Wood County Sheriff’s Report February 20-26, 2019
Wood County Sheriff’s Report for February 20, 2019 to February 26, 2019 include:
February 20th
Deputies were dispatched to FM 182 near Alba, at approximately 8:21 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:14 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:08 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat on CR 1660 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to Main St. in Yantis, at approximately 11:17 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Bermuda St. in Quitman; at approximately 1:21 p.m. Nettie McCorkle, 38, of Garland, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1602 near Alba, at approximately 1:32 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the day.
Deputies were dispatched to Jones St. in Alba, at approximately 3:35 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 5:37 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4627 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:40 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the parties were separated.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2379 near Alba, at approximately 6:45 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole an ATV from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 7:03 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 11 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 37 near Quitman; at approximately 8:54 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 312 near Winnsboro; at approximately 10:44 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
February 21st
At 12:30 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2422 near Mineola.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:12 a.m., in reference to a possible assault on FM 17 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 852 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:16 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1900 near Yantis, at approximately 11:45 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:08 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief that occurred on PR 5991 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:19 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on CR 2918 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:56 p.m., in reference to damage to property on CR 4579 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Bermuda St. in Quitman; at approximately 4:17 p.m. Randel Clanton, Jr., 43, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
At 4:59 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 14 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2353 near Mineola, at approximately 9:19 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole two firearms from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
February 22nd
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 2:38 a.m. William Adams, Jr., 34, of Grand Saline, was arrested for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction. Catherine Savage, 26, of Grand Saline, was arrested for Failure to Control Speed.
At 11:24 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:31 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat that occurred on CR 3145 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 4925 near Quitman; at approximately 1:42 p.m. Stephen Pyron, 27, of Winnsboro, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:00 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass on CR 2210 near Mineola. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 4:18 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1473 near Quitman; at approximately 4:55 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and it was towed by Wyatt’s Towing.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 312 near Winnsboro; at approximately 5:24 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 6:12 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4770 near Winnsboro.
At 6:35 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 852 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 8:21 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Jennifer Nichols, 31, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Against Elderly or Disabled Individual and outstanding warrants.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:31 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
February 23rd
Deputies were dispatched to Loop 564 near Mineola, at approximately 12:01 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the owner and the building was secure.
At 2:01 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
At 8:24 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
At 10:55 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 12:48 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:41 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4896 near Quitman, at approximately 1:56 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1681 near Alba, at approximately 2:35 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3232 near Quitman, at approximately 2:41 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4995 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:36 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a chainsaw from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 7:46 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Como.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 778 near Mineola; at approximately 8:20 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 9:00 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Quitman, at approximately 9:13 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
February 24th
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Morris St. in Quitman; at approximately 12:44 a.m. Jerry Crawford, 45, of Quitman, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
At 11:22 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 182 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to Beaulah St. in Hawkins, at approximately 11:41 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1900 near Yantis; at approximately 6:47 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to Alba-Golden ISD, at approximately 8:04 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the key holder and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1858 near Yantis, at approximately 10:34 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the noise and cleared the incident.
February 25th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Kiowa near Quitman; at approximately 3:30 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:49 a.m., in reference to a possible theft on CR 1226 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 9:08 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 49 near Mineola; at approximately 11:36 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:10 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on PR 7905 near Hawkins. This case is active.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:15 p.m., in reference to fraud that occurred on FM 2088 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2230 near Mineola, at approximately 4:30 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3450 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:21 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Lane St. in Quitman; at approximately 7:33 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Ward St. in Quitman; at approximately 7:59 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 4430 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:43 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3455 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:50 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 3840 near Hawkins; at approximately 10:21 p.m. Eric Berkenkamp, 42, of Hawkins, was arrested for outstanding warrants. Darla Shattles, 52, of Hawkins, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
February 26th
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to PR 7907 near Hawkins; at approximately 12:26 a.m. James Williamson, 50, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies responded to suspicious circumstances on CR 4940 near Quitman; at approximately 12:34 a.m. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 1:32 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
At 1:43 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Como.
At 8:28 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:19 a.m., in reference to a scam on FM 14 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 12:53 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4116 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:30 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass that occurred on CR 3824 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 1:54 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1418 near Quitman, at approximately 4:20 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the incident.
At 5:05 p.m., cows were reported out on Loop 564 near Mineola.
At 5:10 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2375 near Alba.
At 5:33 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4460 near Winnsboro.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 7:28 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 3226 near Quitman; at approximately 8:51 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 9:38 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 10:31 p.m. Patrick Monnat, 32, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Cedar St. In Winnsboro; at approximately 11:50 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Taylor Dr. in Winnsboro; at approximately 11:58 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Between the dates of February 20 and February 26, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Alba Police Department, Mineola Police Department, Emergency Medical Services and Child Protective Services.
Between the dates of February 20 and February 26, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 9 arrest warrants and arrested the individuals, filed 2 cases with the District Attorney and recovered $10,900 worth of stolen property.
Total Jail Count – 121 inmates – 98 males and 23 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…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.

Hearts of Life Presents CeCe for Adoption

Meet CeCe! CeCe is a 3 year-old Shepherd/Pyrenees mix. He is a very loving, very playful, and very big pup! He is always happy to see you and loves giving big hugs! His adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, neuter and rabies shot.
Please contact us by phone at 903-439-5019, email at [email protected], Petfinder.com or Facebook.com/heartsoflife.
Cipoletta Said the Difference was Patience; Wildcats Face Highland Park Friday in Regional Tournament
In their 56-44 win over Lufkin Tuesday night (February 26), the Wildcats’ basketball team trailed the Panthers at the half, 18-16. The second half was a different story as the Wildcats outscored Lufkin, 40-26. Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said the difference was patience.
He said in the first half, the Wildcats were trying to create their own shot opportunities and were working too hard to score. During halftime, Coach Cipoletta said he told the team the Wildcats offense is designed to create easy scoring opportunities. He urged the Wildcats to be patient and told them to reverse the ball a time or two. Coach Cipoletta said that would cause the defense to break down and that would make some shot opportunities come easier which should mean the Wildcats would shoot at a higher percentage.
Coach Cipoletta also said he moved Keaston Willis around some and he was able to free up and hit several threes in the second half. Those made threes then opened things some inside. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats rebounded well and kept Lufkin from one of their favorite things, driving to the basket. The Wildcats also blocked several shots. After the game, Coach Cipoletta turned to social media to thank the huge crowd for turning out. He said their support provided a boost for the Wildcats.
The win was also historic. No past Wildcats’ basketball team has never gone this far. The Wildcats now play Highland Park Friday night at 6 p.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland. The winner plays in the Regional Final game Saturday at noon. #1 ranked Lancaster and Frisco Lone Star also play Friday at around 7:30 p.m.

Saltillo Lost Heartbreaker at Regional Quarter Final
The Saltillo Lions’ basketball team lost a heartbreaker Tuesday night (February 26). Slidell topped the Lions, 44-42 in a Regional Quarterfinal game. Slidell built an 11 point lead after three quarters. The Lions fourth quarter rally came up just 2 points short.
Ben Moore led the Lions with 18 points. Edi Olayo had 9 points. Matthew Gurley scored 8 points. Chris Boekhorst had 5 points. Levi Hoover had 2 points.
The Lions end the season with a 26-9 record.

Three Wildcats Sign Letters of Intent to Play College Football
Three Wildcats’ football players signed letters of intent to play college football Wednesday (February 27). Two of them, both receivers and safeties, Austin Dodd and Landry Tyson, are going to Texas A&M-Commerce.

Dodd said the school invited both of them to visit. Both got tours and they both said they really liked it. Dodd said it felt like home to him. Dodd said indications are the Lions intent to use him as a slot receiver and he said he loves that position. However he added he would play anywhere he is needed. Dodd said he would need to get bigger and his goal is to play as much as he can. He said he is glad he and Tyson are entering school together so he doesn’t have to go it alone. Dodd said he’s glad to be close to home He said he intends to major in engineering, either mechanical or civil engineering.

Tyson said he knows about A&M-Commerce and he said they knew about him and Dodd. He said during his visit, he felt like they really wanted him. Tyson said the Lions have had a lot of success and he added he was pumped to be going to a team that knows how to win. He said the Lions intent to use him as a receiver but, like Dodd, he said he would play anywhere he was needed. Tyson said he and Dodd got the opportunity to sit down with new Lions Coach David Bailiff. Tyson called the coach a real cool dude. He said neither he or Dodd knows much about the current Texas A&M-Commerce offense since they have a new offensive coordinator. He said Coach Bailiff invited him and Dodd to attend some of the Lions spring practices. Tyson plans to major in kinesiology so he can become a trainer of athletes like former Olympic track star Michael Johnson.

Wildcat Damiyon Dugan to Play Football at Hardin-Simmons
Wildcats defensive back and wide receiver Damiyon Dugan will play college football at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. Dugan said he was about to sign with Louisiana College when a buddy of his from Commerce began to talk to him about Hardin-Simmons. The buddy talked with Cowboys’ coaches and they invited Dugan to come and visit them in Abilene. Dugan impressed them and they offered him a scholarship that he accepted. He said they want him to play defensive back. Dugan said as a defensive back he has to be smart, fast and physical. He said if you do one thing wrong, everybody sees it. Dugan said the Cowboys have a good program and have lost only about 3 games during the past 3 years. Those losses usually come to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Dugan said during his visit he was impressed with Cowboys’ coaches and with the school and its’ academics. Dugan plans to major in kinesiology with future plans of becoming a coach or a personal trainer.
Chamber Connection: February 28, 2019
Google is presenting locally for a Chamber Lunch + Learn
The Chamber will be hosting a Lunch + Learn presented by Google, sponsored by Chad’s Media, on Friday, March 15th at 11:30 a.m. at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Google will be presenting on “Reaching Customers Online”. Learn how customers can find your business online and how to promote your online presence using search engine optimization (SEO) and online advertising. Google will also introduce tools that will help you run your business online, including Google Analytics and Trends. The presentation will also include telling your business story through video. It will be a great hour of useful information. Reservations are made on a first-come-first-serve basis. Cost is $20 for Chamber members, and $30 for non-Chamber members and includes lunch. Make your reservations right away by calling the Chamber at (903) 885-6515.
Letters have gone in the mail this week for the 30th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. Save the Date for Friday, April 12th at Sulphur Springs Country Club, and let us know right away if you would like to have a team. It’s a really fun tournament to be shared with friends and family!
Hope Smith Interior Design Schedules Ribbon Cutting
Hope Smith Interior Design, located at 115 Gilmer Street in Sulphur, has scheduled her ribbon cutting celebration for Tuesday, March 5th. Please make plans to join us for networking and celebration!
Ribbon Cuttings:

Family Smiles hosted their ribbon cutting celebration
Family Smiles, located at 610 Gilmer #1B Street in Sulphur Springs, hosted their ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, February 22nd at noon. The are open Monday through Friday and are accepting new patients.
You CAN Manage Your Diabetes By Johanna Hicks

You CAN Manage Your Diabetes!
As many of you know, our youngest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2 ½ and our world was turned topsy turvy! When I re-entered the career as Extension Agent several years ago, my passion was diabetes education. Our son was my inspiration for helping others manage diabetes.
Approximately 12% of Hopkins County residents have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series is designed to help individuals learn to control diabetes through proper diet, physical activity, self-monitoring, and taking medications as prescribed. The series is not diagnostic in nature, and we do not give medical advice. However, we give solid, research-based information supported by the American Diabetes Association standards of care. Individuals who have participated in the past have exhibited lower Hemoglobin A1c numbers, learned what foods affect their blood glucose the most, know the signs of high and low blood sugar, and have been able to follow a healthier eating pattern.
Another series is scheduled, and we hope to reach even more people. If you, or someone you know, would like to participate, please keep this information handy:
· What: Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series
· When: Mondays and Thursdays, March 11, 14, 18, 21, and 25
· Time: 6:00 p.m.
· Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, Hopkins County
· Cost: $25, payable at the first session. This covers materials, refreshments, and door prizes
· Call: 903-885-3443 to sign up. Leave your name, address and phone number. A registration form will be mailed to you, or you may pick one up at the office.
Topics for the series are: How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose; Self-Monitoring and Sick Days; Improving Blood Glucose Control with Physical Activity; Improving Blood Glucose Control with Medication; and Celebrating Diabetes Control While Avoiding Complications.
The series is taught in a manner that is easy to understand, and provides practical information. Classes do not take the place of a visit to your doctor and dietitian, but they do help explain in more detail how to manage the disease. Please contact the office if you have questions.
Becoming a Healthier You
Because we all lead different lifestyles, it is no surprise that dieting is not “one-size-fits-all.” Therefore, it is important to follow a healthy eating regimen that is tailored to you and your daily needs. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, carrying too much body fat may have harmful effects on your health. More than ⅓ of U.S. adults are obese, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of >30. There are many contributing factors that cause obesity, most of which can be prevented or regulated. Some of these factors include:
· Family history and genes
· Medications
· Lifestyle habits
· Eating behaviors
· Stress
· Too little sleep
· Medical problems
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Specialist David Leal recommends creating long-term goals that are broken down into achievable steps – those then become goals that are focused on daily. We often feel like there’s so many things we need to change; eat better, exercise more, lose weight, lower cholesterol. However, this can become overwhelming. Remember that progress, no matter how small or slow, is still progress.
While exercising is a key component in being healthy, failure to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet is often the limiting factor that keeps people from becoming the healthiest version of themselves. For weight loss, or improving any chronic disease, eating 2-3 servings of vegetables a day can make a tremendous impact. Add balance to your meals by making half of your plate fruits and vegetables while decreasing the amount of protein and starches, such as meat and potatoes.
If you want to stay on the straight and narrow by eating healthy but are looking to mix up your mealtime routine with new recipes, visit AgriLife Extension’s “Dinner Tonight” to choose from a variety of healthy meals like Flatbread Pizza, Mediterranean Chicken, Taco Boats, and even desserts like Banana Chia Bread, Pistachio Cake, and Unicorn Popsicles! https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/
Closing Thought
To hope means to be ready at every moment for that which is not yet born – Emily Dickinson
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Hot Alaska Salmon Melts
Ingredients:
· (15 ounce) can salmon boneless, skinless
· 1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise can use canola or olive oil mayo
· 2 tablespoons chopped onion
· 2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
· 3/4 cup shredded, reduced fat cheddar cheese
· 4 English muffins multi or whole grain
· 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
1) Drain salmon. Add onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and pepper to taste.
2) Mix well. Add half of cheddar cheese to salmon mixture.
3) Spread on English muffin halves and place on baking sheet.
4) Top with remaining cheese. Broil in oven for 3-4 minutes. Makes 8 servings.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories – 170: Total fat – 5 g; Total carbs – 15 g; sodium – 450 mg; vitamin D – 40%; Calcium – 15%

PJC-Sulphur Springs Trio Programs

PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Education Opportunity Center Advisor Tonya Armstrong, left, and student Emily Nance fill back packs that will be given to students enrolling through the TRIO programs at PJC. TRIO includes several federal outreach and student service programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education designed to foster a strong and highly educated workforce.