Veterans Day Events Planned
Several Veterans Day remembrances are planned in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. Check back from time to time for additional activities. The current schedule includes:- The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8560 at One Veterans Drive in Sulphur Springs will celebrate Veteran’s Day at 11am Wednesday November 11 at the flagpole on the grounds of the post home. The Military Coalition will present a tribute and gun salute, then the event will move indoors. Students from Travis Primary will be special guests. Veterans Service Officer Danny Davis will be speaker. A Hopkins County Stew lunch will be served to all free of charge. Military veterans are especially invited to be recognized, and the event is free and open to the public.
- The 7th annual Veteran’s Day Recognition at the Early Childhood Learning Center is planned for the morning of Tuesday November 10 in the Developmental Play Area. Students in Transitional First Grade will present a program at 9am for Head Start and Pre-K students, then again at 9:40am for local Veterans and community members. Military guests are welcome to enjoy breakfast treats before or after the program in the ECLC Parent Center.
- The annual recognition of Veterans by Wal-Mart is planned for Tuesday November 10 at 6pm at League Street Church of Christ.
- A Veteran’s Day ceremony at SSHS is planned for Wednesday November 11. A reception will be held at 12 noon in the High School Library with a program to begin at 1pm in the gymnasium. Special performances by the SSHS Band and various guests are also planned. The community is invited. Those who attend should park at the school’s main entrance on the east side of the campus. Overflow parking on Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot will include a shuttle service for Veterans and spouses. Current and veteran military members of the community will be recognized at the public event.
- There will be an traditional 11-11-11 ceremony and program downtown on Celebration Plaza on Veteran’s Day, beginning at 11am on Wednesday November 11 in front of the courthouse. The community event will include guest speakers and a patriotic tribute to Veterans.
TxDOT Seeks to End One Fatality Accident a Day Since November 2000
Texas marks a grim milestone this weekend as at least one fatality has occurred each and every day on state roadways since Nov. 7, 2000. That’s 5,478 consecutive days with at least one fatality. In an effort to end this deadly 15-year streak, the Texas Department of Transportation, through its #EndTheStreakTX campaign, reminds drivers to stay alert, obey traffic laws and take personal responsibility behind the wheel.
“More than 50,000 people have been killed on Texas roadways over the past 15 years and that number is a sobering reminder that we must do everything in our power to stay focused and safe while driving,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “These crashes have killed spouses, children, friends and neighbors, and shattered the lives of those they left behind. We can stop this staggering streak if all drivers make it a priority to be safe, focused and responsible.”
To help raise awareness of this tragic, daily statistic, TxDOT is asking people to change their social media profile pictures to the black image available for download here. Throughout November, TxDOT’s social media pages will share facts and information about the last 15 years of roadway fatalities and invite Texans to publicly show their commitment to ending the streak of deadly days by sharing these posts with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX. TxDOT also will invite the public to share personal stories of loved ones lost in car crashes on its social media pages using photo and video testimonials with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
Since Nov. 7, 2000, fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes on Texas roadways have numbered 51,832. A leading cause of fatalities continues to be alcohol, with distracted driving and a lack of seat belt use also being major causes.
To decrease the chances of roadway crashes and fatalities, TxDOT reminds drivers to:
- Buckle seatbelt – all passengers need to be buckled
- Never drink and drive – drunk driving kills; get a sober ride home
- Pay attention – put phone away and avoid distractions
- Drive the speed limit – always follow speed limits and drive slower speeds when weather or conditions warrant
For more information, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700. The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Oct. 15, 2015.
D. A.’s Office Reveals Covington Is a Captain in Aryan Circle
Mark Covington, 46, of Pickton sentenced Wednesday by a Hopkins County jury to prison for concurrent life sentence and to 20 years on separate counts of tampering with a witness is a captain in the Aryan Circle and based on his tattoos, he has committed acts of violence on behalf of the gang, according to Clay Harrison, Assistant District Attorney. Security had been tight during the Tuesday trial and the Wednesday penalty phase of the trial.
Harrison said he was unable to present the evidence during the trial or penalty phase because the experts were unable to be present. However, he said the information would be forwarded to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice “in order to have Covington confirmed as a known gang member.
Covington, according to Harrison, is a white supremacist which is exemplified by “White Pride” tattoos as well as numerous neo-Nazi emblems.
Around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night, a Hopkins County jury that had found Mark Covington, 46, of Pickton guilty of two counts of tampering with a witness sentenced him to life in prison for one count and 20 years in prison for the other count. The sentences are to run concurrent. Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison presented a series of incarcerations to which Covington had been sentenced. The incarcerations date back to 1998 and sentences were handed down in Erath, Johnson, and Parker Counties. Witnesses also testified to his attempts to tamper with witnesses regarding his parole violation.
Security remained tight Wednesday morning at Hopkins County Courthouse as the jury heard the sentencing phase for Covington. Security had been tight Tuesday as County deputies sought to provide a safe environment for voters on the first floor and protection for a trial underway on the second floor of the Courthouse. In a day long trial Tuesday, Covington was found guilty of the two counts by a Hopkins County jury in 8th Judicial District Court Tuesday afternoon.
Covington has been in Hopkins County jail on January 17 of this year. At that time he was incarcerated for violation of parole, possession of a controlled substance over 1 gram and under 4 grams, forgery of a financial instrument, prohibited substance in a correctional facility, and two charges of tampering with a witness. He was charged again on February 13th with forgery and possession charges. In May, another tampering charge and on October 2nd another tampering charge.
Covington was incarcerated in January after a manhunt for him ended shortly after midnight January 17, 2015 in Hunt County. He had been on the run since Thursday night, January 15th when he first fled from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigators and Deputies into a large wooded area off of FM 2285 near Pleasant Grove. Shortly after noon Friday, Hopkins County lawmen went to a motel along I-30 after the man had been seen in that area. He left before officers arrived. Hopkins County lawmen aided by the Greenville Police Department and K9 Officer, Hunt County DPS and Hunt County Sheriff’s Deputies set up a perimeter and captured the man.
Santorum Plans Hopkins County Stop on Campaign Trail
Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum plans a stop in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County November 17th at noon at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, according to Wade Bartley, Commissioner Precinct 3. Bartley is a Republican and seeking re-election to his commissioner’s post. A box lunch will be available and a mini auction fund raiser for the presidential candidate will follow Santorum’s speech.
Winter Wedding? Check Out Twogether in Texas!
Winter Wedding? Check Out Twogether in Texas!
The Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are rapidly approaching. Many weddings take place during this time of year because of the beautiful decorations and wintery themes. Every week, I notice that several couples have applied for a marriage license. That’s good, but some are missing out on a great opportunity to receive valuable information and save $60 along the way!
The Twogether in Texas marriage education workshop is recognized by the state of Texas as being a valuable tool, not only for engaged couples to start their marriage on strong footing, but for married couples to receive a refresher on making their marriage stronger. The workshop is offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County approximately four times each year. A November date has been set and registration is now taking place. Here are the details:
- What: Twogether in Texas Marriage Education workshop
- When: Saturday, November 21
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3:15 p.m.
- Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- Cost: free, and lunch is provided
- Call: 903-885-3443 to sign up by Thursday, November 19
Topics for the workshop include: 1) Marriage Expectations – what expectations do you have, either spoken or unspoken?; 2) Communication – are you an expander or a contractor? How can you effectively use your communication style?; 3) Conflict Resolution – what are your caution flags? How do you react during conflict?; 4) Money Management – do you really know where your money is going? Do you know how to work as a team?; 5) Goals and Dreams – what do you want your marriage to look like 10, 20, 40 years down the road? You can make it happen!
The workshop is fun and informative, and uses group interaction, couple time, video teaching, and discussions. No boring stuff! Upon completion of the workshop, couples will receive a certificate. Engaged couples will save $60 upon applying for a marriage license when they present the certificate to the County Clerk’s office. That’s a great incentive!
“Christmas Joys” Reminder
I attempted to remind everyone who signed up for the annual Extension “Christmas Joys” holiday program, scheduled for Monday, November 9, but some of the phone numbers were incorrect, and I left some messages. We are expecting a full house, so if you find that you cannot attend, please call my office first thing Monday morning. We have several on a waiting list for both sessions.
On another note, for those who are on the waiting list, I will provide a Mini “Christmas Joys” session onWednesday, November 18, at 1:30 p.m. at the Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston. Anyone else who would like to be added to the November 18th session may call 903-885-3443 to sign up. This will help me adequately prepare the correct number of books and refreshments.
Thanks for supporting this festive program. It serves as a jumpstart to my Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays!
Closing Thought
Things don’t have to change the world to be important – Steve Jobs
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]
Steal A Breakfast Underway at Taco Bell
You have until 11 a.m. to steal a breakfast at Taco Bell this morning.
The local Taco Bell is participating in “Steal a Base, Steal a Breakfast” Thursday, November 5, 2015. In response to the first base stolen, by Lorenzo Cain, during the World Series, Taco Bell is giving away a free A.M. Crunchwrap to everyone from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. today. The fast food restaurant chain is promoting a nation-wide campaign on that day to draw attention to their new breakfast menu.
“We are happy to participate in this campaign,” stated Drew Durrett, Vice President of Operations for Southern Mulitfoods. Extra product will be available to handle what is expected to be a high demand during the promotion.
Animal of the Week: Twinkie the Cat
Twinkie is a cream colored domestic short-haired cat at three to four months old. He was found at the Animal Shelter accompanied by a solid black cat of equal age and size who had wandered into the neighboring Street Department building. Both cats are believed to be from the same litter.
“He was dumped and they left him to fend for himself out here,” Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Blanch said. “We found him under a truck, and he’s just a sweetheart.”
The other cat is currently at a foster home. Both Twinkie and his companion show signs of house training and are healthy animals. Twinkie uses a litter box when available. Cats naturally have an imune system more able to combat heart worms than dogs. Due to the personality behaviors of cats, Twinkie will not be at the off-site adoption this Saturday November 7, 2015.
“Cats don’t like being taken to strange places because they get really nervous and scared,” Officer Blanch said. “The Shelter will be open Saturday from 10a.m. to 2p.m. as well as the off-site that we’ll be doing at Tractor Supply this weekend from 11a.m. to 4p.m.”
A Letter to the Community from Michael McAndrew, CEO Memorial Hospital and Clinic
Letter to the Editor from Michael McAndrew, CEO Memorial Hospital and Clinic
I am writing this letter in an attempt to answer some concerns about the current status of our organization. As many of you know, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been in our organization twice over the last three months. The first time was the result of a patient complaint. (Complaints about HCMH are rare by DSHS’ own admission). The complaint was over a year old and had already been dismissed as not valid by more than one agency. However, while here doing the investigation, the surveyor found some issues that needed correction. We took steps to fix the citations and believed that would be sufficient.
Surveyors came again, the purpose twofold, one to follow up on the previous survey; the other to do our regular survey, generally performed every 4 years and for which we were due. Three surveyors spent three days here and again, found some items needing correction. Unfortunately, due to the proximity of the visits and the nature of the citations, we were notified that we would no longer receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement after November 6th.
We immediately contacted the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Office in Dallas and asked to meet with them. Our purpose was to 1.) Inform them of the corrective actions that had been taken and 2.) Explain the importance of the hospital to the community. We left the office at 2:00 on Tuesday and by 9:45 AM the next morning we were notified that the termination had been extended to November 30th. This may be a little confusing for folks because it sounds like we are still being terminated. That is not the case. We have been granted the opportunity to contract with CMS in what is known as an SIA or Systems Improvement Agreement. Under this agreement we will continue to receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Our obligation is to hire an advisor or consultant, approved by CMS, to identify any remaining issues. The consultant will remain onsite for a specified period of time to assure CMS that all of the corrective actions are completed.
It’s important for our public to know that no patients were harmed by any of the issues identified. Nevertheless, we have taken all of the issues to heart and corrected them. We want to assure everyone that HCMH is indeed, one of the best hospitals in East Texas as evidenced by our scores and ratings on the CMS website, https://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html.
We have been gratified by the outpouring of support from our community, our physicians and our employees. Thanks to everyone for their continuing support.
Stinson Named Family and Consumer Science Teacher of the Year
Sulphur Springs High School teacher Ms. Debbie Stinson was named Family and Consumer Science Texas Association Teacher of the Year earlier this year at the FCS teacher conference in Dallas. She received an all-expense paid trip to Johnson & Wells University Culinary School in Denver Colorado as well as a plaque commemorating her honor.
Nominated by Johnna West and Dana Allmon, fellow teachers in Region 3, Stinson completed an application process following nomination. She won on the regional level and competed against winners from four other regions in Texas.
Stinson has been teaching at SSHS for 18 years and has been teaching Family and Consumer Science for 25 years. She is an advisor to 15 regional FCCLA officers and vice chairman of the state FCCLA Board. She has served in each office position of FCSTAT including President.
United Way Currently $17,485 Over Goal
This year’s Hopkins County United Way Campaign soared past its’ $160,000 goal by quite a bit as dollars poured in at a final report meeting Wednesday morning. The reported total Wednesday was $177,485 but more is expected to come in later. Drive Chairman Price Orwosky said that with $17,000 over goal several packets remain out. He noted Flo-Serve employees gave over $19,000 and SSISD employees gave around $10,000. Orwosky praised the volunteer workers for their committment to the task.
100% Club for November 4, 2015; companies/individuals meeting or exceeding the posted goal
Flowserve Corp.
Atmos Energy
Hopkins County Hospital District
Coldwell Banker Watson Company
Bowie Primary
Travis Primary
Douglas Intermediate
Head2Toe Nutrition
Belle Amie Day Spa
Northwest Mutual, Wesley Cooper
Coffee off the Square
Healing Hands
Tire Town
Texas Heritage National Bank
Cowboy Trucking
Tommy Evans Firestone
Freedom Realty
D&B Loan Co.
Continental Credit
Miss Behavin
Party Gear Plus
Big Smith’s
Broadway Vet Clinic, Dr. David Black
Sulphur Springs Veterinary
Hopkins County Vet Clinic
Legacy Hospice
Barnes Chiropractic
Communications Coaching Group
Affordable Chiropractic
Martin Braddy
Rachel Flatt
Frank Long
Cumby ISD
Saltillo ISD
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office
JP Brad Cummings
County Tax Assessor Debbie Jenkins
County Court at Law Amy Smith
Constable Norman Colyer
JP BJ Teer
County Attorney Dustanna Rabe and Staff
District Court Reporter Jana Rushing
District Adult Probation
Juvenile Probation
County Treasurer Jim Thompson
County Clerk Debbie Shirley
Constable Bill Allan
County Commissioners; Beth Wisenbaker, Danny Evans, Mike O’Dell, Wade Bartley
District Judge Eddie Northcutt
County Judge Robert Newsom
County Auditor Shannah Walker
Bell Concrete
Mothers Culture Club
Tully Insurance
Powers and Blount
Heath Hyde
Ramey and Sheffield
Bryan and Mattison
Summit Dental
Dr. Doughtie
Dr. Fielder
Greg Barrett, PA
Dr. Gulde
Dr. Tris
Parmer Truck and Trailer
Sonic
Rick’s Oil Depot
Fieldhouse
Janitorial Supply
State Farm, Larry Moore
Tobacco Patch
Diamonds and Designs
Bodacious
Abercrombie Body Shop
Sulphur Springs Auto Lube
Moola Trucking
Texas Trading Company
APEX Supply
Pioneer Café
Water Oak Preschool
Idzi Bitsy Bakery
