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.”
Felon Arrested On Firearm Charge
A convicted felon was arrested on a firearm charge Thursday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cameron Robinson reported seeing Jose Manuel Galvan Jr. walking on the wrong side of the street in the 200 block of Helm Lane around 2:10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, so he contacted him.
The officer was granted permission to search him to ensure he didn’t have any weapons. Robinson found drug paraphernalia in the man’s pocket and a revolver in his backpack.
A records check showed 27-year-old Galvan had recently been convicted of a felony charge. He was arrested at 2:14 p.m. Sept. 3 for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Galvan remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Sept. 4. His bond on the felony firearm charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
Sept. 3 was the third time Galvan has been booked into Hopkins County jail in the last two months and fifth time in 2020. Jail records showed the 27-year-old man was in Hopkins County jail:
- Jan. 18-Feb. 18 on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance;
- Feb. 26-April 27 on a public intoxication charge and on a warrant for surety off bond on the possession of controlled substance charge;
- July 11-12 for possession of drug paraphernalia; and
- July 26 and possession of drug paraphernalia.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Wood County Sheriff’s Office August 26-Sept. 1, 2020 Report
Wood County Sheriff’s Office provided the following activity report for Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2020:
- Abandoned Vehicle: 3
- Livestock at large: 11
- Alarm: 13
- Motorist Assist: 2
- Animal Complaint: 9
- Noise Complaint: 1
- Arrest/Warrant Service: 11
- Public Intoxication: 1
- Assault: 5
- Reckless Driver: 6
- Burglary: 1
- Recovered stolen property: 1
- Criminal Mischief: 2
- Shots Fired: 2
- Criminal Trespass: 3
- Suspicious Activity: 34
- Disturbances/Disputes: 9
- Theft: 8
- Drug Offenses: 1
- Traffic Hazard: 5
- Fire-Structure: 1
- Unauthorized Use of Vehicle: 1
- Fraud: 5
- Weapons Violation: 1
- Funeral Escort: 2
- Welfare Check: 11
- Harassment: 2
- Inquest: 1
Theft Investigation Resulted In 3 Controlled Substance Arrests
A theft investigation resulted in three controlled substance arrests Thursday.
Sulphur Springs Police Department Special Crimes Sgt. Joe Scott and Lt. Mark Estes responded in the 100 block of Nicholson Street to assisted detectives who were investigating a report that stolen property could be potentially located in the area.
Upon arrival Thursday morning, SCU investigators encountered Ismael Gonzales, who was reportedly inside his pickup. Officers spoke to Gonzales about their reason for being in the area. He agreed to a body search. A dollar bill containing a crystal-like substance the officers believed was methamphetamine was allegedly found in his watch pocket. The money was placed on the side step of the truck while Gonzales was being placed into handcuffs, the SCU officers alleged in arrest reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
When ordered to the back of his truck, Gonzales reportedly began pulling away from the investigators and grabbed the dollar bill, dumping all of the suspected meth inside of it onto the road. Officers reported forcing the man against the truck and removed the money from his hand. Estes was able to recover some of the substance from the road. The 43-year-old Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody at 9:05 a.m. September 3 on possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence charge, according to arrest reports.
Around 3:15 p.m., officers responded at a residence in the 100 block of Nicholson Street, again assisting in a theft investigation. Scott obtained permission from 56-year-old Terry Kay Coplin to search the residence. Two bags containing suspect methamphetamine were found during the search. The suspected meth and packaging weighed 3.6 grams, the SCU officers alleged in arrest reports.
Terry Kay Coplin
Coplin and her “roommate/boyfriend,” identified in arrest reports as 48-year-old Meliton Medina-Tuirubiates, were both arrested just before 4 p.m. for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
64-Year-Old Caught Giving Beer To A Minor In Front Of A Sheriff’s Investigator
A 64-year-old was allegedly caught giving beer to a minor in front of a sheriff’s investigator around lunch time Tuesday, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Wade Sheets was in the parking lot of a College Street gas station at 11:50 a.m. September 2, when the 64-year-old walked out of the store with 4 cans of Steel Reserve. The investigator reported witnessing a minor in the vehicle beside of him call out to the Sulphur Springs man, asking for some of the alcohol. Sheets alleged seeing the man hand the minor a can of the Steel Reserve, then seeing the minor pour himself a glass of the alcohol.
When Sheets contacted the adult and minor, the adult allegedly “tried saying that the minor was pouring a drink for him,” Sheet wrote in arrest reports. Sheets reported pouring out the drink and the alcohol remaining in the can. He alleged the 64-year-old refused to obey multiple commands given to him by the investigator and was taken into custody and jailed for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The minors in the vehicle left once the 64-year-old was in custody, Sheets noted in arrest reports.
The 64-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail Thursday, September 3, on a $2,000 bond on the Class A misdemeanor purchasing/furnishing alcohol to a minor charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Rural Sulphur Springs Resident Arrested On Felony Warrant
A rural Sulphur Springs resident was arrested on a felony warrant Wednesday, according to jail and arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Greer located 22-year-old Harleah Irene Petrea at her residence and took her into custody at 4:36 p.m. Sept. 2. Greer transported her to Hopkins County jail, where she was booked in at 5:14 p.m. on the warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for a credit or debit card abuse charge. The violation was alleged in arrest reports to have occurred July 30, 2020.
Petrea was also charged Sept. 2 on an outstanding no driver’s license warrant. She remained in Hopkins County jail Sept. 3 on both charges, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
