From the Convention Floor: A Political Junkie’s Dream Comes True
Unity continues to be a common thread in the reports received from Hopkins County’s Donnie Wisenbaker, a delegate to the Republican National Convention this week. However, one of the dreams of his self-defined political junkie life came true Tuesday evening.
Tuesday evening, Wisenbaker was on the floor as Lt. Governor Dan Patrick voiced the vote of the Texas Delegation during the roll call vote for the Presidential nominee. Wisenbaker, a life-long Republican, said that for years as he has watched the roll call vote, he has wanted to be near the mic as the vote was given. He said he was about 5-feet from the Lt Governor. He also noted that the articulate Donald Trump, Jr was well received by the crowd. Wisenbaker said that it should be realized that with all his children speaking their confidence in and close relationship to their dad, Donald Trump, Sr. it says a lot about him as a good father and “that goes a long way”.
Ambassador John Bolton, left, addressed the Texas Caucus Tuesday Morning.
This morning the Texas caucus breakfast began at 8 a.m. and ended at 11 a.m. as Ambassador John Bolton and Lt. Governor Patrick addressed the group. At 11:15, the group met with Senator Ted Cruz. Cruz will address the convention tonight. Wisenbaker expects Cruz to push his vision for America and to call for unity as the party moves forward in seeking the election of nominee Trump. Wisenbaker said the goal is to defeat the Democrats in the fall.
Proposed PJC District Expansion Explained at Listening Session
Stating a desire to be transparent, Dr. Pam Anglin, President of Paris Junior College, addressed a small group of Hopkins County citizens regarding the November 8th ballot proposal to include Hopkins County in the PJC District. It would mean a new tax at 10-cents per $100 evaluation. Dr. Anglin pointed to the advantages of the community college as well as discussing the tax.
Como-Pickton School District and the Saltillo School District will not be included in the district. The two districts are included in the Northeast Texas Community College District. Thus, Sulphur Springs, North Hopkins, Miller Grove, Cumby, and Sulphur Bluff will be included in the district and receive the benefit of reduced tuition while paying the additional property tax.
Currently students in Hopkins County pay $100 per semester credit hour. If the county joins the PJC District, student tuition rates would fall to $55 per semester credit hour. Thus a typical 3-hour course costs $300 for out of district students. With the proposed change, county students attending PJC would save $135 and pay only $165 for the 3-hour course.
If the proposal is passed in November, the tax rate would begin paying the property tax in Fall 2017 and new, lower tuition rates for the new in-district residents would begin in the 2017-2018 academic year. The Board of Regents would also implement a plan to change board representation based on the redistricting that will result in the election.
Currently, those residing in the City of Paris and the former Cunningham ISD comprise the PJC District and pay .1875-cent property tax rate. That rate would lower with the addition of other counties to the district. The college district currently has a $0.00 tax rate per valuation for Debt Service from voter approved bond referendum elections. The maximum rate the board could adopt is 27-cents and the maximum debt service rate that the board could every offer voters in a bond referendum is 50-cents. Citizens over 65 and surviving spouse will receive a $10,000 property value exemption and the taxes are frozen for those seniors.
Just over 50% of the 2015 high school graduates in Miller Grove, North Hopkins, and Sulphur Springs have benefitted from PJC courses either through duel credit courses, college credit courses, technology courses, or chose PJC as their higher education institution. Just under 50% in Cumby and Sulphur Bluff chose PJC courses. Some high school students actually graduated with their Associates degree prior to receiving their high school diploma at graduation.
Advantages to the community played a large role in the presentation made by Dr. Anglin. She pointed to the economic gain brought about by programs offered. She noted critically needed fields such as health care, emergency services, manufacturing, biomedical science, HVAC and welding. She stated that based on agreements with M D Anderson and the University of Texas Health Science Department, students that maintain a 3.5 grade point average in approved courses are automatically accepted into the biomedical program leading to a Bachelors degree in biomedical research. An agreement with Texas A & M University also allows students with a 3.6 grade point average to be automatically accepted into programs that lead to biomedical studies include the Veterinary Science field. In manufacturing, the college currently provides students with technical training in Mechatronics, CAD, 3-D printing, and Machining. The Small Business Development Center provides training and services for the region. Customized training assists businesses and organizations in employee training. PJC partners with the Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Solutions Northeast and North Central Texas, Economic Development Corporations and Chambers of Commerce.
If the tax base for PJC does not increase, the school faces increased tuition and fees to students, reduction of services, and possible closure by the Texas Legislature if they chose to close a number of community colleges. The Legislature did seek to close five colleges recently but 50 community colleges in Texas took a cut in funds received to enable the five to remain open. Dr. Anglin says that will not happen again. The schools cannot afford it.
Three Arrested For Possession of Meth
Methamphetamine arrests in the county and city continue to increase over the past few months. Three were arrested Tuesday when Hopkins County deputies responded to an active disturbance at 2920 I-30 East at 10:37 p.m. There they found .07-grams of methamphetamine inside the residence. Arrested at the scene were Kayla Diane Alcorn, 33, Michael Keith Rhodes, 51, and Cory Frank Horton, 34. The three were placed in custody and transported to Hopkins County Jail where they were each charged with possession of a controlled substance which is a state jail felony. Each is being held on a $5,000 bond.
Cory Frank Horton
Kayla Diane Alcorn
Michael Keith Rhodes
Registered Sex Offender, Felon, Found with Firearms
A traffic stop on FM 1567 in Hopkins County led to the arrest of Cyprien Joseph Lacombe, 38. During the traffic stop by a Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy, the driver was found to be nervous. Two firearms were found in the vehicle. It was also found that Lacombe is a registered sex offender and a felon. He was also wanted on a Class C misdemeanor warrant.
Lacombe is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. He is held on a $10,000 bond.
From the Floor of the Republican National Convention; Wisenbaker’s Views of the Convention
John “Tig” Tiegen, left, one of the survivors of the Benghazi incident and Donnie Wisenbaker at the Republican National Convention
“We’re taking care of business that needs to be taken care of” is how Hopkins County’s Donnie Wisenbaker describes his Monday at the Republican National Convention. He said the 10 minute publicized floor furor was a blip on the screen of the seven (7) hours of business conducted during the day and evening Monday. Hopkins County Republican Chairman Donnie Wisenbaker is a delegate to the Republican National Convention taking place in Cleveland, Ohio this week.
In conversation with KSST News, Wisenbaker described the events of the day saying that there were some rules “… some of us didn’t care for.” It was that set of rules that created the 10 minute furor. He said the delegations have the opportunity to call for a roll call vote rather than voice vote but that requires seven (7) delegations to present petitions calling for a roll call vote. At first, nine (9) delegations had presented petitions calling for a roll call vote on the rules. However three withdrew early and two additional delegations withdrew their petitions prior to the voice vote on the floor of the convention. There were Texas delegates that desired the roll call but the Texas delegation could not gain enough signatures within the group to present a petition. Wisenbaker did note that to the ears of those who wanted a roll call and not a voice vote on the rules, it sounded like there was probably two-thirds of those present who voiced “No”. However, the chair ruled in favor of the “ayes”. The difficulty arose because “Losers don’t take losing well in politics” According to Wisenbaker. He said there isn’t a big division, it is just politics. He said the problem stemmed from the fact that all of this was not explained to the convention. For the Texas Delegation, the explanation came during the Tuesday morning caucus.
Wisenbaker said when there is no controversy, some try to manufacture it. He stated that the Texas delegation is unified on the Party Platform that is being presented and the choice of Mike Pence, Governor of Indiana, as the Vice-Presidential running mate by nominee-apparent Donald Trump had also solidified the delegation regarding the nomination of Trump. He also referred to Hillary Clinton as the potential competition and that “…she isn’t qualified for President…” as having unified the delegation. He also noted her failed foreign policy and the total failure of the current administration as reasons for Republican unity at the convention.
“Cleveland is a lot being in East Texas, super friendly people,” stated Wisenbaker. He said security is unbelievable. Security presence is great. He pointed out that police from across the country and federal agents are ensuring the political process is going onward. He said he doesn’t feel the least bit apprehensive. Police are everywhere and when you walk down the street, there are two or three policemen walking with you simply because there are so many.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan spoke to the Texas caucus Tuesday morning. Speaker Ryan was accompanied by 8 or 9 security personnel, according to Wisenbaker. He said Speaker Ryan talked about putting together a message for the American public regarding what conservatives want to do. He called the speech “upbeat”.
Wisenbaker commended the speeches of “America’s Mayor” Rudy Giuliani and former Texas Governor Rick Perry. Governor Perry spoke to both the Texas caucus and to the convention. Wisenbaker also stated that Marcus Luttrell, author of Lone Survivor, which tells his story of the his experience in Operation Redwing in Bengasi, also spoke to the both the convention and the Texas caucus . He said it is great to know there are young people like this who have defended our national interests and are speaking out for our nation.
Wisenbaker said the food has been great for what little time we have had to eat and there is a lot of walking for delegates this week.
What Do 4-H, Diabetes, and Marriage Education Have in Common?
What Do 4-H, Diabetes, and Marriage Education Have in Common?
While in the check-out line at Wal-Mart with food items and plastic utensils in tow, the cashier commented that I must be getting ready for a party of some sort. When explaining that I worked for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and was preparing for another session of Kids’ Cam
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
p: Fun, Food, Fitness, she responded that she had never heard of Extension.
Wow! To me, it’s amazing that many people see the fruits of what we do, but they don’t know the source of our agency. I proceeded to explain that we are part of the Texas A&M University System and that we bring educational programs to the communities where we live. She had heard of 4-H, but didn’t link it to Extension. She had heard of the Master Gardener program, but again, didn’t link it to Extension.
So, back to my original question, what do 4-H, Diabetes Education and Marriage Education have in common? These are all affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Hopkins County! As a matter of fact, August is shaping up to be a very busy month in regard to all three of these!
1) Hopkins County 4-H:
– A district-wide 4-H Officer Training Bootcamp is scheduled for Saturday, August 6, right here in Sulphur Springs! It will take place at the ROC (Recreational Outreach Center), 115 Putman Street, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is $25, which includes snacks, lunch, team building, games, and so much more. Hopkins County 4-H Council members, 4-H Club officers, 4-H leaders and Club Managers, and any other interested 4-H’ers are encouraged to attend. Registration is open until July 29th on 4-H Connect (current 4-H members should know how to log on.) 4-H members and leaders from all across northeast Texas will converge on Sulphur Springs, so we are fortunate to have this workshop in our own backyard!
– 4-H Project Tour Day is scheduled for Friday, August 12. We will meet at the Extension Office at 9:30 a.m. This event is designed to incorporate several projects into one, fun-filled day. More information to come, but 4-H’ers, guests, leaders, and parents are invited to participate!
– Saturday, August 27 is the day of our 4-H Achievement Banquet, which will take place at League Street Church of Christ, starting at 6:00 p.m. Our theme is “4-H in the Wild West”, and attendees are welcome to wear jeans and boots! Our meal will be barbeque and all the fixings, along with cobbler and homemade ice cream prepared by the 4-H Foods Project Group. We are asking attendees to contribute $2 each to help off-set the cost of the meal. The 4-H Foods Project group will meet at 10:00 a.m. to begin preparations, and the 4-H County Council will meet at noon to decorate and rehearse the script. Awards will be given for 4-H Rookie of the Year, Outstanding Junior, Outstanding Intermediate, Outstanding Leader, and 4-H Supporter, in addition to recognizing Year Pin recipients, project completion, and district/state 4-H participation.
– 4-H enrollment for 2016/2017 will take place starting August 15. Registration is done at https://texas.4honline.com. The fee is $20, which covers the entire year (September, 2016 thru August, 2017). Returning families only need to go in and update their information. New families will need to set up a profile and follow the on-screen instructions. We currently have the following 4-H clubs in Hopkins County: 4-H Paws (Sulphur Springs Elementary School 3rd & 4th grade school-based club); Infinity 4-H; Dike 4-H; Miller Grove 4-H; and Stars of Texas 4-H (Arbala Community).
– 4-H Horse project meetings will be held at the Professional Ag Workers’ building in Buford Park at 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays, August 11 and 25. Horse ownership is not required. Topics will include hoof care, fitting saddles, haltering, and trailer loading. For more information, text Joy Doss at 903-348-7670 or contact our office at 903-885-3443.
2) Diabetes Education:
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or simply want to learn more about nutrition and self-care, the “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series will be extremely beneficial to you! The series is scheduled for August 22, 25, 29, September 1, and September 6, at the Extension Office, 6:00 to approximately 8:00 p.m. We’ll discuss nutrition topics, what your numbers should be, making the most of your doctor’s visits, delaying or preventing complications, and so much more. Information is based on research, and is supported by the American Diabetes Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Pre-registration is requested in order for adequate preparations to be made. Cost of the series is $25 which covers materials, refreshments, incentives, and speakers. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
3) Twogether in Texas Marriage Education:
This workshop is absolutely one of my favorite things! I’m a staunch supporter of building healthy marriages, and helping couples save money in the process! The next Twogether in Texas Marriage Education workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, at the Extension Office, from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m.
Topics will include Marriage Expectations, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Money Management, and Goals & Dreams. The workshop will include videos, group participation, couple interaction, lunch, refreshments, and materials. One of the perks is that the workshop is absolutely free! The state of Texas sees the importance of marriage education, and at the conclusion of the workshop, I will provide couples with a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. (Information on the workshop is highlighted in each issue of the Northeast Texas Bridal Magazine.)
Interested couples need to pre-register by calling my office at 903-885-3443 so adequate preparations can be made.
4) Other Extension Opportunities:
– The month of August will also include the annual Leadership Advisory Board, Youth Board, Program Area committees, and Master Volunteers workshop. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, August 11, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension Office. We have a great activity planned, and a calendar of major events will be available. We’ll review leadership skills, share ideas, and have a light meal. Notices will be sent to Board and Committee members, but anyone else interested in attending may call us for more information.
– My Family & Consumer Sciences Committee, Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest Committee, and Master Wellness Volunteers will gather for lunch on Wednesday, August 24 to discuss volunteer opportunities for the 2016 Fall Festival, Ag-in-the-Classroom, Senior Expo, and annual “Christmas Joys” program. Notices will be sent, but anyone wishing to assist is welcome to attend!
Well, that just about sums up my activities for August, except for two district meetings, three major reports, planning for 2017, and two newsletter preparations. So what is Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service? We are an educational agency affiliated with the Texas A&M University System, with the Commissioners’ Courts of Texas cooperating.
Youth Soccer Registration Underway
soccer ball
Soccer registration is going on now until Sunday, July 31 at Hibbett Sports in The Center on Mockingbird Lane. The registration fee is $60.00 per player. Late registration will be August 1st through 5th and will be $75.00 per player.
When Traffic Signal Lights Are Not Working
Recently a short, temporary power outage in a northern county in the Texas Department of Public Transportation Paris District created traffic issues. A signal light at the intersection of two state highways were not working because of the power failure and some drivers were “barreling on through the intersection without slowing down,” according to TxDOT.
TxDOT reminds drivers that when all traffic signal lights are not working because of an electrical power failure, you must stop at the intersection and then proceed when you know other turning and approaching vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians have stopped. A blacked-out traffic signal works the same as a four-way stop intersection.
The rules is # 64. If a traffic signal light is not working, you must:
A. Stop, then proceed when safe.
B. Stop before entering the intersection and let all other traffic go first.
C. Slow down or stop, only if necessary.
