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TAMUC To Finish Out Semester Classes Online

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TAMUC To Finish Out Semester Classes Online

Graduation, Who’s Eligible For Room And Board Rebates, Free Health Services Addressed

Several COVID19 related announcements were made this week at Texas A&M University-Commerce regarding the remainder of the semester. TAMUC graduation, class format, availability of free mental and medical health resources, spring 2020 commencement exercises, and which students are eligible for room and board rebates and the process to receive them were all addressed in the TAMUC announcements.

Class Format

TAMUC announced March 12 that all face-to-face classes were suspended due to the COVID-19 situation and that the university would be transitioning to online instruction at all A&M-Commerce locations, including the RELLIS campus, starting March 16, until further notice.

Today, TAMUC President Dr. Mark Rudin confirmed that A&M Commerce and all of its location will remain in an online-only format for the rest of the semester due to the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduation

Rudin Monday reported that the May 8-9, 2020 commencement ceremonies, like all campus activities scheduled through May 31, are being postponed.

“Currently, the Centers for Disease Control recommends canceling large-group events as they can contribute to the spread of COVID-19. We have also received guidance from The Texas A&M University System requesting that all campuses postpone events with more than 250 people, including commencement ceremonies, through May 31, 2020,” Rudin wrote in a letter addressed to “Future Lion Alumni.”

Students who have met the graduation requirements will receive their diplomas from the Registrar’s Office after final grades are posted for the Spring 2020 semester. Commencements scheduled for Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2020 will be rescheduled for December 2020, for those who wish to celebrate their achievement with family and friends.

No decisions have yet been made regarding August 2020 commencement exercises.

Any further questions regarding graduation may be directed to Linda King at [email protected].

Free Health Care

Free online medical and mental health support for common conditions that can be safely and accurately diagnosed and treated online are is also offered for students through the Campus.Health program.

For the next 12 weeks, A&M-Commerce students will be able to remotely connect with healthcare professionals via Campus.Health, which provides 24/7 medical and mental telehealth care for all students, at no cost.

“As our students are learning remotely through online classes due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), Campus.Health will complement our on-campus student health services during this stressful time,” a March 23 TAMUC news release states.

Current clients of the Counseling Center have the option to continue their therapy either in person or to utilize distance counseling. New clients wanting to initiate mental health services can call the Counseling Center at 903.886.5145 to schedule an intake appointment. Both intake and future appointments can also be done either face-to-face or by distance counseling.

Room and Board Rebates

Students who have prepaid for housing and dining costs and choose to move out will need to complete the Spring 2020 Credit Form to receive a prorated credit for unused housing and dining services between March 25, 2020 (or the date they choose to move-out if after March 25) and May 8, 2020. 

TAMUC Students who receive room or board scholarships are not eligible for the rebate. Students whose room and board is paid for by the university through the Honors College, Intercollegiate Athletics, Band, Music, third-party, resident assistant, RLL staff or other are also ineligible for the rebate. Should these students choose to move before the end of the semester, any rebate would be credited back to the awarding department — not to the student’s account. These students should direct any questions they may have regarding rebates to their awarding department directly, according to a TAMUC press release.

Eligible students can choose whether to apply the credit for the unused portion of housing and dining services to the their accounts for either the Spring 2020 or Fall 2020 academic semester.

Housing students who choose a Fall 2020 academic semester credit will also be awarded a $500 university scholarship to be applied to their account in the Fall of 2020. Refunds take into account any financial aid that is received and any outstanding balance owed to the university. Students should consult the university financial aid office to see whether the credits will have an impact on financial aid eligibility. 

Students should complete the Spring 2020 Credit Form online in their MyLEO Housing Portal and schedule a move-out date before the end of the semester. No prorated credits will be applied for move-outs after April 26. All students will be required to move personal belongings out of the residence halls by the close of the Spring academic semester on May 8.

Students who only have a dining contract should submit the Spring 2020 Credit Form online in their MyLEO Housing Portal, indicating they won’t be returning to campus. Those students will receive a prorated credit based on the same method, that will be applied to the Spring 2020 semester and will not be eligible for a $500 credit in the Fall 2020 semester.

To meet CDC guidelines and maintain social distancing, student move-outs will be coordinated by a scheduling system facilitated by residential life staff. 

Students who still have questions after reviewing the Spring Residential Living and Learning Rebate Frequently Asked Questions may email them to [email protected].

TAMUC Rebate Process chart

Watch Your Catalytic Converter

Posted by on 7:41 pm in App, Headlines, News | Comments Off on Watch Your Catalytic Converter

Watch Your Catalytic Converter

KSST received a report regarding a recent surge in catalytic converter thefts in the area. This report includes an attempted theft in Greenville, TX occurring at 4 p.m. Wednesday March 25th, 2020.

The catalytic converters fitted to every car and pickup on the road since 1975 can be worth $70 or more. The cost to repair the damage caused by theft and to make the vehicle street legal again can reach $3000.

Catalytic converters awaiting recycling.

In a matter of minutes, a person with a battery powered saw can slide under a vehicle and make the 2 or more cuts required to remove a converter. Depending on the height of the vehicle, a jack may not even be required.

The demand for recycling converters increases as the price of the platinum group metals inside them increases. Regardless of the spot price of these precious metals, thieves may find these converters easy prey.

Theft Prevention

Most converters have a serial number that can be linked to the make and model of vehicle it was originally fitted to. These numbers are not unique, and do not serve the same function as a VIN. Without a workable trace system, scrap yards and recycling centers may not be able to differentiate a legal from an illegally obtained converter.

  • Park in well lit areas.
  • Park in areas with plenty of foot traffic.
  • Take a break from work every hour or so and visit your vehicle.
  • A muffler shop may be able to more firmly attach the converter to the vehicle.
  • Aftermarket ‘cages’ are available for some vehicles, and may provide just enough deterrence to prevent a loss.

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.

2 Wildcat Powerlifters Sit And Wait, Hoping For State Meet After UIL Coronavirus Suspension Is Lifted

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2 Wildcat Powerlifters Sit And Wait, Hoping For State Meet After UIL Coronavirus Suspension Is Lifted

In the second in a series, the sports topic today is Wildcats Powerlifting. Originally the Boys State Powerlifting Meet was scheduled for this Saturday, March 28 at Abilene. When the meet was postponed by the UIL due to the threat of coronavirus, two Wildcats powerlifters were impacted.

Powerlifters George Greenway, Jesse Carrillo and Ryan Carrillo (Courtesy SSISD)

Jesse Carrillo, in the 148 pound weight class, and George Greenway, 198 pound weight class, both qualified for the State Meet at the Regional Meet in Pine Tree back on March 4.

Jesse’s brother Ryan Carrillo, in the 181-pound weight class, just missed out finishing third. An attempt at a 520 pound deadlift that would have qualified Ryan was unsuccessful. Jesse says Ryan will definitely qualify for the State Meet next year.

This season had been a good one for powerlifters. Wildcats Powerlifting Coach Casey Jeter took nine qualifying lifters to the Regional Meet.

Again the UIL indicates they are working on contingency plans to conduct state championships in each of the activities that have been suspended. The current suspension runs through May 4. Perhaps there will be a Boys Powerlifting State Meet in the offing in months ahead.

Wildcat Powerlifters at Regional Meet (Courtesy SSISD)

KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.

Click here for more Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports

Primary Runoff Elections, Including For District 2 State Representative, Reset For July Due To COVID-19

Posted by on 3:55 pm in App, Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, School News, Sulphur Springs City Council News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Primary Runoff Elections, Including For District 2 State Representative, Reset For July Due To COVID-19

Primary Runoff Elections, Including For District 2 State Representative, Reset For July Due To COVID-19

Dates Of City, School Elections Could Change As Well

As is the case with nearly all things at the present time, primary runoff and local elections are also being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Hopkins County, one runoff election has already been rescheduled and could potentially change the dates of other local elections as well.

Party Primary Runoffs

All primary runoffs elections scheduled for May 26 in Texas have been postponed until July 14, with early voting now to start July 6. Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation on March 20 changing the primary election dates to “help fulfill his executive orders” issued to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Holding the runoff in May would cause the congregation of large gatherings of people in confined spaces and cause numerous election workers to come into close proximity with others. That, Abbott cited when ordering the postponement, could threaten the health and safety of many Texans.

Thus, all primary runoffs are on hold until July. In Hopkins County, Republicans will be asked to decide between incumbent Dan Flynn and challenger Bryan Slaton for District 2 state Representative.

Flynn finished ahead of his two challengers in the March 3 Republican Primary, receiving 12,246 votes or 44.76 percent of the overall votes 27,358 vote cast in the District 2 Rep. Election. Slaton finished in second place with 9,889 voters or 26.15 percent and Dwayne “Doc” Collins received 5,223 votes or 19.09 percent of the overall ballots cast, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Slaton and Flynn will now face each other for the party nomination on July 14. The winner will face Bill Brannon in the General Election in November.

Dan Flynn and Bryan Slaton, candidates in the state District 2 Primary Runoff Election

Municipal, School Elections

Governor Greg Abbott March 18 issued a proclamation suspending provisions of the Texas Election Code to allow political subdivisions to postpone their 2020 local elections. This means local governments now have the ability to postpone their May 2, 2020 elections until November 3, 2020.

“I strongly encourage local election officials to take advantage of these waivers and postpone their elections until November,” said Governor Abbott. “Right now, the state’s focus is responding to COVID-19 — including social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. By delaying this election, our local election officials can assist in that effort.” 

At least two school districts and two cities are considering the option of moving their elections back as well. All four elections are scheduled for May 2, with early  voting slated to begin April 20.

With the uncertainty of when COVID-19 measures will be lifted, officials at schools and municipalities have the job of determining whether to try to go ahead with the elections with the hope that the health measures will be lifted by then and a plan how to proceed if they aren’t, or to push them back until the General Election in November.

Cumby ISD Bond

Cumby ISD trustees in February called for a special bond election on May 2. If approved, the bond would provide $6.2 million for much-needed improvements and renovation at the elementary campus, and associated construction and renovations.

At the school board meeting Tuesday night, March 24, however, Cumby ISD trustees voted to postpone the bond election. Cumby ISD’s election officer reported Wednesday morning that the board felt it would not be a good time to plan to go forward in the unsure times we are living in.

Sulphur Springs City Council

The Sulphur Springs City Council is expected at the next meeting (scheduled April 7) to be presented with the option to move the council election back to November or to go ahead and try to have it on May 2 as scheduled.

City of Sulphur Springs

“The Governor said ok to move to November. Normally, we don’t like to do that, but we may not have choice. We may be in shelter in place mode in May. We just don’t know. Hopefully, in the next 10 days we’ll have a better idea,” said Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell. “We’ll put it on the Council Agenda, and see if they want to do it. “We’ll put it on the Council Agenda and see if they want to do it.”

The City of Sulphur Springs elections officer earlier this week reported no decision has yet been made on whether or not to postpone the May 2 City Council Election. She and city officials are looking into the matter and will discuss it before a decision is made.

Six council seats are to be determined in the Sulphur Springs City Council Election called for May 2, Places 1-3 and Place 5 are for the unexpired terms of council members who resigned in December. Places 6-7 are for regular full terms on the council. Places 2, 3, 6 and 7 are unopposed.

The election for the regular term seats 6-7 was canceled; Doug Moore will be elected to a full term for Place 6 and John Sellers will be reelected to another term in Place 7. However, all names will appear on the special election ballot. For  Place 1 candidates are Jay W. JulianMark Bradley, Vanessa Diosdado, and Justin M. Brown. Place 5 candidates are Ricardo Chavarria and Gary Spraggins.

Unopposed candidates for unexpired seats on Sulphur Springs City Council are Harold Nash Sr. for Place 2 and Oscar Aguilar for Place 3.

Cumby City Council

Cumby City staff Wednesday said no decisions had been made regarding the May 2 Special Election for Places 1 and 2 Alderman seats on Cumby City Council.

Two candidates have filed for each position: Wayne Mobley and Sheryl Lackey for Place 1 and Amber Hardy and Audri Mayo for place 2.

Yantis ISD Board of Trustees

Yantis ISD’s elections official anticipates the election will have to be moved to November. However, no official decision has been made regarding the election for two trustees seats on YISD Board of Trustees. The school board is expected in the near future to hold a special meeting, during which they will be asked to make a decision regarding the date for the election.

Candidates for the two at-large full term seats on the school board include incumbents Jennifer McKeever and Melissa Stephens, and challengers Teresa Starrett and Jennifer Larkin.


Feeding Our Own: Lunch for Youth, and Opportunity for Youth to Serve

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Feeding Our Own: Lunch for Youth, and Opportunity for Youth to Serve

Any K-12 child wanting a hot lunch can stop by the Grey’s Building in Pacific Park weekdays from 11 till 1. Equally important to feeding area kids during this extended Spring Break is an opportunity to serve. This opportunity has sprung to life due to the effort of volunteers and local businesses.

With an outpouring of community support ‘Feeding Our Own’ has been able to provide over 850 meals just this week and growing daily.

Feeding Our Own

“We want to involve the youth, not only in a free meal, but also in serving the community.” said Dinh Tran. “We are working with the SSISD Class of 2021 to get more youth involved.” The class of 2021 will be serving hot food Thursday March 26th, 2020. They also helped design a t-shirt; the proceeds from the sale of that shirt will go to programs the class wants to support.

The four core volunteers envision their roles as more advisory once local youth increase their involvement in the ‘Feeding Our Own’ program.

Dinh Tran, Carmen Clifton Crouse, Vicki Miller and Shane McCormick.

How You Can Help

  • Donations can be made at CNB (“Dihn Tran-Special Account”) here in Sulphur Springs, TX.
  • You can purchase t-shirts on site at the Grey’s Building, or through Plain & Fancy Sandwich Shoppe. Cash or check only.
  • To volunteer or get your business or group involved contact:
    • Dihn Tran: 214-709-3523
    • Shane Mc Cormick: 903-348-1829
    • Carmen Crouse: 903-348-7042
    • Vicki Miller: 903-307-9185

Local Companies and Groups Already On Board


Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Choking, Assaulting, Pulling Gun On Girlfriend

Posted by on 11:55 am in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sheriff's Department | Comments Off on Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Choking, Assaulting, Pulling Gun On Girlfriend

Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Choking, Assaulting, Pulling Gun On Girlfriend

A 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of choking, pulling a gun on and assaulting his girlfriend with a belt Tuesday night.

Courtney Devon Maxie

Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received a complaint at 11:49 p.m. March 24 alleging that a Sulphur Springs man hit, choked, bit and pulled a gun on his girlfriend at his County Road 3507 address. The suspect, 29-year-old Courtney Devon Maxie of Sulphur Springs, was reported to have left the location in a purple extended cab pickup with temporary tags, and was possibly headed to Dallas, according to sheriff’s and arrest reports.

Upon arrival, HCSO Deputy Bobby Osornio was reportedly told Maxie and his girlfriend had argued. The argument allegedly escalated, with Maxie choking the woman several times, causing her to lose her breath. Maxie too was accused of assaulting the girlfriend with a belt and pointing a pistol at her. He reportedly took the girlfriend’s phone from her during the argument, rendering her unable to call for assistance.

Meanwhile, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis and Cumby Police Sgt. Ray Embro located a purple pickup on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 109 and initiated a traffic stop. Davis reportedly identified the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado as suspect Courtney Maxie. A records check showed the man to be wanted on three Dallas warrants, the sheriff’s deputies alleged in arrest reports.

Maxie was taken into custody at 12:40 a.m. March 25 on the Dallas warrants for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, possession of 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance 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.

The 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man was then transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was also booked on an assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing charge for the alleged choking assault of the girlfriend, an aggravated family violence assault with a deadly weapon charge for the alleged use of the gun during the assault and an interference with an emergency request for assistance charge for taking the phone from the girlfriend.

Maxie remained in Hopkins County jail late Wednesday morning, March 25, 2020. Bonds on the Hopkins County charges total $102,500: $75,000 on the aggravated assault charge, $25,000 on the assault impeding breath charge and $2,500 on the interference charge. He was held on all three of the Dallas County charges, 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.

Tira News – March 24, 2020

Posted by on 11:19 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News | Comments Off on Tira News – March 24, 2020

Tira News – March 24, 2020

By Jan Vaughn

Council Member Joyce Dodd shared:

“The Tira City Council would like to extend our appreciation to all of those who have so generously given to support our food pantry. We would like to encourage anyone who might have items that are hard to find during this coronavirus outbreak, such as paper goods, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, etc. to feel free to just drop them in the pantry if they are passing by. We understand that distancing ourselves from others is so important, and by doing it this way it will help each of us stay a little safer. At this time we still have enough canned vegetables, but canned meats, powdered milk, cereal, and canned fruits are always in need. Even though we can’t interact with our neighbors, we can still show we care for them. We pray everyone will stay safe and well during this very trying time. We encourage people to take what they need and please leave what you can. We are praying for you all.”

Janie Lewis adds, “Some nice person left some eggs for the pantry.” We want to express our thanks for their willingness to share. We need to remind everyone that our pantry is not set up for perishable items.

Robert and Yvonne Weir enjoyed a visit from their daughter, Destri, and her family on Friday night and Saturday. Yvonne said, “Destri painted my nightstands. We enjoyed Nico and his sisters.” Destri and her husband, Eben, are both working from home now.

Chip and I went to Malvern, Arkansas on Friday and picked up our daughter Tiffany, granddaughter Jaidyn, and son-in-law Perry. We went to the Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, which we had reserved before the COVID-19 situation was a problem.

We knew that we would be doing outdoor activities, away from people, so we kept our plans to spend some time with them during Tiffany and Jaidyn’s spring break. We were able to pick up our keys from a lock box and our unit was the only one occupied in our section. We spent our time sightseeing from the car and doing some hiking and playing games inside our condo. Also, we prepared our meals while there.

Linda Ellen Vaughn, Chip’s sister, stayed with Chip’s mother, Grace, through the weekend.

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].

DSHS Accelerates COVID-19 Reporting, Including All Cases Reported To Local Health Departments

Posted by on 9:00 pm in App, Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Medical News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on DSHS Accelerates COVID-19 Reporting, Including All Cases Reported To Local Health Departments

DSHS Accelerates COVID-19 Reporting, Including All Cases Reported To Local Health Departments

Texas COVID-19 impact as of March 24, 2020: 13,235 tests taken, 715 positive results, 65 of 254 counties have a positive case, 11 deaths reported

The Texas Department of State Health Services this evening announced it is updating its method of reporting COVID-19 cases in Texas. In order to provide more timely information, the DSHS daily case count now includes all cases reported publicly by local health departments around the state. With the change, Texas is now reporting 715 cases of COVID-19, according to the DSHS release.

“We want to make sure the public and local leaders have the best possible information in one place as they make decisions about COVID-19,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “This new method allows us to share case counts faster.”

DSHS previously received its case information from official case reports provided by local jurisdictions and validated each case before adding it to the online count. That process allowed DSHS to confirm case details but led to slower reporting, the state agency reported Tuesday evening.

Tuesday, March 23, DSHS reported 13,235 tests have been sent to labs, 1,758 to public, 11,477 to private labs. Of the 715 positive cases so far, 11 people have died.

Only 65 of the 254 counties in Texas have received confirmation of at least one positive COVID-19 case, including Hopkins County. Dallas County leads with 131 positive cases reported so far, followed by Travis County with 79 patients, Bexar and Tarrant Counties 57 each, and Harris 54.

Quite a few other North and East Texas counties, aside from Dallas and Tarrant, had received reports of positive COVID-19 cases by Tuesday as well.

Counties showing positive coronavirus case reports in North and East Texas include:

  • Smith County 14;
  • Collin County 34;
  • Denton County 30;
  • Ellis County 7;
  • Johnson County 3;
  • Kaufman and Rusk Counties 2 each ; and
  • Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Van Zandt, Fannin, Bowie, Cass, Upshur, Morris, Grayson and Gregg Counties, 1 each.

Counties in the North and East Texas area with no positive COVID-19 reports according to the March 24 DSHS report included Delta, Titus, Franklin, Wood, Rains, Camp, Rockwall, Red River, Panola, Marion and Harrison.

The updated case counts are available in a new interactive map linked at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.

* Courtesy: DSHS COVID-19 In Texas Dashboard; Positive COVID-19 cases by counties, based on data produced by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Laboratory and Infectious Disease Services, as of March 23, 2020.

COVID-19: Visitor Restrict By CHRISTUS

Posted by on 6:15 pm in App, Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Medical News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on COVID-19: Visitor Restrict By CHRISTUS

COVID-19: Visitor Restrict By CHRISTUS

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs medical professionals and associates daily exercise numerous health and safety practices for patients, workers and visitors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional measures have been put in place.

Effective Monday, March 23, the following were implemented:

  1. All associates will be screened each shift upon arrival to work, including a temperature taken
  2. Elective, non-essential surgeries, and medical and surgical procedures will be delayed until further notice.
  3. For primary care and specialty care, CHRISTUS is working to ensure patients may still see their provider for necessary appointments by implementing telephonic visits and virtual visits using telemedicine. 

Anyone planning to visit the hospital should also take note of the visitor restrictions.

Current hospital restrictions for visitors are as follows:

  • 1 visitor per patient —
    • Exception is pediatric patients may have 1 visitor + 1 support person
    • Exception is OB/Maternity may have 1 visitor + 1 support person
  • Visitors must be 16 years old and over.
  • All visitors will be screened at the door, including a temperature taken.
  • Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
  • Only (1) entrance to the hospital: through Emergency Department, 24/7

While there’s no immediate shortage of personal protective supplies, there are ways those who want to help can.

“We are stocked with hand sanitizer, gloves, surgical and N95 masks, etc. – but we are accepting donations if people have them available beyond what they are using or need,” Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CMFH – Winnsboro | Sulphur Springs, reported Tuesday afternoon, March 24.


SBA Offers Disaster Assistance To Texas Small Businesses Economically Impacted by COVID-19

Posted by on 4:05 pm in Featured, Financial News, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Local Business News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on SBA Offers Disaster Assistance To Texas Small Businesses Economically Impacted by COVID-19

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance To Texas Small Businesses Economically Impacted by COVID-19

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Texas small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today.

SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Greg Abbott on March 17, 2020.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of Texas and the neighboring counties and parishes below.

  • Neighboring Arkansas counties: Little River and Miller;
    Neighboring Louisiana parishes: Beauregard, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, De Soto, Sabine and Vernon;
  • Neighboring New Mexico counties: Curry, Dona Ana, Eddy, Lea, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt and Union;
  • Neighboring Oklahoma counties: Beaver, Beckham, Bryan, Choctaw, Cimarron, Cotton, Ellis, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Texas and Tillman.

“SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist Texas small businesses with federal disaster loans. We will be swift in our efforts to help these
small businesses recover from the financial impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19),” said Administrator Carranza.

SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.

“Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Carranza.

“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Carranza added.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep
payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call
(800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21, 2020.
For more information about Coronavirus, please visit: Coronavirus.gov.

For more information about available SBA resources and services, please visit: SBA.gov/coronavirus.