Hopkins County COVID-19 Update: Only 1 Positive Case
After 12 days, Hopkins County still has only 1 known positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS reported Friday afternoon.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team received notification of the positive COVID-19 case Tuesday morning, March 24. While others have been tested, either by DSHS or a private lab, HCEMT has received no other confirmation from healthcare provider or DSHS of any additional positive COVID-19 cases in the county.
Based on information gleaned from the majority of healthcare partners in Hopkins County, HCHD/EMS estimates 53 potential cases met testing requirements set by Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and were sent off for definitive testing to a private lab or DSHS lab. That’s up from 31 potential cases HCHD/EMS reported had been identified as meeting criteria and sent for testing as of March 21.
Throughout the state, a total of 1,731 positive cases of COVID-10 had been reported as of 8 p.m. March 26. Overall, 23,666 tests have been sent off 2,886 to public labs and 20,780 to private labs in Texas, DSHS reported at noon Friday, March 27.
Overall, 105 of Texas’ 254 counties had reported confirmation of at least one positive case of COVID-19 as of 8 p.m. March 26. Dallas County at noon March 27 at that time had 367 positive COVID-19 cases, the most of any county in Texas, according to the DSHS COVIC-19 Case Counts report. Next were Harris County 302 cases, Travis 137, Bexar 113 and Tarrant 100 cases.
Texas has reported 23 COVID-19 deaths as well: five in Bexar County; seven in Dallas County; two in Harris County; and one each in Bell, Collin, Comal, Denton, Matagorda, Midland, Oldham, Smith and Tarrant counties.
With number continuing to rise, HCEMT, local, state and national heath and other officials stress the importance of social distancing, proper hand washing, avoiding large groups and none over 10, and notifying a physician by phone is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 so they can make appropriate recommendations for care and treatment.
PJC Regents Extend Spring Semester To May 14 Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Room And Board Rates For Fall 2020, Spring 2021 Approved
The Paris Junior College Board of Regents approved an extension of the spring semester to May 14, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a special meeting held Thursday, March 26.
“We are having to do that because we extended Spring Break for our students one week,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin.
The regents met a week earlier than planned in order to approve a resolution delegating authority to the PJC President to operate the college during alternate operations due to COVID-19.
As part of her report to the Regents, Dr. Anglin explained that employees came in during the Spring Break extension to shift to working remotely and putting everything online so classes could continue on Monday, March 23.
“We have a lot our workforce classes can do, lecture-wise,” said Dr. Anglin, explaining that for those classes with hands-on labs such as welding, mechatronics, electrician, etc., that the students would be brought back when it’s safe for them to finish their labs.
PJC has also added wifi hot spots in Paris, Greenville and Sulphur Springs. Students have been notified of the specific locations and provided passwords. They can drive up and do work online from their vehicle.
A skeleton crew is manning all the locations to keep things up and running, especially information technology. Campus police are working their regular shifts and students services are available to students by phone and email.
“The college has purchased Zoom licenses,” said Dr. Anglin. “Faculty may have a presence during their office hours and students can see and talk to their instructor and get help from faculty who are tutoring that way. We’re all remaining flexible as we work with our students.”
In other business, the Regents:
• Received the financial report from Controller Keitha Carlton, showing that revenues continue to be higher than expenses. The College will not achieve its tuition revenue projection this year.
“The Legislature has asked us to look at where we’ll be at the end of the year,” said Dr. Anglin. “We’ve also been asked to track any expenditures we would not normally have because of closures due to the coronavirus.”
• Authorized continuation of local charitable giving through the United Way by opting out of the State Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign. This ensures that local donations are spent locally.
• Approved the 403(b) Plan Document Amendment and Restatement resolution.
• Approved a 3.5 percent increase in the annual Aramark contract for meal prices for the 2020-2021 academic year.
• Approved room and board rates for academic year 2020-2021 for fall and spring of $2,540 in Hatcher and Thompson Residence Halls and $2,740 in the South Campus Residence Hall. Summer residence hall rates remain unchanged.
• Approved the extension of faculty contracts for the 2020-2021 academic year; the employment of Systems and Database Administrator Tyler Alcox, effective March 16; and the resignations of Talent Search Advisor Tiffany Spangler effective March 27, and Computer Information Instructor Larry Lambert, Economics Instructor Mike McCoy, and Director of Nursing Stephanie Parker, all effective Aug. 31.
• Accepted the high bid in the sale of the PJC Recreation Center; contracts will now be prepared to complete the sale.
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.
Governor Issues Executive Order Mandating 14-Day Self-Quarantine For Some Air Travelers
Anyone flying into Texas for a visit or return home from the New York Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey or Connecticut area) or New Orleans should prepare for a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Texas Governor Greg Abbott Thursday, March 26, issued an Executive Order mandating a 14-day self-quarantine for individuals traveling to Texas as their final destination through an airport from the Tri-State Area of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut as well as the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Office of the Governor Photo)
“The State of Texas continues to act upon the recommendations of top state, federal, and local health experts as we implement a comprehensive strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott said. “The New York Tri-State Area and the City of New Orleans have become major centers of this pandemic, and it is vital that we take necessary precautions to prevent additional exposure that could originate from people traveling from these areas to Texas. This Executive Order is another important measure we are taking to protect the health and safety of Texans, and we will continue to take any action necessary to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 in our state.”
This Executive Order follows guidance of Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and is to be enforced by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The order stipulates that a quarantined person shall not allow visitors into or out of the designated quarantine location, other than a physician or healthcare provider, and cannot visit any public spaces. The mandatory self-quarantine, according to the order will last 14 days or for the duration of a person’s presence in Texas, whichever is shorter.
Those entering Texas as their final destination from the designated areas are to use a form from DPS designating their quarantine location. DPS special agents, according to the governor, will conduct unannounced visits to designated quarantine locations to verify compliance. Failure to comply with the order will be considered a criminal offense punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both. Questions about the form should be directed to DPS at (800) 525-5555.
The self-quarantine order does not apply to people traveling in connection with military service, emergency response, health response or critical-infrastructure functions, as determined by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
This Executive Order will remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by the Governor.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Threatening To Bash In Mother’s Face
A disturbance complaint on Helm Lane Thursday night, March 26, resulted in a 33-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest at 10:37 p.m. for assault by threat. Investigation revealed the man threatened to “bash” in his 78-year-old mother’s face, Sulphur Springs police alleged in arrest reports.
Based on the fact that the man had previously been arrested for assault, other allegations of previous offenses raised, police believed the victim’s fear that the 33-year-old would act on his threats were valid, the SSPD officers noted in arrest reports. Hopkins County jail records show the man was previously arrested on Aug. 4, 2019 on an assault by physical contact and on Feb. 22 on a Class C family violence assault charge.
Believing family violence would occur if no action was taken to protect the victim, officers reported taking the man into custody for family violence assault by threat. Upon arrival at the jail, the man allegedly became aggressive with jail staff and was secured into a special cell designed to protect him and others, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, according to arrest 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.
HCSO Investigation Into Alleged Child Pornography Results In Collin County Arrest
A HCSO investigation into alleged child pornography offenses resulted in a 53-year-old Collin County man’s arrest Thursday at his residence for alleged possession of child pornography and online solicitation of a minor for sexual conduct, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Collin County jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, while conducting forensics in ongoing investigations, located videos of suspected child pornography that, based on evidence, appears to have been produced in Hopkins County, according to to HCSO press release.
A suspect was reportedly developed with further investigation and legal process. A search warrant was obtained for a residence in Collin County, HCSO officials reported.
Plano Police Department, Collin County District Attorney’s Investigator and a federal partners assisted Hopkins County Sheriff’s officers in serving the search warrant at the Collin County residence, according to HCSO reports.
Based on evidence discovered during the investigation and execution of the search warrant, Christopher W. Hardesty was taken into custody at his Collin County residence and booked into Collin County jail Thursday, March 26, according to an HCSO press release.
Hardesty remained in Collin County jail Friday morning, March 27, on an online solicitation of a minor-sexual conduct charge and a possession with intent to promote child pornography charge. Bond was set at $100,000 per charge, according to Collin County jail reports.
Wanted Man Attempts To Hide Under Trash In Kitchen
A 64-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s attempt to hide from police under trash reportedly failed Wednesday afternoon.
Sulphur Springs Police Department Special Crimes Unit investigators and a patrol officer, aware of a warrants for Billy Jack Orsburn’s arrest, spotted Orsburn on Locust Street. He allegedly fled from the officers, barricading himself inside of his residence.
Upon entry to the home, officers found Orsburn in the kitchen attempting to hide underneath trash, SCU investigators and SSPD Officer Adrian Pruitt alleged in arrest reports. After having him medically cleared at the hospital, Orsburn was taken to jail, where he was held on three motions to revoke bond on controlled substance charges and a warrant for not taking care of a public intoxication charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Orsburn, according to jail reports, had only been out of the county jail 8 days a the time of his arrest. He was in custody from Dec. 10, 2019-March 17, 2020 on controlled substance warrants.
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.
Commissioners Court Reappoints Balkcom As Local Health Authority
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Thursday evening called an emergency meeting to reappoint Dr. Balkcom as the county’s official Local Health Authority.
Judge Robert Newsom first reported there are no new reports of positive coronavirus cases; just one as reported Tuesday.
Newsom noted that Dr. I. L. Balkcom IV has served in this capacity for a number of years and recommended that he be reappointed as Local health Authority. The court gave unanimous approval.
The appointment is to be renewed every two years, per the Office of Public Health Practice. The reappointment will allow Balkcom, who is licensed by Texas Board of Medical Examiners, to represent and serve as liaison for the county in public health matters from Mach 26, 2020 to March 26, 2022, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Department of State Health Services, a Health Authority is a physician who administers state and local laws relating to public health within a local and local laws relating to public health within a local government government’s jurisdiction.
The duties of a Health Authority, according to DSHS, include:
- Establishing, maintaining, and enforcing jurisdictional quarantine orders;
- Aiding local boards of health, local health departments in quarantine inspections, disease prevention and suppression efforts, birth and death statistics, and general sanitation issues within their jurisdiction;
- Reporting the presence of contagious, infectious and dangerous epidemic diseases to local and state authorities;
- Aiding local jurisdictions and boards of health in carrying out public health required rules, ordinances, sanitation laws, quarantine rules, and required reporting of any vital statistics collected.
*Updated* SSPD Seeks Help Locating Missing Elderly Sulphur Springs Resident
The search is over. The missing person has been located.
Sulphur Springs Police are asking for the public’s help in locating Paul Ivan Burt, a missing elderly person who reportedly has medical issues and has been experiencing recent memory problems.
Burt left his residence in Sulphur Springs around 10 a.m. this morning, March 26, in a red 2005 Chevrolet 4-door truck, with the Texas License Plate number BR08525. Burt was last seen wearing a gray button down shirt, blue jeans, and house shoes.
If contact is made, individuals are asked to check his welfare and contact the Sulphur Springs Police Department at 903-885-7602.
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.
Local Officials Remind Residents To Lock Vehicles
Sulphur Springs police and Hopkins County Sheriff’s officers urge residents to be sure to lock their vehicles and secure personal items, to guard against theft.
Police have responded to several reports over the last few weeks of stolen vehicles and vehicle theft attempts. Most recently, one Chevrolet Silverado was reported stolen from a Jefferson Street business and another Chevrolet Silverado reported stolen in another county was recovered on West Industrial Drive, according to police reports.
While the keys weren’t in the vehicles in previous reports, the vehicles had been left unlocked. The ignitions in the vehicles were destroyed by suspects stealing or attempting to steal them, according to police.
Hopkins County sheriff’s officers responded to a complaint Tuesday of a four-wheeler and trailer theft and Wednesday to a report of an ATV missing off of a rural property, according to HCSO reports.
Investigators remind people of the need, even out in the country, to remove keys from all vehicles including ATVS and to secure them, to guard against theft.
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.
