Chamber Report, Nod to ‘Biz of the Week’ Heritage Christian Counseling
This is the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce weekly report for the final week of April, 2020, submitted by Chamber CEO Lezley Brown.
Some people hate change… they hate it. There are others that just drink it in, and I fall in that category. I just want to share that as we work to re-open Hopkins County, we should embrace a spirit of change with caution.
Things may look differently than they did before we headed into the COVID-19 fog. In all actuality, we don’t know what day to day life is going to look like for sure.
I’ve read about all the different “curves” the experts are discussing for the economy: v curves, w curves, u curves. Not even the experts agree with each other completely. But here is something I know… Hopkins County is going to do their very best to bounce back and keep on running. I encourage everyone to continue showing patience and grace, because we are all going to need it.
Let’s see what happens next in this chapter of a book we couldn’t have even imagined. Let’s continue to be there for each other every step of the way. Let’s carefully get to the other side of this and be wiser for it!
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 April 30, 2020, Heritage Christian Counseling.
Tira News — April 28, 2020
By Jan Vaughn
The Tira Community Center will remain closed through the month of May. Tira council members will look at the situation at that point and determine if it can be reopened in June. The Tira Food Pantry is continuing to be stocked. Donations for the pantry are always appreciated.
Thankfully, Tira was spared from damaging storms on Tuesday night. The only report that I have is about a lightning strike that caught a transformer on fire at the home of Landon and Laiken Joslin and left some without power for a few hours.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
COVID-19 Testing Update: Free Screenings Thursday; 174 Negative Results
Although Hopkins County has had no new lab-confirmed positive cases in 24 days, Texas Department of State Health Services will be offering free mobile screenings to the public Thursday in Sulphur Springs and in Cooper by Texas Department of State Health Services, according to Hopkins County Hospital District COO/EMS Director Brent Smith’s COVID-19 testing update and Hopkins County Emergency Management Team reports.
Free COVID-19 Screenings
The free drive-through screenings are offered to the public April 28 “to help provide surveillance around the state so that our officials can make informed decisions in reference to getting our communities and economy open again.”
In Sulphur Springs, screenings will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hopkins County Civic Center. The City of Cooper will also hold testing at Cooper Elementary School Thursday. Registration is required. Call 512-883-2400 to register for the screening. Registration for the drive-thru testing will being at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 29. When registering, people may request either location, according to Smith.
Callers will be asked will be asked some very simple brief questions about any symptoms. Those who work in the fields of healthcare, public safety or critical infrastructure will automatically be accepted for the testing even if they have no symptoms.
“Please take this opportunity to test if you feel that you may have come in contact with someone or feel you have symptoms.
Hopkins County Testing Update
There continue to be only four lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 in people with Hopkins County addresses in the 43 days that HCHD/EMS has been receiving testing updates from the majority of healthcare providers in Hopkins County. The last confirmed case was reported on April 4. That’s 24 days without any new lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases for Hopkins County.
And, all four of the COVID-19 patients are reported to have recovered from the virus, according to information provided HCHD/EMS and the HCEMT. The last of the four patients battling COVID-19 was reported April 22 to have recovered, according to officials.
In the last six days 37 additional tests have come back negative, for a total of 174 lab-confirmed negative tests as of the last report on April 28.
Three tests were pending at the 4 p.m. reporting time, two fewer than one week ago. Overall, 181 potential cases met testing criteria put in place by DSHS and the Centers for Disease Control for screening.
| HOPKINS COUNTY COVID-19 TESTING TOTALS AS OF: | 3/21 | 3/27 | 3/30 | 4/02 | 4/06 | 4/10 | 4/15 | 4/20 | 4/22 | 4/28 |
| Total Confirmed Positive Cases | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Confirmed Negative Tests | NA | NA | 16 | 41 | 65 | 97 | 115 | 130 | 137 | 174 |
| Total Pending Cases | NA | NA | 44 | 32 | 20 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 3 |
| Total Screenings Sent for Testing | 31 | 53 | 62 | 76 | 89 | 114 | 126 | 141 | 149 | 181 |
| Total Confirmed COVID-19 Patients who Have Recovered | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| COVID-Related Deaths | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Texas Testing Update
Overall, 207 of Texas’ 254 counties have reported positive cases of COVID-19, which is 7 more counties reporting cases than reported on April 22. All counties in Northeast Texas had reported cases by April 20.
Some areas of Northeast Texas are doing better than others as far cases reported. Delta, Red River and Franklin Counties each still had only one-confirmed COVID-19 case as of the April 28 DSHS report. Rains County only had two cases, Hopkins County four cases, Morris County five cases, Camp County six cases, Wood County seven cases, Marion County nine cases, Cass and Upshur Counties 13 cases, Van Zandt County 14, Titus County 15, Fannin County 17 cases, Hunt 44, Lamar County jumped to 51 cases due to an outbreak at a nursing home over the weekend, Rockwall County 58, Gregg County 69, Bowie County 69, Kaufman County 74, Smith County 139 and Harrison County 84.
In and around the Metroplex area, Johnson County had 62 cases, Ellis County 133, Collin County was up to 676 cases, Denton County 725. Tarrant County’s 2019 cases and Dallas County’s 3105 cases falls just shy of Harris County’s 5,827 cases for as the leader in COVID-19 cases in the state.
An additional 147 COVID-19 deaths were reported in Texas in the last six days, for a total of 690 fatalities reported to DSHS and HHS, as of the April 28 report. Overall, 84 of the 254 counties in Texas have reported COVID-19 fatalities, eight more counties than just 6 days ago. In Northeast Texas, Harrison, Van Zandt, Rockwall and Bowie Counties have each reported one COVID-19 fatality. Hunt County reported two COVID-19 deaths and Smith County three.
However, an estimated 4,445 additional Texas patients have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six days, increasing the total number of Texas recoveries to 11,786 as of the April 28 report.
Throughout the state, 83,601 additional COVID 19 screenings have been sent for testing over the past six days, up to 300,384 total screenings for Texas as of the noon DSHS/HHS report on April 28.
An additional 5,102 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed throughout the state during the past six days, with only 874 new cases in the last 24-hours of the reporting period. That brings the total of Texas confirmed positive COVID-19 cases to 26,171.
Demographically, 30.4 percent of Texas COVID-19 patients are Hispanic, 29.9 percent are white, 17.2 percent Black, 3.9 percent Asian and 0.7 percent are considered “other.” The race or ethnicity of the other 17.9 percent of patients is “unknown.” By gender, 48.4 percent of COVID-19 patients in Texas are female and 47.7 percent male, and 3.9 percent are pending further information.
The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals increased by four patients over the last six days to 1,682 in the hospital for COVID-19 as of the April 28 report. Throughout Trauma Service Area F, within which Sulphur Springs is located, 18 COVID-19 patients were reported to be in regional hospitals, one fewer than six days ago, according to the state report.
| TEXAS Reports (DSHS/HHS) | April 10, 2020 | April 15, 2020 | April 20, 2020 | April 22, 2020 | April 28, 2020 |
| Total tests | 115,918 | 151,810 | 190,394 | 216,783 | 300,384 |
| Cases reported | 11,671 | 15,492 | 19,458 | 21,069 | 26,171 |
| Lab Confirmed COVID-19 Patients Currently In Texas Hospitals | 1,532 | 1,538 | 1,411 | 1,678 | 1,682 |
| Estimated Number of Patients Recovered | 1,366 | 3,150 | 5,706 | 7,341 | 11,786 |
| Fatalities | 226 | 364 | 495 | 543 | 690 |
While the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases remains small, only four confirmed cases during the 43 days, HCHD/EMS remind everyone to continue practicing social distancing and proper hand-washing techniques. Doing so will help keep the Hopkins County positive number low by helping to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 through the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paris Junior College Regents Approve Core Curriculum Changes
At a video-conference meeting on April 27, the Paris Junior College Board of Regents adopted a Curriculum Committee recommendation to add Learning Framework (EDUC/PSYC 1300 or 1100) and Computer Literacy (BCIS 1305 or COSC 1301) to the College’s Core Curriculum.
Another Curriculum Committee recommendation receiving approval was a reduction in the number of hours for the Cosmetology Operator Certificate program. Currently it is 41 semester credit hours (SCH), and will now be 32 hours. The Texas Cosmetology Board reduced the number of clock hours required to take the state examination, necessitating the change.
In other business, the Regents:
• Received a financial report from Controller Keitha Carlton showing that both revenues and expenses are down from a year ago. They also learned that fiscal effects on PJC from COVID-19 will take a little longer to assess.
•April is where we’ll begin to see the effects of COVID-19,” said Controller Keitha Carlton.
• Approved the audit engagement letter from McClanahan and Holmes for the 2019-2020 independent financial audit of Paris Junior College and the Paris Junior College Memorial Foundation.
• Received an update indicating that the College is looking at cuts in three revenue streams – State appropriations, tax revenue and tuition revenue. There will be reductions in utility bills, but also additional technology expenses due to moving courses online.
“We’ll do everything we can to minimize expenses,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “We do plan on bringing back workforce students to finish their labs and finish the spring semester on May 18. Students will be brought back on a staggered schedule to maintain social distancing and minimize number of students on campus. Academic classes will be online for the summer. Everyone will be required to wear masks.”
She added that all 50 Texas community college presidents are working to develop phased-in measures to return to full operations by the fall semester on the same timeline and taking the same actions.
The College is also planning a virtual graduation for late May. Students may drive through for cap and gown pick up, then send in a photo of themselves wearing them to be used in a video of the ceremony.
• Accepted the employment of Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Foy, effective May 1, 2020.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Paris SBDC to Hold Virtual Meeting: Small Business Disaster Loan Information
The Paris Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to address disaster loans and specifically updates on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding. The purpose of the meeting is to update businesses on new information available and present an opportunity for them to direct questions to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBDC.
Presenting will be Susheel Kumar, SBA Public Information Officer, Office of Disaster Assistance, Field Operations Center – West with guest, Christy Hester, Director of Growth and Development, Independent Bankers Association of Texas joining in for a meeting hosted by Jennifer Johnston, Paris SBDC Director.
This meeting will be of interest to those who are in the process of requesting PPP funding and also for those who have received funding and have questions on guidelines relative to the use of funds applicable to the forgiveness aspect. Paris SBDC has continued to receive questions on
the core difference between the PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and where to apply. Interim rulings for PPP have again been released as of April 24. Also addressed will be questions related to the sole proprietor applying as their application was staged at a later date of
initial applications being accepted, presenting a unique set of calculations and documentation for use.
Assisting local businesses navigate these difficult economic times is a Paris SBDC goal, whether it is how to access funds or diversification.
To join the Zoom meeting from a computer, go to https://parisjc.zoom.us/j/94439964793?pwd=ViswNkJGM1dpMy9PU2pXNThBbGtMQT09 an
d enter the Meeting ID: 944 3996 4793 . To connect from a mobile phone, dial 1-346-248-7799, and enter the Meeting ID: 944 3996 4793 and #.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Commissioners Court Approved Amended Disaster Declaration Reopening More Local Businesses Today
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved amended disaster declaration, which will help reopen more of Texas economy starting at noon today (April 28), ahead of the May 1 date issued by the Governor on Monday.
The county declaration adopts all measures of GA-18, the Executive Order issued by Governor Greg Abbott April 27, and refers businesses to the Texans Helping Texans guide book compiled by the state regarding Phase I reopening of Texas. It can be accessed at www.gov.texas.gov.
That means all businesses and operations that meet the terms outlined by the Governor Monday — in-store retailers, restaurants, museums and libraries, movie theaters, shopping malls, etc.. — can reopen under the 50 percent occupancy provision established for counties with five or fewer cases. According to the GA-18, mall food court dining areas, play areas and interactive displays and settings are to remain closed. Local government operations that relate to permitting, recordation and document-filing services can reopen.
Hopkins County Courthouse is open. The annex buildings continue to be closed until Dallas and Rockwall Counties reopen their offices or Hopkins County is able to install more protective measures for the clerks at those county offices, according to the county judge. Otherwise, the offices will continue to operate as they have since the lobbies were closed to the public last month.
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell Tuesday morning reported the City Hall and the water building office are going to reopen. The water treatment plant, wastewater treatment and public works buildings will remain closed at this time. Social distancing practices will be observed for safety of staff and community members. That means people can expect to see city staff with masks and gloves when they pay their water bills. Those who can are still able and encourage to use the online payment options.
The municipal court will be partially open. People will be able to come in and talk directly to clerks at Sulphur Springs Municipal Building, according to Maxwell.
However, courts proceedings in the Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court that are not imminently necessary are still pushed back until June 1. Some things that can be handled by Zoom conferencing are being allowed. However, because not everyone will have access to this online option, it is not required, according to the justices of the peace.
The city police and fire department lobbies will remain closed, as these are the city employees “most critical during time of pandemic,” according to the city manager. Should there be an increase in cases, these are the individual who are on the front lines in the community. This measure will help protect them when they are not out on priority calls.
Hopkins County at the time the disaster declaration was passed Tuesday morning had only four confirmed COVID-19 patients. The county also had no additional cases reported since April 4. All four of the patients had recovered from COVID-19 as of last week.
The county local public health emergency disaster declaration, however, again includes a provision for “locked businesses,” which could allow additional local businesses to operate.
The provision applies to any business with less than 10 employees to remain locked to the public at all times, but to be open by a key or appointment only. All individuals inside the business would have to observe safety precautions. The declaration specifies:
- All individuals inside the business must remain at least 6 feet distance from all other individuals.
- If it is necessary for the business operator to be closer than 6 feet to the client, the operator must wear a protective mask.
- All equipment used by the business operator or client must be sanitized between uses.
- All business operators must exercise proper hand sanitizing at all times.
The Commissioners Court said that could mean businesses such as Daron Bilyeu’s Sulphur Springs ATA could offer services as a closed business, provided all other conditions are met.
Bilyeu, prior to the official signing of the disaster declaration, asked the court to consider the impact their decisions would have on many other small businesses including those offering martial arts, dance and gymnastics. He said for 6 weeks his business has been closed to the public. He has been able to offer some services online via Zoom, but has seen a sharp decline in students, which impacts his business financially. Not only does his business offer the services, but they are an outlet for youth who need things to do now that they are not in a traditional classroom.
Bilyeu asked for some guidance and clarification as the Governor’s Order did not expressly address his type of business. Sulphur Springs ATA had already implements several health safety measures in the normal course of business and had planned additional steps to fit COVID-19 guidelines, including reducing the class sizes to fit the distancing criteria. Industrial grade cleaners are used to disinfect after each class. Students work in a big area. Parents would be asked not to enter the building, and they numbers would be kept in accordance with the law. Families with adults age 65 and over who raise children will be encouraged to remain at home, and students not comfortable with attending at this time would still be able to receive online services.
County Judge Robert Newsom said the decisions were not made lightly, but after being up much of the night, and taking into consideration the many calls and messages he and the court had received regarding the impact of the declaration on local businesses.
Newsom said he also consulted with the county attorney regarding the potential legal aspects of the declaration, and taking into account the plans issued by both the President and Governor to re-open the country and state, and the Texans Helping Texans guide issued by the state.
County Attorney Dusty Rabe said this could leave up to hair salons whether to open as a “locked business” not open to the public but available by appointment provided all protocols are followed. She said she feels local law enforcement would not impose any penalties, but could not speak for administrative licensing oversight. They could potentially face administrative licensing fines, but with the county order in place and all protocol followed, did not see any local criminal cases being filed.
“The Court must follow the Governor’s directive. However, some of the directives are open to interpretation. If done well, you can keep citizens safety in mind while balancing economic impact,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barter said.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at about 3 1/2 hours later, however, issued a clear warning that cosmetology salons, nail salons, estheticians, mini-salons and massage therapy establishments are to remain closed.
While some contend some of these businesses can be considered sole proprietorships, TDLR, stated clearly, even these types of salons and establishments that are sole proprietorships, are to remain closed, as specifically stated in the Governor’s Executive Order GA-18 on April 27. As stipulated in GA-18, the Governor’s Order overrides all local and county orders, TDLR reminds
Hopkins County Dairy Festival 2020 News
According to David McCaig, President of the Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board of Directors, just as 2020 has been a different kind of year, so this year’s Dairy Festival will be a little different from the normal, too. At this time, plans are to hold an abbreviated one-day Dairy Festival event on Saturday August 8, 2020. Features of that day are to be a Parade in the morning, the Judges Dinner in the afternoon, and the Pageant that evening in the SSHS Auditorium. A milking contest will also likely be held, with the date, time and location still being determined. Some other annual features such as the Hot Air Balloon Rally and the Ice Cream Freeze-off will not be held in 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on meeting together, the Dairy Festival Board has faced challenges in planning this year’s events, with meetings being held by ZOOM and with communication largely by e-mail. Hopefully, by July 1, all details will be finalized in keeping with any restrictions or limitations current at that time. McCaig thanks everyone for their interest in this year’s event, and stated that the Board appreciates the generous support and participation of loyal Festival sponsors in past years. Due to COVID-19 hardships on local business, no further participation from sponsors is being sought by the Board for the 2020 Dairy Festival event.
Commissioners Court Approved Four Items Related To Road And Roof Repairs
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved four items related to road and roof repairs, a request to install a water line extension and a plat request during their regular meeting Monday.
Road Survey
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley reported past flooding damaged culverts at one of the creek crossings on County Road 3525. The county had enquired about FEMA funding to help replace the culverts. Funding is awarded for those projects only to restore the damaged area to the “state of being it was in when the event happened.”
Larger culverts are needed at the location to adequately handle the water flow through it. Two culverts are needed. Bartley proposed expanding the culerts from 8 feet to at least 10 feet in diameter. FEMA requires a hydrologic and hydraulic study for such requests. To go through the application process, a survey is needed, Bartley explained.
“I think FEMA is pretty well on board to help us with this and the increased cost. We’ve just got to go through this process,” Bartley said.
“That is correct. We have to put it on the agenda and you have to approve this for him to be able to move forward,” Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook affirmed.
Bartley acknowledged there may may be some expense of the hydrology study that has t be paid for up front. Aulsbrook noted that if approved for the federal funding, the county would likely be reimbursed for it.
Bartley proposed paying MTG Engineers and Surveyors, a firm out of Texarkana, to conduct an hydrologic and hydraulic study of the area.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said he has a similar situation in his precinct as well, which he may consider seeking funding for as well.
Bartley made the motion to hire MTG Engineers & Surveyors for the H&H study. Seconded by Barker, the motion received unanimous approval of the court.
Reclaimer Purchase
Bartley also asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving the purchase of a Caterpillar Reclaimer.
The Precinct 3 Commissioner explained that he’d shopped around online for the reclaimer. Sourcewell is a company similar to Buyboard with a purchasing co-op. Through that, he finally ended up working with Holt Caterpillar in Sulphur Springs. They found one locate in Dalhart.
“We have the machine in possession. They delivered it Friday,” Bartley said
He proposed using funds raised from the sale of old equipment two months ago for a down payment one reclaimer, then financing the rest to be paid out over time.
Bartley asked the court to allow him to purchase the machine so he “can go to work.” The motion received unanimous approval of the Commissioners Court.
Rehab/Paving RFP
The court was asked to consider accepting RFP-2020-002 for reh/paving of county roads.
“We went out for bid for paving on miscellaneous county roads, the county as whole, if you wanted to hire someone to come in and do asphalt paving for you. Mickey kind of headed this up,” Aulsbrook said.
Two proposals were received for a half-a-mile of paving, including pulverizing grading and shape it, then, installing a two-inch layer of Type B hot mix asphalt, according to Aulsbrook.. Paul Pogue with Area Wide Paving bid $88,175 and Kevin Mohl with Texana Land and Asphalt bid $98,789.
“I know this is a high price, but what you are getting is worth labor, materials and equipment to lay asphalt with dedicated side and proper runoff, things of that nature,” Barker said.
Barker said while it’d be unreasonable to think that the county would, in the near future plan, to do any large scale asphalt paving of county roads, the bids give a good idea of the cost of asphalt paving should a commissioner choose to use it for between one-fourth of to 1 mile of road. By accepting the RFP, the contractor would be available if any of the commissioners opted to have any of their roads asphalt paved.
“It is my intention to try to at least address the first quarter or half mile of all county roads off of main highways, because that is the portion of the road that everyone uses down that particular county road. Therefore, it is worn faster or damaged more so than the rest of the county roads,” Barker said, when making the motion to accept the lowest bid for asphalt paving.
The Commissioners Court accepted the bid proposal from Area Wide Paving bid, which each can opt, if they choose and funding allows, to use for potential asphalt paving of county roads.
Roof Replacement
The court was asked to approve the $32,622.63 contracted cost of The Horn Brothers Roofing repairing the roof at the Probation Office, located at 228 Hinnant St.
“I went down and looked at it this morning. I thought they did a real good job — painted the trim. It looks good. They lightened the color on the roof a little bit. I make a motion that we accept it,” Precinct 4 Commission Joe Price said.
Aulsbrook explained that the county had received insurance proceeds to apply toward the roof repair. Of the $32,622.63 roof repair, insurance will pay all except 7 percent depreciation and $10,000. The county should get the depreciation back after they’ve proved it’s been paid for.
The motion also received unanimous approval of the court.
Water line
North Hopkins Water Supply Corporation asked permission to install a line extension on county right-of-way on FM 71 east at County Road 3605.
Bartley reported he had inspected the area in question, which is within Precinct 3. Bartley said he was good with the request and made the motion to approve the request, submitted as part of the consent agenda, which also included minutes from the April 13 Commissioners Court meeting and work session.
Seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin, the full consent agenda received unanimous approval of the Commissioners Court.
Plat Request
Leighton Stevens asked the court to approve plat P. Venables A-1010, which would allow him to divide off small lots on a property he owns, an old shooting range on State Highway 154 outside the city limits.
County Clerk Tracy Smith noted Stevens had presented his application and originals. He received approval from environmental officer Jim Dial and has talked with Barker about the proposed plat change.
“As far as I can tell, all requirements have been met,” Barker said.
Dial reported the lot sizings meet OSSF requirements and all lots already have a public access road.
Barker made the motion, seconded by Anglin, to approve the plat request as presented. The motion received unanimous approval of the court.
Commissioners Court Delayed Making A Decision For Disaster Declaration
Hopkins County Commissioners Court continue delaying a decision on whether or not to approve an amended public health emergency disaster declaration Monday.
During the morning Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom initially recommended extending the second amended disaster declaration he put in place April 20 following Governor Greg Abbott’s April 17 updated orders related to COVID-19 measures. This would allow it to stay in place reflecting the current orders in place from the state, and could be updated if the Governor in his address this afternoon makes changes to the restrictions. The court then could hold a special session or emergency meeting as needed to update the declaration for those changes.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked whether the order needed to be extended this morning to reflect the Governor’s previous orders if they very likely will change this afternoon.
Newsom acknowledge that the order for the county would likely need to be amended a third time to match any changes announced at the 2:30 p.m. press conference at the state level.
He said he is very grateful Hopkins County is doing very well, with all four of the diagnosed positive patients well and recovered from COVID-19. The county needs to keep doing well. There have been no new cases in over 3 weeks.
It was pointed out that a nursing home in Paris over the weekend had numerous patients test positive for COVID-19, escalating the numbers for that county significantly higher. While Hopkins County nursing homes and senior citizens hoe have done very well, Hopkins County still must protect residents.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin said while he doesn’t want to go against the state order, he feels it is important to get the ball rolling toward reopening all businesses in Hopkins County as soon as possible.
Bartley noted that the businesses hurt worst by the shutdown of all except essential businesses have been mom and pop style small businesses.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said it is his opinion that the businesses should be responsible for what goes on at their location. Each should be expected to sanitize things regularly. People should wear masks if they wish when going out in public. It should be up to the individual or business what health safety measures they take.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price said he’s taken at least one call from individuals who indicated they were very close to having to go out of business due to the COVID-19 regulations for business closures.
“Is it the government’s responsibility to control common sense?” Barker asked.
Bartley said extending the order wouldn’t match if the Governor today issues guidelines resending the closures and allowing businesses to open back up.
After the discussion, Newsom’s motion and the second to withdraw the motion to extend the amended declaration were taken back. The court entered into recess, with the intent to reconvene after the governor’s press conference this afternoon, to determine what if any action will be taken regarding an extension of the public health safety disaster declaration. If no action is taken, the second amended county disaster declaration put on by Newsom last week will expire.
A work session with the various county departments convened in the interim.
The court reconvened in regular session following the Governor’s afternoon press conference. They discussed the changes outlined by Governor Greg Abbott in executive order 18, which will start May 1. Retail businesses libraries, museums, dine-in restaurants, movie theaters and shopping malls are allowed to reopen for in-store shopping and business with occupancy limited to 25 percent in each, with options to open up to 50 percent occupancy in counties that have five or fewer COVID-19 cases. Certain guidelines must be followed as well.
Local government operations for permitting, records and document filing services may reopen as well. Golf courses can reopen, and outdoor sports with up to four participants with distancing parameters observed may be reopened. Individuals working alone in an office too may provide services under the new order.
Nursing homes and facilities of that nature will remain closed to visitors during Phase I of the Governor’s plan to reopen state services and businesses.
Churches can conduct religious services provided they observe social distancing.
Hopkins County Regional Civic Center General Manager Lonnie Fox asked what that would mean for events at the Civic Center. Most gatherings, especially large gatherings, are still a ways off — until at least May 18 when the Governor said Phase II could potentially go into effect if Texans continues to do their part, observing guidelines, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Concern was expressed by the commissioners and judge for some businesses that were not specifically listed to reopen.
The Commissioners Court agreed to once again recess the meeting, which is to resume at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 28. That will give Newsom and the commissioners more time to delve into the guidelines and potentially recommend and consider approving a second amended disaster declaration in accordance with the Executive Order 18.
Governor Abbott Outlined Plans To Reopen Texas
Governor Greg Abbott outlined plans to reopen Texas during his press conference Monday afternoon. The stay at home safe order in place will be allowed to expire at the end of the month. He outlined a plan to begin opening businesses starting May 1.
Abbott said the stay at home safe order had done it’s place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. He announced three phases to reopen businesses in increments,
All retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls can reopen May 1, provided they minimize exposure and limit occupancy to no more than 25 percent.
If Phase I works, Phase II will allow businesses to open with 50 percent occupancy. This could happen around May 18, depending on COVID-19 remaining containing. The state then would continue to expand as long as COVID-19 remains contained.
This allows businesses to re-open, but does not require them to do so. If a business feels unsafe or does not want to reopen, that business is not requirement to do so, Abbott said.
All museums and libraries can reopen with occupancy up to 25 percent. Hands-on exhibits in museums are to remain closed. Museums do not have to reopen, but do have permission to do so
Churches and places of worship, kept open to an extent under the existing order, will be able to expand capacity even more. Abbott emphasized the importance of safe distancing practices to ensure church members remain protected.
Services provided by an individual working alone in an office; and local governmental operations relating to permitting, recordation, and document-filing services, as determined by local government, are also within the scope of reopenings authorized in the April 27 Governor’s Executive Order 18.
Before another stage is authorized, test tracking will be conducted and analyzed, with more testing sites and tests to be available. Among the data to be considered will be hospitalization rates, new cases, whether the numbers or flat and the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 during the first couple of weeks in May.
Outdoor sports will once again be allowed in Phase 1. However, they can involve no more than 4 participants at any 1 time, so long as distancing practices follow. Abbott used golf and tennis as examples. If COVID-19 remains contained in Phase I, that number will be expanded in Phase II expand to allow more sporting activities.
Nurses, doctors and dentist in the first phase will be able to get back to work. All licensed health care professionals allowed to return to work with a few capacity guidelines.
Hospitals will be required to reserve 15 percent capacity for COVID-19 patients.
Essential services will continue to operate as they have been doing in Phase I.
Abbott acknowledged that Texas is a big state with a diverse geography, and not all counties are affected the same by COVID-19. even in low population counties COVID-19 can spread rapidly.
Abbot noted that counties with 5 or fewer COVID-19 patients — about half the state — could potentially be allowed to increase their capacity in facilities to 50 percent, provided they comply with the safety standards outlined by doctors. For specifics, refer to the manual available at gov.texas.gov/opentexas.
If an area or the state has a sudden huge rise or significant outbreak of COVID-19, then those areas or the state would revert back to more limited capacity.
“Some businesses want to open. Texans want them to open, but. it’s not safe enough to open them all at this time. Barber shops, hair salons, bars and gyms are to remain closed. We are working to open business as soon as possible. We hope to open them on or no later than mid May,” Abbott said.
Because they require such close contact and proximity, it’s very difficult to open those at this time, the Governor noted, but plans are being explored to allow those businesses to open soon as well.
The most important element to re-opening business is to continue to protect the most vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. Seventy-five percent of deaths are peple 65 and older.
“If we redouble our efforts to protect our most vulnerable citizens, we can reduce deaths while expanding the workforce and the number reentering the workforce,” the Governor said.
Abbott said re-opening businesses safely will depending on Texans’ commitment to continue safe distancing practices to reduce the potential spread COVID-19.
Visitation is still restricted at nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities, which are to follow the infection control policies set by Texas Health and Human Services Commission. That includes minimizing the movement of staff between facilities when possible, according to Executive Order 18.
Schools will remain closed to in-person student classroom attendance through the end of the 2019-20 school year, per the CDC and President’s guidelines.
