Hopkins County Oct. 26 COVID-19 Update: 11 Recoveries, 8 New Cases
Although 8 additional Hopkins County residents received positive COVID-19 results, 11 residents recovered from COVID-19, decreasing the overall active case count from 185 to 181 on Oct. 26, Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials reported in the Oct. 26 COVID-19 update.
Overall, that makes 247 Hopkins County residents who have received positive COVID-19 results and 144 who have recovered from the virus this month. Cumulatively, 608 Hopkins County residents have tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019 since March, including 427 who have recovered from the virus.
Nine Hopkins County residents have died in October as a result of COVID-19, which increases the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in Hopkins County to 27, according to Texas Department of State Health Services.
The number of patients in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs rose to 10 Monday, up from 8 on Friday, HC/SSEM reported in the Oct. 26 COVID-19 Update. That’s the 5th weekday this month a double digit patient count has been reported. There were 11 on Oct. 20, and 10 patients in the COVID-19 unit on Oct. 16, 19, 21 and 26.
Another 126 COVID-19 tests were performed Saturday at the free testing site at 128-A Jefferson St. in Sulphur Springs, that’s 1,734 COVID-19 tests conducted at the free testing site this month. The 126 tests performed Saturday increase the overall number of free tests performed at the free testing site since it opened on Sept. 25 to 2,018, according to Oct. 26 COVID-19 update.
Free COVID-19 testing is scheduled to continue until Oct. 31 at 128-A Jefferson St. Testing is offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Symptoms and high-risk exposure are not required for this free molecular testing. Anyone can be tested, including children provided they are accompanied by a parents or guardian. To register for the free oral swab test, go online to GoGetTested.com.
Sulphur Springs ISD also on Oct. 26 reported 5 new cases. A staff member at Sulphur Springs Elementary School, 2 staff members at Barbara Bush Primary and two students at Sulphur Springs High School who were all reported to have been present on their campus during the last week had received positive COVID-19 results on Monday.
State Reports
Texas Health and Human Services’ Oct. 26 nursing facility report showed 7 fewer active resident cases at Carriage House Manor from Oct. 9 to Oct. 12, the most recent data available from the state for nursing facilities. Unfortunately, four of those residents died as a result of COVID-19. That makes 19 residents of Carriage House Manor who have died from COVID-19, 55 who have tested positive for the virus and 27 who have recovered, leaving 9 active resident cases on Oct. 12, according to the Oct. 26 HHS report.
Carriage House also had 6 fewer active COVID-19 cases on Oct. 12; cumulatively, the facility has had 40 employee cases since March, according to the HHS report.
Rock Creek Health and Rehab LLC reported the facility’s 1st COVID-19 cases on Oct. 12. An employee had tested positive for the virus, but no resident cases had been reported as of Oct. 12, according to the Oct. 26 HHS nursing facility report.
One additional employee at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehabilitation, giving the facility 3 active and 5 cumulative employee cases on Oct. 12. SSHS&R reported no active resident COVID-19 cases on Oct. 12, but a total of 16 resident cases since March, including 2 deaths, according to the Oct. 26 HHS nursing facility report.
Sunny Springs Health & Rehab reported 1 additional employee had tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 12. Cumulatively, the facility has had 20 employee cases and 3 residents cases since March, according to the HHS report.
The only active COVID-19 case reported for Sulphur Springs assisted living facilities on Oct. 12 was one active employee case at Wesley House, according to the HHS Oct. 26 assisted living facility report. The employee was first reported by HHS on Sept. 30 to have tested positive for COVID-19.
There continued to be no active employee or student cases of COVID-19 on Oct. 25 at the 6 licensed child care centers, school-age programs, and before or after-school programs, according to the Oct. 26 HHS reports.
Road Materials Bids, Equipment Purchase Approved By Hopkins County Commissioners Court
Bids for road materials, continued participation in a grant program to help feed county residents, improvements to the courthouse, a new BOMAG machine for Precinct 4 and a reappointment to the county appraisal district board were among the items approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Courts
Road Materials
“We went out for bids for road materials and received back from all the normal vendors that send back every year,” Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook said.
“I just want to make mention that the material prices keep going up, up, up. As much money as we spend with these companies, I think it would behoove us — if that is the correct word– to do some communicating with the powers that be at each one of these vendors to try to get these prices down a little lower. It’s getting out of control, in my opinion,” Precinct 1 Mickey Barker said.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker noted the prices for the materials continues to increase. He said it might benefit the county to communicate with the “powers that be” for each vendor in an effort to “get prices down a little lower.”
Hopkins County Commissioners went through the bids received for various road materials, with each commissioners selecting their top 1-3 choices, but approved all bids.
Basically, by designating their top choices but accepting all bids, the commissioners have the option to make a purchase from another bidder on the list if the top bidders don’t have the product they are seeking in stock, Aulsbrook noted.
Choices varied by commissioner based on varying costs per mile from the different businesses to each county barn Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley and Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price noted. For instance, a Paris business would have to travel less for a location in the northern part of Precinct 3 than to Precinct 1 or 2, thus, the hauling cost would likely be more for Precinct 1 or 2.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said in other instances, trucks may not be available to perform or deliver the product at a specific time needed. In those instances the commissioner can opt to call on their second or third choice.
Bartley noted that if choice 1 doesn’t give him a good enough service, he defaults to his second choice in these areas when applicable.
Bids were for metal and plastic culverts, road materials, road oil, road surface sealant, oil sand, granular sub-base materials and shingles.
The county received no bids for chip sealing, according to Aulsbrook.
Budget Amendment
Aulsbrook asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving one final budget amendment to close out the 2019-2020 budget.
“It’s for security systems that were put in last budget year. We paid for it from the security budget and that budget wasn’t funded for it. So, we need to move general fund money over to cover it. We paid out $49,338 to install security systems in 2020. So, that’s what I would be moving to the security fund,” Aulsbrook said. “Those were approved and passed. I was just waiting until we paid for it all so I could get the total and move the money once.”
The 2019-2020 fiscal year ended last month and the new year began Oct. 1. Making this final amendment will allow for updated accounting to meet requirements prior to the annual outside audit of county finances, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted.
Oct. 26 is the last day that any bills can be paid or financial business added to the 2019-2020 budget.
“My understanding is y’all got it to the penny this year. I don’t know that we’ve ever been able to do that just that perfectly. So I want to brag on Kelly [Kaslon], Danny [Davis] and Shannah and all their staff. They got it to the penny this year. I’m talking everything is accurate and balanced out. That’s really amazing because outside auditors actually allow quite a bit of allowance if you’re not perfect. But we’re perfect, so I really commend yall for good work,” Newsom said.
Courthouse Repairs
The court also approved a commercial work order of $34,100 from Horn Brothers Roofing for courthouse repairs. Newsom said the company is in progress of repairing windows at Hopkins County Courthouse, hence the equipment located outside the courthouse.
“We have a wonderful, wonderful courthouse. It’s 125 years old, but it takes quite a bit of maintenance to make it work,” Newsom said.
He noted the basement and first floor windows were repaired a couple of years ago for more than $140,000. The second and third floor windows need repairs. Those got under way last week and include work inside and outside of the courthouse.
Other Items
The court approved the purchase of a Bomag from RB Everett and Company through Buyboard for $179,850 for Precinct 4. Price said they had a couple of pieces of equipment that have worn out. He plans to keep an older Bomag to be used as a mixer for the time being. Aulsbrook said Price is required to go out for bid for the project because it’s being purchased by Buyboard contract.
Newsom reported that each year the county approves a memorandum of understanding with East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. He recommended that the county do so again this year.
The court also approved the name change and ownership of Hopkins Energy LLC solar project agreement; the project is changing to NG Holdings Inc. out of Houston. This won’t change the agreement, just the name in the agreement.
A resolution authorizing the county participation in a grant program for 2021 which would allow Lamar County Human Resources Council to continue to serve Hopkins County residents by providing food for them. This is something the county does annually to allow LCHRC to feed rural homebound residents across Hopkins County. The county gives a small contribution to the program. An annual resolution approving an agreement is required in order for LCHRC to continue the service, according to Newsom.
Hopkins County Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Pogue Jenkins agreed to again serve on the Hopkins County Appraisal District Board of Directors.
One Sports Event Postponed, One Takes Place On This Rainy Game Day Monday, Oct. 26
It’s a rainy game day Monday, Oct. 26. The Wildcats and Lady Cats Golf Teams were scheduled to play at a Lovejoy-sponsored tournament Monday at the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club. That event has been postponed. Plans now call for the tournament to be played on Monday, Dec. 7
Meanwhile, the District 15-5A Cross Country Championship at Mount Pleasant did get under way on this game day Monday. The Wildcats and Lady Cats are participating. The top two teams at district will qualify for the regional meet in Dallas on Nov. 9. In the past, the top three teams would qualify but in an attempt to reduce the size of the regional meets, the UIL decided to cut district qualifiers from the top three to the top two.
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.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner On Coach’s Show After Friday Win At Mount Pleasant
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner wanted to make sure her Lady Cats were ready to play at Mount Pleasant Friday, October 23, after an emotional win at Longview on Tuesday. Coach Dorner was on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coach’s Show. The Lady Cats responded with a 3-0 win at Mount Pleasant by scores of 25-15, 25-22 and 25-21.
Coach Dorner said libero Parris Pickett had 10 straight points off serve in the set one win. She said the Lady Cats got a little relaxed in the last two sets but were able to pull out wins in those too.
Coach Dorner said Mount Pleasant had some very good athletes who can get to balls and who can block and finish at the net.
Coach Dorner said the Lady Cats don’t have as many athletes but she said she had skilled players.
For the second straight game, the Lady Cats were without two starters: Sadie Washburn and Caroline Hurley. Both were quarantined last Tuesday after being near a student who later tested positive for Covid-19. Both healthy players will return Tuesday for the Lady Cats home match against Texas High.
Coach Dorner said with the missing starters, other Lady Cats rose to the occasion and did great jobs. She said Brooklyn Burnside did a great job including a 12 block game at Longview last Tuesday. Coach Dorner also said net players Nylah Lindley and Addisyn Wall also stepped up. She also said Pickett and setter Peyton Hammack did great jobs.
Tuesday’s home match against Texas High will feature two 6-1 teams tied for first place in the district. Coach Dorner said Texas High had tall athletic girls who can jump, block and put the ball down.
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.
Winnsboro Man Accused Of Assaulting Wife For Throwing His Beer Out
A 51-year-old Winnsboro man was accused of assaulting his wife for throwing his beer out Saturday night.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators dispatched Deputies Aaron Chaney and Bobby Osornio at 9:30 p.m. Oct. 24 to a State Highway 11 east address, to what was reported as a possible disturbance in which an intoxicated person inside the residence was causing damage to the Winnsboro residence.
Upon arrival, deputies contacted the 51-year-old resident, who claimed he to be sleeping. When asked what occurred, the man admitted to being involved in a verbal disturbance earlier in the evening and agreed to let deputies look inside the residence, deputies noted in arrest reports.
While inside, it became apparent to the deputies by the broken glass, broken paint cans and paint splattered throughout the living room area and kitchen that a disturbance had occurred in the home. A ceiling fan from a bedroom had been ripped down and thrown into the living area as well. The resident claimed he and his wife were arguing about him being intoxicated. The disagreement escalated, but did not get physical. The husband told deputies his wife left the residence after the altercation, likely to go to a family member’s home nearby.
Osornio remained at the residence with the husband while Chaney went to a family member’s home. The woman gave a similar story. She told deputies she had gone out of town with a family member, and when she returned her husband was extremely intoxicated. An argument did ensue and escalated when she threw out the rest of his alcoholic beverages outside. He allegedly became irate at her for throwing his beer out and caused damage to the residence. When she took his keys away, he allegedly became physical, grabbing her around her left wrist and picking her up by the throat. The woman’s throat and neck area had slight red marks on both sides and her left wrist had a slight abrasion, supporting the claim. The woman did not, however, have trouble breathing during the alleged assault.
Chaney then went back to the SH 11 east residence, to give the husband an opportunity to explain in further detail his account of the altercation, but he declined, stating that he did not get physical. Chaney took the 51-year-old Winnsboro resident into custody at 1:32 a.m. Oct. 25 at his residence and took him to jail. Osornio stayed to meet the victim at the residence to take photos of the damages inside.
The 51-year-old Winnsboro man was booked at 2:55 a.m. Oct. 25 into Hopkins County jail on the Class A misdemeanor family violence assault charge; an emergency protective order was requested by deputies, according to arrest reports. The man remained in jail Monday morning, Oct. 26. His bond was set at $2,000 on the charge, according to jail 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.
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 Women Arrested For Controlled Substance Possession
Two women were arrested for controlled substance possession following a parking lot traffic stop Sunday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Lavender and Sgt. Richard Greer conducted a traffic stop in an East Industrial Drive motel parking lot around 1:45 p.m. Oct. 25. The driver of a Mitsubishi Endeavor was known to the officers to have a suspended driver’s license and there was no insurance on the vehicle.
The sheriff’s deputies had receiving information alleging a woman associated with the vehicle was involved in the sale and distribution of narcotics. The officers received permission to search the SUV. The driver, identified in arrest reports as 46-year-old Misty Lynn Cribbs of Sulphur Springs, allegedly clutched a small yellow plastic purse when she exited the vehicle. When told to leave it in the vehicle unless she granted Sgt. Greer permission to search it for weapons, she balked.
“Cribbs did not want to leave the purse in the vehicle and became visibly upset when we talked to her about the purse. Cribbs then admitted to having contraband inside her purse,” said Deputy Lavender.
Greer alleged the woman to be visibly nervous and hesitant. He then asked her “what she had and where it was, and she stated it was in the bag.” Cribbs then allegedly admitted the bag contained meth. Greer then took possession of the bag, inside of which he found a clear circular container with 2 baggies with a significant amount of suspected crystal methamphetamine that later weighed 10.21 grams, 2 cut straws and a rubber band; a set of digital scales; and a torch lighter.
Cribbs was taken into custody for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She allegedly told the sheriff’s office she was staying in a room at the motel, where her roommate was at. When asked, she reportedly said she didn’t think there was any contraband in the room. Deputies had Cribbs call the roommate to take possession of the SUV. The roommate, identified as 32-year-old Melissa Raye Hamilton of Sulphur Springs, did.
The 46-year-old Sulphur Springs woman gave permission for the sheriff’s deputies to search the room in front of Hamilton. Lavender escorted Hamilton to the motel room, along with the hotel manager. The manger unlocked the door.
When he opened the door to verify there were no other people in the room, Lavender alleged seeing not people but contraband, a small amount of suspected methamphetamine on a plate, on the bed. Further search of the room allegedly revealed approximately 5.03 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Consequently, Hamilton was arrested at 3:13 p.m. Oct. 25 for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Cribbs was charged in connection with the substance found in the motel room as well.
Cribbs remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Oct. 26, 2020, on both possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges; her bond was set at $35,000 per charge.
Hamilton, who is also known by Melissa Raye Johnson, remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Oct. 26, 2020 in lieu of $35,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
Sunday marked the second time in just under a year that Hamilton has been booked into Hopkins County jail on a felony controlled substance charge. She spent from Oct. 28, 2019 to Jan. 15, 2020 in the county jail on a manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance warrant.
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.
Meal A Day Earns Award for Excellence During COVID 19
Getting food, resources and basic services to shut-ins has been a challenge for everyone during the past six months since COVID-19 struck. On October 22, 2020, the North Texas Food Bank recognized the Meal A Day of Sulphur Springs with an Award of Excellence, in appreciation for the excellence in service demonstrated through it’s COVID-19 response.
Karon Weatherman, Director of the Sulphur Springs Seniors Center where Meal A Day is prepared and delivered, was appreciative. She responded, “we are trying our best to continue to serve the Senior Citizens of Hopkins County during the COVID 19 Pandemic. I really appreciate all my Volunteer Cooks and Drivers who are making it possible”. Daily, about 160 meals are prepared, packaged and delivered to shut-ins on the delivery routes in Sulphur Springs and in the county. The Seniors Center is closed to walk-ins at this time, so the daily food service is basically limited to delivery to the homes of shut-ins. Karon’s volunteer staff is at about 70 persons, working in shifts five days per week. Volunteers are still needed, and both temporary volunteers and regular volunteers are welcome.
Right now, Meal A Day is needing help again. Karon stated, “We have a couple that cook on Thursdays who are having to quit at the end of this month. That will leave us short by two volunteers on Thursdays. So, If you can give a few hours of your time to help in your community we would really appreciate the help. The Cooks come in at 7:00 AM and are finished by 11:00 AM. Persons who receive Meal A Day are always appreciative and glad to see us. Most try to meet us at the door if they can. Our volunteers always say that they get more blessings out of Meal A Day than even the people who receive the meals! If you can help or want to ask questions, please contact the Center at 903-885-1661 or email [email protected]”.
No Injuries Reported In SSISD Bus Crash
A Sulphur Springs ISD bus was involved in “a very minor” crash Monday morning, Oct. 26, 2020.
SSISD officials, in a release at approximately 7:45 a.m., stated, “There are no injuries. Students who ride bus 6 will be a little later than normal to campus.”
No additional details have been released about the school bus crash at this time.
Last Call for Pecans! Sr’s Fundraiser Sale Ends Wed. October 28, Delivery Nov. 2
Karon Weatherman knows there are some great cooks in Hopkins County who like to make sure they have enough pecans stored for winter baking! A few weeks ago, local resident Susan Vaughn organized the 2020 Fundraising Pecan Sale to help add to the Sr. Center’s funds for furnishings for the new building, and the deadline is nearing. Then pecans are plump, large and delicious! This is how the fundraiser works.
Let Susan Vaughn know by Wednesday October 28 the number of bags of pecan halves you’d like to order from the Green Tree Pecan Farm of Corsicana. The one pound bags of large shelled pecan halves cost $11 each. Once you have placed your order by phone or by text to Susan (903-348-7516) you will only need to wait less than a week to get your pecans. Susan plans to travel to Corsicana on the weekend of October 31 to pick up the pecans. Then she will be present at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center at 150 MLK Drive on the afternoon of Monday November 2, 2020.
You can pay by check during the afternoon on Monday November 2 when you pick up your order. Annually, Susan assists the good bakers of our community by bringing the pecans back from Corsicana farm, and donates a portion of the proceeds to the Senior Citizens Center. These bags of pecans also make great holiday gifts! Contact Karon Weatherman with any questions, 903-885-1661.
HC Genealogical Society ‘Cemetery Walk’ Fundraising Event Will Feature History Tour on Sunday November 1
A number of influential former citizens of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County will be enacted by members of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society on Sunday November 1, 2020 in Sulphur Springs City Cemetery. The walk-through event will be held from 2-4pm. Cost is $10 per person to take the historic tour guided by historian John Sellers. Among those whom you will meet are a doctor, a confederate soldier and mothers and wives whose families have provided the business and agricultural foundation of this area. Get ready to be educated and entertained! Space is limited, so reserve your tickets this week by stopping in the Genealogical Society Library at 611 North Davis Street or by calling 903-885-8523.
Dr. William Carroll Hurley, Sr. (1829-1876) – Phrenologist who traveled throughout the South giving demonstrations and lectures showing how he could diagnose someone using the bumps on their head. (Portrayed buy Ronny Glossup) ALSO PICTURED William R. Buford (1818-1914) – Confederate Captain who lived a daring life. Buford Park was named in his honor. (Portrayed by Don Fausett)
