Greenville PD Warns Area of IRS Scam
The Greenville Police Department has been informed of an IRS Scam where an individual claims to be an employee of the IRS, but they are not. The individuals call from various phone numbers.Producers Sell Over 5,000 Head of Cattle AT NETBIO Sale
BIDDING GOES ON A near capacity crowd attended the May NETBIO Pre-Conditioned Stocker and Feeder Calf sale at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission Wednesday. Above, co-owner and auctioneer Joe Don Pogue sells a lot of Brangus Heifers. The 607 weight Heifers sold for $200 a hundredweight.
Livestock producers from throughout Texas and neighboring states converged on the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission Wednesday to market their cattle at the May Northeast Texas Beef Improvement pre-conditioned stocker and feeder calf sale.
Consignors shipped 5,162 head of calves and yearlings to the NETBIO sale that drew a big crowd of sellers, buyers and visitors.
“We had a lot of good cattle consigned to the sale and there was a lot of interest from the buyers — both those at the sale and some buying over the Internet,” said David Fowler, co-owner of the livestock commission. “The producers continued to do a great job of pre-conditioning and getting their cattle ready for this sale.”
Fowler said feedlots buyers were well represented, along with many buyers from throughout the region. “It was a very good offering of cattle and buyers recognized the excellent quality,” Fowler said.
The demand was very good for all weights of cattle as 32 buyers purchased the 5,162 head that went through the sale ring. They paid an average of $886.42 per head, a record for a May sale.
Once again the numbers of shippers (sellers) exceeded 200 — growing to 238 for this sale. At the same time, membership to the NETBIO pre-conditioning and marketing program continued to grow.
The NETBIO Pre-Conditioned Stocker and Feeder Calf Sale gives producers a market to offer their pre-conditioned calves and yearlings in load lot quantities. NETBIO holds seven pre-conditioned calf sales per year, which is the marketing arm for members of the organization.
The next sale will be held at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission on Wednesday, July 20. The weaning deadline for calves consigned to that sale is June 5. The last date for booster shots is June 20.
That sale will be followed by a sale on September 21, followed by the anniversary sale on November 16.
Commonplace Surgeries at Rural Hospitals are Safer, More Economical
Rural hospitals are facing the threat of closure but a recent study calls in question national policies that set medical and surgical rates for these hospitals. According to findings published in the May 17, 2016 Journal of the American Medical Association having a commonplace surgery may be safer when done in a rural hospital compared to a suburban or city hospital. The research reviewed 1.6 million surgeries performed at 828 rural hospitals and at 3,600 larger hospitals. Gallbladder removal, colon surgery, hernia repair and appendix removal were the focus of the study.
Rural hospitals, called critical assess hospitals because of their proximity for millions of patients living outside major cities and suburban areas, were found to be safe and cost-effective according to Dr. Tyler Hughes, author of the study. The study points out that there is no difference between hospitals for risk of dying within 30 days of an operation. The risk of developing major complications such as heart attack, pneumonia, or kidney damage after surgery was lower at the rural hospitals.
Also patients at rural hospitals are also less likely to use skilled nursing facilities after their operations. Patients in rural hospitals tend to be healthier than those treated at larger hospitals. The study says this suggests that rural doctors select low-risk surgical patients and send more complicated cases to larger medical centers.
Rural hospitals are also aided by the fact that critical access hospitals are paid 101% of reasonable costs by Medicare and doctors who practice at these hospitals receive 115% of the usual payment for traditional Medicare patients. However, according to CEO Michael McAndrew for Hopkins County Memorial, which is not a critical care hospital, the payments made by Medicare to the local hospital are less. He pointed out that wages for local staff are significantly lower than hospitals in larger, nearby cities. Yet, the local general surgeon, Scott McDearmont, left a big city practice for the better lifestyle found locally. The cardiology group that practices here also practices at Baylor Medical Center in the metroplex. McAndrew reminds that the ER doctors at Memorial also practice at CHRISTUS Trinity-Mother Francis Hospital in Tyler. He affirms that local doctors are well equipped to give large city quality care locally.
Primary Run-off Early Voting Continues Through Friday
Hopkins County early voting numbers are running near normal for a run-off Primary Election according to County Clerk Debbie Shirley. Through Thursday at 10:33 a.m., 239 Republicans and Democrats have cast ballots. Early voting continues through Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the SSISD Administration Board Room on Connelly Street. Texas voters return to the polls May 24th 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. to cast ballots in the run-off election.
Democrats have only one decision to make and that is for Railroad Commissioner. Grady Yarbrough and Cody Garrett are on the ballot. Local interest in the Primary Run-off favors the Republican voters. In Hopkins County, a run-off for Commissioners Precinct 1 will determine not only the Republican nominee for the place but also the ultimate winner. No democrat has filed. Also on the Republican ballot will be District 9 for the Texas Education Board.
Also on the Republican ballot are Railroad Commissioner, Wayne Christian versus Gary Gates; Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2, Ray Wheless and Mary Lou Keel; and Court of Appeals, Place 5, Brent Webster versus Scott Walker.
The run-off election will continue to tie the voter to the party in which they voted in the primary. One cannot cross over from Democrat to Republican or Republican to Democrat in the primary run-off. General Elections are open for cross over votes. However, in one local run-off election the May 24th vote will settle the matter.
Locally, Maci Mattison Newsom and Mickey Barker are seeking the commissioner’s seat. Precinct 1 voters will focus not only on the administrative work of the commissioner and their work as a member of Commissioners’ Court, the governing body for budgets, etc. in the county, they, especially rural voters, will also be taking a hard look at the care of county roads. Precinct 1 had been hard hit by flooding roadways thanks to unprecedented rainfall during the previous 14 months. Precinct 1 is the recipient of the larger amount of FEMA funds granted the county for road repair. Not only overseeing the funds but also fixing the roads will be in the forethought of voters.
Those living in the city of Sulphur Springs may not be as well versed in the conditions of county roads in the precinct as are their rural neighbors. However, the road situation has been well publicized and could easily influence of all voters.
One of the state contests centers on the State Board of Education, District 9. Keven Ellis, 45, Lufkin ISD School Board President, and Mary Lou Bruner, 69, a retired teacher are seeking the seat. The state board sets curriculum standards and approves textbooks for 5.2 million Texas school children. The Dallas Morning News endorsed Ellis earlier this week.
In endorsing Ellis, who calls himself a conservative Republican, the Morning News pointed to his work on the Lufkin board and his youngest son is a high school student. They also highlighted his desire to empower local districts to meet community needs.
Bruner on the other hand is described as on who has a pattern of absurdity including the idea that the Democratic Party had President John F. Kennedy killed.
Sulphur Springs Superintendent of Schools, Mike Lamb, supports Ellis. Lamb says Ellis is “…well in tuned to issues of schools today…” Lamb listened to dialog given by Bruner at a Region 7 meeting and says her ideas “…do not fit issues schools today.” Lamb said, “Ellis is better for us.”
Animals of the Week: The Brady Bunch
Alice
The Brady Bunch consists of pure-blooded Heeler Alice and her puppies: Greg, Peter, Bobby, Marsha, and Jan. Alice is two years old while her puppies are two and a half months old. “The Sheriff’s Department brought in Alice and her six babies who are named after the “Brady Bunch” kids since there are three male and three female,” Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Blanch said. “Somebody had found them out in the county and tried to keep them, but eventually one of the Sheriff’s guys brought them in.”
The puppy named Cindy has already been adopted, leaving Alice with two female and three male left. Alice is friendly and gentle while her puppies are energetic and playful. The Shelter has been unable to determine if Alice is properly trained due to their limited time and resources at maximum capacity. “She probably needs a little bit of leash training, but she does pretty good when put on leash,” Officer Blanch said. “But she does a lot better off the leash.”
Alice and her puppies have been at the Shelter for a week. She is usually kept with her children when inside the Shelter and is normally in a cage with the two youngest puppies. “I don’t know what her puppies are mixed with and you can definitely see Heeler markings, but they’re going to be a lot bigger than her,” Office Blanch said. “They play a lot, which is why they get the outside pen so they can run and play.”
Alice and her five puppies can be adopted separately. In other news, the Animal Shelter currently has an issue of an overpopulation of black cats and dogs. They recently received a litter of black kittens and they outside kennels consist entirely of black canines. “There is a ‘black dog, black cat’ syndrome that because they’re plain black animals, a lot of people don’t want them,” Officer Blanch said. “There’s nothing wrong with these animals, they’re just as loving and some of them are more beautiful than multi-colored animals. You can ask any shelter, there’s a ‘black dog’ syndrome.”
Black Dog Syndrome
Wildcats Offense, Defense Gain Experience in 7 on 7
Matt Young, Wildcats Offensive Coordinator on 7 on 7 Offense
Wildcats Offensive Coordinator Matt Young says the greatest asset of 7 on 7 football is that lots of quarterbacks get to throw passes and lots of receivers get to catch them. The Wildcats hosted Gilmer for a 7 on 7 competition Tuesday in the Multipurpose Building. Two high school varsity teams and two eighth grade teams got to play two games each against talented Gilmer. Coach Young estimates 50 high school players and 40 middle schoolers participated. He says it was a great chance to see kids on a bigger stage for the first time and see how they react. The #1 Varsity team ended up losing two close games to Gilmer. Coach Young was pleased with the quarterback play of Ryan Humphries and Tyler Armstrong. Among receivers making impressions were Simeon Taylor, Tyrese Peters, Landry Tyson, D.J. Hall and Matt Reynolds. Coach Young says the team played with great emotion and scored lots of points. He says the #2 Varsity unit split their two games. Coach Young says they dominated in game two. #2 unit QB’s included DeCorian Young, Connor Nix and Wayne Hohenberger. He adds there was a long list of receivers making catches. The competition marked the end of competition for eighth graders. The two Wildcats’ varsity units and two seventh grade teams will travel to a Gilmer 7 on 7 tournament Saturday.
Triston Abron on 7 on 7 Defense
7 on 7 football is a game for offenses with rules stacked against defenses. Quarterbacks have four full seconds to throw with no pass rush. Defenders are greatly restricted from using their hands on receivers. Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Triston Abron says 7 on 7 does give defensive players a chance to work on pass coverage and drops. Coach Abron says some teams utilize all defensive backs on their 7 on 7 defenses. Coach Abron says the Wildcats use not only cornerbacks and safeties but also linebackers. With rules against them, Coach Abron says he hopes defenders can just slow 7 on 7 offenses down. He adds if defenders can stop one drive in three, he’s pleased. Coach Abron names several players who stood out during the 7 on 7 games against Gilmer Tuesday. First and foremost he mentions Terrell Turman. Coach Abron says Turman did a good job at corner last year. He adds he has had a good off season and has looked good in spring football Coach Abron was also impressed with Trey Dial, a player he says has with no varsity experience but he adds you couldn’t tell it Tuesday night. He was also impressed with D.J. Abron, Colton Allen, DeQuarian Pitts and Landry Tyson.
TxDOT Seeks Public Input on Future of I-30
Texas Department of Transportation and other officials are encouraging the public to share their opinions and concerns about the future of Interstate Highway 30 in East Texas.
I-30 is an important connection for travel and trade. But as the interstate highway system ages and population and trade increase in Texas, it is necessary to assess the current safety and capacity of this highway. The I-30 East Texas Corridor Study is being undertaken to identify rural transportation needs along I-30 from the Rockwall-Hunt county line to the Texas-Arkansas border.
The study area spans 145 miles across six counties and lies within TxDOT’s Paris and Atlanta Districts. TxDOT’s Dallas District meanwhile is undertaking separate studies to identify improvements from the Rockwall-Hunt county line into the Dallas Metropolitan Area.
The study will address and focus on:
- Existing and future traffic volumes, including trucks
- Crash statistics and safety needs
- Economic development opportunities
- Highway characteristics such as overpass clearances, bridge & structure ratings, pavement condition, median treatments, truck parking, lane and shoulder widths, and frontage roads
- Community needs
- Environmental features
TxDOT officials said the public can provide its input and feedback on the future of I-30 by participating in an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/I-30EastTexas
Local communities and leaders will also be involved to better incorporate community needs and concerns in the study. The I-30 Working Group comprised of local stakeholders will help TxDOT identify and assess transportation needs along the corridor. It will also provide an avenue to engage and inform the public, gather input and provide recommendations. The working group includes a cross-section of elected officials and other stakeholders along the I-30 corridor.
The I-30 East Texas Corridor Study working group will conduct a series of virtual and in-person meetings during the study, which is expected to be completed in Fall 2016. Working group members will also conduct public outreach activities which will be incorporated into the study’s analyses and recommendations.
More information on the I-30 East Texas Corridor Study is available online at: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/statewide/i30-east-texas-corridor.html
Burglary Suspect Gives False Information, Narcotics Found
Damian Demon Hart, 19, of Denison was arrested Tuesday evening on three charges. Hart, who was a suspect in a Burglary of a Habitation and Motor Vehicle at a Beckham Street residence, was contacted by a Sulphur Springs Police Department officer. Hart falsely identified himself as “Darnel Sabastion Franklin” with a date of birth May 3rd, 1994. A short time later the officer realized he knew the man Hart was pretending to be and advised Hart that he knew the information was false. Hart then shared his correct name and birth date with the officer. The officer then transported Hart to the Hopkins County Jail where it was discovered that Hart was hiding narcotics in his shoes. Special Crimes Unit Sergeant Mark Estes found several crushed, red pills identified as MDMA or Ecstasy, 7 Alprazolam pills, and a clear capsule containing a white substance that tested to also be MDMA. Hart now sits on $26,000 total bond: $15,000 for a 3rd degree felony Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone greater than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, $10,000 for a State Jail felony Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone less than 28 grams, and $1,000 for Failure to Identify by Providing False Information.
“The Beat Goes On” Themed Gala Set for January 2017
hospital
2016-2017 Lights of Life Campaign Chairs, Sam and Sher Sevier announced the campaign & gala theme, goal and projects to the committee at the first campaign meeting which was held on Tuesday, May 17th at noon at the Southwest Dairy Museum. The committee was excited to learn the theme of this years Gala: THE BEAT GOES ON.
Long time Gala Designer Kent Smith explained the vision of the gala decorations to the committee. “Gala attendees will defiantly notice a change as soon as they enter the venue this year”, explained Smith, “It’s going to be outstanding.” Eddie Deen catering will once again provide an amazing dining experience for the over 550 expected guests on Saturday January 28, 2017. The fun will begin at 6:00 p.m. and continue through out the night with dinner, live and silent auction bidding and dancing. This year’s entertainment band will be Downtown Fever. The band knows how to bring a party to life and the crowd to their feet. The professional eleven-piece party band provides a musical range that spans decades of standards and classics to the current hits of today.
“We feel like we are on top of a well oiled machine”, joked Sam Sevier. “This is not our comfort zone, but we are honored and we are going to embrace it. We we took the job because of what the community has meant to us and we wanted to work with and give back to the community that has given so much to us”
“The Foundation board set the campaign goal at $250,000 again and I’m certain with Sam and Sher’s “positive attitude this will be another successful year. Of course we couldn’t reach our goal without the generosity of this wonderful and supportive community. We are blessed every year to have dedicated leaders chair the campaign and I’m certain Sam and Sher will do an outstanding job”, said Meredith Caddell, Foundation Director.
On April 5th, the Foundation board approved the projects that will be funded with the money raised through the campaign this year. With the continued generous support from the community the Foundation will be able to purchase;
- AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill $46,537.00
Using NASA Differential Air Pressure technology, the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill comfortably supports the user and “unweights” them by as much as 80%. Benefits include reducing ground reaction forces, minimizing discomfort, creating safe environments to work on technique and allowing increased training with less impact. Estimated to help 70% of the current rehabilitation patients and essential to those with spinal, hip and lower body issues, the machine will be available for rehabilitation patients as well as the public.
- 2 Giraffe OmniBeds for Nursery Department $76,584.00
The Giraffe OmniBeds are a combination system that brings together features of a traditional incubator and a radiant warmer that will serve both premature as well as full term newborns. These beds will support our Level II Special Care Nursery designation allowing our facility to care for almost all newborns born at greater than 32 weeks with a range of medical issues, rather than being transferred to other hospitals.
- Endowment Fund $50,000.00
The Foundation is committed to adding additional funds to the Foundation’s Leaving a Legacy Endowment Fund.
“Sponsor solicitation letters will go out June 1st but we’re already receiving calls and commitments, which means the Gala will probably be sold out again. It’s a wonderful problem to have, I think? The community has certainly embraced this campaign over the past years and together we have made a huge difference for our hospital and our community” continued Caddell.
“We’ve finished 10 years,” continued Sevier, “and we are transitioning a lot of things. The concept of generosity in the community and how they have addressed changes of all kinds is what inspired this year’s theme: THE BEAT GOES ON. Businesses change, our downtown is revitalized, the hospital transitions to a new system and the Health Care Foundation evolves…THE BEAT GOES ON!”
If you cannot attend the gala but still want to support your local hospital and the campaign, contributions may be made with a donation to the Lights of Life Christmas tree lighting event that will be held December 1st at 6 p.m. in The Gardens at Memorial. A $25 donation given in memory or honor of someone special is represented by a light on the Lights of Life Christmas tree.
Additional opportunities to become involved and support the campaign are by participating, attending and/or donating to the the Style Show, hosted by Lou Nell’s on September 15, 2016, the Half Marathon on October 1st, or the Fly Your Flag Campaign and lunch on November 15th. All contributions help to make a difference for our community.
Please join us as we work together for the benefit of the hospital and the community. Through your support of the 2016-2017 Lights of Life Campaign and Gala we will reach our $250,000 goal. Call the Health Care Foundation office at 903-439-4799 for more information.
