COVID-19 Update: 1 New Hopkins County Case July 28
Hopkins County Emergency Management officials reported 1 new positive COVID-19 case as of 5 p.m. July 28, after skipping one day without any new cases having been reported for Hopkins County. There have also been six additional patient recoveries.
There are three patients in the COVID-19 unit. No additional information about those cases was available, Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley reported.
That brings the cumulative total of COVID-19 cases for Hopkins County since March to 146, with more than half of those cases reported this month.
During the first week of July, 10 new cases had been announced. New cases were reported every day from July 9-18, for a total of 45 additional Hopkins County residents testing positive for COVID-19, with 16 total recoveries. This week (July 20-26), 28 new cases and 12 recoveries were reported. That’s 83 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in July in Hopkins County, but reports of only 28 recoveries this month.
Of the 146 Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since mid-March, 78 have recovered, leaving 68 active cases of COVID-19 in Hopkins County on July 26.
NETBIO Changes Sale Days and Requirements
Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO)
Public Information Services
NETBIO changes sale days, weaning requirements
The Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) has announced a new sale day and new weaning requirements for cattle entered into the pre-conditioned calf and yearling sale.
Beginning in 2021 NETBIO board members have decided to change the sale days from the third Wednesdays to the third Fridays of the months that they hold sales. It has also been decided that all cattle entered into the sale must be weaned for 60 days instead of 45 days.
CEO Dwyatt Bell and board members Joe Don Pogue and David Fowler announced last week that these changes will start with the January 15, 2021 sale. Pogue reminds NETBIO producers that November 15, 2020 will be the last day to wean calves and December 15, 2020 will be the last boosting date for calves entered in this January sale.
“We feel these changes will be the best way for us to handle and market NETBIO producer/member cattle going forward,” Pogue said.
NETBIO was established in 1998 as a special premium stocker and feeder calf organization and sale where producers can offer their pre-conditioned cattle in truckload lots. These sales are held eight times per year at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction.
The organization is comprised of independent cattle producers and agri-business representatives working together to enhance the beef industry and the economy in Northeast Texas.
Today, NETBIO is recognized across the State of Texas and the Southern United States as the leader in its reputable offering of pre-conditioned cattle.
“NETBIO member-producers always have nice pre-conditioned cattle ready to sell at each of our sales,” said board member and Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission co-owner David Fowler. “We can always depend on them to bring quality cattle to the market.”
SSMS Places In Top 5 At Destination Imagination Virtual Global Finals
As is the case with most events and celebrations this year, the Destination Imagination Global Virtual Global finals was impacted by COVID-19. This year there was a virtual event, and the Sulphur Springs Middle School Technical team rose to the challenge.
The SSMS students finished fourth in their challenge at the Destination Imagination Virtual Globals finals did not require prior involvement or advancement
While 6 SSMS teams placed at the regional contest, with four advancing to state, because of COVID-19 the Destination Imagination Virtual Global Finals was open to all students, teams and families interested in being involved in creative, collaborative, and solving fun challenges that require out-of-the-box thinking. No prior involvement with DI or competition was required. Entrants were required to complete the registration form and fee, and participate in as many challenges in the Summer of Creativity DI event.
Teams were tasked with creating and performing a story about characters who work together to reach a goal. Teams also created and incorporate a work of art into the performance, using at least one video conferencing platform to perform their story.
Sulphur Springs ISD Day Camp Extended Through August
Sulphur Springs ISD Day Camp for children ages 5-11 is being extended for four additional weeks this summer.
SSISD on Thursday adopted an amended calendar pushing the start of school back to Sept. 1. This should allow district staff to better prepare for the upcoming school year and all possible contingencies and required measures due to COVID-19.
The district announced Monday that Day Camp will now continue from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, Aug. 3-31, at Sulphur Springs Elementary, to provide a “safe, fun” place for kids to be while helping parents who need child care for their students to go while they work. The camp is offered only for SSISD families, for a $100 per week fee.
For additional information contact Site Coordinator Amy Voss at 903-885-8466 or 940-395-3200.
The Edge Beneficial For Lady Cats Basketball Attendees
The Edge for Lady Cats’ high school and middle school basketball players ended last week, July 20-24.
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell, in her third year in Sulphur Springs, said The Edge was good even though varsity numbers were low. She said the ones who came showed major improvement. She said they ended up looking so much better and were able to do some really good things.
Coach Tisdell said the players showed overall improvement but, she said, she especially noted improvement in basketball skills, such as shooting and dribbling. She said once school starts, she may have some open gym opportunities for high school players scheduled around the Lady Cats Volleyball Team’s schedule.
Drug Paraphernalia, Weapon Found During Traffic Stop
Drug paraphernalia and a weapon were reportedly found during a traffic stop early Sunday morning near the Hopkins-Hunt County line, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tanner Steward reported stopping a Chevrolet Cavalier at 2:45 a.m. July 26, 2020 due to prior knowledge the driver did not have a valid driver’s license.
Upon contact, Steward reported asking the driver and passenger to exit the car. When speaking with the sheriff’s officer, the 27-year-old driver indicated he was not sure if he had a hypodermic needle in his pants pocket or not. Steward placed the Sulphur Springs man into handcuffs and obtained permission to search the driver’s pants pockets. The suspect refused the officer’s request to search the car, according to arrest reports.
Steward called for a police canine. HCSO Deputy Dustin Fisher responded. Fisher’s K-9 partner gave a positive alert during an open air sniff search around the car, Steward and Deputy Kevin Lester alleged in arrest reports.
A probable cause search allegedly yielded more than one hypodermic syringe in the car. A small scale with a crystal residue and a small cut piece of red straw with a crystal residue were found inside the female passenger’s purse, deputies alleged in arrest reports
The woman also reportedly admitted to having a firearm in her waistband. Hunt County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to request a female deputy to respond to assist in retrieval of the firearm. The firearm was safely removed. Then, both the driver and 40-year-old passenger were taken into custody on a Class C misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia charge. Passenger Kayla Nicole Williams of Sulphur Springs was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to jail reports.
Williams (who is also known as Kayla Nicole Cerasuolo, Nicki Cerasuolo, Kayla Sarah and Nikki Michelle Williams) remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, July 27. Her bond was set at $10,000 on the third-degree felony weapon charge, according to jail reports.
The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail. July 26 marked the second time this month and fourth time this year the man has been jailed locally. He also was arrested Jan. 18 on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, Feb. 26 on a public intoxication charge and surety off bond on the controlled substance charge and July 11 on a possession of drug paraphernalia, 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.
Possible Robbery Complaint At Auto Zone Resulted In Two Controlled Substance Arrests
A call that started out as a possible robbery complaint at AutoZone resulted in two controlled substance arrests early Sunday morning.
Sulphur Springs Police officers responded at AutoZone to a report of a possible robbery in progress around 8:15 a.m. July 26, 2020. Officers contacted a 31-year-old Santa Fe, New Mexico man who claimed a man inside the store had a weapon and was trying to kill him. The man was identified by SSPD Officer Francisco Castro and Sgt. Brandon Mayes in arrest reports as Christopher Alexander Graves.
Officers entered the store and contacted what appeared to be the sole customer. No firearm was located on the 30-year-old Wills Point man, according to arrest reports. The Wills Point man, identified by Mayes and Lt. Pat Leber as Terryl Lane Webb Jr., also allegedly denied having any weapons in the Honda Accord parked in front of the business, but refused officers’ request to search inside of the car.
Police reported walking around the vehicle and saw in plain sight, through the windows, a small plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance the officers believed to be methamphetamine. The substance was obtained and field-tested positive for meth. Both Webb and Graves were placed into custody just before 8:40 a.m. July 26, 2020. The substance, including packaging, reportedly weighed more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, resulting in both being jailed on a third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Graves remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, July 27, on the possession of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance; bond on the charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
Webb was released from Hopkins County jail later Sunday, July 26, on $10,000 bond on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Hicks: Breakfast: A Great Way to Power up Your Day
By Johanna Hicks
I recently had the opportunity to speak with a group of students on the topic of breakfast. They had a great time and seemed to learn a lot. Then it dawned on me – adults need the same information! Regardless of the arrangements for the upcoming school year, some things will stay the same – the need for breakfast!
Making sure students eat a healthy breakfast, either at home or school, will always be important. This can optimize learning and help children maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that students who eat breakfast are able to concentrate better and they are more alert in the morning. Adults also need the nutrition to avoid that mid-morning slump.
I explained to the students that our bodies are like a vehicle. If you try to drive your car from Texas to Florida without stopping for gas, you’re going to run out of fuel. Our bodies need fuel in the morning after a long fasting period. Think of the word “breakfast.” It literally means to break the fast.
A healthy breakfast can include the following components in any combination:
- Whole grains, such as oats, whole grain bread, quinoa, and enriched cereal (not the highly sugared variety!)
- Lean proteins such as eggs or turkey sausage
- Fruits such as berries, kiwi, bananas, grapes, apples, peaches, etc.
- Vegetables such as carrots, onions, broccoli (I’m thinking a breakfast omelet!)
- Dairy such as milk, yogurt, or cheese
These breakfast components assist our bodies in multiple ways. Grains give us energy and fiber, proteins help us feel full longer and help our muscles, fruits & vegetables provide vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Dairy helps our bones and teeth and provides extra vitamins and minerals. As I mentioned earlier, aim for at least three of the food groups in your breakfast.
To make breakfast quick and easy, try these ideas:
- Plan it out. Create a menu of breakfast options for the week. When shopping, stick to these foods.
- Prepare the night before. If time is limited in the morning, simply prepare the portions to save time. Example, set out the cereal box, bowl, and spoon. Cut up veggies for an omelet, etc.
- Visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight program. This offers delicious and budget-friendly recipes and has various healthy breakfast options, such as Greek Yogurt Banana and Blueberry Pancakes or Breakfast Burrito. To learn more, go to: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu.
Closing Thought
On an old man’s shirt was written a sentence, “I am not 80 years old – I am sweet 16 with 64 years of experience.” That’s positive attitude! – Six Little Stories
August 2 Deadline to Register Students for CANHelp Back to School Fair
CANHelp is planning a drive-by Back to School Fair on Friday August 7, 2020 at Sulphur Springs Middle School from 3-6pm. However, the deadline for families to register for the backpacks with school supplies is nearing. With 775 students already on the list to receive the free assistance, sign-ups must be completed by August 2 so that everyone can be served. Donations from the public will also make this massive project a reality. This year, it costs about $25 to fill the backpack with school supplies, and thus, this year CANHelp is asking for monetary donations only. Businesses, organizations, Sunday School groups, clubs, communities and neighborhoods as well as individuals are invited to help in this cause. There is one website to accommodate sign-ups as well as donations, that’s www.canhelponline.org. If your family wishes to register your students, click on Register. If you would like to sponsor Backpacks or donate money for Backpacks, click on Sponsor or Donate. This year, Yantis ISD students are included with Hopkins County school students who can qualify for the free back to school assistance, to be made available at the drive-by Fair on August 7, 2020.
With questions, you can call CANHelp at 903-885-9797 Ext. 1. CANHelp offices are open to assist from 8am-4:30pm, Mon-Fri with available computers if families do not have computer access to register.Also, if anyone needs to reach out to CANHelp for more information, they can email [email protected] and we will get back with them as soon as possible.
Man Accused Of Choking Girlfriend, Teen Accused Of Hitting Stepfather With Flashlight
Two separate disturbances resulted in two men being arrested July 24, 2020 for assault. One man was accused of choking his girlfriend and the other allegedly hit his stepfather with a flashlight, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
County Road 1100 Disturbance
Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at 4:06 p.m. July 24 to County Road 1100 to a disturbance. A man allegedly hit his girlfriend and broke her glasses, according to sheriff’s reports.
While en route, deputies were advised the alleged “aggressor” had left the scene and was most likely headed to his parents’ residence on Peach Street in Sulphur Springs. Sgt. Shea Shaw headed to Peach Street to look for the suspect, while Deputy Drew Fisher continued to the CR 1100 address to contact the woman who was reported to have been assaulted during the disturbance.
Upon arrival at the CR 1100 residence, Fisher was told the suspect had choked a woman who has a disability during the disturbance. Fisher relayed his findings to Shaw, who was out with the suspect on Peach Street. Shaw took the suspect, identified in arrest reports as 41-year-old Jason Scott Heddens, into custody at 6:41 p.m. Friday, July 24.
Heddens was charged with assault of a family or household member that impedes breathing and/or circulation. He was also charged with driving while license invalid. He was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, July 26; bond was set at $10,000 on the felony assault charge, according to jail reports. An emergency protective order was requested.
County Road 2174 Disturbance
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a County Road 2174 address, where a stepson reportedly hit his stepfather with a metal flashlight around 10:20 p.m. July 24, according to sheriff’s reports.
Deputies spoke with an 18-year-old who was exiting the residence as they arrived. The Sulphur Springs teen allegedly admitted he and his stepfather had gotten into a verbal argument and he struck him with a flashlight. Deputies noted the stepfather had more than one red mark on his back.
Consequently, the 18-year-old was taken into custody at 10:40 p.m. July 24 on a Class A misdemeanor family violence assault charge, according to arrest reports. He remained in jail July 26. Bond on the assault charge was set at $2,000, 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.
