10 New Cases Of COVID-19, 1 Recovery Reported In Hopkins County June 8
Hopkins County’s COVID-19 Total Since MidMarch: 40 Cases, 32 Of Which Are Active Cases And 8 Have Recovered
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom twice Monday reported new lab-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Hopkins County. At 4 p.m. Monday, June 8, the judge announced 2 new cases and 1 person recovering from COVID-19. Then, at 9 p.m., Newsom announced 8 additional cases of COVID-19 case in Hopkins County. That’s 10 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Hopkins County on June 8.
The cases are reported to be from individuals in both the city and in the county. Only one of the 10 cases is reported to be in a home where another resident is or has in the past isolated due to COVID-19, according to Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley.
Newsom reported all of the tests conducted during the most recent mobile testing at the Civic Center have been accounted for. Results from testing at local nursing home are all back, with the exception of one nursing home. Those tests are still pending, according to the emergency management officials.
To the officials’ knowledge all active COVID-19 patients are isolating at home. The Local Health Authority will be checking on them to seem if they have any needs that haven’t been met.
Local officials said to their knowledge, there are no Hopkins County cases in nursing homes or the hospital.
The 10 additional cases and 1 additional recovery bring Hopkins County’s total since mid March to 40 cases of COVID-19, 32 of which are active cases, and 8 individuals have recovered.
Enola Gay Honored By Governor, Commissioners Court
KSST’s own Enola Gay Mathews received honors from the governor and was recognized by Hopkins County Commissioners Court for her continued support of the community. Enola Gay was honored with the Governor’s Yellow Rose of Texas Commission and received a proclamation of thanks for her contributions to the community from the Commissioners Court.
The Yellow Rose of Texas commission is bestowed to Texas women by the Texas Governor in recognition of those who have gone beyond measure in their communities and workplace.
The Yellow Rose of Texas recognizes exceptional community service such as volunteerism, charitable contributions, achievements related to the preservation of the history of Texas, or achievements toward improving the present and building the future.
“This is the highest honor a woman can receive in the State of Texas,” said Senior Citizens Center Program Director Karon Weatherman, who nominated Enola Gay Mathews for the honor.
Karon Weatherman presented Enola with the framed Yellow Rose of Texas commission signed by Governor Greg Abbott. Three local businesses also extended congratulations to Mathews. Sulphur Springs Floral provided a bouquet of yellow roses, Danna’s sent colorful vase of flowers, and the Millennium Shopper a Texas gift pack.
“She is very deserving,” the senior citizens center director told the packed room at Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning. Among those in present at the courthouse were her daughter, son, three of her grandchildren and several friends, along with members of Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse, Historical Society, other community organizations.
“I am undeserving of all this, but I will take it because I am a proud Texan,” Enola said. “Hopkins County is a fertile place to put down roots, raise a family and get involved. Ours is a community to take pride in, discover your interests and talents and to call home. I am glad that in 1985 we decided on a chance to move to Hopkins County. I want to thank Karon Weatherman, Garland and my kids, and all my friends for your love and support.”
Hopkins County Commissioners Court agreed. Judge Robert Newsom read a proclamation officially recognizing Enola Gay Mathews for her continued community support and involvement, and congratulating her on the Yellow Rose of Texas commission.
The judge recognized her for not only being “the voice of Hopkins County during her morning radio show, ‘Start Your Day with Enola Gay’ on KSST 1230 AM of Sulphur Springs,” but for her community involvement.
Newsom noted the interest Enola has shown in memorabilia, recordings and photos of the Reilly Springs Jamboree since 1989. That interest not only lead her to help preserve the facility, but to take over production of the Jamboree in 1995 to continue ” the legacy of providing entertainment to the community with great singers and bands who come from all around Northeast Texas to perform.”
The county judge commended Enola for her talent as a singer and writer, performing as single artist as well as part of the duo Sentimental Journey, and featuring places and people of the community in her weekly column “At the Corral Grate” in the Millenium Shopper.
Newsom noted some industry recognition Enola has received, including being named DJ of the Year in 2006 by the Academy of Western Artists in and nominated DJ of the Year by Texas Music Association in 2008. She was named a Western Swing Hero and was inducted into the Cowtown Society of Western Swing Music Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2014, she was recognized as the Hopkins County Woman of the Year.
That’s in addition to serving as a member of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse since 2014, honorably carrying the Texas flag while riding a horse and leading parades in Hopkins County.
“Therefore, be it resolved, that the Hopkins County Commissioners Court congratulates Enola Gay Mathews and urge all citizens of Hopkins County to acknowledge the worthy recognition to such a deserving individual for her cherished communications as well as contribution to our community,” Newsom said.
“Enola, I know I can remember, and a lot of us can, when you came to Sulphur Springs, and you made a difference immediately,” Newsom said. “I want to say thank you so much. I’ve actually performed with you. I’ve performed at Reilly Springs, although not anymore — that’s behind me, I guess. Many of us in this room appreciate all the talents you put into Sulphur Springs and making a difference. It’s a better community because we have Enola Gay in it. Thank you so much.”
Newsom presented to her on behalf of Hopkins County Commissioners Court a framed copy of the proclamation.
Earl Martin, on behalf of Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse, “Whenever you joined us, a few years ago, it was our privilege to have you. On that behalf, you have enhanced the Sheriff’s Posse. You kept us in the PR and kept us happy and going. From that standpoint, you were one of the ladies, members of the Posse that we were real glad to have.”
“She deserves it. She is an icon in this town. She IS Hopkins County. She is involved and she doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. Everyone loves her,” Weatherman said.
Weatherman said Enola’s willingness and enthusiastic support of many community organizations, through her work as well as personal time, are among the many reasons she feels Enola to be deserving of the award. She did this while raising her children, and continues to be a friend to many, offering kind words and encouragement during her years in Sulphur Springs.
KSST extends congratulations to our accomplished coworker and friend Enola Gay Mathews on her Yellow Rose of Texas Commission from Governor Greg Abbott and recognition received from Hopkins County Commissioners Court and the community.
June 8 Update: 2 Additional COVID-19 Cases, 1 Recovery In Hopkins County
Hopkins County’s COVID-19 Total Since MidMarch: 32 Cases, 24 Of Which Are Active Cases And 8 Have Recovered
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8 announced 2 new cases of COVID-19 case in Hopkins County.
No additional information about the new cases are known at this time, except that they are home and isolating, according to Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley.
“We are doing very very well compared to our neighbor. Titus County was at 629, according to Titus County Judge Brian Lee’s Facebook page. We are being blessed here. We are having a few cases. They are at home. They are isolated,” Newsom said. “We need to pray for our neighbors as well as ourselves.”
The two additional cases and 1 additional recovery bring Hopkins County’s total since mid March to 32 cases of COVID-19, 24 of which are active cases and 8 individuals have recovered.
Fish, Boat, Hike! News from Cooper Lake State Park
Now it’s Time for Some Fun in the Sun at Cooper Lake State Park!
Cooper, TX— It’s time to get outside and enjoy the beginning of summer! What can be better than visiting Cooper Lake State Park? The park has two swimming areas that are open and ready for you. The lake is full and the cool early summer waters of the lake will feel so refreshing! Hiking through the woods can get you in shape and clear those COVID quarantine blues. Fishing is usually good during June with white bass, blue and channel catfish, and largemouth bass being caught. The park has four multi-lane boat ramps and four fish cleaning stations. The park has placed fish attractors and fish feeders at various locations to increase bank fishing success. Fishing licenses are not required when you are fishing from the bank or fishing pier at Cooper Lake State Park.
A long-awaited park repair project has just been completed which will make it much easier for boaters to launch at the Doctors Creek unit. Top Gun Top Dog, Inc. was hired by the State of Texas after a competitive bid process to remove a damaged float pier that had blocked ramp access for a number of years. “We are so happy that the project was a success and now this important boat ramp is fully open and safe,” said Mindy Hicks, Site Superintendent of the Doctors Creek unit. “This ramp is one of the last access points to Cooper Lake during low water periods and it is essential for the recreational activities of thousands of visitors each year.”
Currently, park visitation capacity limits are at 50% and Cooper Lake State Park normally reaches this level on weekends. Starting June 15th, capacity limits will increase to 75% as state parks mirror the overall gradual reopening of Texas. Park day use entrance fees are $5 for adults and kids 12 and under are always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. Unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle can be accomplished by using a Texas State Park Annual Pass ($70) which is good for a year. It should be noted that Park Pass holders will still need to make a no-cost online reservation to ensure access during the COVID-19 capacity-limited period. For more information on Cooper Lake State Park and updates due to COVID-19, please visit and like our Facebook pages or call us (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek 903-395-3100).
Social distancing (6 feet) and group protocols (10 or less) are still in place and face coverings are highly recommended. Bring your own hand sanitizer as an added level of protection. Enjoy your time in the park and always be respectful of other park enthusiasts.
SSISD Trustees To Recognize Rowena Johnson, Robbin Vaughn At June 8 Meeting
Sulphur Springs Independent School District trustees plan to recognize two women for their service to the school district. Rowena Johnson will be honored for 50 years of service with the district. The long-time educator notified school officials in March of her plans to retire.
Also to be recognized for serving two years as president of SSISD Board of Trustees is Robbin Vaughn. Last year, she agreed to another year president of the school board.
The pair will be recognized during the regular monthly meeting of SSISD Board of Trustees, which begins at 6 p.m. June 8, in the board room at SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
During the report portion of the meeting Assistant Superintendent Rusty Harden is scheduled to report on the 45-day contract release date, Assistant Superintendent Kristin Monk will report on summer activities throughout SSISD. Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams Jeffrey Denton and Gerald Grafton are scheduled to give academic UIL reports.
The board has five regular action items they will be asked to consider:
- five required and two previously board-approved innovative courses;
- Bids for mobile and handheld radios;
- Purchase of iPads for kindergarten-third grade students;
- Credit by Exam testing dates; and
- Contracted services with Region 8 Education Service Center for the 2020-2021 school year.
The SSISD board of trustees is also slated to hold a budget work session, then enter into executive session to consider professional employment contracts for 2020-2021, including summer contracts due to mid-term hire dates; and any other personnel or real property matters recommended for board consideration since the last board meeting. The board would return to open session for action on any items pushed forward from the executive session for a vote.
Commissioners Court To Consider 2 Items Related To Roads
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning during their regular meeting are expected to consider at least 2 items related to roads.
One agenda items calls for the Commissioners Court to consider bids submitted for granitized road materials, then accept one or more from which to purchase the road materials.
The second item calls for HCCC to consider approving an application and petition to close and abandon a portion of the right-of-way of County Road 3531 in Precinct 3.
Also requested and presented for consideration as part of the consent agenda will be requests from Farmers Electric Cooperative to construct 2 electrical distribution facilities, one that will cross County Road 1175 near County Road 1174 and another that will cross4772 near County Road 4772; as well as a request from American Electric Power Company to provide utility service connections at a Count Road 2391 address.
The Commissioners Court may also, during the regular course of business during the 9 a.m. June 8 meeting, consider approving any contracts, donations, contracts, personnel matters, grants, asset disposal requests, resolutions and proclamations presented.
After the regular meeting, the Commissioners Court is slated to hold a work session to discuss finances and any proposed improvement or repairs for the fire department and sheriff’s office. They court can also hold go over the budget during the work session. That meeting, according to the agenda, will be held in the Meeting Room on the third floor of Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St.
Citizens Call For Change, Justice, Equality, Unity During Peaceful March
People marched Saturday from Pacific Park to the downtown square in Sulphur Springs to call for “change from the courthouse to the White House,” speaking out for same justice and equality for all.
“I really hope and pray that this kind of event opens up good honest, heartfelt conversations among all of us. I want to have those conversations. I need to have those conversations,” said the Ed Lantz, First United Methodist Church senior pastor.
Lantz offered a prayer that the peace march and rally would give those participating “eyes to see and ears to hear,” to give glory to God, by bringing all together.
“If people ever need to come together as one, in respect and honor of God and each other, that time is now,” said Valanderous Bell, a former city council member and Arbala Road Church of Christ minister. “George Floyd is the latest and most brazen example of a pattern of injustice, discrimination against Blacks and people of color. I often like to include when I say Blacks and people of color, there are people in all segments of our society who have suffered in various ways, who have suffered from injustice and the things that cause us to do what we are doing today.”
Bell challenged those present to change their way of thinking, to each personally seek change for justice and equality for all, on a personal level as well as from the courthouse to the White House.
“It doesn’t end today. The battle has just begun. What do we need to do?There’s a sign out there that says register and vote. You don’t have anything to complain about if you are not registered — Oh, you can complain, but who wants to hear it? Register and vote,” Bell said. “In closing, when you cast that vote, study. Know the person and the personality of the people you are voting for.”
Local church leaders carried a banner stating “We are stronger when we stand together.” The march, with a police escort, proceeded from Pacific Park down Martin Luther King Drive to Gilmer Street, then Jefferson Street at Church Street. Marchers followed the walking path across the square to Main Street. The group included people of varied colors, ages and backgrounds, including families with children marching along side parents, even a few children pushed in strollers along the route, marching together for unity, justice and equality.
Made clear was the fact that violence and destruction would not be tolerated at the march. All who wished to join and have their voice heard were welcome.
Many marchers held hand-made posters, “Black lives Matter,” “I Can’t Breathe,” “My color is not a crime,” “Stop Racism,” “All lives can’t matter until Black lives matter,” “No more silence,” “We Stand United For Justice,” “Enough is Enough,” “Do you hear us now?”, “#Justice for George Floyd,” “#Let them breathe,” “#Justice for Breonna Taylor”and “No justice, no peace.” Many chanted Black lives matter, and no justice, no peace. Others called out the names of those they were walking for and calling for justice for, including Floyd and Taylor.
At Celebration Plaza, the marchers were joined by members of the “Higher Love Movement,” a group that began a “peaceful and inclusive protest” Saturday morning and planned to remain downtown until 6 p.m. June 6. The movement encourages not just love of family, but a higher love of all people, even complete strangers. The event organizers encouraged people to vote for candidates with experience on issues facing America, and voiced their support for minority city council candidates who they feel are better able to relate to social issues. The event organizers point to “gradual militarization of police departments in America” and “institutional racism” as issues of concern to them.
The march procession stopped on Main Street at Oak Avenue just off the square. Local protesters, community members and police officers bent to their knees in silent observance of George Floyd’s death, specifically the 8 minutes, 46 seconds prosecutors in a complaint stated Floyd was pinned to the ground under a white Minneapolis police officer’s knee on May 25.
Afterward, the procession marched up Oak Avenue, then, turned back toward Pacific Park, some singing as they did so. A rally featuring several speakers was held under the covered awning in the park.
Brittany Abron recounted the shooting death of college classmate Gabriel Winzer in 2013 by law enforcement. The family is pursuing a wrongful death suit and an online account has been set up to accept donations for the legal fund; the link can be found on Abron’s social media page.
“When I look around this crowd, I see Black, I see White, I see Hispanic, I see everybody. That’s how it should be, because, understand something. What took place on May the 25th of this year, didn’t affect just us, it affected everyone. It affected everybody,” Danard Barnes, MLK Church of Christ minister said.
“We understand not every policeman is a part of the problem. So we understand there are some good cops, and we need to celebrate and highlight the goods cops. The ones that ain’t doing good, we need to get them out of there,” said Barnes.
Referring to Amos 5:24 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Barnes said, “Justice is falling like water. It’s been raining. Now, it’s a monsoon. It was raining, and after May 25th it’s a monsoon. Now, it’s time to be heard. So the question becomes, how do we do this? Do we keep protesting? Protesting only opens the door.”
Barnes too reiterated the importance of voting for change. He said people have to register to vote, find out about the candidates, investigate, check them out, then vote for change. If people aren’t doing their job, they need to be fired and removed; if an elected official is not doing his or her job, that individual can be removed at the poles, Barnes said. He stressed the importance of knowing the candidates, being involved and voting.
“Be involved in your community. Be involved in what’s going on in Sulphur Springs. Be involved in what’s taking place. Cause when you do those 3, guess what? Change is going to come,” Barnes said. “We have the opportunity to make change. We have the platform right now. We have the open door right now. It’s time for us to see change.”
The MLK minister said that God, in Micah 6:8: “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
“God Himself requires that justice takes place. And if God calls for justice, then it’s time for some justice,” Barnes said.
Dr. Harold Nash, pastor of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and Sulphur Springs Place 2 City Council member, also urged everyone to vote, and encouraged city residents to attend city government meeting and take an active role in the process.
“We, as Black people, we need to show up at the City Council, there is where you make things happen in the city,” Nash said.
He encouraged community members to attend the council meeting, to sign up to speak, to “make your voice heard at the council.”
“If we have to stay all night because you signed that little petition that you want to speak, we have to stay there to listen to what you say. That will move problems in this city. How will we know if you don’t come and you don’t make it known?” Nash asked.
Nash encouraged those who are angry to use that anger in a positive way for change.
“Change can happen because the police are under the city manager, city council. We have a good police force here,” Nash said. “Be angry, but and do not sin. God gave us the emotion of anger so we can do something about what’s wrong. We can do that in the way Jesus did it. He could have had legions of angels come down and protect him, but he peacefully went on with his cross and died for all of us — all of us .”
Bell reminded rally and march participants of the upcoming November election, which includes City Council choices on the Sulphur Springs ballots.
“Whoever the candidate is, we don’t need candidates who are afraid to stand up and meet the challenge. We need candidates to be vocal, to stand up against those things that are wrong, stand up for what’s right. I served on the council for 9 years. You are going to make people angry. You are going to have people who don’t like you. But whenever you stand for right, that is what happens. We don’t need a yes man in any office that’s held publicly. We are standing together, and we need politicians and leaders who are going to faithfully and strongly stand with us,” Bell said.
An activist said if people can’t correct one another when they see a problem, there is no hope. He said all should be held accountable, including those in a position of policing other; those in a position of authority have a moral standard to uphold and should be held to it.
“We want change. We are human first,” he said.
Community organizers had voter registration cards on hand at the rally as well as individuals available should anyone need assistance in filling one out.
Meal A Day Menu For June 8-12
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 8-12, 2020 includes:
Monday —- Poppy Seed Chicken, Rice and California Blend Vegetables
Tuesday — Scalloped Potatoes with Ham, Broccoli and a Roll
Wednesday — King Ranch Casserole, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll
Thursday — Beef Lasagna, English Peas and Garlic Toast
Friday — Barbecue Rope Sausage, Baked Beans, Macaroni and Cheese, and Cole Slaw
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.
Arlington Man Arrested In Cumby For DWI After Crashing Into A Guardrail
An Arlington man was arrested in Cumby early Saturday morning on a felony driving intoxicated charge, according to arrest reports.
A Cumby Police officer, Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies, and Hopkins County and Cumby firefighters responded at 1:07 a.m. Saturday, June 6, to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 30 west at the 112 exit. A vehicle crashed into the guardrail, and at least one person inside the vehicle appeared to have either either passed out or to be hurt, a 911 caller told dispatchers.
Upon arrival at 1:10 a.m. Saturday, Cumby Police Officer Nicholas Geer spotted a white Buick on the north service road, where it had collided with a guardrail. The car was still running. Geer contacted the lone occupant.
The driver allegedly admitted, “I f*#&%d up.” When asked if he had been drinking, the 60-year-old Arlington man allegedly admitted “a lot.”
When asked to step out of the vehicle, the driver was noted to be unsteady on his feet. When asked to submit to standard field sobriety testing, Johnny Vance Danner allegedly refused. Danner was placed into handcuffs and allowed to lean on his vehicle while the policeman retrieved a hat from his front passenger seat. Danner reportedly lost his balance and fell to his knees, according to arrest reports. Aided by a sheriff’s deputy, Geer walked Danner to his patrol vehicle.
Dispatchers advised the man had a prior third or more DWI conviction on his record. Danner was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked for third or more offense DWI offense, Geer alleged in arrest reports.
Danner remained in Hopkins County jail late Saturday; his bond on the third-degree felony charge was set at $10,000, according to arrest and jail reports.
I-30 Pursuit Results In Recovery Of Stolen Vehicle, Arrests
An I-30 pursuit that spanned about 10 miles from the Cumby area into Sulphur Springs late Friday morning revealed the vehicle involve to have been stolen. At least two men were arrested, according to arrest and law enforcement reports.
Cumby Police Chief Paul Robertson at 10:18 a.m. June 5 notified other officers via police radio that he was in pursuit of a vehicle that along Interstate 30 east headed toward Sulphur Springs. In arrest reports, Robertson reported attempting to make a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Tahoe “for a lawful violation.”
At the 112 mile marker on Interstate 30 east, Robertson alleged in arrest reports, the driver of the vehicle “disregarded my emergency lights, sped up, drove on the improved shoulder, and drove at high rates of speed in order to disregard my emergency lights and evade me.”
All available Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies and Sulphur Springs police officers, hearing the pursuit began heading toward I-30 in an attempt to assist the Cumby officer in the pursuit. Some were already in the area when Robertson reported losing sight of the vehicle as it approached Sulphur Springs.
Officers began searching the area for a vehicle fitting the description called in by Robertson. Sulphur Springs received information and checked behind a convenience store just off I-30 at mile marker 122. They observed what they believed to be the vehicle as well as three people in the parking lot near it; the three were detained.
Dispatchers checked the information on the vehicle; it came back as having been stolen from Tennessee, according to arrest and law enforcement reports. Thus, Joshua Ahkeem Stevenson, the 20-year-old Olive Branch, Mississippi man identified as the driver, was arrested for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.
for Joshua Ahkeem Stevenson
A 20-year-old Memphis, Tennessee man identified as a passenger in the vehicle was allegedly in possession of a firearm and marijuana found inside the vehicle. He was arrested on the misdemeanor charges of unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, according to arrest reports.
Three people, however, were reportedly taken into custody by local authorities, according to sheriff’s reports. Jail and arrest reports Saturday, however, show only two of the males formally arrested and booked into Hopkins County jail. Robertson included no information in arrest reports regarding any additional individuals in connection with the vehicle pursuit and subsequent arrests.
Stevenson was released from Hopkins County jail June 6. Bond on the UUMV and evading arrest charges was set at $5,000 each. The Tennessee man was released June 6 on $2,000 bond on the weapon charge and $1,000 bond on the marijuana charge, according jail reports.
