3 Additional COVID-19 Cases Reported For Sulphur Springs ISD Campuses
Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams over the weekend received information regarding 3 additional COVID-19 case reported for SSISD campuses.
On Sept. 11, another Sulphur Springs High School student was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. The student was reported to have been present at SSHS during the first week of school. The student is at least the third high school students confirmed to have COVID-19 since school started on Sept. 1
The first student high school was reported to have been present on campus Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 1-2. The second SSHS student was reported Sept. 9 to have been on campus within the past week.
On Sept. 13, 2 middle school teachers who were present on campus during the week of Sept. 8-11 were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19.
Two Bowie Primary students — one who was on campus Sept. 1-3, and another who was on campus Sept. 1, 2 and 4 — were reported to have tested positive for COVID-19.
One Sept. 9, a Travis Primary School teacher who was on campus the week before tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019.
On Sept. 8, a SSISD bus driver also was reported to have COVID-19. The individual drove a bus Sept. 1-4, according to SSISD reports.
| SSISD Campus | Student | Employee |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Academic Center | 0 | 0 |
| Barbara Bush Primary | 0 | 0 |
| Bowie Primary | 2 | 0 |
| Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center | 0 | 0 |
| Lamar Primary | 0 | 0 |
| Travis Primary | 1 | 0 |
| Sulphur Springs Elementary | 0 | 1 |
| Sulphur Springs Middle School | 0 | 2 |
| Sulphur Springs High School | 3 | 0 |
| Other (bus driver, special services, admin. etc.) | 0 | 1 |
5 Arrested After THC, Bundles Of Money, Pills, Firearm, Marijuana Found During Interstate 30 Stop
Five Tennessee residents were arrested Saturday after THC, bundles of money, pills, a firearm and marijuana were found in their vehicle during an Interstate 30 traffic stop, according to arrest reports.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Arturo Ugalde reported stopping a Hyundai Sonata before 8 a.m. Sept. 12, 2020, at mile marker 110 on Interstate 30 west for speeding. When he approached the vehicle he detected an odor of fresh marijuana coming from inside. A probable cause search was conducted.
The driver, identified as 33-year-old Alphonso Orlando McCracken, was accused of having a bundle of cash totaling $20,000. Two of the passengers, identified in arrest reports as 32-year-old Michael Daniels Thomas Jr. and 26-year-old Cadarrius K. Bell, were alleged to have bundles of cash in their pockets. Bell allegedly had $2,000 and Thomas $6,000.
McCracken also was accused of possession of 5 oxycodone acetaminophen pills (3 mg), a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Bell was accused of possession of approximately 5.6 ounces of marijuana in a glass jar and unlawful carrying of a weapon, a semi-automatic Glock handgun.
Another passenger, 28-year-old Cardiss Savannah Henderson, allegedly possessed of a bag containing 3 suspected Ecstasy pills (weighing 3 grams), another bag with approximately 21 grams of THC edibles and a plastic bottle containing THC syrup that weighed approximately 35 grams. The fourth passenger, a 25-year-old Memphis, Tennessee woman, was allegedly found in possession of a green pipe containing marijuana residue.
All five Memphis residents were placed under arrest and transported to a highway patrol office for further investigation. Criminal Investigations Division Special Agent Kelly conducted interviews with the Tennessee residents.
“All occupants of the vehicle were traveling from Memphis, TN to Dallas, TX, both hub-city for narcotics distribution while in possession of controlled substances, a large amount of currency and a firearm. Thomas admitted to being a ‘prior’ gang member. Based on the totality of the circumstances and evidence, the occupants of the vehicle were traveling to Dallas with the intent to use the currency to further the commission of criminal activity,” Ugalde alleged in arrest reports.
Jail reports show the following were released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, Sept. 13 on bond:
- Cadarrius K. Bell on a $20,000 bond on the money laundering charge, on a $10,000 bond on the possession of more than 4 ounces but no more than 5 pounds of marijuana charge, and $2,500 on the unlawful carrying a weapon charge;
- the 25-year-old Tennessee woman on the misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charge; and
- Michael Daniels Thomas Jr. on a $20,000 bond on the money laundering charge.
The two other Tennessee residents remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Sept. 14, according to jail reports. Cardiss Savannah Henderson’s bond was set at $40,000 bond on the possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge and a $25,000 bond on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge. Alphonso Orlando McCracken’s bond was set at $25,000 bond on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge and a $20,000 bond on the money laundering charge.
Local DAR Reminds of US Constitution Week, Observed Annually September 17 – 23
The observance of Constitution Week runs annually from September 17 to September 23. It was officially enacted on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower from a congressional resolution petitioned by the Daughters of the American Revolution , but it was George W Bush who officially declared the inception of Constitution Week in September 2002.[2]
The purpose of the observance week is to promote study and education about the United States Constitution which was originally adopted by the American Congress of the Confederation on September 17, 1787. Specifically, the Daughter’s of the American Revolution state the purpose as:
- Emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution.
- Inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life.
- Encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.[3]
The Captain David Phillips Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met on Saturday September 12, 2020 at Gafford Chapel United Methodist Church. During the meeting, two proclamations were presented by County Judge Robert Newsom; one for Star Spangled Banner Day September 14, and one for Uncle Sam Day September 13. Both these dates lead up to Constitution Week, September 17-23. The DAR chapter will have a display at the Sulphur Springs Public Library which everyone is welcome to view.
“Uncle Sam Day” is September 13. Uncle Sam became the nickname for the United States government more than 200 years ago. It was coined indirectly by Sam Wilson, a meatpacker from New York. Wilson, who in supplying barrels of meat for soldiers during the War of 1812, identified the shipments by stamping ‘U.S.’ on the barrels. Soldiers dubbed the deliveries as being from “Uncle Sam”. The image of Uncle Sam has had many forms, most with the starred top hat and striped pants. His image with the slogan “I Want You for the U.S. Army” first appeared in “Leslie’s Weekly” news magazine during a World War 1 recruitment campaign.
“Star Spangled Banner Day” is September 14. A few lines were jotted down by an observer during a fierce battle in the War of 1812. Those lines became a poem in the mind of attorney Francis Scott Key who at daybreak next morning, beheld the American flag still flying. He originally titled the work “The Defense of Fort McHenry”. The poem was later set to music, and in 1931 became America’s national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”.
Highlights From John Chester Dutch Oven Class
The class was held on Saturday September 12, 2020 inside Heritage Park, and a healthy-size interest was obvious from the number and variety of cooks who registered. From beginner to advanced, from young to forever young, these cooks have learned the secret that great outdoor cooking is best shared with others! Thanks Rick and Carlie for keeping alive and strong the Hopkins County legacy sparked by Johnny “Buffalo” Chester!
SSISD Trustees To Consider Accepting Application For Solar Farm, Request To Close Portion of CR 3602 Sept. 14
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees has a full agenda Monday evening. The SSISD trustees will be asked to consider an application for a solar farm, a request to close a portion of CR 3602 and SHAC members, designating 4-H as an extracurricular activity and appointing Extension Agents as adjunct faculty, and legal policies, according to the Sept. 14 meeting agenda.
A large portion of the 6 p.m. meeting has been designated for items related to a proposed solar farm in the northwestern part of SSISD. The trustees first are slated to enter into executive session to discuss with legal counsel the application for appraised value limitation on qualified property from Bright Arrow Solar LLC legal, as well as any other personnel items submitted for board approval since the last meeting.
Items on the agenda related to the solar farm include: acknowledgment of Conflict of Interest policy and concerning the application for the tax break on qualified property; retain attorneys and consultants to assist the in the review and processing of the application for appraised value limitation on qualified property from Bright Arrow Solar LLC; and accept the application and authorize the superintendent to review it for completeness and approve any request for a deadline for board action beyond 150 days.
An assistant superintendent is scheduled to report on the School Health Advistory Committee. The board will later be asked to consider approving the propsed list of SHAC.
A resolution is proposed which would grant extracurricular status to the Extension office. They too will be asked to again appoint the local Extension Office staff as adjunct faculty members.
The school board too will be asked to consider allowing the superintendent to execute a letter indicating no objection from SSISD for the closing or abandoning of the last 407 feet of County Road 3602.
Submitted for school board approval based on recommendations of Texas Association of School Boards Policy Services will be revisions and additions to local local board policies.
The SSISD Board of Trustees meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, in the board room of the Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors Sept. 14 Meeting Agenda
Hopkins County Hospital District
Called Meeting of Board of Directors
Notice is hereby given that a Called Meeting of the Board of Directors of Hopkins County Hospital District will be held on Monday, September 14, 2020 at 6:00 pm in the Plaza Conference Room of the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic at 113 Airport Road, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
AGENDA
- Call to Order
- Invocation
- Public Forum
- Swearing in of Tim Kelty
- Review and Approve Tax Rate for Year Ending September 30, 202
- Review and Approve Budget for Year Ending September 30, 2021
- Update on EMS Headquarters Building
- Review and Approve Financial Statements for July 2020
a. Financial Statements for July 2020
b. EMS Update and Review - Consent Agenda
a. Nursing Home Reports
b. Review and Approve Minutes of Called Meeting for 08-12-20 - Update for CHHA by Paul Harvey, President/CEO
- Executive Session
a. Review Executive Session Board Minutes for Called Meeting 08-12-20
b. Discuss Adding Controller (or Accountant) and Discuss Positions for Current Staff - Return to Regular Session
a. Approve Executive Session Board Minutes for Called Meeting 08-12-20
b. Approve Adding Controller (or Accountant) and Positions for Current Staff - Adjourn
Texas Conference For Employers Hosting Virtual Seminar on Employment Law
The Texas Conference For Employers will be hosting a 90-minute law session later this month.
The session in question is a free virtual employment law session hosted by the Office of Commissioner Representing Employers. The session will include lessons on Wage & Hour Law, Medical Leave, and Payroll Tax 101.
Attendance is free, and the link to sign-up can be found here. More information for the Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas, which serves Hopkins County, can be found on their Facebook.
Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas‘s mission is to be a “driving” force in the area to provide employers with workforce support for the economic benefit of the communities served.
Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas provides workforce development services in Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, and Titus Counties. The agency links employers to a large pool of skilled workers and connects job seekers to training opportunities. They help young adults identify career and training optioSns for their future. The agency links employers to training options for their workforce and link workforce, economic, and community development for the continued growth of the region.
Sept. 14-18, 2020 Meal A Day Menu
Although the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center remains closed due to COVID-19, volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. The Sept. 14-18, 2020 Meal A Day Menu includes:
Monday — Cornflake Chicken Casserole, Stewed Squash and Pinto Beans
Tuesday — Sloppy Joe Sandwich, Potato Chips and a Pickle Spear
Wednesday — Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli and Pickled Beets
Thursday — Swedish Meatballs on a Bed of Rice, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll
Friday — Chili Cheese Dogs, Tater Tots and Cole Slaw
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
2020 Creative Arts Contest, Arts & Crafts Show Slated Oct. 23-24
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Family & Community Health — Hopkins County
Excitement is building for the 2020 Creative Arts Contest and Arts & Crafts Show. Both events are scheduled to take place October 23 and 24, at the Sulphur Springs High School. Questions have been coming in about the Creative Arts Contest, so I thought it would be beneficial to provide some information and encourage Hopkins County folks to consider entering!
The Creative Arts Contest is for Hopkins County residents to showcase their talents in various categories. Items will be awarded with appropriate ribbons, followed by public viewing. All ages are encouraged to enter: Children (ages 10 and under), Youth (ages 11-19), Adult (ages 20-69), Mature Texans (ages 70 and up).
Below are the entry divisions (please note that the bake show is cancelled this year):
- Art: oil, water color, ink, rub outs, pencil, acrylic, paper tole, crayon/marker, spray paint art, chalk, misc. All entries must be suitable for hanging or display on a rack (except for children’s entries)
- Clothing: classic (tailored/detailed), after-five, children’s wear (up to size 14), everyday casual (includes pajamas), and wearable art – must have made or decorated the clothing item (decorated vests, shirt/t-shirt, jacket)
- Creative Crafts: Crafts (candles, plastics, metal, leather); ceramics; stained glass (cut and leaded or soldered); painted household accessories (birdhouses, wall accessories); Miscellaneous (glass, mosaics, paper mach
, collage, scrap art)
- Decorated Cakes (will not be cut): judged on workmanship, difficulty, appearance, and originality. All items will be discarded if not picked up at the conclusion of the show.
- Food Preservation: all items must be in official canning jars. Foods processed in mayonnaise jars, pickle jars, etc. will not be judges. Items will not be opened, but a two-part lid must be used for judging purposes. Foods must have been canned September, 2019 to October 2020. Entry divisions are: canned vegetables; canned fruits; jams; preserves; butters (apple, pear, peach, plum); jellies; pickles (preserved in a brine or vinegar solution); relish; pickled vegetables (okra, beets, peppers, etc.); dehydrated foods; miscellaneous (honey, fruit/tomato juice, mincemeat, canned meats, flavored vinegars)
- Handiwork: knit; crochet; embroidery; needlepoint; sewn items; beadwork; jewelry; other fabric/fiber work – string art, latch-hook, macramé, weaving, etc.)
- Holiday/seasonal
- Horticulture: No artificial plants allowed. Entries must have been in exhibitor’s possession at least 3 months prior to the fair. Exhibitor is responsible for upkeep of the entry during the fair. Entry categories include: Agriculture (fruits, vegetables, nuts, acorns); cut flowers; potted plants; hanging baskets; succulents; dried (arrangements, potpourri, wreaths, swags); gourds; herbs
- Photography: Entries should be appropriate mounted or framed and suitable for hanging on exhibiting on a stand. Color and black/white will be accepted in the following categories: portrait, scenic, still life, people, special effects, floral, architectural, grouping/collage.
- Quilts: hand-quilted, machine quilted, combination (hand and machine – embroidery, applique, etc.); baby quilts; quilted items (pillows, table runners, wall hangings)
- Woodworking: kits, inlaid wood, mosaics (using different woods for color), furniture, wall hanging/crosses, wood carvings, yard art, rustic arts, birdhouses, toys
- Nursing home: items entered by residents or Assisted Living facilities and nursing homes will include many of the above categories, but will be judged separately
Registration of items will begin on Thursday, October 22, 4 to 6 p.m. in the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center and continue Friday, October 23, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Items will be judged at 10:15 a.m. and opened for public viewing Friday afternoon, and Saturday, October 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pictures will not be taken of winners, but all winning entries will announced in mass media. Due to COVIC-19 and to avoid crowded conditions, pick up time for entries will be expanded to 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on October 24.
For a detailed description of all entry categories, feel free to contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Arts & Crafts Show
Applications for the Arts & Crafts Show are coming in on a regular basis now, but we still have room for more! If you and someone you know would be interested in selling their hand-made, hand-crafted items, this is the perfect opportunity! This is a highlight of the Hopkins County Fall Festival, and I always find that one-of-a-kind item, perfect for gift-giving (or keeping!)
Applications are available in the Extension Office, on-line at https://hopkins.agrilife.org/publications, or by calling 903-885-3443 and we can e-mail the application. No commercially made items will be accepted. This show is for home artisans. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are available.
Concession Stand
We are looking for a group or organization to run a concession stand in the high school during these events. All proceeds go to the group or organization. Please call the Extension Office, 903-885-3443, for details.
Live as long as you can and make the best of it. Nobody gets a do-over.
Tim Moffett
Youth Livestock Projects Validation Dates
By Mario Villarino, DVM, Ph.D., Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
The mission of the youth livestock validation program is to promote a positive youth development environment focused on ensuring rules for livestock exhibition are being followed under the supervision of County Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers. This helps to foster integrity, virtues, and values of youth and families.
The purpose of validation is to encourage positive relationships with County Extension Agents, Agricultural Science Teachers and local stakeholders, create a level playing field for youth livestock projects, maximize youth experience and life skill development, and facilitate youth engagement with livestock projects.
Validation allows youth to build on life skills such as responsibility, respect, teamwork and communication. By participating in the livestock project, youth exhibitors learn daily care, nutrition, reproduction, and production practices specific to livestock projects.
To accomplish these objectives, Hopkins County 4-H and FFA chapters partner with the Northeast Texas Livestock Association to conduct livestock project validations. The upcoming validation dates are as follows:
The mission of the youth livestock validation program is to promote a positive youth development environment focused on ensuring rules for livestock exhibition are being followed under the supervision of County Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers. This helps to foster integrity, virtues, and values of youth and families.
The purpose of validation is to encourage positive relationships with County Extension Agents, Agricultural Science Teachers and local stakeholders, create a level playing field for youth livestock projects, maximize youth experience and life skill development, and facilitate youth engagement with livestock projects.
Validation allows youth to build on life skills such as responsibility, respect, teamwork and communication. By participating in the livestock project, youth exhibitors learn daily care, nutrition, reproduction, and production practices specific to livestock projects.
To accomplish these objectives, Hopkins County 4-H and FFA chapters partner with the Northeast Texas Livestock Association to conduct livestock project validations. The upcoming validation dates are as follows:
- Lambs and Goats: October 14, 2020. Regional Civic Center. 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- County Steers: Oct. 15, 2020. Live at Cattlemen’s Veterinary Clinic. 6-7 p,m.
- County and State Heifers: October 15, 2020. Live at Cattlemen/s Veterinary Clinic. 6-7 p.m.
- Swine (4-H Projects for NETLA Jr. Livestock Show): November 23, 2020- Live at the Extension Office. 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- Poultry (for NETLA Jr Livestock Show- 4-H only): by November 30, 2020 at the Extension Office.
- For more information on this or any other agricultural related topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at m-villarino@ tamu.edu.
For more information on this or any other agricultural related topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at m-villarino@ tamu.edu.
