jobs, according to the TWC release.
“While the economy may look a bit different, one thing holds true: skilled workers are in-demand,” TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez was quoted in the TWC release as stating. “TWC is proud to promote on-the-job training through Registered Apprenticeship Programs which help Texans build skills and create careers while earning an income.”
Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.
