Governor Limits Some Businesses, Services Following Statewide Spikes In COVID-19 Case
Texas Governor Greg Abbott today issued another executive order in response to the recent spikes in COVID-19 cases across the state. The order places limits on some businesses, such as bars, and services such as water and outdoor activities.
“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10 percent, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and enhance public health.”
The order includes the following:
- All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
- Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
- Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
- Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
“We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again,” Abbott said.
Governor’s Executive Order GA-28
The 17 points of the Governor’s Executive Order GA-28 regarding limits to certain businesses and services reads as follows:
Every business establishment in Texas shall operate at no more than 50 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishment; provided, however, that:
There is no occupancy limit for the following:
a. any services listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in its Guidance
on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, Version 3.1 or any
subsequent version;
b. religious services, including those conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship;
c. local government operations, including county and municipal
governmental operations relating to licensing (including marriage
licenses), permitting, recordation, and document-filing services, as
determined by the local government;
d. child-care services;
e. youth camps, including but not limited to those defined as such under
Chapter 141 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, and including all
summer camps and other daytime and overnight camps for youths; and
f. recreational sports programs for youths and adults;
Except as provided below by paragraph number 5, this 50 percent occupancy limit does not apply to outdoor areas, events, or establishments, except that the following outdoor areas or outdoor venues shall operate at no more than 50 percent of the normal operating limits as determined by the owner:
a. professional, collegiate, or similar sporting events;
b. swimming pools;
c. water parks;
d. museums and libraries;
e. zoos, aquariums, natural caverns, and similar facilities; and
f. rodeos and equestrian events;
- This 50 percent occupancy limit does not apply to the following establishments that operate with at least six feet of social distancing between work stations:
a. cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons/shops, and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade;
b. massage establishments and other facilities where licensed massage
therapists or other persons licensed or otherwise authorized to practice
under Chapter 455 of the Texas Occupations Code practice their trade; and
c. other personal-care and beauty services such as tanning salons, tattoo
studios, piercing studios, hair removal services, and hair loss treatment and growth services; - Amusement parks shall operate at no more than 50 percent of the normal operating limits as determined by the owner;
- For any outdoor gathering in excess of 100 people, other than those set forth above in paragraph numbers 1, 2, or 4, the gathering is prohibited unless the mayor of the city in which the gathering is held, or the county judge in the case of a gathering in an unincorporated area, approves of the gathering, and such approval can be made subject to certain conditions or restrictions not
inconsistent with this executive order; - For dine-in services by restaurants that have less than 51 percent of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages, the occupancy limit shall remain at 75 percent until 12:01 a.m. on June 29, 2020, at which time such restaurants may only operate at up to 50 percent of the total listed occupancy of the restaurant, subject to paragraph number 9 below;
- People shall not visit bars or similar establishments that hold a permit from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and are not restaurants as defined above in paragraph number 6; provided, however, that the use by such bars or similar establishments of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options for food and drinks is allowed to the extent authorized by TABC;
- People shall not use commercial rafting or tubing services, including rental of rafts or tubes and transportation of people for the purpose of rafting or tubing;
- For any business establishment that is subject to a 50 percent “total listed
occupancy” limit or “normal operating limit,” and that is in a county that has filed with DSHS, and is in compliance with, the requisite attestation form promulgated by DSHS regarding minimal cases of COVID-19, the business establishment may operate at up to 75 percent of the total listed occupancy or normal operating limit of the establishment; - for purposes of this executive order, facilities with retractable roofs are
considered indoor facilities, whether the roof is opened or closed; - Staff members are not included in determining operating levels, except for manufacturing services and office workers;
- Except as provided in this executive order or in the minimum standard health protocols recommended by DSHS, found at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus, people should not be in groups larger than ten and should maintain six feet of social distancing from those not in their group;
- People over the age of 65 are strongly encouraged to stay at home as much as possible; to maintain appropriate distance from any member of the household who has been out of the residence in the previous 14 days; and, if leaving the home, to implement social distancing and to practice good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation;
- In providing or obtaining services, every person (including individuals,
businesses, and other legal entities) should use good-faith efforts and available resources to follow the minimum standard health protocols recommended by DSHS; - Nothing in this executive order or the DSHS minimum standards precludes requiring a customer to follow additional hygiene measures when obtaining services. Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings, but no jurisdiction can impose a civil or criminal penalty for failure to wear a face covering;
- People shall not visit nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities unless as determined through guidance from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities should follow infection control policies and practices set forth by HHSC, including minimizing the movement of staff between facilities whenever possible; and
- For the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, public schools may resume operations for the summer as provided by, and under the minimum standard health protocols found in, guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Private schools and institutions of higher education are encouraged to establish similar standards.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, schools may conduct graduation ceremonies consistent with the minimum standard health protocols found in guidance issued by TEA.
This executive order shall supersede any conflicting order issued by local officials in response to the COVID-19 disaster, but only to the extent that such a local order restricts services allowed by this executive order, allows gatherings prohibited by this executive order, or expands the list or scope of services as set forth in this executive order. Pursuant to Section 418.0 16(a) of the Texas Government Code, I hereby suspend Sections 418.1015(b) and 418.10$ of the Texas Government Code, Chapter 81, Subchapter E of the Texas Health and Safety Code, and any other relevant statutes, to the extent necessary to ensure that local officials do not impose restrictions in response to the COVID-19 disaster that are inconsistent with this executive order, provided that local officials may enforce this executive order as well as local restrictions that are consistent with this executive order.
All existing state executive orders relating to COVTD-19 are amended to eliminate confinement in jail as an available penalty for violating the executive orders. To the extent any order issued by local officials in response to the COVID-19 disaster would allow confinement in jail as an available penalty for violating a COVD-l9-related order, that order allowing confinement in jail is superseded, and I hereby suspend all relevant laws to the extent necessary to ensure that local officials do not confine people in jail for violating any executive order or local order issued in response to the COVJD-19 disaster.
The full 6-page Executive Order GA-28 filed at 8:45 a.m. June 26 by Governor Greg Abbott may be downloaded by clicking here.
Drug Test Falsification Kit Found In Crashed Truck
A 21-year-old Gilmer man was arrested Thursday after deputies found marijuana cigars and a drug test falsification kit were found in his crashed truck, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputies Jason Lavender, Dan Turrentine and Nick Marney, and Hopkins County and Brinker firefighters were dispatched at 5:37 a.m. June 25 to what was reported as a 2-vehicle crash on State Highway 11 east at FM 1870. 911 callers told dispatchers that one vehicle reportedly ended up in the ditch and another was blocking the road.
Lavender reported contacting the driver of a black Chevrolet pickup upon arrival at the crash site. While speaking with the Silverado’s driver, Lavender alleged smelling a strong odor of raw marijuana emitting from inside the 2021 model truck and noticed a small brown rolled marijuana cigar in the driver’s side floorboard. A probable cause search of the truck revealed a second brown hand-rolled marijuana cigar in the floor and a drug test falsification test kit was also reportedly located in the glove box, Lavender alleged in arrest reports.
He was arrested at 6:15 a.m. June 25 on misdemeanor charges of possession of less than 2 ounces or marijuana and drug test falsification device. The 21-year-old Gilmer man was released from Hopkins County jail June 26 on $1,000 bond per 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.
Breanna Bowen Selected As Intern For COBA/Select Sires Communications/Marketing
COBA/Select Sires in a press release June 25 announced Breanna Bowen has been selected as the 2020 Communications/ Marketing Intern.
Bowen is the first out of state intern for the co-op. She will be working with the COBA/Select Sires team in creating of advertisements, promotions and customer letters. Bowen will also assist in customer relations and daily office duties, according to the press release.
“We are excited to have her join our team. She brings knowledge, skill and the willingness to learn. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes this summer,” Julie Zeigler, COBA/Select Sires Administrative Director, was quoted in the press release as stating.
Bowen in 2018 graduated from Como-Pickton High School, where she was very active in FFA, and is currently attending Tarleton State University, majoring in agricultural communication. On campus, Bowen is a member of Tarleton Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Leadership Council, and Tarleton Dairy Club. She competed on the 2019 Colligate Dairy Judging Team and currently serves as a College of Agricultural and Environmental Science Ambassador.
After graduation, her plans are to work in the communications department of an agriculture business while pursuing her master’s degree. She hopes to use her story to advocate for farmers and ranchers to bridge the gap between those who grow it and those who eat it.
“With this internship, I hope to enhance my graphic design skills through the hands on experience offered by the internship, to communicate more effectively, and to build relationships with my fellow co-workers and industry leaders.” Bowen.
She stays active in the dairy industry with the herd of registered Jersey cattle she co-owns with her sister.
One of her most recent accomplishments is receiving her American FFA Degree and being named a 2019 National FFA Proficiency Finalist- Dairy Production Entrepreneurship.
According to the press released “COBA/Select Sires, Inc., one of the founding members of Select Sires, Inc., has become widely respected for its clearly demonstrated ability to provide the finest service and bovine genetics available in the world. COBA/Select Sires, Inc., operates as a true cooperative by encouraging member input and allowing members to share in profits through patronage refunds.
July Fun at NE Texas Childrens Museum
Lots of fun is planned within the first few days of July for NE Texas children and their families. On Wednesday July 1, 2020, the Northeast Texas Childrens Museum will host a visit from Spirit the Horse and Barney the Goat from the Road Runner 3R Ranch. The animal pair, dressed in 4th of July costumes, will be accompanied by chickens and turkeys for the children to enjoy watching.
What was first planned as an Easter Egg Hunt before COVID-19 limits were imposed has now become a Fourth of July Egg Hunt at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum, sponsored by Brookshire’s. On Friday July 3, 2020, two egg hunt sessions are planned; 10am and 1:30pm. Bring your Easter basket if you have one, or Easter buckets will be provided. The number of participants and visitors to the museum will be limited for both events.
Reservations and payment may be made on-line or by calling the Children’s Museum at 903-886-6005.
The Children’s Museum will be closed on Saturday, July 4.
Science Thursdays will be offered each of the following weeks in July. Beginning on Thursday, July 9, presentations will be offered each week at 10:00 and 2:00 on topics to include Robotics, Sound, Water, and the Making of Ooze.
The Northeast Texas Childrens Museum is located in Commerce, Texas at 100 Maple Street. Find out more at netxcm.com.
Wood County Criminal DA’s Office Assists In Man’s Release From Jail On Conditional PR Bond
David Dial, a Quitman resident who had been in custody at Wood County jail since Nov. 6, 2019, was released from custody Thursday, June 25, 2020 on a personal recognizance bond. A press release issued late Thursday afternoon by the Office of the Wood County Criminal District Attorney Angela Albers cited “health issues” as the cause for her office’s assistance in securing the conditional PR bond for the release of David Dial from the jail in Wood County.
“Mr. Dial, while charged with a serious offense, suffers from health issues that necessitate this unique action on our part,” the press release from Albers’ office states.
According to Wood County court and jail records, David Earl Dial of Quitman has been booked into Wood County jail twice. Jail records show Dial was booked into Wood County jail on Aug. 15, 2019, on a manufacture of delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. He was released from Wood County jail on Aug. 26, 2019 on a $30,000 bond.
Wood County Jail records show Dial was again booked into the facility again on Nov. 6, 2019. This arrest was for a capias warrant on a charge of manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance- use/exhibit deadly weapon. He remained in Wood County jail on that charge until his release June 25, 2020, according to Wood County jail records.
The press release from Albers’ office further stated:
“While the Wood County Criminal District Attorney’s office is committed to bringing to justice anyone who commits a criminal offense in Wood County; it is also our duty to assist in ensuring the safety and well being of those being held in custody. In that regard, justice includes the safety of inmates while housed in the Wood County Jail, and prompt and proper medical treatment as needed. In this singular instance, it was apparent that a bond for Mr. Dial to accomplish those purposes, served the best interest of Mr. Dial’s health and the best interest of justice.”
County Clerk’s Office Issues Caution About Online Birth Certificate Forms
Hopkins County Clerk’s Office issued a caution Thursday afternoon, June 25, for people trying to obtain copies on their birth certificates online. Not all sites are official records sites. Below is the caution about online birth certificate and recommendation from the Clerk’s Office on obtaining a copy of birth certificates in Hopkins County:
“If you are needing a Birth Certificate, PLEASE DO NOT go online to get it. When you google Hopkins County Birth Certificate, there is a website that says you can order one online for $47. That IS NOT an actual website from Hopkins County.
You will need to come in to our office or you can have one mailed to you by completing a mail or email request with an application that can be printed from our website @ hopkinscountytx.org.
For any further questions, you call the office @ 903-438-4074
— Hopkins County Clerk’s Office
State Corrects Prior Report, Confirms No Hopkins County COVID-19 Deaths
Despite earlier reports from the state, state and local officials confirm there have been no Hopkins County COVID-19 deaths. Both deaths had been removed from their reporting system by 4 p.m. today.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team at 5 p.m. reported one new case and 10 additional recoveries. However, at that point, HCEMT was still waiting for official confirmation that the two state reported COVID-19 deaths were incorrect.
A short time after that press conference, state officials notified the county officials of the report confirming that there were no COVID-19 deaths for Hopkins County, according to Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley.
“We do still have 51 total cases, 30 of whom have recovered, but no deaths,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said Thursday evening.
One of the deaths reported by the state last weekend was confirmed earlier this week to be an accidental duplicate in reporting by the state. The duplicate had been removed from the state reports, leaving the one case in Texas Department of Health and Human Services’ data system as of the June 24 report.
The county officials, when the first death was reported by the state, said they would be contesting that case as it was not believed to have been a COVID-19 related death.
Newsom expressed appreciation to Dr. IL Balkcom IV, a doctor who also serves as the Local Health Authority for Hopkins and Delta counties. Balkcom was able to provide knowledge that the patient did not die of COVID-19. The state June 25 confirmed the death was other than COVID-19 to local officials after 4 p.m.
“So, we have zero deaths for Hopkins County at this time, that’s the important thing. We are very grateful,” Newsom said.
June 25th: Hopkins County COVID-19 Report: One New Positive Case, 10 Recoveries
The Hopkins County Emergency Management Team gave a quick update on the status of COVID-19 cases Thursday afternoon (June 25th). One new positive case was confirmed in Hopkins County and 10 new recoveries were reported at this time. This makes a total of 51 positive cases since the pandemic began, but a total of 30 of those are confrimed recovered. This leaves 21 active cases.
When asked about local hospital capacity, the Emergency Management Team confirmed that our local hospital was not anywhere near capacity and had plenty of room in all areas. Elective surgeries are still being performed at CHRISTUS-Sulphur Springs as four of the largest populated counties in the state have been told by Governor Abbott to halt all elective surgeries to save potential beds for COVID-19 patients.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom urged residents to continue to practice social distancing, but stated that the wearing of masks was up to each individual and not mandatory at this time.
SSHS Losing Two Assistant Coaches, School Board Hires One Assistant
The Sulphur Springs School Board, at a special meeting Monday evening (June 22), accepted the resignations of two SSHS assistant coaches and hired a new assistant. Assistant Lady Cats Soccer Coach Kristov Martinez and Assistant Lady Cats Basketball Coach Katelyn Webster have resigned. Both are math teachers. Wildcats Athletic Director Greg Owens is working to find their replacements. The board Monday also approved Jacob Sexton as a coach and Spanish Teacher at the high school. Sexton will be a Wildcats freshman basketball coach and freshman football coach. Coach Sexton is filling in for basketball assistant coach Joe Garcia, who is on military leave with the National Guard.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
