College Street Traffic Stop Resulted In 2 Arrests
September 5, 2020 – A College Street traffic stop resulted in two arrests early Saturday morning.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tanner Steward reported stopping a Chrysler 200 that failed to stop at a designated stopping point on College Street at Russell Drive at 12:17 a.m. Sept. 5. HCSO Deputies Chris Baumann and Elijah Fite assisted.
A records check showed the driver, identified in arrest reports as 21-year-old Charles Chason Williams of Sulphur Springs, to be wanted for violation of probation, which he was on for engaging in organized criminal activity, deputies noted in arrest reports. Williams was arrested, then, transported to jail.
The passenger in the car reportedly refused to identify himself when asked. A deputy located a marijuana cigarette on the driver’s side of the car and a skull-shaped pipe of the kind used to smoke marijuana in the passenger’s side door. The passenger was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and, after refusing multiple requests, also taken into custody for failure to identify himself as well.
Sgt. Steward later provided a name for the passenger. A records check using that name revealed a photo, which Bauman compared to the man, then called him by the name. The 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly acknowledged the deputy and was booked into jail under that name.
While Williams was being processed into jail, jail staff located a black coin bag with two small baggies containing a crystal-like substance which field-tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 2.1 grams, including packaging,HCSO Deputy Elijah Fite alleged in arrest reports. Consequently, Williams was also charge with possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Charles Chason Williams was arrested in 2016. See that story here.
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.
Man Eluded Cumby Police In Vehicle With Stolen License Plate
A 39-year-old Cumby man eluded Cumby Police Friday afternoon in vehicle with a stolen license plate, according to arrest reports.
Cumby Police Officer A. Gonzalez attempted to stop a southbound blue Mazda at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 4 on FM 275 for not having a front license plate. Instead of stopping when the officer activated the red and blue lights on his patrol vehicle, however, the driver continued driving, turning onto Private Road 4730. When the officer turned on the siren on his patrol vehicle, instead of stopping, the man driving the car allegedly made a waving gesture with his left arm out the car window and continued driving. He continued driving at a low speed for about a mile before stopping about a mile later outside a residence, the Cumby officer alleged in arrest reports.
The driver then allegedly opened his door and attempted to exit the car. The man was ordered to stay in the car as the officer approached. The officer reported pulling out his handgun and ordering the driver to show his hands and exit the car while facing the police man, He exited, with his hands in his pocket, the CPD officer alleged in arrest reports. He reportedly refused to follow orders to keep his hands up and said he wasn’t going to do what the offered ordered because he was on his property, the officer noted in arrest reports.
CPD Chief Paul Robertson arrived, deployed his Taser, and ordered the man to turn around. When the man again refused, Gonzalez alleged in arrest report, Robertson activated his Taser, striking the man int he chest area with the prongs. The Mazda driver then reportedly fell to the ground, where he continued to resist police when they attempted to put him into handcuffs. “The suspect was eventually subdued and handcuffed,” officers wrote in arrest reports.
The Mazda driver, identified in arrest reports as 39-year-old Wesallen Rogers, was arrested for evading arrest or detention in a vehicle and resisting arrest or detention.
Records checks showed the Oklahoma license plate on the rear of the vehicle was stolen and that Rogers was wanted in Collin County for violation of probation, which he was on for an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge, according to arrest reports. Consequently, he also was booked on a theft charge and the Collin County warrant, according to arrest reports.
Rogers remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Sept. 5. Bond was set at $10,000 on the evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge, $2,000 on the resisting arrest, search or transport charge, $1,000 on the theft charge and $10,,000 on the the Collin County warrant, according to jail reports.
Inmate At Hopkins County Jail Accused Of Assaulting Corrections Officer
An inmate at Hopkins County jail was accused of assaulting a corrections officer Friday afternoon. The incident isn’t the first time 23-year-old Jakwaviane Kentrail Goodson has been accused of assault while in custody at Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center.
Jail staff at 3:50 p.m. Sept. 4 alleged Goodson engaged in a physical altercation with and assaulted a corrections officer, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Wilkerson and Investigator Dennis Findley alleged in arrest reports. A review of video taken inside the jail at the time showed Goodson striking a corrections officer in the face during the physical altercation, Wilkerson alleged.
Consequently, Goodson was charged at 5:15 p.m. Sept. 4 with assault on a public servant, according to arrest and jail reports.
The 23-year-old Sulphur Springs man has been in custody since his arrest July 20, 2019, on a tampering with evidence charge, as well as an obstruction or retaliation charge and a sexual assault of a child charge, according to jail reports.
On Feb. 21, 2020, Goodson was alleged to have been among five inmates accused of attacking and assaulting two other inmates inside Hopkins County jail, Hopkins County Sheriff’s investigators reported in February.
On Feb. 27, 2020, Goodson was charged on two counts of obstruction or retaliation and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was accused of making death threats to jail staff, sheriff’s investigators alleged in February.
He faced six other charges as well last month when he pled guilty to tampering with evidence and was sentenced to 17 years in the Institutional Division of Texas Department of Criminal Justice, according to prosecutors.
Goodson pled guilty Aug. 17, 2020, before 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt to the July 20, 2019 tampering with evidence charge as part of a 12.45 agreement, according to prosecutors.
This allowed him to admit during the sentencing hearing to guilt of unadjudicated offenses and to request the court to take each into account in determining sentence on the tampering with evidence charge.
The sexual assault case was reportedly dismissed outright. Goodson pled guilt to the tampering charge. After acknowledging guilt on obstruction/retaliation charges and aggravated assault charges, those charges were dismissed. He accepted a sentence of 17 years in prison on the tampering with evidence charge, the district attorney’s office reported in August.
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.
Coronavirus Case Reported At North Hopkins ISD
All 7 School District In Hopkins County Have Now Reported COVID-19 Cases Since School Started
The first coronavirus case has been reported at North Hopkins ISD. Until Saturday, the district was the only one in Hopkins County that had not had any confirmed COVID-19 cases. Several other school have reported additional COVID-19 cases this week as well.
District and local health officials work together as soon as they are notified to determine to who may have been in close contact with the students and employees who have tested positive for COVID-19, then notify those individuals and what if any steps they will need to take.
North Hopkins ISD
North Hopkins ISD Superintendent Darin Jolly Saturday morning, Sept. 5, in a letter to district parents and guardians announced a junior high student has been lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. The student was last reported to have been on campus on Thursday, Sept. 3.
According to Dr. Jolly, state and county officials have begun a case investigation and will contact any individuals determined to be in close contact with the infected individual. All students and staff thought to have come into close contact with the student will be directly notified as soon as possible. This would include anyone who was not wearing a mask while located less than 6 feet of the student for 15 minutes or more.
Como-Pickton CISD
Como-Pickton CISD was one of the first in the county to begin the new school year. The case counts for CPCISD are being updated daily as the district is notified of new cases and recoveries. The case count file can be accessed from the district school Facebook page or by clicking here.
On Friday, five of the nine students reported Sept. 2 to have tested positive for COVID-19 had recovered and returned to school, for a total of 6 student recoveries. However. four additional students tested positive, for a total of 8 CPCISD students who were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and recovering at home on Sept. 4. Overall, that’s 14 Como-Pickton student who have been confirmed to have COVID-19.
One active CPCISD staff case was also reported on Sept. 4, the only staff case reported so far for the district.
Cumby ISD
Cumby ISD also adopted a form to list case counts on the district website, to make it easy for community members to see when a student tested positive, from which campus and when the student is due back at school.
The district hasn’t reported had any new cases in the last week. As of the last update, only two high school students have tested positive so far. One was reported on Aug. 7 and was to return to school on Aug. 24. Another student was reported positive on Aug. 20 and was slated to return to school on Sept. 2.
Miller Grove ISD
On Sept. 1, Miller Grove ISD Superintendent Steve Johnson in a notice on the school website reported three students had tested positive for COVID-19 in August. One of the students was already in quarantine before their diagnosis. A second student had not been at school since exposure. The third student was at school, but did not exhibit any symptoms while present.
MGISD started the process of contacting parents of students who were believed to have been in “close contact” with the student within days of their attendance. Exposure was believed to be limited and the rest of MGISD students remained at school. District maintenance and custodial staff cleaned extensively and sanitized all areas of the campus.
Saltillo ISD
Saltillo ISD has reported two cumulative COVID-19 cases this fall. The district superintendent on Aug. 26 reported one student was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19; the student was last on the campus on Aug. 24. Others determined to be in “close contact” with the students were notified Aug. 25.
Saltillo ISD was notified on Aug. 12, that a District employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last worked on the Saltillo ISD campus on Aug. 6.
COVID-19 updated for Saltillo ISD can be accessed on the district website under “News” menu option.
Sulphur Bluff ISD
Sulphur Bluff ISD has received reports on four different occasions of positive COVID-19 results.
One students was reported Monday, Aug. 24 to have tested positive for the virus. That student was last on campus Friday, Aug. 21.
SBISD received notification on Aug. 26 of the positive tests for a household. Students were last present on our campus Friday, Aug. 21, and Monday morning, Aug. 24.
District officials on Sept. 1 reported receiving notification Aug. 30, of the positive tests for a student who was last present on our campus Friday, Aug. 28.
On Thursday, Sept. 3, SBISD Superintendent Dustin Carr reported district officials received notification late Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 2, of positive tests for two students. One student had been in quarantine and one was last present on our campus Monday, Aug. 31.
COVID-19 updates for SBISD are available at the bottom of the district website by clicking “Full Article” under the “Notification of confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus” heading.
Sulphur Springs ISD
Four days after the start of the school 2020-21 school year, two campuses in Sulphur Springs ISD on Friday were reported to each have one COVID-19 case each.
A student who was lab- confirmed to have COVID-19 was reportedly present on the Bowie Primary campus on Tuesday-Thursday, Sept. 1-3. Another students who was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 was present on the Sulphur Springs High School campus on Tuesday-Wednesday, Sept. 1-2, SSISD Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams stated in a letter sent Friday evening, Sept. 4, to “Families, Students, Teachers, and Staff” for the two campuses.
Six faculty/staff cases had previously been reported, although only one of the school employees was ever in a school building while being exposed, according to Williams.
Parents are notified through the Blackboard alert system when cases are reported for their child’s campus.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of September 7, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Sept. 7, 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.
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 Washington Street as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar (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 scheduled to be closed beginning Sept. 14 for crews to work on building the remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75. The estimated closure time is two months, and traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph 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.
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. 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.
SH 289, Grayson County: from FM 120 in Pottsboro north to the end of State Maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform overlay the roadway.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for occasional lane closures as workers perform final touch ups on the project. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a signalized intersection.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for 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 detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section when the project is finished.
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 a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. 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 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.
SH 289, Grayson County: between SH 56 and FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance workers perform pavement repairs.
US 69, Grayson County: between SH 56 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs.
FM 121, Grayson County: between US 377 and SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform edge repairs.
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.
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. Construction is expected to begin Sept. 10 on a project to rehab and widen the roadway.
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 begin working 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 mainlanes 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.
County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 274, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to FM 3321: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs.
Old FM 897, Fannin County: from CR 2915 to CR 2950. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to regrade ditches.
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.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install guard fence and perform striping operations.
SH 19, Hopkins County: From Loop 301 to Delta County Line. Watch for crews installing erosion control devices preparing for safety enhancement work.
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.
I-30, Hopkins County: From Hunt County Line to Loop 301. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform concrete pavement repairs.
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 1507, Lamar County: from Church Street to South Collegiate Drive. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.
FM 1507, Lamar County: from South Collegiate Drive to Loop 286. This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from US 82 West to Dawn Drive. Watch for lane closures while crews perform concrete pavement repair.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the south side of the existing roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the north side.
FM 195, Red River County – from FM 410 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence and complete cross culvert extensions at two locations.
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.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews safety treat drainage structures and rehabilitate the existing pavement.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen the pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. The contractor is working to establish final vegetation on this project. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers in this area.
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 watering, seeding, ditch work and placing signs. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is constructing cross culverts on this roadway. Detours have been removed. Please be careful when traveling in this area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County mowing contractors are working at various locations in Hunt County.
Hunt County maintenance crews are removing a median/turn-around on State Highway 24, near the Twin Oaks Blueberry Farm in Commerce, Texas. Maintenance crews will be performing ditch work and pothole repairs at various locations as well; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along these roadways. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Rains County maintenance crews will be performing patch work on FM 2795 from SH 69 to SH 19; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this portion of the roadway. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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Hopkins County COVID-19 Sept. 4 Update: 1 Additional Death, 3 New Cases, 29 Positive Antigen Results
Hopkins County Emergency Management officials reported they’d received notification in the last 48 hours of 3 new positive COVID-19 cases, bumping the number of active COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County to 50 on Sept. 4.
That’s 9 new cases reported so far in September and 12 new cases reported this week. That’s less than half the number of cases reported during the first 4 days of August but two man than on July 4. The cumulative total of cases reported for Hopkins County since midMarch as of Friday afternoon was 252 cases.
So far, there have only been 6 patients recoveries reported in September, and nine this week. Hopkins County lags far behind the Aug. 4 report of 30 patient recoveries, but still ahead of July’s pace; there were no patient recoveries reported in July until the 10th. Overall, 202 of the 252 Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March have recovered, according to HCEM data.
The number of patients in the COVID-19 Unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs had only three patients on Friday, that’s one less than on Sept. 2
Also, 29 antigen tests conducted at testing facilities within Hopkins County from Aug. 27-Sept. 4 reported a total of 29 positive test results, according to the Local Health Authority.
“These reflect Hopkins county residents only, will be reported weekly, will not count towards state numbers and will not be shown as ‘recovered,'” the HCEM and LHA officials noted in the Sept. 4 COVID-19 update.
The results reported daily by HCEM are molecular tests with positive results reported to local officials by the state.
Antigen, Molecular and Antibody Testing
The LHA nurse provided clarifications regarding three different types of COVID-19 testings: antigen, molecular PCR and antibody testing.
Anibody tests are blood tests that show coronavirus exposure, only, not positive results. This type of test is not reliable for a positive or negative result, the LHA reports.
Antigen tests, like molecular tests, use a nasal or oral swab. The antigen test is often called a “rapid test, and is good for positive results after a waiting period after exposure. This type of test typically has little or no false positives, but is NOT reliable for negative results; it has up to a 50 percent false negative rate. These tests are also not reported widely to local health entities, according to the LHA nurse.
The molecular-PCR test is the most reliable for negatives and positives after a waiting period after exposure. The false negative rate is 2 percent or lower and false positive rate is 5 percent or lower, according to the LHA nurse. Thus, the free COVID-19 tests offered by the state at partnering locations such as Hopkins County Regional Civic Center are molecular tests. Although more reliable, these tests take longer for a return on results. However, when a test comes back positive on these tests, they are reported to county officials and local health departments and are reflected in the state’s county case count reports, according to the LHA nurse.
Free COVID-19 Testing
During the last round of free COVID-19 testing offered Aug. 20-Sept. 2 at the Civic Center, a total of 615 tests, including 42 on the last day of testing. Free COVID testing will resume Sept. 7-9, and Sept. 11-12, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Registration will be online at GoGetTested.com
Anyone looking for a free testing site outside of Hopkins County before that time or in need of a test next week can go online to GoGetTested.com to register for a test. Testing sites, addresses, next available test times, number of available tests, wait time at each site, wait time for test results is available on that website.
Hopkins County COVID-19 Deaths
Texas Department of State Health Services showed another death reported for Hopkins County. That’s a total of 8 COVID-19 deaths assigned to Hopkins County since the state began using death certificate data when assigning and reporting COVID-19 fatalities in late July.
The latest death assigned to Hopkins County is reported to have occurred on Aug. 28, for a total of 6 Hopkins County residents who DSHS reports died in August for COVID-19. Previously, DSHS reported two Hopkins County residents died from COVID-19 on Aug. 17; and one death each on July 17, July 23, Aug. 2, Aug. 4 and Aug. 7.
Child Care Centers
Texas Health and Human Services Sept. 4 reported no active cases among the five child care centers listed for Hopkins County as of Sept. 3, but all 5 have reported at least 1 employees who has tested positive for COVID-19 and one center has had a student who tested positive since March. Those cumulative totals of positive cases since March by facility include:
- Little Texans Learning Center – 2 employees
- Sulphur Springs Christian Preschool – 1 employee
- His Kids Learning Center – 1 enrolled students, 1 employee
- Annekes Preschool – 1 employee
- Water Oak Preschool – 1 employee
Data in this HHS report reflects COVID-19 cases for children enrolled and employees at licensed child care centers, school-age programs, and before or after-school programs. The provider self-reported the data to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as of Sept. 3, 2020. If an operation is not listed in the report, the operation has not reported a positive COVID-19 diagnosis to HHSC.
HHSC may only release information related to an operation that is one of the following:
- A Licensed Child Care Center (LCCC) that provides care and supervision to seven or more children age 13 or younger at a location other than the caregiver’s home.
- A School-Age Program (SAP) that provides care and supervision, including the supervision of recreation or skills instruction or training, to children attending pre-kindergarten through sixth grade before and/or after the customary school day, during school holidays, and during the summer period or any other time when school is not in session.
- A Before or After-school Program (BAP) that provides care and supervision, including the supervision of recreation or skills instruction or training, to children attending pre-kindergarten through sixth grade before and/or after the customary school day and during school holidays.
For more information about a child care operation, including total capacity and compliance history, visit “Search Texas Child Care” on Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website, www.dfps.state.tx.us.
Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities
There were no active cases of COVID-19 in either employees or residents of Sulphur Springs nursing homes on Aug. 21, the most recent report data available, according to the Sept. 4 Health and Human Services report.
The three employee cases reported by Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab are cumulative, not active cases on Aug. 21, according to the Texas Health and Human Services report. Carriage House Manor, Rock Creek Health and Rehabilitation, and Sunny Springs Nursing and Rehab had reported no cases in either employees or residents as of Aug. 21.
There were no active cases in either employees or residents of Sulphur Springs assisted living facilities as of Aug. 21. Wesley House had had 4 employee and 7 residents who tested positive for COVID-19, however, starting Aug. 21, there were no active cases among either. Hopkins House has reported no resident or employee cases since the state began tracking data for assisted living facilities, according to the Sept. 4 HHS assisted living facility report.
Woman Sent To Tyler Hospital Following Davis Street Crash
A Sulphur Springs woman was reported to have been transferred to a Tyler hospital Wednesday, following a crash on Davis Street.
According to Sulphur Springs Police, the woman was traveling in the 600 block of South Davis Street Sept. 2 when her vehicle went into oncoming traffic, struck a utility pole, breaking it and damaging power lines, some of which fell on the vehicle.
Sulphur Springs Police and Fire Departments, along with Hopkins County EMS responded at the crash site. Emergency responders reported finding the driver still inside the vehicle, unconscious and non responsive. CPR was started, and a pulse was detected, according to police reports.
The driver, identified as Jo Marie Neal, was transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, then transferred later Sept. 2 to the Tyler hospital. Officials suspect she had a “medical episode” which resulted in the crash.
TxDOT Urges Drivers to Plan a Sober Ride This Labor Day Weekend
AUSTIN — While there may be less traffic on the roads this Labor Day weekend, TxDOT is urging those who choose to go out and celebrate to plan ahead for a sober ride before any drinking begins.
“We encourage people to enjoy the long weekend, but to do so responsibly,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “If you plan to drink alcohol and go out, make the plan for a sober ride. It’s an easy decision that can prevent senseless tragedies and save lives.”
During last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend* in Texas, there were 382 crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol. Those crashes killed 12 people and seriously injured another 55.
The “Plan While You Can” campaign aims to save lives and reduce preventable crashes by reminding drivers to make a plan for a sober ride if they are drinking alcohol. Leading up to the Labor Day holiday, the campaign shares this message through TV and radio public service announcements, social media, digital ads and billboards.
Driving under the influence of alcohol risks death or serious injuries. It can also be costly. Drivers can face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time and loss of their driver’s license. Instead of getting behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking, here are some other options:
- Designate a sober driver.
- Contact a cab or ride-share service.
- Use mass transit.
- Spend the night.
In addition to having a sober ride, if you plan to go out this holiday weekend, follow the guidance of health officials, and maintain social distance, wear a mask and remember to wash your hands.
“Plan While You Can” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
*Friday, Aug. 30 (6 pm) to Monday, Sept. 2 (11:59 pm). The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of July 6, 2020.
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Man Stopped For Speeding, Arrested On DWI Charge
An Arkansas man stopped for speeding Thursday morning on Interstate 30 claimed he needed to use the restroom, according to arrest reports.
The Texas Department of Public Safety trooper, who stopped the man for traveling 100 miles per hour in the 75 mph speed zone near the 128 mile marker on I-30 west at shortly before noon Sept. 3, allowed the man to use the restroom in an adjacent motel before conversing further with him.
While waiting for the man to return from the restroom, the trooper alleged seeing open beer containers in a 12-pack beer carton in the front floorboard of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup. When the man returned, the trooper also reported smelling an alcoholic beverage odor on the man’s breath. The motorist allegedly admitted he’d been drinking, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
The man showed signs of intoxication and blew 0.247 on a portable breath test, which is three times the legal 0.08 limit, the trooper wrote in arrest reports. The trooper transported the Arkansas man to Hopkins County jail, where he twice had a result of 0.18 on intoxilyzer tests. The pickup was impounded and noted to have two opened empty beer bottles in an opened beer carton.
A records check for criminal history showed the 25-year-old Mayflower resident had two prior DWI convictions in Arkansas, however, the second DWI showed a conviction for first DWI, thus he was only charged with second offense DWI instead of third, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
The Arkansas man spent the night in Hopkins County jail, then was released Sept. 4, on a $2,000 bond on the Class A misdemeanor second offense DWI charge, according to jail reports.
Advantage Copy Systems Acquired By Datamax
Advantage Copy Systems, a Sulphur Springs business that provides office machines and copier-related consumer products, has been acquired by Datamax, which provides office equipment and technology solutions in Arkansas and Texas.
Advantage was established as a Canon dealer in 1992. In 2006, Sulphur Springs residents Dan and Paula Brown purchased the company.
Datamax Inc. President Barry Simon, in a release earlier this week, announced the acquisition of Advantage, one of two acquisitions by Datamax in the last few months.
“We are very excited about this new association and all the advantages that it will provide for the company, the employees, and most of all you, our customers,” said Advantage Copy Systems President Paula Brown. “We will continue to offer you the personalized customer service, which we feel is the most important factor in maintaining a good business relationship, as well as the ongoing growth of the relationship.”
The same people will continue to serve Advantage Copy Systems customers in the future, but will be able to offer more services. The business’ office will remain in Sulphur Springs, according to Brown.
The newly-expanded organization will offer many multi-function copiers and printers, desktop printers, wide‐format printers and digital production equipment, document management/workflow solutions, managed print services, managed network services, IT consulting services, and unified communications to “‘holistically’ address a broader spectrum of business technology challenges,” according to the news release.
“This acquisition will offer additional synergy and thought leadership to ultimately benefit customers in all of the markets we serve. Although business alignment is a major factor in such an acquisition, what we’re equally excited about is our cultural alignment,” Simon stated in the news released. “We believe culture trumps all. At Datamax, we aren’t satisfied with customers or employees just being satisfied. Our mission is much bigger. We set the bar very high regarding the experiences of our customers, as well as the aspirations of our employees and the needs of our communities. Unless we’re Creating Raving Fans of each of them, our job is simply not done.”
