Symphony League Auction Items for 2022
Bid Early! Bid Often it’s the Annual Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction Saturday night starting at 6pm. You can listen live on 1230 AM, watch on Suddenlink Channel 18, or watch the auction via YouTube.
No matter how you do it, call 903.885.0700 to place your bid!
FDA Approves First Drug That Can Delay Onset Of Stage 3 Type 1 Diabetes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Thursday approved Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv) injection to delay the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes in adults and pediatric patients 8 years and older who currently have stage 2 type 1 diabetes.
“Today’s approval of a first-in-class therapy adds an important new treatment option for certain at-risk patients,” said John Sharretts, M.D., director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The drug’s potential to delay clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes may provide patients with months to years without the burdens of disease.”
Type 1 diabetes is a disease that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells that make insulin. People with a type 1 diabetes diagnosis have increased glucose that requires insulin shots (or wearing an insulin pump) to survive and must check their blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day. Although it can appear at any age, type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. A person is at higher risk for type 1 diabetes if they have a parent, brother or sister with type 1 diabetes, although most patients with type 1 diabetes do not have a family history.
Tzield binds to certain immune system cells and delays progression to stage 3 type 1 diabetes. Tzield may deactivate the immune cells that attack insulin-producing cells, while increasing the proportion of cells that help moderate the immune response. Tzield is administered by intravenous infusion once daily for 14 consecutive days.
Tzield’s safety and efficacy were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, event-driven, placebo-controlled trial with 76 patients with stage 2 type 1 diabetes. In the trial, patients randomly received Tzield or a placebo once daily via intravenous infusion for 14 days. The primary measure of efficacy was the time from randomization to development of stage 3 type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The trial results showed that over a median follow-up of 51 months, 45% of the 44 patients who received Tzield were later diagnosed with stage 3 type 1 diabetes, compared to 72% of the 32 patients who received a placebo. The mid-range time from randomization to stage 3 type 1 diabetes diagnosis was 50 months for the patients who received Tzield and 25 months for those who received a placebo. This represents a statistically significant delay in the development of stage 3 type 1 diabetes.
The most common side effects of Tzield include decreased levels of certain white blood cells, rash and headache. The use of Tzield comes with warnings and precautions, including premedicating and monitoring for symptoms of Cytokine Release Syndrome; risk of serious infections; decreased levels of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes; risk of hypersensitivity reactions; the need to administer all age-appropriate vaccinations prior to starting Tzield; as well as avoiding concurrent use of live, inactivated and mRNA vaccines with Tzield.
Tzield received Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy designations for this indication.
The FDA granted the approval of Tzield to Provention Bio.
Health Care Foundation’s Annual Snowflake Campaign Kick’s Off
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation recently kicked-off their annual snowflake campaign. The community is invited to pay tribute to friends or family members with a gift in their honor or memory. The Foundation will then send a notification to the honorees or designated contact to make them aware of the gift.
In addition, a beautiful snowflake bearing the name of the individual being recognized is displayed in the main lobby of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. By the end of the campaign, the elegant, towering Christmas tree will be encircled in snowflake tributes.
This offering of the Foundation has become an annual tradition that is warmly received by donors and honorees alike. The campaign originated many years ago with donors sponsoring lights on the tree to recognize friends and loved ones. After that, luminaires were added and often lit the pathway of the Gardens at Memorial during the holiday season.
A few years ago, the luminaries were changed to snowflakes which now adorn the light-filled hospital lobby. The scene becomes enchanting with the seasonal display of the tree and snowflakes.
The recommended donation for each person honored is $25. Recognition of individuals makes a lovely seasonal gift. It is a great way to tell someone they are thought of during the holiday season and a wonderful way to pay tribute to a deceased friend or loved one.
Donations may be mailed to the Foundation or made online at the Foundation’s webpage. Please include contact information for the donor as well as the individuals to whom an acknowledgment of the recognition should be sent. Additionally, the name(s) of the individual(s) to be added to the snowflakes as well as if the gift is in honor of or memory of the person.
The Foundation’s webpage can be found by searching for the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation or
call the office at 903-438-4799. The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) 3 not-for-
profit organization.
Register For Senior Citizens Center’s 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off By Nov. 23
The deadline to register for the Senior Citizens Center’s 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off is quickly approaching. Although the event is still 2 weeks away, those planning to enter the contest are asked to register as soon as possible.
“I need to know how many would like to participate by Wednesday, Nov 23. They can fill out registration, or just call or email me and I will sign them up,” said Senior Citizen Center Coordinator Dawna M. Pryor.
To register simply submit your name, address, phone number and email to the Senior Citizens Center at 150 MLK in Sulphur Springs, by phone at 903-885-1661 or by email to [email protected].
The Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by Carriage House Manor and the Cottages, will be at noon Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at the Senior Citizens Center. All are invited to enter their best chili or just stop by to sample the entries and have fun fellowshipping.
Investigation Of Companies Denying Parents Access To Children’s Medical Records Expanded
AUSTIN – Attorney General Paxton has announced that he is expanding the scope of his investigation into hospitals and corporations that are denying parents the ability to access the medicals records of their children by issuing a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) to Epic Systems Corporation.
Paxton’s latest efforts began when he announced his investigation of Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System regarding the nature and purported legal basis of the hospital’s published policies that apparently prevent parents from accessing their children’s medical records once their child attains the age of 13.
Further investigation revealed that Epic Systems Corporation, a provider of electronic access to medical records, may have additional information regarding these concerns.
“Too many companies are taking marching orders from the radical left, especially when it comes to their all-out assault on family values and parental rights,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Texas law forbids any hospital or corporate entity from denying parents access to their children’s medical records and we’re going to ensure that the law is followed.”
To read the CID sent to Epic Systems Corporation, click here.
If you are a parent or guardian who has been denied access to your child’s medical records, please contact our Consumer Protection Division by filing a complaint online or calling our Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508.
Representative Slaton Files “Defend The Texas National Guard” Legislation
AUSTIN, TEXAS – This week, Representative Bryan Slaton, HD-2, filed House Bill 184, also known as “Defend the Guard” which, if approved, will protect the Texas National Guard from being deployed into active combat duty in unconstitutional wars. The bill requires that Congress follow Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution and actually declare war, before the Texas National Guard can be sent into harm’s way.
Representative Slaton said the following:
“This legislation is essential to honoring the men and women in the Texas National Guard, their families, and our Constitution. The Constitution clearly requires that Congress actually declare war before our fighting men and women are sent to fight for our country. Congress has failed in their duty in this regard for nearly eighty years. It is time to stand up for and protect our Texas National Guard, and the US Constitution.”
Rep. Slaton filed identical legislation in the 87th legislature, and similar legislation has been filed in over a dozen other States in recent years.
Rep. Slaton further commented, saying, “This is once again a platform item of the Republican party of Texas, but everyone would agree that this is not a Democrat versus Republican issue. This is about honoring the constitution, and protecting our brave Guardsman from being abused by Washington D.C.”
FDA Warns Firms for Selling Illegal E-Cigarettes That Look Like Toys, Food & Cartoon Characters
Companies Must Stop Marketing Unauthorized Products Or Risk Enforcement, According to FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters Nov. 16, 2022, to five firms for the unauthorized marketing of 15 different e-cigarette products. Each e-cigarette product is packaged to look like toys, food, or cartoon characters and is likely to promote use by youth. None of the manufacturers submitted a premarket application for any of the unauthorized products.
The unauthorized products described in the warning letters include e-cigarettes that:
- Are designed to look like toys and youth-appealing electronics like glow sticks, Nintendo Game Boy, and walkie-talkies;
- Feature youth-appealing characters from TV shows, movies, and video game characters, including “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” “Squid Game,” “Rick and Morty,” “Minions,” and “Baby Bus;” or
- Imitate foods like popsicles.
“The designs of these products are an utterly flagrant attempt to target kids,” said Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “It’s a hard sell to suggest that adults using e-cigarettes with the goal of quitting smoking need a cartoon character emblazoned across the front of the product in order to do so successfully.”
The FDA issued warning letters to:
- Wizman Limited doing business as Wizvapor
- Shenzhen Fumot Technology Co., Ltd. doing business as R and M Vapes
- Shenzhen Quawins Technology Co., Ltd.
- Ruthless Vapor
- Moti Global
The warning letters notify the recipients that e-cigarettes without a marketing authorization order are adulterated and misbranded, and that selling or distributing these products to consumers in the U.S. is prohibited under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. Failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as an injunction, seizure and/or civil money penalties. In addition, products that appear to be misbranded or adulterated that are offered for import into the U.S. are at risk of being detained or refused admission. Retailers and distributors should communicate with their suppliers to discuss possible options for the unauthorized products in their inventory.
“The FDA is committed to keeping tobacco products out of the hands of our nation’s youth,” said Dr. King. “The agency will continue to hold companies accountable for illegally selling e-cigarettes, particularly those that shamelessly target youth.”
Today’s warning letters mark another step in the FDA’s continued efforts to remove illegally marketed tobacco products from the market. Through Oct. 28, the FDA has issued more than 440 warning letters to firms marketing illegal e-cigarettes containing tobacco-derived nicotine, and more than 60 warning letters to firms marketing illegal products containing non-tobacco nicotine. On Oct. 18, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), on behalf of the FDA, filed complaints for permanent injunctions in federal district courts against six e-cigarette manufacturers who failed to submit premarket applications for their e-cigarette products and continued to illegally manufacture, sell, and distribute their products, despite previous warnings from the FDA that they were in violation of the law.
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
Student Registering at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
Elizabeth Joslin, a Student Success Coach and Financial Aid Advisor at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus, helps student Ty Self of Sulphur Springs register for classes at the campus.
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.
CMF-SS Volunteer Auxiliary Honors Their Own
Sulphur Springs, Texas – An important part of the quality care offered at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs is the long-serving Volunteer Auxiliary. These men and women donate their time to greet, direct, and assist patients and visitors. They are easily identified by their striking purple jackets, usually over an all-white outfit.
In addition, they run the gift shop which offers snacks, gifts, and fresh flowers. Each volunteer has assigned duties and regular office hours. It is a job, just without the pay.
Due to the close-knit nature of the Auxiliary, they do the things that families do, such as holding a Thanksgiving lunch to celebrate the season. They also like to pay tribute to any members who have passed away during the year.
As a means of celebrating the lives of the five recently deceased Auxiliary members, they have donated $1,250 to the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation. A plaque featuring the names of the honored members will be erected in the Gardens at Memorial in their memory.
Those being memorialized are Nelda Head, Vera Skaggs, Gaylon Odell, Barbara Dunavin, and Kellene Dawson.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying to volunteer with the Auxiliary, please call Sherry Moore at 903-439-4062.
To donate or to learn more about the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, contact Kayla Price at 903-438-4799.
Texas DMV Announces Upcoming Deployment Of Redesigned Temporary Tags
Enhanced Security and Data Enhancements Would Further Reduce Fraudulent Tag Use
(AUSTIN, Texas – November 17, 2022) Texas temporary tags are getting a major design overhaul. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is introducing a new look for tags that are issued by licensed Texas motor vehicle dealers. This is the next step in ongoing efforts that have made a significant difference in curtailing and preventing the fraudulent production of, access to, and use of temporary tags.
Continued collaboration with law enforcement identified the opportunity to further reduce fraud related to counterfeit tags. Counterfeit tags are produced by criminals using various tools outside TxDMV systems. The department has spent the last several months redesigning the look and embedded security features of official temporary tags.
“With the support of our law enforcement partners, The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is setting a new standard for temporary tag security and design,” said TxDMV Executive Director Daniel Avitia.
Licensed dealers will begin issuing the redesigned temporary tags on December 9, 2022. The new tags are more complex and secure than existing tags and include additional data and security features to facilitate law enforcement identification of counterfeit tags and increase the safety of traffic stops.
Features of the New Tag Design
Note: For security purposes, not all features are included or fully described in this list.
- Texas flag watermark.
- Enhanced depiction of tag expiration date, vehicle year and make, and name of issuing dealer.
- Identification of the specific type of tag issued.
- Font selection and size that maximize readability of primary components.
- Active and passive security features identifiable by law enforcement.
- Numerous pieces of embedded data and text, linked to law enforcement databases, that can be created only by internal TxDMV computer systems.
Prior Changes to Temporary Tags
Since the end of the 87th Legislative Session, TxDMV has taken action to prevent the improper use of temporary tags. Implementation of House Bill 3927 allowed the department to place limits on the number of tags licensed Texas dealers can create. The bill also provided TxDMV authority to immediately deny access to the temporary tag system when fraudulent activity is identified.
The department complimented these statutory changes with numerous operational enhancements, including:
- Simplified coordination with law enforcement.
- Expanded access to data by law enforcement.
- Additional data validation prior to issuance of temporary tags and timed permits.
- Additional automatic checks on vehicle identification numbers.
- Enhanced licensing review standards.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background checks on dealer license applicants.
These actions have been highly effective in reducing fraudulent temporary tag activity. More information on these activities can be found on the department’s website at www.TxDMV.gov/temporarytags.
