Hopkins County Commissioners Court Supports Meal-A-Day
August 14, 2023 – The Hopkins County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to support the Hopkins County based Meal-A-Day program.
Meal-A-Day Director Amanda Dietlin was on hand to receive the proclamation and a check for over two thousand dollars. Dietline made a brief presentation and answered several questions from commissioners regarding where the funds will be used.
“Not only will this money be used in Hopkins County exclusively, but this financial support from the County is required for a grant we are applying for this fall.” said Dietlin. The Court moved quickly after a presentation by Dietlin was made at the a work session last month. “We have a September application window, so we really appreciate the support. We were kinda sweating whether we could apply for the grant or not.”
Meal-A-Day is anticipating some additional costs when the new Senior Center is opened. MAD will need to purchase equipment. One of the most anticipated purchases will be a larger oven. Shelving for the pantry will also be needed.
The City of Sulphur Springs provides space and pays for utilities used by MAD. MAD would not be able to deliver $2 meals without all the support. “The City has been great to us.”, said Dietlin. A request for similar financial support was made to the City Council last month.
Walkingsticks in Your Garden
Walkingsticks in Your Garden
By: David Wall
Walkingsticks are a group of insects that are masters of camouflage. Resembling a small twig, they’re almost impossible to see in a forest unless you’re very observant, specifically looking for them, or they happen to be moving. If, however, you’re able to observe one you’re in for a treat.
First of all, they’re masters of camouflage, resembling a small twig. In your garden, they’re about the length of your hand. In forests, they can be larger. The largest (not in the U.S.) one ever found measured 22” long, making them the longest insect worldwide by far!
Walkingsticks grow by molting. Interestingly, if a leg has been lost due to predators, the limb will rejuvenate during molting!
Generally considered harmless, walkingsticks prefer deciduous or hardwood leaves. After that, it’s almost as if the sky’s the limit! Grass, weeds, rose, and many other leafy treats are consumed. An overpopulation can do forest damage by eating tree leaves, the portion between the leaf veins. Outbreaks requiring spraying treatment, while seldom occurring, have been known in the SE Oklahoma forests. It Texas, outbreaks have occurred further south which is not unusual since walkingsticks are considered a tropical insect.
In your garden, walkingsticks are a little easier to spot, but you still need to be paying attention. They prefer feeding at night but can feed at any time. The literature says little about which garden vegetables a walkingstick likes, but their preference for cabbage is well known. Being a somewhat picky eater, they eat only the green portion!
Female walkingsticks contain self-fertilized eggs. If the female doesn’t mate, offspring will be females. If she does mate, offspring will be males!
Should you be seriously concerned about walkingsticks in your vegetable garden? In urban areas, the answer is no. In rural forested areas, it’s more likely.
Suspected Forger Back in Hopkins County Jail
August 12, 2023 – KEVIN LANK JONES was arrested at the Tarrant County Jail this week and returned to Hopkins County.
Jones was arrested in Hopkins County in March of 2023 after he and a partner attempted to cash a forged check. They concocted a ridiculous story in an attempt to explain their actions. See that story here. His bond is currently set at $50,000.
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.
Houston Truck Driver Arrested After 10 Mile Chase
August 12, 2023 – Sixty year-old BENIGNUS CHUKWUDILUM UZOMAH was arrested this week and charged with evading arrest with a vehicle.
Hopkins County Sheriff Deputies received a report of a reckless west bound driver on Interstate 30 around 11 AM. A point of observation was set up at mile marker 131.
The reported semi was located and a deputy began following it. He observed the driver acting in a reckless manor. UZOMAH was unable to maintain his lane, allowed the semi truck and trailer to creep onto the shoulder and crossed the centerline several times.
A traffic stop was attempted, but UZOMAH would not stop. A second unit joined the pursuit. UZOMAH finally stopped his truck near mile marker 122. A felony takedown was performed and UZOMAH was assisted out of his truck. He was transported to Hopkins County Jail without further incident.
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.
Paris District Road Report for week of August 14, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Aug. 14, 2023. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project.
During the weekend of Aug. 19, the US 75 and US 82 frontage road intersections will be closed to through traffic, with all traffic being required to make a right turn. The north-and south-bound US 75 frontage roads at their intersection with the east- and west-bound US 82 frontage roads in Sherman, Texas, will be closed beginning at 2 a.m. on Saturday, August 19.
During this closure, all thru-traffic will cease. Travelers driving north or south on the US 75 frontage roads, or east or west on US 82 frontage roads, will be required to RIGHT TURN ONLY and follow a signed, designated detour.
This operation will allow crews to place temporary pavement to transition from the existing pavement to reconstructed US 75 and US 82 frontage roads. The intersections will be operational and re-opened for thru traffic prior to 6 a.m. on Monday, August 21.
The following detour routes will be signed and in place during this closure:
Westbound US 82 to Southbound US 75 detour video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed95neysOZs
Eastbound US 82 to Northbound US 75 detour video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epenBC9xjDo
Northbound US 75 to Westbound US 82 detour video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJmXMLxekMc
Southbound US 75 to Eastbound US 82 detour video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVgeX4UV9Is
TxDOT officials ask drivers to be aware of road crews on the highway, to expect delays, and plan their commutes in advance for the duration of this closure. This construction and any temporary lane closures it creates are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
The eastbound entrance ramp to US 82 at the US 75 intersection is closed to traffic. This ramp serves as the entrance ramp to eastbound US 82 at US 75. This closure is needed to complete the construction of the US 82 eastbound frontage road and new entrance ramp. Motorists are advised to use the eastbound frontage road and continue east through the Loy Lake intersection and use the eastbound entrance ramp from Loy Lake Road to gain access to US 82.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. The US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 11, Grayson County: from FM 697 in Sherman to US 69 in Whitewright. Work on the pavement overlay project has begun. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers mill and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park, Grayson County. Watch for daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, Grayson County: from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, the bridge location will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures and occasional lane closures while this work is ongoing.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 2729, Grayson County: from FM 697 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 814 Grayson County: from SH 160 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 902, Grayson County: from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 100, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. FM 100 is closed to through traffic between US 82 and SH 56 in order to replace culverts under the roadway. The signed detour will be to use US 82, FM 1396, and SH 56 to get around the closure.
FM 271, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for traffic shifts and traffic-signal-controlled lane closures as workers build the bridge approaches for the new SH 34 roadway at the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from SH 34 to CR 3544. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on building the connection of the realigned FM 1550 to the existing roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 273, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 1396. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
I-30, Franklin County: from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
Loop 286 at FM 79, Lamar County: State Loop 286 westbound exit ramp at FM 79. Watch for ramp closure while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
Loop 286 / US 271 South Interchange, Lamar County: from Dawn Drive going south to the North Loop 286 turn around. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
BU 271 (North Main Street), Lamar County: from Santa Fe Street to one-quarter mile north of Stone Avenue. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install sidewalk
US 82, Lamar County: at the FM 1502 intersection. Watch for temporary lane closures, and traffic and lane shifts as crews widen the roadway to install a left-turn lane and improve drainage structures.
Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), Red River County: at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street in Clarksville, Texas. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, Red River County: From US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), Lamar County: from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 11: Hunt County (From Culver St to Live Oak). The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Contractor began milling curb and gutter for the inside lanes for both North and South SH 24/ SH11. The pedestrian crosswalk on SH 11 has been removed. This project is a traffic calming project and pedestrian improvements on SH 11. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642: Hunt County (From FM 35 to SH 66): The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has completed culvert extensions for Phase 1A. and removed concrete median on the South end of I-30 intersection at westbound service road. The contractor has begun the demolition of median on the north end of I-30 intersection.
SP 302: Hunt County (From SH 34 to FM 499, from FM 499 to I-30, from US 69 to SH 34, from O’Neal Street to US 69). The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Milling and paving operations have finished. Paving and milling has begun in the downtown area of Greenville. Embankment work and guardrail work on BU 69 is ongoing. Striping to begin July 31 or later. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2946, Rains County (From FM 515 to FM 2795): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor is performing cross culvert work and culvert extensions at various locations on the project. The contractor has begun base repair work at various locations and widening will begin soon. Subgrade work for the first three miles is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, Hunt County (From I-30 to FM 1567): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor has begun placing prime coat on the beginning stations of the project. Cross culvert work, reworking the roadway, widening and cement treatment to the subgrade, and reworking the roadway base material is ongoing. The contractor has begun placing prime coat on areas near the beginning of the project. Contractor has begun work on the next two miles, flex base, geogrid subgrade widening are set to begin. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 bridge replacement project, Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 and CR 2132 bridge. The contractor has begun work CR 1031, they are currently preparing the ROW and preparing to demo the existing bridge. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30, Hunt County: Interchange Improvements: The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. Grading and prepping temporary ramps is underway on east-bound and west-bound to get ready for hot mix this week. The contractor has been backfilling along edge of road. The contractor will be excavating on permanent ramp east-bound between SH 36 and FM 1903. Cash Water is working on utility relocation at FM 1570.The frontage road speed reduction signs and low-profile traffic barrier on frontage roads have been installed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Hunt crews performed overlay operations on US380 and addressed maintenance deficiencies on US 69 and SH 66. Hunt herbicide is ongoing. Rains County crews addresses maintenance deficiencies on FM779, SH34 and SH276. Herbicide operations are ongoing throughout the counties.
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FBI Seeks Victims in Investor or Other Financial Scams
August 11, 2023 – With the recent indictment of a local resident for what the Federal Bureau of Investigations is calling an investment scam, the Dallas FBI office is still looking for victims of this or any other scam from local residents.
George Lewis Parsons, Jr. was indicted on July 12, 2023 on six counts of wire fraud totaling $3 million. Parsons and his attorney are set to respond to the federal court on August 14, 2023 with a plea agreement. The indictment from the Eastern District Federal Court also indicated that allegedly there were dozens of victims collectively investing millions of dollars in the scheme. There is a possibility that many more victims exist who have yet to come forward. KSST News has heard from several local residents who were approached locally in an attempt to invest with the promise of high returns. Fortunately, the “too good to be true” investment was not accepted by those contacting KSST News.
The FBI has a few good tips to help avoid this scams
- Don’t believe everything you are told by the seller. Take the time to do your own research on the investment’s potential.
- Don’t assume the solicitor is who he or she claims to be.
- Check with federal and state securities regulators to find out if there have been any complaints against the company.
- Ask the promoter whether—and how much—he or she has been paid to tout the opportunity.
- Ask where the company is incorporated and then call that state to ensure that the company has a current annual report on file.
- Request written financial information, such as a prospectus, annual report, offering circular, or financial statements, then compare the written information to what you were told.
- Get offers in writing and save a copy for your records.
- Check with a trusted financial advisor, your broker, or an attorney about any investments you are considering.
You can also visit the FBI webpage for Business and Other Investment Scams.
Furthermore, law enforcement recommends that if you feel like you have been scammed to not be embarrassed and report the crime promptly. By doing so, you have a better chance of getting your money back.
The Dallas office of the FBI can be reached at 972-559-5000. To submit a tip anonymously you can click here: FBI Tips
Come Play Bingo for a Good Cause
Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter Fundraiser
[Dateline: WINNSBORO, TEXAS, August 11] — The Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter will be welcoming supporters to their annual Family Bingo Night Fundraiser. The event will be held at the Winnsboro City Civic Auditorium on Saturday, August 19, 2023, with doors opening at 5 pm and gameplay beginning at 6 pm. The City Civic Center is at 915 Wheeler Drive inside the City Park.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite, members of the FWAS, or can be purchased at the door night of the event. Adult tickets are $30, and under kids under 16 are only $10. Ticket price includes your game card, food, and drink. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners.
The Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with all profits going to help the Winnsboro Animal Shelter and it’s animals. The funds help to cover medications for Heartworms, Fleas/Ticks and Parasites; Vaccinations for the deadly Parvo Virus to keep disease out of our shelter; Veterinary care and surgeries.
For more information about the Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter check out the website at www.winnsborotxanimalshelter.org and their Facebook page. You can also contact them at 903-767-0227 for more information.
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Mexican National Sentenced for Child Exploitation
Hopkins County Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation Violations
PLANO, Texas – A Sulphur Springs, Texas man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Hugo Enrique Menchaca, 42, pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography and misuse of a Social Security number and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on August 10, 2023.
According to information presented in court, Menchaca came to the attention of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office in August 2020, when a social media company reported that a user had been uploading child pornography onto their platform. HCSO initiated an investigation, which ultimately lead to Menchaca. Hundreds of files of child pornography were found on three digital devices Menchaca owned, as well as two different online platforms. Menchaca admitted in court that he traded child pornography with others and that he did so in order to receive additional, and new child pornography. He also admitted that the child pornography depicted prepubescent minors, as well as sadistic or masochistic conduct, or other depictions of violence.
During HCSO’s investigation, it was determined that Menchaca did not have legal status in the United States and that he was using the Social Security number that had been assigned to another individual. Menchaca used the SSN in order to obtain employment, credit, and some services, knowing that the SSN had not been assigned to him and that he was not entitled to use it.
In addition to his prison sentence, Menchaca was also ordered to pay restitution resulting from his misuse of the Social Security number. Following the completion of his sentence, Menchaca will face immigration hearings related to his status in the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and the Social Security
Administration – Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney
Marisa J. Miller.
Saturn App Targets School Children – Seems Innocent Enough But It’s Really Social Media With Dubious Privacy
August 11, 2023 – Concerned parents around the country are pointing fingers at the latest social media app named Saturn. It’s is posing as a ‘Social Calendar’ and a replacement for a paper calendar, but it provides who more information to users, and does not effectively prevent non-students from creating accounts and accessing other’s information.
By itself the class information, school sports rosters, pictures, classrooms and student names should be harmless. But this information could be used to stalk a student or through a fake social media account, convince a student that a confederate was actually a classmate.
“Each student’s profile allows them to upload a photo, a description of themselves (which some did) and add links to their Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Venmo, or any website they choose. I was able to click the student’s links and watch some reels right there in the Saturn app- thus gaining more information about them. There is also a Direct Message feature available for private discussions, which is unlocked once you verify yourself using a school email address. So, anyone who has logged in, can now DM your student. Taking this a step further, I realized I could change my profile name, even if it matched another student in the app. What would stop me from cyber-bullying using another student’s name?”
Currently it appears to be an iPhone only app. The App Store says it’s ranked #2 in social networking.
Wildfires Affect America’s Farms and Ranches by Mario Villarino
Wildfires affect America’s farms and ranches, damaging and destroying homes, barns, agriculture production facilities, crops and livestock. By the time this article gets to your hands, twelve wildfires are occurring in Texas at different stages of development. Much of this damage can be avoided, or at least minimized, if a few precautions are taken to minimize the risk and spread of wildfires.
I. BEFORE
Precautions should be taken long before a fire threatens your property in order to minimize costly damages after a fire. All farm and ranch family members and farm workers should be able to identify potential fire hazards and understand the basic fire response techniques to eliminate or minimize personal and property damage.
Basic measures include:
- Install and maintain smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should be installed in barns and buildings and checked at least once per month. Batteries should be changed at least once per year.
- Develop an escape or evacuation plan, and practice it. The evacuation plan should also include how to transport animals and livestock that may be in danger.
- Post emergency numbers in a central location, including the fire department, police department, local emergency response coordinator, and others who provide rural emergency assistance.
- Place fire extinguishers in all barns, vehicles, and tractors. Check extinguishers periodically for charge. Discard damaged or used fire extinguishers.
- Store fuels, pesticides, medicines and other chemicals in a fire-retardant enclosure or secure location away from heat sources and combustible materials. In the event of a wildfire, these substances should be removed from the premises.
- Keep barns and buildings clean of trash and other combustible materials such as hay, lumber, logs, and empty feed sacks.
Practice farm-specific fire safety:
- Always avoid fire hazards in the initial construction.
- Make sure your farm has adequate water supply, such as an irrigation ditch, a water tank, a cistern, or a pond.
- Keep irrigation sources clear of combustible material.
- Keep areas clear of grass, weeds, and other debris.
- Park tractors and implements away from combustible materials such as hay stacks and fuel storage containers.
- Obtain fire insurance for livestock, buildings, and equipment.
- Conduct random, but regular inspections and fire drills. Invite the fire department for these drills to minimize confusion during an actual occurrence.
- Keep above ground fuel storage tanks at least 40 feet from buildings.
II. DURING
If a wildfire threatens your farm or ranch, always remember that human life must be the first priority; property comes second. Keep in mind, however, that when firefighters arrive, they may ask which to save first, second, third, etc, so determine beforehand the order of importance: livestock, machinery, or feed.
If you become trapped in a burning barn or building, practice basic fire safety:
- Get out quickly, but safely.
- Stay low, since smoke rises, and cover your mouth with a clean cloth to avoid inhaling smoke and gasses.
- Close doors after escaping rooms to slow the spread of fire.
- If smoke is pouring in the room at the bottom of the door, and the door feels hot, keep it closed.
- Open a window to escape or for fresh air while waiting to be rescued.
- If no smoke is coming in under the door and it is not hot, open it slowly to escape.
If you do have time to evacuate animals, proceed with caution. Some animals may refuse to leave, and some may even run back into a burning barn or building. Make sure to close gates prohibiting access to dangerous areas. When evacuating animals, do not lead them where they will become trapped or to a dead end.
III. AFTER
The aftermath of a wildfire can be hazardous.
A few precautions must be taken after a wildfire takes place on your property:
- Stay out of damaged barns buildings and return to your property only when authorities permit you to.
- Notify proper authorities if you believe that hazardous materials were released in the fire or during fire fighting. Place warning signs on contaminated areas.
- When disposing of some materials, such as those potentially contaminated with chemicals, check on state and local requirements for disposal procedures.
- Consult someone from the Local Emergency Planning Committee or the state Division of Emergency Management for legal clean-up procedures if needed.
- Keep livestock away from contaminated feed and water.
- Wear protective gear when entering contaminated areas including steel-toed boots, a hard hat, respiratory protection, gloves and other protective clothing when in damaged barns and buildings.
- Before entering a barn or building, asses the true integrity of the structure. Always turn off the electrical power and other utilities until a thorough safety inspection is made.
- If the decision is made to demolish a building, hire a professional. Professionals will be able to do the job more efficiently and safely.
- Check with your insurance provider so you know what is covered by wildfires. Take pictures of all damage, and inventory all damaged structures, supplies, equipment and machinery. Save receipts for expenses relating to fire loss.
ANIMALS
Animals are especially susceptible to wildfires, especially those that are confined to small pastures. After a wildfire, examine all animals exposed to wildfire smoke, heat, or burns. You may need to spray animals with water in order to cool them down.
