Texas A&M Forest Service to Establish Offices at Texas A&M University-Commerce
COMMERCE, TX—Texas A&M University-Commerce welcomes the tenancy of a new campus partner, the Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS). TAMFS will move its regional office from Greenville, Texas, to university-owned property near the A&M-Commerce campus sometime this year.
Representatives from TAMFS and The Texas A&M University System were on hand Wednesday to celebrate the agreement. TAMFS Interim Agency Director Al Davis and Texas A&M System Regent Randy Brooks were among the special guests.
The agreement is expected to foster new partnership opportunities between the two A&M System entities, including student internships, graduate research projects and other education initiatives.
Davis said the agreement aligns with TAMFS’s emphasis on people and partnerships.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about people,” Davis said. “You can’t accomplish anything in life without people and relationships. It’s about building, retaining and nurturing partnerships.”
A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin agreed: “This relationship with the Texas A&M Forest Service started as a real estate transaction but has evolved into a blossoming partnership. We’re exploring educational opportunities, internship opportunities and job opportunities for students,” he said.
From the new office in Commerce, TAMFS will continue its mission to sustain trees, forests and related natural resources. It will also support the state’s incident response capability, protecting against wildfires and responding to a range of all-hazard incidents.
State Fire Chief Wes Moorehead expressed enthusiasm for the partnership:
“It’s a great day for us to come to campus with the A&M-Commerce Lions,” Moorehead said. “We’re so blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service operates nearly 60 offices throughout Texas, with headquarters in College Station.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital News Release 5/1/2023
Sulphur Springs, Texas, May 1, 2023 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
New Service- Ophthalmology
We are excited to announce that Ophthalmologist, Kara Hartl, MD FACS, will now be doing eye procedures such as cataract removals at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. Educated at Harvard University and University of California-San Diego Medical School, trained at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Harl is well equipped to provide excellent care to patients right here in Sulphur Springs. Talk with your Ophthalmologist about scheduling your eye procedures with Dr. Hartl. For more information, call 903.885.7671 Ext.2844.
May is Stroke Awareness Month
May is Stroke Awareness Month and the Stroke team at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs is committed to making sure you can recognize signs and symptoms of a stroke and know how to respond during a stroke emergency.
Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain, called an ischemic stroke, or by rupturing a blood vessel and preventing blood flow to the brain, called a hemorrhagic stroke. A temporary clot causes a T.I.A. (Transient Ischemic Attack) or a “mini stroke”.
The American Stroke Association reports stroke is currently the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke.
Eighty percent of strokes may be prevented by avoiding these major risk factors: uncontrolled blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, and not maintaining a healthy body weight.
Although stroke is a leading cause of deaths for all Americans, the risk of having a stroke also varies with race and ethnicity. According to the CDC, risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for African Americans as for Caucasians, and African Americans have the highest rate of death due to stroke.
Your readiness to spot the stroke warning signs and call 911 could save a life or make the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability. That is why it is so important to learn the stroke warning signs and urge everyone you know to do the same. The faster stroke is treated, the more likely the patient is to recover.
In fact, stroke patients who are treated with the clot-busting drug IV thrombolytic within 90 minutes of their first symptoms were almost three times more likely to recover with little or no disability. The thing to remember is that stroke is largely treatable. It is a matter of getting the right treatment, right away.
The acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. is the easiest way to recognize a stroke emergency. Here is a breakdown of what each letter stands for:
B. Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E. Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision or sudden, persistent vision trouble?
F. Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A. Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S. Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T. Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as time is very important during a stroke.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs is accredited by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. This means our team has the accountability and necessary standards in place to ensure processes and practices are used to care for stroke patients at a higher, more comprehensive level.
It is also important to understand that if you have survived a stroke, you are at a high risk of having another; you have a 1 in 4 chance of having another one. Treating the underlying causes of stroke including heart disease, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, and diabetes is priority. If you find yourself dealing with life after stroke, commit to making the necessary changes and will require lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. If you have questions talk to your physician. You can also find useful information at CHRISTUShealth.org, search stroke care.
Sulphur Bluff Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announced
Sulphur Bluff I.S.D. is proud to announce the Top Ranking Graduates of 2023!
Kaitlyn Brock, the daughter of Robert and Misty Brock, is this year’s Valedictorian. She plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce as a part of their Honors College. She is graduating with a cumulative GPA of 4.833.
Brandt Forester, the son of Will and Jena Forester, is this year’s Salutatorian. He plans to attend Centenary College in Shreveport, LA. He is graduating with a cumulative GPA of 4.746.
More People are Dying in Motorcycle Crashes in Texas
AUSTIN – As motorcycle fatalities continue to rise and the spring weather draws more riders to Texas roadways, TxDOT is urging drivers to look twice and be considerate on the road around motorcycle riders.
Amy Jo Miller was enjoying a ride on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle in Bell County when an inattentive driver turned left in front of them, hitting the bike and throwing her across the road. Seconds later, another vehicle then ran her over in a hit-and-run crash, leaving her with multiple serious injuries. Fortunately, she survived, but 15 years later, Amy Jo is still recovering from her injuries.
Amy Jo, now 49, is just one of thousands of Texas motorcyclists seriously injured—or worse, killed—in crashes every year. In 2022, 562 motorcycle riders were killed in motor vehicle crashes, an 8% increase over the previous year.
“People on motorcycles are more vulnerable on our roadways,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s important for drivers to pay extra attention and look out for motorcycles — especially at intersections, when turning in front of oncoming traffic and while changing lanes. We all want to get home safe.”
In addition to National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, TxDOT’s annual safety campaign “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” also aims to protect motorcyclists by educating drivers on how to safely share the road. Below are safety precautions all motorists should keep in mind to help prevent motorcycle crashes:
- Stay alert. Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction, such as answering a phone call or changing the radio station, can have deadly consequences.
- Pay special attention at intersections. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities happen at roadway intersections.
- Take extra care when making a left turn. Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear and avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Look twice when changing lanes. Check mirrors, check blind spots, and always use turn signals.
- Give motorcyclists room when passing them. Move over to the passing lane and don’t crowd the motorcyclist’s full lane.
- Stay back. If you’re behind a motorcycle, always maintain a safe following distance. When a motorcyclist downshifts, it can catch drivers off guard since there are no brake lights to signal reduced speed.
- Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and drive according to conditions.
To help drivers fully understand the importance of driving safely and the dangers motorcycle riders face, TxDOT is taking its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign exhibit on the road during National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The exhibit will feature a virtual reality component that gives participants the opportunity to experience high-risk traffic situations from the perspective of both a driver and a motorcyclist.
TxDOT’s “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
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Softball Sweeps Bi-District, Plays Mabank in Area Round
Coach David Carrillo and his program had little trouble dispatching Lindale, sweeping the Lady Eagles in two straight games to clinch a ticket to the Area round beginning later this week.
Sulphur Springs next takes on Mabank in another best-of-three series starting Friday, May 5 at 6 P.M. with game two to follow the next day on Saturday, May 6 at 3 P.M.
If necessary, game three is scheduled to be played the following Monday, May 8.
The area round series with Mabank is being played entirely at Rains ISD, where Lady Cats softball dispatched Lindale in Bi-District last week. The Lady Eagles hoped to secure a big upset over Sulphur Springs in round one of the playoffs, but it was not to be so as Coach Carrillo’s squad swept Lindale in two-straight, 10-0 and 7-0.
Game one was originally to be scheduled Wednesday of last week, but rain coming in beginning the middle of last week forced the game to be rescheduled to Thursday.
It made little difference for Sulphur Springs as they 10-run ruled the Lady Eagles, 10-0.
Lady Cats softball picked up a huge win in game one of Bi-District thanks to two huge innings in the third and fifth, both of which saw the team put up four runs on Lindale. A double, two singles, a walk and a triple saw Sulphur Springs blow the top off Thursday’s playoff double-header, at that point leading 6-0 after three innings.
The bottom of the fifth had Coach Carrillo’s squad score four more to put the game away 10-0. Nicole Higgins picked up three RBIs in the inning when a fly ball to center field allowed three runners to cross home plate en route to their shutout win in game one of Bi-District.
After Thursday’s dispatch of the Lady Eagles, Sulphur Springs was all too ready to get back out there Friday, Apr. 28 for a potential elimination game of Lindale.
Things looked good through the first half of Friday’s game two of Bi-District, but the ending had to be postponed to the next day due to the contest being rained out. Leading 2-0 after almost a full 6.5 innings, the game had to be finished the following day on Saturday in Commerce. Once again, having a game pushed back a day made little difference for Sulphur Springs as they put on five more Saturday, Apr. 29 to win 7-0 over the Lady Eagles to secure a Bi-District championship.
Crimson Bryant got the two wins over Lindale, pitching a combined 12 innings and only giving up three hits, all of which came in game two. She walked two in the opening round playoff series, one in each game, but in the Bi-District series the senior ace struck out 25 batters.
Hitting highlights from the weekend include:
- Emmerson Thompson: 3 for 6, 2R, 2 RBI, 3BB, K
- Reese Ragan: 4 for 6, 2R, RBI, 2BB
- Nicole Higgins: 4 for 8, 3R, 5RBI
- KK Montgomery: 3 for 6, 3R, 4RBI, BB
With the sweep over Lindale, Lady Cats softball advances to the second round of playoffs. Excluding a 2020 postseason cancellation due to COVID-19, it is the fifth straight Bi-District championship for Coach Carrillo’s program.
Next up, Sulphur Springs plays Mabank in the Area round, to be held this weekend.
Game one of the round two series begins Friday, May 5 at 6 P.M. Game two comes the day after, Saturday, May 6 at 3 P.M. Should the series go to a third game, a do-or-die elimination contest is scheduled to be played the following Monday, May 8 at 6 P.M.
All three games of the Area series with Mabank are hosted by Rains ISD, and the second round playoff games in their entirety will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM.
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.
Arkansas Resident Stopped For Speeding Then Arrested
May 1st, 2023 – BRYANT, DELTA RAE was arrested over the weekend and charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon and two controlled substance related charges. The 39 year-old Maumelle, Ar resident was stopped for speeding on Interstate 30 near the 113 mile marker.
When Cumby PD officers approached Bryant’s Ford Fusion, an odor of marijuana was detected emanating from the vehicle. When questioned, Bryant allegedly admitted she was in possession of marijuana and a firearm. During a probable cause search, a handgun was located along with several marijuana joints. Additionally a prescription bottle containing approximately 90 pills was located. The label did not match Bryant’s name.
Bryant was arrested and charged with:
46.02(B) UNL CARRYING WEAPON
483.041(D) POSS DANGEROUS DRUG
481.121(B)(1) POSS MARIJ < 2OZ
Bryant was transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident and the Ford was impounded.
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.
Texas House Advances Bill That Would Give Retired Teachers A Pension Raise
May 1, 2023- Texas House gave a preliminary approval to a bill that would give retired teachers a raise in their monthly retirement checks. For some this could be their first cost-of-living improvement in 20 years.
Senate Bill 10, authored by state Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston. The lower chamber’s version of the bill seeks to give a 6% increase to retirees’ monthly checks if they retired before 2004, a 4% increase if they retired between 2004 and 2014, and a 2% increase if they retired between 2015 and 2021.
The Bill calls for a $5,000 one-time payment to retired teachers age 70 or older and states that annual cost-of-living increases should not exceed 2%, depending on whether the Teacher Retirement System met or surpassed its projected investment gains. It would also raise the portion of active teachers’ salaries that goes into the teachers’ retirement fund from 8% to 9%. The state would contribute a matching amount to the fund.
The Bill will need one more vote in the Texas House before lawmakers from both chambers gather to decide on a final version of the proposal.
To fund the cost-of-living increase, Texas voters would first need to vote on a amendment to the Texas Constitution to allow the state to move $1.9 Billion from general funds to the Teachers Retirement system. The measure will be in the ballot on Nov. 7th.
The main differences between the two chambers’ versions of the bill is that the Senate wants a $7,500 one-time payment for retirees age 75 and older, a 4% increase to their checks if they’ve been retired for more than 10 years and a 2% increase if they retired between late 2013 and before the end of 2021.
The last time retired teachers received a cost-of-living increase was in 2013, and it only applied to teachers who retired before August 2004. Teachers who retired after that have never received a raise and have been living on about $1,800 a month from their retirement checks. Over the last two legislative sessions, lawmakers gave retired teachers a one-time payment, commonly referred to as the “13th check.”
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 04-24-2023 – 04-30-2023
Arrests:
Potts, Brody, 40 years of age, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested on 4-29-2023 DWI 3 rd or More and a Maddison County Warrant for FTA Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 148 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 46 citations and 49 warnings during this reporting period.
Hopkins County Records – April 28
Land Deed Transaction
- Edward Ronnie Blaske to Brenda K Blaske and Edward Blaske; tract in the W D Halbrook survey
- Barrington Bank & Trust CO NA and Wintrust Mortgage to Secretary Of Veterans Affairs; tract M A Bowlin survey
- Elizabeth Anne Crow to Thomas Albritton; tract in the G Procello survey
- Bernardo Gomez-Mendoza and Cassandra Richards to Karen Lousie Franklin; tract M A Bowlin survey
- Cumby Cemetery Memorial Care Fund INC to Demi Stanley
- Marisa Brosius and Timothy Alan Brosius to Brian Birkey and Samantha L Martin; tract in the W Gregg survey
- 100MPH+ Property Management LLC to Jenny Chavarria and Jose Chavarria; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Corma Covington IND Exec and Roy Lee Covington Estate to Corma Covington; tract in the Anasracio Caro survey
- Jared Gonzalas and Marci Gonzalas to Gomez Mendoza-Bernardo and Richards Cassandra; tract M A Bowlin survey
- April Jenkins and Thomas Jenkins to Katherine Cerda; tract in the E Melton survey
- George T Hatfield and Lori Hatfield to Cynthia Hatfield; tract in the B F Burkham survey
- Albert Reeves to Shaina Reeves; tract in the Shelby Tunnage survey
- Shaina Reeves to Mary Donna Albert; tract in the Shelby Tunnage survey
- Tyler Mitchell to Gregory Forest Adams and Sheryl Deann Adams; tract in the Anastacio Caro survey
- Bethany C Ashby to 2 Times LLC; Tract M A Bowlin survey
- Summit Ranch Investments LTD to Justice May and Shawn Smith; tract in the W P Smith survey
- Hollan Bryant Barton Family Trust and Mark Johnston Successor Trustee to Donna Diane Bryant, Martha Elizabeth Cox and Walter Bryon Cox; tract in the John S Bowen survey
- Gerald T Heard and Martha J Heard to James T Womack and Sharon D Womack; tract in the Nacogdoches Univ survey
- Anthony J Santangelo and Carolyn Santangelo to Richard W Quick and Sheila A Quick; tract in the A Fitzgerald survey
- Carla Frazier Family Trust, Carla Fay Frazier Co-Trustee, Richard Anthony Frazier Co-Trustee and Rick Frazier Family Trust to John Heilman; tract M A Bowlin survey
- Linzy Harland to Sharell Eason; tract in the J H Brown survey
- Dalton Adams to Adriana Martinez Salas and Pedro Abraham Salas; tract in the E P Gaines survey
- High Point Estates, James L Masters IV Estate, Nina Monique Masters, Nina Monique Master IND EX and Mike Moore to Jona Kimberli Boitmann and Mark Joseph Boitmann; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Triple Cown Investors LLC to Shelly Tracy; tract M A Bowlin survey
- Joy Charmaine Garrett to Teresa E Petty; tract in the H D Parsons survey
- Alan Screws and Kim Screws to Eileen Mickey and Erin Elizabeth Murray; tract M A Bowlin survey
- Andrew John Kuiper to Elmer Saavedra and Myra O Saaverda; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Brenna Hale and Miranda Frobish Hale to Leslie Ann Frobish and Michael Dale Frobish; tract in the John W Thomas survey
Marriage License Application
- Jacob Alan Campbell and Eimy Alejandra Medina
- Paul Michael Walker and Leslie Ann Smith
- Cody Shayne Jennings and Toriegh Lanaigh Petrea
- Jamie McArthur Harris and Linnie Shaunrey Akins
- Shawn Robert Ashby and Sierra Daniel Hollinquest
Plano Resident Charged with Felony Possession
May 1, 2023 – On 04/30/2023, Cumby PD stopped JAHNER, ASHLYN MICHELLE on I-30 near mile marker 111. Jahner’s vehicle was traveling over 85 miles per hour.
Once Jahner stopped the vehicle, officers approached and detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The 26 year-old Plano Texas resident was asked to exit the vehicle. A probably cause search of the Dodge was conducted. During that search, approximately .4 grams of marijuana and approximately 25 grams of THC gummies were located. Jahner was transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident.
Jahner is charged with:
1 481.116(D) POSS CS PG 2 >= 4G < 400G DFZ (F1)
1 481.121(B)(1) POSS MARIJ < 2OZ DFZ (MA)
Update July 12, 2024 – The charge of 1 481.116(D) POSS CS PG 2 >= 4G < 400G DFZ (F1) was later dropped. The reason for the dismissal was given as: DPS Lab Closed Case Without Analysis.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1. The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department is located at 298 Rosemont St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
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.
