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Taco Seasonings, Natural Pig Ears Recalled For Possible Salmonella Contamination

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Taco Seasonings, Natural Pig Ears Recalled For Possible Salmonella Contamination

Before you head to the pantry or pet treat shelf, be sure to check your taco seasoning and natural pig ears labels for recalles; two companies have announced recalls for these items.

Taco Seasoning

Williams Foods LLC of Kentucky initiated precautionary recall of a select number Great Value Mild Taco Seasoning and HEB Reduce Sodium Taco seasoning Mix packets which contain cumin that may potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

“These items contain cumin spice involved in a recall initiated by our supplier, Mincing Spice Co. Mincing has issued a recall for a specific lot of cumin they produced because a sample from that lot was tested by one of Mincing’s customers and was found to be potentially contaminated with Salmonella. A portion of the lot recalled by Mincing was supplied to Williams Foods, LLC,” Williams Foods LLC’s noted in a recall announcement.

Impacted are:

  • Great Value Mild Taco Seasoning Mix; 1 ounce package; item number 564829444; product UPC 0 78742 24572 0; and Best By dates of 07/08/21 and 07/09/21.
  •   HEB Taco Seasoning Mix Reduced Sodium; 1.25 ounce package; item number 050215; Product UPC 0 41220 79609 0; and Better Buy dates of 07/10/21, 07/11/21 and 07/15/21.

No consumer complaints or reported cases of Salmonellosis had been reported in connection with these products as of the announcement.

Consumers who have purchased the product with the above “Best By” dates are urged not to consume the product but to discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-847-5608 or by e-mail at [email protected] for more information. Our customer service desk will be staffed in person from 8am to 5pm CST Monday to Friday.

Natural Pig Ears

The Lennox Intl Inc. of New Jersey is voluntary recalling its Natural Pig ears, products intended solely for the consumption by dogs, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

 “Lennox is aware of two cases of our pig ears that caused dog Illnesses which may be related to the potential Salmonella contamination noted during an ongoing FDA investigation of Salmonella illness, associated with what appears to be a multiple source,” the company noted in the product recall announcement.

The recalled products affected were shipped to nationwide distributors and retail store May 1-July 3. The product comes in an 8 PK branded pouch under UPC 742174 995163, 742174994166 or packaged individually shrink- wrapped under UPC 0385384810 and 742174P35107. All UPC codes are located on the front label of the package, according to Lennox Intl Inc.’s recall notice.

Lennox Intl Inc. of New Jersey is voluntary recalling its Natural Pig ears for dogs due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products which are solely for the consumption by dogs.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy, pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. People whose pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms should contact their veterinarian.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Consumers who have purchased the product and have proper receipt may return the product, or contact 800-538-8980 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or [email protected] for a refund and additional information.

Wood County Sheriff’s Report July 17-23, 2019

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Wood County Sheriff’s Report July 17-23, 2019

July 17th

  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 2360 near Mineola, at approximately 12:12 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Deputies made contact with the individuals and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:17 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 4990 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:42 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 4990 near Quitman, at approximately 11:24 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property.
  • Deputies were dispatched to PR 7923 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:27 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 84, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
  • Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 12:15 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3990 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:22 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
  • At 12:27 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
  • Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:52 p.m., in reference to illegal dumping on CR 3266 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3870 near Mineola, at approximately 3:00 p.m., in reference to possible criminal mischief. Deputies made contact with the reporting party and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to Grand Saline St. in Alba, at approximately 6:47 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
  • Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 7:30 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.

July 18th

  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3470 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:58 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
  • Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:55 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
  • Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804 near Mineola, at approximately 8:23 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actor.
  • Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:45 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle on FM 2869 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to Loop 564 near Mineola, at approximately 9:32 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole copper wire from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:24 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on CR 4847 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 1807 near Yantis, at approximately 10:48 a.m., in reference to illegal dumping. A known actor dumped trash on the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:10 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass on CR 2935 near Alba. Deputies determined this was a civil matter and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2332 near Mineola; at approximately 2:25 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and it was towed by Joes Wrecker.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 2360 near Mineola, at approximately 4:32 p.m., in reference to a fire. Mineola Fire Department extinguished the fire and the scene was cleared.
  • Deputies were dispatched to Valley Wood Trail near Hawkins, at approximately 8:30 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
  • Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 1799 near Mineola; at approximately 8:37 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
  • At 8:48 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
  • Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2869 near Winnsboro; at approximately 11:58 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.

July 19th

  • Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 515 near Yantis; at approximately 1:10 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 69 near Alba; at approximately 3:07 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
  • At 8:13 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3234 near Quitman, at approximately 8:54 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole the reporting party’s mailbox. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3230 near Quitman, at approximately 11:15 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole the reporting party’s mailbox. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Bermuda St. in Quitman; at approximately 11:35 a.m. Stuart Bruce, 40, of Winnsboro, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
  • Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:31 p.m., in reference to a scam on Waterfront Row near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.

July 20th

  • Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 12:20 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 4631 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:03 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the actor left the scene.
  • Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 312 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:57 a.m. Deputies located the individual and provided a courtesy transport.
  • Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 12:51 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole the reporting party’s saddle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 1686 near Alba, at approximately 2:40 p.m., in reference to an animal complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the dogs.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3940 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:31 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies determined it was a civil matter and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 4400 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:00 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 4847 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:01 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 2263 near Mineola, at approximately 8:40 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:53 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.

July 21st

  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 4847 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:34 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Jonathan James, 27, of Leicester, North Carolina, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3859 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:29 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3163 near Quitman, at approximately 3:01 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s mailbox.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:13 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. A known actor had the reporting party’s vehicle and refused to return it. This case is forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3114 near Quitman, at approximately 6:29 p.m., in reference to a dog bite. Deputies located the owner of the dog and advised them of the quarantine process.
  • Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Lake Hawkins point; at approximately 7:45 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
  • Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:46 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle on Greenville St. in Alba. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to Apache near Quitman, at approximately 10:39 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.

July 22nd

  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 1885 near Yantis, at approximately 6:18 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and everything was OK.
  • Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Alba, at approximately 3:18 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. John Franken, Jr., 60, of Alba, was arrested for Assault.
  • Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 4:59 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole money from the reporting party. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 5:53 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
  • Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 69 near Mineola; at approximately 6:47 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
  • Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 8:48 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
  • Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Bonita Dr. in Quitman; at approximately 10:42 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.

July 23rd

  • Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4660 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:02 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
  • Deputies spoke to the reporting party, at approximately 9:33 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on CR 1792 near Yantis. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
  • Deputies spoke to the reporting party, at approximately 10:29 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat on PR 8692 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 10:53 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, stole money and damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 2270 near Mineola, at approximately 12:42 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 1912 near Yantis, at approximately 2:19 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 3940 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:45 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor cut down several of the reporting party’s trees and sold them as firewood without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies were dispatched to Choctaw near Quitman, at approximately 3:36 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies were dispatched to CR 1973 near Yantis, at approximately 4:25 p.m., in reference to theft of service. A known actor sent the reporting party hot checks. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:30 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Actors, or actors unknown, shot the reporting party’s house. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
  • Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:03 p.m., in reference to damage to property on CR 4870 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to Lipscomb St. in Quitman, at approximately 8;11 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
  • Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:25 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on CR 3245 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
  • Deputies were dispatched to Willow Branch near Hawkins, at approximately 9:57 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.

Additional activity

  • Between the dates of July 17 and July 23, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Emergency Medical Services, Winnsboro Police Department and Mineola Police Department.
  • Between the dates of July 17 and July 23, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 1 arrest warrant and arrested the individual, filed 3 cases with the District Attorney and recovered $3,500 worth of stolen property.

Total Jail Count –120 inmates – 97 males and 23 females.

Reminders from Sheriff Castloo

If you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.

Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.

Steady Stream Of Football Season Ticket Owners Renew On First Day Of Season Ticket Week

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Steady Stream Of Football Season Ticket Owners Renew On First Day Of Season Ticket Week

Lynette King, part of the Wildcats football season ticket week effort, said a steady crowd of ticket holders showed up Monday morning to renew their seats.

Monday and Tuesday are days for current season ticket holders to renew their tickets. Tickets not renewed after Tuesday will be available for others. Ms. King said out of about 1500 season tickets, only 43 went unsold last year.

Wednesday season ticket holders who renew can seek upgrades. Tickets left after Wednesday will go on sale to the general public Thursday and Friday. Ms. King said Wednesday is usually the busiest day of season ticket week.

Season ticket week is taking place at the Sulphur Springs High School Media Center or Library. Hours are 8:15 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday though Thursday and 8:15 a.m. until noon Friday.

Sulphur Springs High School, 1200 Connally St.

My Perfect Pet Expanding Business To Sulphur Springs

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My Perfect Pet Expanding Business To Sulphur Springs

Groundbreaking For Gourmet Pet Food Business Scheduled July 31 at 9 a.m. at Pioneer Business Park

My Perfect Pet is expanding its gourmet pet food business to Sulphur Springs.

Sulphur Springs will soon be home to My Perfect Pet, a gourmet pet food company. After nearly 2 ½ years of work, terms have been reached for the Poway, California company to expand its operation to Texas, according to Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley.

The business will be located at 49 Pioneer Parkway, one of three remaining tracts in Pioneer Business Park. A ground breaking ceremony is planned at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, at the site, and community members are invited to attend.

“This is not your typical pet food. They start with USDA roast, chicken, lamb and turkey and bake it like you would Sunday dinner, in the oven. This is first grade stuff. It smells like grandma’s kitchen on Sunday afternoon,” Feagley said.

The product is shipped frozen, all across the country, so opening a factory in Sulphur Springs, Texas, will give My Perfect Pet a more central location from which to ship the specialty cat and dog food, according to Feagley.

The EDC will give the company the site and is building a nearly 20,000 square foot building, complete with insulated concrete that won’t crack in the cool temperatures needed for freezers, with all utilities in. Construction is expected to take 6-9 months, depending on the weather, with the start of production anticipated sometime in early 2020.

My Perfect Pet started in Karen Neola’s kitchen after her family lost their dog in 2006 to contaminated pet food, according to the company website.

That spurred Neola to begin researching and advocating for better nutrition and health for all pets, particularly in their food. Food was made in the Neola kitchen for family pets. Others began asking for it. After frequently spending full work weeks making pet foods, the decision was made to turn the pet food into a full-time business. The California operation was created.

Neola is now taking advantage of an opportunity to open a more central location to make and from which to ship the gourmet cat and dog food all over the country, according to Feagley.

A groundbreaking for My Perfect Pet will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, at 49 Pioneer Parkway, located between CMH Road and Main Street (US Business 67 in Pioneer Business Park.

Good Number of Campers Greets Lady Cats Volleyball Coach on First Day of Camp

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Good Number of Campers Greets Lady Cats Volleyball Coach on First Day of Camp
Volleyball on Wood Floor

Volleyball seems to be growing in popularity.

New Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner feels that is the case. She says girls find it fun to play and she is excited it’s gaining in popularity.

Attendance on day one of Coach Dorner’s three day volleyball camp would seem to confirm that. Thirty-eight girls entering fourth through the seventh grade attended the early morning session Monday and another 25 girls showed up for camp for entering eighth and ninth graders.

Coach Dorner says day one was great and a lot of fun with campers showing up willing to learn and listening. She says it’s good to see the future. Coach Dorner says she expects to see some of these girls down the road. She says she and assistant coaches David Carrillo and Jared Hammack are teaching the basics to younger girls while providing instruction to more advanced girls designed to improve their skill set.Coach Dorner encourages girls who missed Monday’s session to show up for Tuesday and Wednesday camp.

She says her high school players are also in a three day camp this week. By UIL rule Coach Dorner can not conduct that camp. She says Texas A&M-Commerce coaches and players are running the camp for the Lady Cats.

Channel 18 News: Monday, July 29, 2019

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Channel 18 News:  Monday, July 29, 2019

SSISD Tennis Camp Opens Monday at Wildcat Tennis Center

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SSISD Tennis Camp Opens Monday at Wildcat Tennis Center

Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez still remembers the coach that introduced him to tennis. Coach Martinez says he was four years old and the coach was Coach Avra.

Coach Martinez says four is about the right age to begin to learn tennis. He adds Wimbeldon’s Roger Federer was about five when he began. Coach Martinez reflects on his tennis start after coaching kids four and six years old at his tennis camp Monday morning.

The camp, featuring three age groups, will run Monday through Thursday. The earliest camp is for boys and girls entering kindergarten through sixth grade. His second camp is for middle school age boys and girls. A high school camp takes place from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Coach Martinez is bringing some college players to help at the camp.

He says boys and girls that could not attend Monday are welcome to come during the next three days with the cost of camp prorated.

Access Physicals To Provide Telemedicine System, Services At County Jail

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Access Physicals To Provide Telemedicine System, Services At County Jail

Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved three health-related items Monday: health insurance, an incentive program and telemedicine service for the county jail.

Employee insurance, incentive program

County employees who use the insurance made available through work shouldn’t expect any surprises this year in the rates offered. The plan is “the same thing that we already have right now, which is the same co-pay, same deductible. Nothing changes. The rate went up $5.42 per employee,” Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Walker told commissioners when the proposal was made to renew medical insurance.

“One of the things that we are considering possibly in the new budget is health of our employees. We’re working on that for next year also in addition to that. This $5 is every small in comparison to many people that are getting their rates right now and seeing them go up. Having healthy employees is super important, so we continue to work on that. We had a good year last year is what that means by it not going up very much. I am very proud of that,” said Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom.

The commissioners court unanimously approved renewing the current medical insurance plan.

To encourage county employees to adopt healthy habits, the commissioners court approved a County Specific Incentive Program, which Walker said encourages “smoking cessation, annual physicals and healthy incentives.”

Telemedicine

The court also approved a contract with Access physicians Management Services Organization, LLC, for a telemedicine system and services, which should better maximize resources, save money and reduce security risks.

“This is really an extraordinary step for Hopkins County,” Newsom said.

“With Telemedicine, you take the offender into an area and set up a screen that has has video communication between medical staff and that offender. You hook up the blood pressure and they can read the vitals over the machine. It keeps us from having to transport offenders, which creates a security risk, to keep it right there in the jail,” said Kenneth Dean, Hopkins County jail administrator.

“We are in agreement with our hospital, because we are a tax supported hospital, even though we have a different name to it these days, so this will not cost the tax payers. It will actually save money over the long haul,” Newsom said.

Currently, Dr. I.L. Balkcom visits the jail on Friday to see inmates. Telemedicine will make medical services and staff available to inmates when Balkcom is unable to visit and during days and hours he is not scheduled at the facility, Dean explained.

The hospital will continue to pay for the care of inmates while minimizing the use of the emergency room and having to send a doctor to the jail weekly, according to the county judge.

“The telemedicine program should help, but not completely eliminate taking inmates to the hospital for treatment. Hopefully, the hospital is less burdened caring for inmates, the deputies and jailers are able to remain at their jobs rather than transporting inmates, and the public is safer,” Newsom said.

This also will help the county jail meet requirements of the Sandra Bland Act, which include making mental health services available to inmates 24-hours a day. Mental health services can be integrated into the system as well, Dean added.

2 Texarkana Teens Arrested After Marijuana, THC Oil Found During Traffic Stop

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2 Texarkana Teens Arrested After Marijuana, THC Oil Found During Traffic Stop

Two Texarkana teens were arrested Sunday after a trooper found marijuana, paraphernalia and THC oil in their vehicle.

Daniel Monroe Nichols

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Warren Williamson stopped a white Ford Mustang Sunday afternoon on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 136 for not having a front license plate.

The driver was identified as 19-year-old Daniel Monroe Nichols of Texarkana, Texas. While talking with Nichols and his passenger, an 18-year-old from Texarkana, Arkansas, Williamson reported smelling a burnt marijuana odor emitting from the car. Nichols reportedly admitted there was marijuana paraphernalia and THC oil in car.

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed a metal grinder, usable amount weed, an electric cigarette with brown liquid the trooper believed to be THC oil and a small multicolored rubber container with brown wax believed THC wax.

Nichols claimed the THC oil and said both men had used marijuana, while the Arkansas man admitted he was aware it was in the vehicle and that he’d “used earlier” in the trip, Williamson alleged in arrest reports. The trooper was told the green, leafy substance gave the vehicle occupants a high, indicating a THC content high enough to cause impairment, Williamson alleged in arrest reports.

Consequently, Nichols was arrested at 1:49 p.m. July 28 for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance and possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, while the passenger was charged only with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Both remained in the county jail Monday morning, July 29. Bond was set at $1,000 each on the marijuana charge; Nichols bond on the controlled substance charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.

Shadow RenFest Increases Popularity, Attendance of Local Renaissance Event to Benefit Shadow Ranch TRC

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Shadow RenFest Increases Popularity, Attendance of Local Renaissance Event to  Benefit Shadow Ranch TRC

In 2018, the Shadow Renaissance Festival, or Shadow RenFest was inaugurated as a local fundraising event for Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center, a Hopkins County therapeutic horseback riding facility which had been in existence for almost a decade. With over 3,500 persons attending that first year, the concept of a local Renaissance Festival was definitely a hit. So in July 2019, the second annual Shadow RenFest provided an enhanced event, both as a fundraiser and a”fun-raiser” for the entire community! The success was brought about by a small band of people with loyal friends and some Texas-size ideas! And the ultimate goal was to raise funds to provide Shaw Ranch a full year of operating funds as well as to create a nest egg toward plans for the 2020 Festival.

Pam and Marion, Shadow Ranch TRC founders

To provide a little history, founders of the Shadow Ranch center struggled during the first few years, but never doubted that their cause was inspired. Sure enough, through a change in location and finally ownership of the new ranch property, arms began to open wide as well as doors. In time, patron, sponsor, volunteer and donor lists began to expand, ensuring that the non-profit could continue in it’s efforts to lend capable assistance and even increase it’s services to handicapped and disadvantaged children, adults and military veterans through the unique horseback therapy.

In an e-mail message from RenFest organizers, the Renaissance Festival was a success! “Just look on any social media platform and see the out pour of love and support from the people who came this weekend! 65 vendors, 35 cast members, entertainment and a Full Armor Combat! People raved about how they absolutely enjoyed the Full Armor Combat! It was a beautiful weekend! As for next year, yes! but we will need a couple of weeks to rest and recharge before we can even begin to think about planning for the 2020 Festival. All the board members were pleased with everything and the community seemed to take to our festival as if it had always been here! We are so thankful for the support of this community and we look forward to the years of memories our small Renaissance Festival created❤️