Bob Evans Foods Helps Feed 2,400 Families Friday
With the economic impact to many due to COVID-19 pandemic, Bob Evans Foods extended a neighborly hand Friday morning by donating boxes of egg and potato products to help some with food needs.
Bob Evans Foods officials contacted Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce officials about donating a large quantity of egg and potato products for the community. They along with Hopkins County Regional Civic Center staff worked out logistics of hosting a free food distribution. Saputo provided trailers to house the foods in overnight, according to Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Lezley Brown.
Once the drive-through distribution was worked out, Brown Wednesday announced the food would be available on Good Friday and asked the community to help spread the message so those in need would know about the opportunity to receive free food.
A team from the different businesses and organizations and volunteers met Thursday to pack the products brought in from Bob Evans’ Minnesota plan into 2,400 boxes, which were stored overnight on site in three “reefer” trailers provided by Saputo so they’d be ready to go April 10 at 9 a.m.
However, people began arriving around 6 a.m. at the Civic Center to line up for their turn to receive a box, which Bob Evans Foods HR Manager Andy Mendezona said included a few dozen hard boiled eggs, 3 quarts of liquid eggs, and bags of mashed, red, diced and shredded potatoes.
The line quickly grew to the point distribution organizers began putting boxes in vehicles ahead of the planned 9 a.m. start time. Working in teams, three to four cars were loaded at a time, taken an average of 9 seconds per car.
There were no requirements nor records. People had only to drive up, remain in their vehicles, allow the volunteer team to access either their trunk, truck bed or a side door, where the free box of edibles was placed, then exit through the Arena.
By 8:30 hundreds of cars lined the roadway, and continued to grow. Most, at that time, waited courteously and appreciatively for their turn to benefit from the gift offered by Bob Evans Foods.
At 10:30 a.m. April 10, the line continued to wind from Main Street near Reservoir Street to Hillcrest Drive, then continued north to Houston Street, turning south onto League, the continuing through Park Circle to Connally Street, entering behind the Civic Center near the Arena.
The distribution was planned through 3 p.m. or until they run out of food.
Dr. McDearmont, General Surgeon Seeing Patients at CHRISTUS Comprehensive Wound Healing Center
After moving to Sulphur Springs seven years ago, Dr. Scott McDearmont found a welcome home in Hopkins County for his experience as a General Surgeon, a field in which he he continues to serve. Right now, as he and many other specialists are also lending their expertise where most needed. Dr. McDearmont is treating patients at the CHRISTUS Comprehensive Wound Healing Center, or Wound Care department.
Recently, McDearmont completed supplemental training in wound care and hyperbaric treatments and began seeing patients in the Wound Care Center, which is located at the West end parking lot of the hospital. He joins Dr. Bill Dietze and Dr. Antonio Reyes, also in Wound Care. According to McDearmont, “the patients we see have wounds which have shown a significant amount of resistance to healing during an ample amount of time using standard treatments. These non-healing wounds may be diabetic wounds, post-operative wounds or other types. Here we offer many types of therapies, including topical treatments, skin substitute options for healing, and including hyperbaric treatments. Patients may have seen their regular doctor and gotten a referral, or decided on their own to try more specialized care. These are the types of patients we like to help”.
According to McDearmont, Hyperbaric oxygen treatment was researched in the 1950’s and 60’s, and first utilized by the Air Force and Navy for treating wounds from diving injuries. Today we know that when tissue is injured, it requires an increased amount of oxygen to survive and to heal. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, which promotes healing from the inside out. Today’s wound care can utilize a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, which the patient passes through, similar to an MRI chamber. A series of these oxygen treatments can bring satisfying results for many patients.
To be seen in the Comprehensive Wound Healing Center, you can be referred by your doctor, or you can come in by appointment. Sabrina Ball is Director of the Wound Care Center at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs, and is part of a highly-qualified four-nurse team which brings a total of 42 years of wound care experience. Ball stated “Patients can access our Wound Care Center from the western side of the hospital nearest The Gardens and EMS. We are inside the glass sliding doors, and curbside entry is provided. It is only a few steps to the doors, and anyone in a wheelchair or on a walker finds our Wound Care Center very easily accessible. Reach us by phone at 903-438-4670 and our staff is in Monday through Friday 8am til 5pm”.
Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week
Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers proclaimed the second week of April as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week in Sulphur Springs.
This a time to recognize the important role animal control officers have in law enforcement.
Sulphur Springs Police Department Animal Control Officers Barbi Blanch and Annie Patridge often put themselves in potentially dangerous situations to protect the health and welfare of animals and the public. These ladies work indefatigably at the shelter caring for abused, mistreated and homeless animals. They provide valuable education on animal related topics for the community.
They and volunteers work hard to see that every animal has a chance at a forever home, including posting information on lost pets, and dogs and cats available for adoption on the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter Facebook page. Folks from the shelter also, when conditions allow, partner with local businesses or groups to host pet adoption events on weekends.
Not even a pandemic that requires social distancing stop officers from doing all they can to find loving homes for the four-legged critters entrusted to their care. Folks from the city’s animal shelter post pictures of animals found in the city in an effort to reunite them with their owners and try to find homes for those whose stay at the shelter is longer. They are available most weekdays and some weekends, by appointment, especially during this time of social distancing and closure of city buildings to the public.
Thanks Barbi and Annie for the valuable service you perform for our community. If you see these ladies out and about, thank them for their dedication.
Governor To Lift Certain Telehealth Restrictions, Expands Options
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has temporarily waived a series of regulations to lift certain telehealth restrictions and expand telehealth options as Texas responds to COVID-19.
These waivers will allow a smart phone or any audio-visual, real-time, or two-way interactive communication system to qualify as a telecommunications technology that can be used to provide certain telehealth services. These waivers apply to speech-language pathologists and audiologists, behavior analysts, hearing instrument fitters and dispensers, and dyslexia therapists and practitioners
“As the State of Texas works to limit the spread of COVID-19, we also want to make sure that Texans have access to the health services they rely on,” said Governor Abbott. “By temporarily waiving these regulations and expanding telehealth options, more Texans will be able to access the care they need while still following social distancing practices.”
Sulphur Springs City Council Approves Curfew, Postpones Election
The April meeting of Sulphur Springs City Council may have been delayed while technical kinks were worked out of the viewing and teleconferencing systems but, once under way, officials wasted no time Tuesday night making short order of the agenda.
Due to the stay at home safe and social distancing parameters in place during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Sulphur Springs City Council members and city staff signed in for a Zoom videoconferencing meeting.
Community members were able to use a provided link to watch the meeting live online. Although afforded the opportunity to comment during public hearing and public forum portions of the meeting, no calls were received via the designated phone line during the meeting. The meeting began at 7:22 p.m. and concluded at 8:16 p.m. April 7.
Curfew for Minors
The Curfew for minors ordinance was unanimously approved by all four members of the council.
City Attorney Jim McLeroy noted there had been no revision of the policy since the official first reading in March. The measure was tabled and put on hold in both January and February.
“This does have a 2-year sunset provision. We’ll see how this goes and, hopefully, this will help our police department have some enforcement as needed,” Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers said.
The curfew ordinance includes a 2-year” sunset provision,” which will give the community time to try it out for two years, then decide whether or not to extend it or allow it to expire at the end of the two years, according to the city attorney.
McLeroy reported the city hadn’t really received feedback over the last month, save a few positive comments.
A curfew was proposed after a couple of downtown business women in expressed concerned in December about the number of unsupervised middle school-aged youth congregating around downtown on weekends and late at night.
The curfew, as proposed, goes into effect on May 1, 2020 and would remain in place until April 30, 2022. The city ordinance will require minors younger than 16 years of age to be accompanied by an adult if in public between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday-Thursday or 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
Exceptions to this policy would include emergency, work, being in the company of a guardian, running errands for a parent or guardian, if the minor is exercising First Amendment rights protected by the United States
Constitution, or married or has been married. The youth would be allowed to be on the sidewalk outside the home or neighboring residence as long as the neighbor doesn’t report them to the police.
Also an acceptable exception is if the minor is attending “an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the city, the Sulphur Springs Independent School District, a civic organization, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor, or going to or returning home from, without any detour or stop, an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the city, the Sulphur Springs Independent School District, a civic organization, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor.”
Special Election
As anticipated the City Council unanimously agreed the Special City Council Election slated May 2 would be postponed until Nov. 3, when it will be conducted along with the General Election.
The City Council on Feb. 4 called a General Election on May 2 for Place 6 and Place 7, as well as a Special Election Places 1-3 and 5, to replace council members who resigned in December. On March 3, the City Council cancelled the General Election due to the absence of contested races.
On March 18, Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation authorizing political subdivisions that would otherwise hold elections on May 2, 2020, to move their general elections for 2020 to Nov. 3, 2020, due to public health and safety concerns related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
McLeroy noted that in the last correspondence from the Governor’s Office those with May 2 election were “more strongly encouraged than recommended” to postpone the election until November.
City Manager Marc Maxwell said the city really has no choice but to postpone the election. In addition to public health concerns due to COVID, the city had been notified by the company that programs election machines that would not be able to program them for the May election day anyway.
Sellers said postponing the election could potentially mean bigger voter turnout as many who might not normally vote in smaller local elections do tend to turn out for the General Elections for state and national officers in November.
Councilman Doug Moore asked how moving the Special Election to November would affect voting. He asked if voting would be conducted all over the city or county, and whether there’d be a separate ballot for Sulphur Springs residents to vote for their choices for council member.
City Secretary/Elections Officer Gale Roberts reported the election would be conducted in the same manner as the November 2019 Special Election to allow a portion of EDC funding to go to the city to construct a new Senior Citizens Center and improvements at Pacific Park.
Litzler noted that after approving the resolution to postpone the Special Election, the City Council will be required before Aug. 17 to adopt a revised order that includes information for voting places, election judges and alternates.
“By postponing the election date, the City is preserving all candidate filings and ballot order actions that have already taken place. This postponement does not have the effect of reopening candidate filings,” the resolution states.
Place 1 has four candidates: Jay W. Julian, Mark Bradley, Vanessa Diosdado and Justin M. Brown. Place 5 has two candidates: Ricardo Chavarria and Gary Spraggins. Harold Nash Sr. was the only candidate to file for Place 2. Oscar Aguilar was the only candidate filing for Place 3.
Pretreatment Ordinance
The City Council also approved on first reading Ordinance No. 2766 amending and updating Pretreatment Ordinance No. 2538.
James Jordan with the city’s utilities department explained that the city has a pretreatment ordinance in place that requires industrial users to pretreat their wastewater to a certain standard. The proposed ordinance does not include significant changes, and most of the changes are fine tuning the document.
The ordinance, as proposed, “gives legal authority and outlines the procedures to implement a revised industrial pretreatment program. It sets sewer discharge parameters and requirements that each industry must meet in order to discharge into the city’s sewer system. The changes are required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and should have no financial impact,” city staff reported.
Maxwell noted only three industries in town produce any effluent, which would impact them. City staff recommended approving the ordinance request, he noted.
The 40-page document can be viewed on the City of Sulphur Springs website, under the City Council link on the main page, then by selecting it from the Ordinances menu.
Clearwell Modification, PH Enhancement
Also as recommended, the City Council at the April 7 meeting rejected the bid received for Clearwell Modification and PH Enhancement at the Water Treatment Plant.
“The bid’s drastically higher than predicted. I don’t want to downplay this project. It’s on the state’s radar. It needs to happen, but we want to be good stewards for city. I suggest we reject the bid and find out where we’re going to be in the next few months,” said Jordan, referring to the current COVID-19 pandemic and it’s potential economic impact on the city.
The City Council agreed to reject the bid.
Other Items
The council also approved a new $4,000 per step increase in pay for all certified police officers at Sulphur Springs Police Department to help with retention and recruitment of officers.
City Secretary Gale Roberts presented the consent agenda, which includes meeting minutes from city board and council meetings. It received council approval.
The Marc Maxwell gave the monthly city manager’s report on capital improvements, wastewater treatment plant operations, and accidents and claims for the month.
Finance Director Lesa Smith gave a presentation on how city staff think the COVID-19 pandemic might impact the city. She noted things is currently doing and potential ways to recover from economic impact of COVID-19.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report April 1-7, 2020
Wood County Sheriff’s report April 1-7, 2020
April 1
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:56 a.m., in reference to an animal complaint on PR 7131 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 10:21 a.m., in reference to a traffic hazard. Deputies located the trailer that had already been moved out of the roadway, prior to their arrival.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:12 p.m., in reference to a dispute on Whitefoot near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 3:18 p.m., in reference to an animal complaint. Deputies located the dogs and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3250 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:49 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies attempted to gain access to the property, but were unable to do so.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:12 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on FM 1254 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6938 near Alba, at approximately 5:53 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:40 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 8:16 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:21 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
April 2
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2163 near Quitman, at approximately 1:48 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1426 near Quitman; at approximately 2:00 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7131 near Mineola, at approximately 8:33 a.m., in reference to an animal complaint. Deputies gave the owners advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 2:51 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 4:01 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2118 near Quitman, at approximately 4:30 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:50 p.m., in reference to a scam on HWY 80 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:25 p.m., in reference to a scam on CR 3859 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 6:50 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the homeowner and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1416 near Quitman; at approximately 7:47 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 near Mineola, at approximately 8:42 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actors.
April 3
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 12:28 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Beaulah St. in Hawkins, at approximately 4:56 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies determined a delivery driver entered the wrong code by accident and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:02 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 7:32 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1612 near Alba.
At 8:39 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Holbrook point; at approximately 12:00 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2689 near Hawkins; at approximately 1:56 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 2:41 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
At 3:24 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2351 near Mineola, at approximately 6:26 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 8:06 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Shawn White, 42, of Quitman, was arrested for Burglary of Habitation and Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 9:47 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
April 4
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 2:50 a.m., in reference to shots fired. A known actor fired a gun towards an individual. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Quitman, at approximately 3:14 a.m., in reference to a structural fire. Quitman Fire Department extinguished the fire and the incident was cleared.
At 11:12 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4440 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Holbrook beach; at approximately 12:52 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
At 2:20 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2100 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3420 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:28 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and transported to their residence by EMS.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:45 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3460 near Hawkins; at approximately 5:25 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 6:30 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2320 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3118 near Quitman, at approximately 10:20 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Donald Moss, 44, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury of Family/Household Member – Impede Breathing/Circulation and Resist Arrest Search or Transport.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 11:28 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
April 5
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 4:01 a.m., in reference to damage to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 10:15 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3750 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:12 p.m., in reference to disorderly conduct. A known actor drove by and pointed a gun at the reporting party. This case is forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2298 near Mineola, at approximately 5:44 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1210 near Quitman, at approximately 6:53 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3580 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:50 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 person on Loop 564 near Mineola; at approximately 8:00 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2140 near Quitman; at approximately 11:00 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
April 6
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 12:02 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 2:13 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
At 4:01 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 4930 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2270 near Mineola, at approximately 6:14 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 7:57 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
At 1:45 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:53 p.m., in reference to a dispute on CR 2280 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 3:30 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2700 near Mineola, at approximately 5:17 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4798 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:22 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s storage building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6662 near Mineola, at approximately 7:25 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 9:38 p.m., cows were reported out on Lloyd St. in Yantis.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:41 p.m., in reference to a dispute on CR 3118 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1700 near Yantis, at approximately 10:48 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
April 7
Deputies were dispatched to Cumbie St. in Hawkins, at approximately 1:03 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and determined it was a civil matter.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Holley St. in Alba; at approximately 3:12 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 4:16 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:44 p.m., in reference to a possible assault on HWY 80 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:30 p.m., in reference to a dispute on FM 2659 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3650 near Hawkins; at approximately 9:04 p.m. The individual was located and transported to the hospital by EMS.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4700 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:33 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actors.
Deputies were dispatched to Estate Lane in Yantis, at approximately 9:49 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the incident.
At 10:57 p.m., horses were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to Comanche near Quitman, at approximately 11:59 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Agency Assists
- Between the dates of April 1 and April 7, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Hawkins Police Department, Emergency Medical Service and Rains County Sheriff’s Office.
Total Jail Count
- 121 inmates
- 102 males
- 19 females
Reminders from Sheriff Castloo
Sheriff Thomas 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.
Tira News – April 9, 2020
By Jan Vaughn
Tira resident Judy Moore, director of Hopkins County Community Chest, and her son, Gene, lost their house to fire on Tuesday, April 7.
Their neighbor, Janie Lewis, reported that firefighters from Tira, North Hopkins, Sulphur Bluff, Dike, Klondike, Hopkins County, and Delta County fire departments came to fight the destructive fire. She adds that a lot of other people stopped by to help and shared that the Salvation Army provided drinks.
I spoke with Judy and she said the “firemen were awesome.” They were able to get her dogs out. She said the dogs are suffering from smoke inhalation and they are still “terrified,” but she is thankful that they survived.
I asked her what the community could do and she said just continue to pray and love on them. Also, if anyone knows of a house for rent in Tira or the surrounding area, she would be interested in looking into a place to stay while she figures out the next steps.
The Tira Community Center remains closed through the end of April. The closure could be extended if necessary.
The Tira Food Pantry is still being stocked. Joyce Dodd reported receiving a monetary donation from Martha Payton and her brother, Von Honzell. Contributions are always needed and appreciated. I, also, want to express thanks to the council members who volunteer to fill the pantry on an ongoing basis.
I haven’t heard of any activities in the community. I’m sure most of us are staying home. It’s been nice to have some sunny days, when we could sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Joyce Dodd recently expressed her thankfulness for living in the country, where folks can get outside to walk and work in their yards and kids can play and ride their bikes. I agree that we are blessed to live in the great community of Tira.
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].
SBDC Offering April 9 Webinar On Disaster Injury Loans, Payroll Protection
A Question & Answer webinar will be held Thursday, April 9, at 4 p.m. by the North Texas Small Business Development Center. Small business owners can log into the webinar to listen to overviews of the Small Business Administration Disaster Injury Loans and the Payroll Protection Program offered through local financial institutions for COVID-19 relief.
Payroll Protection, Disaster Injury Loans
The SBA Disaster Injury Loan has the option of a $10,000 cash advance. This advance is forgivable if used for payroll and rent. Then, business owners have the option of taking loan funds at a low interest rate, but don’t have to decide right away. Those who are okay right now but may not be in three months down the road can choose to accept that money at that time. Business owners have six months to decide if they need to accept the loan or not accept it.
The Payroll Protection Program is to help pay business employees. This program is separate from the SBA Disaster Injury Loan. Business owners will contact a local banker to apply for this stimulus money.
For More Information
Business owners are encouraged to seek advice from their local banker or from the local SBDC. The SBDC offers free business consulting, and they will be able to answer questions with the knowledge given to them.
“Don’t sit and suffer because you are afraid of the term ‘loan.’ Go ahead and learn as much as you can, because knowledge helps us make our best decisions,” said Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Lezley Brown.
The local SBDC may be contacted at the main number, 903.782.0224. Jim Struwe may be contacted at [email protected] or 903.782.0206 and Jennifer Johnston at [email protected] or 903.782.0223. There is also an appointment request link on the SBDC website.
The webinar covering Disaster Injury Loans and Payroll Protection Program will begin at 4 p.m. today (April 9). The meting topic is “SBA Disaster Assistance Response to the Coronavirus: EIDL & PPP Updates Presentation, Q&A with Susheel Kumar.”
Join the Zoom meeting at:
https://parisjc.zoom.us/j/384470662?pwd=ZTk4YSsyV0VuQnJKTGkyOU5zZHR1UT09
The meeting ID is 384 470 662; and the password is 427107
Two Arrested Following Disturbance Complaints
Two people were arrested following disturbance complaints at Sulphur Springs residences Wednesday, according to police and sheriff’s reports.
The first disturbance was reported at a Wildcat Way apartment complex just before 8 a.m. April 8. Upon arrival, Sulphur Springs Police officers contacted the parties alleged to have been involved in the disturbance, according to arrest reports.
Based on their investigation, officers determined an assault had occurred prior to their arrival, the officers noted in arrest reports. A 58-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was alleged to have been the primary aggressor in the disturbance in which the alleged victim, reportedly a younger family member, sustained bodily injury, police alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, the 58-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was arrested on Wildcat Way for assault causing bodily injury to a family or household member. She remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning on the Class A misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
The second disturbance was reported on FM 2560 shortly before 11 p.m. April 8.
Hopkins County Sheriff Office deputies responded to a verbal disturbance at the address. Upon arrival, deputies assessed the situation. Deputies believed there could be further family violence if a 25-year-old man were left at the residence, the deputies alleged in arrest reports. The Sulphur Springs man was also found to have outstanding misdemeanor warrants, according to arrest reports.
Consequently, the man was arrested on FM 2560 at 11:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 , not for assault but on to warrants for no driver’s license and one for failure to maintain financial responsibility, according to arrest reports. He was released from the county jail Thursday morning, April 9, on the 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.
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.
Como Teen Arrested For Allegedly Threatening His Neighbors
A Como teen was arrested for allegedly threatening his neighbors Wednesday afternoon.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Communications Operators at 2:30 p.m. April 8 received a call about a suicidal person, possibly someone with a firearm at Westgate park in Como, deputies reported. While deputies and investigators were en route to the address, dispatchers further reported they’d been told the teen had “made statements he was going to shoot himself” and planned to walk across the street and “kill his neighbors,” HCSO Deputy Aaron Chaney noted in arrest reports.
Deputies arrived at the address, but weren’t able to contact the teen. Dispatchers, however, contacted him via phone; he was reported to be riding his bicycle in the area of FM 69, north of Joe Bob’s store in Como. Deputies reportedly located the teen in Joe Bob’s driveway.
The teen reportedly gave deputies his pass code to unlock his phone so they could look through it. When deputies searched the phone, they allegedly discovered messages in which statements were made threatening to kill two people, who deputies believed were his neighbors. The messages stated the person sending them “was going to wait until dark to shoot out the security lights by his neighbors’ house and beat his neighbor with a golf club,” deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, the 17-year-old Como resident was taken into custody at 3:50 p.m. Wednesday and transported to Hopkins County jail for making a terroristic threat toward neighbors, according to arrest reports. The 17-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning on the Class A misdemeanor 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.
