Texas Wants Another Win Against Obama’s Immigration Plan
by Julián Aguilar, The Texas Tribune – July 10, 2015
Attorneys for the Obama administration will try again on Friday to persuade a three-judge panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans to let a controversial immigration policy take effect.
But supporters of the program, which would have shielded the bulk of Texas’ 1.6 million undocumented immigrants from deportation, aren’t optimistic. That’s because two of the three judges selected to hear this week’s arguments already weighed in once — refusing in May to overrule Brownsville-based federal judge Andrew Hanen, who halted the president’s measure in February.
Obama’s immigration policy, announced in November and known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA, would have allowed some 5 million undocumented immigrants nationwide to apply for a work permit if they passed background checks, steered clear of trouble and paid back taxes and fines.
In December, Gov. Greg Abbott — then the state’s attorney general — sued the Obama administration, arguing that the president had overstepped his authority by circumventing Congress and taking immigration reform matters into his own hands. Twenty-five other states have since joined the lawsuit against the federal government.
Current Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose office is now handling the case, said in a statement that he is confident Texas will go three for three in its legal battle with the White House over the immigration program.
“The Obama administration unilaterally rewrote the law, creating an amnesty program that will reward people who are here illegally with free government benefits,” Paxton said. “The district court rightly stopped this program in its tracks, and we will continue fighting President Obama’s disregard for the rule of law.”
Friday’s arguments come roughly three months after attorneys for the U.S. Justice Department asked the 5th Circuit Court to lift Hanen’s order, allowing the immigration measure to take effect while the issue played out in the courts. They argued then that the Texas-led coalition of states didn’t have standing to sue to block the program.
But Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller, who will be arguing on behalf of the state on Friday, has said Texas would suffer harm because it would have to educate and provide health care for the immigrants who remain here under Obama’s program. The state would also incur costs for having to issue some driver’s licenses, he has argued.
Attorneys for the state go in with the upper hand this week, considering the fact that two of the judges denied the Obama administration’s initial request in May. At the time, they ruled that “the [federal] government is unlikely to succeed on the merits of its appeal.”
Like they did ahead of the last set of arguments before the 5th Circuit, supporters of Obama’s plan will rally in New Orleans on Friday to draw attention to what they say is needed immigration reform. Mary Moreno, the communications director for the Texas Organizing Project, a group of activists who support the president’s initiative, said some 150 supporters from Texas will join forces with advocates from across the country.
“Our main objective in making the trip is t0 continue putting the blame for this delay where it belongs, with Gov. Abbott,” she said in an email. “He is responsible for keeping our families in danger of deportation and separation.”
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/10/state-hopes-stay-undefeated-against-obama-immigrat/.
Tira News By Jan Vaughn
Several gathered for the Tira Homecoming on Sunday. Leroy Reaves served as the Master of Ceremonies for the program. He welcomed everyone and encouraged many to share memories of time spent in Tira. Floyd Payton presided over the Tira Cemetery Association business meeting. Billy Joe Clayton and Floyd Payton were reelected to the cemetery board. A special collection was taken to help toward clearing the land, which was donated by the Lynn Chapman family to expand the cemetery. The association received $1,693.57 in the designated contributions. Larry Fitzgerald blessed the group with his inspirational songs. Mary Beth Moore honored the families of those buried in the cemetery during the past year. Pastor David Larkin shared a few words and voiced the prayers of invocation and benediction. Martha Payton reports that the association received $2,480 in donations by mail and $18,895.95 on Sunday. A major portion of the Sunday collection was due to a very generous donation from the Richard and Oleta Bearden Estate.
Floyd and Martha Payton enjoyed having all of the family together over the July 4th weekend. Regina Payton from Victoria came on Thursday afternoon, Brad and Virginia Payton from Keller, and Eric Payton from San Diego, California came on Friday afternoon. The went out to eat fish on Friday evening, but discovered the restaurant was closed, so they went to Furr’s. Martha comments, “Saturday was a busy day getting everything ready for the Tira Cemetery Society meeting on Sunday.” Martha’s sister, Ann Sullivan from Longview, and brother. B. C. from Pittsburg, came to visit with the family and attend the Homecoming. Floyd expresses appreciation for all who made the Homecoming possible and offers a big “Thank You.” They add, “We always miss those who could not attend. Thanks to all who sent their donations for the upkeep of the cemetery.”
I would add that a big “thank you” goes out to Floyd and Martha for all that they do for the cemetery association and for the community! They are truly a treasure!
Morgan Joslin is off to camp again this week. His mother and sister, Tiffany and Jaidyn, took him to the Soaring Club of Houston in Waller on Wednesday. After dropping Morgan off, they drove back to Lake Palestine and spent the night at The Villages Resort, where they enjoyed swimming, volleyball, tennis, and mini-golf, before returning home on Thursday.
Chip and I were thrilled to have Larry and Dorothy Fitzgerald, of Somerville, spend the weekend with us. We enjoyed visiting and playing cards and we went out for the seafood buffet at AJ’s on Lake Fork Saturday night. On Sunday, we all attended the Tira Homecoming. After lunch we visited Linda Parsons and Buddy and toured their house. Linda and Buddy live in the home which had belonged to Dorothy’s mother, Melba McKinney. Larry and Dorothy left on Sunday afternoon and went to visit friends, Charles and Jean Darr, in Sulphur Springs, and attended the special concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday night. They drove back home on Monday.
Minnie Hillis Reagor provided a report about the Hillis Family Reunion, which was held the weekend of June 20-21 at the Tira Community Center. She shares that they enjoyed a time of visiting, playing games, and dining. There were three raffle drawings, and the winners were Cindy Sadler [Family Verse Plaque], Dorothy Shields [Family Verse Photo Frame], and Dorothy Shields [Family Kitchen Plaque].
Those in attendance were Dustin W. and Hayley R. Halbert, Robert W. Sr. and Michelle (Peterson) Reagor, Robert W. Jr. and Ryan W. Reagor, Minnie (Hillis) Reagor, and Terry G. Reagor, all of Vidor, Texas,. Iva (Hillis) Haren, Autumn Wilson, Christopher C. Wilson and Carrie Bates, Kelley and Kacie Bates, Alvin E. and Sarah (Daniels) Hillis, Sierra Hillis, Kimberly (Hillis) Willingham, Winona (Hillis) Yates, Johney W. and Dorthy (Goodson) Hillis, Al and Hillis (Allen) Bass, Khristy (Hillis) Santer, Morgan Sutton, Jackey L. and Vicki (Hillis) Ferrell, Kortni and Kaden Ferrell, Clay Thatcher and Evan, all of Sulphur Springs. Dorothy (Hillis) Shields of Lone Oak, Dial D. and Ruby (Hillis) Atkins of Lake Kiowa, Texas. Joe R. Hillis Sr. of Cresswell, Oregon, Justin and Theresa (Marlow) McGregor of Cookville, Texas, Tommy E. and Terri (Rowe) Hillis, Blaine and Elizabeth (Hillis) Gibson, all of Ingleside, Texas, Jose and Cheryl (Wilson) Martinez, Dana and Lana Wilson-Martinez, and friend David, all of Greenville, Bridgette Brazell, Mike and Lei Anne (Yarbrough) McMillon, Alyssa Chandler, and Aven Yarbrough, all of Royse City, Fred & Lennie (Hillis) Sharrow, Paul R. Kepner III, Norman E. and Desiree Kepner, N. Kyle Kepner, Madison and brother, all of Garland, Freddie L. and Neva (Hillis) Yarbrough, of Cedar Hill, Bennie E. and Diana (Davis) Hillis of Scurry, Texas, Jessica (Miranda) Marlow, Hannah and Savannah Marlow of Winfield, David E. and Sherry (Keener) Marlow, Adolfo and Jessica Marlow-Mata, all of Naples, Texas, Jelle and Casey (Beall) Jongsma, Emma Jongsma, all of Winnsboro, Cullum O. and Judy (James) Hillis, Kinnadiee Thatcher, all of Klondike, Cynthia (Hopson) Sadler, of Gladewater, Crystal (Beall) Chalk, Savannah and Rickie L. Chalk III, Olivia and Braeden, all of Big Sandy. Minnie adds, “There may be others who didn’t remember that signing in on the register is very important! Hope everyone remembers to mark their calendars for the 2016 Reunion on June 18-19,2016. It is very important to attend, as there will be a vote [paper] on whether to keep our 2-day reunion, or cut back to 1-day [Saturday]. You may contact Minnie at [email protected] , and mention subject as “reunion”.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
SSISD Board Approves Track Resurface and Personnel Changes
Sulphur Springs School board approved two items on the agenda of a special session conducted Thursday. Approved a proposal from Spectra for a flooring project at Douglas Intermediate School. The second item gave Carter Construction Company the bid to resurface the track at the high school. A track is to be resurfaced every six (6) years and the local track is now seven (7) years old.
PERSONNEL
Resignations
Elizabeth Nicole Johnson Kindergarten Teacher ECLC
Marisol Moreno Campus Secretary SS Elementary
Keasa Bonds PE Teacher/Coach Middle School
Natosha Burns Math Teacher Middle School
Brandi Caddell Math Teacher Middle School
David Morris Business Teacher/Coach High School
New Personnel
Meredith Dial Title I Aide Travis
Jana Keith SpEd Resource Teacher SS Elementary
Miranda Coleman Grade 5 Teacher Douglas
Lindsay Goff Grade 5 Bilingual Teacher Douglas
Bridget Albert SpEd Aide Middle School
Clinton Blazier SpEd Aide Middle School
Deanna Cousin SpEd/Math/Co-Teach Middle School
Dustin Clay Hansford Gifted & Talented Teacher Middle School
Nickie Pannell PE Teacher/Coach Middle School
Connie Ruiz English Teacher Middle School
Lani Williams Grade 6 Math Teacher Middle School
Rojelio Raymond Ayala Business Teacher/Coach High School
Sandra McAndrew Counselor High School
Krystal Davalos DAEP Math Teacher Austin Acad. Center
Personnel Changes
New position/campus Former position/campus
Tye Boatman Transitional 1st/ECLC Grade 1/Bowie
Toni Maddox Grade 1/Travis Transitional 1st/ECLC
Leticia Moreno Receptionist/SS Elementary Title I Aide/Travis
Damarcus Johnson PE Aide/Douglas SpEd Aide/Middle School
Jennifer Virgel SpEd & Co-Teach/High School SpEd
Winn Sentenced to 15 Months in TDJC
Thursday afternoon in 8th Judicial District Court, Daniel Winn, a former Criminal Investigator with the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, was sentenced to day-for-day 15 months in the Texas Department of Corrections. Winn was sentenced based on 7 counts of tampering with evidence which are state jail felonies. Appointed Special Prosecutor Gary Young of Lamar County and the court dropped 7 third degree felony counts.
Winn’s attorney Larry Blount, said, regarding the charges, the deal was reached with the special prosecutor in April.
During Winn’s time with the sheriff’s department, he had worked various cases including specializing in child pornography. Winn had been terminated from employment with the Sheriff’s office at the time of his arrest last year.
Marine Corp League, Boy Scouts Remove Flags
Members of the Hopkins County Detachment of the Marine Corp League assisted Boy Scouts in removing and folding the two giant flags that flew on Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs during the Independence Day Concert June 27th The flags, attached to Alliance Bank, were removed with proper dignity according to Derb Goodman, a member of the Marine Corp League. He said the League is involved in a number of activities with area Boy Scouts.
Sexual Assault of a Child Arrest Made Wednesday
Wednesday afternoon around 4 p.m. Sulphur Springs Police arrested Ryan Glen Mize, 22, for sexual assault of a child, according to Criminal Investigator Bo Fox. The offense was reported to the local police last week and following investigation of information provided by the teen’s parents, a warrant was issued Wednesday. Fox stated the investigation is continuing.
Arraigned Thursday morning, bond for Mize was set at $50.000 by Justice of the Peace B J Teer.
Dumpster Diving Retrieves Credit Cards, ID Taken in Burglaries
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigators along with the assistance of an inmate recovered a number of credit cards and other personal information of local citizens who had been burglarized. It was an instance of dumpster diving in a retail trash container located behind a local outlet mall. The inmate, 18-year old Stephen Charles Gilreath, who reported the location of the stolen identification and credit cards, was given the opportunity to retrieve the items according to Hopkins County Chief Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum. Gilreath and his mother, Nessica Rachaele Hale, 40, were arraigned for theft of firearms and fraudulent use of credit cards July 7th. According to law enforcement, the pair was working together. Their arrest has led to the closing of a recent rash of auto burglaries in the county… and to the recovery of a number of credit cards and items of identification.
PJC, A & M University-Texarkana Partner to Offer Upper Level Courses
Through a new partnership with Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Paris Junior College will offer upper-division education courses on the PJC campus, beginning this fall.
This is the first time A&M-Texarkana has offered courses on the PJC campus.
“Future teachers now have more opportunities at PJC this fall,” said PJC Dean of Communications and Fine Arts Dr. Ken Haley. “We have two upper-level education courses offered on our campus by Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Not only will the partnership provide additional opportunities for our education students and more teachers for area schools, it will allow our students who want to pursue their education degrees at TAMU-Texarkana a chance to save commuting miles.”
“As a native of Lamar County and a graduate of Paris Junior College, I’m thrilled to support the partnership between A&M-Texarkana and PJC,” said Dr. Glenda Ballard, dean of the College of Education and Liberal Arts at A&M-Texarkana.
Courses will include Foundations of Education on Mondays from 5:30-7:45 p.m. and Emergent Literacy Development on Mondays from 5:30-7:45 p.m.
“A&M-Texarkana has a strong teacher education program, and we have prepared many educators in the greater northeast Texas area,” Dr. Ballard said. “We want to partner with PJC to make that degree program as accessible, as affordable, and as relevant as we can make it.”
For more information about bachelor’s degrees offered by A&M-Texarkana, call (903) 434-8357.
About Paris Junior College
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.
About Texas A&M University-Texarkana
As a member of The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University-Texarkana is a comprehensive regional university that provides students with academically challenging, engaging and rewarding educational experiences through quality teaching, scholarship, student support services, co-curricular programming, research and service.
Alabama Blue Bell Trials this Month
Texas, and the rest of the world is one step closer to having Blue Bell Ice Cream back in their lives. Trial runs at the Alabama plant are slated for this month. No one will go on record for a projected in-store date. It will take months to retool each facility, recall furloughed workers and regain lost shelf space at retailers. Public reaction to the treats may be frosty as well. Some believe that Blue Bell did too little too late to address problems such as condensate “dripping directly into ice cream products.”
Click here for the CDC website.
