FDA Approves First Targeted Therapy For HER2-Low Breast Cancer
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki), an IV infusion for the treatment of patients with unresectable (unable to be removed) or metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) HER2-low breast cancer. This is the first approved therapy targeted to patients with the HER2-low breast cancer subtype, which is a newly defined subset of HER2-negative breast cancer.
It is estimated that 287,850 new cases of female breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2022 in the U.S. Approximately 80-85% of those new cases were previously considered to be HER2-negative subtype (including hormone receptor positive and triple negative breast cancer), which means the tumors do not overexpress, or make too many copies of the HER2 protein. Of that proportion of breast cancer diagnoses, about 60% of patients previously classified as having HER2-negative subtype can now be considered as HER2-low. Prior to today’s approval, HER2-low patients received endocrine therapy or chemotherapy.
“Today’s approval highlights the FDA’s commitment to be at the forefront of scientific advances, making targeted cancer treatment options available for more patients,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the Office of Oncologic Diseases in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Having therapies that are specially tailored to each patient’s cancer subtype is a priority to ensure access to safe and innovative treatments.”
As part of the Administration’s Cancer Moonshot program, President Biden tapped federal agencies to develop ways to reduce the rate of cancer deaths and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families through advancements in cancer research and technology, and development of new programs. Enhertu’s approval further illustrates how the FDA’s efforts align with the Cancer Moonshot goals of targeting the right treatments to the right patients, speeding progress against the most deadly and rare cancers, and learning from the experience of all patients.
HER2 receptors, which are proteins made by the HER2 gene, are important in determining a patient’s treatment. HER2-negative includes hormone receptor positive and triple negative breast cancers. HER2-low is a new classification of the HER2 subtype. It describes a new subtype of breast cancer that has some HER2 proteins on the cell surface, but not enough to be classified as HER2-positive.
Patients with HER2-low breast cancer are eligible for Enhertu if they have received a prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting, or their cancer returned during, or within 6 months of completing, adjuvant chemotherapy.
This approval is based on DESTINY-Breast04, a randomized, multicenter, open label clinical trial that enrolled 557 adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low breast cancer. The trial included two cohorts: 494 hormone receptor positive (HR+) patients and 63 hormone receptor negative (HR-) patients. Of these patients, 373 randomly received Enhertu by intravenous infusion every three weeks and 184 randomly received physician’s choice of chemotherapy (eribulin, capecitabine, gemcitabine, nab paclitaxel or paclitaxel). The results showed improvement in both progression-free survival and overall survival in people with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low breast cancer.
The median age of trial participants was 57 years old, ranging from 28 to 81 years of age. Among the 557 patients, 24% were age 65 or older. Females comprised 99.6% of the trial population. Trial participants’ race was reported as 48% White, 40% Asian, 2% Black or African American, and 3.8% Hispanic/Latino.
The most common adverse reactions in patients receiving Enhertu in DESTINY-Breast04 are nausea, fatigue, alopecia, vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, musculoskeletal pain and diarrhea. The prescribing information includes a boxed warning to advise health care professionals of the risk of interstitial lung disease and embryo-fetal toxicity. Enhertu is not recommended for women who are pregnant.
Enhertu received priority review and breakthrough therapy designations for this indication. The FDA granted the approval of Enhertu to Daiichi Sankyo four months ahead of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) deadline.
This review was conducted under Project Orbis, an initiative of the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence. Project Orbis provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology drugs among international partners. For this review, FDA collaborated with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, Health Canada, and Switzerland’s Swissmedic. The application reviews may be ongoing at the other regulatory agencies.
Related Information
Motorcycle Chase Turns To Foot Pursuit; Passenger Apprehended, Driver Still Sought
August 5, 2022 – A motorcycle chase from Sulphur Springs Springs turned into a foot pursuit in a wooded area just off FM 69 south, then concluded with one of the two riders of the stolen bike being taken into custody on three felony charges. A manhunt was launched for the second suspect, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Thomas Patterson reported the incident began around 7:18 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, when he attempted to stop an eastbound silver and blue motorcycle that didn’t have a license plate. He observed a male driving and a female passenger on the Honda CBR.
The driver, instead of yielding and pulling onto the shoulder of Interstate 30 near mile marker 125 in Sulphur springs as indicated by the red and blue emergency lights on the deputy’s patrol unit, the biker began making what Patterson described in arrest reports as “evasive maneuvers through traffic” in what he the deputy believed to be an attempt to evade law enforcement. Patterson said when he activated his siren, the motorcycle accelerated, reaching speed in excess of 130 miles per hour, as it continued eastward on I-30.
Patterson reported pursuing the bike on I-30 to mile marker 131, then south onto FM 69. The motorcycle chase ended at the intersection of FM 69 and County Road 2314, where the bike stopped. The male and female on the Honda dismounted and began running south into the wooded area to elude capture.
The female bike passenger, identified in arrest reports as 33-year-old Victoria Nicole Ramsey of Duncanville was taken into custody shortly thereafter. The male bike driver eluded officers, and a manhunt was launched by several agencies.
During the evidence collection process Ramsey claimed a pink cigarette case containing what were identified as about six credit/debit cards which did not belong to her. The motorcycle was also determined to have been stolen, which another agency verified. Ramsey was transported to Hopkins County jail Thursday night, and booked during the early morning hours of Aug. 5, 2022, on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
The motorcycle driver at 9 p.m. Aug. 4 was thought by local authorities to have left the area. Despite a search by HCSO, a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter and Texas Department of Criminal Justice search canines Thursday evening and night, the man had yet to be found. He has been identified as 34-year-old Phillip Michael Garrett, however.
Suspect Garrett is described as a white heavy set male last seen wearing a blue shirt, tan pants or shorts. Authorities released the photos below, asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact HCSO at 903-438-4040.
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.
Staying Cool Thanks To Saputo
Numerous senior citizens will be staying cool or at least cooler this summer thanks to the generous donation of community partners. Saputo employees dropped off the 30 box fans at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center Aug. 4, 2022, to benefit senior citizens in Hopkins County who need fans to help them stay cool during these extremely hot summer days.
Any senior citizen who needs a fan to stay cool, may drop by the Senior Citizens Center (150 MLK Dr.) to pick one up. There’s no charge to the senior adult, as all fans have been donated by community partners likes the Saputo Employees.
The Sulphur Springs Corvette Club also each year in the spring partners with the Senior Center to host a fan drive, donating and accepting donations of new box and stand fans go to senior citizens without working air conditions who have need of fans. This year, seniors had already begun calling the SCC in April asking for fans.
Without these donations some senior citizens, many of whom are on fixed incomes and unable to afford or to get out and purchase a new fan, would have no other means of cooling themselves during the hot, humid summer days. Fan donations to help senior adults are always welcome at the Senior Citizens Center during the warmer months of the year.
For additional information, call the Senior Citizens Center at 903-885-1661 weekdays until about 3 p.m.
Information From the Welding Shop at the Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center
ALUMINUM WELDING
David Gonzalez of Winnsboro, an advanced welding student at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop, demonstrates his A/C high frequency aluminum tig welding ability for Welding Instructor John Plemons.
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.
Team Tennis Falls 12-7 in Two Straight Contests Tuesday
Team Tennis played in two matches Tuesday, bet fell in both contests 12-7 on August 2.
Coach Tony Martinez’s squad first took on Sherman, but the loss to Tyler Tuesday afternoon was the first time for the tennis coach.
The team tennis coach missed three of his players Tuesday for various reasons, but expects to have them back ready to go for next Tuesday’s contest. In spite of missing three players Tuesday, Wildcats tennis fought to the bitter end.
“We didn’t even know what the scores were until the end… I just knew we were competing and looking good throughout the whole day,” Coach Martinez said.
Sherman and Tyler garnered high praise from the Wildcat coach for running a tight ship.
“[Both coaches] run a superb program,” Tony Martinez said. The team tennis coach said losing to either one of these programs is nothing to hang your head down on.
Next week is another big week for team tennis though, as they compete in three contests in three straight days.
A busy week for the varsity squad begins Tuesday as the Wildcats travel to Tyler to take on Bullard. Team tennis struggled last year against Bullard, scrapping to win a few matches.
Coach Martinez is hoping his squad fares better this time around. He believes his team should be fine over their Tuesday and Wednesday contests.
Wednesday has Sulphur Springs on the road again, heading north of DFW to Denison for a match at 8 A.M.
Their final contest in three straight days, Thursday, Aug. 11 has the Wildcats returning home to host Greenville. Coach Martinez says it is unwise to underestimate the Lions and what they can bring.
Greenville introduced a new coach recently who graduated from the high school, one that Coach Martinez is familiar with. He says his hiring is great for the Lions but still looks forward to a tight match between the rival schools.
The last contest for team tennis prior to the school year starting Wednesday, Aug. 17.
Sulphur Springs heads on the road one last time for almost a month as they take on now former district rival Pine Tree on Monday, Aug. 15.
The tennis program has been busy prior to their season-opening contests Tuesday.
The first week of June, Coach Martinez and Co. hosted the youth tennis camp and saw record numbers. On top of holding a yearly off-season work-our program, now known as Summer Strength & Speed (previously called “The Edge”), each sport hosts a youth camp for students ranging anywhere from kindergarten through the eighth grade.
In his ninth season at Sulphur Springs, his youth camp started with 20 kids each year. Steadily increasing since then, last summer saw 50 kids participate in the youth camp. Shattering the record once again, the camp held the first week of June saw 87 kids attend the youth camp.
“We had that camp, and that set the tone for the rest of the summer for our practices. Having the kids, and then telling them ‘this is our expectations for Tuesday and Thursday night,” Coach Martinez said.
He said the practices benefitted the incoming freshmen the most, as the expectation was set early and carried into the fall season.
Even though the coaches practiced twice a week at night, the students took the initiative and practiced on their own at the courts for a good portion of the summer. The team still found time away from the court in spite of a busy summer honing their skills.
What made him excited, though, was seeing his students participate in tournaments of their own throughout July.
Coach Martinez named seven players, all of whom had attended one, or more camps in the summer. The tennis coach said all of his sophomores attended camps.
“This is what excites me, that our kids are taking the initiative to go out and get better… you can’t get happier as a coach from watching your kids wanting to learn more and more,” Coach Martinez said.
Another exciting prospect is Sulphur Springs moving down to 4A, and the team tennis coach hopes his team can compete for not only a district championship, but a ticket to Regionals as well.
For now though, Coach Tony Martinez and his squad prepare for a big week, one that has the varsity team playing in three contests in as many days.
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.
When To Be Concerned About Nitrate Accumulation In Hay From Drought-Stressed Plants
By Mario Villarino, Extension Agent For Agriculture & Natural Resources, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Recently, I got a visit from a beef producer looking for hay. Desperate, she was locating hay far away from Hopkins County. Her concerned was poisonous compounds on the hay made of drought stressed plants. Immediately my concern was nitrate accumulation.
Ammonium nitrogen is the preferred form of nitrogen for plant growth, but nitrate nitrogen is the form primarily taken up by plants. Even when ammonium and urea based fertilizers are applied, most of the nitrogen taken up by plants is in the nitrate form because soil microorganisms quickly convert ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen. Nitrates are extremely soluble in water and are easily absorbed by plant roots along with soil moisture. Normally, plants reduce nitrates to ammonium ions and then assimilate them into amino acids and other proteins. This process, called nitrate reductase, occurs in the roots of some grasses such as bermudagrass, and in the leaves, stems and stalks of plants such as corn or sorghum.
When plants are stressed (for example, by drought) this process slows or stops, allowing nitrates to accumulate. Here are some conditions that cause nitrate accumulation: When the temperature is high and moisture is adequate, plants may undergo a process called photorespiration. Photorespiration produces carbon dioxide rather than assimilating carbon into energy building blocks (i.e., sugars, carbohydrates, etc.). This may cause nitrates to accumulate. When the soil contains nitrate nitrogen but little soil moisture, nitrates are highly concentrated in the water plants take up. Plants don’t have enough water to continue growing and nitrates accumulate. Herbicide injury can limit the conversion and assimilation of nitrates in plants. After herbicide applications, check the field, especially field edges, for forage plants affected by off-target herbicide drift. Three to 5 days of active growth are needed to significantly reduce nitrate levels in plants.
While these plants are the ones most likely to accumulate nitrates, nitrates are present to some degree in all forages, including bermudagrasses. Nitrates are nonvolatile and remain in nonensiled plants after cutting, curing and baling. Nitrates are soluble in plant tissues and will leach from the plant during sustained rainfall. However, weathering significantly reduces the nutritional value of hay bales so it is not a good way to manage nitrates. Furthermore, the movement of leached nitrates within a weathered bale may limit the use of the forage. Research at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) at Texas A&M University has found that it is safe to feed forage containing 1% nitrate (on a dry-matter basis) to healthy ruminants. Forage with a higher percentage of nitrate could be fed if it is ground and mixed with nitrate-free forage to reduce overall nitrate levels to less than 1% (dry-matter basis). Forage containing 0.5 to 1% nitrate should not be fed to weakened cattle unless your veterinarian has approved it. The 1% nitrate level set by the TVMDL is significantly higher than levels suggested by other southern universities. This level assumes that cattle are healthy, well conditioned, and being fed a high-energy diet.
If forage contains too much nitrate, the animals cannot complete the conversion and nitrite levels build up. Nitrite is adsorbed directly into the bloodstream through the rumen wall, where it combines with hemoglobin to form methhemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood, but methhemoglobin does not. The formation of methhemoglobin can cause an animal to die from asphyxiation, or lack of oxygen. The animal’s blood turns brown instead of the normal bright red. Monogastrics (i.e., horses, mules, swine, etc.) are less sensitive to nitrate toxicity than ruminants. An animal’s conditioning affects its ability to assimilate or tolerate nitrates, so consult your veterinarian before feeding forage that contains nitrates.
The best way to manage forages that contain nitrates is determined by the forage type and the harvest method. All the management systems described here should be used in tandem with proper sampling and analysis. There are fewer options for managing baled forages that contain nitrates. The safest method is to grind the bales and thoroughly mix them with hay that is free of nitrate. There should be enough good forage in the mix to reduce the nitrate level to less than 1%. It is best to mix similar forage types so that the feed has a uniform particle size distribution. The optimum size is dictated by stem size; in general, the smaller the better. A handful of ground and mixed feed should contain portions of all plant parts from all forages used in the mix. The uniform size will help limit selective feeding by livestock. This grinding and mixing method should not be used for forages containing more than 2.5% nitrate. If nitrate levels are higher than 2.5% or there is no way to grind and mix the forage, do not use the baled forage for livestock feed or bedding.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Charges Upgraded To Capital Murder For Pair Accused Of Killing Man, Dumping His Body In Hopkins County
August 4, 2022 – Charges have been upgraded to capital murder against a pair accused of killing and dumping a Dallas area man’s body in Hopkins County in mid-June, according to jail reports.
Diamonte Jakeli Paynes and Aleigha Denise Coble have been in Hopkins County jail since June 22, 2022, on one murder charge each. The pair was accused of killing a 35-year-old man, then, of dumping his body in a wooded area in Hopkins County in June.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies found an abandoned vehicle in an area where someone reported finding a man’s personal belongings along a county road north of Sulphur Springs on June 13. Authorities at that time believe the vehicle had been stolen and dumped, but continued to investigate. A further search of the area revealed a deceased man associated with the vehicle. HCSO investigators believed the deceased, identified as 35-year-old Giovanni Alex Najarro of the Dallas area, to be the victim of a homicide.
Based on information gleaned during the investigation, authorities at that time believed Najarro was actually murdered elsewhere, likely the Dallas Metroplex area, then dumped along with the vehicle in rural Hopkins County, sheriff’s authorities reported on June 14, 2022.
On June 14, the investigation lead authorities to St. Louis, Missouri, with Paynes and Coble identified as suspects in the homicide. Two sheriff’s investigators and a Texas Ranger arrested Paynes and Coble in St. Louis June 15, 2022, for murder. The pair remained in jail in Missouri on the charge until Wednesday afternoon June 22, when HCSO deputies transported the 20-year-old Oklahoma woman and 27-year-old Fort Worth man to Hopkins County jail. The pair ha remained in Hopkins County jail ever since in lieu of a $1 million bond each on the murder charge.
In the mean time, however, HCSO continued their investigation into Najarro’s murder, which resulted in a Dallas County warrant being issued for each for capital murder.
“Upon further investigation, we determined the exact location the murder occurred in Dallas. Investigator Michael Russell and I went to Dallas and obtained capital murder warrants for both,” HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford said Thursday morning, Aug. 4, 2022.
Coble and Paynes were each served at Hopkins County jail Aug. 3, 2022, with one Dallas County capital murder warrant each. The pair was arraigned and remained in Hopkins County jail late Thursday morning, Aug. 4, 2022, in lieu of the $2.5 million bond set for each on the capital murder charge, according to jail records.
The case is expected to be prosecuted in Dallas County as a capital murder as that’s the location Najarro is believed to have been murdered, according to local authorities.
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.
2022 Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday Observed Aug. 5-7
Sales Tax Waived On Qualifying School Supplies, Clothes, Shoes and Student Backpacks Priced Under $100 This Weekend in Texas
If you’re planning to buy school clothes or supplies, waiting until this weekend to do so could prove monetarily advantageous as this weekend is the annual sales tax holiday in Texas.
State law exempts sales tax on qualified items — such as clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks — priced below $100, saving shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. The Comptroller’s office estimates that shoppers will save $112 million in state and local sales tax during this sales tax holiday.
“With inflation driving prices higher on just about everything, this sales tax holiday provides Texas families some small relief managing the costs associated with kids heading back to the classroom. As the father of three school-aged children myself, I know how these expenses can add up,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said of the upcoming sales tax holiday.
First enacted in 1999, the back-to-school sales tax holiday allows Texas shoppers (any shopper making a qualifying purchase in Texas) to save money during one weekend by waiving sales tax on qualifying school supplies, clothes, shoes and student backpacks priced under $100. The dates of the sales tax holiday and list of tax-exempt items are set by the Texas Legislature.
This year, the Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday, Aug. 7 and continues through Sunday, Aug. 7. This is good for qualifying Texas purchases in-store, online, by phone, mail or custom order provided the qualifying purchase is paid for Aug. 5-7, 2022. Qualifying purchases may be paid in cash, check, card or electronic transfer to a Texas business. Those ordering items that have to be shipped, should keep in mind that the shipping fees count toward the overall cost, which has to be less than $100, and the tax exemption only applies to qualifying items bought in Texas. Date of shipping doesn’t count so long as the purchase is processed during the tax free holiday weekend.
For example, if a purchaser enters their credit card information in an online shopping website on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, at 5 p.m. to purchase qualifying school supplies, but the school supplies will not be shipped until Friday, Aug. 12, and will not arrive until Tuesday, Aug. 16, the purchase still qualifies for the exemption. However, if the charge to the credit card is declined by the payment processor at 11 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7, and the purchaser does not resubmit payment until Monday, Aug. 8, the purchase is taxable.
If qualifying items are purchased Aug. 5-7 as a rain check, put on layaway or a final payment on a layaway, payment at that time would be tax exempt as well, regardless of when the items is shipped, arrives in stock, it should be tax free, according to Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
So what items under $100 are tax free during the holiday? Most footwear and clothing sold for less than $100. The exemption applies to each eligible item sold for less than $100, and there is no limit to the number of qualifying items that may be bought at one time.
For example, if you buy two shirts for $80 each, each shirt qualifies for the exemption because each is less than $100, even though the total purchase price is $160.
Cloth and disposable fabric face masks meet the definition of an article of clothing and are exempt from sales tax during the upcoming Sales Tax Holiday. However, industrial or medical grade masks (N95 or other masks designed as personal protective equipment) or other similar personal protection equipment are not exempt during the sales tax holiday. If a cloth or disposable fabric face mask is sold with a filter, the mask is exempt during the holiday; however, replacement filters are taxable.
Additional clothing items priced under $100 that qualify for the tax exemption include:
- Household aprons
- Baby Bibs
- Baby Clothes
- Belts with attached Buckles
- Blouses and Shirts: Hooded Shirts and Sweatshirts, Jerseys (baseball, football, etc.), Bowling Shirts, Sweaters
- Boots: General Purpose, Cowboy and Hiking
- Bow Ties, Neckwear, Ties, Scarfs, Shawls, Wraps
- Camp Clothes
- Caps (baseball, fishing, golf, knitted)
- Chef Uniforms
- Children’s Novelty Costumes
- Clerical Vestments
- Coats and Wraps
- Coveralls
- Diapers (adult and baby/cloth and disposable,)
- Dresses and Skirts (including golf dresses and tennis skirts)
- Cold Weather Earmuffs
- Gloves (general, dress, leather)
- Jackets, Windbreakers, Coats, Wraps,
- Graduation caps and gowns
- Gym Suits and Uniforms, Workout clothes
- Hats (including knitted)
- Hooded shirts and sweatshirts
- Hosiery (including support hosiery) and Panty Hose
- Hunting Vests
- Jeans, Pants and Shorts: Jogging Pants and Apparel, Painter Pants, Slacks, Tennis Shorts, Trousers
- Leg Warmers
- Masks: costume, cloth and disposable fabric face masks
- Nightgowns, Nightshirts, Pajamas, Sleepwear
- Raincoats, Ponchos and Rain Hats
- Religious Clothes, Clerical Vestments
- Robes
- Scout Uniforms
- Suits, Slacks, jackets
- Shoes: General, Boat shoes, dress shoes, jellies, running shoes without cleats, safety shoes suitable for everyday wear, sandals, slippers, sneakers and tennis shoes, walking shoes, cross trainers, flip-flogs (rubber thongs),
- Socks: athletic, soccer
- Suspenders
- Under Garments: Bras, Slips, Tights, Underpants, Underclothes, Undershirts, Leotards, Tights
- Uniforms: School, Work, Nurse, Waitress, Military, Postal, Police, Fire, work clothes and uniforms (unless rented)
- Vests: General, Non-Flotation Fishing, Hunting
Clothing items that do not qualify for the tax exemption include clothing subscription boxes; specially-designed athletic activity or protective-use clothing or footwear, clothing or footwear rentals; alterations (including embroidery) and cleaning services; and items used to make or repair clothing, such as fabric, thread, yarn, buttons, snaps, hooks and zippers.
Among the clothing, footwear and other wearable items specifically listed because they DO NOT qualify for the tax exemption are:
- Bathing Caps
- Baseball, Sports and Athletic Accessories Accessories and Gear: Cleats, Padding and Pads (knee, elbow, football, shoulder, hockey, soccer), Gloves, Pants, Swim Fins, Football Pants, Sports Helmets (including bike and motorcycle), Golf Purses, Shin Guards
- Belt Buckles, Belts For Weight Lifting
- Cloth, Lace, Knitting Yarn, Fabrics, Zippers, Snaps, Hooks, Buttons, Thread, Iron-On Patches, Patterns, Embroidery, Tapes, Shoulder Pads (for dresses, jackets, etc.) or other items used to make or repair clothing.
- Corsages, Boutonnieres
- Dry Cleaning Services
- Ear Muffs: Noise Cancellation or Noise Cancelling
- Gloves: baseball, batting, bicycle, garden, golf, hockey, rubber, surgical, tennis, work
- Hair Accessories: Barrettes, Bobby Pins, Elastic Ponytail Holders, Hair Bows, Hair Clips, Headbands, Head Nets, Ribbons,
- Handkerchiefs, Pocket Squares
- Ice Skates, Roller Skates, Roller Blades
- Life Jackets and Vests, Personal Flotation Devices, Wet and Dry Suits
- Masks: N95, Welder, Umpire, Swim or Other similar Personal Protective Equipment, Swimming Masks and Goggles,
- Monogramming Services
- Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Accessories: Chest Protectors, Goggles, Hard Hats, Paint or Dust Respirators and Incidental Supplies, Gloves, Safety Clothing (worn in hazardous occupations), Safety Glasses, Safety Shoes (not adaptable for street wear), bulletproof vests,
- Rented Clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, costumes)
- Repair of Clothing or Footwear, including shoe shines
- Shoes and Boots: Ballet, Baseball Cleats, Cleated Bicycle Shoes, Cleated or Spiked, Climbing Boots, Rubber Work Boots, Ski Boots, Fishing Boots and Waders, Bowling Shoes (rented or sold), Golf Shoes, Overshoes and Galoshes, Football Shoes, Golf Shoes, Jazz and Dance Shoes, Tap/Dance Shoes, Track Cleats,
- Shoe Accessories or Repairs: Insoles, Inserts, Shoelace
- Sunglasses (except prescription)
- Umbrellas
- Vests: Bulletproof, Flotation, Scuba, Water-ski
- Watches, Watch Bands, Wallets, Purses,
- Wristbands
Similarly, student backpacks sold for less than $100 each are tax exempt, but that does not extend to luggage. Backpacks with wheels and messenger bags are included among the exempt items, in fact, up to 10 backpacks can be purchased tax free at one time during the sales tax-free weekend (without providing a completed exemption certificate). The tax statute specifically lists among the items that do not qualify for tax exemption this weekend: framed backpacks, luggage, briefcases, athletic bags, gym bags, duffle bags, computer bags, purses.
Also on the list of items people will be required to pay tax on regardless of the ticket price this weekend are jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, other accessories.
Among the school supplies that ARE on the tax-exempt list include:
- Binders
- Blackboard chalk
- Book bags
- Calculators
- Cellophane tape
- Compasses
- Composition books
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Folders – expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila
- Glue, paste and paste sticks
- Highlighters
- Index cards
- Index card boxes
- Kits ** (For kits of school supplies that contain exempt items, as well as taxable ones, the taxability depends on the value of exempt or taxable items in it. There is no limit on the quantity of school supplies in a kit, but if the value of the exempt items is more than the taxable ones, the kit is exempt. If the value of the taxable items is more than the exempt ones, then the kit is taxable).
- Legal pads
- Lunch boxes
- Markers (including dry erase markers)
- Notebooks
- Paper – loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper
- Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
- Pencil sharpeners
- Pencils
- Pens
- Protractors
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Writing tablets
Supplies that are NOT exempt this weekend include:
- computers
- software
- textbooks.
Additional $113,100 Approved For New Pumper For SSFD
Fire Department To Begin Billing Out-Of-County Residents Mitigation Rates For Costs of Services, Equipment and Response by Sulphur Springs Fire Department
Sulphur Springs City Council approved an additional $113,100 Tuesday night for the purchase of a new pumper for Sulphur Springs Fire Department as well as a program which would allow out-of-county residents to be charged mitigation rates to reoup costs associated with response by SSFD.
New Pumper
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell and Fire Chief/Marshal David James during Tuesday night’s regular meeting asked the City Council to approve the purchase of a Sutphen Rescue Pumper for SSFD, a sister to the engine purchased in 2015. The city official explained that while $550,000 had been allocated for the purchase of the pumper to replace a 2003 Ferrara pumper, the allocation was originally made before the sharp rises in inflation began. While the original allocation remains in the budget, the cost for the pumper has increased 21% over the last 16 months, with another 5% increase expected on Sept. 1.
Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian asked why the city waited so long to make the purchase, when it could have been purchased for about $115,000 less.
Maxwell said when discussing the matter with James, he recommended waiting a bit to see if the rates would go down as often has been the case. Unfortunately, rates have continued to rise significantly with the recessive economic conditions, which have continued to push prices up by more than $100,000 in the past 16 months.
Julian enquired whether the order would be placed the next business day, in order to ensure it is locked in at $663,107.72 through Texas Buy Board Purchasing Cooperative, or if there would be delays with materials which would put it past Sept. 1 and result in the 5% increase or higher as projected. James affirmed the order would be put in ASAP, prior to Sept. 1, at the BuyBoard rate.
While in the past paying the bill up front for large purchases such as a Sutphen pumper, that is not currently the case due to supply chain issues for primary supplies and current economics.
Although no equipment replacement schedule is in effect, the city does monitor repairs and maintenance to fire department apparatus and tries to ensure the department has two pumpers and an engine, with a back up in working order. When apparatus begins having two or more repairs at a time or requires frequent costly repairs, the city tries to replace it was a newer, more reliable unit. There have been times recently when the city was down to two units, which made reliability of response a bit “sketchy,” the fire official noted.
They were asked to work on a maintenance replacement schedule to make billing o
Sulphur Springs Place 7 Councilman John Sellers made a motion approving the purchase of a Sutphen Rescue Pumper for SSFD, to be obtained for $663,107.72 through the purchasing cooperative. Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash then seconded the motion, which received unanimous approval of the City Council.
FD Billing Program
The City Council too was asked to consider approving a city ordinance which would establish and implement a program to charge mitigation rates for costs incurred during the deployment of SSFD emergency and non-emergency services, equipment and first response to non-residents of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, Texas.
Maxwell explained that the option to do establish the program has existed for some time, but the city has exercised the option to recoup some of the cost incurred. For instance, SSFD respond to a major vehicle crash on Interstate 30, which ties up department staff, equipment and uses department materials for hours. Implementing the program, would allow some of those expenses to be collected by billing the insurance of out-of-town and out-of-county individuals whose vehicles are involved in the crash.
The city manager said the proposal does not include billing of Hopkins County or city residents who are already paying property and other taxes and fees, including sales tax from doing business in Sulphur Springs. This would only apply to those who live outside of both the county and city.
The program billing is typically billed by a third party company. Maxwell estimated participating in the program could resulted in an additional $50,000-$100,000 for SSFD per year, depending on call volumes and addresses of those involved.
Sulphur Springs Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian made the motion, which Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar seconded, approving on first reading Ordinance No. 2809, authorizing the mitigation rate program. The motion receive unanimous approval of the City Council. As is the case with all city ordinances, No. 2809 must be presented for second reading and final approval before it can become effective.
Johanna Hicks Receives State Honors, Commissioners Court Recognized At 2022 Extension Conference
Hopkins County Family & Community Health Extension Agent Johanna Hicks earned state honors and Hopkins County Commissioner Court was recognized last week at the 2022 Texas Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences state conference.
Hicks Receives State Honors
Johanna Hicks received the Healthy Texas Award at the TEAFCS Awards ceremony in Decatur, an annual event attended by Extension professionals from across the state. The impressive results her leadership with the Community Health/Wellness Alliance in conducting sessions at summer student day camps were cited for the state honor.
According to Hicks, the program started when the usual “Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness” was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. However, Sulphur Springs ISD developed a summer day camp in 2020 for students which has taken place each summer since then. Additional opportunities for Hicks and her collaborators surfaced as Cumby ISD added a camp program to its summer schedule in 2022. Hicks and her team jumped in to assist in leading sessions.
Providing education on nutrition, physical activity, hydration, water safety, sun safety, stranger danger, and bullying, Hicks and representatives from the Texas Department of State Health Services, United Healthcare and Master Wellness Volunteers made an impact in the lives of students attending the camps.
Hicks provided incentive items to reinforce topics being taught, including MyPlate flying discs, sports bottles, MyPlate books, toss up balls, and more. Seven issues of “Color Me Healthy” newsletter including recipes, tips for healthy eating, suggestions for incorporating physical activity into daily life, and more were distributed to parents. Hands-on cooking sessions in 2021 and 2022 included the importance of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Students also learned about reading a recipe, using the correct measuring utensils, hand hygiene, oven safety, and food safety.
The results were notably impressive:
- 100% of participants indicated that they plan to drink more water and fewer sweetened beverages.
- 100% also indicated that they plan to eat breakfast every morning, and
- 88% indicated that they plan to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court Honored
The Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court received recognition at the 2022 Texas Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences state conference as well.
(Photo courtesy of Callie Cline, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Specialist.)
Hicks nominated the Commissioners Court for their support and participation in events of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
The Commissioners Court consisting of Judge Robert Newsom, Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker, Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin, Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price view Extension as a viable asset to the community and serve on Extension committees and task forces, Hicks sited in her nomination. The court members attend Extension leadership planning meetings, the annual Extension Banquet and 4-H Achievement Banquet, as their schedules allow. Newsom also assists in recognizing National 4-H Week by reading a proclamation and giving encouraging words to our county’s youth.
The County Judge, Hicks noted, was instrumental in encouraging county employees to take part in Walk Across Texas, an 8-week walking program to promote daily physical activity, which took place in Fall 2021. Three county official teams took part in the event in addition to three other local teams. Total miles logged during Walk Across Texas were 7,883.44.
In the words of Johanna Hicks, “The Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court is a shining example of support, encouragement, and involvement in the work of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. From Extension building improvements to involvement in Walk Across Texas, each commissioner has buoyed the life of work of Extension in Hopkins County.”
Congratulations to Hopkins County Extension Agent Johanna Hicks and the Commissioners Court on receiving this recognition for their efforts in and support of the local community.
