Rep. Slaton Again Files Legislation To Designate Child Gender Modification As “Child Abuse”
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Today, Representative Bryan Slaton of House District 2 filed legislation that, if passed, will bring an end to the practice of child gender modification in the State of Texas.
HB 42 will designate genital removal surgeries, chemical castration, puberty blockers, and other sex change therapies as child abuse.
Representative Slaton commented, “For years, Texas has failed our children by allowing them to be subjected to cruel child abuse in the form of sex-change surgeries and therapies. This child gender modification is child abuse, plain and simple. It is finally time that the Texas House, like the Senate, step up and defend innocent children from these bogus medical practices.”
Similar legislation passed the Texas Senate last session, but the bill failed to move through the Texas House, and died.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report for Nov. 7-13, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Nov. 7-13, 2022, included:
Arrests
- Juanita Perez, 30 years of age, of Dallas, was arrested on Nov. 9, 2022, Possession of 1 Gram or More But Less Than 4 Grams of a Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance.
- Brandon Albrightson, 45 years of age, of Crowder, Oklahoma, was arrested on Nov. 12, 2022 , for Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 133 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 15 citations and 19 warnings during this reporting period.
Wildcat Football Falls Short of Victory in Bi-District Playoff Thriller
Wildcat football took on Dallas Carter HS in the opening round of playoffs but fell just shy of victory on Friday, Nov. 11.
Sulphur Springs football for the first time in four years qualified for the postseason, but just like in 2018 when the Wildcats last made the playoffs, they fell in Bi-District.
A crucial fourth down stop as Sulphur Springs failed to get the game-winning touchdown with just over three minutes to go put a thriller away as Dallas Carter prevailed 37-33.
The Wildcats played their hearts out and fought until the final whistle, even if they came up shy of a Bi-District championship in Forney.
The two teams played it close throughout the entirety of Friday’s contest at City Bank Stadium.
While the Wildcats jumped out to a 20-7 halftime lead, both offenses opened up for a combined 43 points in the second half.
While the second quarter belonged to Sulphur Springs, the third was all Cowboys as they scored three rushing touchdowns to retake the lead 29-26 for the first time since the first quarter when they scored on the opening drive, then leading 7-0.
Carter’s rushing attack proved too much for Coach Brandon Faircloth’s squad, as Cowboy RB Landry rushed for 257 yards and four TDs in the win over Sulphur Springs. Wildcat football scored two touchdowns in the second half, but explosive runs from Landry consistently turned momentum on its head.
Going into the fourth quarter, it was anyone’s ball game.
WR CJ Williams did everything he could to will his team to victory, scoring four times in the Bi-District loss, including a 79-yd receiving TD, but a crucial 4th down inside the Carter 20 would decide who gets all the marbles.
Sulphur Springs failed to convert on 4th down, with the game and their season on the line, as a pass from QB Kaden Mitchell was incomplete to his intended receiver in the end zone, followed by Carter kneeling the game and sealing the 37-33 victory.
Wildcat football ends their season with a 7-4 record (3-2 district) falling in a shoot thriller in Bi-district.
Winning six of their first seven games, Sulphur Springs struggled down the stretch taking on the top two teams in District 8-4A once QB Brady Driver was lost for the season with an ankle injury.
Even with the loss of such a talented dual-threat QB, Sulphur Springs played overall fairly well, with their best offensive performance since losing their starting QB coming in the opening-round loss to Carter.
Friday’s loss in Forney is a disappointing end to an otherwise phenomenal rebound season after going 0-10 last year.
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.
Flu Vaccinations Encouraged Ahead Of Thanksgiving
Public Health flu monitoring indicates the Texas flu season kicked off a few weeks earlier than usual this year. That’s why the Texas Department of State Health Services encourages Texans to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and their families from flu as the holidays approach.
“Vaccination remains our best defense against severe illness from flu, especially for more vulnerable populations like older adults, very young children, people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women,” said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, DSHS Interim Commissioner. “That’s why we recommend that everyone six months and older receive their flu vaccine each year. And it’s especially important to get vaccinated now since it takes the body two weeks after vaccination to fully produce antibodies to fight flu.”
Reporting from around the state confirms more influenza-like illness occurring earlier than recent flu seasons, which matches flu reporting from across much of the country. The flu vaccines for this 2022-2023 season have undergone substantial changes since last season, which will allow them to better protect against the flu viruses that are now circulating.
Anyone feeling ill or experiencing flu symptoms should stay at home and contact their health care provider. There are effective anti-viral treatments available for the flu, which are highly recommended for people at higher risk of flu complications, such as people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Other ways people can protect themselves and the people close to them from flu is to wash their hands often, cover their coughs and sneezes and stay home if they don’t feel well.
Eligible Texans can also safely and conveniently get their flu shot and updated COVID-19 booster at the same time. The updated COVID-19 booster is designed to protect against the Omicron variants, which are causing the most COVID-19 illness in Texas right now.
Visit Vaccines.gov to find locations near you where flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster doses are available.
Those Impacted By Nov. 4 Tornadoes Encouraged To Report Damage By Submitting iSTAT Surveys
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, [email protected]
Governor Greg Abbott today extended the State of Texas’ response and recovery efforts following severe storms across Northeast Texas throughout Friday and overnight into Saturday, Nov. 4-5, 2022. Last week, the Governor directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy state resources to support local officials’ response to these severe storms.
“The State of Texas stands with Texans and communities impacted by yesterday’s and last night’s severe weather across northeast Texas, and I have deployed all available resources to help respond and recover,” said Governor Abbott on Nov. 5, 2022. “Texans impacted by this severe weather event are strongly encouraged to report damage to TDEM’s iSTAT survey so that we can provide the resources needed for our communities to recover. I thank all of our hardworking state and local emergency management personnel for their swift response to keep Texans safe and for their continued service in helping Texans recover in the aftermath of these storms.”
Preliminary damage assessments conducted by local and state officials are ongoing, and the State of Texas continues to have numerous response and recovery resources engaged across the impacted area to support requests for assistance from local officials.
Texans impacted by the severe weather are encouraged to fill out the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. The information provided in the survey helps emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that have occurred and aids officials in determining if the state meets federally-required thresholds for various forms of disaster assistance, as well as identify any immediate resource needs. The iSTAT damage survey can be filled out in multiple languages online by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov and clicking on November 3-5, 2022: Severe Weather Event.
“TDEM requests the public’s assistance, particularly those who have been impacted by these severe weather events, to provide details through the iSTAT damage survey when it is safe to do so,” said TDEM Chief Nim Kidd. “This information will help officials determine where needs are and how to best assist. This survey is a valuable tool for local and state officials to gain a better understanding of the extent of damages in order to seek the resources necessary for those in need.”
Reporting damage through the iSTAT tool is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency. It does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. TDEM has published a tutorial video in English and Spanish explaining the iSTAT surveys on the survey landing page.
Commissioners Renew 1 Local Disaster Declaration, Enact Another
Hopkins County Commissioners Court renewed one local disaster declaration for the damages resulting from Nov. 4 tornadoes, and enacted another due to “threat of disaster from the unprecedented levels of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling coming across the U.S. border from Mexico.”
New Disaster Declaration
Hopkins County Commissioners Court was asked during the regular court session Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, to approve a declaration of local state of disaster due to illegal immigration, human trafficking and drug smuggling across the border from Mexico.
“Basically, what this is it’s a declaration of a local state disaster and I might ask the sheriff for his input on this. According to what I have before me today, since January 2021, more than 3.2 million illegal aliens apprehended after unlawfully entering the United States, and more than 800,000 illegal aliens have avoided apprehension while unlawfully entering the United States and remain unaccounted for within our nation,” County Judge Robert Newsom said. “Basically, the proclamations calls for simply a proclamation that we are under a very serious situation in Texas, in Hopkins County as well as the United States. We ask that this declaration be noted to our state and to our nation, that we have a very serious situation across the state.”
The disaster declaration, citing the Centers for Disease Control statistics, states that “the unprecedented amount of human trafficking, combined with the smuggling of fentanyl and other opioids infiltrating our border with Mexico had killed over 71,238 American citizens.” According to the declaration, Customs and Border Protection have identified more than 50 known terrorists who have unlawfully entered the US through an unsecured border with Mexico. It claims sophisticated international human and drug trafficking organizations spearheaded by “violent international drug cartels” have operational control over the unsecured US-Mexico border. The document declares “the ongoing immigration crisis” an unacceptable security threat and humanitarian disaster, the consequences of which impact Hopkins County residents.
“Along with the immigrants coming across undocumented, we have had a large influx of drugs. Drugs are so plentiful now they are free now basically,” Sheriff Lewis Tatum said. “It’s just causing all kinds of havoc. We’ve had two ODs (over-doses) in this county recently, and one of them came back with fentanyl and we’re not sure about the most recent one; the tests aren’t back. We’ve got to get a handle on it. I spoke with the Sheriff’s Association this morning and they’re asking for help on the border states. They’re overwhelmed and officers and sheriff’s down there are just give out. They can’t handle the deceased bodies that they are finding let alone stop the immigrants coming across illegally.”
The disaster declaration noted the county judge has “determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to ensure the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of county residents.” It calls on Texas Governor to “declare the existence of an invasion on its border with Mexico and taken necessary actions to preserve and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Texas.” Citing Article 4, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution and Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the US Constitution, the declaration asks the governor to use constitutional authority to immediately prevent and remove all people invading Texas and the US.
The local disaster declaration authorizes the use of “all lawfully available resources and authority” granted by both the Texas and US Constitution. The declaration is to remain in effect until the county judge terminates it, and grants the judge authority to issue additional directives related to the issue at any time necessary or relevant.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price made a motion, which Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley seconded, approving the local disaster declaration “regarding Texas invasion.” The declaration was issued with full approval of the Commissioners Court.
Renewed Disaster Declaration
The Commissioners Court also considered renewing the disaster declaration the county judge issued last week for damages caused by the tornadoes, high winds, fallen trees and water from the storm cells which spread through Northeast Texas and Oklahoma on Nov. 4, 2022.
Two tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service to have touched down within a 2-mile radius in Hopkins County, primarily in Precinct 1, although one dairy barn was damaged in Precinct 2 in the Pickton area as well In Precinct 1, four buildings — three residences and a shop — were completely destroyed and two sustained heavy damage, according to Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley.
“There’s a lot of damage. I know most of the commissioners have been out there that night helping with that. We appreciate everyone out there, including the sheriff’s office. We could not have done what we done that night without everyone’s help. It is greatly appreciated,” Endsley said.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker extended thanks to Endsley and the fire department personnel for their work in a chaotic situation.
“We have about three houses totaled this go-round and several houses and barns and other properties damaged. We will be getting some information out about how they can ask for assistance,” Barker said.
Endsley said Hopkins County was very blessed in the limited loss sustained, compared to that of neighboring Lamar and Red River counties. Hopkins County officials, after things were more or less settled Nov. 4 in Hopkins County sent fire department personnel to Lamar County and Red River County to assist. In Lamar County, where a tornado was on the ground for 22 miles Nov. 4, 37 homes were completely destroyed and over 40 heavily damaged just outside of Paris. In Red River County, a tornado was one the ground for 46 miles and destroyed 12 residences on Nov. 4.
Endsley said he has flown in a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter since the tornadoes swept through the area, observing the path the twisters took over the Red River, then touched back down in Idabel, Oklahoma, where one person was killed, and a lot of destruction was reported. He said from the sky he was also able to see where a tornado touched down after going over Highway 82 in Clarksville, covering a wide path.
County Judge Robert Newsom issued a local disaster declaration on Nov. 8, which would allow the county to apply for financial assistance if it become available. The disaster declaration has to be approved by the Commissioners Court within 7 days or it expires.
“This will help us if there’s any back side to mitigation grants, things like that. We won’t see anything on the front side, but possibility of grants and things like that that come in later as soon as the governor declares — and I anticipate pretty sooner because we had seven tornadoes through our area right here around us. Since we touch the very bottom tip of Lamar County, we will be included in that,” Endsley said.
Endsley said there are links on social media platforms where people access links to report damage. This helps give local and state officials an account of loss and damages. Damages have to reach a certain level for an area before FEMA funding becomes available, the fire marshal noted.
According to Extension Agent Mario Villarino, Texans impacted by the severe weather are encouraged to fill out an Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. The information provided in the survey helps emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that have occurred and aids officials in determining if the state meets federally-required thresholds for various forms of disaster assistance, as well as identify any immediate resource needs. The iSTAT damage survey can be filled out in multiple languages online by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov and clicking on November 3-5, 2022: Severe Weather Event.
Precinct 1 Commissioners Mickey Barker made a motion, which Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin, seconded approving the renewal of the local disaster declaration due to damages from the tornadoes on Nov. 4, 2022. The motion was unanimously approved by the court.
Christmas In Heritage Park Offered Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 2022
Hopkins County Historical Society will once again host Christmas in Heritage Park Saturdays, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 2022, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
A $3 fee is asked for everyone age 7 and older, but children ages 6 or younger will be admitted free to enjoy the old fashioned Christmas in the Park with their families at Heritage Park, 416 North Jackson St.
Lots of door prizes will be awarded, and free hot cocoa and old fashioned cider, coffee and cookies will be free to enjoy.
The lighted trees are up, the buildings are decorated. Hopkins County Historical Society members invited all to come out and help celebrate this special time of the year at Christmas in the Park.
In addition to light displays and music while strolling the grounds, Santa will be available to visit with the young and young at heart. Marshmallows can be roasted over an open fire, roasted peanuts and popcorn are also available for a fee. The Country Store has been turned into a Christmas store. Hundreds of Christmas items are for sale. All proceeds from Christmas In Heritage Park will go toward maintenance and preservation of Heritage Park.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Nov. 14 Agenda
Meal A Day Menu And Senior Citizens Center Calendar for Nov. 14-18, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to MealA Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the remainder of the week of Nov. 14-18, 2022 includes:
- MONDAY, NOV. 14 — Chicken Spaghetti, Mixed Vegetables and Garlic Toast.
- TUESDAY, NOV. 15 — Smothered Beef Patties With Brown Gravy & Onions, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16 — Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole, Peas & Carrots, and Corn.
- THURSDAY, NOV. 17 — BBQ Smoked Sausage, Macaroni & Cheese, Baked Beans and a Roll.
- FRIDAY, NOV. 18 — Cheeseburgers, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onion, Hamburger Dill Slices and Chips.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
2022 Hopkins County Christmas CASA Cookie Walk Will Feature Treats From Local Bakers
Will Your Church Observe Stand Sunday? Did You Know You Can Generate Money For Lake Country CASA While Shopping Online
An annual Hopkins County Christmas tradition, the CASA Cookie Walk, is returning this year and will feature some special treats. Another event a little soon, Stand Sunday, will happen Nov. 13. And, there are option for those who wish to donate to or become involved with CASA.
CASA Cookie Walk
The fundraiser for the organization for more than 25 years was canceled the last couple of years due to COVID and replaced with Miracles Made on Connally Street, where people were invited to purchase tickets for $25 each to win one of 12 small decorated Christmas trees.
CASA announced this month, however, that the annual Christmas tradition, the CASA Cookie Walk, will be held in 2022. It is scheduled as is tradition on the first Friday in December from 9 a.m. to noon (or until all the cookies are gone).
“We are excited to announce there will be yummy treats from some fabulous local bakers so plan to join us for some Christmas goodness! Sweets & Sunshine Shelly’s Sweets, Cinnamon Bear’s Bakery, Christy’s Piece of cake,” local CASA representatives noted.
A variety of cookies and other sweet eats will be offered for a $5 per pound donation (or more if you are feeling generous) Dec. 2, 2022, at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 301 Church St. (across from the Post Office).
All proceeds from the Cookie Walk will benefit the children Lake Country CASA serves in Hopkins, Rains, and Franklin counties. Lake Country CASA served 60 children in Hopkins County alone in 2021.
Stand Sunday
Before the CASA Cookie Walk will be an other event, Stand Sunday. On Nov. 13, 2022, people are asked to stand together to show support for children and families in foster care.
Stand Sunday began in 2004, when Bishop Aaron Blake Sr. called for the families of Brownwood to stand up to care for children and families impacted by the child welfare system. Since then, churches across the country have begun joining forces on Stand Sunday to declare war on inaction when it comes to children and families facing abuse, abandonment and neglect. Stand Sunday, traditionally, is a time when people of all faiths stand as one voice on the second Sunday in November for this one purpose — showing support for children and families involved in the foster care system.
As of June 2022, there are 12,128 children in Texas foster care system. Across the US, there are approximately 424,000 children in foster care, StandSunday.org reports.
Lake CASA encourages everyone to take time Sunday to pray for children in foster care and stand up for children who have suffered abuse or neglect.
Check with you church to see if Stand Sunday will be observed on Nov. 13. And, its not restricted to churches; a group or individual can take a stand through advocacy, prayer and finding out ways in the local community they can support. Families may even want to become foster families, make contributions to charitable organizations such as CASA that are dedicated to helping these children who have been removed from their homes and placed into the foster care system, or consider become a CASA volunteer.
In cases where children enter the foster system because their homes are deemed or alleged to be unsafe, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer whose only focus is on that child, giving hope and help in guiding the child to a safe, permanent home.
CASAs work to ensure that every child who needs an advocate to speak for his or her best interests before the courts has a caring, trained adult to help them during this difficult time in their life.
For more information about Lake County CASA, call 903-885-1173.
Donating to CASA
Donations are also accepted to help support the CASA program, to provide funding for advocacy efforts and things the children CASA is entrusted to represent wouldn’t have if not for the organization. Donations may be made:
- At the Cookie Walk;
- By PayPal or a debit or credit card online on
- Lake Country CASA website (https://lakecountrycasa.org/get-involved/donate/) by selecting “Donate;”
- the Lake Country CASA Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/lakecountrycasa)
- By selecting Lake Country CASA as the charity of choice at AmazonSmile, to have 0.5% of purchases you make while shopping the site go to CASA to help the children the organization serves.
