The Role Of The Local Health Authority During COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, local emergency management officials have referred to the local Local Health Authority in relation of positive patients. While many know that the LHA is involved during the COVID-19 pandemic, not everyone knows or understands the LHA’s role.
The Local Health Authority is appointed by the county government to provide support services in the absence of a county health department. Dr. I.L. Balkcom IV has served as Hopkins County’s LHA in the absence of a state health department for a number of years. Hopkins County Commissioners Court reappointed Balkcom on March 26 as the LHA.
According to Texas Department of State Health Services, a Health Authority administers state and local laws relating to public health and local laws relating to public health within a local government’s jurisdiction.
LHA Patient Contacts, Tracing
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the LHA primarily helps with tracing not being conducted by the state and serves as a resource for patients and families who are under quarantine, if needed.
According to a LHA nurse, while the LHA may contact patients while they are in quarantine, that does not mean daily phone calls or screenings or that all patients will receive a call from the LHA.
Many patients are under the care of a physician who knows the patient’s medical history and needs or the patient has enough medical knowledge that it’s not necessary for the LHA to follow up with them. In a few cases, people in quarantine have tested positive for COVID-19 but don’t necessarily have any signs and symptoms.
“Typically, if I am informed the patient is under the care of physician or has been educated to what quarantine means, I wait a week or 2 in cases that I know they’ve been contacted by the state and a physician,” the LHA nurse reported.
Those COVID-19 patients in quarantine who have a physician are instructed by that office regarding what they can or should do, what the quarantine should involve, when to seek emergency help if needed, all in accordance with CDC guidelines. The LHA will usually follow up more frequently with COVID-19 patients who do not have a primary care physician, but not every day.
When the pandemic began, the wait for test results could take as long as 19-days to get back. So, by the time that the LHA received information from the state, those people had already healed. Now, the majority of test results are reported within 24-hours to 3 days, which makes keeping up with patients and tracing easier.
The purpose of calling is not to be a pest to people who are in quarantine, especially those who experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. When the LHA does call patients, the health care professional will “serve as kind of an advocate for patients who need a little bit more assistance and help,” according to the LHA nurse.
“We do want to be a resource. They can call if they have new symptoms, need help obtaining a doctor’s release or how to get prescriptions while in quarantine of if they need food, what you can do. We’ll connect those who genuinely need help with 211, food banks or other resources and help them through the steps of getting help,” the LHA nurse reports.
In some instances, that can include providing employers with information regarding testing results. For instance, some people will continue to test positive for a longer duration than others. According to the CDC, notable is that there have been some reports of prolonged detection of RNA without direct correlation to viral culture.
So, a recovered COVID-19 patient may test positive multiple times even though they haven’t had active COVID-19 for a month or more, according to the LHA nurse.
“I can offer guidance,” the LHA nurse said. “I can help educate the employer and patient. I can send them the CDC link; every single thing I’m doing is based on CDC guidelines.”
When the LHA is contacted regarding a positive COVID-19 patient, Dr. Balkcom calls the state to obtain the patient’s contact information. Then, LHA can contact that individual as needed. If the person cannot be contacted, the LHA nurse will work with the state to try to obtain better contact information.
For instance, the information reported to the state was only a Post Office box and a phone number. Sometimes, numbers aren’t working or current. Sometimes, the number is correct but the person doesn’t answer, because it’s a stranger’s number. Officials keep trying. Sometimes, they mail letters.
Officials have to be careful in any messages left or sent to protect the patient’s confidentiality. If all routes to contact the person go unanswered, someone may be sent to make contact with the individual if there is a concern.
Patients, either through their doctor, the medical facility or otherwise, may be given the number of the LHA so they can talk to the nurse if they have any needs that aren’t being met that the individual’s PCP cannot provide. The LHA can also help them in figuring the needed length of quarantine or isolation, based on their symptoms and CDC guidelines, so they’ll know when they can leave their home.
Another part of the LHA’s job is to try to identify potential hotspots in the community, then providing businesses and facilities with guidance about infection control procedures and policies that, when implemented, can help with disinfection. This can include things like shutting down break rooms and reducing points of contact, and contact tracing if employees get sick, not necessarily with COVID-19. The LHA can help provide tips for preventative infection control.
A COVID-19 patient is considered recovered and OK, even if he/she tested positive, if the individual has gone 72 hours with symptom resolution. That is the person no longer experiences overwhelming fatigue, fever or other acute symptoms. That’s not to say the person doesn’t have some less acute symptoms still, as a residual cough could last up to months later. That just means, to be recovered, the individual has gone 72 hours without aid of any kind of medicine or fever, has improved respiratory symptoms, and 10 days have passed since the individual’s first appeared.
Often times if the state has not gotten around to collecting trace information from the positive COVID-19 patient, the LHA has the ability to it and report the information collected to the state.
“I’m here when they need me. I can do initial tracing if I need to, if it’s not already done. If I notice that, I can work on that from here, then contact them. State and I work together,” the LHA nurse said.
That is the time-based strategy. There’s also a test-based strategy. Guidelines may be found on the CDC website regarding when it’s OK to leave isolation after having COVID-19 or being exposed to someone who tested positive.
State, Local Information Sharing
A number of variables factor into who reports positive test results and patient recoveries when, which can sometimes mean local reports don’t always match state reports.
For instance, the Texas Department of State Health Services/Health and Human Services COVID-19 Dashboard on June 17 showed 44 total cases of COVID-19 since March, 22 active cases and 22 patient recoveries in Hopkins County. Local emergency management officials and Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS, however, on June 17 reported only 43 cases, including 15 recoveries.
Local emergency management and the LHA aren’t able to report any new numbers or information until the state officially reports it to them, according to the LHA.
“There’s a proper chain to go through. We get in trouble if we release it before they make it official. We do everything we can to abide by the rules that we have to follow. We can’t release information until notified by state,” the LHA nurse said.
The process starts with a person having a test either at a mobile collection site, hospital, clinic, physicians office or other private facility after exhibiting symptoms or being in exposed to someone who has COVID-19. When a positive result is returned, if the test wasn’t conducted by the state, the physician or health professional sends the information to DSHS. The patient is notified, as is the local emergency management coordinator. The LHA also receives a call with the information.
While authorities in some areas have opted to release demographics and statistical information to the public, Hopkins County does not. The state cautioned the LHA and emergency management officials to be careful not to violate patients’ privacy rights. As a rule of thumb, they were advised that if any information released can be used to trace the case back to the patient doing so violates the patient’s rights, according to the LHA nurse.
In small communities, providing zip codes, whether the person is male or female and/or the individual’s age could potentially do just that. It could also incite public concern or panic for that area, or even result in bullying or other negative response toward the COVID-19 patients and their families.
“The second part of that is that nobody can prove it would help anything, but it might create hysteria, which does not help. People should take the same precautions no matter the zip codes and age ranges,” the LHA nurse reported.
The LHA reminds that because COVID-19 is prevalent, it is still important for people to take infection control measures in Hopkins County, especially if those who may be immunocompromised. No matter what age or zip code someone lives in, all can potentially be infected or be infectors, according to the LHA nurse.
“The thing with this virus is that it knows no age discrimination. It can affect newborn to 100. We understand why people want to know ages, but it doesn’t serve any definitive purpose. If it would help our community, we would release it,” the LHA nurse said.
Once a person has met criteria to be considered recovered, with doctor approval, the information is sent to the state. Once the state health agency completes their portion of the process, the LHA is notified that the case is officially cleared as a recovery. Only then are local officials allowed to report recoveries.
Over the last couple of weeks, additional cases and recoveries for Hopkins County were posted on the DSHS/HHS dashboard before local officials received official notification regarding the additional cases.
“That’s frustrating. We’ll see that too, incidences of higher numbers or lower numbers, that don’t match,” the LHA nurse reported.
The LHA nurse is frequently checking those numbers to be sure all cases are counted once only. After Hopkins County officials reported the most new COVID-19 cases in a single day. However, after closer examination by the LHA, one of the 10 cases was discovered to have been recorded twice.
Overall, the LHA works in conjunction with other health and emergency officials during the pandemic to see that as many of the COVID-19 patients health and other needs are met.
COVID-19 patients who have questions or concerns or those seeking clarification related to COVID-19, including symptoms may contact the LHA at 903-440-5902.
Grill Raffle To Benefit Heart of Hope in Sulphur Springs
Heart of Hope is conducting its first ever Raffle. The success of this raffle will allow us to continue helping young women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy. Heart of Hope offers them proof of pregnancy tests, sonograms, parenting lessons, and other assistance as needed and available. All their services are FREE. All this is available due to the community’s support.
Here is what Heart of Hope is raffling off, a Pit Boss Pro Series grill. This grill comes with two tiers of cast iron cooking grates with 1100 sq. inches of open grilling space using 100% all-natural hardwood pellets. It has a digital control pad, quick dial-in temperature range, and temperature probes. This grill also includes a slide plate flame broiler for access to 10000 F of direct flame searing. Win this grill and in no time you will become a winning chef!
Go to https://rafflecreator.com/pages/37906/heart-of-hope-fundraising-raffle to purchase your chance to win this outstanding grill.
Drawing will be held on the Sulphur Springs town square on July 4th! Winner need not be present but must pick up the grill in Sulphur Springs.
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell Has The Edge for High School and Middle Schoolers at SSMS Gym
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell, in her third year here, is conducting The Edge conditioning program and sports skills Mondays through Thursdays in the morning at the auxiliary gym at Sulphur Springs Middle School. The Edge got underway June 8. So far numbers have been light for high school players but 20 or more players are showing up for middle school sessions. Coach Tisdell says due to distancing and other restrictions due to coronavirus concerns, players drills are limited to individual work. For high school players, specific basketball skill work includes things like working on getting off shots quickly and shooting free throws. Middle school players are learning lots of basketball fundamentals, such as dribbling and shooting. The girls also get one hour a day of conditioning work. Coach Tisdell says she uses the middle school track for running and the weight room for lifting. She says the off season is a good time for lots of lifting. Coach Tisdell says she doesn’t want players being sore from lifting during the season with games to play. She says some girls are missing sessions due to family vacations and church camps. Coach Tisdell says he is enjoying getting out of her house and seeing some different faces. She says The Edge is also getting her used to getting up early like she will also have to once school gets back in session.
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.
COVID-19 Mobile Testing Scheduled This Saturday In Sulphur Springs
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team officials announced another COVID-19 mobile testing scheduled this Saturday in Hopkins County. This will be the third mobile test collection offered in Sulphur Springs.
Unlike the April and May mobile testing conducted by the National Guard, the June 20 test collection will not be conducted at Hopkins County Civic Center. Instead, Shannon Oaks Church, located at 1113 East Shannon Road, will serve as the mobile test collection site for Saturday’s testing.
The mobile testing is scheduled will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but registration is required. People will be screened if they have COVID-19 symptoms, according to the information released by Hopkins County Emergency Management officials. Mobile test collection is conducted as a “drive-thru.” People arrive as scheduled in their vehicle, follow the vehicle line as directed to the designated personnel. The tested person will remain in the vehicle they are in at all times. Test swab will be processed at a lab other than the collection site, and the individual will be notified if the test shows a positive result.
To register for the mobile testing scheduled this Saturday, go online to txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400.
Can’t make it to the Saturday testing, but still want to be screened? Click on the Collection Site Map to view current and upcoming testing locations as reported to Texas Department of Emergency Management. Those scheduling through the map should be aware that unless otherwise stated on the map and site information, deductible, co-pay or co-insurance may apply. Depending on insurance, that could also require physician referral or prior authorization. Those testing are encouraged to call the testing site to verify costs.
Mosquito Control Spraying Slated June 18 In Cumby
Elections, Cleanup Dates, Audit, Utility Rates Addressed At Recent Cumby City Council Meetings
The City of Cumby announced that a company will be mosquito control spraying in town Thursday evening, June 18. The city approved the mosquito control measures during their regular June board meeting, conducted zia Zoom.
The city was quoted an estimate of $120 from NR (Noble Resources) pest per treatment. The company offers truck-mounted mosquito fogging for town, cities and events. This service is offered by the company as a one-off treatment, as well as ongoing treatments.
In 2018, the City of Cumby had the company provide fogging service to help reduce mosquitoes twice a month, for a total of 8 sprays. The City Council agreed to utilize the company, to be called as needed, with no contract or set number of sprays during the June 9 meeting.
“All treatments are pet and kid friendly,” according to the NR Pest website.
Also at the June 9 meeting, the council took action on a number of additional items, including setting 2 summer cleanup days, calling for a November City Council and Special Election, Utility Rates, demolition of a structure and several other items.
Elections
The City of Cumby was slated to hold an election for Alderman 1 and 2 on the council in May. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that election had to be canceled. The City Council at their June meeting approved a resolution calling for a regular election on Nov. 3 to elect Alderman Place 1 and 2 as well as mayor.
The council also approved a resolution calling for a special election to reauthorize the local sales and use tax at a rate of ¼ of 1% in order to continue providing revenues for maintenance and repairs to city streets. The special election would also be held Nov. 3 alongside the City Council election and other county, state and national elections. Early voting by personal appearance would be Oct. 18-30,
Summer Cleanup Dates
Cumby City Council had planned a Spring City-Wide Cleanup in April. That too was postponed due to COVID-19. As the state is reopening, Alderman Julie Morris noted four dumpsters would be provided four times a year at no additional charge to the city. She recommended designating 2 days in July as cleanup days and arranging to have the dumpsters on site for city residents to dispose of items that might not otherwise fit in their trash containers.
Alderman Betty McCarter recommended having all four at one time, as the dumpster on the previous cleanup date filled within 2-3 hours.
Mayor Doug Simmerman noted that there could not be more than 1 dumpster out at time because of space limitations.
Cumby Police Chief Paul Robertson reported one problem before was people residing on county roads trying to use dumpsters provided for city residents only. Doing so can result in a fine.
After several dates were discussed, Morris suggested setting summer cleanup on July 11 and 18. The council agreed on the cleanup days.
Utility Rates
The Cumby City Council also approved an ordinance amending city utility rates. The big change will be in units the rates are figured on. Those who don’t use large amounts of water, could see a reduction in their water bills, city officials said.
The monthly base rate is $8 for 1,000 gallons of water, the usage rate would be $8 per $1000 gallon, $4.50 per 1,000 gallon for more than 2,000 gallons , $5.50 per 1,000 gallons over 3,000 gallons, $7 per 1,000 gallons over 5,000 gallons. The bulk water rate would be $45 per load maximum 3,000 gallons per load.
Previously, 3,000 gallons of water would have been $28.40 for a total of $67.20, but the new rate would be $24 for water and $62.20 total for the city utilities bill.
So a bill under the prior rate per 1,000 gallons would be $23 for water, whereas the new rate is only $8 per 1000 gallons of water. The three other utility rates would remain the same: $23 for sewer, $14.50 for garbage, $1.20 sales tax. The total for the old bill would have been $61.70, but the new rate would be $46.70, according to information provided by the fee schedule.
Cumby residents whose water usage falls in the third tier, 5,000 gallons, would see an increase in their bills. The water rate would increase from $39.79 to $40, causing the overall cost to rise from $82.98 to $83.20.
The rate for 7,000 gallons of water would increase from $52.56 to $56, increasing an overall bill from $104.76 to $108.20.
Water usage of 10,000 gallons and up would increase from $72.56 to $80, increasing the overall utility bill from $134.76 to $141.20.
View the June 9 meeting agenda, City Ordinances or Utilities on the city website for additional information regarding city utilities.
Permit/Inspection Ordinance
An ordinance amending two other ordinances and establishing permit and inspection fees was also approved by Cumby City Council. This sets fees for all contract work and will help ensure that the work being performed in done legally and safely. Permitting also helps guard citizens against potentially unscrupulous contractors and better ensure quality work.The new ordinance cleans up the prior ordinances and puts them into a utilitarian source, according to City Attorney Jay Garrett.
City Ordinances may be viewed on the city website under the Ordinances heading.
Barker Street Demolition
Cumby City Council agreed to demolish a home at 209 Barker St. The structure has caved in and has not been livable for several years.
The new environmental officer contacted the owner, alan Romans, who indicated a desire to get it up to code, but at this time is unable to do so. The owner was in the process of purchasing an RV when contacted. He indicated he’d like to be able to clear it and seek a VA loan to construct a small home on the property. He is up to date on tax payments.
The demolition, according to city officials, would cost the city approximately $5,000-$6,000. The city officials consider the cost of the damaged structure versus being able later to put a small home, if Romans is approved for one, on the property and back on the tax rolls.
There is currently no tax lien on the property. One could be placed on it for three years if the owner doesn’t follow through by keeping the property up, city officials noted at the regular June council meeting. Romans agreed to sign documents allowing the city to finish tearing down the structure, His cooperation would save the city having to go through a 60 day legal process to be allowed to demolish the dilapidated structure from Barker Street.
Simmerman noted the city has received several complaints regarding the condition of the property. This would eliminate complaints and help the resident while making the neighborhood look a little nicer.
The recommendation received full approval of Cumby City Council.
Municipal Court
Municipal Court Judge Lana Adams like the fire, police and other city departments will be providing regular reports to the city council.
On June 9, Adams reported that things appear to have been pretty chaotic in that department since 2018. An additional clerk has been hired and to have with case load. There have been 34 show cause hearings. One hearing is scheduled for the end of this month, for the first time since 2018. No jury trials can be held until August by order of state officials due to COVID-19.
The court took in approximately $78,000 over the last month, but Adams noted, the City of Cumby will only be allowed to keep about $45,000 of that amount. Municipalities are mandated to pay state service fees and for the Omni system, which tags driver’s licenses so people can’t renew or attain them until they’ve paid off fines.
With the new system, the city court will be able to seek payment for uncollected amounts dating back several years.
“Everything is organized. We did find some anomalies. We’ve been working with Ranger Vance on that. I think every month we’ll see improvement. We’ll do some bench trials every month and some jury trials as we go on,” Adams said.
The Texas Ranger was contacted to review prior records; no charges were filed in connection with the investigation, according to reports.
Annual Audit
Kirk Evans of K. Evans & Associates CPAs reported finding several deficiencies in the city’s record keeping, including not having specific funds within the budget for each separate department and operation, and not logging all expenses and revenues as well as payments made as each transaction is made or bill comes in so that all finances are properly documented and accounted for.
All transactions were coded to the general operating fund, vendors listed twice in the system as separate accounts, incomplete personnel or payroll files, an override of accrued vacation hours in records, failure to properly account for credit card use, no documentation regarding a $15,000 check received as an insurance claim, according to Evans reported and the audit report.
Auditors contact a city’s legal council and any council engaged with the city during audit periods. Attempts to contact the city’s outside council, got no response from that attorney, according to Evans.
Evans said the company’s report lists everything discovered during the audit, which includes several items that needed addressing.
As for the city’s response in dealing with the recommendations, “most of the items, if not all, are being dealt with. Improvements have been made,” Evans said.
“A lot of things have been addressed and improvements are being made in our discussion with the mayor and Codi [Reynolds, city secretary]. We stand here to help, however we can, to see the city make continuous improvements. I know improvements have been made,” Evans said.
The auditor’s report can be viewed on the City of Cumby website in the June 9 agenda packet.
Special June 15 Council Meeting
Cumby City Council also held a special meeting on June 15, in which they were scheduled to consider hiring a special attorney to assist with a forensic audit. The request was rescinded by the attorney so no action was needed, according to the city secretary.
Also discussed at the June 15 meeting was a Texas Department of Motor Vehicle “Registration and Title Bulletin #004-20 Policy and Procedure” regarding operation of off-highway vehicles and golf carts and the issuance of license plates.”
This addresses discussion over the last 2 council meetings a request for the Council to consider allowing use of golf carts on city streets. The legalities of the request for golf carts and comparison of those to other off-highway vehicles was discussed at the May and June council meetings.
The Feb. 27, 2020 DMV document can be viewed in the June 15 meeting agenda packet.
Sulphur Springs Seniors Ctr. Plans Tentative Dates
The summer schedule at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center had these dates on the calendar, however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Seniors Center at 150 MLK Drive has been closed to walk-ins or public gatherings since late March 2020. Director Karon Weatherman wants you to know about these upcoming summer events which are on the calendar through the Sr’s Center. It is hoped that they will be able to be held. Contact the Center at 903-885-1661 to get details.
The annual ‘Seniors Prom’ – July 25th
Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic Contestants Tea – August 14th
Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic Pageant – – August 15th
The annual Senior Olympics – August 27th
OVET 42 Tournament – August 29th
The Clara Bridges 90+ Banquet – September 26th
Dairy Festival is a “GO” in Hopkins County, August 8 !
According to Gena Prickette, the Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board of Directors is excited to let you know that the Dairy Festival is ON! for Summer 2020! ‘Our Hometown Tradition’ is the theme this year and there are 10 contestants for the title and crown of Dairy Festival Queen! The one-day festival date is Saturday August 8, 2020 with a parade and a pageant planned on that date.
Gena stated, “although the hot-air balloons were not able to switch dates and cannot attend, two other events will take place on Saturday August 8th. In the morning, the Dairy Festival Parade will be held at 9:00 am (an hour earlier than usual) and that evening, the pageant will be staged at 7:00 pm. Preceding the Dairy Festival date, we are planning a milking contest on Sunday August 2nd at 3:00 in the Horse Pavilion of the Hopkins County Civic Center. During pageant rehearsal week, the contestants will attend evening practices August 3rd through 7th in leading up to pageant night, August 8. Our website should be updated very soon with these dates and times.” On that website, hopkinscountydairyfestival.com, you’ll also find interesting facts and hometown tradition within the rich 60-year history of the Hopkins County Dairy Festival. Dairy Festival. 2020 Membership of the Board of Directors include President David McCaig, Vice President Robin Vaughn, Secretary April Ashmore and Treasurer Lynda Hager. The reigning 2019 Dairy Festival Queen is Rachel Bramlett.
Hopkins County COVID-19 Testing Update: 971 Tests, 782 Negative, 131 Pending
Three additional confirmed new COVID-19 cases and seven additional recoveries were reported in Hopkins County over the last week. Only 13 new screenings were conducted during that time, leaving 131 test results pending, according to the weekly Hopkins County COVID-19 testing update provided June 17 by Hopkins County Hospital District COO/EMS Director Brent Smith.
The fewest number of new positive COVID-19 cases during a 7-day period in the last month was reported April 17. Overall, the 3 new cases pushed the overall total to 43 COVID-19 cases reported by the local emergency management team since mid-March. However, as has been the case in recent weeks, the DSHS/Health and Human Services website shows 44 total cases in Hopkins County.
The number of Hopkins County residents who have recovered from COVID-19 nearly doubled, however, from 8 to 15 in Hopkins County, according to Hopkins County Emergency Management Team and Smith’s report.
Smith defines recovered cases as those released under the Centers for Disease Control guidelines and a Local Health Authority. All guidelines can be found on the CDC website, https://www.cdc.gov, or Texas Department of State Health Services website, https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.
The June 17 DSHS/HHS report shows an “estimated” 22 Hopkins County residents as having recovered from COVID-19. “Recovery and active case data by county lag data on other tabs by one day, and include publicly reported recoveries by local health departments,” DSHS/HHS reports.
Testing rose from 181 total screenings conducted on April 28 to 897 total screenings on May 27, then increased to a total of 924 tests on June 3, including two mobile test screenings conducted for Hopkins County residents (one each in April and May). There were only 34 new screenings sent for testing from June 3 to June 10, and in the last week only 13 new screenings were sent for testing. That’s a total of 971 individual tests of individuals who reside in Hopkins County who met criteria put in place by DSHS and the CDC for screening, according to Smith’s June 17 report.
Of the 971 total screenings of Hopkins County residents that have been conducted since March, 782 tests have come back negative for COVID-19, up from 648 on June 10.
“Some private businesses and health facilities have used private organizations to screen their workers, those numbers are not represented in this press release as they are not required to report the information to the Hospital District. Their information is only reported to Texas Department of State Health Services (TX-DSHS),” Smith noted in the June 17 Covid-19 testing update.
Also, there have been no recorded coronavirus related deaths in Hopkins County since the pandemic began in mid-March, according to the HCHD/EMS report and the DSHS/HHS report.
As of 10:30 a.m. June 17, 131 test results were still pending, down from 270 pending on June 10.
Wildcats Tennis Coach Offering The Edge
Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez is offering The Edge conditioning program Mondays through Thursdays at the Wildcat Tennis Center.
Sessions are offered evenings from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Kids entering the 7th through the 12th grade are welcome.
Coach Martinez says he is glad to see his players back on the tennis courts. He says many of them have not picked up a racket for the past couple of months.
The Wildcats last match took place on March 7. Coach Martinez says the players did not have access to the high school courts or municipal courts when they were isolated due to coronavirus concerns.
The Edge began at various facilities at Sulphur Springs High School and Middle School on June 8. Coach Martinez says a handful of players did some hitting on courts at Buford Park during the hiatus.
Besides hitting tennis balls at The Edge, Coach Martinez says he is also working with players on moving from side to side along with quick sprint work and other agility drills. He says he hopes to offer some medicine ball tossing to improve upper body strength. Coach Martinez says that will require wiping off the balls after every use. Due to the heat some days, he says he is easing the players back into things. He says strengthening the core is very important for tennis players.
Coach Martinez says he has been averaging about 8 to 13 players for each session. He hopes every player can attend at least a couple of sessions each week. The Edge is expected to continue through the end of July.
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.
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