Cumby ISD Athletics Canceled Until Aug. 24 Due To COVID-19
School Still Slated To Start As Scheduled Aug. 13
Cumby ISD COVID-19 protocols went into effect this week after some students reported virus symptoms, then, one confirmed COVID-19 case was reported, according to school officials. School athletic activities have been temporarily canceled, but classes are slated to begin as scheduled this Thursday.
Monday afternoon Cumby ISD officials announced the decision to cancel athletic practices and scrimmages until Aug. 24, after some students exhibited symptoms of COVID-19. Tuesday afternoon, Superintendent Shelly Slaughter reported the school had received notification one Cumby ISD student who was on campus on Aug. 7 has received a lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 result.
As both instances developed, the district began implementing the established district COVID-19 protocols and procedures. The school nurse has been working throughout the day in conjunction with the Local Health Authority nurse to identify and notify any individuals who may have been at high risk of contact and to conduct contact tracing, according to the superintendent.
“Individuals determined to be in close contact with the infected individual have been contacted directly via telephone by our District Health Contact/School Nurse, Juliana Osornio. Those that were in contact will remain off campus for up to 14 days to ensure that they do not have the virus, so that there will not be any further spread. If those quarantined want to return prior to August 24th, they must have been quarantined for at least 5 days from the last day of exposure and have obtained a PCR or molecular negative COVID-19 test. A negative antigen testis not sufficient,” Slaughter wrote in a letter posted around 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11 to the “Cumby ISD Family.”
Administrators report a letter to CISD families and additional details regarding online checking/learning protocols will be sent out on Wednesday. All Cumby ISD students are urged to check their school emails regularly for email notifications regarding class work, which will be posted in google classrooms.
As a precaution against potential spread of illness, all football, volleyball and cross country practices, activities and athletics have been canceled until Aug. 25 to preserve the health and safety of students and majority of each sport’s season.
School will reopen on Thursday, Aug. 13, as planned, and all other district operations will continue on schedule. The Cumby ISD Return to Learn 2020 plan outlines district protocols for students and staff exhibit potential symptoms of COVID-19, who have been potentially exposed to someone who has COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19. The 24-page document can be downloaded from the school website cumbyisd.net.
Students in grades 9-12 will be given until Aug. 21 to switch from face-to-face to remote learning or returned to face-to-face” learning in light of a positive student COVID-19 case being reported.”
Students who know they will be participating in online learning and need technology or who don’t have access to their email account are urged to notify the school immediately so that arrangements can be made.
Any questions or concerns regarding health protocols should be directed to school nurse Juliana Osornio at [email protected] or 903-243-7077. Questions about instructional plans should be directed to Elementary campus Principal Doug Wicks at [email protected] or 903-994-4802 or High School Principal Donna George at [email protected] or 903-994-4801.
Paris Junior Collge Fall Registration Time
REGISTRATION TIME
The PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus is open and advisors are on hand to register students for the fall semester. Above, PJC Advisor Angela Ellis, left, assists Kylie Spencer of Sulphur Springs as she completes her paperwork for the fall. Arena registration will be held at all three PJC campuses on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. Arena registration will be held again at the PJC-Sulphur Springs campus on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call the campus at 903-885-1232 for more information.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Aug. 11 COVID-19 Update: 3 New Cases, 59 Active Cases In Hopkins County
Three more Hopkins County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom reported at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. No new cases were reported today.
That’s 53 new positive COVID-19 results and 48 recoveries for Hopkins County residents reported this month by Hopkins County Emergency Management officials.
That brings the total number of positive COVID-19 cases reported for Hopkins County residents since March to 205. Of those, 146 county residents have recovered, leaving 59 active cases at 5 p.m. Aug. 11, according to Newsom.
The COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs contained 6 patients, the emergency management officials reported Aug. 11. That’s two more patients in the COVID-19 unit than on Monday, Aug. 10, but still one less patient than was reported on Aug. 2.
Hopkins County officials reported they still have received no information regarding any death for Hopkins County, despite the Texas Department of State Health Services’s COVID-19 dashboard which for the firth consecutive day has shown two COVID-19 deaths for Hopkins County. The state on July 29 reported one COVID-19 fatality for Hopkins County. That death, according to the Texas COVID-19 Fatality County Data By County report, occurred on July 23. The second death, DSHS reported Saturday, occurred on Aug. 2.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley said the DSHS dashboard that is accessible to the public is not the same information provided to to emergency management officials. Endsley said he again spoke with the regional DSHS contact on Tuesday.
“We still do not have a visual from that side. We have not had anything confirmed from DSHS.That comes from the state, but a different department. The board we are looking at has zero deaths on it. He can’t find anything on our end,” Endsley reported.
All assisted living facilities in Sulphur Springs remained COVID-19 free as of Aug. 28, neither residents nor staff had tested positive. Only one nursing facility in Sulphur Springs has reported any COVID-19 cases. The facility has had 3 employees test positive for COVID-19 since the state began tracking that data, but no residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Aug. 28 is the most current data reported by the state; these reports for verification purposes, are typically 2 weeks behind.
Meet CeCe
“Meet CeCe! CeCe is a 4 year-old Shepherd/Pyrenees mix. He was born at the rescue and is one of three from his litter that still haven’t found a home. CeCe is a very loving, very playful, and very big pup! He is always happy to see you and loves giving big hugs! His adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, neuter, and rabies shot. Please contact us by phone at 903-439-5019, email at [email protected], Petfinder.com, or at Facebook.com/heartsoflife”
There is no Magical Formula for Watering by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
There is no magical formula or exact rule for watering. Watering is based on the site condition, time of year, type of tree and, most importantly, soil type. Clay soils, while taking longer to wet, will retain moisture longer. Sandy soils, which easily absorb water also, dry faster.
KNOW YOUR SOIL TYPE!. Texas A&M Forest Services indicated that local environmental conditions affect how much water is lost from a tree and soil due to evapotranspiration. Trees will use and require more water during hot, windy, low humidity days versus cooler, calm, high humidity days. It benefits your trees if you track your local weather conditions and replace or replenish soil moisture as needed. Watering wisely is the best way to conserve our precious water resource and to benefit your trees.
Newly planted trees: Fill the water basin, allow the water to soak into the ground and fill the basin again. Depending on your site, soils and environmental conditions you may need to water as little as once per week or as often as three times per week. Two to three days after the initial watering, check the moisture of the backfill soil and the root ball soil (they will differ in texture). Get on your hands and knees, dig into the soil, grab a handful and feel it. If the soil is moist, check back in a couple of days. Repeat this process until you have determined the best watering schedule for your tree. If the soil stays squishy wet, you have a drainage problem or you are over watering. If the soil is crumbly, dry and hard, you’re not watering enough. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Your watering schedule should change throughout the year. If it does not, most likely you will either be over or under watering your trees.
Older established trees: Water the entire root zone under and beyond the tree canopy. Apply enough water to wet the soil from a minimum of 12 inches deep to a maximum of 18 inches. This can be anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of water as it covers the ground area. Using some type of soil probe will help you determine how deep the water is percolating into the soil. Most mature trees only need to be watered on a bi-monthly to monthly schedule, depending on the type of tree and time of year.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
14 SSISD Personnel Changes Approved By Trustees
August 11, 2020 – Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees Monday evening approved 14 SSISD personnel changes. Overall, that’s five resignations, seven new hires, one campus change and one inter-district job switch. These changes will impact every campus except Bowie Primary, Sulphur Springs Elementary and the Administration building.
School employees whose resignations were accepted by SSISD include:
- Alejandra Hernandez, a pre-kindergarten aide at Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center;
- Cassidy Martin, a special education aide at Barbara Bush Primary;
- Linzi Phillips, campus secretary at Barbara Bush Primary;
- Brenda Carreon, a Title III aide at Travis Primary; and
- Taffy Kirby, a special education aide at Travis Primary.
Trustees approved the following new personnel:
- Terri Rogers as a special education aide at Barbara Bush Primary;
- Amy Voss as a Title I aide at Lamar Primary;
- Margarita Gonzalez as a Title I Aide at Travis Primary;
- Tina Tipps as a special education aide at Sulphur Springs Middle School;
- Donna James as SSISD Police Department secretary, working at Sulphur Springs High School;
- Karla Martinez as a health science technology education teacher at SSHS;
- Angela Kelley as an instructional aide at Austin Academic Center;
Approved for either a job or campus swap were Monica Hernandez and Misty Nottingham. Hernandez will remain on the Travis Primary campus, but will change from Title I Aide to Library Aide. Nottingham will continue working as a special education aide, but will move from the Connections program to SSHS.
381 Agreement Request From J-B Weld Does Not Receive Approval of Commissioners Court
Voting System, Road Use Agreement Approved
Hopkins County Commissioners Court did not approve an application for a 381 agreement, approved a road use agreement with a solar farm company, appointed a person to the local Workforce Development Board, reviewed annual road reports and updated voting management system for the County Clerk’s office during their Monday meting.
381 Agreement
Hopkins County Commissioners Court was asked to consider granting a 381 agreement to J-B Weld Company.
“For those who are not familiar with that, it’s more or less like an abatement. It’s slightly different,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said.
Under a 381 agreement, businesses receiving abatements are required to provide documentation the terms of the incentive agreement have been met. The business is billed for their taxes, but receives a reimbursement for the agreed upon exemption when proof of terms are met.
Newsom expressed concerns regarding the agreement request from J-B Weld, a “traditionally Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs business” that was “bought out” a few years ago. He said he received a copy of the agreement request last week.
“They sent in something last December, allegedly, but we never received it. Roger [Feagley, Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation executive director], I don’t think you received it. I don’t think the city of Sulphur Springs ever received it,” Newsom said.
The issued came up, apparently, after the business did not receive the incentive for the tax. Local officials met with company representatives via Zoom. J-B Weld, submitted the proposal received this month and presented to the court requesting a Chapter 381 agreement, according to Newsom.
Commissioner Wade Bartley asked if the proposal was to be retroactive for time that would have been in the agreement if submitted and approved in December. Newsom affirmed the request was for the agreement to be retroactive.
The proposal failed, receiving no motion for approval from the court.
Road Use Agreement
Hopkins County Commissioners Court did approve a request from Pine Forest Solar 1, LLC to use county roads in constructing the solar farm.
Essentially, Feagley reported, the agreement allows the business to have trucks carrying equipment and materials drive up and down the county roads in Precincts 2 and 3 to access the solar farm. It also allows them run wires across or under the roadway where necessary.
Bartley said company representatives had contacted county officials, speaking with him directly, noting their intent to help maintain the roads which will have heavier traffic during the construction phase of establishing the solar farm.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker suggested requiring any lines going under the roads to be incased in pipe.
When asked, Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin said it was his understanding there would be some boring of roads required.
Voting system
County Clerk Tracy Smith asked for approval for a new system for absentee request and ballot management program, which will be paid for with grant funds.
“The one we have is several years old. It’s kind of obsolete now,” Smith said.
The funding will pay for the system, licensing, maintenance and support agreement with VR Systems Inc. out of Florida for 5 years.
“I’d like to go ahead and get that approved so we can go ahead and get that in place to start using that this election,” Smith told the court.
Road Report
Each commissioner annual is required to conduct an inventory of county roads which are then filed in the court minutes and with the Grand Jury. All of the reports totaled and the complete report submitted to the state.
Barker reported that there are 125 roads in Precinct 1. The 214 miles of road in Precinct 1 include 142 miles of oil roads, 33.4 miles of rock roads and 38.7 miles of dirt roads.
Anglin reported the 219.92 miles of roads in Precinct 2 includes 185.71 miles of oil roads, 18.2 mile of rock roads and 15.92 miles of dirt roads.
Bartley said the 210.3 miles of roads in Precinct 3 include 124.95 miles of oil road, 49.05 miles of rock road, 9.9 miles of dirt roads, 26.4 miles of chip seal roads.
Commissioner Joe Price reported the 219.1 miles of roads in Precinct 4 include 136.6 miles of oil roads, 50.4 rock roads, 31 miles of dirt road and 1.1 mile of chip seal road.
Additional Court Action
A county holiday calendar very similar to the 2019-2020 calendar was approved. The only change is instead of President’s Day, county employees will be off on Veterans Day added.
Hopkin County Commissioners Court also appointed David Burnt to searve on the local Workforce Development Board
Sheriff’s and constables fees for 2021 were approved as presented. Officials reported the fees are unchanged.
Proposed Budget Includes 2 Percent Pay Increase For All Hopkins County Employees, Elected Officials
Sulphur Springs, TX – August 10, 2020 – Hopkins County Commissioners Court are proposing a “very conservative” budget, which would include a 2 percent pay increase for all county employees and elected officials. No increase to the overall tax rate is planned.
The property tax rate as proposed will still be $0.624892. This is figured based on Senate Bill 2, which changed some factors in the way tax rates are calculated.
“The noted revenue rate was $0.598662, the voter approval rate was 0.626583. We are below the voter approval rate. We are above the noted revenue rate, which will cause a tax increase even though our tax rate will remain the same.,” Hopkins County Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Mitchell reported during Monday’s regular Commissioners Court meeting.
“The tax increase will come from appraised values, right?” Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked.
“It’s probably going to come from the new revenue. If we didn’t have the new revenue, then our tax rate would be the $0.598662. But because of new revenue it is above that,” Mitchell said.
“We’re below the voter approval rate,” Newsom said. “So, you’re saying we need to have a public hearing?”
Mitchell affirmed a public hearing. The Commissioners Court agreed to Mitchell’s recommendation to hold the public hearing for adoption of the tax rate for 9 a.m. August 17, 2020.
“This budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $425,410, which is a 3.4 percent increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $366,995,” said Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook.
Those extra funds, in addition to a 2 percent pay increase for all county employees and elected officials, also includes an additional $25 more a year for in longevity pay as well, according to Aulsbrook.
“We were able to address the needs at the sheriff’s office, fire department, the volunteer fire departments as well as other areas within this budget,” Aulsbrooks noted.
“We stayed below Senate Bill 2 requirements. Historically, before Senate Bill 2 it was 8 percent. Now it’s 3.5 percent. But, we stayed below that limits so we’re able to still — we’re conservative in normal budget — still able to do a cost of living raise to employees and few other adjustments,” Newsom said.
Among those adjustments were an additional employee, a dispatch leader, for the sheriff’s office, and the county’s cost match of a grant which has allowed the county this spring to add three firefighters, one per 24-hour duty-shift. Also, adjustments were made for administrative changes at the fire department and then in about 90 days we are going to be doing an electronic payroll, which should be more efficient
“It’s a good budget. It’s a very conservative budget,” Newsom said. “This budget is more conservative than the budgets we’ve had in the past, intentionally knowing the type of year that we’ve had and the kind of year I believe we’re going to have in the future,” Newsom said.
The proposed $13.5 million budget can be viewed under the “proposed budget” tab under the “financial transparency” menu on the county website, http://www.hopkinscountytx.org. It will also be posted as of Aug. 10 at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office.
Aug. 10 COVID-19 Update: 3 New Cases, 5 Recoveries Among Hopkins County Residents
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10 announced the state had notified local emergency management officials of 3 new positive COVID-19 cases and 5 recoveries for Hopkins County.
That’s 50 new positive COVID-19 cases and 48 patient recoveries reported so far in August, following the 89 new cases and 48 recoveries reported in July for Hopkins County.
That’s brings the overall total since March to of 202 cumulative cases and 146 recoveries among Hopkins County residents. That leaves 56 active COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County as of Aug. 10, according to local officials
Officials also reported four patients in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs on Monday, Aug. 10, the same number of patients in the unit as there were on Saturday, Aug. 8.
Texas Department of State Health Services’s COVID-19 dashboard had not been updated as of 5 p.m. Aug. 10. However, as of 3:20 p.m. Aug. 9, the state report continued to show two COVID-19 deaths for Hopkins County. The state has continued to show since July 29 one COVID-19 fatality for Hopkins County. That death, according to the Texas COVID-19 Fatality County Data By County report, occurred on July 23. The second death, DSHS reported Saturday, occurred on Aug. 2.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley said he had consulted the regional DSHS representative and neither local nor the regional DSHS officials have received any information about any confirmed Hopkins County COVID-19 deaths. They do not know where the information regarding any Hopkins County fatalities is coming from as they’ve are not aware of any COVID-19 deaths for Hopkins County.
No nursing facilities in Hopkins County have had any patients test positive for COVID-19 as of July 27.. However, one nursing facility reported a third employee had tested positive for COVID-19, but the case was not active on July 27, the date for the most current data for nursing and assisted living facilities.
Geoffrey Stewart Awarded Janie Crump Memorial 4-H Scholarship
Bessonett, Allen Receive Danforth ‘I Dare You’ Award; Civic Center Manager Recognized For Support Of 4-H, Extension
Hopkins County Extension Agents Johanna Hicks and Mario Villarino during Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning recognized five youth Monday morning for their outstanding achievements and contributions to 4-H and honored one local supporter of 4-H and Extension programs. One students received the Janie Crump Memorial Scholarship.
“We’ve really had the privilege of watching each these 4-Hers grow up. They’ve really come through this with COVID things with a blaze of glory,” Hicks said.
Janie Crump Scholarship
Geoffrey Stewart, son of Stephanie Stewart, was awarded the Janie Crump Memorial 4-H Scholarship.
This award is given in honor of the Crump, who served as Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent for home economics until her retirement in 2001. She was also a member and supporter of the Pilot Club, 4-H, Junior Waverly and Rotary, and the Chamber of Commerce, where she received the Woman of the Year Award. Crump, 68, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at her Sulphur Springs residence. The Janie Crump Memorial 4-H Scholarship awarded to qualified 4-H applicants who have excelled in 4-H.
Geoffrey Steward, a 2020 North Hopkins High School graduate, was very active in 4-H Shooting Sports. He served on the Hopkins County 4-H Council as an officer. He was also active in the multi-county 4-H camp as a teen leader and exhibited his expertise in archery at Heritage Park during special events.
Danforth “I Dare You” Awards
Danforth “I Dare You” Leadership Awards recipients include Jorja Bessonett and Savannah Allen.
This leadership awards recognizes “young people who have demonstrated unusual integrity, balanced personal development, and a willingness to assume responsibility.” The “I Dare You” Award was first offered in 1941 by business man and philanthropist William H. Dansforth, who dared young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of service.
Bessonett is the daughter of Bill and Cherrie Bessonett. Savannah Allen is the daughter of Sara Allen. These families have a long history of involvement in 4-H. Cherrie Bessonett and Sara Allen grew up in the Hopkins County 4-H program.
4-H Record Book Judging
Hopkins County 4-H members Jorja Bessonett, Rylie Carroll and Ethan George recently qualified for District 4-H Record Book Judging.
This contest provides valuable skills that can be used later in life for such tasks as college admission applications, job applications and organization. The record book includes several sections: a 4-H story and photo portfolio, 4-H project experiences summary for main projects, 4-H leadership experiences, 4-H community service, other 4-H projects, 4-H recognition and awards received, non-4-H activities such as school and church, college and career exploration. Throughout the process, Hicks explained, the 4-H members learn to keep a calendar of activities and expenses/income, if any are applicable pertaining to their projects.
In the intermediate division, which features students in grades 6-8, Rylie Carroll was the district champion in consumer education and Ethan George was the district health and person safety champion.
Bessonett placed fourth in senior division health and safety. This division includes students in grades 9-12.
4-H Extension Supporter
The Texas AgriLife Extension Agents also Aug. 10 asked to present the 2020 Hopkins County 4-H Extension Supporter of the year. Dr. Mario Villarino recognized Lonnie Fox, general manager for Hopkins County Civic Center, for his continued support of Hopkins County 4-H, Extension and many other community programs throughout the county.
