OSHA Urges First Responders, Recovery Crews, Public to Protect Themselves from Hazards After Recent Tornados and Floods
May 7, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds first responders, recovery workers and people living in areas of Oklahoma and Texas hit by recent storms including flooding and tornados, to be vigilant amid hazards associated with storms including, power loss, structural damage, fallen trees and storm debris.
Storm recovery hazards may involve dangers related to restoring electricity and communications, removing debris, repairing water damage, fixing, or replacing roofs and trimming trees. Only allow people with proper training, equipment, and experience to handle recovery and cleanup.
OSHA offers Emergency Preparedness and Response resources including information on flood and tornado preparedness, response, and safety tips to assist employers and workers.
Emergency Preparedness and Response | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
People involved in response and recovery efforts may call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. Learn more about OSHA.
CHRISTUS Health Recognizes Stroke Month
Know the signs of a stroke
May 7, 2024 – (EAST TEXAS) – May is National Stroke Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health is encouraging people to know the signs of a stroke, which affects nearly 800,000 Americans each year.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke and that every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of stroke.
“Your readiness to spot the stroke warning signs and call 911 could save a life or make the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability,” said Kala Anders, stroke program coordinator at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs and Winnsboro.
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Anders said that, generally, if a stroke patient receives treatment within three or four hours of the first symptoms, major long-term disabilities can be reduced or eliminated.
“The quicker the better,” she says.
The easiest way to recognize symptoms is the acronym: B.E.F.A.S.T.
B: Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E: Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision?
F: Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A: Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S: Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T: Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as time is very important.
If you are a stroke survivor, you are at a higher risk of having another stroke, as nearly 200,000 strokes are in people who have had a previous stroke, Anders said.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and diabetes are leading causes of stroke, with one in three U.S. adults having at least one of these conditions or habits.
People with atrial fibrillation (a-fib) are prone to suffer more serious strokes than those with other underlying factors.
“Life after a stroke can be broken down into thirds,” Anders said. “A third of people will live with a disability after a stroke, a third will live a normal life and a third, unfortunately, die from a stroke. This is why it is so imperative to follow preventative measures, to hopefully reduce your risk of a stroke.”
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A&M-Commerce Professional Development Series Helps Employees Grow
May 7, 2024 – COMMERCE, TEXAS: This spring, Texas A&M University-Commerce embarked on the second semester of its transformative Investing in Us employee development program, which has met with high praise from faculty and staff across the university. The innovative program features eight-week courses designed to help employees learn, grow and thrive in their careers.
According to Dr. Carrie Klypchak, senior director of Academic Investment, while other universities offer various forms of professional development for employees, A&M-Commerce is unique in its delivery of credit-bearing, academic master classes taught by colleagues. Participants receive one credit hour for each course they complete.
Nearly 130 employees registered for the spring offerings, which covered topics from Adobe Creative Cloud to active learning and personal leadership.
Value of Employee Development
The Investing in Us series aims to utilize the university’s experiences and resources to help employees build on their talents and strengths to best serve A&M-Commerce students.
Several positive benefits are associated with employee development programs, including improved employee retention, increased engagement, boosted productivity and a stronger employer culture and brand.
Data from the Fall 2023 Investing in Us courses indicate that faculty noted a nearly 21% boost in their perception of the working and learning environment on campus, with administrators marking an 18% increase and staff notching nearly 10%. Additionally, all three groups showed improvement in self-actualization and leadership scores.
Basics of Creative Cloud and Us
George Swindell, instructor and program liaison for the College of Innovation and Design at A&M-Commerce, signed up for Basics of Creative Cloud and Us, a class covering several Adobe Creative Cloud applications. He commended instructor Cathy Li, manager of creative design in the Office of Marketing and Communications, for her thorough coverage and ability to relate the lessons to employees’ roles at the university.
“Cathy made the course feel like an open learning space. It felt less like a high-pressure classroom and more like a low-stakes workshop,” he said. “I can easily say this class helped me gain skills and confidence in the Adobe Creative Cloud applications. I have already used several things I learned in class to create materials for my colleagues and department.”
Promoting Active Learning and Us
Dr. Belinda Rudinger, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education, participated in the Promoting Active Learning and Us course. Taught by Dr. Theresa Sadler, College of Innovation and Design instructor, the course was offered in partnership with the Association of College and University Educators.
“As a newer faculty member, I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about teaching adult learners in higher education settings,” Rudinger said. “The class confirmed some strategies I had already put in place while offering multiple new options for active engagement. Best of all, everything was grounded in research on best practices!”
Personality, Strengths and Us
The Personality, Strengths and Us course taught by Jennifer Hudson, an instructor for the College of Innovation and Design, gave participants access to the Gallup CliftonStrengths Talent Assessment. After students completed the assessment, Hudson guided the class through exercises and discourse to understand and develop their natural strengths and to apply them to their personal and professional lives.
Maria Garcia-Hidalgo, an advisor in the College of Innovation and Design, said the course inspired her to pursue her doctorate.
“This was an eye-opening experience that reaffirmed my strengths and helped me discover how to grow them,” she said. “I love knowledge and learning. What better way to move forward than to further my education? I’m grateful to A&M-Commerce for investing in us.”
Other spring courses included Designing Us II, a follow-up course utilizing insights from Stanford University’s design thinking principles, and Leadership, Career and Us, which provided tenured associate professors with practical guidance for connecting personal leadership development with career goals.
More Investing Ahead
Klypchak said the next slate of Investing in Us courses will include more topics that help employees build on their strengths, talents and skills.
“We are excited to continue offering classes that help our faculty and staff serve our students and thrive in their careers,” Klypchak said. “Our university community’s eager participation in the Investing in Us series reinforces that we are a progressive university of lifelong learners.”
Due to overwhelming demand, a Zoom edition of the Personality, Strengths and Us course will be offered in early June. Registration for the fall classes will open in mid-June, including another offering just for alumni.
A&M-Commerce employees may register for the summer course and explore upcoming fall classes at the provost’s webpage.
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Genealogy Library to be Open May 11, 2024
The Hopkins County Genealogy Library would like to wish all the Mothers out there a Happy Mother’s Day! They would also like to announce that they will be open Saturday, May 11, 2024. The library plans to be open from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm on May 11th. They would love for you to come in.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 4-29-2024 – 5-4-2024
Arrests:
MURPHY, RAYMOND 60 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 4/29/2024 for CRIMINAL TRESPASS.
GOODMAN, JESSE 42 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 4/30/2024 for Public Intoxication.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 151 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 14 citations and 46 warnings during this reporting period.
Gant Arrested and Charged With Aggravated Assault
May 6, 2024 – Kurt Wayne Gant was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly assaulted his mother.
Gant, age 52, is alleged to have chocked and ‘headbutted’ his mother at a Sulphur Springs residence. During the altercation, Gant displayed a knife and threatened that next time he would kill his mother.
His mother was able to escape and called police. When police arrive they noted a knot on her forehead, and redness on her throat. Gant was taken into custody without incident. He is in Hopkins County Jail. His bond has not been set. A protective order was issued on behalf of the victim. Gant is charged with:
1 22.02(A)(2) AGG ASSLT W/DEADLY WEAPON
This is not the first time Gant has been charged with assault. In 2021 he was arrested after he held a woman down, and placed a knife against her throat. See that story here.
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.
Sulphur Springs City Council Remains Unchanged After Election
May 6, 2024 – Most of the focus for the May 4th elections was on school bonds, but three seats on the Sulphur Springs City Council were on a separate ballot over at City Hall. Two seats were unopposed, with Jay Julian and Harold Nash, Sr. being reelected to their seats without opposition. Place 3 had incumbent Oscar Aguilar fending off challenger Seth McDaniel with Aguilar receiving 65.6% of the 250 votes cast in the low turnout election. Julian, Nash, and Aguilar will retain their seats on the council once the full council has a chance to officially canvas the votes at their next meeting.
School Bonds Pass in Hopkins County
May 6, 2024 – Although the totals remain “unofficial” until approved by their respective boards, both Sulphur Bluff and Sulphur Springs saw their bonds pass with overwhelming success during last Saturday’s election. Both districts achieved exactly 72% “for” and 28% “against” as the final totals came in.
Most of the votes for SSISD came in during early voting with 1,671 early votes cast (1,262 in favor, 409 against) and 768 votes cast on election day (494 for, 274 against) with a final total of 1756 approving the bonds and 683 against.
Sulphur Bluff Indepedent School District received a total of 150 votes during the voting process. A total of 65 votes during early voting with the “for” votes far outweighing the “against” votes by a margin of 52 to 13. Election day in Sulphur Bluff also saw a strong turnout for approval as 85 total votes were cast on election day with 56 “for” votes cast and 29 “against” votes were cast.
Both districts will official canvass and approve the votes during their next meeting and move forward in the process to issue bonds.
Hopkins County Records – April 2024
Daily Instrument Register For 4/1/24 Thru 4/3/24
- Ernesto S Romero to Julia Sage Tamsma; Tract in the Sunset St Survey
- Tony Gonzales to Edgar Gonzales and Dulce Vanessa Gutierrez; Tract in the AC W Gregg Survey
- Aaron Michael Gill, Jordan Elizabeth Gill, and Merline M Ross to Ovega Marketing Inc; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Bruce C Owen and Lory A Owen to Douglas Younts and Kimberly Younts; Tract in the AC H CurliM An Survey
- Corporation of the Episcopal Dicese of Dallas to Matthew J Thompson; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary Charles H Lee and Geraldine Lee to Charles H Lee; Tract in the AC Daniel Rattan Survey
- Paul J Dowd, Also Known As Paul Joseph Dowd to Taylor Holbrook and Taylor Perry; Tract in the AC John W Matthews Survey
- Guadalupe Diosdado and Mallory Diosdado to Flatline Real Estate INvestments LLC; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Jerry D Littlejohn and Shirley A Littlejohn to George Evans Jr and Yvonne Evans; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Albert T White Jr to David J White Also Known As David James White; Tract in the AC Daniel Fuller Survey
Daily Instrument Register For 4/4/24 Thru 4/5/24
- Anthony Glen Ewton, Katelynn Ewton, Megan Ewton, Troy Lee Ewton, William Perce Ewton, Misty Reeves, and Cary Eugene Shoults to Melissa A Littrell and Melvin L Littrell Jr; Tract in the AC Derrick Survey
- Jacob Ball and Phillip Ball to John Heilman; Tract in the AC Lofton Vess Survey
- John Heilman to Jose Campos Olvera; Tract in the AC George C Wetmore Survey
- Danny Haywood and Samantha Haywood to Laraine Sue Little; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
- City Cemetery Society Sulphur Springs to Mr. Dagoberto Saldana and Mrs. Dagoberto Saldana; Tract in the Lot 67B Block A Sunset South Survey
- City Cemetery WSociety Sulphur Springs to Mr. Dagoberto Saldana and Mrs Dagoberto Saldana; Tract in the Lot 67B Block A Sunset South Survey
- Karl A Ebel and Kelli K Ebel to James Bassham and June Bassham; Tract in the J Simpson Survey
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 4/12/24 Thru 4/18/24
- Landon Carl Krone and Sarah Rachel Williams
- Pedro Rodriguez and Jennifer Hernand Fernandez
- Logan Allen Hinojosa and Libby Jane Turner
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 4/18/24 Thru 5/2/24
- Gavin Ray Millsap and Peyton Jane Dietze
- Ryan Landry Humphries and Jillian Nicole Whitney
- Francisco Ledesma and Jasmine Pearl Mejia
- Caelan Lee Cherney and Elizabeth Susan Williams
- Mika Ray Robertson and Dyanna Elayne Shaw
- David Angel Rosas and Hanna Alexis Reyes
- Charles Clarence Smith II and Robin Amy White
- Augustus Bryan Ransom and Taylor Shay Cathey
- Derrick Lee Glenn and Haleigh Renae Reppond
- Jesse Lee James and Dawna Marie Modrall
- Lawrence Lee Johnson and Stephanie Jill Thomas
- Antonio Lawrence Robinson and Justyna Trzesniewska
- Joseph Lee Boney and Klee Lane Grubbs
- Teodoro Rios Jr and Christina Koye Jackson
- Albert Benjamin Carney Jr and Sandra Jo Davison-Stewart
- Cervantes Adrian Ir Lopez and Cynthia Garica
- Wesley Zane Attaway and Sheila Ann Springfield
- Sean Wesley Patton and Kristen Applegate
- Filemon Cesena Robles and Delgado Ma Del Gutierrez
Bone Meal in The Garden From Master Gardener David Wall
May 5, 2024 – We’ve discussed the advantages of using crushed/powdered egg shells in the garden particularly for tomato plants. It works great but does involve effort and time. Tomatoes need calcium to help prevent blossom end rot. What many fail to recognize is that the bigger the fruit, the more calcium they need as well as phosphorus and potassium. So, how do we get the calcium without the extra effort?
Bone meal is a made from boiled or steamed bones and then pulverized. The finished product is rich in nutrients. Most bone meal comes from cattle bones, but just about any bones will work. An advantage of bone meal is approximately 15% of it is phosphorus in an easily used form for by the vegetable plant.
Calcium is also in a form readily available for the vegetable plant. We’re primarily concerned with tomato plants, but make no mistake, pepper plants can benefit from bone meal usage.
An added benefit is that bone meal may contain from less than 1% to 4% nitrogen. Weak nitrogen levels are good, because we want to get the most and best fruit without excess plant growth.
Also, bone meal is acceptable in an organic garden. It’s a slow-release product, meaning the vegetable plants can use it as its nutrients are released. It also means you can use it once and not have to worry about having to reapply more later.
Some words of caution. If the soil pH is 7.0 or higher, bone meal is useless. The product should be lightly tilled (blended) into the garden soil so its scent doesn’t attract animals, as ingestion could cause medical problems.
Use bone meal sparingly; one tablespoon in the transplanting hole, or 2 tablespoons around the plant after transplanting. The product will slowly break down over the next four months.
