Texas Work Search Website Restored After Outage
WorkInTexas.com Available For Jobseekers And Employers
AUSTIN – The state’s primary work search website, WorkInTexas.com, is back online following a nationwide outage impacting many states’ job search websites. Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) contracts with Geographic Solutions, Inc (GSI) to host WorkInTexas.com and two related sites, MyTXCareer.com and TXInternshipChallenge.com. The outage at GSI started on Sunday, June 26. On Tuesday, July 5, WorkInTexas.com was restored. Although the other two websites remain offline temporarily, individuals can use the WorkInTexas website to post or search for jobs and internships.
Jobseekers can again use WorkInTexas.com to search for thousands of available jobs, but they can also visit local Workforce Solutions office to meet any work search requirements and access employment resources. Those resources include skills assessments for occupational matching, instructional workshops such as resume preparation, and labor market information. In-person and virtual job fairs are continually held across the state and can be found on the TWC Job Fairs webpage. In addition, passing a Metrix Learning course is deemed an acceptable work search activity and courses are available to all Texans at no cost.
Employers can also resume use of WorkInTexas.com as a recruiting tool to post jobs and screen applicants. Local offices are available to assist employers with setting up an account on the site or posting job vacancies. Employers can also take advantage of other resources such as virtual and in-person hiring events, or labor market data.
TWC’s website, twc.texas.gov, is managed in-house, and was not impacted by the outage. Updates regarding MyTXCareer.com and TXInternshipChallenge.com will be posted on the agency’s website and social media accounts.
Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.
Zoning Request For Truck Stop North Of I-30 Main Discussion At July 5 City Council Meeting
Discussion regarding Libba Land LTD’s request to rezone property north of Interstate 30 light commercial was the main focus of Tuesday evening’s Sulphur Springs City Council meeting. Three individuals and two couples who live near the property asked the City Council to consider denying the request, while City Council members sought clarity regarding the proposed development.
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski noted Libba Land requested the northeast corner of the property north of I-30 at State Highway 19 be rezoned from heavy commercial to light industrial. That would allow the developer to construct a new CEFCO truck and travel center just west of Coleman Park. He pointed out that the developer did hold an informal neighborhood meeting in late spring, with only those living near the proposed site invited to attend, giving them time to pose questions and concerns before a rezoning application was submitted to the City of Sulphur Springs asking for the change.
When the application was submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission in May, city staff recommended the application for rezoning be approved as the applicant’s letter noted ways to address and alleviate any concerns voiced previously, with two stipulations. Niewiadomski said city staff recommended requiring property be platted in accordance with the rezoning request, 12 of 24.83-acres changed from heavy commercial to light industrial, and the items addressed in the letter with the April application be incorporated into the building process to include solid fencing to screen the center from residences, lighting be addressed for safety but not to cause light pollution for neighbors, and working with Texas Department of Transportation on traffic impacts. The Planning and Zone Commission approved the request in May on a 3-1 vote, with Pat Chase voting against the request. The P&Z Commission noted the request met zoning requirements, which is their task, then forwarded the request to the City Council for consideration.
Concerns were voiced by community members at the June 2022 City Council meeting regarding potential traffic issues, safety issues for children at the park and nearby residences, light, litter, transients, property values. Questioned was the need for another truck stop in that particular area; the south side where truck stops are currently located, doesn’t have residences as close by, including an addition for elderly residents, nor are Love’s and Pilot next to a city park where children play, City Council members pointed out. The addition of another truck stop/travel center on the north side of I-30 would likely cause even more traffic congestion in that area, especially for residents of Woodbridge Crossing. It was also pointed out during the June 2022 City Council meeting that truck drivers already have difficulty navigating the I-30/SH 19 south (Industrial-Hillcrest Drive) intersection and turn around in business parking lots and other properties where they should not be. While TxDOT is planning to redesign that intersection in the future, the local office was unable to give a specific timeline of when and what that will entail at the time
The City Council approved on first reading in June 2022 the Libba Land’s rezoning request in June 2022 on a 5-2 vote, with Place 7 Councilman John Sellers and Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash voting against the request.
In order for an ordinance rezoning the property to pass, it must be approved by the City Council twice. The request was presented again for City Council consideration Tuesday night, July 5, 2022.
Niewiadomski Tuesday noted the area behind the 12 acres would remain heavy commercial; the developer has not intention to touch the rest of the property on that corner beside and behind it. The developer has agreed to install a fence to shield it from other property. Since the last meeting, TxDOT has advised in addition to plans to realign SH 19 across from Woodbridge in a way that provides an outlet for trucks traveling north to make a U-turn and will move back the on/off ramps for League Street and Hillcrest Drive, to give motorists more time before approaching the interchange.
Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian asked what could potentially be placed on the property with the current heavy commercial zoning. Among the things that would be eligible for development on the property are nursing homes, grocery stores, car dealerships, hotels, a bowling alley, dance hall or other activities of that nature.
If a tiny home dealership were proposed for the site, it’d first have to pass the P&Z Commission as meeting city requirements.
Julian said he’d checked into some of the concerns expressed at previous meetings by citizens and address some of them.
City statistics pulled from the past 7 years do not support concerns that truck stops increase crime and vagrancy. Truck traffic has increased during that time as has all traffic as the area becomes more developed, the councilman noted.
Litter is a management issue for the business; when he toured the businesses’ stores in Mount Vernon and Paris, they appeared well maintained, according to Julian.
Danny Haywood, who lives on a street within Woodbridge Crossing neighborhood, said he’s driven around the loop and by the park. Trash, water jugs and other items litter the roadside, and some have been there for days, others weeks or longer, on Hillcrest Drive along the overpass.
Ken Mikos, whos property on Brandy Circle is adjacent to the proposed site, pointed out that while similar, convenience stores are different from truck stops. The two in the other cities are convenience stores. Truck stops/travel centers have constant truck traffic with extended parking and stays for trucks.
Joel Thomas, who also live on Brandy Circle near the proposed travel center/truck stop, pointed out that the plan calls for 70 spaces for truck parking. The facility in Mount Vernon does not offer overnight parking, he reported.
As for concerns a truck stop would negatively impact property tax values, the information he observed showed tax values went up 60%, not down, according to Julian.
Julian said he is of the opinion that there should be fewer government interventions, which requires some restraint. He feels the mission of the City Council, who serve the citizens, is to make Sulphur Springs a place where everyone wants to be.
“I will not support putting any industry next to single family homes or parks,” Julian said.
Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar said looking at the drawing presented with the information, that it seems to him it’d make more sense to put a fence along the side of the property closest to homes rather than the pasture area behind it. Niewiadomski said they can require the fence to be put in if the zoning is approved when a plat request is submitted for consideration.
Aguilar also asked if traffic would still enter Coleman Park through Gossett Lane if the station is constructed by it. A gated entryway would likely go in north of the water tower, providing people on the north side of I-30 access to the park without having to drive around and enter from League Street.
Joel Thomas pointed out that while TxDOT may allow the business to install traffic lights, that does not mean it will happen. That would be up to the business unless it’s required in future plat or other permit requirements.
More than one resident expressed concern for the safety of children in the park as well as nearby back yards. Joyce George said while it is adults’ responsibility to monitor and watch over their kids, but expressed concern with so many in and out at a travel center/truck stop, it’d only take a quick trip inside to grab the phone for a kid to go missing. She asked the City Council to have compassion and empathy for those whose backyards the proposed truck stop would border.
Brandy Circle resident David Poskey said they’d heard his concerns previously and likely have seen his social media post regarding the matter in the last few weeks. At the top of his list are security for everyone in transit next to the park, which is already congested. He asked if people would be exiting at the Coleman Park entrance on Industrial Drive/Gossett Lane. He also questioned whether the business would be constructed first or if the traffic light and restructuring would come first.
City Manager Marc Maxwell asked the developer if they would be putting in the traffic light if the zoning request and project are approved. He affirmed, “Yes, we are willing to do it.” In fact, officials reported when initially approached about a light, TxDOT denied the request to put a light at the intersection.
Another traffic light across from Love’s also would be allowed by TxDOT.
One of the couples said they’ve lived in Sulphur Springs for 6 years, but have been considering other options for housing. If the truck stop doesn’t happen, they plan to stay. It it does happen, changing the scope of the neighborhood, they are looking to leave.
Niewiadomski said having a convenience store at that location could be helpful and convenient for people who attend tournaments and events at the park.
Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins lobbied in favor of granting the zoning request. He sees a business near the park that offers services of a convenience store as an asset as opposed to a detriment to the city. The business could sell goods to people who come from all over the state to play or watch their youth play in tournaments at Coleman Park. He said residents in the area, who already live just off the busy interstate should already be used to the noise and lights from truck traffic traveling by. He sees complaints about that as being similar to someone purchasing a house on property just beyond an airport runway, then complaining about the planes flying over. He things allowing a store at the location, which would contribute to the local economy in taxes, would be good for the city, especially one located on the north side of I-30, to catch traffic going that direction as opposed to south and east bound traffic.
Jay Julian and John Sellers motioned for the City Council to decline the request from Libba Land LTD for a zoning change to allow construction of a truck stop. The vote was much more split Tuesday night. Four City Council members — Julian, Nash, Aguilar and Sellers — voted to decline the rezoning request and the other three voted in favor of the rezoning request. At 4-3, the rezoning request was officially rejected on second reading.
Sulphur Springs Emergency Sirens Will Be Tested July 6
Emergency sirens will be tested in Sulphur Springs at noon today by Sulphur Springs Emergency Management office, according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson.
The test is to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system so they can be corrected prior to a real emergency situation. The sirens could be sounded not only for weather warnings such as tornados, which are the most common in the area, but also in case of any emergency that could affect the safety and lives of citizens in Sulphur Springs.
Recent tests have shown the emergency sirens to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as tornados or other threats to safety.
This will only be a test, conducted at 12 p.m. July 6, 2022.
Rains County Issues Burn Ban, Expect More To Follow
Judge Linda Wallace has issued a burn ban for Rains County effective July 5th, 2022. Weather conditions continue to be dry, hot and when combined with low humidity makes conditions favorable for fires.
The forecast shows continued hot and dry for the next 7 – 10 days.
Please use caution and think twice before burning outdoors.
What Is A Livestock Breed?
By Mario A. Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Agriculture, Hopkins County, [email protected]
As animals got domesticated, their use and purpose became more specific. The term “livestock breed” became used as a way to describe attributes similar in a group of animals. Sometimes, these attributes are visible (color, size, etc), but sometimes they are not. Many commercial breeds are identified by their performance.
So, what is a livestock breed? According to Oklahoma State University, the classic definition of a “breed” is usually stated as a variation of this statement:
"Animals that, through selection and breeding, have come to resemble one another and pass those traits uniformly to their offspring."
Unfortunately, this definition leaves some unanswered questions. For example, when is a crossbred animal (mix of several breeds) considered a composite breed and when do we stop thinking about them as composites?
Perhaps this definition from The Genetics of Populations by Jay L. Lush helps explain why a good definition of “breed” is elusive:
"A breed is a group of domestic animals, termed such by common consent of the breeders, ... a term which arose among breeders of livestock, created one might say, for their own use, and no one is warranted in assigning to this word a scientific definition and in calling the breeders wrong when they deviate from the formulated definition. It is their word and the breeders common usage is what we must accept as the correct definition."
As you can see from Dr. Lush’s definition, it is at least in part the perception of the breeders and the livestock industry which decides when a group of individuals constitutes a “breed.”
The development of the breeds takes different routes also. In some breeds, you can see the amount of change that can occur as the result of selection for a small number of traits. As an example, Holstein cattle have been selected primarily for milk production and are the highest milk producing cattle in the world. Other breeds have traits that result from natural selection pressure based upon the environment in which they were developed. An example of this might be the N’dama cattle from West Africa. These animals have, through the centuries, developed a resistance to trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness spread by the tse-tse fly, which is fatal to most other breeds of cattle.
It is common to find out livestock shows displaying individuals according to breeds, since that is the purpose of some of those livestock shows. There are, however, other livestock shows where performance is the purpose of the show (biggest animal, most producers, etc). As agriculture further develops, production of agricultural products also has become more specific and so have the needs or wants of the purchasing client.
Today, there are several breed specific programs promoting livestock breeds and adding economic premiums accordingly. For the farmer or rancher, the use of an specific breed might bring known benefits since individual variability gets reduced. For the consumer, also product quality variability gets reduced, making the purchase a more familiar transaction.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Titus County Plane Crash Results In 1 Death
A Titus County plane crash Sunday night resulted in one death; three others were reported by Texas Department of Public Safety to have been injured.
In a preliminary investigation report, Texas DPS Trooper William Davis indicated the single engine aircraft was approaching the runway at Mount Pleasant Airport from the north when it clipped a tree and crashed north of the runway near County Road 4550 and 4530 at 11:48 p.m. July 3, 2022. The crash is being further investigated by the National Traffic Safety Board.
The pilot, 50-year-old Jon Anderson of Mount Pleasant, and two passengers, 59-year-old Jere Kellough and 54-year-old Tracy Kellough, both of Omaha, were taken to UT Medical Center in Tyler. Jere Kellough later died at the hospital. Jon Anderson and Tracy Kellough sustained what DPS described as “incapacitating injuries.” The third passenger, 49-year-old Tanya Anderson of Mount Pleasant, was transported to Titus Regional Medical Center in Mount Pleasant for treatment of what were reported to be non-incapacitating injuries, according to a news release from DPS Highway Patrol Sgt. Gregg Williams.
From the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Welding Shop of a Commerce Student
CHECKING WORK
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding instructor John Plemons checks the work of pipe welding student Gage Blackburn of Commerce during a recent class. To enroll in the welding course offered at the campus, call 903-885-1232.
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.
TDI: Former NFL player indicted for over $25,000 in bogus medical claims
Former NFL player Narond “Roc” Alexander was indicted June 30 for submitting fraudulent health reimbursement claims to a health plan for former NFL players.
The case was led by Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) investigators and prosecutors working with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.
An investigation found that Alexander submitted claims for medical treatments he never received totaling more than $25,000.
Alexander allegedly submitted the claims between September 2014 and September 2018 under the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Plan. The Upshaw plan helps pay certain medical care expenses for former NFL players.
A Bexar County grand jury indicted Alexander and charged him with committing insurance fraud, a third-degree felony. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said: “Insurance fraud hurts the people who actually need these funds to cover their health care costs, like the NFL players who benefit from this particular fund. This indictment allows us to seek justice on behalf of the NFL players with legitimate claims who rely on these funds.”
The case will be prosecuted by Special Assistant District Attorney Nicole Thornbro. Thornbro is a TDI employee who works in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office as a special prosecutor focusing on insurance fraud.
Alexander played for the University of Washington and then in the NFL. He signed with the Denver Broncos in 2004, later playing for the Houston Texans.
You can report suspected insurance fraud by calling 800-252-3439.
Paris Junior College Regents Accept ADA Concrete Work Bid
Paris Junior College
Public Information Services
PJC Regents accept ADA concrete work bid
During the June meeting of the Paris Junior College Board of Regents, a bid was accepted for concrete work as identified through a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board 2020 Americans with Disabilities Act audit. The work, which includes sidewalk and ramp replacement around campus, must be completed this summer.
In other business, the Regents:
• Approved contracting with the Lamar County Elections Administrator to conduct the November election for the Regents.
• Called for an election for Place 1 (Precinct 2), Place 2 (Precinct 2), and Place 8 (Precinct 4) on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
• Reviewed two renderings for a Greenville Workforce Training Center, which would accommodate four workforce training programs.
• Approved the Substantive Change Policy GK (Local).
• Approved an increase for the ACT WorkKeys test given by the PJC Testing Center, from $44 to $50 and from $56 to $64.
• Accepted the 2022-2023 Dual Credit Memorandum of Understanding.
• Reviewed, as required annually, the State Auditor’s Office Compliance with Public Funds Investment Act Report.
• Received an update on Summer I enrollment.
• Reviewed a report on fall and spring retention by course and by faculty member.
• Received the President’s Report on Summer II enrollment, facilities update and the success of the PJC softball team and the recognition they received. • Approved the promotion of PJC ADN Nursing Instructor Tamera Lewis as Director of Nursing, effective June 1 and accepted the resignation of Dr. Ashley Jones, Educational Opportunity Center Director, effective August 31.
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.
Chamber Connection – July 6
By Butch Burney, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, [email protected]
Get your luau on at the Chamber’s next Business After Hours, hosted by Heritage Home Health and Hospice, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Chamber office
Heritage will have tropical drinks, food and fun music for everyone to enjoy!
Whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not, come on for one of the best networking events.
Mental Health First Aid
Lakes Regional will host a two-day event for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), which is free and open to the public. The adult MHFA is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 14 at the Lakes Regional Sulphur Springs location on Airport Road. The youth seminar will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 26.
To register, call 972-977-7295 or email [email protected].
Country Concert
G3 Mercantile will be bringing country music singer Tommy Alverson to Backstory Brewery, along with Longhorn burgers and door prizes on July 9. Burgers will be served from 5 to 9 p.m., with the music going from 7 to 9 p.m.
Goodwill Appreciation
Goodwill Industries at 1320 West Shannon Road will be hosting a customer appreciation event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 9. Enjoy hot dogs, chips, water, soda, watermelon and a chance to earn a discount off your purchases.
Handbag Bingo
The Hopkins County Health Care (HCHC) Foundation will be hosting the ever-popular Designer Handbag Bingo. Tickets and sponsorships are now available for this event which will be held on Thursday, August 4 at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo play starts at 6 p.m.
This event provides an opportunity to support the initiatives of the HCHC Foundation while enjoying a ladies’ night out at bingo. Participants will receive a drink ticket, appetizers, and 10 rounds of bingo games. Each game provides an opportunity to win two handbags.
Tickets are $50 each or a table of eight is $500. Additional tickets are offered for bonus rounds and drinks.
In the past, handbags have been from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Kate Spade, and Coach.
To register or sponsor go to handbagbingo22.givesmart.com and for more information, email [email protected] or call 903-438-4799 or 903-335-0705.
Ribbon Cuttings
- Texas Pelvic Health hosted a ribbon cutting June 29 at Dr. Hailey Jackson’s office at 458 South Hillcrest Drive. She treats patients with pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, urinary and bowel conditions, orthopedic pelvic pain, or pre- and post-natal issues.
- Maltech Fleet Services will have a ribbon cutting at 1412 College St. at noon Wednesday, July 16. Please join us for this event.
