Dec. 25 COVID-19 Update: 1 Fatality, 52 New Cases, 32 Receive First Dose Of Vaccine
While many were home enjoying Dec. 24-25 with friends, others were receiving notifications of positive COVID-19 results; altogether 52 new cases of COVID-19 were reported from Wednesday afternoon through 3:40 p.m. Christmas Day. One additional fatality was also confirmed by death certificate, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services Dec. 25 COVID-19 reports.
Case Counts
The DSHS Dec. 25 COVID-19 Texas Case Counts dashboard showed Hopkins County has had a total of 2,161 reported COVID-19 cases since March, including 1,074 molecular or confirmed cases and 1,087 probable cases.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases spiked, with 24 Hopkins County residents receiving lab-confirmed COVID-19 results on Christmas Eve and five additional county residents receiving positive molecular COVID-19 test results on Christmas Day. That makes 34 new confirmed cases since Sunday and 242 new confirmed cases so far in December. That’s more new cases reported so far this month than any other month except October and December is on pace to match or exceed October’s numbers. From Oct. 1-25, 239 Hopkins County residents had received positive COVID-19 results, according to data reported by DSHS and Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials.
In order for a case to be a confirmed case, the individual must have tested positive through a molecular test that looks for the virus’s genetic material. Texas uses the confirmed case definition adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The confirmed cases are in addition to the 23 probable cases also reported over the past 2 days, six on Dec. 24 and 17 on Dec. 25. That makes 46 new probable COVID-29 cases reported this week and 160 since the state began reporting probable case counts daily on Dec. 11.
Probable cases are those in which the person has either tested positive through an antigen test or has a combination of symptoms and a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 without a more likely diagnosis. Texas uses the probable case definition adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During that time, six additional residents also were reported to have recovered from COVID-19, increasing the number of Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 this week to 80 and this month to 1,245. However, it should ben noted that 810 of those cases were previously unreported probable recoveries which doubled the number of recoveries for Hopkins County residents, according to the DSHS reports.
The estimate is based on average recovery times from when cases were reported to DSHS. The average time it takes a COVID-19 patient to recover from their illness is about 32 days for a hospitalized patient and 14 days for a non-hospitalized patient. Because about 20 percent of cases require hospitalization, the estimate is created by taking the total number of confirmed and probable cases, subtracting fatalities, and consider 80 percent of remaining patients to be recovered after 14 days and the other 20 percent after 32 days, according to DSHS data.
With so many new cases reported over the last two days, the active case count rose as well, from 1930 on Dec. 23 to 1936 on Dec. 25.
Active cases are an estimate of the number of people with confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases who may still be sick. The estimate is calculated by taking the total number of confirmed and probable cases and subtracting fatalities and estimated recoveries. Because both active and recovered cases are estimates, they can vary from what is reported locally, DSHS notes.
COVID-19 Testing in Hopkins County
Although the free testing site was reported to be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A total of 50 new COVID-19 tests were performed in Hopkins County on Dec. 24 and 110 on Christmas Day, for a cumulative total of 13,208 COVID-19 tests conducted in the county since testing began, according to the DSHS Dec. 25 COVID-19 Test and Hospital Data dashboard and Cumulative Tests by County reports. Overall, that makes 10,976 molecular or viral tests, 1,092 antigen tests (rapid testing) and 1,140 antibody tests.
Molecular tests diagnose current infections by looking for a germ’s genetic material. For COVID-19, molecular tests include nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests and loop mediated isothermic amplification (LAMP) tests. These do not include antigen tests. A positive molecular test is required to meet state criteria as a confirmed case, according to the DSHS Texas COVID-19 Data Definitions page.
Antigen tests are nasal swab tests that can show a current infection by looking for proteins on the outside of a germ. They can be performed rapidly where the test is collected. Under the national case definitions, positive antigen tests indicate probable cases, not confirmed cases, DSHS reports.
Antibody tests are blood tests that can show whether a person had a past infection by looking for proteins the body creates to fight an infection. Also called serology tests, an antibody test can’t always determine how long ago someone had COVID-19, according to DSHS.
COVID-19 Vaccine
As 11:59 p.m. Christmas Eve, 32 had received the first dose of the vaccine in Hopkins County, up from eight earlier in the week.
While DSHS had earlier reported CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs was one of three locations that had been allocated 300 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to distribute to front line workers on the second week of vaccine distribution, on Thursday only two Sulphur Springs locations were listed: Brookshire’s Pharmacy and Christus Trinity Clinic – Sulphur Springs. Brookshire’s was allocated 100 doses of the vaccine and the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic 200 doses of Moderna vaccine.
COVID-19 Fatalities
The DSHS dashboard showed 69 COVID-19 fatalities for Hopkins “County on Dec. 25. That’s one more Hopkins County resident confirmed to have died from COVID-19 . The death was reported to have occurred on Dec. 11, marking the second COVID-19 death on that date.
DSHS defines COVID-19 fatalities as deaths for which COVID-19 is listed as a direct cause of death on the death certificate. A medical certifier, usually a doctor, determines the cause(s) of death. DSHS does not include deaths of people who had COVID-19 but died of an unrelated cause. Fatalities are reported by where the person lived as listed on the death certificate.
Death certificates, the official record of a person’s death, are filed with state and local officials. It includes the cause, location and time of death and other personal information. DSHS uses information on the death certificate to report COVID-19 when COVID-19 is listed as a direct cause of death.
Because of the time period allowed after death for filing and processing of death certificates, fatalities often aren’t confirmed for 1-3 weeks after a person dies.
So far this month, 11 Hopkins County residents have died from COVID-19: two each on Dec. 3 and Dec. 11; and one each on Dec. 1, Dec. 2, Dec. 5, Dec. 6, Dec.7, Dec. 8, Dec. 13 and Dec. 14.
Hospital Update
While HC/SSEM does not report COVID-19 data on weekends or holidays, DSHS does post data daily. Dec. 25 was the third consecutive day in a row that COVID-19 hospitalizations accounted for more than 15 percent of the total hospital capacity in Trauma Service Area F, which includes Sulphur Springs and most of Northeast Texas.
Trauma Service Areas are the areas that coordinate emergency medical services and hospital emergency response in Texas. Hospital capacity data is usually reported by TSA because the hospital trauma system operates regionally to care for patients, DSHS reports.
On Friday, there were 171 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in TSA F hospitals, the same as on Christmas Eve, but up from 166 on Dec. 23 and the 138 reported just one week ago. The least number of COVID-19 hospitalizations reported so far this month was 124 on Dec. 11. On only two days this month have there been more COVID-19 patients in TSA F hospitals, 173 on Dec. 1 and 172 no Dec. 2. According to the Combined Hospital Data over Time by TSA Region report, 125 of the COVID-19 patients in TSA hospital were in regular beds and 46 were in the ICU.
At least 25 of the COVID-19 patients in the hospital in TSA F on Christmas Eve received treatment in the COVID Unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, the same as on Dec. 21 but three less than Dec. 22-23.
On Dec. 25, COVID-19 patients accounted for 16.04 percent of the total hospital capacity in TSA F, up from 15.47 percent on Dec. 23 and 15.94 percent on Christmas Eve.
Total hospital capacity is the number of staffed available and occupied beds. This includes pediatric and adult, general and ICU beds, inpatient and outpatient beds, emergency department beds, and telemetry and psychiatric beds.
The total number of staffed hospital beds in TSA F was 1,066 on Christmas Day, the same number reported on Dec. 23, but seven less than on Dec. 24, eight more than on Dec. 20, two less than on Dec. 21 and six less than on Dec. 22. The most reported recently was 1,120 total staffed hospital beds on Dec. 12.
There were 607 total hospitalizations on Dec. 25 in TSA F, the same as on Dec. 20, but 20 less than on Dec. 23 and 13 less than on Dec. 22 and Dec. 24.
Overall, there were 974 total staffed inpatient beds in use in TSA F on Dec. 25, the same as on Dec. 23, six less than on Dec. 22, and 12 less than on Dec. 21.
Only six ICU beds were available in hospitals throughout TSA F, the same as on Dec. 20, but one less than Dec. 21, two less than Dec. 22, four less than Dec. 24 and six less than Dec. 23. The least number of ICU beds available recently was three on Dec. 8, and the 12 reported on Dec. 23 was the most. This category includes adult and pediatric beds, but does not include neonatal ICU beds.
Seventy-eight ventilators were available in hospitals across Trauma Service Area F, one less than on Dec. 23, but one more than on Dec. 21-22.
| Counts for Trauma Service Area F | 12/20 | 12/21 | 12/22 | 12/23 | 12/24 | 12/25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Staffed Hospital Beds | 1058 | 1068 | 1072 | 1066 | 1073 | 1066 |
| Available Hospital Beds | 359 | 362 | 360 | 347 | 367 | 367 |
| Available ICU Beds | 6 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 10 | 6 |
| Available Ventilators | 78 | 77 | 77 | 79 | 78 | |
| Lab-Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in Hospital | 148 | 154 | 159 | 166 | 171 | 171 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 607 | 614 | 620 | 627 | 620 | 607 |
| Total Staffed Inpatient Beds | 966 | 976 | 980 | 974 | 981 | 974 |
| Percent Capacity | 13.99 | 14.42 | 14.83 | 15.57 | 15.94 | 16.04 |
Paris District Road Report for the week of Dec. 28, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Dec. 28, 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 northbound exit ramp for Pecan Street and Washington Street is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the next exit ramp for North Travis Street. 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 southbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the North Travis Street 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. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
During the week of January 4 through 9, the Houston Street intersection at US 75 will be closed to through traffic in order for crews to perform pavement improvements in the left lane of the northbound and southbound frontage roads. Traffic on Houston Street will be able to make a right turn only onto the frontage road and will detour to the next intersection. This same process will occur for the Washington Street and Lamar Street intersections. This work is weather dependent and may be adjusted due to unfavorable weather.
The eastbound and westbound US 82 mainlanes will be closed to through traffic on December 21 and 22 starting at 7:30 pm in order to set bridge beams for the new US 75 northbound frontage road bridge. During this closure, mainlane traffic will be detoured onto the frontage road. US 82 is scheduled to reopen to traffic each morning at 6:30 am.
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 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. The new FM 691 exit ramp is open to access FM 691. The new entrance ramp to southbound US 75 has been opened to traffic.
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 697, Grayson County: between FM 2729 and US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
SH 56, Grayson County: between SH 11 and the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to 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 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 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 roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement on the eastern end of the project between the Fannin-Lamar County line and County Road 2975. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while crews work on the inside lane to build 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 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.
Weather permitting, on December 28 westbound US 82 traffic will be moved to the new travel lanes between County Road 2975 and SH 121. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while construction crews begin work on the inside lane, building the crossovers and left 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.
SH 56, Fannin County: between FM 897 and FM 1396. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway.
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 rehabilitation of the roadway.
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 South Collegiate Drive to Loop 286. This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway.
BU 82H (Bonham Street/Lamar Avenue), Lamar County: from 19th Street SW to 33rd Street SE. Watch for crews performing safety improvements to traffic signals.
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.
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. Work on this project is completed. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
FM 499, Hunt County: at Lynn Creek. The contractor has begun demolition work and will be placing structural beams early this week. Road closures began on Nov. 30 and will continue throughout the duration of this project. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for workers and work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is currently working on a two-mile stretch of roadway rehabilitation. 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 prepping the right-of-way and placing culverts for this project. 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. Crews will also be overlaying various locations on SH 66 and the I-30 frontage roads. 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. Crews will also be roadway patching on FM 515, from FM 2795 to the Rains-Wood County line, and repairing rip-rap on SH 276 at Bull Creek. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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.
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Trash Pick Up In Sulphur Springs Rescheduled
Trash pick up in Sulphur Springs has been rescheduled by one day. Trash was not picked up on Friday to allow sanitation employees to observed Christmas. Instead, the trash that would have been picked up on Friday will now be picked up on Saturday.
Wildcats and Lady Cats are on Christmas Break and They Resume Games Next Week
The Wildcats and Lady Cats Soccer Teams are on Christmas break. Both teams will wrap up their scrimmage schedules next week.
The Wildcats have their fifth scrimmage date on Monday (December 28) as they travel to Pittsburg, the preseason #6 ranked team in Region II in Class 4A. There will be a JV 2 game at 4 p.m. A JV 1 game will follow at around 5:30 p.m. The varsity takes on the Pirates at 7:15 p.m. The Wildcats conclude their scrimmage schedule and welcome in a new year with the always fun Alumni Scrimmage on Saturday, January 2. The JV 1 team will take on the old dogs at 5:30 p.m. and the varsity Wildcats will be in action against the alums at around 7:15 p.m. The Alumni Scrimmage takes place at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The Lady Cats will also scrimmage next Monday. They will be tested as they travel to North Forney, the preseason #10 ranked team in Region II in Class 5A. There will be a JV contest at 5:30 p.m. The varsity will take on the Lady Falcons at 7:15 p.m. The Lady Cats also welcome in 2021 and wrap up scrimmage action with an Alumni Scrimmage on Saturday, January 2 at The Prim. The JV team will play alums at 2 p.m. and then the varsity Lady Cats play the former players at around 3:30 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.
Merry Christmas From KSST to the World
Once upon a time, KSST 1230AM radio station in Sulphur Springs, Texas broadcast to hometown listeners only within a range of Hopkins and nearby counties. KSST became a household word for local families after it went on the air in 1947, providing local news and community events coverage to every home with a radio. Many farm families kept in touch with town happenings through battery-operated radios, prior to electricity reaching to their vicinity . In fact, most of the 100-plus dairies in the ‘dairy capital of Texas’ had KSST playing in their milk barns when early morning chores began. In 1990, coverage was expanded to include KSST Cable Channel 18 TV, and through that medium, local activities captured on video, including sporting events of Sulphur Springs ISD and county school districts, could be seen by Channel 18 viewers. Now since 2013, although our program content remains centered on local needs and events, our signal reaches around the world through ksstradio.com where we stream audio and video programming 24/7. At Christmastime 2020, we are pleased and gratified to know that people who are originally from NE Texas can keep up with what’s going on here ‘at home’ just by listening on the website, wherever they now live in the world. Additionally, persons who weren’t privileged to grow up in small-town America seem to love following what we do here in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, Texas. It is our sincere wish that all our listeners and viewers have a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!
Tira News: Wishes For A Wonderful and Safe Holiday Season
By Jan Vaughn
We want to express our sympathy to the family of Steve Dugnolle. A graveside service was held at the Tira Cemetery on Wednesday, December 23 , under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. Please remember the family in your prayers.
Yvonne Weir shared, “On December 12th, Destri Weir entertained her family at her home in Sunneyvale. She and Eben prepared dishes from South Africa [which is where Eben’s from].”
Robert, Yvonne, and Wesley visited Dakota, Sarah, and Levi on December 19, after shopping in Greenville. Yvonne comments, “Levi is a sweet, beautiful baby boy.”
I hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe holiday season. I look forward to being able to report about more activities in our community soon.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
At Christmas Break, Wildcats and Lady Cats Basketball Teams Resume Play Next Week
The Wildcats and Lady Cats Basketball Teams are both on Christmas break.
The Wildcats are 1-0 in district play after defeating Pine Tree at home on Tuesday, 73-54. The win improved the Wildcats season record to 8-5. The Wildcats resume play next week with a non-district home game and then have their second district game, this one on the road. On Tuesday (December 29), the Wildcats welcome former district foe Greenville to the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School. With students out for the holidays, the games against the Lions will start at 1 p.m. with a freshmen game. A JV game will follow at around 2:15 p.m. The varsity game is schedule to get underway at around 4 p.m. Then the Wildcats will ring in a new year with a district contest at Marshall on Saturday, January 2. After a freshman 1 p.m. game and a JV 2:30 p.m. game, the Wildcats varsity will take on the Mavericks at around 4 p.m.
The Lady Cats Basketball Team is 2-2 in district play and 5-5 overall after their 41-12 win at Pine Tree Tuesday. They play three non-district games next week. The Lady Cats return to the court to take on Nevada Community on the road Monday afternoon (December 28). A noon JV game will be followed by a varsity contest at around 1:30 p.m. Then the Lady Cats travel to North Lamar for Tuesday games. The JV contest is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. with the varsity scheduled to take on the Pantherettes at around 12:30 p.m. The Lady Cats return to the home court next week as they play host to Gilmer on New Year’s Day. The JV game is scheduled for noon with the varsity contest against the Lady Buckeyes at 1:30 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.
Dec. 24 COVID-19 Update: 25 In COVID Unit, 106 Molecular Tests Conducted
Free COVID-19 Testing Center Closed Dec. 24-25, Will Reopen Saturday
Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials in the Dec. 24 COVID-19 update reported the patient count in the hospital COVID unit had decreased on Christmas Eve while the number of people visiting the free testing center in Sulphur Springs increased Wednesday.
On Thursday morning, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs COVID Unit had 25 patients, the same as on Monday, Dec. 31, and Monday, Nov. 30. That’s three fewer lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in the local hospital on Christmas Eve than on Dec. 23.
The DSHS website’s Hospital Data Over Time report on Dec. 24 showed 171 COVID-19 patients in hospitals in Trauma Service Area F, five more than on Dec. 23. COVID-19 hospitalizations accounted for 15.94 percent of the total hospital capacity in TSA F Thursday. That’s the second consecutive day COVID-19 patients were over the 15 percent high capacity measure.
Seven straight days over 15 percent in a TSA requires those counties that do not meet the low case count exception to push back precautionary measures one step from 75 to 50 percent occupancies and in some cases could require business closings, until the TSA has gone a week below the 15 percent capacity threshold.
Also on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 106 oral swab tests were conducted at the free testing center in Sulphur Springs, that’s two more molecular tests performed at 128-A Jefferson Street Wednesday than on Tuesday. Over the last 7 days, 573 COVID-19 tests have been performed inside the Red Cross building. So far this month, 1,927 free COVID-29 tests have been conducted at the location. Since the site opened on Sept. 25, a total of 6,458 COVID-19 tests have been performed, HC/SSEM reported in the Dec. 24 COVID-19 update.
HC/SSEM also reported the free testing center closed on Dec. 24 and will be closed again on Dec. 25 to allow those working at the facility to observe the holiday.
The free testing site will reopen Saturday, Dec. 26, at 9 a.m. Online registration is required at www.GoGetTested.com in order to be tested. At 1:10 p.m. Christmas Eve, Texas Emergency Management showed 368 slots open for testing on Saturday.
Testing is open to anyone regardless of address. Even children ages 3 and up can be tested, provided an adults registers and accompanies them to have the oral swab test performed. The Sulphur Springs free testing site is not a drive through location. Testing is conducted inside the building.
Individuals should refrain from eating, drinking or using tobacco products a minimum of 15-20 minutes before, but waiting an hour should make them more accurate, officials reported.
Those testing will need to bring a photo ID and the number provided upon registration with them to the test location. Masks must be worn into the testing center. Testing typically takes about 5 minutes.
According to the DSHS Dec. 24 COVID-19 Vaccine dashboard, 28 in Hopkins County had received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 23. That’s three receiving the first dose on Monday, five more on Tuesday and 20 on Wednesday.
Brookshire’s Pharmacy was scheduled to receive 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine by Thursday, Christus Trinity Clinic – Sulphur Springs was to receive 200 doses.
Across the state, 455,325 does of the vaccine had been sent out to approved providers. The first dose of the vaccine had already been administered to 113,514 people in 239 of Texas’ 254 counties as of 11:11 a.. Dec. 24, according to the DSHS dashboard.
DSHS had not updated its Texas COVID-19 Case Counts and Test and Hospital Data dashboards at 2:35 p.m. Dec. 24.
Dallas Man Jailed On Felony Warrant
A 47-year-old Dallas man was jailed on a felony warrant Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 23, 2020.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was alerted Chad Alando Collins was being held in Dallas County jail on a Hopkins County warrant. Deputy Amanda Weatherford traveled to Dallas County jail, took Collins into custody at 11:33 a.m. Dec. 23 and transported him to Hopkins County jail. The 47-year-old Dallas man was jailed on the felony warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for an April 12, 2015 assault of a public servant charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Collins remained in Hopkins County jail Christmas Eve, 2020, according to jail reports.
Cooper Man Accused of Mail Theft And A Home Burglary
Deputies arrested a 40-year-old Cooper man, who appeared to be sleeping in his vehicle at the roadside following what is believed to be a crime spree involving mail theft and a home burglary. The arrest marked the third time the man has been booked into Hopkins County jail in the last five months.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Communications Operators advised deputies of a report of a suspicious vehicle near a County Road 1187 residence around 6:40 p.m. Dec. 23. Deputies responded. Deputy Bobby Osornio located a Honda Pilot at the location.
Osornio contacted the driver and sole occupant, Michael Leslie Copeland, who appeared to the deputy to be sleeping in the driver’s seat. Osornio asked Copeland to exit the SUV. Copeland attempted to comply the deputy noticed the vehicle was in gear and was moving, so he ordered Copeland to put it in park, then get out. He did, according to arrest reports.
Copeland claimed he was resting in the road after leaving a County Road 1190 residence, where he used to live. He claimed he had yet to change his mailing address so he was just checking the mail box for mail, Osornio alleged in arrest reports.
Seeing several open containers in the vehicle, Osornio searched the silver vehicle. Three debit cards that did not belong to Copeland and multiple articles of mail from multiple addresses on CR 1190 were located, Osornio wrote in arrest reports.
Copeland was taken into custody for mail theft and fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information. The vehicle was inventories and impounded. On the way to the jail, Copeland allegedly continuously struck his forehead on the cage in Osornio’s patrol vehicle, causing a gash on his right eyebrow. After being treated for injuries, Copeland was booked into Hopkins County jail.
Meanwhile, upon learning details of the incident, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis began checking the area for anything amiss. Davis located an open door on a vehicle at the address where he claimed to have previously lived. The vehicle appeared to have been rummaged through, the front door of the residence appeared to have been forced open, a window unit appeared to be missing and the inside of the residence appeared to have been destroyed, Osornio and Davis alleged in arrest reports. A ladder was propped next to a window on the rear of the residence and a window unit was located in the trunk of the vehicle, according to arrest reports. Copeland was also charged with burglary of a habitation in connection with the deputies’ findings on CR 1190.
Copeland remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning, Dec. 24, on the fraudulent use or possession, mail theft and home burglary charges, according to jail reports.
Wednesday night was the third time Copeland has been booked into Hopkins County jail in the past five months. The 40-year-old Cooper man was also jailed overnight Aug. 4, 2020, on warrants for violating probation on Delta County family violence assault causing bodily injury and possession of marijuana charges, and violation of probation on a harassment-repeated electronic communication charge, according to jail reports. Copeland also spent the night in jail Oct. 22 for possession of drug paraphernalia, according to jail reports.
Copeland also was on probation for an Aug. 27, 2019, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon charge. He was sentenced Nov. 12, 2020, in the 8th Judicial District Court to 10 years on probation for having a firearm in his vehicle when stopped for speeding on State Highway 11 east Aug. 27, 2019.
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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.
