Cumby City Offices Closed Due To COVID Exposure
The Cumby city offices will be closed from Aug. 27 through Sept. 10, “due to COVID exposure,” according to an “Urgent Notice!” post by Cumby Place 5 Alderman “Julie Isham Morris” Wednesday evening on the city’s Facebook page.
Any questions can be posted on the City of Cumby Facebook page, and city officials will try to get them answered.
In response to a question about the water service billing cycles, noted that water bills will go out in September, but they could be mailed later than normal due to the temporary closure of the city facility. Water service would not be turned off due to the office closure.
Morris said while there will be no one available to answer the phone at Cumby City Offices until Sept. 10, emergency numbers (903-348-4676 and 903-274-5577) are provided on the city website, www.cityofcumby.com. However, the emergency numbers should only be used in the event of genuine emergency.
Sulphur Springs Hotels Full Due to Hurricane, Hopkins County EOC Officials Monitoring Weather
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County Emergency Management officials, already working together due to COVID-19, are collaborating in a unified command to stay up-to-date with the National Weather Service and state reports regarding Hurricane Laura and respond accordingly.
Towns to the east of Hopkins County were expected to take the brunt of the hurricane, which had increased in intensity to a Category 4. Predictions for Hopkins County earlier this evening were for chances of high winds and localized flooding Thursday.
However, Sulphur Springs Police Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator Jason Ricketson said right now officials, like most Texans are waiting to see just how intense Laura remains after making landfall.
Ricketson reminds residents to be alert for potential flooding in Sulphur Springs and surrounding areas.
“There are a lot of places in town that do flood. Be mindful of them. We do our best to get to them and get up barricades, but can’t always,” Ricketson said. “If there’s high water, please don’t try to drive through it.”
The city’s water rescue team is reportedly on standby, available if needed to assist.
Many people along the storm’s path evacuated either voluntarily or by mandatory order to other towns. While some went to designated reception centers in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Ellis County, others are taking their chances driving inland, seeking whatever hotel lodging is available beyond Laura’s projected path.
As a result hotels and motels in many cities in East to Central Texas were filling up.
Officials at 5 p.m. Wednesday reported Sulphur Springs hotels and motels are “full for tonight and probably for several days to come,” as they wait out the storm. Hopkins County’s Emergency Management team said they were told by state official that there aren’t many hotel rooms available in other area towns and counties either.
As of this afternoon, local officials were not aware of any supply shortages in the area, but utility officials were preparing for the possibility Laura would knock out power in a large region.
Hopkins County Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley said Hopkins County, if requested, will mobilize to help neighboring counties to the east as needed.
Hopkins County Aug. 26 COVID-19 Update: 3 New Cases, 45 Active Cases
Hopkins County Emergency Management officials at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 announced they’d received notification of 3 new positive COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County, for a total of 45 active cases. There were no recoveries reported Aug. 26.
That brings the total from Aug. 1-26 to 86 new positive COVID-19 cases and 94 recoveries. The cumulative totals since midMarch for Hopkins County are 238 positive cases and 193 recoveries.
Officials reported three continued to be only one patient in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs on Aug. 26, the same as was reported on Aug. 6.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator reported that 201 COVID-19 tests had been conducted at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center during the free testing offered since Thursday evening, Aug. 20. Testing continues to be offered every day except Sunday at the Civic Center. Symptoms are not required for testing. Children may be tested, but must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone can online to GoGetTested.com to register for a free COVID-19 test.
COVID-19 Deaths
Three were no new deaths assigned to Hopkins County by Texas Department of State Health Services on Aug. 26. Previously, DSHS/Health and Human Services reported 5 Hopkins County COVID-19 fatalities: one each on July 17, Aug. 23, Aug. 2, Aug. 4 and Aug. 17.
Deaths are added to the DSHS COVID-19 dashboard based on death certificates sent to the state Vital Statistics office which list COVID-19 as cause of death.
Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities
Texas Health and Human Services Commission reported no active cases in the nursing facilities in Sulphur Springs as of Aug. 12. Of the four facilities listed in Sulphur Springs, Sulphur Springs Health & Rehab in the past reported three employees had tested positive for COVID-19, but those employees had recovered. There have been no nursing home residents in Sulphur Springs who have tested positive for COVID-19 since the state began collecting the data, according to the Aug. 26 HHS nursing home case report.
There were no changes in COVID-19 cases in Sulphur Springs assisted living facilities on Aug. 12, according to the HHSC report. Wesley House has had a cumulative total of 3 employees and 8 patient who have tested positive for COVID-19 since the state began collecting data. Of those, there were still three active employee cases and six active resident cases, and two resident recoveries as of Aug. 12, according to the Aug. 26, HHSC assisted living facility case report.
There had been no deaths from COVID-19 reported as of Aug. 12 for any local nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Data for nursing and assisted living facilities is typically 2 weeks behind. It is self-reported by facility staff to HHSC, and is then reviewed for data entry and transcription errors. HHSC investigates every assisted living facility that reports a COVID-positive case for compliance with health and safety regulations. Data on any resident after discharge from a facility would not be reflected in the state report, according to HHSC.
Child Care Centers
Texas Health and Human Services reported no active COVID-19 cases among the four licensed child care centers in Hopkins County as of Aug. 25. Annekes Preschool and Sulphur Springs Christian Preschool have each reported one employee who has tested positive for COVID-19 since midMarch. Little Texans Learning Center has had two employees test positive since March. His Kids Learning Center has had one enrolled student and one employee test positive for COVID-19 since March, according to the Aug. 26 HHSC child care center report.
There have been no COVID-19 deaths reported as of Aug. 25 for any Hopkins County child care centers.
This state report includes only data licensed child care centers, school-age programs, and before or after-school programs had self-reported to Texas Health and Human Services Commission as of Aug. 24.
Sulphur Springs Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks Gives Early Assessment Of This Year’s Varsity Team
By Don Julian, KSST Sports Director
Sulphur Springs High School and Middle School cross country runners continue to gather at Gerald Prim Stadium early weekday mornings as they prepare for their first meets in Hallsville on Sept. 9-11. During a recent interview, Sulphur Springs Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks discussed this year’s varsity team.
He said the Lady Cats are expected to be led by two seniors: Maurie Flecker and Kenia Herrera. Coach Hicks is also expecting a lot of sophomores Mattie Bridges and Laney Hurst, and freshman Hailey Schultz.
There are also two Wildcats seniors: Camden Fuller and Price Griggs. A trio of juniors have also impressed Coach Hicks: Kevin Garcia, Hector Hernandez and Jonathan Scott.
Coach Hicks already figures Mount Pleasant could be a district foe to be reckoned with this season since the Tigers topped both and Wildcats and Lady Cats during district competition last season. Coach Hicks said it was the first time for the Tigers to best his teams since he’s been here. He’s in his fifth year. Coach Hicks said the district now has some familiar foes from the past: Hallsville, Pine Tree, Marshall and Longview. Texas High rounds out the seven team district. Coach Hicks said his varsity runners know they can compete with their district opponents and he says they are working to get better at the little things right now.
NHISD Designates Aug. 31 As A Professional Development Day, Student Holiday
North Hopkins ISD students will have Monday off, North Hopkins ISD Superintendent Dr. Darin Jolly announced Wednesday afternoon. NHISD has designated Aug. 31 as a professional development day for district teachers and staff.
“This student holiday will provide teachers and staff additional training for recent technology upgrades and educational adaptions. Families are encouraged to safely maximize this extended weekend, before returning to campus, Tuesday, Sept. 1,” Jolly said.
The many new technology components added this year to meet remote learning needs have “heightened instructional demands” on teachers and staff. Trainers will be on campus helping educators become more proficient with these components.
“It is imperative that our technology implementations are productive as we strive for excellence in our instructional delivery.” Jolly stated.
2 Men Jailed On One Hopkins County Felony Charge Each
Two men, a 35-year-old Sulphur Springs resident and a 49-year-old Rockwall resident, were jailed on one Hopkins County felony charge each. The arrests mark the fourth time in the last year that the Sulphur Springs man has been jailed in Hopkins County and the second time this year the 49-year-old Rockwall man has been jailed in Hopkins County, according to arrest and jail reports.
Assault Warrant
Robert Earl Hawkins Jr. turned himself in at 12:50 a.m. Aug. 26 in the lobby at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Nick Marney escorted the 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man into Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on a warrant for assault impeding breathing or circulation.
Hawkins remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, Aug. 26, on the third-degree felony charge; bond was set at $75,000 on the assault charge.
According to jail reports, Hawkins has an extensive history dating back to 2004 that includes multiple assault charges. Jail records show Hawkins was arrested and jailed in Hopkins County on the following charges involving assault or threats:
- Family violence assault causing bodily injury charges on Dec. 31, 2004; July 13, 2006; Jan. 11, 2017
- Violation of probation on a terroristic threat on Aug. 1, 2006
- a warrant for not paying an assault fine on Jan. 11, 2007;
- Assault of a family or household member with previous conviction on Nov. 7, 2009;
- A warrant for assault causing bodily injury to a family member on Nov. 1, 2016;
- An indictment for aggravated assault of a date, family or household member on April 19, 2017; and
- Surety off bond on two assault causes bodily injury charges on April 19, 20017
Hawkins’ arrest on Aug. 26 marks the fourth time in less than a year that he has been jailed in Hopkins County. He was also arrested Dec. 19, 2019 by Sulphur Springs police for possession of drug-paraphernalia; Jan. 6, 2020, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and a no seat belt warrant; and March 15, 2020 for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to jail reports.
Violation of Probation Charge
Brent Glen Self was booked into Hopkins County jail Aug. 25 on a violation of probation on theft of property charge, according to jail reports.
The 49-year-old Rockwall man was scheduled to appear at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 25 in the 8th Judicial District Court on a motion to proceed on an Oct. 9, 2019 theft of property valued at $2,500-$30,000 charge for which he had yet to be arrested, and a pretrial hearing on a Nov. 7, 2019 engaging in organized criminal activity charge, according to the Aug. 25 court docket.
Self was released from Hopkins County jail later Tuesday, Aug. 25, on the charge, according to jail records.
The arrest marks the second time Self has been booked into Hopkins County jail this year. He was in jail May 26, 2020 on a warrant for the engaging in organized criminal activity charge and a Lindale warrant for theft of property valued at $100 or more but less than $750; he was released from jail May 27 on $15,000 bond on the criminal activity charge and $2,000 bond on the Lindale charge, according to jail reports.
He has a prior history of arrest on theft charges. He was jailed July 26, 2015 on a theft of property valued at $50 or more but less than $500 charge and Oct. 25, 2015 on four theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with two or more previous 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.
Welfare Check In Como Results In Warrant Arrest
A welfare check in Como resulted in a warrant arrest, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Communications Operators dispatched Sgt. Scott Davis and Deputy Aaron Chaney at 5:52 p.m. Aug. 25 to a Gaskins Street residence, where a man reportedly threatened to harm himself.
Upon arrival, deputies reported contacting the man reported to have possibly making suicidal statements. Deputies encountered a man they believed based on observation to be “highly intoxicated by alcoholic beverage,” according to arrest reports. The resident denied making any cry for help and said he “did not have any suicidal ideations,” Sgt. Davis alleged in arrest reports.
A records check, however, showed the 71-year-old man to have an active warrant for his arrest. Thus, Davis took Marcos Olguin Resendiz into custody at 6:12 p.m. on the violation of parole warrant. He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, Aug. 26, 2020, on the charge, according to jail reports.
According to arrest reports Resendiz was on parole for two felony driving while intoxicated charges. He was arrested in 1994 on a second DWI charge, then on July 23, 2011 and Dec. 15, 2011 was arrested on third and fourth DWI charges. He spent a 3-day commitment in jail May 19-21, 2017 as part of the punishment for the third or more DWI charge, according to jail reports.
Resendiz returned to jail from June 10 to July 7, 2018 for violating probation on both third or more DWI charges. He spent the night in jail July 7, 2018 on a public intoxication charge. He was assessed two 4-year commitments in Texas Department of Criminal Justice for violating probation on the two felony DWI charges and jailed July 10, 2018, according to jail records.
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.
Hicks: Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes Series Coming in September
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
Face-to-face programming has been put on hold for a while, but that doesn’t mean opportunities have stopped. “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” is a five-lesson series targeted toward individuals with type 2 diabetes. Recent research indicates that 10% of the Hopkins County adult population has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 31% are obese, and 17% are smokers. In addition, 35% report no leisure-time physical activity. Through the diabetes series, individuals will learn the impact of healthy diets, physical activity, and stopping smoking on controlling diabetes.
Do you know how to recognize foods high in carbohydrates? Do you know what your numbers should be when you go to the doctor? Do you know the symptoms of diabetes? Can you recognize complications that can be caused by out-of-control blood sugar? This series will help equip you with information that can help you make healthier food choices and manage your diabetes. Get the facts you need. Ask the questions you need answered. Get encouragement to make positive changes. Caregivers, spouses, relatives, neighbors are also welcome! Here are the details:
- When: Wednesdays, Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
- Time: 3-5 p.m.
- Where: Zoom – log onto your own device to a live program facilitated by medical experts & professional educators
- Registration: contact 903-885-3443 (my office) on or before August 27, or e-mail [email protected]
- Cost: $10 covers materials that will be mailed each week – handouts, copy of power point, recipes, and more
You will receive the links each week to log on. The featured speaker is Alicia Fowler, PA-C, Bonham Specialty Clinic. Thanks to my Extension colleague in Fannin County for sharing this information with us! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Extension Office.
Arts & Crafts Show Time!
Recently, an individual stopped me in a local store and asked about Fall Festival. Even though I’m not the coordinator of Fall Festival, I can tell you that it will take place in October, complete with parade, carnival, Kids’ Zone, and more! The Arts & Crafts Show is always a popular event and applications have gone out to those who exhibited in past years. New vendors are always welcome!
As a reminder, the Arts & Crafts Show is designed for home artisans to sell their hand-made, hand-crafted items. The booth fees have been reduced this year to make it easier for those who might have been negatively impacted by the Corona virus. Applications have already been coming in! We will have safety precautions in place to protect visitors and vendors.
Write the dates on your calendar and make plans to attend:
- When: Friday, Saturday – Oct. 23, 24
- Where: Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria and north entrance
- Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday
Any youth sports organization, church group, or civic organization interested in hosting a concession inside the high school may contact me and I’ll give details.
Closing Thought
I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. – “Time gets better with age”
— Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., at Hopkins County AriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
Stew Contest Deadline Is Aug. 28, Photography Contest Ends Aug. 31
Chamber Connection — 8/27/20
By Lezley Brown, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
The deadline is almost here for the 5th Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! Let me review the basics. Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than Jan. 1, 2018, and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31. There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected]. Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website. I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!
Please remember … Friday, Aug. 28 is the last day to submit your registration form to cook in this year’s Hopkins County Stew Contest. No registrations will be accepted after this date.
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week.
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Aug. 27, Onin Staffing. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center Opening Sulphur Springs Office Soon
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs, Texas, August 25, 2020 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
New Staff
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs is excited to welcome Dr. Chris Meltsakos, our new Orthopedic Surgeon with fellowship training in Sports Medicine. Dr. Meltsakos will be accepting new patients at 103B Medical Circle, beginning on Monday, Sept.7.
Sports Medicine
FREE Saturday Walk-In Clinic for school athletes is just around the corner. The Saturday sports clinic will be held every Saturday from 9am to 11 a.m. on Aug. 22 through Nov. 14. Athletes will get an exam and free x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury. The location will be the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedic Office at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs.
For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call our office at 903.885.6688.
New Services
Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center will be opening an office in Sulphur Springs and accepting patients under the care of Roxanne Swafford, FNP. She will begin seeing patients on Oct. 1, at 1228 Church St., Suite D. To schedule your appointment, call 972.390.9002 and
select “Option 1”. You may also schedule online at www.mdbarrows.com.
Our hearts are here for yours
Advanced Heart Care and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Health System have delivered heart care in Northeast Texas for over 40 years. Together, we will continue providing leading- edge heart care to the communities in which we serve. Available right here in Sulphur Springs
hospital is our team of heart specialists at Advanced Heart Care made up of Cardiologists and Electrophysiologists, our state-of-the-art Cath lab, Pulmonary Medicine, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Heart Attack Care 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. We look forward to helping you take an active role in your heart health with our team approach for your care. For more information on the Cardiology group, and their capabilities to see patients in person or via telemedicine, go to www.advancedheartcare.com.
Hospital Visitation
For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
- 1 Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
- 1 Visitor per patient
- Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
COVID-19 Testing
Experiencing Symptoms?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, chills, muscle pain or headache, or diarrhea, please call your provider for either a face-to-face appointment or a telemedicine consultation.
If your provider determines you need to have a COVID-19 test, they will send you to the appropriate outpatient location for testing.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please present to the Emergency Room. At this time, we are preserving our Emergency Room COVID-19 tests for those who are experiencing an emergency. Otherwise, we would ask that you follow the steps above
If you do not have a healthcare provider, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic welcomes new patients. Please call 903.885.3181 to talk to one of our associates about setting up an appointment.
Don’t Delay Care
We want to be perfectly clear – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. Go to the Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 if you are urgently ill. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. To learn more about COVID-19, go to ChristusTMF.org
or www.cdc.gov.
