Symphony League To Host 30th Independence Day Concert Saturday, July 2, 2022
Celebration On Square Will Pay Tribute To Those Who Serve, Conclude With Fireworks Show
Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra will be performing a milestone concert Saturday night, the group’s 30th Independence Day Show in Sulphur Springs.
City and county residents will be joined on Celebration Plaza by people from around the region who’ve driven in to watch this unique July 4 concert and fireworks observance. Some come from Tyler and the Dallas area annually for the concert and fireworks show hosted in Sulphur Springs’ crown jewel, Celebration Plaza, and enjoy meals, ice cream and other edibles and purchases at local restaurants and retailers.
The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 2. The concert and fireworks show is offered free to everyone thanks to presenter Sulphur Springs Symphony League and generous underwriters: Alliance Bank, GSC Enterprises Inc. and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, working in conjunction with the City of Sulphur Springs tourism department.
The concert will once again be conducted by Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, and feature patriotic numbers performed by Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra. Songs too will be played to recognize those serving in each branch of the military for their service, which allows us to enjoy the freedoms and independence that celebrate on July 4th.
Immediately following the concert, a professional fireworks show will begin, again made possible thanks to the generous underwriters and Symphony League. This is great event for the entire family.
Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to sit on as there are a limited number provided downtown or grab a blanket. Those who want can bring snacks, even a picnic basket or make a big evening of it and partake of a meal from local restaurants.
Those attending are cautioned to dress for the weather, which is expected to be mostly clear and mild for this time of the year, but is still predicted to be hot. The temperature is expected to dip from 93 to 87 by the time the concert begins at 8 p.m. July 2. With only a little cloud cover, very little wind (which is predicted to diminish as the evening wears on) and 51% humidity, it will still feel like it’s 91 outside, making it vital for people to take steps to stay hydrated.
Some sponsors and local contributors like CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs will have some free water available to help out, but those out in the heat will need to monitor to ensure they don’t get overheated or go too long without hydration.
Those who won’t be able to join the festivities downtown can tune into KSST Radio 1230 AM Saturday night, July 2, starting at 8 p.m. to listen to the NET Symphony Orchestra Concert from home or wherever they may be at that time.
No radio? If you have internet access, you can listen to KSST from anywhere. Click here, or go online to KSSTRadio.com and click the appropriate link for KSST LiveStream, or type in the direct link https://www.ksstradio.com/ksstlivestream to listen to the concert or KSST anytime online.
Show Support For Local Coach Battling Cancer With Prayers, Donations Through Team Young
Although he recently accepted a position with Van ISD, Matt Young has a long history in Sulphur Springs. His family moved to town in 1989, when his dad accepted a coaching position. His dad coached for 11 years and his mom was a teacher. He followed his family into education, the past 14 years spent mentored and coaching Sulphur Springs students from the sidelines as offensive coordinator and line coach for football, the field in track and classroom.
This week, his family is reaching out to the community to ask those who are inclined to consider showing their support for Matt Young and family in his latest and possibly hardest battle yet — with cancer.
Three weeks ago, Young learned he has a hereditary type of colon cancer, for which the entire family will at some point need to be checked for it as well, Swatsell noted.
Matt Young started treatment on Monday, June 27, 2022, receiving his first round of treatment in Tyler, but may soon be making trips to MD Anderson Cancer Center to continue his treatment, which could change as the care plan is in the early stage, according to his sister.
All cancer treatment and associated expenses are costly, resulting in exorbitant medical bills, even for those with medical insurance. Coach Young’s are already “astronomical.” That’s where Young’s sister, Jessica Swatsell, says she hopes the community will come in to help out.
“My family has invested a lot in Sulphur Springs, so we’re just asking for any help that Matt and his family can get,” Swatsell said. “Matt and Jamie have a big family, so continued prayers, support, laughter, anything is appreciated — laughter is the best cure and of course prayer.”
Using Facebook, the Team Young – Fundraiser for Matt Young & Family page has been set up. All prayers and any donation, no matter how small or large will be welcome, Swatsell said.
T-shirts are also being sold for $25 each with any proceeds going to help Matt Young as he begins his journey fighting colon cancer. The t-shirts are red with Team Young in a football goal post with a ribbon attached to it.
“He will be teaching in Van next year, so that’s why we went with the red. After 14 years, his closet is full of blue and gold. Van has been very supportive and we are very excited about this new chapter,” Swatsell said.
Young’s family is asking any who get the shirts to take a photo in them and post them to the Team Young Facebook page so showing their support. Shirts can be paid in cash, by check or sent via Venmo to @jessica-swatsell. Request shirts on the Team Young page, contact Jessica Swatsell via Messenger or send a text to 940-594-2216. Donations can also be made by contacting Swatsell. They are available in any size, and Swatsell said they can be shipped if needed.
“Everybody that has already reached out and donated we appreciate so much,” Swatsell said on behalf of all of Matt’s family, the Youngs and McGraws (wife Jamie’s family). “We are just asking for anything.”
Swatsell noted a family friend, Melissa Peugh, has also set up a GoFundMe account to help raise money to help pay the costs of his medical care and travel expenses incurred as he fights cancer. On GoFundMe.com, search for the “Coach Matt Young’s Cancer Treatment Fund” page or go directly to https://gofund.me/1305354c.
“Please consider supporting the Youngs, our dear friends and servants in our community, as they face this trial. Matt Young’s life is a good investment,” Peugh posted on the GoFundMe page.
Additional Steps Taken To Strengthen Child Nutrition Programs
Department providing another nearly $1 billion boost to schools for purchasing food
WASHINGTON – The Biden Administration announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide nearly $1 billion in additional funding to schools to support the purchase of American-grown foods for their meal programs. The department also applauds the President’s recent signing of the Keep Kids Fed Act, which equips schools, summer meal sites, and child care food programs with extra resources so they can continue serving children through school year 2022-2023. Both actions are a response to the significant challenges child nutrition program operators continue to face, such as high food costs and supply chain disruptions.
“The Biden Administration knows that ongoing impacts of supply chain issues and rising food costs continue to be a challenge for many schools and child nutrition operators, and we are thankful for Congress stepping up to ease some of their burdens,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “On our end, this funding boost is yet another step the Administration is taking to ensure every child who needs a meal, gets one. No matter the circumstances, USDA and all our partners must continue collaborating to provide our young ones with the healthy meals they count on.”
The $943 million boost from the department is provided through USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation. Funds will be distributed by state agencies to schools across the country, so they can purchase domestically-grown foods for their meal programs. This assistance builds on the $1 billion in Supply Chain Assistance funds USDA previously allocated in December 2021, which states can use this school year as well as next to provide schools with funding for commodity purchases.
The Keep Kids Fed Act will also provide assistance to program operators across the country by:
- Extending nationwide flexibilities to summer meal programs through September 2022, including allowing sites to continue serving meals in all areas, at no cost to families;
- Providing schools with an additional temporary reimbursement of 40 cents per lunch and 15 cents per breakfast, and child care centers with an extra 10 cents reimbursement per meal;
- Providing all family day care homes with the higher temporary reimbursement rate for school year 2022-23;
- Equipping USDA with additional flexibilities to support schools, as needed, based on their local conditions.
This new authority does not allow all students to eat school meals free of charge in school year 2022-2023. Nonetheless, the department will continue providing other program flexibilities within its existing authority, such as:
- Equipping schools and program operators to quickly respond to health-related safety issues by offering grab-and-go and/or parent-pickup of meals; and
- Extending deadlines for districts to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools serving many high-need students to provide all meals for free without collecting applications from families.
For next school year, in most school districts, families will need to complete an application through their school to determine if their household is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, as was done before the pandemic. USDA is also supporting the expansion of direct certification, which uses existing data to certify children for free or reduced-price meals without an additional application. All states are required to direct certify students for free meals if their household receives SNAP benefits, and some states also directly certify for free and reduced-price meals based on participation in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or Medicaid. States that are interested in participating in the Direct Certification for Medicaid demonstration project are invited to respond to the current request for applications, which closes on September 30, 2022. In school year 2019-2020, 1.4 million students received free and reduced-price meals thanks to direct certification through Medicaid.
“USDA is working alongside our child nutrition partners to support them in delivering vital, nutritious meals to tens of millions of children every school day,” said Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary of food, nutrition, and consumer services. “There’s a long road ahead, but the extra support and funding for our operators will help them continue to serve our children well. We can – and will – overcome these challenges, together.”
For additional information, see:
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day. Currently, USDA is dedicated to transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across USDA by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
D6 Inc. Granted Tax Abatement, District, 381 Agreement This Month For Next Expansion
D6 Inc. was granted a tax abatement from Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors and a 381 agreement by Hopkins County Commissioners Court in June 2022, the final pieces from local taxing entities needed to get the next of several planned expansions moving.
D6 Inc. In Texas
The business began operations at the end of 2020 after purchasing the property known locally as the old Coca-Cola plant, after being granted a Chapter 380 economic development agreement from the City of Sulphur Springs, an agreement with Hopkins County and a tax abatement from Hopkins County Hospital District. The business had projected adding 25 jobs to the local economy but, thus far, has added over 70 jobs.
Now, the business is not only planning two further expansions, but will be relocating it’s corporate headquarters from Portland, Oregon to Sulphur Springs, Texas. In October of 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a $1,432,200 Texas Enterprise Fund grant extended to and a $6,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus offered to D6 to help move its corporate headquarters.
The business, an advanced design-to-shelf packaging manufacturer, using recycled plastics, and when the pandemic began shifted to making face shields and masks. The latest project will expand the business’ manufacturing presence in the state, building the first fully closed-loop recycling site for single-use PET clamshells in Sulphur Springs,
Overall, the business is expected to expand the current operation by 300,000-square feet, with a 180,000-square-foot building to be constructed as soon as the business can get everything in line and another 120,000-square-foot building expansion in three years. The new buildings will be located on the Saputo (old We Pack) property just across from the current facility, on the 10 acres the EDC has near the railroad tracks, EDC officials reported in 2021.
D6 Inc. uses materials shredded at an LA plant and shipped in carloads along the railroad to be offloaded to make aluminum pans that can be thrown away after use, pie pans, Danish trays. They also make the clear plastic containers and packaging in which cut fruit and vegetables are packaged in for sale at Walmart. In addition to recycled aluminum and plastic, the business also uses recycles plastic bottle tops to make plastic pallets.
The business is approaching the relocation and expansion in three phases. D6 Inc. plans to build expand the current facility by 66,000 square feet, because the business has already outgrown the Coca-Cola facility.
“They need the space today. They’re going to add the 66,000, which basically completely fills that lot up with buildings,” SS-HC EDC Executive Director Roger Feagley told Hopkins County Commissioners Court on June 10, 2022, when presenting for consideration the 381 agreement for the 66,000-square foot expansion. “With this building there, that completely fills that lot. This agreement most likely won’t see it to the end, because by the time they the 300,000 square foot building, it’s their intention right now to sell what they’ve got now. We’re trying to get them moving because they’re just falling over each other.”
D6 Inc. plans to tackle the 300,000 square foot expansion in increments of 100,000 square feet at a time. Engineers are currently working on plans for the 300,000 square foot building, but the agreements approved in the last 6 months are for the 66,000 square foot expansion. Once a workable facility is available across the street, D6 Inc. plans to sell the old Coca-Cola plant.
The 66,000-square foot expansion is estimated to be a $4.37 million project, with $2.7 million applied to construct the building and the rest will go toward equipment, shelving and other needed furnishings or accessory items.
The $21 million capital investment won’t come without challenges. That’s a lot of families to uproot along with the company’s headquarters move to Sulphur Springs, and all of the logistics that will entail. In the current market, with homes snapped up almost as soon as or before they are put on the market, that could present a housing challenge to accommodate that many D6 executives and personnel; anticipated is a need for additional homes to be constructed to house all of them.
“If anybody’s here in the audience or has any power with homebuilders, they’re are trying to move people here and there are no houses to be had. They are to the point where they are talking about building a subdivision just for their employees. So, if you have any power to get homes built, this is needed,” Feagley told the Commissioners Court earlier this month, noting that another potential economic development project expected to be ready for discussion and consideration for incentives in a few months will make the D6 Inc. expansion seem small by comparison.
The 2.8% unemployment rate in Hopkins County, while good for the labor force, means a shallow job pool from which to find workers to fill out all 251 positions needed to fully staff D6Inc. once the expansions and moves are complete. While many will be making the move from Oregon, especially corporate employees, the rest will be hired locally as needed.
Tax Incentives
D6 Inc., working with the Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation since fall 2021, has sought tax incentives from three local taxing entities to help with the 66,000 square foot expansion. All approved follow the same policies and procedures implemented a year ago for a 25,000-square foot expansion at D6 Inc. This expansion will allow D6 Inc. to employ 30 additional employees, putting the local number at about 100 employees.
Sulphur Springs City Council on Jan. 4, 2022, approved on first reading Ordinance No. 2796, establishing a reinvestment zone for the expansion planned to begin immediately. The ordinance was presented again Feb. 1 to the City Council on second and final reading, establishing the reinvestment zone for D6, required for the hospital district to consider a request for a tax abatement; the hospital district cannot, however, establish a reinvestment zone.
The City Council also during the Jan. 4, 2022 meeting agreed to grant another 380 economic development agreement to D6 Inc. for the planned expansion announced by the governor.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court on June 18, 2022, approved a 381 agreement with the recycled container packaging business for the 66,000 square foot expansion. Most recently, Hopkins County Hospital District Board approved a tax abatement for D6 Inc. for the upcoming expansion on June 28, 2022.
During the regularly scheduled July 5 meeting, Sulphur Springs City Council will be asked to consider approving an ordinance establishing another reinvestment zone for D6 Inc. for the future 300,000-square foot facility. That part of the City Council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday inside the Municipal Building (City Hall), on North Main St.
Summer II Classes at Paris Junior College Offer Many Options to Students
Paris Junior College
Public Information Services
Summer II classes at PJC offer many options to students
Current and future college students will benefit by taking a five-week class from Paris Junior College in the Summer II term that starts Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
Graduating seniors from area high schools who have yet to apply to PJC may use the scholarship covering tuition to a Summer II class.
Any student starting at PJC or a university in the fall will find something to fit their degree plan. The classes are designed for transfer to public universities in Texas, helping students reach their education goals more quickly. Many in-person classes are available for those learn more easily that way, and online classes for students who have come to prefer that mode of learning.
Paris in-person classes include biology, anatomy & physiology, composition II, federal or Texas government, U.S. history I or II, theater appreciation, intermediate keyboarding, microeconomics, maintenance of wellness, and math classes at all levels.
In-person classes in Greenville cover art appreciation, business computer applications, biology, anatomy & physiology, introduction to computing, microeconomics, composition II, federal or Texas government, U.S. history I or II, lifespan growth and development, introduction to sociology, and math classes at all levels.
Sulphur Springs in-person classes include biology, anatomy & physiology, composition II, federal or Texas government, U.S. history I or II, music or theater appreciation, microeconomics, lifespan growth and development, and several math classes.
Online courses cover basic animal science, business computer applications, nutrition & diet therapy, biology, anatomy & physiology I or II, microbiology, introduction to mass communication or computing, police systems & practices, music, art or theater appreciation, macroeconomics, composition I or II, British or world literature, physical geology, federal or Texas government, U.S. history I or II, health data & content and structure, world civilizations I, concepts of physical fitness, drug use and abuse, care & prevention of athletic injuries, college physics II, solar system, introduction to PC operating systems, general psychology, lifespan growth & development, sociology, beginning or intermediate Spanish II, public speaking, college algebra, calculus for business & social sciences, and statistical methods.Students who have not yet applied may go to www.parisjc.edu/apply or contact [email protected], 903-782-0425 in Paris, 903-454-9333 in Greenville, or 903-885-1232 in Sulphur Springs. Scholarship information is available at www.parisjc.edu/scholarships. The College will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
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.
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed On Collin County Indecency Warrant
A 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed Tuesday, June 28, 2022, on a Collin County indecency warrant, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman and Lt. Mark Estes were dispatched to a Main Street restaurant just before noon Tuesday, June 28, 2022, to assist the US Marshals Service in taking Steven Michael Canales into custody on a Collin County warrant.
The 28-year-old Sulphur Springs resident was arrested at 11:55 a.m. and transported to jail. Canales was booked in at 12:28 p.m. June 28, 2022, on the Collin County indecency with a child by sexual contact charge, according to arrest reports.
Canales remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, June 29, 2022, on the Collin County indecency warrant. Bond was recommended at $75,000, according to arrest and jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
FDA Safety Communication: Do Not Use Baby Neck Floats Due to the Risk of Death or Injury
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning parents, caregivers, and health care providers not to use neck floats with babies for water therapy interventions, especially with babies who have developmental delays or special needs, such as spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy. The use of these products can lead to death or serious injury.
Recommendations for Parents and Caregivers
- Do not use baby neck floats for water therapy intervention. The use of these products, especially with babies with developmental delays or special needs, can lead to death or serious injury.
- Be aware that the use of neck floats in babies with special needs can lead to increased risk of neck strain and injury.
- Be aware that these neck floats have not been evaluated by the FDA and we are not aware of any demonstrated benefit with the use of neck floats for water therapy interventions.
- If a baby or individual in your care is injured by a neck float, we encourage you to report this to the FDA. Your report, along with information from other sources, can help the FDA identify and better understand the risks associated with medical devices.
Recommendations for Health Care Providers
- Review this safety communication with your colleagues, care teams, parents and caregivers of babies who use neck floats for water therapy intervention, to ensure they are aware of the potential risk of death or injury associated with neck floats.
- Discourage use of neck floats in babies with these conditions.
- If a patient experiences a problem with a neck float, report this to the FDA. Prompt reporting of adverse events can help the FDA identify and better understand the risks associated with medical devices.
Device Description
Neck floats are inflatable plastic rings that can be worn around a baby’s neck and allow babies to float freely in water. Some neck floats are marketed for babies as young as two weeks old or premature babies and are designed to cradle a baby’s head while their body moves freely in the water. Parents and caregivers have used these products during a baby’s bath, while their baby is swimming, and as a physical therapy tool (water therapy intervention) for babies with developmental delays or disabilities.
The FDA is aware that some manufacturers are claiming these products support water therapy interventions in babies with developmental delays or special needs and that the benefits of these products include increased muscle tone, greater flexibility and range of motion, increased lung capacity, better sleep quality, and increased brain and nervous system stimulation. The safety and effectiveness of neck floats to build strength, to promote motor development or as a physical therapy tool, have not been established.
Risk of Death or Injury with Use of Neck Floats in Babies
The risks of using baby neck floats include death due to drowning and suffocation, strain, and injury to a baby’s neck. Babies with special needs such as spina bifida or SMA Type 1 may be at an increased risk for serious injury.
The FDA is aware of one baby who died and one baby who was hospitalized related to the use of baby neck floats. In both cases the babies were injured when their caregivers were not directly monitoring them.
While the FDA believes that death or serious injury from neck floats is rare, health care providers, parents, and caregivers should be aware that these events can and do occur. It is also possible that some cases have not been reported to the FDA.
FDA Actions
The FDA is informing parents, caregivers, and health care providers of the risk to babies who use neck floats, especially babies with developmental delays or special needs, while we work with external stakeholders to increase awareness of the issue.
Recently, the FDA became aware of companies marketing neck floats for use as a water therapy tool without FDA clearance or approval. The FDA has communicated our concerns about these promotional materials to these companies and will continue to monitor promotional materials and claims for these devices.
The FDA will keep the public informed if significant new information becomes available.
Reporting Problems to the FDA
If you experience adverse events associated with using neck floats, we encourage you to file a voluntary report through MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program. Health care personnel employed by facilities that are subject to FDA’s user facility reporting requirements should follow the reporting procedures established by their facilities.
Please include the following information in your reports:
- Device Name (Brand Name)
- Manufacturer’s, Importer’s, and/or Distributor’s Name
- Details of Adverse Event and Medical and/or Surgical Interventions (if applicable)
If you believe a medical device is being marketed outside the scope of its FDA approval or clearance, you can report that allegation through FDA’s Allegations of Regulatory Misconduct process. You can also contact your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator for assistance with this process.
A Redwood For Your Yard
By David Wall, Mt. Pleasant Master Gardener
Several years ago, I wrote an article on the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), a tree virtually unknown in our area. Howard Garrett, in his latest FB column, also recommended the tree, so let’s talk about it. No, it’s not the giant redwood or sequoia, but it is a beautiful, fast growing, majestic tree. In good soils, 2-3 feet a year is common, and under preferred conditions, a growth rate of 5feet is possible. Diameter breast high (DBH) can reach 6 feet. It is considered the fastest growing conifer, although it’s a deciduous conifer, having basically changed from evergreen to deciduous way back in antiquity.
Dawn redwoods are an ancient tree, almost rivaling the gingko, and they are considered living fossils. In the United States, they were basically unknown until circa 1950. All redwoods and sequoias are cypress trees, and the dawn redwood, although better looking, resembles a bald cypress, which is a close relative. The tree is quite common now in the Dallas area.
The tree can grow in almost any soil except sand. They tolerate dry alkaline soil, but prefer moist, acidic soil. For those in lowland areas that flood, the tree will grow even in standing water for considerable portions of the year. On the other hand, they tolerate dry soils! For those with highly acidic soil, the tree considers a pH of 4.5 to be the ideal soil. They require at least six hours of sunlight during the growing season, but are otherwise relatively carefree.
Though the smallest of the three redwood species, 100 feet tall in urban areas is not unusual. Wingspread is normally 25-35 feet, but in good conditions the limbs will exceed this width. Tree shape is Christmas pyramid. Dawn redwoods should never be planted close to a house, and the tree is strictly for a large yard.
Nationwide Outage Impacts Texas Work Search Websites
WorkInTexas.com, Related Sites Are Currently Down; TWC Establishes Page Highlighting Other Job Search Tools
AUSTIN – Three work search websites in Texas are offline 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. TWC is working with GSI to understand the impact of the outage and confirm when the system will be online again, although it is anticipated that the sites will be down until early next week.
TWC has created a webpage for individuals who need resources to attain employment, as well as to meet work search requirements during these outages. On the new page, there are alternative resources and a list of other popular work search websites. In addition, passing a Metrix Learning course is deemed an acceptable work search activity and is free to all Texans.
Local Workforce Solutions offices remain open, with a full staff ready to assist both employers and job seekers. Job seekers can meet their work search requirements and obtain reemployment resources at a local office. Those resources include skills assessments for occupational matching, instructional workshops such as resume preparation, and labor market information. Additionally, in-person and virtual job fairs are continually held across the state and can be found on the TWC Job Fairs webpage.
Although the technical outage from GSI has resulted in WorkInTexas.com, MyTXCareer.com, and TXInternshipChallenge.com going offline, TWC’s website, twc.texas.gov, is managed in-house, and is not impacted.
Hospital District Board Approves FRPs For Landscaping, Communications Equipment
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors during a noon meeting Tuesday, June 28, 2022, accepted RFPS and approved bids for landscaping plants and trees as well as proposed quote for communications equipment.
Landscaping
HCHD Board received two responses to the request for prices to supply all plants and trees for landscaping for the new Hopkins County EMS station/HCHD headquarters, being constructed across the street from the current offices and the hospital. J&D Landscaping of Mount Vernon proposed providing all trees and plants for $22,000 while M&S Landscaping of Sulphur Springs’ bid was $36,000.
The budget for landscaping was set at $24,000, with the cap noted in the RFP. HCHD CEO Brent Smith noted he had fielded questions from others, but those were the ones received. Sod and irrigation aren’t part of landscaping as they will already be provided.
HCHD President Kerry Law asked if it would be better to wait until later in the year to plant trees as opposed to July or August. Smith noted that it will likely be mid to late September before things are ready for the plants to go in the ground.
The RFP included landscaping specifics for the number and size of trees and plants, and requires the company to stand behind their plants and trees, replacing them if needed for a year, Smith noted. Law said when the bid is awarded the contract needs to stipulate they will standby their vegetation for a year from the planting.
The board approved Tammy Wright’s recommendation to accept the $22,000 option from J&D Landscaping.
Communications
Smith asked the HCHD Board of Directors to consider approving new communications equipment at the BuyBoard price of $359,782. No new equipment has been purchase for EMS communications since 2007, and the radios they do have aren’t necessarily serviceable. EMS have managed to find some used radios they’ve purchased from online merchants when necessary to replace portable units that no longer work.
Smith noted that the county and city have over the past few years been able to obtain grant funding to replace some of their communications equipment, but even those obtained 6-7 years ago are considered antiquated by current standards.
The communications equipment proposed, Smith noted, will allow EMS to talk to everyone in the service areas, as well as on mutual aide calls with other emergency responders, including Texas A&M University-Commerce. This will make response safer for EMS personnel making emergency calls as well as beneficial in the care and treatment of patients they are dispatched to treat. The equipment will work with the current CAD system, which is still a good system, existing communications equipment in units and portables as well as new equipment being installed. This would also reduce chance of human error on calls as well.
He described the technological difference being the difference between analogue and digital mobile phone systems. As he understands it, the system should also be more secure, as it’s all cloud based. It should carry HCHD/Hopkins County EMS years into the future. Aside from the furniture, this will be the main big purchase to go into the new station/HQ in the process of being completed.
The new system he proposed purchasing too should end up saving some money annually on maintenance costs for updates and improvements. The new system, Smith estimated, would only coast $7,000-$8,000 per year compared to the $10,000 currently being spent. A warranty and training would be included in the contract at the quoted amount, Smith assured Board member Kristy Shultz.
EMS is approaching communications upgrades in a 3 phase plan. This would be phase one. The second phase would be to replace radios. He hopes to be able to apply for grant funding to help replace the old radios in the future. However, when the new radios are replaced, provided they still are in good working order, the current plan is to keep them as backup should additional radios be needed or others have to be out of service for repairs or until replacements can be found. The third phase would be replacing the current radio repeaters.
Board member Tammy Wright said the equipment is needed and made the motion to approve the purchase of new communications equipment at a rate f $359,782. Shultz seconded the motion, which then received the approval of all four board members present — Law, Shultz, Eimy Medina, Wright.
Audits
Smith also gave a brief update on a Texas Department of State Health Services and a single Audit from Forvis (formerly BKD) for nursing home facilities.
He said he was ecstatic with the way the DSHS audit went. In the past the ones he’s dealt with from DSHS and RAC have been excruciatingly painful. Only one out of 10 hospital districts awarded tobacco settlement funding have to undergo the extensive audit. HCHD was the lucky one to do so this year. DSHS did a great job. All Is were dotted and Ts crossed. The district receives about $230,000 annual tobacco audit settlement funding. He commended the HCHD team for their work getting everything ready and during the audit.
The Forvis audit of the nursing homes is going well. He said aside from tying up a few loos ends regarding the first round of COVID funding. All looks good, they are still working to get a few credit card receipts for one facility, which shouldn’t total a huge amount, rounded up and documents. The five other facilities are in.
Other information
The board approved a real estate resolution regarding the sale of Hospital District property on Davis Street, and authorized Smith to complete the property agreement. HCHD Board Attorney Tommie Allison said the resolution would need to be attached to the deed as well as a legal description for the cash deal.
The Hospital District, on behalf of the board, acting as Hopkins County Holdings, approached the city about rezoning property at 525 Church Street from a multifamily to professional office zone, and 539 Davis street from single family 10 to professional office zoning. The properties are not currently in use. HCHD applied to the city for have the properties rezoned. It received approval on first reading at the June City Council meeting and is expected to be on the July 2022 council agenda for second and final reading.
Smith too noted that the district has approved Stacy Holly to fill the final financial opening in the district. She will begin working as staff accountant on July 5. She will start working with the staff to learn how things work and jump right in.
It was also noted that Kayla Price has been named the new director for Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation, with the position falling under or at least partly under HCHD, and in line with CHRISTUS operations as well.
Smith said EMS has had a busy few weeks running calls.
He proposed the next HCHD Board of Directors meeting be conducted on July 19. He anticipates having furniture bids for the board by that meeting.
The board agreed to the date. The time of the meeting had yet to be set. The four members present said they had no preference for either a noon or evening meeting next month.
Smith said he would survey the three members who were not able to attend the June 28 meeting to see if there’s a preference. This would also allow him to have everything ready for that meeting and still allow him to prepare for the upcoming out-of-town industry conference better than having the meeting a week later, which would be the day before he leaves for the biennial conference.
The HCHD Board then entered into an executive session to discuss any Hospital District personnel, salaries and/or property matters presented for discussion and consideration since the last meeting. The meeting concluded with no action take following the closed session, Smith reported.
