Coach Owens Says Wildcats Are Now Ahead Of Where They Usually Are In August
Monday, August 10, the Wildcats’ football team began skills practices with continued strength work. The UIL is allowing this after the Wildcats, and other Class 5A and Class 6A teams, had their first practice date moved back to September 8.
Coach Owens likes the way the practices have started. He says the sessions are in the evening due to teacher in-service going on during the day. Coach Owens says 8th and 9th grade players are working 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. with 10th and 11th graders practicing from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Sessions are Monday through Thursday with Fridays off.
The current drills will continue until school starts on September 1. Coach Owens says then coaches will work with players during athletic period and again for some time after school. The official start of football practice happens on September 8. Coach Owens says with the UIL allowing more skill work to happen during The Edge has put the Wildcats ahead of where they usually are.
He says numbers of participants have been tremendous. He says 168 players from grades 8 through 12 have attended the first two days.
Coach Owens says they have been working on special teams as well as offense and defense. He says coaches have had a lot of time to work with players on technique. He says the players’ recall from earlier this summer and from last year has been very good.
He says he is excited because the kids are excited. As usual, Coach Owens says, some of the players who did not attend The Edge are now behind and are having to catch up. He says they are also struggling to get into shape. His bottom line is that learning has been fantastic with players getting better every day.
Coach Owens says the current practices continue to put safety first with distancing, mask wearing and temperature checks. He says kids are being conscientious. He says the UIL added skill time has been a big difference maker this summer.
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.
Darla Henry Resigns as Como Mayor
Como, TX – August 12, 2020 – Darla Henry resigned her seat as Como Mayor. She cited personal reasons which have lead her to move out of Como, TX. The City of Como reported the resignation on their Facebook page.
Henry reportedly cited the deaths of her mother and stepfather a few months ago as the reason for her resignation. She indicated being overwhelmed not only emotionally, but by the legal matters and court proceedings in Lamar County, and taking care of matters. The loss has her seeking out her church family at the Greenville, TX church she has been part of for several years and her extended family in Paris. She opted to move to Greenville.
She said that there continue to be decisions that need to be made for the City of Como. Because she no longer lives in the city, she no longer has a vested interest in those decisions. She has stepped aside “to let the invested pick up and move forward.”
She received a plaque and glass trophy for her service to the city of Como, and pledges to “continue to pray for Como,” as she has done many nights at City Hall. Darla will miss her home, friends and city employees of Como.
With Henry’s resignation, mayor pro tem Jerry Radney has stepped up and is now serving as mayor. Austin Baxley will be filling in the empty spot on the council, the city reported.
Denton County Sheriff Graduates A&M-Commerce Competency-Based Criminal Justice Program, Fulfills Family Promise
COMMERCE —The sheriff of one of the most populous counties in Texas was able to complete his bachelor’s degree at his own pace and fulfill a decades-old promise he made to his mother, thanks to the Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice Program at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Sheriff Tracy Murphree of Denton County has come a long way in his career. A third-generation law enforcement officer, Murphree decided from the age of 17 that he wanted to become a member of the prestigious Texas Rangers law enforcement agency.
“To become a Ranger, you have to be a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety first,” Murphree said. “I needed some college hours for that as well, so I went off to school.”
Murphree attended McMurry College (now McMurry University), majoring in history and playing on the school’s football team. But when he heard that the DPS might undergo a hiring freeze in the near future, he jumped at the chance to apply for the academy before it was too late.
“I left college and joined the DPS with 102 college credit hours to my name,” Murphree said. “My mom was not happy with me.”
But he made a promise: “I said, ‘Mom, don’t worry; I will finish.’ But that was 33 years ago,” Murphree said.
He worked as a DPS sergeant for several years before finally achieving his dream of joining the Rangers in 1998. He served with the agency for 13 years in Denton County until disaster struck: His wife passed away unexpectedly in 2011, leaving him with three children, all under the age of 10.
He took a desk job with Denton County to be more available to his children, and he worked in the private sector as well. But public office called him back into the line of duty when he ran for the Denton County Sheriff seat in 2016 and won. He is finishing his first term this year and is unopposed for the position on the November 2020 ballot.
Despite his career successes, a lingering question remained: Would he be able to fulfill his promise and attain a college degree? Even Murphree had his doubts.
“I had given up on that to a point,” Murphree said. “I had looked at many different programs, but nothing was suited to the needs of a working police officer.”
That all changed when his assistant chief, Barry Craver, informed him of the completely online, competency-based CJ Program at A&M-Commerce. Upon hearing about what the program had to offer, Murphree invited instructor and program coordinator Jimmy Womack to the department to speak to the officers. This spurred Murphree on to take the leap and sign up for the program.
“Most officers have some college credit lying around that they aren’t doing anything with,” Murphree said. “This program takes your prior experience and certifications and gives you credit for what you already know. There aren’t many colleges around that do that.”
He continued: “The assignments are challenging, but it is doable at your own pace, which appeals to me, and I believe it would appeal to many other officers. This program is perfect for the active police officer.”
He touted the diverse range of courses, saying that even for a seasoned officer like himself, he was still gaining plenty of knowledge and new skills.
Womack, a veteran law enforcement officer with decades of experience, said that the program had much to offer.
“With this being a competency-based program each student, regardless of experience, is able to gain knowledge and skills to improve themselves, their agencies, and the community they serve,” Womack said. “These are some very trying times for our public servants due to a global pandemic and social unrest. It is my belief, by providing an up-to-date educational program to our officers they will be better prepared to provide the service our society expects and deserves from our public servants.”
Murphree began the program during the Summer II semester in 2019, and he just finished this summer, attaining a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Law Enforcement Leadership emphasis. He said that it was a great feeling to complete his degree.
“It was an amazing feeling to get that degree and to set an example for my kids that it’s not too late to complete your education,” Murphree said. “It was also the best feeling in the world to go to my mom and tell her that I finally did it.”
He added: “I can’t wait for the diploma to get here. It will hold a place of honor on my wall.”
Learn more about the Online Competency-Based CJ Program at A&M-Commerce here.
About Texas A&M University-Commerce–A&M-Commerce serves rural and metropolitan East Texas with distinction, consistently delivering on a promise that our founder, Professor William Leonidas Mayo, made more than a century ago: “No industrious, ambitious youth shall be denied an education if I can prevent it.” We are committed to our university’s mission: Educate. Discover. Achieve.
Programs are delivered on site at the Commerce campus as well as in Corsicana, Dallas, McKinney, Frisco and Mesquite. Many courses are also available online. Students may choose from more than 135 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. A vibrant student life experience includes 14 NCAA Division II athletic teams, a thriving Greek system and more than 120 student organizations.
SSISD Announces Plan For 2020 Wildcat Football Ticket Sales
Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Michael Lamb emailed what he called a bittersweet letter Wednesday morning to all Wildcats football fans concerning season tickets for home games this season, during the COVID-19 pandemic. With venue seating capacity limited to 50 percent per UIL, the district will not be able to offer Wildcat football season tickets for fall 2020.
Lamb reports usual season ticket holders will be able to maintain season ticket status when/if things go back to normal in the 2021 season.
All football tickets (home and away) must be purchased online. If you don’t have a ticket before you arrive at a game, you will not be allowed admission. Information for purchase of tickets to out-of-town games will come at a later date.
SSISD will sell tickets online for Friday nights with families of student performers (football, trainers, band, drill, & cheer) having the first option to purchase up to 4 tickets between noon Saturday and 7 p.m. Tuesday. A ticket code will be emailed out to performer families and students the week before a game.
The remaining tickets will then go on sale to the general public. Up to 4 tickets may be purchased at a time starting at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. The general public can access these remaining tickets via www.ssisd.net on Tuesday the week of a game. These will be available until all tickets sell out or up to game time, whichever comes first.
Student may purchase 1 ticket each. Tickets will be available for seniors from 7 p.m. Monday through 7 a.m. Tuesday, juniors from 7 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday, sophomores and freshmen from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 7 a.m. Thursday.
There will be NO cash tickets sold and NO passes will be accepted at the gate. Only online tickets purchased ahead with a credit or debit card will be permitted.
Information for purchase of tickets to out-of-town games will be released at a later date.
This plan currently applies only to varsity football ticket sales. Ticket sales for sub-varsity football and all other sports will be addressed at a later date.
Those unable to obtain a ticket, can watch the game on live stream video available from KSST Radio or through the school website at www.ssisd.net. due to new UIL rules for this season.
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.
Saltillo ISD Meet The Teacher, Online Learner Device Pick Up Schedules This Week
Saltillo ISD officials over the last week announced designated times and days for device pickup for online learners and a drive-through Meet the Teacher event in readiness for the Aug. 17 start of classes. Administrators also reported an updated regarding the postponed 2019-2020 8th grade and kindergarten graduations.
Online Learners Device Pick Up
Saltillo ISD online learners will need to arrive at the car rider pick up line Thursday, Aug. 13, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 14, between 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to pick up devices and information pertaining to online learning. Information will need to be signed and returned to the school by 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17.
Meet the Teacher
Saltillo ISD will have a Meet the Teacher this year, but it will look a little different. Families will arrive in their vehicle at the car rider pick-up line between 5:30 and 7 p.m. to meet their teachers. Students may bring school supplies to give to each student’s teacher. Families are also welcome to “simply drive through and say howdy,” to their teachers. All students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are welcome to attend this meet the teacher event.
8th Grade and Kindergarten Graduation
Last spring, Saltillo ISD had to cancel 8th Grade and Kindergarten Graduation due to COVID-19. Saltillo ISD officials hoped to have the ceremonies before school started back this year.
However, due to the increased number of COVID-19 cases and guidance from TEA limiting the number of visitors on campus, the district will not be having in-person 8th grade and Kindergarten graduation ceremonies. Instead, Saltillo iSD will be releasing a video honoring these students.
SSISD COVID-19 Mitigation, Back to School Plans Now Available
Monday evening August 10th, 2020, Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams Monday updated trustees on the SSISD COVID-19 mitigation plan. The plan is updated as new guidelines and requirements are announced at the state and national level.
The plan outlines prevention, response and mitigation. Staff will self screen and parents are to screen their children daily for COVID-19 symptom or potential COVID-19 exposure.
Visitation will be limited at this time. Parent will not be allowed to eat lunch at school with students. Parents will be allowed to drop off supplies and meals or consult with district staff as appropriate regarding their child’s educational and health needs. Campus visitors will be asked screening questions at the designated entrance prior to admittance to the campus.
Currently identified by health professionals such as the Centers for Disease Control as symptoms of possible COVID-19 infection are:
• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees
• Loss of taste or smell
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Shaking or exaggerated shivering
• Significant muscle pain or ache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
If a SSISD student tests positive, exhibits symptoms or may be been exposed to COVID-19, parents are asked to keep their student at home and call the campus nurse to begin the process of determining the next appropriate steps related to their child and school. This includes when the student would be eligible to return to school.
In the event of a COVID-positive case on campus, the campus will take the following steps:
▪ All areas that are heavily used, by the individual with the lab-confirmed case, will be closed off until disinfected.
▪ All teachers, staff, and families of all students in that school will be notified.
▪ The local health department will be notified.
District administrators Monday evening told school board members that all students age 10 years and older will be required to wear a face covering or shield, unless the student meets the criteria for exception outlined by the Governor’s executive order.
If a student who does not meet the exception criteria is observed not wearing a mask as required, school staff will speak to the student in an effort to obtain compliance. Officials hope to be able obtain compliance with the state order without having to impose penalties as they would a dress code or discipline issue. In the event of continued refusal of students required to wear the mask who do not meet the exception, a parent may be called to assist. Students and families who do not wish for their student to wear masks and who do not maintain the requisite 6 feet from others do have the option for their students to attend Virtual Academy.
In addition to emphasizing to students the need for proper hand washing, social distancing where possible and wearing face mask, district staff will be encouraged to take lessons outside and to open classroom windows when possible.
The district has distributed approximately 700 gallons of hand sanitizer and more than 600 pumps in which to dispense it. Sanitizer will be available in all classrooms, offices and buses.
In addition to traditional cleaning and disinfecting of campuses, there will be supplemental disinfecting as well, including wiping down high contact areas four times a day, and cleaning restrooms more frequently throughout the day as well. All cleaners and disinfectants used will be CDC approved and recommended, Williams noted.
The district is applying a special microbial shield on surfaces every 30 days. The shield is supposed to be good for 90 days, but as an added precaution due to high use of facilities, the district plans to spray the shield monthly.
Kids and teachers will be able to wipe down desks daily with Clorox wipes. This is not supposed to damage the spray on shield.
The district also has obtained for student and staff use approximately 30,000 disposable face masks and 10,000 washable face masks. After surveying staff, 330 face fields were ordered. Approximately 6,000 pairs of disposable gloves are available.
School assemblies, pep rallies, class parties and other occasions or events that would result in large group gatherings are “paused” at least temporarily as a health safety precaution. Reading Buddies for elementary aged students is also suspended at this time.
Meals will be organized a bit differently, with different use of space and when possible may include skipping of seats and adding more lunch periods for secondary students.
Students will have access to water but will not put their faces to the drinking fountains. Students will be encouraged to bring water bottles, and teachers will have a limited number of disposable cups that can be distributed to students who do not have water bottles as appropriate.
Younger students will still go out to recess, with outdoor play equipment sprayed daily. Decisions regarding extracurricular activities will follow the lead of UIL and district committees.
The 10 page COVID-19 mitigation Plan Summary plan and back to school plan are available for viewing or download on the district website, www.ssisd.net.
SSISD Trustees also at the August 10 board meeting approved two COVID-19 related resolutions.
Resolution 5-20 puts in place a policy regarding staff pay in the event in-person classes are suspended and classes are all conducted virtually for a length of time.
During virtual-only learning, some district employees may be instructed not to report to work and others may be called on to provide virtual-only services. The resolution acknowledges a need to address wage payments for employees who are idle and those required to work during the virtual-only learning.
The school board in the resolution authorized “continued wage payments to all regular employees – contractual and noncontractual, salaried and non-salaried – who are instructed not to report to work during virtual-only sessions.”
Administrators reported this would be similar to the plan approved by the school board in the spring, so that school employees who are told to go home and cannot be utilized in other manners by the district during a closure would still be paid.
This will apply to a small percent of district employees, including about 10 of the district’s 50 bus drivers for whom driving a bus in their only source of employment.
Superintendent Michael Lamb said when possible, these employees skills are used elsewhere in the district. For instance, some were utilized to help deliver meals and cafeteria works were able to help prepare meals for distribution to students during the spring campus closures. Those employees were “rotated” giving as many as possible an opportunity to work during the spring.
A second resolution temporarily adjusts the academic achievement/class rank policy to exclude some courses taken by students participating in the Virtual Academy “to ensure fair and consistent designation of local honors.” These are addressed for EIC(Local) policy.
English, mathematics, science, social studies, and languages other than English classes taken via the SSISD Virtual Learning Academy during the 2020-2021 school year shall be included in the calculation of class rank, however.
Stew Contest Registration Deadline Nearing
Chamber Connection – Aug. 13
By Lezley Brown, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
It’s time for the 5th Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! Let me review the basics. Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than Jan. 1, 2018, and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1st to August 31st. There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected]. Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website. I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!
Please remember … Friday, August 28, is the last day to submit your registration form to cook in this year’s Hopkins County Stew Contest. No registrations will be accepted after this date.
Ribbon Cuttings
Kjc Beauty Supply hosted a ribbon cutting celebration
Kjc Beauty Supply, located at 1217 Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs, hosted a ribbon cutting celebration on Monday, Aug. 10, at noon. Please make plans to stop by to learn about this new business, do some shopping,
and welcome them to Hopkins County.
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week.
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Aug. 13, Tire Town. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
DIY Projects For Your Home
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Many people do a fantastic job with do-it-yourself (DIY) projects; others – not quite as successful! I often fall into the latter category, depending on what I’m trying to do. However, at a recent conference, one of the workshops focused on making your own wet wipes (for cleaning hands and faces), and disinfectant wipes for surfaces in your home. Both are super simple and include easy-to-find ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your cabinet.
Both of these recipes use paper towels. I like to use the select-a-size heavy duty paper towels. If you use an empty coffee can in which to store them, cut the roll of paper towels in half using a sharp serrated knife. Squish them into the container. Otherwise, a zip-style plastic bag will work.
DIY Wet Wipes
- 1 tablespoon baby oil or other massage oil
- 2 cups water (distilled)
- 1 tablespoon liquid body wash
Directions: After cutting the paper towels in half, carefully remove the cardboard tube by twisting and pulling. Place paper towels in coffee can or other plastic container. Mix together distilled water, liquid body wash, and baby or body oil in a small bowl. Slowly pour liquid over the paper towels to saturate. If you use a container with a plastic lid, you can cut a small X in the center of the lid and feed the first paper towel through the hole. An alternative is to place the desired number of paper towels in a zip-style bag to carry with you! These can be used to clean hands, faces, elbows, etc!
DIY Disinfectant Wipes
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol (at least 70% concentration)
- 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid
- 3 drops tea tree oil (optional)
Directions: follow directions above for preparing the paper towels. Mix together water, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap. You can add several drops of tea tree oil or other essential oil to the wipes, which personalizes the cleaner. Pour liquid slowly over the paper towels until saturated. Now you have homemade wipes that are great for cleaning and disinfecting your home as a fraction of the cost of store-bought wipes.
DIY Hand Sanitizer
You have probably already seen recipes for DIY hand sanitizers, but in case you missed it, here’s a simple one!
- 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol (at least 70% concentration)
- 1/3 cup aloe vera gel or glycerin
- 5 to 10 drops skin safe oil (my favorite is the citrus)
Mix well and put in a container or add to paper towels. Pump bottles don’t work well with this recipe because it is more liquid. However, spray bottles DO work well!
Closing Thought
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.
– Abe Lincoln
Hopkins County Hospital District Board Of Directors Aug. 12 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 Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Noon 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 Financial Statements for May and June 2020
- Executive Session
- The Board will meet in closed session pursuant to Sec. 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to discuss with its attorney, either in person or by telephone, matters relating to the Lease Agreement with CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance to provide certain financial support for the benefit of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs.
- Return to Open Session
- Consider and take action, as needed, related to any amounts paid
or to be paid by the Hopkins County Hospital District in support
of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs or as provided through intergovernmental transfer to support additional Medicaid supplemental payments to CHRISTUS Mother Frances
Hospital-Sulphur Springs
- Consider and take action, as needed, related to any amounts paid
- Financing for New EMS Headquarters Building
- Consider and take action, if needed, on approval to pursue financing for a period not to exceed 10 years for the purpose of construction of a new EMS headquarters building
- Adjourn
Saturday Sports Clinic Offered Beginning Aug. 22 At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedic Office
By Holly Ragan, MS, Senior Market Development. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, August 11, 2020 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Are you going through the checklist of things to take care of before returning your students to school? Perhaps they need their annual vaccines or sports physical? We want to help! Call us today at 903.885.3181 to schedule an appointment with a Pediatrician or Family Medicine provider today!
New Staff
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs is excited to welcome Dr. Chris Meltsakos, our new Orthopedic Surgeon with fellowship training in Sports Medicine. Dr. Meltsakos will be accepting new patients at 103B Medical Circle, beginning on Monday, September 7.
Sports Medicine
FREE Saturday Walk-In Clinic for school athletes is just around the corner. The Saturday sports clinic will be held every Saturday from 9am to 11am, on August 22 through November 14.
Athletes will get an exam and free x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury. The location will be the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedic Office at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs.
For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call our office at 903.885.6688.
Hospital Visitation
For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
1 Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
1 Visitor per patient
Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
COVID-19 Testing
Experiencing Symptoms?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, chills, muscle pain or headache, or diarrhea, please call your provider for either a face-to-face appointment or a telemedicine consultation. If your provider determines you need to have a COVID-19 test, they will send you to the appropriate outpatient location for testing.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please present to the Emergency Room. At this time, we are preserving our Emergency Room COVID-19 tests for those who are experiencing an emergency. Otherwise, we would ask that you follow the steps above.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic welcomes new patients. Please call 903.885.3181 to talk to one of our associates about setting up an appointment.
Don’t Delay Care
We want to be perfectly clear – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. Go to the Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 if you are urgently ill.
While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. To learn more about COVID-19, go to ChristusTMF.org or www.cdc.gov.
