Saltillo Sr. Class of 2021 Raising $ for Summer BasketBall
On Friday May 1, 2020, the girls of Saltillo Class of 2021 conducted a fundraiser at the Come and Eat Cafe located just down the road from the Saltillo school community at Weaver, Texas. From 2-8pm on the first day of ‘re-opening’ for the cafe, business was brisk at times and the girls had plenty to do. While two served as greeters at the door, the rest pitched in to take orders, refill glasses, bus tables and in general, just provide a healthy dose of optimistic hospitality to those who came in to eat. All sported their blue Saltillo school T-shirts by way of uniform. According to Susan Smith, Saltillo Booster Club Co-ordinator and who is also Cafeteria Director at Saltillo ISD, the funds raised from the cafe fundraiser will go toward the Summer Basketball Tournament Series which the team plans participate in starting in June. “Each tournament we enter has entry fees, and there are travel and overnight expenses, meals, etc. which the girls work hard to save for. Working together as a team is more than just on the basketball court; these girls are a team every day at school, and with their Senior year starting this Fall, they are all in to make it the best it can be! They want to start school in August as Tournament Champions!” Mrs. Smith is also the mom of twin teammates Maddy and Allie Smith. Additionally, Allie is a part-time employee of the Come and Eat Cafe. According to Maddy, “the fundraiser we are doing allows an opportunity to develop greater teamwork that carries over onto the court during practice and games”.
Other teammates chimed in to say, “helping customers at the cafe helps us gain social skills that some of us might not have a chance to learn”, and “we are gaining experience for life, learning new things and expanding our horizons”. 2020 graduate Jocelyn Ochoa was present to help out, and she stated, “when we interact with people while representing our school, like asking for donations for the summer basketball program, we develop new kinds of skills. And then, when we attend tournaments in other towns and states, we get exposed to different levels of sports talent which helps build our team”.
Blaze Damages County Road 1158 House
A blaze damaged a County Road 1158 home Friday afternoon. All occupants reportedly evacuated the structure without injury, according to fire reports
At 2:52 p.m. May 1, the Brashear resident told emergency dispatchers that a mattress in a bedroom had caught fire and was spreading. All occupants were out of the structure.
Arbala, Miller Grove, Cumby, Hopkins County, Brinker and Pickton-Pine Forest firefighters and sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the CR 1158 address. PPFVFD was disregarded prior to arrival, according to officials.
Upon arrival, firefighters began an interior attack of the older model wood-frame structure with tin roof. They were able to get the fire knocked down, but it gutted one bedroom. The rest of the house suffered significant smoke and heat damage as well, but the residents should be able to salvage some of their belongings
One resident reportedly told officials her 5-year-old detected smoke and reported it was in his bedroom. When she checked, the mattress was on fire. When it became apparent they would be unable to extinguish the blaze themselves, the residents got out and called for help, Hopkins County Fire Marshal Michael Matthews reported.
Based findings Friday, Matthews said the fire is believed to be accidental.
The Red Cross and Salvation Army were contacted to assist the family with their immediate needs.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of May 4, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of May 4, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.
Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building detours. The southbound Travis Street connector ramp onto southbound US 75 was closed permanently. Traffic is being detoured onto the frontage road to Park Avenue. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on installing temporary signals and building detours. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures between US 82 and SH 56. Crews will be performing utility work as well as constructing a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis St. intersection. Watch for shoulder closures as crews work on widening the roadway to add turn lanes.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for traffic shifts as workers widen FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
SH 160, Grayson County: from US 69 to Red Moore Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on performing base repairs.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 exit ramp for FM 691. During this phase, westbound Spur 503 to southbound US 75 traffic must use the frontage road through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on ramp after FM 691.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to lime treat the soils and place underdrains.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete slabs. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
SH 56, Grayson County: between FM 1417 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
US 377, Grayson County: between FM 902 and the Denton County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for a traffic shift near the SH 56 intersection in Honey Grove as crews work to build the new westbound lanes. Westbound traffic is being shifted to the eastbound side during this period. Watch for new exit ramps and entrance ramps near the FM 100 intersection.
FM 274, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 3321. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on performing base repairs.
SH 78, Fannin County: from Oklahoma State line to CR 1125. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on performing base repairs.
County Road 4920, Fannin County: at Indian Creek. County Road 4920 is closed at Indian Creek while crews remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4920 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 2998, Fannin County: at Cottonwood Creek. County Road 2998 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2998 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 897, Fannin County: from US 82 to CR 2950 in Lannius. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
SH 56, Fannin County: in Honeygrove at the US 82 intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway. TxDOT plans to remove the eastbound SH 56 ramp to US 82 on Friday, May 8. All traffic will follow SH 56 to the intersection with US 82.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
IH 30, Hopkins County: From SH 154 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From FM 2297 to SH 154. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews replace an existing drainage structure. Temporary traffic signals will direct traffic.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform milling operations.
FM 1448, Franklin County: From Wood County Line to FM 115. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 900, Hopkins County: I-30 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 19, Delta County: From SH 24 to Hopkins County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove existing pavement surface and lay new hot mix surface at spot locations throughout these limits.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to State Spur 38 (Bogata). Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install new end treatments on drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for crews as they perform prep right-of-way work.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures and traffic shifts while crews extend cross structures and widen pavement to install passing lanes.
US 82, Lamar County: from BU 82H to Red River County Line. Watch for daytime shoulder and lane closures while crews complete final backfill work at metal beam guard fence locations.
US 271, Lamar County: from FM 1499 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. Please be aware of lane closures and workers in this area. Weather permitting, they will resume work on the last box culvert extension, and widening County Roads 2666 and 2664.
SH 276, Hunt County: at Bull Creek, rip-rap repair project. The contractor is working on removing pilings used for replacing concrete rip-rap that has failed along SH 276. The contractor will do partial lane closures intermittently. Contractor crews may be present on this project on Saturdays, weather permitting. Please be careful when traveling in the area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County maintenance crews are working on repairing pot holes throughout Hunt County. Please be careful when driving in areas where our work vehicles are present. Crews are also working on sealcoat preparation.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
US 69 from Stonewall to BU69, Hunt County: The contractor has completed the mill and inlay work on this project, and is performing cleanup and minor handwork. Please be careful as lane closures are necessary and workers are present in the area.
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2 Men Jailed On Felony Warrants
Two men were jailed on felony warrants related to controlled substance charges in the last two days, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Adrian Pruitt arrested a 26-year-old Andy Tyler Lem Jones of Cumby Friday morning on two warrants for violation of probation, which Jones was on for possession of less 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Pruitt reported making a traffic stop on a white Ford Focus just before 7:30 a.m. May 1, 2020, on J.D. Franklin Drive at Randolph Street. Pruitt contacted the driver, identified in reports as Jones. A records check reportedly revealed the warrants, resulting in Jones’s arrest on both warrant, Pruitt noted in arrest reports.
Jones remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning on both charges. The arrest marks the second time in less than a month that Jones has been booked into Hopkins County jail. He was arrested just before 11 a.m. April 17 on Jackson Street at College Street, and booked into the county jail in the early morning hours April 18 on a driving while intoxicated charge, according to jail reports.
A 20-year-old Carrollton man was arrested April 30 on an October 2019 Denton County possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrant.
Cumby Police Sgt. Ray Embro, at approximately 11:50 p.m. Thursday, observed a blue Ford E350 van with no license plate light traveling on Interstate 30 west. The officer reportedly initiated a traffic stop near mile marker 109.
A records check revealed the driver, Juan Manuel Contreras, had an active Denton County warrant, which was confirmed. Embro took Contreras into custody. Contreras as then transported to Hopkins County jail. The van was released to the passenger, Embro noted in arrest reports.
Contreras was booked into Hopkins County jail on around 1 a.m. May 1 on the felony controlled substance warrant, then released later May 1. Bond was set at $5,000 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.
6th COVID-19 Case Reported In Hopkins County
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team Friday evening reported Hopkins County within 3 hours received notification of two positive cases of coronavirus confirmed by the state today, marking six total cases of COVID-19 reported in Hopkins County.
This is the second notification of a new case today, after going 26 days with no new cases. The first four individuals who were confirmed by lab testing through the state to have COVID-19 have already recovered. Both cases HCEMT were notified about Friday are the only known lab-confirmed active cases in Hopkins County at this time.
“I am very surprised, in a way, that we had a second confirmation. It’s a little after 6 p.m., and we have been notified of a second case here on May 1. This is one of the of 181 tested. This is one of the three we have been waiting for a week or more on results,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said.
The judge said while that’s six cases total the county has had, today, with the first four fully recovered, Hopkins County has only 2 active cases. The count started over May, businesses that opened earlier today under the 50 percent rule under won’t be affected by these two new cases.
“For retailers and and restaurants, it doesn’t affect us, except that we need to be praying for those who are sick,” Newsom said.
The “Texans Helping Texans: The Governor’s Report to Reopen Texas” specifically specifies in its minimum protocols for low COVID-19 counties allows the 50 percent capacity instead of 25 percent for reopened businesses and entities if: “The county had five or fewer COVID-19 laboratory confirmed cases on April 30, 2020 or, at a later date, five or fewer active COVID-19 cases as verified by DSHS,” and meet all other terms.
As was the case earlier in the day, no other details are yet known about these individuals. The cases have not been fully investigated yet.
Newsom noted that it is HCEMT’s understanding results from one more of the three pending tests have yet to be returned.
Thursday, over 80 specimens were collected at the mobile test collection at the Civic Center. Those test results are now pending as well.
Paris Junior College Students with COVID-19 Loss of Income Need New FAFSA
Many people have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Paris Junior College is currently working to process income changes related to the disaster.
PJC students with such an income loss, who plan to attend during this summer or fall needs to complete the appropriate FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov. Students should follow the instructions on the application.
Once complete, the student should email a COVID-19 Change of Income request to [email protected], submitting the required information. This will allow PJC to make the income adjustments to reflect the current income.
Those students who already have a Zero Estimated Family Income (EFC) from an already processed FAFSA do not need to make any changes, as they are receiving the maximum financial aid available.
“We encourage students to act now to prevent processing delays,” said PJC Financial Aid Director Linda Slawson.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report For April 22-27, 2020
Wednesday, April 22
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 7547 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:33 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:51 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4560 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:54 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2232 near Mineola, at approximately 11:18 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 5:48 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:44 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- At 8:25 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3250 near Quitman.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Pacific St. in Mineola; at approximately 8:40 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 9:46 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 11:38 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Thursday April 23
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2766 near Mineola, at approximately 3:16 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5518 near Alba, at approximately 4:13 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the homeowner and everything was OK.
- At 7:42 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2958 near Alba, at approximately 11:20 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 11:45 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
- At 12:59 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2958 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Yantis, at approximately 1:58 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3582 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:57 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. All parties were separated for the day.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1452 near Quitman, at approximately 4:35 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2425 near Mineola, at approximately 6:39 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:44 p.m., in reference to a possible theft on CR 2131 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6645 near Mineola, at approximately 11:29 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies made contact with the individuals and advised them to lower the volume of the music.
Friday, April 24
- At 1:35 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 1:58 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4730 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:28 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and they separated for the night.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Como, at approximately 9:06 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2292 near Mineola, at approximately 9:29 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, used the reporting party’s credit card without authorization.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2345 near Mineola, at approximately 10:07 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4531 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:19 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:32 p.m., in reference to a scam on CR 2590 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3486 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:53 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1602 near Alba, at approximately 6:22 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook point, at approximately 8:04 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2150 near Quitman, at approximately 8:36 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1823 near Yantis; at approximately 8:40 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Winnsboro boat ramp; at approximately 10:21 p.m. Charles Newman, 38, of Como, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:34 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1560 near Alba, at approximately 11:03 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Saturday, April 25
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2906 near Mineola, at approximately 1:15 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4165 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:23 a.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 Loop 564 near Mineola, at approximately 9:44 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2950 near Alba, at approximately 2:57 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1559 near Alba, at approximately 3:02 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 3:35 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4751 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Yantis, at approximately 3:48 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately 5:27 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4890 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:51 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies made contact with the individuals driving a four-wheeler and advised them to not drive on the roads.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Lake Hawkins point, at approximately 7:25 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at the Mineola Nature Preserve; at approximately 8:44 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2482 near Mineola, at approximately 9:23 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies made contact with the individuals and advised them to lower the volume of the music.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Yantis, at approximately 9:52 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies made contact with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1590 near Alba, at approximately 10:30 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2966 near Quitman; at approximately 10:43 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:46 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Sunday, April 26
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 1:06 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:31 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Newsome St. in Mineola; at approximately 8:50 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Pine St. in Winnsboro; at approximately 10:06 a.m. Haiden Black, 17, of Winnsboro, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2121 near Quitman, at approximately 10:06 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies made contact with the individuals and cleared the incident.
- At 10:56 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Yantis.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:04 p.m., in reference to theft on CR 2841 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Como, at approximately 1:29 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies made contact with the individuals and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:40 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, parties were separated.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 7:49 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a lawn mower from the reporting party’s property.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:04 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1799 near Mineola, at approximately 8:33 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 8:58 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4691 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:54 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the four-wheeler.
Monday, April 27
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 7:42 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1575 near Alba, at approximately 10:37 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies made contact with the reporting party and gave them advice.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 10:50 a.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 FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 1:23 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 1:24 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- At 1:53 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Como.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Cumbie St. in Hawkins; at approximately 1:57 p.m. Donnell Garner, 31, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1612 near Alba, at approximately 5:34 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 7:05 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1822 near Yantis, at approximately 7:44 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- At 10:21 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 49 near Mineola.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 11:24 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Agency Assists
Between the dates of April 22 and April 27, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Hawkins Police Department, Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, Quitman Police Department, Department of Public Safety, Mineola Police Department.
Jail Report
Total Jail Count – 120 inmates: 104 males and 16 females.
Reminders 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.
May 1, 2020 Re-opening Guidelines for the Sulphur Springs Public Library
HOURS FOR MAY
Monday through Friday 10-6
Regular opening MTWF 9-6, Thursdays 11-8 and Saturday 9-1 will
resume in June
RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE
If you feel sick or are sneezing or coughing, for the consideration,
comfort and safety of all, please stay home.
BOOKS
Curbside Service is extended through May
Limit of 10 books per card at checkout (or 20 per family)
Books must be returned at the book drop on the side of the building
COMPUTERS
8 computer stations will be available for 1 hour per person per day.
Please check in at front desk
NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE
Not available at this time
5th COVID-19 Case Reported In Hopkins County
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team Friday afternoon reported Hopkins County has another positive case of coronavirus confirmed by the state, marking the fifth case of COVID-19 reported in Hopkins County.
This is the first notification of a new case since April 4. The four other individuals who were confirmed by lab testing through the state to have COVID-19 have already recovered. The case they were notified about Friday is the only lab-confirmed active case known to the state and local officials in Hopkins County at this time.
“The good news is that it’s May 1. We made it through what I believed would be the hardest times of this crisis. We just received word we have a new confirmed case. We have no details about it yet,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said around 2:20 p.m. Friday, May 1.
Newsom said a nurse working under Dr. I.L. Balkcom should be helpful in getting more background information.
The news comes as many retailers and restaurants opened back up today with 50 percent occupancy, as allowed by the state for counties with 5 or fewer cases. Any additional cases would mean businesses would have to reduce occupancy to 25 percent.
“We are excited on that side of it for businesses, but are sad at the news of the new case. The four we have had have already recovered. It’s been good. Hopkins County has done extremely well,” Newsom said.
The new case is reported to be one of the 181 tests reported earlier this week. It is one of the three test results that were pending.
“That’s about 96 percent of cases tested have come back negative. This one was probably tested a week ago or more, we’ve been waiting 7-10 days,” Newsom reported.
At the mobile test collection site hosted Thursday at the Civic Center more than 80 tests were collected. The coordinators reported they were prepared for at least 100, and didn’t fill all the slots with first responders and people who had symptoms testing, the emergency officials reported.
When asked, with a sharp rise in a Paris nursing home last week, whether additional measures were needed or if there was concern for local nursing homes, Sulphur Springs Fire Chief David James reported our nursing and assisted care facilities were a week ahead of the official shutdown by local officials in Hopkins County.
The officials reported our facilities are closed not only to visitors but to all outside agencies. They are limited to only staff from the facility, with no traveling nurses. Any staff who have days off are screened carefully when returning to work. They report “owners of our local nursing homes are very, very cautious.”
To assist local restaurants and retailers in meeting guidelines regarding the maximum of 50 percent capacity rule and social distancing, the city and county fire marshals visited restaurants this week to help them figure out distancing. While capacity is important, the social distancing component is even more so. They are restricting people to no more than six per table, and keeping them 6 feet apart, James noted.
The HCEMT reported our local “restaurant do a fantastic job sanitizing and sterilizing.” They remind customers to newly reopened businesses the keep social distancing in mind as much as they can, and if they feel comfortable doing so in public, wearing a mask is their option.
TAMUC Alumni On The Front Lines Of COVID-19 Pandemic
COMMERCE, TEXAS— While the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic in many different ways, former Texas A&M University-Commerce public health students are helping their communities on the front lines and gaining first-hand experience in their fields.
Edward Monroy is a 2019 graduate from Fort Worth, Texas, who received his degree in public health at A&M-Commerce. He began his graduate studies at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, but the onset of the current pandemic has caused him to use his skills in an additional capacity.
“The Tarrant County Health Department approached our graduate program seeking any volunteer help we could give,” Monroy said. “I agreed to volunteer in the fight against this pandemic.”
Now, Monroy devotes at least 20 hours per week with his home county health department as a contact investigator in the county’s epidemiology department. This means that when someone in the county tests positive for COVID-19, he is called into action to investigate where this person might have contracted the virus, where they have been since and who else they have been in contact with, among other things.
“The main goal is to find out when and where they got the virus so we can determine who else is at risk or may have been infected to help slow the spread,” Monroy said. “We can also connect patients with vital resources they may need.”
He and about 60 other students from UNT’s Health Science Center are volunteering their time to Tarrant County, which has been no small task. According to the most recent data on April 30, more than 2,000 positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in the county.
Monroy says that while the current situation is challenging, the education he received at A&M-Commerce prepared him well.
“I feel like anyone who received a public health degree at A&M-Commerce is capable of handling what I do and more,” Monroy said. “I feel like I am well prepared to help this community.”
He adds that working on such a personal level with patients has taught him to be more empathetic. “This pandemic has really tapped into the human element of why we do what we do,” he said.
Another alumnus is also making waves in her community more than 1,700 miles from Commerce. Betzy Mundo is a 2019 public health graduate from A&M-Commerce. The Garland, Texas, native started her career as program coordinator with the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Oakland, California, less than a month ago, right as the pandemic was causing mass closures across the world.
“There have been some struggles so far,” Mundo said. “Half of our team is working from home, and we are missing a lot of the volunteer effort that the food bank is used to having.”
Alameda County is also feeling the effects of COVID-19, with more than 1,500 confirmed cases as of April 30. In response, Mundo and her team have made changes to their operations to meet residents’ needs.
“We have set up a drive-thru distribution system that limits the amount of contact between people,” Mundo said. “It helps us continue to give in a safer manner because the need is still so great.”
She added that from the first to second week of the new system, use of the drive-thru increased ten-fold.
Mundo says that her education at A&M-Commerce taught her to go past what is taught in a classroom and be proactive.
“My education as a public health student at A&M-Commerce taught me to go beyond the textbook,” Mundo said. “This school gives you many great opportunities if you are willing to take them.”
Dr. Elizabeth Wachira, assistant professor and director of the public health program at A&M-Commerce, stated that the current pandemic is a learning experience for students.
“The best way to learn about public health is to simply do and be public health. Our alums during their studies have the opportunity to make an impact in and outside our campus community to promote public health,” Wachira said. “It is exciting, though not surprising, that they have ‘boots on the ground’ to serve and use their knowledge to meet the demands at this time.”
