Stephen F. Austin University Cyber Attack
June 13, 2023- Stephen F. Austin State University’s online systems were apparently targeted by a cyberattack sometime between Saturday night and Monday morning, the university stated.
The University released this in a post regarding the recent cyber attack:
“SFA’s online systems appear to have been the target of a cyberattack, likely between Saturday evening and Monday morning. Upon discovery, we severed connection to the internet to prevent further attack. We are working with authorities and UT System colleagues to determine the extent of compromise and to return to normal operations. We do not yet have a timeline.
As our ITS colleagues assess status, they will begin to restore systems and eventually internet access. Because official SFA online resources are not available, please watch for official updates on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Essential personnel must report to campus. Other employees should work with their supervisors for instructions. Supervisors may choose to have employees work on campus without access to systems or to work from home, or use appropriate leave.
Safety, dining and housing are prioritized for our students, summer camp attendees, faculty and staff.
Individual faculty members can use their own discretion about holding classes in person or providing alternative activities. Work with department chairs and school and college offices to share plans and receive additional instructions.“
The university quickly severed their internet connection to prevent further attacks after discovering the attack was occurring. The university is currently working with officials and the UT system to figure out the extent of the damage and to go back to normal operations.
The university does not have a timeline for when systems will be restored. They asked for the public to follow their social media for updates while their online resources are down.
Enrollment is Under Way at Paris Junior College
ADVISING
Maria Zuniga, left, Education Advisor for the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, assists Shayla McGill of Sulphur Springs as she completes her paperwork for enrollment at the college.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Gov. Abbott Signs Paper License Tag Ban
June 13, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law HB718, authored by Rep. Craig Goldman, this Bill prevents the use of paper license tags in hopes of preventing illegal counterfeits from coming to the state and creating ‘Ghost Cars’.
Ghost Cars are cars which have illegally acquired paper tags. These Ghost Cars become virtually untraceable with these tags.
With the signing of the Bill all paper tags throughout Texas must be replaced before the bill goes into effect on July 1st, 2025. The will go into effect in 2025 to allow the Texas Department Of Motor Vehicles and dealerships to replace all previous paper tags.
Under the new law:
- Car dealers will be required to issue metal license plates, from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, when a vehicle is sold.
- At a cost of $10, metal license plates will be issued instead of the current paper one-trip and 30-day temporary permits.
- The new law also ensures dealers are able to obtain, in advance, a sufficient amount of plates in order to sell vehicles “without an unreasonable disruption of business due to the unavailability of license plates.”
- The TxDMV is tasked with establishing an expedited process, as well.
- The TxDMV has until Dec. 1, 2024 to come up with a rule to implement the change.
To read more about the paper tag ban Bill please read: Bill To Ban Paper License Tags Passes Texas House
‘Allergy Capitals’ Top 10 Worst U.S. Cities For People With Pollen Allergies
Seasonal allergies are awful, runny nose, itchy throat and head congestion are some of the main symptoms we all suffer, these can usually be soothed with over-the-counter medication. However location may still impact how bad your allergy season will be.
There are some cities that are more challenging to live in for people with pollen allergies.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America sifted through data of “the 100-most populated U.S. Metropolitan areas” to determine the “Allergy Capitals” of America in 2023.
Some factors the organization considered for the ranking include:
- Tree, grass and weed pollen scores
- Availability of board-certified allergists and immunologists
- How often over-the-counter allergy medicine is used
Claiming the title of ‘Allergy Capital’ is none other than Wichita, Kansas.
In Kansas, sunflowers grow all throughout the state in large numbers, which makes it less surprising that residents are experiencing increased allergy symptoms.
Wichita, specifically, has plenty of sunflower fields, and fewer board-certified allergists and immunologists than most other cities.
Here is the list of the top 10 worst pollen allergy states:
- Wichita, Kan.
- Dallas, Texas
- Scranton, Pa.
- Oklahoma City, Okla.
- Tulsa, Okla.
- Sarasota, Fla.
- Cape Coral, Fla.
- Orlando, Fla.
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Greenville, S.C.
Dallas claimed the second spot on the list for its high levels of pollen and worse-than-average allergy medicine use.
Scranton, Pa. came in third place, and it’s surprisingly not because of its pollen scores, which were pretty average. Despite average pollen levels, residents of Scranton use allergy medicine more than residents of other cities, and there aren’t many allergy specialists in the area.
High levels of pollen also seem to be a big issue in Oklahoma areas like OKC and Tulsa. And, Florida made the top 10 three times, including Orlando, due to worse-than-average pollen scores and allergy medicine use.
Better Business Bureau How To Spot A Credit Check Scam When Apartment Shopping
Moving this summer? Watch out for a new twist on fake rental ads. According to multiple BBB Scam Tracker reports, scammers use fake tenant credit checks to trick potential renters into compromising sensitive personal information.
How The Scam Works
You find a good deal on an apartment while browsing rental listings online. When you call the number to inquire, the owner asks you to complete a credit check before you can see the place. If you agree, they’ll send you a link to a website where you can get the credit check done.
The website may look professional, but it’s all part of a scam. After you enter your sensitive information and pay for the credit check, the “landlord” will disappear. Your credit card information could be compromised, and you could even be at risk for identity theft.
One consumer reported the following experience: “I gave my name, address, and social security number to obtain my credit score from this website. I was asked to take a screenshot of my score and send it to the same address that emailed me the link. Afterward, I was sent an email with a showing time, but the house number was not listed on this email or on the listing on Craigslist.” Afterward, the consumer was unable to reach anyone about the apartment. Their calls and emails went unanswered.
How To Avoid Credit Check Rental Scams
- Be wary of lower-than-usual prices. If the rent for an apartment is well below the going market rate, consider it a red flag. Scammers love to draw people in with claims that sound too good to be true.
- Do some research. Search the listing online, as well as the associated phone number and email address. If you find another listing for the same property in a different city, you’ve spotted a scam. Reverse image searches can be helpful, too, as can searching the alleged landlord’s name along with the word “scam.” These searches only take a few minutes and are well worth the effort.
- Always see the property in person. Many rental scams involve listings for properties that don’t exist. Something is fishy if the renter refuses to let you know where the apartment is before you complete a credit check or pay them a deposit. Be wary, too, if you are given the address of a home with a for sale sign in the yard. You might not be in contact with the actual owners.
- Verify the property owner’s information. Contact a licensed real estate agent to see who owns a property or check the county property appraiser’s website. Ask the landlord for a copy of their ID to verify they are who they claim to be before you offer up sensitive personal information like your social security number for a credit check. If the landlord refuses or gets upset, you could be dealing with a scammer.
- Be cautious about credit check websites. If you need a credit check, always use reputable sources, such as those recommended by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
For More Information
Visit the BBB Moving HQ for more tips and advice. Learn more about common rental scams in this BBB Study. Watch out for a similar scam where the “landlord” claims they are out of town and unable to show the property.
If you spot a rental scam, blow the whistle! Report your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker to help build consumer awareness and frustrate scammers’ schemes.
Two Candidates For State Rep. District Two Meet Hopkins County Commissioners
June 12, 2023- With the expulsion of previous State Rep. Bryan Slaton, Hopkins, Van Zandt and Hunt Counties have been without representation. Currently, a Representative for district two has not been selected as special elections will be held Tuesday, November 7. All candidates must submit their application no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 6. Early voting will begin Monday, October 23, 2023.
During commissioners court Monday, June 12, two Greenville candidate appeared before the court to greet the commissioners and to announce their candidacy.
Doug Roszhart a former Project Engineer for L3Harris is running for State Rep. in the upcoming campaign. Doug is a devoted husband, father, grandfather and Texan, Doug having worked at L3Harris knows of the innerworkings of the government and looks forward to running for State Representative.
To learn more about Doug Roszhart visit his Facebook page: Doug Roszhart for State Representative
Brent Money is also running for State Representative. Brent is currently working as a Attorney at Money Law Firm. Brent has also stated that he has worked with/on City Councils and understands the innerworkings on how government officials operates and stated he is looking forward to running for State Representative.
To learn more about Brent Money Visit his Facebook page: Brent Money for Texas
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital News Release 6/12/2023
Sulphur Springs, Texas, June 12, 2023 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Welcome Father Justin Wylie
At CHRISTUS Mother Frances, we combine medical expertise with compassionate care to promote health and relieve human suffering. We are a community of healing that embraces care for the whole person—the spiritual, physical, psychological, and social dimensions of every human person. Lay persons, women religious and clergy all work together and exercise diverse, but complementary, pastoral/spiritual care roles within our health care ministry. We are excited and grateful to welcome Father Justin Wylie as Pastoral/Spiritual Care Program Manager at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital—Sulphur Springs. Fr. Wylie comes with broad educational and experiential background. Fr. Wylie, who speaks eight different languages, was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, South Africa in 2009. He earned his Canon and Civil law degrees in 2011 and 1997, respectively. Fr. Wylie has served as a pastor; a Catholic school educator; and a diplomat of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York City. He has earned degrees in Sacred Theology; Philosophy; History & Literature and a sub-major in Psychology. Welcome, Father Wylie!
Beat the Heat
With temperatures rising in to the triple digits this week, be aware that heat related injuries are a real threat. People at higher risk, such as the elderly, should stay indoors on particularly hot and humid days, especially when there is an air pollution alert in effect. To stay cool, drink plenty of fluids and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics. Those without air conditioners or fans should keep their homes as cool as possible or try to go somewhere cool. Public, air-conditioned places such as senior centers, community centers, libraries, or movie theaters are good places to visit.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke result from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with dehydration, which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system. Common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma. Symptoms that do not go away in a reasonable amount of time by going to a cool place, drinking water, or loosening clothing can indicate the onset of serious medical issues like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. With the rise in temperatures, it is best practice to be prepared and seek medical help immediately when required.
Designer Handbag Bingo
The Hopkins County Health Care (HCHC) Foundation has scheduled their Designer Handbag Bingo event for Thursday, August 3. Sponsorships and reserved tables for eight are available now, and individual tickets will be available on July 1. For more information visit handbagbingo23.givesmart.com, email [email protected], or call 903.438.4799.
New Service- Eye Surgeries
Ophthalmologist, Kara Hartl, MD FACS, will be performing eye procedures such as cataract removals, macular degeneration surgery, etc. at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. Educated at Harvard University and University of California-San Diego Medical School, trained at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Harl is well equipped to provide excellent care to patients here in Sulphur Springs. Talk with your Ophthalmologist about scheduling your eye procedures with Dr. Hartl. For more information, call 903.885.7671 Ext.2844.
Texas Parks And Wildlife Commissioners Authorize Preserving State Park
June 12, 2023- At a special meeting, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorized Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to file a petition for condemnation and pursue acquisition at fair market value of approximately 5,000 acres in Freestone County to preserve Fairfield Lake State Park and Fairfield Lake for public use.
Commissioners also instructed TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. to prepare a commission policy restricting the agency’s use of eminent domain to extraordinary and unusual situations. Commissioners will consider the policy proposal at their Aug. 24 meeting.
Today’s action comes after TPWD and its commissioners have taken persistent and extraordinary steps to acquire and preserve the park under more amicable terms.
“Condemnation represents an extraordinary step and last resort for TPWD, and it is not one we undertake lightly,” said Commission Chairman Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. “However, TPWD’s mission calls for managing and conserving the natural resources of Texas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Fairfield Lake State Park has welcomed millions of visitors over half a century, and we have a clear mandate to preserve this public resource that is beloved by so many.”
Located between Dallas and Houston near the rapidly developing IH-45 corridor, the park provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities to the public, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, camping and horseback riding.
It welcomes more than 80,000 visitors each year, with non-local visitors generating an economic impact of more than $1.14 million. Fairfield Lake is considered one of the nation’s finest bass fishing locations. It has produced 69 lunkers since 2020, making it one of the most productive fisheries maintained by TPWD.
“One hundred years ago, Governor Pat Neff presented a vision of Texas dotted with state parks ‘to be held in sacred trust by the State for the public good, now and forever,’” Yoskowitz said. “We have made great progress in fulfilling that vision, but demand for outdoor recreation has only increased, so while condemnation presents an extremely rare outcome we would have rather avoided, we cannot stand by and watch the permanent closing of a park and fishing location that has provided so many benefits to Texans and the local community for five decades.”
TPWD has long worked with private landowners to provide technical and financial assistance in the form of voluntary wildlife management plans, cost-share programs and other types of partnerships.
“TPWD has a track record of building coalitions to expand conservation and outdoor recreation across our state while supporting private property rights and Texas businesses,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner Jeffery Hildebrand. “This is a unique case, involving an established park with tens of millions in agency infrastructure investment, but given the importance of private property rights and the critical role private landowners play in wildlife conservation in Texas, TPWD will continue to reserve condemnation for the rarest and most unique circumstances.”
Paris Junior College Announces Students on President’s and Dean’s Lists
Paris Junior College is pleased to announce that thanks to their dedication and hard work, 243 students were named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement during the Spring 2023 semester.To be eligible for the President’s List, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average, (straight A’s) on a minimum of 15 semester hours. Those on the Dean’s List must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average for at least 15 semester hours, and have no grade lower than a “C.” The lists are compiled exclusive of developmental hours.
President’s List from the area:
Bogata: Kaytie Ballard, Damian Davidson
Brashear: Merced Tellez
Caddo Mills: Ari Gordon
Campbell: Charles Duffey, Johnathon Garmon, Shawn Hartline, Brandon Mitchell, Noor Shahankary
Celeste: Kyle Johnson
Como: Leslie Galvan
Cooper: Mihai Grace, Jaci Harrington
Cumby: Madeline Evins, Brianne Jenkins
Dike: Taylor Wallis
Emory: Kaitlyn Brock, Mara Veal
Fate: Destiny Longoria
Honey Grove: Kelly Moxon
Josephine: Sierra Pollard
Lone Oak: Caden Hoefar
Mount Pleasant: Tallon Ramsay
Mount Vernon: Baylie Peckham
Point: Jorge Rosas
Roxton: Karson McKnight
Royse City: Tanner Claghorn, Wendy Leyte-Castro, Gabriella Morgan, Andrew Price
Saltillo: Raegan Speir
Sulphur Bluff: Luz Correa
Sulphur Springs: Shane Bailey, Amber Berry, Misty Bye, Angel Cedillo, Haley Davis, Jayden Eskew, Joshua Guidry, Leticia Hernandez, Jose Mandujano Jr., Molly O’Dell, Peyton Virgel
Telephone: Kyeler Field, asey Reiniche
Thorndale: Kelsey Kovar
Waco: Ryan Davis
Winnsboro: Stormy McBride
Wolfe City: Charlyn Davis
Students from the area named to the Dean’s List:
Alba: Madison Reid
Bonham: Brianna Cruz
Campbell: Zackery Midkiff
Commerce: Gage Blackburn, Kelly Hughes
Cooper: Mikayla Ford, Diana Howse
Cumby: Maranda Chumley, Karen Enriquez
Deport Marlee Garrison
Dike: Juan Reyes
Emory: Brianna Bender
Haskell: Tamisha Dever
Lone Oak: James Leitner
Pickton: Maci Wright
Saltillo: Bianca Castro
Sulphur Bluff: Dewitt Brookins
Sulphur Springs: Jered Fitch, Rylie Johnston, Dreu Jones, Hector Martinez, David Ruth, Samuel Wilks
Winnsboro: Meghan Evans
Wolfe: City Alishia Flanigan, Felisa Turcios
Man Warned; Lands in Jail for Retaliation
June 11, 2023 – A report of a man assaulting his daughter, son-in-law and his granddaughter was received by the Hopkins County Sheriff. The alleged assaults occurred Saturday evening.
Hopkins County Deputies were dispatched and were able to speak with both parties separately at their residences. After interview all involved, a report was filed for the assault. Feeling the situation was resolved, Deputies cleared the call.
Moments later, Hopkins County Dispatch was contacted by a family member of the assault victims. The caller advised KELLEY, RONNIE GENE was calling his previously assaulted son-in-law and threatening him.
Deputies arrived at the son-in-laws home and were able to listen to the recording of 46 year-old Kelley’s ranting.
The recording contained number threats. Those threats include, “You called the Sheriffs [sic] on me! I’ll f***ing kill you.”
The call footage was emailed to the Hopkins County Sheriff for review and evidence. Deputies went to Kelley’s residence and arrested him. He was booked into Hopkins County Jail without incident.
He is charged with:
1 36.06(C) OBSTRUCTION OR RETALIATION
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.
