CTE Programs May Donate Unused PPE, Med Supplies To Help Coronavirus Response
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced career and technical education or CTE programs can donate or loan personal protective equipment and other medical supplies purchased with federal funds to public health agencies, private nonprofit hospitals, and other licensed health providers to support the nationwide coronavirus response effort. This new flexibility guidance comes in response to a desire from state and other CTE educators to donate their unused equipment during the COVID-19 National Emergency.
“We are all fighting coronavirus together, and each of us is looking for ways we can contribute to defeating this invisible enemy,” said Secretary DeVos. “After hearing from educators about their desire to contribute to this fight, it was a no-brainer to cut through the red tape and provide them the flexibility needed to donate valuable medical equipment to our brave medical professionals on the front lines.”
Many CTE programs purchase PPE and other supplies and equipment through funds awarded by federal grants for use in hands-on learning opportunities in various medical fields of study. Examples of equipment currently not needed for learning activities that can be donated or loaned under the new flexibility offered by the Department include gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, ventilators, and three-dimensional printers.
Additional details about equipment donations and loans can be found here.
For more information on the DOE’s response to the COVID-19 national emergency, visit ed.gov/coronavirus.
Tira News — April 15, 2020
By Jan Vaughn
We want to extend our sympathy to the family of Stanley Dickey. His wife is
William Dodd’s sister, June. Joyce mentioned that he lived in the “Freeman Parish house when he was young.” He passed away on Monday, April 13. A private family graveside service, under the directions of West Oaks Funeral Home, was scheduled for Thursday, April 16. Please remember the family in prayer.
We had a blessed Easter weekend. We enjoyed church online on Sunday morning and evening. Our grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Landon and Laiken Joslin, and their boys, Rylan, Brailon and Slaiden came on Sunday afternoon. Laiken’s brother, Kasen, came, too. We were so glad to see them all! They didn’t come in the house, but we enjoyed visiting and watching the kids hunt Easter eggs — from a distance. Our grandson, Kenden Joslin, and his girlfriend, Emma Hall, stopped by and visited us in the yard later that evening.
I didn’t receive any reports of Easter activities, but I’m sure others celebrated in their homes and yards. Yvonne Weir did mention that she went to the drive in service at her church and I talked to others who participated in online services from home. I hope to have more to report next week.
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].
Reckless Driving Complaint Results In 2 Felony Arrests
A reckless driving complaint resulted in location of a felony amount of marijuana and 2 felony arrests Tuesday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Axel Alexander Solorzano-Cano 
Bryan Osvaldo Tijerin
Officers located a Lexus fitting the description of a reckless driving complaint, and contacted the occupants at 1:27 p.m. April 14 in the 100 block of Kyle Street, Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Joe Scott and Officer Adrian Pruitt alleged in arrest felony reports.
During the stop, officers alleged finding drug paraphernalia and several baggies containing a green, leafy substance they believed to be marijuana. Two Sulphur Springs men, 21-year-old Axel Alexander Solorzano-Cano and 18-year-old Bryan Osvaldo Tijerin, were taken into custody at 1:31 p.m. and transported to the county jail.
The suspected marijuana weighed 2.5 ounces. Consequently, both Sulphur Springs men were booked for possession of 2 ounces or more but less than 4 ounces of marijuana in a drug-free zone, due to the pair’s proximity to Austin Academic Center at the time police contacted them, according to arrest reports.
Tijerin and Solorzano-Cano were released from the jail Wednesday, April 15. Bond on the state jail felony marijuana charge was set at $5,000 each, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Quinlan Woman Jailed In Franklin County On Hopkins County Warrant
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Lt. Amanda Weatherford traveled to Mount Vernon, where a 29-year-old Quinlan woman was held in Franklin County jail on a Hopkins County warrant, according to arrest reports.
Weatherford took Amanda Nicole Richerson into custody, then transported her to Hopkins County jail. Richerson was booked for surety off bond on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge, according to arrest reports. The offense is alleged to have occurred on March 24, 20202, Weatherford noted in arrest reports.
Richardson was jailed last year for possession of a controlled substance and released on bond.
Richerson remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, April 15; bond was set at $10,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Sulphur Springs Woman Arrested Twice In 2 Days
A Sulphur Springs woman was arrested twice in two days on misdemeanor charges. Sulphur Springs Police arrested the 50-year-old Tuesday afternoon for 911 abuse for allegedly making numerous calls to city and county 911 dispatch centers. After being released from jail Wednesday, sheriff’s investigators found her in the sheriff’s office parking lot pulling on vehicle door handles, according to arrest and jail reports.
Hopkins County dispatchers answered calls believed to be from the same woman at 4:37 a.m., a few calls between 8:03 and 8:44 a.m., and four between 1:38 and 1:50 p.m., according to sheriff’s reports. In more than one call, she allegedly claimed someone was abusing children upstairs. In another, she claimed someone had killed her, according to police and dispatch reports. She also allegedly claimed a man was crawling out of the walls at an Arbala Road address.
Sulphur Springs Police responded at the Arbala Road address to at least two 911 calls in which the woman alleged someone was abusing her children in upstairs apartments and that she was dead, according to arrest reports. No children were found deceased or injured nor was the woman dead, according to reports.
A police officer warned the woman the first time he visited her that she should only contact emergency services in the case of an actual emergency. When the policeman responded the second time, county dispatchers reported the half a dozen or so calls believed to have all been from her. Upon arrival, the police officer talked to the woman. After making sure the woman’s father, who is paralyzed on one side, was OK for the night, police took the 50-year-old Sulphur Springs woman into custody at 2:28 p.m. April 14 for making silent or abusive calls to 911.
After being released from Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning on the Class B misdemeanor 911 abuse charge, sheriff’s investigators at noon reported seeing her in Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office parking lot, pulling on a vehicle’s door handles.
When contacted, she allegedly told the investigator that she was looking for her daughter’s car. She claimed she’d been dropped off in the parking lot the previous night and her daughter had left a car with keys in it for her, investigators alleged in arrest reports.
The woman allegedly gave investigators permission to search her purse. Inside, they alleged finding a cut straw with a white residue inside of it. This type of straw is commonly used to snort narcotics. The investigator then learned the woman had just been released from the county jail that morning, the investigator noted in arrest reports.
The 50-year-old was taken into custody and booked into jail for possession of drug paraphernalia. She remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning, April 16, on the misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Paxton: Fear Of Contracting COVID-19 Does Not Qualify A Person For Disability
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued a letter in response to Representative Stephanie Klick’s request for guidance on whether, under the Texas Election Code, Texans may claim disability based on fears of contracting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and receive a ballot to vote by mail in upcoming elections.
The letter states that disability, as that term is used in the Texas Election Code’s provisions allowing voting by mail, must involve a “sickness or physical condition” that prevents a voter from voting in-person. A voter ill with COVID-19 and who is unlikely to be able to appear in-person to vote without assistance or without injuring their health may apply for a ballot by mail; however, fear of contracting COVID-19 does not qualify a person for disability.
“Mail ballots based on disability are specifically reserved for those who are physically ill and cannot vote in-person as a result. Fear of contracting COVID-19 does not amount to a sickness or physical condition as required by the Legislature,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The integrity of our democratic election process must be maintained, and law established by our Legislature must be followed consistently.”
It is a direct violation of the Texas Election Code to “intentionally cause false information to be provided on an application for ballot by mail,” to knowingly or intentionally cause a ballot to be obtained under false pretenses, or give a misleading statement on an application for ballot by mail.
The Texas Democrats filed a lawsuit in Travis County arguing that anyone with a fear of contracting COVID-19 should be allowed to claim a “disability” and vote by mail. Their request diminishes voting protections the Legislature has made available to Texans with actual illness or disabilities, according to Paxton.
For information on the spread or treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
Hopkins County COVID-19 Testing Update: 2 Recovered; 4 Positive, 115 Negative Tests
While no new positive COVID-19 results have been confirmed for Hopkins County, one additional resident who tested positive for coronavirus has recovered over the last five days, Hopkins County Hospital District COO/Hopkins County EMS Director Brent Smith reported in his April 15 Hopkins County COVID-19 testing update.
That’s two of the four individuals with Hopkins County addresses who tested positive for COVID-19 who have recovered, according to the HCHD/EMS report.
A dozen more screenings were sent for testing over the last 5 days, for a total of 126 COVID-19 screenings conducted for Hopkins County residents over the last 30 days, according to the April 15 report.
Smith too reported 18 additional test results came back negative this week, for a total of 115 negative COVID-19 tests. That left only seven results still pending as of April 15, down from 13 pending just 5 days ago
Hopkins County has had no reported COVID-19 deaths as of 10:30 a.m. April 15, according to the Hopkins County COVID-19 testing update.
| HOPKINS COUNTY COVID-19 TESTING TOTALS AS OF: | March 21, 2020 | March 27, 2020 | March 30, 2020 | April 2, 2020 | April 6, 2020 | April 10, 2020 | April 15, 2020 |
| Total Confirmed Positive Cases | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Confirmed Negative Tests | NA | NA | 16 | 41 | 65 | 97 | 115 |
| Total Pending Cases As Of | NA | NA | 44 | 32 | 20 | 13 | 7 |
| Total Screenings Sent for Testing As Of | 31 | 53 | 62 | 76 | 89 | 114 | 126 |
| Total Confirmed COVID-19 Patients who Have Recovered | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| COVID-Related Deaths | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Overall, 184 of Texas’ 254 counties have reported positive cases of COVID-19. In Northeast Texas, Red River and Marion Counties remained the only counties that have reported no confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the April 15 Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas Health and Human Services data.
As of the April 15 report, 138 COVID-19 deaths were reported in Texas, for a total of 364 fatalities reported by DSHS and HHS. The number of Texas patients who have recovered from COVID-19 more than doubled during the last five days, increasing from 1,366 to 3,150 as of the April 15 report.
Throughout the state, 55,892 additional COVID-19 screenings have been sent for testing over the last five days, up to 151,810 total screenings for Texas as of the noon April 15 reporting.
An additional 3,821 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed throughout the state during that time; that brings the total of Texas cases to 15,492. Six more lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients were in Texas hospitals than were reported on April 10, for a total of 1,538 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals as of the April 15 report.
| TEXAS Reports (DSHS/HHS) | April 10, 2020 | April 15, 2020 |
| Total tests | 115,918 | 151,810 |
| Cases reported | 11,671 | 15,492 |
| Lab Confirmed COVID-19 Patients Currently In Texas Hospitals | 1,532 | 1,538 |
| Estimated Number of Patients Recovered | 1,366 | 3,150 |
| Fatalities | 226 | 364 |
While the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases remains small and unchanged for the last 11 days in Hopkins County, all four cases are presumed to be community spread, Hopkins County Emergency Management Team has reported over the last 30 days.
Thus, local officials urge everyone to continue practicing social distancing, proper hand-washing techniques, good hygiene, and the stay at home, stay safe guidelines established by Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s March 31 Executive Order, and in the Hopkins County public health emergency disaster declaration. 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 duration of the stay home, stay safe order.
Cumby City Council Did Not Adopt Proposed Ordinance Regarding Executive Order Violations
Cumby City Council Tuesday night after discussion opted not to adopt the proposed “Ordinance 2020-04-01 authorizing law enforcement officer to perform traffic stops for any violation of executive order(s) issued by the Governor of the State of Texas declaring a state of disaster,” such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ordinance, as proposed, would have given city the police department the authority to enforce the rules and regulations set forth in the the Governor’s Executive Orders. This includes “the authority to perform traffic stops and issuing tickets to individuals violating,” provided they are unable to provide to the police officer proof of exception or exemption at the time of the traffic stop. Violations, according to the proposed Cumby ordinance, would be punishable according to the Governor’s Order, with a fine up to $200.
During the meeting, conducted via Zoom conferencing, Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Department Chief Andy Endsley noted that Cumby partners with the county for emergency management for disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayor and police chief teleconference, along with all county stakeholders, three times a week, to coordinated efforts in matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The only city in Hopkins County that has its own emergency management coordinator is the City of Sulphur Springs, and they are part of the Hopkins County Emergency Management Team that daily assesses the COVID-19 situation as it relates to Hopkins County.
The Executive Order issued March 31 by Governor Abbott, along with the public health emergency disaster designation issued by Judge Robert Newsom on April 1 and extended April 6 by Hopkins County Commissioners Court, applies to the City of Cumby as well.
“You work off our basic plan. Maybe it’s an oversight, he didn’t put any fines in, if someone is out of order. If they are not going to an essential job without staying home, you can go with what the Governor said. It’s a Class B misdemeanor. The City of Cumby would not get anything out of that side of it,” Endsley said.
The county emergency management official noted that at this time, Hopkins County has had only four confirmed positive cases, although many have been tested. That is considered a small number compared to some other nearby counties. Of those, two have recovered from the virus, the County Judge Robert Newsom has reported.
A lot of people, Endsley said, are abiding by the stay at home order, not only in the city of Cumby but in Hopkins County. Endsley said continuing to follow the stay at home order, except for “essential workers” or essential activities such as medical appointments or going to the grocery store, and practicing social distancing will help reduce potential spread of COVID-19 and keep the number of coronavirus patients low in Hopkins County.
While counties and cities can’t go against the Governor’s order, they can add more stringent provisions, Endsley said.
“So, we do not really need to act on this?” Cumby Mayor Doug Simmerman asked.
“Not really. When Judge Newsom enacted it, we got you covered,” Endsley said. “I believe this was placed on agenda before you and I talked today.”
Cumby Alderman Julie Morris asked if Sulphur Springs has a law in place that would allow a police officer to stop someone driving down the street, if the officer thinks an individual is not doing the proper thing, like going to work or to the grocery store, and issue a ticket for a violation.
Endsley noted that the City of Sulphur Springs’ basic plan had been amended, but theirs is “not as broad as ours is.” He said while the Governor’s Executive Order would allow Class B misdemeanor tickets or charges to be filed for violation, “you would not really benefit from it” financially.
Endsley reiterated the safe at home order was issued by the Governor and the local declaration by the county judge and commissioners court, for people to leave home only for essential needs such as the grocery store, medical needs or employment. Most employers provide employees with information pertaining to the essential order and their jobs.
The emergency management coordinator also noted Interstate 30 running through Cumby is a major thoroughfare for not only people from Hopkins County and Texas, but other states passing through for various reasons including in the course of business as well as personal reasons, which would likely be hard to police and make determinations regarding executive orders.
When asked if the City of Cumby is planning to pull people over to ask for proof of where they are going and for what purpose, Mayor Simmerman said someone pulled over for another violation might get questioned regarding their reason for traveling during the course of the traffic stop.
Endsley said that’s the case for most law enforcement; if they ask an individual about reason for travels, it’s after being pulled over for a traffic violation or contacted for another matter. It’s “highly unlikely” an officer would ever pull someone over just to pull them over, or just to ask if they are traveling for essential or exceptional reasons, according to the emergency management coordinator.
“During normal everyday operations, law enforcement can choose to do that, can enquire about it if they wish,” Endsley said.
After discussion, Cumby City Council determined, with the county declaration in place to support the Governor’s Executive Order, no action was needed on the part of the City of Cumby city for the proposed ordinance “authorizing law enforcement officers to perform traffic stops for any violation of executive order(s) issued by the Governor of the State of Texas declaring a state of disaster; providing a penalty for violation of such executive order(s), proving a savings clause and a severability clause; and providing an effective date.”
Why Kids Should Stay Active While Learning From Home
By Johanna Hicks, Extension Agent, Family & Community Health Agent
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, online lessons and homeschooling are the new normal in education. How does physical activity fit into this new mode of learning? Hildi Nicksic, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Texas A&M, explains why physical activity is important for students during this time.
Most of us are familiar with the physical benefits of activity and exercise, but it also helps with brain health and cognition. Higher fitness levels are associated with higher grades and test scores compared to those with lower fitness levels. Nicksic states that individuals tend to respond faster and more accurately to questions directly after being physically active.
With our nation at a standstill and our population quarantined, students are staying home instead of attending school. This means they are not experiencing physical education class or structured recess. Quality physical education programs are essential in teaching children skills that will enable them to adopt physically active lifestyles. Without access to physical education, we are missing the opportunity to engage children in structured movement designed to promote physical literacy. In addition to lacking access to physical education, the closure of schools combined with the work-from-home mandates has the potential to increase the amount of time children are sedentary. Spending the day at home increases the likelihood that children will also use screens recreationally.
Physical activity is strongly linked to psychological health. Physical activity releases endorphins, a protein important in the regulation of stress. Therefore, physical activity plays a therapeutic role in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Not only can exercise decrease stress and enhance mood, but choosing to exercise can generate a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of control, further supporting mental health.
What can parents do to ensure their children are staying active? The simple answer here is to be active and to encourage activity. One positive result of the social isolation requirement is that people seem to be embracing the opportunity to go for a run, or a walk, or a bike ride. It is critically important to stay home and maintain social distancing, but our shelter-in-place regulations permit outdoor exercise. Getting outside, especially when we are cooped up indoors for a majority of the day, positively impacts mental health. It’s inspiring to see people of all ages out walking, running, bike riding…and we could all use some inspiration right now. So let’s get active.
Hopkins County Family & Community Health Facebook
If you are involved in social media – Facebook, in particular – be sure to check out my Facebook page! The Hopkins County Family & Community Health Facebook page is loaded with great ideas for activities to do with students, information on no-cost on-line courses, such as “Cooking Well: Exploring Cultures” and “Cooking Well with Friends,” and slow-cooker tips, plus much more!
Closing Thought
Your future depends on many things, but mostly on you. – Frank Tyger
Chamber Connection – April 16
Here is the latest update for Hopkins County …
Chamber of Commerce
We are postponing our Chamber Golf Tournament to Friday, June 19. Our lobby is closed to visitors at this time. We have forwarded our phones and will be answering them Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Maloy Landfill
The Republic Services, Maloy landfill location, will temporally change our Saturday hours starting Saturday, April 11. Moving forward our Saturday hours will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. We will continue these reduced Saturday hours until Governor Abbott relinquishes the social distancing and shelter-in-place policies. Thank you for your understanding in these uncertain times.
Library, Senior Citizen Center
The Library is staffed and taking online reserves for books and offering curbside pickup. We are answering phones, assisting patrons, and answering many kinds of questions. We also offer free, no password, 24/7 WIFI from the parking lot! Meal-A-Day is still making daily deliveries.
Restaurants
All restaurant sit-down dining has been halted until April 30. Most have moved to curbside service and some are even offering home delivery. Just call ahead and visit with your favorite restaurant, and they will bring your food out to you. You can also visit “Takeout Together” on Facebook and Instagram. This is a place where restaurants are publishing current information and items they are offering.
Banking
Most financial institutions have closed their lobbies are banking by appointment. Most transactions can be handled online, and they are also available by phone.
Shopping
Most clothing stores are offering online shopping, curbside pickup, and even doorstep delivery. Please, please don’t forget about your favorite place to shop during this time. They are all fearful and need your help!
Groceries
Our grocery stores have changed their hours of operation. They are closing at night to disinfect and re-stock shelves. They are also limiting quantities of items that you can purchase. Hopefully, this will help distribute goods in a more effective manner.
Pharmacies
Our pharmacies are open. Some have closed their lobbies but can be reached through the drive through or curbside service.
Museums
All museums are closed to the public. Most of them still have staffers and can be reached by phone. Main St. Theatre is also closed.
Hotels
All of our hotels are open for business and have increased their cleaning protocols.
Energy Companies
Our energy companies have closed their lobbies to visitors but can be reached by phone if needed.
Insurance companies
Most of our insurance companies have closed their lobbies, but they are open and going strong by phone and email.
Hospital
For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
School districts in Hopkins County
All school districts in Hopkins County have moved to online learning.
SSISD
SSISD Food Services is providing FREE meals for ALL SSISD students AND any community children who are between the ages of 1-18. Meals will be available for pick-up each Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m. until further notices. Students will be able to pick up one breakfast and one lunch meal at this time. Students do not have to attend any one of these campuses to participate. Pick-up areas will be curbside grab-and-go and will be held at the following locations across Sulphur Springs:
*SSES (Lee Street bus lane)
*Bowie (Mockingbird Lane student drop off/pick up lane)
*Bush (South bus lane circle to awning), and
*Douglass (Calvert Street awning).
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, Civic Center
Both are open with limited staff.
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 16, Cross Motor Sales.
