SSISD Parents Will Receive Emails Monday About Distance Learning Plan
2020 Graduation, Honors Breakfast, Prom, 8th Grade Banquet Still On SSISD Calendar, Could Be Rescheduled Depending On COVID-19 Situation
While normal district operations at Sulphur Springs ISD suspended through April 10 due to COVID-19, that doesn’t meal student’s won’t be required to do school work. Beginning Monday, SSISD students’ parents and guardians will receive information regarding how distance learning, and how these online classes will impact their students.
Wednesday evening, SSISD trustees during an emergency meeting passed a resolution for wage payments for SSISD employees during emergency school closing for the period of closure associated with the District’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.during the extended closure. The decision to keep campuses closed through April 10 was also announced.
This week, Sulphur Springs ISD has been preparing its Distance Learning Program, which will provide continued instruction for students during the extended absence from campuses. Teachers are now preparing instruction for their classes. On Monday, March 23, parents will receive an email with instructions for how to access classes for distance learning.
With the constantly changing situation regarding COVID-19, local school officials will continue to monitor the situations during the week, and plan to use the week of April 6 to make any decisions on whether there is a need to extend the suspension of classroom learning further. If there is a need to continue the suspension at that time, it would likely be for at least 2 more weeks beyond April 13, according to SSISD administrators.
All UIL activities and practices will continue to be suspended through March 29. School officials anticipate an update from UIL within the next few days whether that will be extended.
“Our 2020 Graduation, Honors Breakfast, Prom, and 8th Grade Banquet are on the calendar with the intention that we will host them as scheduled. If we are required to postpone any of these events, we will work to reschedule them throughout the summer or beyond,” SSISD administrators stated in their release Thursday afternoon.
Any district-wide updates and official reports for SSISD, including extended campus closures or distance learning, will be made on the school website and email. Families and students may use online link to ask questions in the provided form.
Plain & Fancy Remains Committed To It’s Customers
As Plain & Fancy celebrates it’s 23rd year of business this month, they continue their tradition of taking care of their customers even during these trying times. They have always offered delivery, but now offer curbside pick-up to their customers as well. Customers can stay in their car and the staff will bring the order out to your vehicle. Plain & Fancy still offers their full menu for pick-up or delivery. The staff and owners are diligent about hygiene, cleanliness, and sanitizing as they have always been. Plain & Fancy wants their customers to have that reassurance that they have always provided.
There will be a temporary change of hours at this time. The new hours are as follows:
Monday-Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Saturday 10 am – 4 pm
Customers can use the following two numbers for delivery or pick-up. CALL: 903-885-9225 or TEXT: 903-951-0288.
The owners know they have an extended family as their customer base, and they stated that, “together we will survive this!”
Saltillo ISD To Remain Closed Through April 3
Free Meals Offered For Children Ages 1-18 In Saltillo ISD Community
Saltillo ISD today via their official Facebook page announced school will remain closed until April 3, with all extracurricular activities and practices canceled as well, due to COVID-19 concerns. The district also will be implementing a meal program for all children in the Saltillo ISD community ages 1-18 starting Monday, March 23.
While Saltillo ISD is scheduled to remain closed until April 3, the SISD Board of Trustees will meet April 2, to reevaluate the situation to determine whether classes will resume at the school campus. Updates regarding Saltillo ISD will continue to be made via the school app, Facebook, and the school phone messaging system.
Saltillo ISD will also provide a daily breakfast/lunch combo to those who want to participate. The side awning will be used as a drive-thru meal pick up location. Those who are unable to pick up meals may call the school to try to assist families. Any child between ages 1-18 years, who resides in the Saltillo community, is eligible for free meals.
Parents may make a request for meals for each of their children daily by emailing [email protected] or [email protected], calling 903-537-2386 or texting 903-951-8552. Parents are asked to make the request each day between 7:30 and 9 a.m. for their children. While not required, this will help the Saltillo iSD child nutrition department better plan each day.
Meal pick up will be 9-11 a.m. beginning Monday, March 23.
“Your child MUST be with you to receive a meal. State law mandates that the child/children are present during meal pick-ups. The Texas Education Agency has asked for a waiver for this requirement, however, it had not been approved as of March 18, 2020. If this changes we will let you know,” SISD stated in their announcement for the meal program.
The district Facebook page due have an option for people to contact Saltillo ISD officials via messenger.
Cumby ISD Out Until April 10
Cumby ISD Superintendent Shelly Slaughter Thursday morning reported the district, following reports from health and other officials regarding COVID-19 spread and concerns, will be extending suspension of regular operations through April 10. That means no classes at the Cumby ISD campus through that date, but doesn’t mean students won’t be required to do school work during that time.
The district will continue to monitor the situation and anticipates another update via the school website and school callout system for the community on Monday, March 30.
The situation regarding COVID-19 is rapidly changing. The week of April 3, CISD officials and other school officials throughout the county will work together and decisions will be made that week regarding school operations after the April 10 regular suspension of operations date.
Students should plan to return to school on Monday, April 13, originally scheduled as a bad weather holiday or make up day. Teachers will be contacting parents Thursday regarding the district’s plan for online instruction and school meal delivery, which will begin on Monday.
To register school meals, families are asked to complete the school lunch county survey on the school website.
“If there is a need to continue the suspension at that time, it would likely be for at least 3 more weeks beyond April 13th,” Slaughter stated in a news release Thursday.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Update: Still No Positive Coronavirus Cases
March 19th, 2020
In a scheduled teleconference this morning, the Hopkins County Emergency Management team updated KSST News on conditions of the newly mandated crowd limits and COVID-19 concerns. As of 11:15am, NO new positive test results have been returned on local citizens. The team reiterated the need for social distancing and the restrictions on social gatherings to no more than ten people.
Judge Newsom shared that his experience was that restaurants that were keeping their dining rooms open were adapting to the social distancing guidelines effectively. Other businesses are encouraging social distancing for their customers. It is also up to the public to practice these measures and avoid situations of exposure.
One of the toughest restrictions has come as funerals fall under the group size mandate. The county realizes this hardship for families, and encourages memorial services in the future. The protection of the health of all of our citizens is the main concern in this trying time.
Judge Newsom anticipates for this declaration to stay in effect for several weeks or more, although it is up to the County Commissioners to review the status each week, and decide whether to loosen or tighten restrictions.
Dan Flynn Updates Constituents On State Decisions On COVID-19
In a letter received by KSST News, Representative Dan Flynn updates his constituents on the latest information from the governor’s office concerning COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
New to the CHRISTUS Sulphur Springs family is Nurse Practitioner Chimdi Mfebe, now on staff in Dr. Mena Milad’s office of Gastroenterology. A delight to talk with, Chimdi’s passion for her work and patients was evident during her KSST Good Morning Show interview on Friday March 6, 2020. She has been a nurse for eleven years, having obtained a Master’s degree at Chamberlain University College of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois. After having studied a few different specialties including Neurology, the study of the nervous system, and Nephrology, which concerns liver function, she found she had a passion for the field of Gastroenterology. Chimdi is already seeing and treating a number of patients within Dr. Milad’s practice.
“March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and especially right now, we are spreading the word that you can promote a healthy digestive tract, keep your colon healthy and live longer, too, by adopting a low-fat diet and regular exercise. A colonoscopy, or colon screening, can help your doctor rule out disease and monitor other health issues, as well as suggest a treatment plan if disease is present. Also, there are new treatments for Hepatitis C, so patients who have had this condition need to see their doctor to find out more about the new 8 to12-week treatment cycle, which can be prescribed to make possible a 100% cure of HepC with the daily pill treatment”, stated Chimdi. “I am excited to meet patients at our clinic, and be part of the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs team of care providers!”
Cancelled: 55 Plus Health Fair, Hot Dog Lunch April 7
Karon Weatherman, Director of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, has posted these cancellations of community events.
Chamber Connection – March 19, 2020
We have woken up this morning continuing to live in strange, strange times. The truth is we are walking in uncharted waters, and things are going to continue to change by the hour. I want you to know that we understand you are sitting at your business wondering what to do, and quite honestly, might be pushing the pause button on fear because you know there’s just no room for it right now. You are making plans and being adaptable, and that is the right thing!
Our motto at the Chamber is Keep Moving Forward. In that spirit, I would like to ask a favor of you. We MUST shop local right now. We must eat local, shop local, LIVE local! Our small businesses NEED us, and we NEED them, too! Each time that you shop locally, please post a picture on Facebook and use the hashtag #loveourtownSS. Let’s begin a wave of promotion that is a light for all to see.
It seems dark outside, uncertain for sure. Hopkins County is known for how we treat each other in hard times. This, my friends, is one of them. Please be kind. Please be supportive. Love your neighbor. Check on your friends. Ask your kids if they are afraid. Be present. We don’t know how long this will last, so we will just take things one step at a time. We are here for you.
I reached out to our Chamber members early in the week to ask what modifications they have made to their businesses in an effort to be more available and helpful. The truth is, this information is changing by the hour. My plan was to publish a list detailing all information that I have received, but with it changing so fast, it will be different by the time you read this. Here is some concrete information that we have.
Restaurants
Most restaurants 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.
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 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.
Library, Senior Citizen Center
Closed indefinitely. Meal-A-Day is still making daily deliveries.
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.
Hospital
CHRISTUS has published these followable guidelines…
- Visitors must be 18 years or older.
- Visitation hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- An essential caregiver may be allowed to remain overnight with approval from the Charge Nurse.
- Visitors must complete the Visitor Screening Tool.
- Visitors must have a normal temperature.
- Patients and/or families should designate a point-person to communicate within the family about the patient’s status so as not to overwhelm our phone system.
- CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital Security and Hospital Associates may limit patient visitation to protect our patients, physicians, and/or associates.
Hospital Entrances:
- Main Lobby Entrance will be open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with clinical staff posted
- Emergency Department Entrance will be open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week with clinical staff posted
School districts in Hopkins County
All school districts in Hopkins County are accessing their situation by the day. Plans for upcoming weeks will be announced by the end of the week.
SSISD: FREE MEALS PROVIDED BY SSISD
- Beginning Tuesday, March 17th, SSISD Food Services will be providing FREE meals for ALL SSISD students AND any children who are between the ages of 1 – 18. Meals will be available for pick-up each Monday – Friday from 7:30 – 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
Both are open at this time with limited staff
Chamber of Commerce
We unfortunately are postponing our Book Club opening and the Lunch + Learn scheduled for March 27. These will be rescheduled.
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 March 19, S&S Professional Drafting Services.
Emory Man Arrested In Hopkins County On Controlled Substance Charge
A 38-year-old Emory man allegedly admitted to using illegal substances and having drug paraphernalia, which were then found during a vehicle search Tuesday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Chaney was stationary on the side of State Highway 19 when he first noticed a Chevrolet Impala backfire as it passed his patrol vehicle. Chaney took action to catch up to the car. As he did, the red car turned onto County Road 1116, then into the driveway for the Precinct 1 barn and continued onto the property, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
Chaney reportedly continued on CR 1116 until he found a driveway to turn around in, then headed back toward SH 19 south. He reported seeing the car traveling north on SH 19, just north of CR 1116. Chaney said he continued north as well. As he got closer to the car, he noted the driver turned into a driveway on the east side of the road. Chaney said he continued north, then turned around on CR 1174. At the intersection of CR 1174 and SH 19, he no longer saw the car. After turning south, he noticed red car at FM 1567 west, where it turned, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
Chaney reported a computer check using the car’s license plate showed no insurance for the vehicle. Chaney initiated a traffic stop based on the unconfirmed insurance and his suspicion that the driver’s actions were an effort to potentially cover criminal behavior, the deputy noted in arrest reports. The car reportedly stopped on FM 1567 west at FM 3389.
The deputy had the male and female occupants exit the car and, after obtaining consent, patted the 38-year-old man down, but found no contraband on him, according to arrest reports. When asked if there was any contraband in the car, the man identified in arrest reports as John Scott Thompson II allegedly admitted there was a bag of syringes on the front seat under the center console and that he actively uses illegal substances, according to arrest reports.
HCSO Deputy Mike Cleveland and Sgt. Shea Shaw arrived. Cleveland reportedly remained with the people that’d been in the car while Shaw and Chaney conducted a probable cause search of it.
Deputies allegedly located not only the bag of syringes but also other drug paraphernalia with a residue suspected to be methamphetamine on them. Both Thompson and the female passenger were reportedly placed into handcuffs while deputies continued their search of the Impala. A clear baggy inside of a satchel allegedly contained a white, crystal-like substance the deputies suspected was methamphetamine.
When deputies asked who the satchel and suspected methamphetamine belonged to, Thompson allegedly claimed both, resulting in Thompson’s arrest at 4:39 p.m. March 17. The female passenger was released; Shaw gave her a courtesy transport to a Sulphur Springs business, according to arrest reports.
Shaw and Cleveland inventoried the car, and, after it was towed, transported Thompson to Hopkins County jail. The suspected methamphetamine weighed 0.4 gram, including packaging, and tested positive for methamphetamine on a field test, resulting in Thompson being booked into jail for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
Thompson was released from Hopkins County jail Wednesday. His bond on the controlled substance charge was set at $5,000 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.
