African American Studies Course Approved By SBOE
AUSTIN, Texas – April 22, 2020 – During its first-ever virtual meeting, the State Board of Education gave final approval to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for an African American Studies course for high school students. This is the second ethnic studies course adopted by the board following the passage of Mexican American studies in 2018. Texas is now the first state in the nation to offer standalone Mexican American studies and African American studies courses for its students.
Like Mexican American Studies, African American Studies will provide Texas students a broad overview of the history of African Americans; the course addresses a variety of topics including history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, and science and technology.
The course originated as an innovative course developed by the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). The course, implemented for the first time in the 2019-20 school year, is currently being taught at 16 DISD schools.
Under current board rules, an ethnic studies course in Native American studies, Latino studies, or Asian Pacific Islander studies approved by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath as an innovative course will be presented to the SBOE for discussion and consideration for TEKS inclusion.
In addition to adopting the African American Studies course, the board gave final approval to the Texas State Plan for Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). The Perkins State Plan will provide a renewed vision of career and technical education (CTE) programs for the 21st century. The plan will support students in achieving challenging academic, technical, and employability skills, so they are well prepared for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations in current and/or emerging professions. The plan also incorporates key elements of the State Board of Education Long-range Plan for Public Education.
More than 1,100 viewers tuned in for the live stream of the meeting, which included a virtual performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” by an ensemble from the Lufkin High School Band.
“It’s a great honor to know that our state acknowledges the band’s hard work and achievements, and an even greater honor having the opportunity to play for them,” said Lufkin Band member Tolu Ojori.
Board Chair Keven Ellis also praised the TEA staff for overcoming all the challenges of coordinating a virtual meeting, which allowed the board to conduct its important business in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Luminant Demolishes Coal Silo At Old Thermo Mine As Part of Reclamation Efforts
Luminant demolished the coal silo at the old Thermo mine today (April 22), as part of their ongoing reclamation efforts. That puts the City of Sulphur Springs one step closer to being able to use the old mine property.
“Luminant is under obligation to the State of Texas to reclaim the property. They have one more area to reclaim, two including this one. The other area is the large hill,” said Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell. “This is part of that process. It was part of the agreement they they’d come in and conduct all reclamation efforts. They are under obligation to do that,”
The agreement between Luminant and the city was for Luminant to begin reclamation efforts in those areas with the demolition of the old coal mine silo. The old silo was dropped today. Luminant has hired a subcontractor to come in and clean it up, according to the city manager.
“We are working the plan,” Maxwell said. “This is a step closer to city being able to use it.”
Luminant has submitted a proposed plan to reclaim the land for the are including the large hill, but that plan has yet to be formally accepted by the Railroad Commission.
Once the former owner’s plan is approved, reclamation work is expected to take a few months. The land will then be monitored for five years, then go into an extended period of responsibility for another 2-4 years with continued monitoring, Maxwell explained during a January public hearing for the annexation of the former Thermo mine property into the city.
COVID-19 Update: All 4 Patients Have Recovered; 137 Negative, 8 Pending Tests
While the COVID-19 numbers across the state continue to rise, all four of the people with Hopkins County addresses who tested positive for COVID-19 have now recovered.
The third recovery was confirmed shortly after 1 p.m. Monday, April 20, to the Hopkins County Emergency Management Team, and the fourth recovered patient had been confirmed at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 22.
No new confirmed positive cases were reported since the April 20 HCHD/EMS update, marking a total of 17 days without any new positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed for Hopkins County.
While eight more screenings were sent for testing, eight additional tests came back negative. That’s a total of 149 COVID-19 screenings from Hopkins County, and 137 confirmed negative test results. That leaves 8 test results still pending, according to Smith’s report.
| 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 |
| Total Confirmed Positive Cases | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Confirmed Negative Tests | NA | NA | 16 | 41 | 65 | 97 | 115 | 130 | 137 |
| Total Pending Cases | NA | NA | 44 | 32 | 20 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| Total Screenings Sent for Testing | 31 | 53 | 62 | 76 | 89 | 114 | 126 | 141 | 149 |
| Total Confirmed COVID-19 Patients who Have Recovered | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| COVID-Related Deaths | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Overall, 200 of Texas’ 254 counties have reported positive cases of COVID-19, which is 10 more than reported on April 20. All counties in Northeast Texas had reported cases by April 20, including Red River and Marion Counties, which had no confirmed cases on April 15. Red River County still has only case and but Marion County had three more positive cases for a total of six confirmed novel coronavirus cases, according to the April 22 Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas Health and Human Services data.
As of the April 22 report, 48 additional COVID-19 deaths were reported in Texas, for a total of 543 fatalities reported to DSHS and HHS.
An estimated 1,635 additional Texas patients have recovered from COVID-19 in the last two days, increasing the total number of Texas recoveries to 7,341 as of the April 22 report. Overall, 76 of the 254 Texas counties have reported COVID-19 fatalities.
Throughout the state, 26,389 additional COVID 19 screenings have been sent for testing over the past two days, up to 216,783 total screenings for Texas as of 12:15 p.m. April 22 reporting.
An additional 1,611 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed throughout the state during the past two days, with only 873 new cases in the last 24-hours of the reporting period. That brings the total of Texas confirmed positive COVID-19 cases to 21,069.
Demographically, 35.9 percent of Texas COVID-19 patients are white, 26.7 percent are Hispanic, 11.7 percent Black, 4 percent Asian and 0.8 percent considered “other” and the race or ethnicity of the other 21 percent of patients is “unknown.” By gender, 48.6 percent of COVID-19 patients in Texas are male and 47.8 percent female, and 3.6 percent are pending further information.
The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals increased by 269 patients over the last two days to 1,678 in the hospital for COVID-19 as of the April 22 report. Throughout Trauma Service Area F, within which Sulphur Springs is located, 19 COVID-19 patients were reported to be in regional hospitals, according to the state report.
| TEXAS Reports (DSHS/HHS) | April 10, 2020 | April 15, 2020 | April 20, 2020 | April 22, 2020 |
| Total tests | 115,918 | 151,810 | 190,394 | 216,783 |
| Cases reported | 11,671 | 15,492 | 19,458 | 21,069 |
| Lab Confirmed COVID-19 Patients Currently In Texas Hospitals | 1,532 | 1,538 | 1,411 | 1,678 |
| Estimated Number of Patients Recovered | 1,366 | 3,150 | 5,706 | 7,341 |
| Fatalities | 226 | 364 | 495 | 543 |
While the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases remains small, only four confirmed cases during the 37 days HCHD/EMS has been reporting testing results, all four cases are presumed to be community spread, Hopkins County Emergency Management Team reported when announcing each new case.
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 Executive Orders, 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.
Disturbance Complaint Resulted In Arrest
A disturbance complaint resulted in arrest of a 30-year-old Sulphur Springs woman on a public intoxication charge, according to police reports.
Upon arrival in the 600 block of WA Street at 9:36 p.m., Sulphur Springs Police officers encountered the woman, who reportedly had slurred speech, was unsteady on her feet and was alleged to have been involved in the disturbance.
She kept walking out onto the street, after being warned numerous times by officers to stay on the property while they investigated the disturbance, police alleged in arrest reports. At one point, she almost fell down, according to reports.
The 30-year-old allegedly failed a standard field sobriety test. Believing her to be a danger to herself and others in her condition, police took her into custody at 9:59 p.m. April 21, on a public intoxication charge. She was released from Hopkins County jail on the misdemeanor charge Wednesday, April 22, 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.
Hooks Man Back In Hopkins County Jail On Felony Charge
A 56-year-old Hooks man is back in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, having been arrested on a felony charge for the second time in a week, according to arrest and jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Elijah Fite and Zack Horne alleged seeing Jack Edmond Ross, a wanted man, in the drive-thru at an East Shannon Road food drive-thru after midnight. Communications operators confirmed the outstanding warrant for the 56-year-old man’s arrest. Deputies initiated a traffic stop in the business parking lot. The man was “brought out of the vehicle” and taken into custody at 12:12 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, Fite alleged in arrest reports.
Jack Edmond Ross was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 12:52 a.m. April 22 on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was for a burglary of a building charge, according to arrest and jail reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail on the charge later Wednesday, according to jail reports.
The arrest marks the second time Jack Edmond Ross has been in Hopkins County jail in the last week. He also spent April 16-17 in the county jail on a possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Bobby Osornio stopped to check on the man, who was in a truck sparked on the side of FM 69 north near County Road 3504 around 11 p.m. April 15. On contact, Osornio alleged the man was nervous and claimed Ross refused his request to search the truck. A police canine brought to the location allegedly gave a positive alert on the truck for contraband. A probable cause search yielded a syringe with a liquid suspected to be methamphetamine, resulting in Jack Edmond Ross’ arrest on a controlled substance charge. He was booked into the county jail after midnight on the charge, Osornio alleged in the earlier arrest 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.
Man Accused Of Indecency With A Child By Sexual Contact
April 22, 2020 – A 32-year-old man was accused of indecency with a child by sexual contact. Ben Zachary Attaway was arrested on the second-degree felony charge Monday, according to police and jail reports.
An adult reportedly received information regarding a possible relationship between the teen and the defendant. Sulphur Springs Police Department officers were contacted regarding the allegation.
An investigation was launched by SSPD. An interview of the alleged teen victim was conducted Thursday, April 16. Based on information gleaned during the course of the SSPD investigation, a warrant was issued on Friday, April 17, for Ben Zachary Attaway‘s arrest.
Attaway turned himself in Monday, April 20, and was booked into Hopkins County jail on the second-degree felony indecency with a child by sexual contact charge. He was released from Hopkins County jail later April 20 on bond, set at $35,000.
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.
CHRISTUS Park And Pray Event Planned Thursday
A CHRISTUS Park and Pray event is planned Thursday in public parking areas at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs and facilities. Community members are invited to gather in their vehicles to collectively pray for the hospital, health care employees, patients and others.
The prayer time is designated from 7-7:20 p.m. April 23. Those attending are asked to be careful not to block the emergency vehicles or emergency department entrances.
Social distancing guidelines are to be followed. Thus, those participating are asked remain in their vehicles during prayer, but may turn on their flashers to indicate support and participation in the prayer time.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report For April 8-13, 2020
April 8
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Highway 154 near Quitman; at approximately 12 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4760 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:30 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2110 near Quitman, at approximately 1:46 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:23 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and it was towed by Wyatt’s Towing.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2320 near Mineola; at approximately 4:03 a.m. The individual was located and transported to the hospital by EMS.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4890 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:39 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies made contact with the reporting party and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2231 near Mineola, at approximately 8:22 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- At 8:29 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Quitman. Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:56 a.m., in reference to fraud on CR 3148 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3460 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:04 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Ty Trull, 18, of Mineola, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 14 near Hainesville, at approximately 11:11 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- At 12:06 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 2:29 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1643 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:39 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and they separated for the day.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2280 near Mineola, at approximately 6:47 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Heath Matthews, 30, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
- At 6:48 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 182 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 80 near Mineola, at approximately 6:52 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2700 near Mineola; at approximately 6:56 p.m.
- Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook point, at approximately 8:17 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1560 near Alba, at approximately 8:44 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies made contact with the individual and advised them to lower the volume of the music.
April 9
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Highway 154 near Quitman; at approximately 7:34 a.m.
- Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Main St. in Yantis, at approximately 7:55 a.m., in reference to an alarm.
- Deputies spoke with the key holder and determined it was an accident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 11:20 a.m., in reference to a theft Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s storage building and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:34 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3494 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:58 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Jacob Wilson, 18, of Hawkins, was arrested for Evading Arrest Detention.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:07 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
- At 5:32 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1975 near Yantis, at approximately 5:36 p.m., in reference to a burglary.
- Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s residence and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on PR 7864 near Hawkins; at approximately 5:57 p.m.
- Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:28 p.m., in reference to a
- welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 8:14 p.m., in reference to shots fired.
- Deputies located the individuals and determined it was fireworks.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2132 near Quitman, at approximately 8:37 p.m., in reference to a
- disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies were dispatched to Village Circle in Yantis, at approximately 9:02 p.m., in reference to a
- dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2150 near Quitman; at approximately 10:14 p.m.
- Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- At 11:01 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 80 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 11:09 p.m., in reference to
- suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
April 10
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 5:47 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:10 a.m., in reference to a scam on CR 1730 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 10:01 a.m., in reference to theft.
- Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to Broken Bow Lane near Quitman, at approximately 10:48 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies made contact with the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 80 near Mineola, at approximately 12:34 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:08 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat on
- CR 1670 near Alba. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 3:28 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4192 near Quitman.
- At 5:32 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to Lloyd St. in Yantis, at approximately 7:10 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
April 11
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2280 near Mineola, at approximately 12:01 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Heath Matthews, 30, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
- At 9:11 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
- At 9:56 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1643 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 11 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:07 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 4:18 p.m., in reference to a structure fire. Quitman Police Department extinguished the fired and the incident was cleared.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 154 near Quitman, at approximately 5:13 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies made contact with the individuals and cleared the incident.
- At 7:58 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 11 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4700 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:22 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:31 p.m., in reference to harassment on Highway 154 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2166 near Quitman, at approximately 9:17 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1612 near Alba, at approximately 11:16 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the activity and cleared the incident.
April 12
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2330 near Mineola, at approximately 3:24 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the key holder and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 69 near Alba, at approximately 4:10 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Yantis, at approximately 4:22 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1799 near Alba, at approximately 11:02 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 4:57 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies located an open door, but were unable to locate any signs of theft or burglary.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 6:51 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area, and determined it was caused by a tree landing on the house.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3484 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:28 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 79, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
- Deputies were dispatched to Beaulah St. in Hawkins, at approximately 7:51 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4626 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:51 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 near Mineola, at approximately 9:05 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5551 near Alba, at approximately 9:29 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- At 9:57 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6953 near Mineola, at approximately 11:37 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2176 near Quitman, at approximately 11:42 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
April 13
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 37 near Mineola, at approximately 12:07 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2121 near Quitman; at approximately 2:59 a.m.Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1951 near Yantis, at approximately 5:50 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2110 near Quitman, at approximately 5:51 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the homeowner and determined it was an accident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3875 near Mineola, at approximately 7:27 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and everything was OK.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 8:52 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- At 11:11 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Quitman. Deputies were dispatched to CR 4165 near Quitman, at approximately 12:25 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:51 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5554 near Alba, at approximately 1:14 p.m., in reference to a burglary.
- Actors, or actors unknown, damaged and stole several items from the reporting party’s property.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:09 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s residence and stole an Everstart battery. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 2:19 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 154 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:39 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s residence and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:52 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s storage building and stole a trolling motor. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 5:39 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2168 near Quitman, at approximately 7:04 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and transported to the hospital.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:51 p.m., in reference to theft.
- Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s storage building and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1869 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:52 p.m., in reference to theft.
- Actors, or actors unknown, broke into the reporting party’s storage building and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Agency Assists
Between the dates of April 8 and April 13, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Emergency Medical Services, Gilmer Police Department, Quitman Police Department, Wood County Electric Cooperative, and Mineola Police Department.
Total Jail Count
113 inmates – 96 males and 17 females.
Reminder from Sheriff Castloo
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
Kindness Counts! How Hopkins County Sewed Up the Need for Protective Masks for Health Workers
Wendy Armstrong recognized a need in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped mobilize an effort to fill it. The “Hopkins County Medical Mask Sewing Group” grew, in just a few weeks, to 447 members strong, but they’re not all from Hopkins County. How did one person’s idea go nation wide, and possibly even international? KSST News talked with Wendy by phone on April 20, 2020.
“Although it looks like we have the initial need for protective masks covered now, we have people that sew who are more than ready to go back into production whenever it’s needed. We made the fabric medical masks that were so direly needed at first, when supplies of the mass-produced paper masks just weren’t adequate. I learned to sew during this project, and several others did too. Of course, we have people in our community who sew all the time, and they shared their experience with us to get us started. The pattern is a simple one, but the construction of a mask is a multi-task process, and it’s not something you can complete in just a few minutes. One experienced seamstress said one mask took her close to one hour to make, start to finish, with no interruptions. That’s why so many different stitchers were needed at first, to fill the demand!”. When asked who the masks were made for, Wendy explained “Oh my goodness! At first, it was doctors and nurses at the hospital. And then we were hearing from all types of medical care workers, as well as day care and nursing home staffers. Then, members were running across people they knew with immune-deficiency or other health risks who needed protection from germs, and we made masks for them, from adult to youth to child sizes. Although we worked alone, sewing at our homes, we were well-organized as a group and stayed in touch with each other. Comments and ideas were exchanged through our Facebook page, the Hopkins County Medical Mask Sewing Group. That’s how we got the pattern out there. We also helped local stitchers to get the fabric and elastic they needed, if they didn’t already have supplies. I used part of my business space at Head2Toe Nutrition, to store donated supplies. When local inventories of elastic ran out, we just made straps out of fabric and kept right on sewing! I think having this cause to work for has actually helped some of our members to use some idle time during COVID-19 for something good an positive”, stated Wendy.
“We were actually the first organized group that I know of, and after we got started, people in other counties joined in or started their own. We helped groups in Hunt and Lamar County get started by sharing our patterns with them. They told their friends, and groups started up in cities like Tyler and San Antonio, and in other states too, including at least one in California. It’s been wonderful and encouraging to see the way people respond to a practical need that they can fill with their own two hands”.
When asked if the masks were sold or donated, Wendy replied, “all the masks we made were sewn and donated free of charge. That’s what we were trying to do from the beginning. Some of the doctors and clinics asked early on if they could pay for the masks, but there really wasn’t anything to ‘pay for’ because the supplies and labor were mostly all donated. I know that some of our sewing community are making masks for sale, because many have been out of work, and that’s OK too, because that is helping them during a time of need as well. Overall, I think the most rewarding thing is the ripple effect, and how our community has been able to be a tiny part of it. It’s amazing that such a simple thing could help to fill a crucially important need!”
New Landowner Education: Bermuda Varieties For Pastures For East Texas
Seeded varieties work well on small acreages that are not economical to sprig, as well as on steep slopes and cutover timberland where seedbed preparation for sprigging is not feasible. Most seeded bermuda-grass on the market are blends that contain two to four lines, or individual varieties, and often contain Giant (NK 37) and Common.
Cheyenne
Cheyenne is a cross between a bermudagrass from an old turf site in the Pacific Northwest and another plant from the former Yugoslavia. Originally released as a turfgrass, it was promoted as a pasture variety by the mid-90s. Like Common bermudagrass, Cheyenne establishes quickly. In a 5-year evaluation trial at Overton, Cheyenne produced the least dry matter yield of the seeded bermudagrasses.
Common
Highly variable in appearance, Common responds favorably to good management and grows under almost every conceivable condition throughout East Texas. Depending on its location, Common can be considered a forage grass, a turfgrass, or a noxious weed.
Because its performance is well established, it is often used as a standard for evaluating new material. Common’s dry matter yields are generally about one-third lower than Coastal and its forage nutritive value and forage quality are about the same. It is generally more winter hardy than the hybrids.
Guymon
Guymon, a cultivar developed from lines found in the former Yugoslavia, grows near Guymon, Oklahoma. Very winter hardy, with large stems, it can be grown in the northern portion of the bermuda-grasses growing region. In Texas, Guymon yields less dry matter than does Common bermudagrass.
Giant (NK-37)
Giant is a strain of Common bermudagrass that grows more upright, is less likely to form a sod, and has longer leaves, finer stems, fewer rhizomes and stolons, and no pubescence (soft, fine hairs). It begins growing later in the spring than Common bermudagrass and is not as cold tolerant. In severe winters, damage can be high. However, the loss appears to be associated with disease damage and low fertility rather than as a direct result of low temperatures.
Giant does well in lower humidity climates. It is susceptible to leaf spot disease, and dry matter yield declines in 2 to 3 years due to cold weather and diseases. Plantings will typically become a Common bermudagrass stand.
Wrangler
Wrangler is cold hardy and produces good cover during the establishment season. Forage yields can be higher than those of Guymon.
Other options for establishment of new pastures for the new landowner are seed blends. The percentage of each line in the blend may vary from year to year, depending on seed availability and cost.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
