Charitable Gift Made to the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center
December 13th, 2023 – WINNSBORO, TX – The Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center (NETCAC) today received the largest historical charitable gift made as a beneficiary of the Help-A-Child Benefit held annually in Hopkins County in October.
This year’s gift totaled $48,250, an increase of more than $11,000 over the charitable donation made in 2022, and the largest in the organization’s history.
“We are deeply humbled by the generosity of the people of Hopkins County,” NETCAC Executive Director Lauren Zastany said. “We cried tears of joy today because this gift far exceeded our expectations.”
NETCAC was one of the first beneficiaries of the event when the Help-A-Child Benefit began 16 years ago, with a donation of $12,000 in the first year.
The event has grown to include a multitude of activities like a chili and brisket cook-off, an Ag Mechanics class build-off, a raffle of a Kubota side-by-side and trailer, and more, raising more than $130,000 total for local foster families, the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center.
“As the needs of our families and children have grown, so has the generosity of our community,” Zastany said. “We can provide trauma-informed services free of charge to more than 500 children who come through our doors each year because of this support. We are so incredibly grateful.”
Hopkins County Commissioner Wade Bartley and his wife Jan, Mr. Jim Wright of Hopkins County, Franklin County Constable Brantin Carr, members of the Masonic lodges in Hopkins and Franklin counties, and others were in attendance to present the donation in Winnsboro on Wednesday.
“Our mission is to bring hope and healing while working together to break the cycle of child abuse, and today, the people who run Help-A-Child did just that – they brought hope to hundreds of children this year,” Pamela Buttrick, President of the NETCAC Board of Directors said.
NETCAC serves an eight-county area of Northeast Texas, including Hopkins, Franklin, and Delta counties, and provides a safe, child-friendly environment for child victims of child sexual and/or physical abuse, or who have witnessed a violent crime or drug use in their home.
NETCAC works with law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, and medical and mental health professionals to develop effective, coordinated strategies to meet the needs of each unique case and child. For more information, visit http://www.netcac.org.
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Hopkins County Records – November/December 2023
Land Deed Transactions 11/6/23 Thru 11/6/23
- Andrea Adeyanju Also Known As Andrea Faye Adeyanju to Lee Cody and Lee Kelli; Tract in the J Ybarbo Survey
- Aaron Denine Malone to Raymond Paul Malone; Tract in the W B Merrell Survey
- Purvis T Welch and Theda J Welch to PTW Ranch LLC; Tract in the Alex O Wetmore Survey
- Bascum Lee Chapman Jr and Joseph Chapman to Bascum Lee Chapman III and Jaqlynn Rose Chapman; Tract in the Francis Hopkins Survey
- Joseph D Chapman and Yuko Merwin to Jaqlynn Rose Chapman; Tract in the A J Butts Survey
Land Deed Transactions 11/7/23 Thru 11/9/23
- Carrie Paige to Thomas Kemper; Tract in the Samuel Hough Survey
- Randy J Wilkey and Sissala A Wilkey to Miranda Fka Jones and Patrick R Jones and Miranda Wilkey; Tract in the Berry West Survey
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 12/1/23 Thru 12/12/23
- Caleb John Raine and Elizabeth Margaret Carter
- Tyler William Spillane and Rachel Ann Johnson
- Justin Keith Morris and Lisa Marie Holman
- Larry Ray Watson and Christina Miche Wilkinson
- Kenneth James Borrell and Sanchez Ma Elisa Garcia
Cedar Fever Season Begins in Texas
December 12, 2023 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – It’s time for Texans to brace for cedar fever season once again, complete with runny noses, itchy eyes and general misery. Cedar fever is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by mountain cedar trees, and unfortunately, you don’t have to be allergic to the pollen for it to affect you.
In Texas, the predominant species of mountain cedar is Ashe juniper, making cedar fever especially irritating in the Hill Country west of I-35 where there are primarily juniper trees mixed in with oaks and a few other species.
“With the quantity and density of Ashe junipers in Central Texas, all producing pollen at the same time, the concentration of pollen in the air causes cedar fever,” said Jonathan Motsinger, Texas A&M Forest Service Central Texas Operations Department Head.
According to Motsinger, the pollen from Ashe junipers isn’t particularly allergenic or harmful – it’s just so concentrated that, even if you aren’t generally susceptible to allergies, it could still affect you. With millions of juniper trees releasing pollen at the same time, you can’t help but breathe it in, and when you do, your body reacts as it would to any perceived threat – it tries to fight it.
Since the pollen is spread by wind, cedar fever can affect individuals far removed from areas with a high concentration of juniper trees. And the source isn’t limited to Ashe junipers. In more eastern parts of the state there are also eastern redcedars that pollinate around the same time and can induce a similar response from people’s auto-immune systems.
Besides the massive quantity of pollen released, cedar fever is also problematic because of when the pollen is released. Most trees pollinate in the spring when many are expecting to have allergies. Ragweed pollen and mold spores can contribute to allergies in the fall, but very few plants pollinate during the winter. Juniper trees are the exception.
These trees typically begin producing pollen in mid-December, often triggered by colder weather or the passage of a cold front. Pollen production reaches its peak in mid-January, before slowly tapering off toward the beginning of March.
“During cold fronts, it gets very dry and windy and the pressure changes very rapidly,” said Motsinger. “This triggers the opening of pollen cones and the release of the pollen grains. When the conditions are right, you can actually see the pollen blowing off of some trees.”
While this creates some fascinating imagery, it can also lead to some serious misery. For people new to the Central Texas region, or unfamiliar with cedar fever as a whole, it can also lead to confusion since the pollination period of mountain cedar trees is smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season. It’s not uncommon for people experiencing cedar fever to mistake their symptoms for a cold or the seasonal flu, especially given the variety of symptoms triggered by cedar fever. These include fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, partial loss of smell and – believe it or not – some people actually do run a slight fever. However, if your fever is higher than 101.5°F, then pollen likely isn’t the cause.
You can treat cedar fever by taking allergy medications and antihistamines, but you should consult with your physician or health care professional before taking new medications. You can also try and anticipate the pollen by tuning in to your local news station, many of which will give you the pollen count and can predict when it’s going to be a particularly pollen-heavy day. On those days, it’s smart to keep windows and doors closed, and to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors. It can also be helpful to change air filters in your car and in your home as a clean, new filter is better at removing particles, like pollen, from the air.
Removing juniper trees from your property isn’t recommended primarily because the pollen is airborne and—since they often wait to release their pollen until it’s cold, dry and windy—that pollen can blow for miles. It’s also important to note that only male juniper trees release pollen.
“The male trees have larger pollen cones, while the female trees have much smaller reproductive cones, which are very inconspicuous, but that’s what is pollinated from the male trees,” said Motsinger.
While junipers are notorious for releasing their fever-inducing allergens, they also have immense health benefits. Their berries, for instance, are used to make medicines and oils that can treat a variety of ailments, from an upset stomach to a snake bite. They are also high in vitamins, providing a nutritious source of food for birds and other wildlife. Additionally, junipers play a vital role in soil enrichment and erosion prevention as they often grow in a terrain that isn’t particularly hospitable to other species of trees. Most importantly, though, they provide the same mental, physical and environmental health benefits of trees and forests everywhere.
Ultimately, mountain cedars are really only singled out for the unusual time of year in which they pollinate.
“Many trees rely on airborne pollination,” said Motsinger. “In other parts of the country, folks suffer from pine or elm allergies. Here in the springtime, there is so much oak pollen collecting on surfaces that I have to wash my car’s windshield daily just to see out of it.”
While cedar fever might sound and seem particularly hostile, Ashe junipers are really just a species like any other, feeling out the conditions and waiting for the perfect moment to release their pollen in order to set their offspring up for success come springtime.
For more information about how to identify Ashe junipers and/or eastern redcedars in your own backyard, check out the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Texas Tree ID webpage or the My Tree ID mobile app. You can also see the distribution of junipers, as well as a variety of other tree species across the state, via our Forest Distribution App.
Paris Junior College Offers Many Options for a New Years Resolution Such as Welding
SETTING UP
Welding Lab Facilitator Karl Jansson is setting up equipment for the welding students at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop for a recent class.
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 Corvette Club Donates to Meal-A-Day Program
December 12, 2023 – The Sulphur Springs Corvette Club made a substantial donation of $1000 to the local Meal-A-Day program in an effort to enhance the meals prepared by the hard working volunteer staff five days a week. Corvette Club President Tim Gee noted, “the rising cost of food has not only hampered the efforts of the Meal-A-Day volunteers to turn out the over 600 meals a week, it has also made those meals even more important to the recipients.” Gee added by saying, “hopefully this donation will enhance the meals for several weeks, giving the Meal-A-Day staff a little more flexibility in their food purchasing budget.”
Meal-A-Day director, Amanda Dietlin echoed the challenges that she and her staff face on a daily basis as they have seen some of their item’s costs double if not triple over the past 12 months. Dietlin explained how important all the support that her program receives keeps this worthwhile service in operation, as the five-day-a-week contact with these seniors is vital to the well-being of the senior community.
The donation comes at a perfect time for the Meal-A-Day program as an Anonymous Donor has graciously offered to match the donation dollar for dollar. This donation challenge continues until the end of December up to a total matched amount of $5000 which means another $5000 will be donated by the Anonymous Donor for the benefit of the much needed program.
The Meal-A-Day program is constantly in need of volunteers to cook or deliver meals to the more than 130 recipients each day, Monday through Friday. The operation takes a constant effort of around 60 volunteers each week with cooks, cooking helpers, and drivers of the various routes. If you can spare a couple of hours just one day a week, call Amanda to see how you can help out. The Meal-A-Day volunteer hotline is 903-885-1661.
Special Rangers Lengthy Investigation Finally Pays Off With Jail Time For Lindale Man
December 12, 2023 – Former Sulphur Springs Police officer Bo Fox along with Larry Hand and Darrell Bobbitt who are all Special Rangers with the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) began an investigation of cattle theft back in December of 2021. That investigation proved to be lengthy as the three investigators were contacted by an absentee landowner in Smith County who noticed “irregularities” in cattle sales from their ranch.
Their investigation led to ranch worker Jesus Sergio Perez-Sanchez, age 67, who was arrested March 11, 2022 on two felony charges for theft of livestock. One charge for allegedly taking three yearlings to the livestock auction and placing one of them in his own name without the absentee landowner’s consent. The second charge is for allegedly taking one bull and one cow to the livestock auction and placing the cow under his own name without the consent of the same absentee landowner.
According to Smith County judicial records Perez-Sanchez pleaded guilty to theft of cattle/horse/exotic livestock of more than $30,000 but less than $150,000 on December 8, 2023. He was sentenced to six years in prison on the third degree felony.
TSCRA’s Special Rangers are an elite group of law enforcement officers who have extensive knowledge of the cattle industry and primarily investigate cattle theft and other agricultural crimes, though they are well-trained in all facets of law enforcement. In all, TSCRA has 30 Special Rangers stationed throughout Texas and Oklahoma who are commissioned through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) or Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). Former Sulphur Springs Police officer Bo Fox joined the TSCRA back in 2018 after the departure of Toney Hurley. His district covers 11 counties: Bowie, Camp, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Rains, Red River and Titus.
The Special Rangers also oversee more than 80 TSCRA market inspectors who collect data, such as brands and other identifying marks on 4 to 5 million cattle sold at 100 Texas livestock markets each year. Market inspectors report their findings to TSCRA’s Fort Worth headquarters, where the information is entered into the nation’s largest brand recording and retrieval system. The database is a vital tool for law enforcement when investigating theft cases.
Hopkins County Accepting Applications for County Court at Law Judge
December 12, 2023 – As the current County Court at Law Judge Clay Harrison has announced he will be stepping down January 1, 2024, it will be up to the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court to fill the vacany. Appllications are now being accepted to appoint the next person to fill that vacancy.
Qualification specifics for applicants of the postition will follow the State of Texas Government Code Chapter 25: Statutory County Courts as follows:
Sec. 25.0014. QUALIFICATIONS OF JUDGE. The judge of a statutory county court must:
(1) be at least 25 years of age;
(2) be a United States citizen and have resided in the county for at least two years before election or appointment; and
(3) be a licensed attorney in this state who has practiced law or served as a judge of a court in this state, or both combined, for the four years preceding election or appointment, unless otherwise provided for by law.
Applicants may mail their resume to:
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom
P.O. Box 288
Sulphur Springs, TX 75483
For more information about the position, call (903) 438-4006.
Holiday Express Train Event 2023 in Pictures
December 12, 2023 – Thanks goes out to everyone who attended and donated during this holiday event. By the numbers, over 2700 attended and the Salvation Army received $564 in donations. The Hopkins County Community Chest also collected a significant amount of food for distribution.
This special train makes an appearance almost every December in Sulphur Springs, TX.
Foundation’s Gala Impact on Hopkins County Health
Sulphur Springs, Texas – Have you ever driven down Airport Road and passed CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs? Maybe you noticed to the west of the main building an immaculately kept garden. The Gardens at Memorial was installed in 2007 as the first project funded by proceeds of the Hopkins County Health Care’s Gala. Funds raised from the first two Galas, which were held in 2006 and 2007, were used to pay for the garden construction.
Since then, over thirty health-related projects have been funded by the Foundation. The Foundation Board of Directors selects projects for their impact on local healthcare. To ensure the projects are for public benefit, the Foundation only funds projects for the local hospital and Hopkins County Hospital District. The Board looks for medical projects or equipment that are not normally found in a community as small as Hopkins County. Opportunities that will help save lives or improve local healthcare are of primary consideration.
Projects have included five new critical care beds with additional functionality to protect patients and staff; a portable X-ray machine to use in the Mobile Athletic Training Room; 4D sonogram equipment; a Hologic 3D mammography system; an Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill; three telemedicine units; and a Children’s Therapy Garden. Each of these projects was the latest advancement at the time of their purchase.
Some projects are partnerships. In 2021, the Foundation worked with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs to purchase a second CT Scanner for use at the hospital. This project was over $1,000,000 which included the room preparation and equipment. The Foundation donated $400,000 toward the purchase of the CT Scanner.
Though we are all appreciative of having amazing local healthcare providers and resources, we may not consider why Hopkins County has so many healthcare opportunities. Part of the reason is that twenty-six years ago a wise group of local leaders decided to start a healthcare foundation. This was truly a gift that continues to give.
To learn more about the Gala visit, LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com or follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook and Instagram. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization which is governed by a local, volunteer board of directors.
For additional information, please get in touch with the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation
at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
Hopkins County Judge Stepping Down to Enter Private Practice
December 12, 2023 – In a press release received by KSST News, Hopkins County Court at Law Judge Clay Harrison has announced he will step down from his appointed position January 1, 2024 to enter private practice in the Sulphur Springs area. Harrison has served in the post since 2019 upon the retirement of Judge Amy Smith. The Hopkins County Commissioners Court will announce a replacement to take over the position.
The full press release received from Harrison:
Press Release
December 12, 2023
Judge Clay Harrison to Transition into Private Law Practice in January Clay Harrison, the Hopkins County Court at Law judge, has announced that he will resign from his position effective January 1, 2024, to open a local law practice. Judge Harrison took office in 2019 upon the retirement of Judge Amy Smith.
Judge Harrison’s full statement is included here:
“For the last five years, I have had the honor of serving as the judge of the Hopkins County Court at Law.
I have divided pots and pans in divorces, I have sentenced repeat criminal offenders to jail, and I have ruled on messy will contests and civil disputes, to name a few things. During those five years, I’ve noticed a couple of unmistakable patterns.
First, our community continues to thrive and grow. Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs are consistently drawing new businesses and new neighbors from other counties, other states, and even other countries. This has increased the demand for legal services across the board.
Second, an entire generation of long-serving attorneys in our community have already retired or are in the process of doing so. Many local lawyers have maintained busy law practices since before I was born, and they are beginning to enjoy a much-deserved opportunity to slow down.
As a judge, I have observed that our community’s rapid growth combined with the retirement of so many qualified attorneys has created a problem:
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County residents consistently have to retain counsel from outside the area, sometimes even traveling to the metroplex, where lawyers inevitably charge a much higher fee.
After an extended season of prayer and consideration, and after discussing it with my family, I decided to step down as judge at the end of December and open a local law practice on the square.
I believe every problem is an opportunity, and I look forward to serving in this new capacity.
As for my position as judge, I have been working with Hopkins County leadership and the Secretary of State to ensure a seamless transition, and whoever the Commissioner’s Court appoints will have my full support from day one.
It was an honor to serve my country as a military JAG officer, then to serve my state as a criminal prosecutor, and then to serve my county as a judge.
Now, I look forward to trading my black robe for a sword as I directly represent the residents of our community and throughout East Texas.”
After graduating from Sulphur Springs High School in 2002, Harrison attended the University of Texas at Austin on a full-tuition Air Force ROTC scholarship, graduating in 2004 at age 20. He then attended Baylor Law School on a full-tuition academic scholarship, graduating in 2007. Harrison served as an Air Force JAG attorney from 2008 to 2012 in Georgia, Japan, and the Philippines, spending six months deployed with Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines.
In 2012, he returned home to Texas and transitioned to criminal law. From 2013 to 2018, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney with the Smith County DA’s Office and then the 8th Judicial DA’s Office, which covers Hopkins, Franklin, and Delta Counties. In 2018, he became Board-Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
In 2019, Harrison was elected as the Judge of the Hopkins County Court at Law. He was later appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to serve on a Mental Health task force.
