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].
Chamber Connection – April 23, 2020
The following are a few important notes from Governor Abbott’s recent press conference, which took place Friday, April 17:
- Some elective surgeries and procedures have resumed (such as diagnostic testing for cancer).
- State parks are now open with groups of less than five, and masks must be worn at all times.
- Schools are closed for the remainder of the year. TEA is working on some guidelines or thoughts for alternative graduation plans. More information should be coming soon.
- Retail must remain online-only.
Chamber of Commerce
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 changed Saturday hours starting April 11. Moving forward 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. Staff are answering phones, assisting patrons, and answering many kinds of questions. Also offered 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 nigh 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.
- (1) Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
- (1) Visitor per patient
- Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old.
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken.
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken.
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
- Effective 4/6/2020 ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
School Districts in Hopkins County
All school districts in Hopkins County have moved to online learning.
SSISD: Free Meals
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, SSISD Food Services will be 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 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: is 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 23, Temple Trailer Sales.
New Lamar Primary Principal Named, 24 Other Staff Changes Approved
A new Lamar Primary principal has been named and two dozen additional staff recommendations were approved by Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees following an executive session of their meeting Monday night, April 20, via Zoom conferencing.
In addition to to approving professional employment contracts for teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses, the school board approved 25 additional personnel changes: seven resignations, 10 new personnel and and eight position swaps.
Lamar Primary School Academic Specialist Chandra Crawford will be stepping up to become principal at Lamar, a position held by Rowena Johnson. The long-time Lamar educator submitted to administrators last month early notification of her intent to retire.
Resigning from Lamar Primary is third grade teacher Patricia Aulbaugh.
Two elementary teachers will be swapping campuses next year to join the faculty at Lamar Primary. Jamilyn Hunt will move from Middle School, where she teaches, to teach second grade English language arts and reading at Lamar. Kimberly Smith is going from a third grade classroom at Bowie to a second grade classroom at Lamar.
Lesli Ray will be swapping jobs and campuses, going from being a dyslexia teacher at Bowie Primary to being a literacy coach operating out of the Administration Building.
Resigning from Middle School is math teacher Troiana Hoffman. Alma Del Castillo was approved as the new math teacher at Middle School. Eric Jackson was also approved to join the Middle School as a physical education teacher and coach.
Steven Moreno will be changing jobs, going from at-risk aide to sixth grade math teacher, still on the Middle School campus. Hannah Kirby will increase her role at SSISD. The part time Strings instructor at Middle and High School will be teaching the class full time.
High School is losing English teacher Heather Fretwell and SSISD Police Secretary April Offutt. Jennifer Bunch and Cady Jackson have been approved as new English teachers at High School.
Also approved as to join the faculty at High School are Taylor Harden as a math teacher and Kristopher Luce as a theater teacher. Angela Grimes will be moving from Sulphur Springs Elementary, where she is an instructional interventionist, to High School, where she will be the 504 coordinator.
Amanda Walker will remain on the Travis Primary campus, but will change from special education aide to Title I aide.
Barbara Bush Primary is adding two teachers and two aides. Monica Armstrong will be a special education self-contained teacher, Kayla Bohannon a third grade math teacher, Morgan Mayers an instructional aide and Kimberly Pace a special education aide.
The special services department is losing speech pathologist Jennifer Holt and license specialist in school psychology Haley Papez; both turned in letters of resignations.
Steven Toney was approved as the new Bilingual/ESL coordinator, working out of the SSISD Administration Building.
Governor, AG Issue Updated Guidance To Houses Of Worship
AUSTIN – Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued updated joint guidance regarding the effect of Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-16 on religious services conducted by congregations and houses of worship. The updated guidance to houses of worship recommends strategies to effectively slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) while serving their respective communities of faith.
“Government and faith communities throughout Texas must work together to care for our neighbors and slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This updated guidance provides clear direction for houses of worship to protect the health and safety of their congregations as they continue to hold religious services, exercise religious liberty and serve their faith communities.”
All emergency orders must comply with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, Article I of the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which protect the rights of Texans to freely exercise their religion. Consistent with those protections, Executive Order GA-16 defines essential services to include “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.” Orders given by state or local governments, therefore, may not prohibit people from providing or obtaining those religious services. And importantly, under GA-16, local government may not close houses of worship.
SSISD Will Request Waivers From TEA For Teacher Appraisal, Instructional Days
Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Micheal Lamb gave a brief COVID-19 update at Monday evening’s school board meeting. SSISD will request waivers from Texas Education Agency for missed instructional days and teacher appraisal requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SSISD Board of Trustees determined at the meeting.
SSISD COVID Update
Lamb reported the district plans to keep doing what its been doing since schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The superintendent anticipated not having as much direction, and presenting some options depending on state, national and local directives at the meeting Monday. However, the Governor made it clear that schools are to remain closed through the end of the regular 2019-2020 school year.
SSISD will continue its distance learning program. Lamb said he was proud to hear of many positive stories regarding distance learning, and of the way the teachers are reaching out in so many different ways, including Zoom and emails, to assist the students while campuses are closed.
The district will also continue to provide free breakfast and lunch meals for children five days a week. The district has averaged 1,700 meals a week since the feeding program began in March.
Administrators will continue working to figure out what the future will look like for Texas school districts.
Officials are still working to developing plans for the high school graduation and honors breakfast, but the prom and 8th grade banquet are postponed at this time. SSISD officials are hopeful that we will be permitted to host these events during the summer. District staff are closely monitoring social distancing requirements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will make every effort to schedule these events once they are permissible, officials reported earlier Monday.
TEA Waivers
Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams recommended that the district seek both an educator appraisal waiver and a missed school day waiver from TEA..
For school closure based on COVID-19 related concerns additional minute waivers are needed from TEA to meet the 75,600 operational minute requirement. Those waivers should be granted as long as the LEA commits to supporting students instructionally while at home.
The missed instructional days would remain as designated instructional days in attendance accounting software and counted in terms of total minutes of operation the same as they would have been if the LEA had been able to operate normally. Missed school day waivers require board approval, according to Williams.
Williams also sought trustees’ approval to apply for an “Educator Appraisal Waiver” from TEA. The waiver would exempt SSISD from some provisions of the Texas Education Code that address teacher appraisal, principal appraisal, and campus administrator appraisal due to circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In essence, Williams explained, the waiver allows SSISD to determine which aspects of the appraisal process it can complete and which, if any, cannot be completed due to operational disruptions caused by the pandemic. The waiver would permit SSISD to appraise or not appraise some or all of its teachers, principals and administrators.
“This allows us to not complete in areas where it’s not practical or possible,” Williams said.
While most districts across the state are facing the same issues, because the law requires the evaluations, TEA recommends making the request to put everything in compliant order. Thus,William recommended applying for the waiver.
Trustees unanimously agreed SSISD will request waivers for missing instructional days and educator appraisals.
Also on the Agenda
Robbin Vaughn, SSISD Board of Trustees president, gave a required report on board member training credit. All members met the training requirements for this year.
SSISD trustees also approved Monday as part of the consent agenda:
- Tax Credits and Supplements for March 2020.
- Delinquent Tax Collections for March 2020.
- Financial Statements and Bills Payable for March 2020.
- Quarterly Investment Report for the three months ended February 29, 2020.
- Instructional Materials Allotment TEKS Certification Form for 2020-2021.
Trustees too received a copy of the Head Start Director’s Report for March.
Three Arrested On Assault Charges
Three were arrested on assault charges, including two accused of felony charges and one on a misdemeanor charge, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Bobby Orsornio arrested Kenneth Wayne Shaw, 57, of Sulphur Springs at 12:11 am. April 21 on County Road 2320 on an assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation.
Osornio responded at 11:43 p.m. at the residence to a report of a possible disturbance in progress. While en route to a CR 2320 location, the deputy observed Shaw walking near his home, according to arrest reports.
Upon arrival at the man’s residence, Osornio reportedly learned an assault had occurred. Shaw arrived and spoke with deputies. Shaw was alleged to have struck his nephew multiple times and impeded his breathing.
Shaw was jailed on the felony assault charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning. Bond was set at $10,000 on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
The arrest marks at least the third time Shaw has been jailed locally on charges alleging violent offenses. He was booked into Hopkins County jail March 22, 2007 on a family violence assault charge and on Aug. 12, 2016 on a injury to a child elderly or disabled person charge, according to jail records.
Hopkin County Sheriff’s Cpl. Todd Evans reported seeing Robert Jay Aaron pulling out of a South Moore Street apartment parking lot. Aware the 31-year-old Sulphur Springs man has an outstanding warrant for his arrest, Evans stopped him, allowed him to park the Dodge 1500 pickup he was driving and took him into custody at 12:05 p.m. April 20.
Evans transported Aaron to Hopkins County jail, where Aaron was booked on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was for an aggravated family violence assault with a deadly weapon charge, Evans noted in arrest reports. Aaron remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, April 21, on the charge, according to jail reports.
Aaron was on probation for a June 30, 2017 aggravated assault with deadly weapon charge. He was sentenced to six days in state jail in August 2019 on the charge, according to jail records.
A 19-year-old Pickton man was arrested at 8:02 p.m. April 20 on County Road 1146 on a family violence assault charge.
Hopkins County Sheriffs officers responded at 7:37 p.m. April 20 to a report of a disturbance in progress at the location. Upon arrival, deputies learned an assault had already occurred at the location.
The man was detained for officers’ safety. Deputies spoke to the parties alleged to have been involved in the disturbance, HCSO Lt. Amanda Weatherford alleged in arrest reports.
The teen was alleged to have thrown a shower handle at a minor in the residence, striking the other youth in his back, causing a red mark. The teen’s mother was also allegedly struck in the face and had a visible red mark on one cheek. The teen allegedly struck the mother’s boyfriend with a plastic stake, but the boyfriend did not claim any injury, Weatherford noted in arrest reports.
Consequently, Weatherford took the 19-year-old Pickton man into custody at 8:02 p.m. at his residence on Class A misdemeanor family violence assault charge, according to arrest reports. The teen remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning. Bond was set at $2,000 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.
Local Senior Citizen John Hug Turns 100 Years Old!
Karon Weatherman, Director of the Senior Citizens Center in Sulphur Springs, brought it to our attention that one of our Seniors recently celebrated his 100th birthday. As a centenarian, John was recognized by the President of the United States and by the Governor of the State of Texas! He also got lots of cards from friends. Congratulations, John!
SSISD Trustees Approved Band Trailer, Custodial Contract
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees approved a band trailer and custodial contract during their monthly meeting conducted via Zoom Monday evening.
Custodial Contract
Based on the recommendation of SSISD Director of Maintenance Dan Froneberger and Superintendent Michael Lamb opted to once again contract with The Faulk Company for custodial services.
Lamb explained that the district sought bids for custodial services. Four businesses submitted bids for the three-year contact. The Faulk Company bid a total of $2,738,424, PBS of Texas $2,682,000, AHI Facility Services $3,472,002.76 and McLemore Building Maintenance $4,566,912.66.
While the bid from PBS of Texas’s bid was the lower of the four, closer study of the bid showed it did not meet the request for the proposal due to staffing differences, Froneberger noted in a memo regarding the bids. PBS of Texas’ bid has a few more people and a lot more who would work at night. The district’s preference is not for night custodial. He said he is comfortable with the service The Faulk Company has provided for SSISD in the past. Based on the service and bid estimate, Lamb recommended offering the contract to The Faulk Company to provide custodial services for another three years.
Trustees unanimously agreed to renew with The Faulk Company for another three years.
Band Trailer
SSISD Band program will be getting a heavy duty tractor trailer as requested by district Director of Bands Spencer Emmert at the February 2020 school board meeting. Emmert noted the band now has multiple apparatus in which the equipment is carried, some of which is older and has been experiencing mechanical difficulties. This will allow the all of the equipment and instruments needed for the band program to be carried in one reliable vehicle to games, contests and other performances.
The district sought bids for a heavy duty tractor trailer through March 16. One bid was received for the trailer. The Clubhouse Trailer Company of Oklahoma, City bid $97,769.36. Sixty percent or $58,661.62 will be due at the time the order is received.
The trailer will not be delivered until September so that expense will be deferred to the 2020-2021 school year budget. This will allow the trailer to arrive in time for of the 2020 marching season. The new truck will go into service for the fall and spring, Lamb reported.
Trustees unanimously agreed to the purchase of the heavy duty tractor trailer for SSISD Band program.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report
The Winnsboro Police Department media report for the week of April 13-19, 2020, included the following activity:
Arrests
No Arrests
Calls For Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 98 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro PD issued 5 citations and 2 warnings during
this reporting period.
