June 22nd: Hopkins County Updates On Latest COVID-19 Cases
The Hopkins County Emergency Management Team gave a quick update on the status of COVID-19 cases Monday afternoon (June 22nd). Two new positive cases were confirmed in Hopkins County and no new recoveries were reported at this time. The Emergency Managment Team did not have any updates on the status of the the two deaths being reported by the state. One of those cases is being challenged in it’s determination by the local health authority as it is known that the patient had underlying health conditions, and although the patient tested positive for COVID-19, it is unclear if the virus was a contributing factor in his or her death. The second death case reported by the state has not been confirmed by the local authorities nor have our local authorities been contacted from the state at this time. It is not known at this time if this is a reporting error by the state (a duplicate of the first report) or if it involves someone from outside the county or state that has listed a home address inside Hopkins County.
This brings the total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County to 50 and recoveries at 20, leaving 30 active cases.
PJC Begins Face-To-Face Classes
By PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, Public Information Services
PJC expands Summer II offerings with face-to-face classes
Working to meet the varied learning needs of students, Paris Junior College has added
several face-to-face classes to a Summer II term already offering a larger than normal number of
online classes. Financial assistance is also available to help students pay for their classes.
Summer II begins on July 8.
“PJC is giving our students as many learning options as possible,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “There were already many Summer II classes to help students stay on track and reach their educational goals. We also know that some students seek a more traditional classroom experience.”
New face-to-face classes in Paris include College Algebra, Composition II, Federal Government, Introduction to Theater, and United States History II. Anatomy & Physiology II and Public Speaking are at the PJC-Greenville Center, and the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center has Music Appreciation and United States History II. Longer periods between class times will allow
for rooms to be sanitized.
“These classes are all from the State of Texas’ approved core curriculum for transfer to a university,” said Dr. Anglin. “They are taught by outstanding faculty with deep experience. PJC has also been providing online classes since the 1990s and has great expertise in assisting our students.”
In addition to a special scholarship for area graduating high school students covering tuition for one Summer I or Summer II class, other types of financial aid are available.
Returning students who have received a federal Pell Grant and are taking at least six hours may use any remaining funds from the past year. New students planning to attend PJC for Summer II and Fall need to fill out a 2020-2021 application for federal aid at FAFSA.gov. Other scholarships may also be available at www.parisjc.edu/scholarships.
PJC continues to distribute funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds. As of June 8, 2020, $433,250 has been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)1) of the CARES Act. Also as of June 8, 994 PJC students have received a distribution under the CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grant.
While the College is operating remotely, all student services are fully staffed. Returning students may sign up through MyPJC or contact their student success coach at [email protected]. New students may start at [email protected]. Those with questions may call the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center at 903-885-1232.
Hopkins County Hospital District June 23 Agenda
Hopkins County Hospital District Regular Meeting of Board of Directors
Notice is hereby given that a Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Hopkins County Hospital District will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm in the Plaza Conference Room of the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic at 113 Airport Road, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
REVISED AGENDA
- Call to Order
- Invocation
- Public Forum
- Swearing in of Board and Election of Officers
- Review and Approve Renewal of Employee Health Insurance and Benefits
- Review and Approve Asbestos Mitigation for 2 Houses on Airport Road
- Review and Approve Appointment of Subcommittee and Delegate Authority for Approvals of the Planning, Design and Construction of EMS Headquarters
- Review and Approve Rees Architectural/Engineering Services Fee
- Capital Expenditures Request
a. Lucas Devices
b. Remount of Medic
c. LTV 1200 Ventilator
d. Chevrolet Tahoe - Review and Approve Franklin County EMS Renewal Contract
- Review and Approve Financial Statements for January through April 2020
- a. Financial Statements for January through April 2020 5
- b. EMS Update and Review 6
- c. RA-QRF Mission and State Deployments
- Consent Agenda
- a. Nursing Home Reports 7
- b. Review and Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting for February 25, 2020 8
- Update for CHHA by Paul Harvey, President/CEO
- Executive Session
- a. Review Executive Session Board Minutes for Regular Meeting February 25, 2020
- Return to Regular Session
- a. Approve Executive Session Board Minutes for Regular Meeting February 25, 2020
- Adjourn
Attention Car Thieves: Stay OUT of Hopkins County
June 22, 2020 – Apparently the car thieves are not paying attention as the law enforcement officers are getting pretty good at catching people who are driving through Hopkins County in a stolen vehicle. Over this past weekend, two more incidents resulted in the arrest of people accused of “Unauthorzed Use of a Motor Vehicle” This will be the fifth time in less than a month officers of various departments in Hopkins County have apprehended someone for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
On Friday, a Hopkins County Deputy was alerted to a vehicle traveling east bound on I-30 that had previously been reported as stolen out of Texarkana. When stopped, Christopher Levell Cooksey of Texarkana made the statement that he was returning the vehicle back to it’s owner. Unfortunately for Cooksey, the Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department responded by saying the owner of the vehicle had reported the vehicle was taken by force one day prior. The driver admitted to being the person who gained its possession from the registered owner and was booked into the county jail where he remains on the UUMV charge and a bail amount of $5,000.
On Saturday, a Cumby officer observed a mini-bike riding on the North Service Road with no license plate. After stopping the rider, a check of the VIN of the mini-bike was sent through dispatch, and the vehicle was cofirmed to be stolen out of Garland, TX. Nikolaus Kayne Ward was booked into the Hopkins County Jail on Saturday and was released on Sunday after posting the $5,000 bond for UUMV charge.
Three other incidents in the past few weeks have also resulted in arrests for people accussed of UUMV. They include a pursuit of about 10 miles that resulted in two arrests, an SUV stolen from Palestine, and two youths caught by SSPD in a stolen vehicle.
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.
Man Accused Of Threatening His Girlfriend At South Broadway Street Store
A 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused threatening his girlfriend at a South Broadway Street store June 21, 2020.
The man allegedly struck the girlfriend’s rear view mirror inside her vehicle, damaging not only the mirror but also a section of the windshield. Then he allegedly threatened the woman, causing her to fear for her safety and that of her children, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
An off-duty deputy was alerted around 6:10 p.m. June 21 regarding the situation. The off-duty deputy called for on-duty officers. Upon arrival, deputies were made aware of the situation. The man was taken into custody at the South Broadway Street business Sunday, June 21, and transported to jail on a charge of assault by threat, according to arrest reports.
The 25-year-old Sulphur Springs resident remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, June 22, on the Class C misdemeanor 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.
Vandalism At Kid’s Kingdom
The Sulphur Springs Police Department reported on some vandalism that occurred at Kid’s Kingdom at Buford Park sometime between 10am Friday, June 19th and 9am Saturday, June 20th. Crimestoppers is paying a reward of up to $1000 for information in this case. If you have any information that could help solve this crime, you are encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 903-885-2020, and you may remain anonymous.
Kid’s Kingdom was built over 20 years ago, through an effort where the community came together providing the labor, tools, and equipment needed to construct the massive playground. It is enjoyed by literally thousands of children each year, with other communities bussing in children from other areas for the day to enjoy the area. The City of Sulphur Springs parks department is tasked with the maintenance, cleaning and upkeep of the playground, which is sometimes challenging due to the abuse from those using it. This latest vandalism shows the disregard from someone of the literally thousands of labor hours that were donated by community members to make this dream a reality.
State Reports SECOND COVID-19 Death for Hopkins County
On June 21st the Texas Department of State Health Services has reported that another person has died in Hopkins County due to complications of COVID-19. This is the second death reported from the state health authority. No more information is known about either one of the cases or patients at this time. On June 20th, the first death from COVID-19 was reported by the state, and confirmed by county officials but the Local Health Authority of Hopkins County is challenging the determination as the patient had underlying health conditions.
The State website shows that 2,182 Texans have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began and 240 out of the 254 counties in the state have had at least one person testing positive for the coronavirus. Almost half of the counties in Texas (126 out of 254) have recorded at least one death as well.
The Texas Department of Health Services website shows positive cases, deaths, and recoveries by county. That website can be found by clicking here: TSDHS Covid-19
Hopkins County had been showing a positive turn this past week as 5 new positive cases were reported but 12 recoveries were reported as well. That changed for the worst over the weekend as the first death (although disputed) was reported along with two new positive cases on Saturday. So far, Hopkins County officials nor the Local Health Authority has confirmed knowledge of this second fatality reported by the state, as the flow of information from the state back to the counties is less than ideal.
Meal A Day Menu For June 22-26, 2020
While the Senior Citizens Center remains temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the dedicated Meal A Day volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. The Meal A Day menu for June 22-26, 2020 includes:
Monday —- Chili Cheese Dogs, Pickle Spear and Potato Chips
Tuesday — Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Wednesday — Chicken Spaghetti, English Peas and Garlic Sticks
Thursday — Soft Beef Tacos, Lettuce and Tomatoes, Refried Beans, Chips and Salsa
Friday — Chicken Broccoli Alfredo On a Bed of Egg Noodles, Normandy Vegetables and Pickled Beets
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.
State Reports First COVID-19 Death for Hopkins County, Local Officials Challenge
On June 20th Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom confirmed that the State of Texas had reported that one person has died in Hopkins County due to complications of COVID-19. The Local Health Authority of Hopkins County is challenging the determination as the patient had underlying health conditions. No more information is known about the case or the patient at this time. Two more positive cases were announced during the teleconference.
The Texas Department of Health Services website shows positive cases, deaths, and recoveries by county. That website can be found by clicking here: TSDHS Covid-19
Paris District Road Report for the week of June 22, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of June 22, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between Park Street and North Travis Street as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
The pedestrian bridge near Pecan St. is closed for pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will not need to be removed at this time but will be removed later in the project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews are performing utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis St. intersection. Watch for shoulder closures as crews work on widening the roadway to add turn lanes.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for traffic shifts as workers widen FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691. The new FM 691 exit ramp is now open to access FM 691. This week will begin the next phase of the project which will be to build the new on-ramp to southbound US 75.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to lime treat the soils and place underdrains.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
SH 289, Grayson County: between FM 120 and US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
US 69, Grayson County: between SH 56 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
Spur 503, Grayson County: US 69, Fannin County: Westbound from Park Avenue to Theresa Drive: Watch for nighttime and daytime lane closures as workers repair the concrete pavement.
US 69, Grayson County: from Bells to Whitewright: Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers repair base failures along the roadway.
SH 289, Grayson County: from SH 56 to Gunter: Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers repair base failures along the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for a traffic shift near the SH 56 intersection in Honey Grove as crews work to build the new westbound lanes. Westbound traffic is being shifted to the eastbound side during this period. Watch for new exit ramps and entrance ramps near the FM 100 intersection.
County Road 2998, Fannin County: at Cottonwood Creek. County Road 2998 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2998 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 5060, Fannin County: at Lee Creek. County Road 5060 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 5060 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 3321, Fannin County: at Mulberry. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a surface treatment to the roadway.
FM 2456, Fannin County: in Ladonia. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a surface treatment to the roadway.
FM 897, Fannin County: North of US 82: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a surface treatment to the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Traffic will be shifted to the new roadway while the existing section is being repaired. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
IH 30, Franklin County: At Spur 423. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform maintenance repairs on the bridge.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 19 at Loop 286 – Lamar County. Watch for temporary lane closures as crews install traffic signals.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to State Spur 38 (Bogata). Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install new end treatments on drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the south side of existing roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the north side.
US 271, Lamar County: from FM 1499 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews perform backfill work.
FM 195, Red River County: from FM 410 N to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence and complete cross culvert extensions at 2 locations.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen the pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. The contractor is working on driveways, and at county road intersections. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers in this area.
FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903, a project that begins May 27 will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor will be placing SW3P devices and removing and installing driveway culverts. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
FM 816, Hunt County: FM 816 at Spring Creek in Wolfe City. Contractors are working on erosion and riprap repairs. Please be careful when traveling in this area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County mowing contractors will be working on I-30 at various locations in Greenville, Texas, and on FM 36 and FM 903. Mowers will also be working in Rains County on US 69. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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