PJC Urges Business Owners To View Online SBA Informational Meeting
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
Public Information Services
Paris SBDC to hold Tuesday (March 31) online Q&A for small business emergency loans
The Paris Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been fielding many questions and assisting businesses with loan applications due to revenue loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to help local businesses navigate these difficult economic times, the SBDC will hold a virtual meeting through Zoom videoconferencing from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, to answer questions. Presenting will be Paris SBDC Director Jennifer Johnston, and Small Business Administration DFW Lead Economic Development Specialist Ahmad Goree, addressing the
funding and sustaining of small businesses. “This would be of interest to city administrators, Chamber of Commerce staff, Economic Development Corporations, lenders, and small businesses to gain information and address concerns about applications and resources to utilize,” said Johnston. Topics will include the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, SBA Funding Options for Business Liquidity, an update on the Care Act Loan Forgiveness, and local questions. “Our state and national leadership are aggressively working to respond to current business conditions,” Johnston said, “and updates continue to stream down the communication chain. We’ll be identifying some of the questions to support businesses’ decision to act. The SBA has various loan programs to support local business growth, and the videoconference will be committed to discussions relative to these unprecedented economic times.”
“The SBA EID Loan’s purpose is to provide working capital liquidity to eligible business owners who demonstrate the capacity to repay. The terms of these loans can up to 30 years with a low interest of 3.75 percent.
To join the Zoom meeting from a computer, go
to https://parisjc.zoom.us/j/669451007?pwd=T0VIb0dVbVFNaUVwYUMyQnNXVFpPUT09 and enter the Meeting ID: 669 451 007. To connect from a mobile phone, dial 1-346-248-7799,
and enter the Meeting ID: 669 451 007 and #.
Paris SBDC is a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Texas, and Paris Junior College. Advising services are offered by the Paris SBDC without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, sex, or disability. Special provisions will be made for limited English speaking individuals and those with disabilities. For questions, please contact the Paris SBDC at 903-782-0224.
No Injuries Reported In County Road 2392 Blaze
A mobile home in the Pickton area was destroyed by a fire late Tuesday morning. No injuries were reported in the County Road 2392 blaze, according to fire reports.
Hopkins County, Pickton-Pine Forest, Como, Brinker and Saltillo firefighters were dispatched at 10:16 a.m. March 31, to what was reported as a structure fire on County Road 2392 near Pickton. Hopkins County sheriff’s officers responded to assist at the scene as well, according to firefighters.
Upon arrival, PPFVFD members reported the structure had burned beyond salvaging. All other responding departments except Hopkins County Fire Department were disregarded prior to arrival, according to fire reports.
The resident reportedly told firefighters his dog barking woke him up. He said he saw heavy smoke and exited with his dog, getting a safe distance from the blaze before calling for help. Neither the occupant nor dog were reported to have been injured; the home and its contents were destroyed, however, the county fire marshal reported.
The cause of the blaze at this time is undetermined. The resident indicated he will be able to at least temporarily stay with relatives, according to HCFD reports.
(Photos Courtesy Pickton-Pine Forest VFD)
Dinner Bell for April 1, 2020
A big thank you to the Cross Country Cowboy Church and the Lions Club, Community Partners while we were closed.
CHANGE, we must in these times. Meals will be prepared and packaged to go. They can be secured under the covered walk way at the northern edge of the First United Methodist Church campus. There is no inside dining until further notice. Dinner Bell’s mission is to feed and not endanger the health of our friends. Drive between the buildings and continue to turn right. Meal distribution is under the covered area.
Chicken Spaghetti
Salad and Ranch Dressing Cups
Buttered Bread Slices
Apple
The distribution starts at 11:45 a.m. We ask that you take as many meals as are persons in your car. Around 12:30 you may pick up meals for members of your family not in the car. Please follow this plan so that no one goes unfed. Our process is designed to hand out meals. Persons who try to receive more meals than allowed violate the mission of this ministry. COOPERATE and ALL may be fed. This is GRAB and Go DINNER BELL!
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
The Texas Two-Step Method To Control Fire Ants
By Charlotte Wilson, Hopkins County Master Gardener
We have been battling fire ants in our orchard and gardens for 15 years with pretty poor results. We treated mounds and a month later a new mound would appear five feet away. Every spring and fall we would have to completely retreat a bunch of new mounds.
I would like to explain the Texas Two-Step Method, created by Michael Merchant and Bastiaan Drees with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. We treated a 2-acre area in September and 7 months later, I can still see a big difference. A few mounds have appeared so I will again treat using the Texas Two-Step Method as soon as the weather warms up a bit.
The first step is to broadcast one of the many excellent fire ant baits over your entire yard. When collected by foraging ants, bait particles are carried to all colonies in the yard and shared with queens and other ants in the underground nests. This controls visible as well as hidden fire ant nests.
The second step is to spot treat any individual mounds that appear, or those that need immediate control, such a mound in a play area or vegetable garden.
Two types of spreaders can be used to broadcast fire ant baits. The type you use depends on the bait you choose. Read the label! It will tell you which spreader to use. One pass over the area is generally sufficient, as the amounts are low. Our spreader was set on the lowest setting and we were surprised at the small amount of pesticide that sprinkled on the ground. Follow the label instructions as to how much to apply. Using more than the label recommendations will only waste pesticide and your money. Using too much may also create runoff into sensitive outdoor areas such as ponds, pools, and storm drains.
Baits do not kill ants overnight, so be patient. Products containing indoxacarb, hydramethylnon and spinosad work the fastest, around two weeks. Baits that contain an insect growth regulator (such as fenoxycarb, pyripoxifen or methoprene) usually require 2 to 6 months for control, but they generally do not need to be reapplied more than once every 1 or 2 years if you treat 1 or 2 acres.
It is important to apply baits at the right time. Ants actively forage when soil temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees. This time of the year may be warm enough.
If you live in town, consider asking your neighbors to join you in fire ant control. It takes longer for fire ants to re-infest when larger areas and multiple yards are treated with the Two-Step Method.
I hope you try this program. I can honestly recommend it to people treating their city yards or those with acreage.
WiFi, Other Options Available For SSISD Students Who Do Not Have Internet
As Sulphur Springs ISD continues its online school programing during the COVID-19 school closure, district administrators report the availability of four options for SSISD students who do not have internet at home
SSISD reports at Suddenlink/Altice, Sprint Mobile, T-Mobile, Verizon and SatPro Wireless Entertainment all offer reduced rates, special plans or free or additional options to help families during COVID-19 pandemic.
The District is checking out Kajeet Hot Spots to students who need and can use them. SSISD has ordered extra devices have been ordered and will be distributed as they become available. Families in need should let their child’s teacher know if this could be an option for their student.
The District is also using WiFi equipped buses as hubs for student use. Bus Hub WiFi will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Gerald Prim Stadium west parking lot, located at 1000 Houston St. Students must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, all visitors must exercise sound social distancing protocols (recommended to remain in vehicle). All SSISD Student Code of Conduct rules apply. To access Bus Hub Wifi, the student can connect to “smart_bus” using the password “wildcats123”.
Student devices can access SSISD building WiFi from some parking locations in the district. Parking lot hub WiFi will also be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day at certain parking areas at most SSISD campuses. Students must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, all Hub visitors must exercise social distancing protocols (remain in your vehicle while using SSISD WiFi), and all SSISD Student Code of Conduct rules apply. This wireless internet connection will only connect to SSISD issued iPads and student laptops.
Check out the Sulphur Springs ISD website or Facebook link for a map of facility parking lot WiFi hubs and more information related to distance learning, the meal program for kids 1-18 and other services available to students and their families during the COVID-19 school closures.
DSHS Offers Tips To Help Prevent The Spread Of COVID-19
With more cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported daily across in the state, nation and world, the need is even more important for people to follow Texas Department of State Health Services tips to help CDC recommends these tips to help prevent the spread Of COVID-19 or any virus, according to local and state health officials.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person: between people who are in close contact, within 6 feet, of one another; and via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Thus, the CDC and DSHS offer these tips to help prevent the spread of COVID‑19:
- Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.
- If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
DSHS also recommends that you start practicing social distancing. Social distancing involves staying away from other people to avoid catching or spreading illness. It’s a fancy term for avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact. This could mean avoiding concerts or weddings, skipping the handshake, and/or staying at least 6 feet away from others.
COVID-19 Update: Third Positive Case Reported March 30 In Hopkins County
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team Monday, March 30, reported a third positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Hopkins County, marking the second case reported in two days. The individual, as was the case with the two prior who tested positive for Coronavirus, is in isolation, the HCEMT reported.
Very little is known about the case, as the Department of State Health Services takes over the investigation after the case is confirmed; if and when officials receive additional information that can be shared with the public they will released it. They were just notified of the third case Monday afternoon, the local officials reported.
The first case was reported on Tuesday, March 24, the second case was reported on Sunday, March 29. The county has had 62 potential cases that met the requirements for testing in Hopkins County in the last 15 days. As of March 27, 44 cases were pending results, 16 cases were confirmed negative through screening either by a local healthcare provider or DSHS, Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS reported at 10 a.m. Monday. Monday afternoon, one of the 44 pending cases came back with a positive result, marking the third positive COVID-19 case in the county, HCEMT reported.
The HCEMT stressed the important as more cases of COVID-19 are diagnosed for people to continue practicing social distancing, and remaining at home when not necessary. While no shelter at home order is in place, the need to reduce spread of germs by staying in grows with each case, the officials reported.
“We want to remind people only one person needs to leave the house to get supplies. Use common sense to not leave house when not required. We want businesses to not suffer. You can still go to get supplies. Only one person should go to get food. If you take them, kids should stay in car with another adult or the kids should be left at the house with another adult. We’ve had a lot report seeing families going to Walmart shopping as family. Only one person out of the household needs to leave the house to get supplies. Even if they are shopping at Lowe’s or wherever else, it’s still OK to get supplies, but please use only one member of thee household to get them,” Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tanner Crump urged.
The HCEMT encourages community members to follow the guidelines listed on the Texas Department of State Health Services website; they also are available in Spanish by clicking here or on the Hopkins County Texas Emergency Management Facebook page where all updates are being posted.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator (HCFD Chief) Andy Endsley and Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Coordinator (SSPD Chief) Jason Ricketson urge heed the social distancing orders from the President, Governor Greg Abbott, Hopkins County Commissioners Court and Judge Robert Newsom. The orders recommend people who do gather keeps groups to 10 people or less. They remind people the importance of no social gatherings at this time to slow down the spread of illness in the community.
The emergency management officials also asked via their Facebook page for any business that has certified n95 masks to spare or for sale, to text or call Sulphur Springs Fire Department at 903-335-0300.
Como-Pickton CISD Closure Extended Through May 1
Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Greg Bower announced Monday afternoon, in a letter addressed to parents and students, that school will likely remain closed through May 1, due to COVID-19. The decision for the Como-Pickton CISD Extended closure was made following the President’s extension of social distancing guidelines through the end of April.
Bower announced May 4 as a tentative restart date for Como-Pickton CISD unless state, federal and local officials decide an earlier date if more appropriate.
Bower encouraged parents to use the instructional materials sent home to their children as to help guide students’ learning while the campus is closed. Parents who struggle in helping their children are encouraged to reach out to their child’s teacher or campus; staff are available from home to help students.
Meals
The school meal program continues to offer meals for children. Last week, CPCISD prepared, distributed and delivered approximately 1,000 meals to children in need. CPCISD plans to continue offering this for students as long as resources allow, Bower wrote in the letter.
Como-Pickton CISD offers lunch and breakfast for students. A drive-up pick-up service is available between 10:15 and 11:15 a.m., Monday through Friday, at the front entrance of the elementary school.
In order to prepare the correct number of meals each day, families are asked to call the School Closure Student Meal Hotline, 903-488-8895, the day prior to picking up the child’s meals. The hotline will be answered Friday for Monday meal pick-up. Hotline hours will be 8-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday.
While all who are able are encouraged to participate in the pick-up process, the school realizes there are instances where that’s not possible. District staff will deliver meals if it’s “impossible for you to make arrangements to pick them up,” district resources permitting.
Any further questions may be made to the Student Meal Hotline from 8-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday, or may be emailed to the child’s campus principal.
COVID-19 Update: 62 In Hopkins County Met Screening Requirements
Hopkins County officials reports 62 potential cases have met testing requirements over the last 15 days, up from 53 potential cases meeting requirements on March 27. So far, local and state health sources have reported only 2 cases have come back from testing as positive for COVID-19, according to Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS. It’s taking more than a week to get results back after testing, so not all results are back yet.
The estimated number of screenings of COVID-19 sent off for definitive testing to either a Private Lab or Texas Department of State Health Services (TX-DSHS), according to a HCHD/EMS press release, are:
- 62 potential cases that met testing requirements. (Testing requirements in place from TX-DSHS & CDC)
- Number of cases pending results from Private Labs or TX-DSHS = 44
- Confirmed Negative screened cases = 16
- Confirmed Positive screened cases = 2 in Hopkins County per local healthcare providers or TX-DSHS.
- Results from screenings are taking an average 10 business days to get a result from the Private Labs or TX-DSHS Labs.
Across the state, 35,880 have been tested, with 2,877 cases confirmed and 34 deaths, according to TX-DSHS. In the United States and it’s territories, 122,653 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed and 2,112 deaths reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Questions about screening or guidance should be directed to your local physician or 903-606-DOCS (3627). Those who do not have local physician, may go to the Christus Urgent Care Center, located at 1339 South Broadway St. in Sulphur Springs.
Anyone feeling short of breath or having trouble breathing are urged by HCHD/EMS to call 911.
The Hopkins County emergency officials urge community members to continue practicing social distancing and proper hand washing to help slow the spread and process of the coronavirus.
Hopkins County Hospital District recommends people stay informed by following the CDC and DSHS websites and your local emergency management guidance.
Medicaid, SNAP Renewal Requirements Waived During COVID-19 Crisis
AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services Saturday announced SNAP and Medicaid benefit renewals currently due will automatically be renewed so existing clients can maintain continuity of coverage during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
“During this difficult time, we’re making sure Texans in need continue to receive their food and medical benefits without the added worry of having to renew their coverage in the midst of a crisis,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner for Access and Eligibility Services.
To ensure benefits continue, Texas requested and received federal approval to automatically extend benefits for recipients who were up for renewal. Renewing the SNAP and Medicaid applications automatically means that those who were up for a renewal do not have to call or complete their renewal to receive continuous coverage. SNAP and Medicaid benefits are extended until further notice, and Texas HHS will continue to provide updates to the public during the coming months.
Additionally, as authorized by section 2302 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Texas is also waiving interview requirements for households applying for SNAP. As part of that, households are not required to complete an interview before approval if identity has been verified and mandatory verification steps are completed.
Waiving interview requirements means people do not have to come into an office or call the agency about their application or renewal, and HHS can process applications as they are received and make eligibility determinations faster.
Administered by Texas HHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.4 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas, with monthly benefits worth nearly $400 million.
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage to 4.6 million Texas children, pregnant women, parents of eligible children, people with disabilities, and older Texans who need nursing home care.
Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.
