Hopkins County Genealogical Society Invites the Public to a “Lunch and Learn” Event July 26th
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites members and nonmembers who want to learn more about doing genealogical research to join them on Wednesday, July 26. Bring your sack lunch, salad, or drive-through meal and meet with the Genealogical Society from 12Noon to 1pm at the Genealogy Library, 611 North Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas. Coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
This month during “Lunch and Learn”, Gail Garmon will be presenting the second part in HCGS’s series’ Using Family Search entitled, “Catalog and Images.” The Family Search Catalog is a guide to many kinds of records that contain genealogical information. There are several ways to search the catalog and you may be pleasantly surprised as you find helpful hints along the way. Also, there will be tips for browsing the large Image Collection of Family Search. Please join Gail as she navigates through the two topics, Catalog, and Images. She requests that you bring your laptop.
Utility Financial Assistance Available For Hopkins County Residents
As temperatures rise so do our utility bills. Most customers in Hopkins County either have electric service with Farmers Electric Cooperative or with a Retail Electric Provider (REP) through Oncor. Financial Assistance is available from several outlets regardless of your provider.
Farmers Electric Cooperatvie Customers
For those who use Farmers Electric Cooperative, the company has stated on their website
“At Farmers Electric Cooperative, we understand that unexpected circumstances or expenses may come your way. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we will work with local agencies and charitable organizations that can help you get assistance with payments.
Please notify our office before the termination notice due date listed on your bill to check your eligibility for a payment plan. Our offices are currently closed to public access, but you can use the dropbox located at our drive through windows. Member Care is available by calling 903 455 1715 to help with any issues.”
For help with payment assistance please contact the number below:
- Hopkins County Community Chest 903 885 3452
- Community Services of Northeast Texas 903 919 5056
Oncor Customers using a Retail Electric Provider (REP)
For those who use a REP such as Reliant, TXU, or Cirro Energy on ONCOR lines. Those customers should contact their repsective REP or can utilize the following information provided below from the Texas Public Utlity Counsel. Not all programs listed below are available for all customers.
Click here for a list of all the retail electric providers in Texas: Alphabetical Directory of Retail Electric Providers
UPS Strike To Disrupt Supply Chain
As talks between UPS and the union that represents more than 300,000 delivery drivers break down, a strike this summer is looking more likely. That could impact 25 to 30 percent of parcels and packages shipped in the U.S.
The Teamsters represent 340,000 UPS workers. Should a strike happen, it would be the first since a 15-day walkout by 185,000 workers crippled the company a quarter century ago.
UPS has become a large part of the United States economy. UPS has stated that on average 24.3 million packages were delivered during 2022, totaling roughly 6.2 billion packages by the end of the year.
UPS has stated that they do have contingency plans should staff go on strike after the 31st contract deadline, however disruptions will be substantial.
If UPS workers do decide to strike, and the company’s remaining workforce isn’t able to meet demand, small businesses who rely on UPS could also be left looking for alternative shipping options. But USPS, FedEx and other shipping companies might not be able to ramp up operations quickly enough to keep things moving on time.
UPS has stated it will temporarily begin training nonunion employees in the U.S. to step in, should there be a strike.
Texas A&M President Kathy Banks To Retire Immediately
Chancellor John Sharp today announced Dean Mark A. Welsh III as acting President after Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks submitted a letter late Thursday announcing she would retire immediately.
The announcement comes after the Faculty Senate passed a resolution Wednesday to create a fact-finding committee into the mishandling of the hiring of Dr. Kathleen McElroy, a University of Texas professor, former New York Times journalist and graduate of Texas A&M University, class of 1981.
In June, the university announced the hiring of McElroy to revive the school’s journalism program, but that fell apart as the details of the job offer changed from a position with the possibility of tenure to a one-year professor of practice appointment, with the option to renew.
At the Faculty Senate meeting Wednesday, President Banks denied knowing about the changes in the job offer but took responsibility for a flawed hiring process after a wave of national publicity suggesting McElroy, who has done research on diversity and inclusion, was a victim of “anti-woke” hysteria and outside interference in the faculty hiring process.
Public universities in Texas are in the middle of eliminating offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to comply with recent state legislation.
In her resignation letter to Chancellor Sharp, President Banks wrote, “The recent challenges regarding Dr. McElroy have made it clear to me that I must retire immediately. The negative press is a distraction from the wonderful work being done here.”
Two years ago, Dr. Banks became the 26th President of Texas A&M University after a decade of excellence as Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering at the university. She led efforts for the Texas A&M System to become the only university in Texas to help manage a national weapons lab, the Los Alamos National Laboratory; created EnMed, a program training engineers to become medical doctors; and oversaw dramatic enrollment growth at the nation’s largest engineering school.
Chancellor Sharp thanked Dr. Banks for her years of service and named Welsh as acting president until a national search can find Dr. Banks’ successor.
Welsh, a retired Air Force general, is the Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
President Kathy Banks’ Resignation Letter
Chancellor,
First, thank you for the opportunity to serve at this wonderful university. It has been an honor of a lifetime.
The recent challenges regarding Dr. McElroy have made it clear to me that I must retire immediately. The negative press is a distraction from the wonderful work being done here.
I wish Texas A&M nothing but the best. It has been a privilege to serve under you.
Kathy
Handbag Bingo Sponsors
Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab is bringing smiles and a sleek bag to Designer Handbag Bingo. Stephanie Stephens and Amanda Yarbrough show off the MCM handbag which will be a prize at the annual bingo event hosted by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation.
Everything Unique owners Carrie and Steve Nuckolls can’t wait to see who wins the bag they are sponsoring for the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo. This YSL stunner is sure to make the winner happy!
Sister Babyz owner Maci Fowler loves to sponsor a Louis Vuitton bag for Designer Handbag Bingo. This year, she chose the Speedy with guitar strap modeled by Chandler Bain and Maddy Powell. Who will be carrying this lovely around town after bingo?
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs provides quality health care to our region. They are also providing this quality Valentino Garavani Rockstud bag, in hospital colors, for a bingo winner to take home after the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo. Photographed with the bag are hospital staff Fr. Justin Riley (left) and Paul Harvey (right), joined by Kayla Price of the Foundation.
Jordan’s Place Pediatrics is passionate about child health and community health. To support both, they have chosen to sponsor Designer Handbag Bingo, the proceeds of which will be used to provide support to local health care initiatives. Displaying the Chloe bag Jordan’s Place is sponsoring is Dr. Sherri Barclay (seated), Andrea Alvarez, Stephanie Hawkins, Chandra Oud, and Macy Sims.
WADLEY-HODGES Arrested at Parole Office
July 21, 2023 – CHARLI CIERA WADLEY-HODGES was arrested this week at the Parole Office in Sulphur Springs. She is charged with possession of controlled substance.
Twenty-eight year-old Wadley-Hodges, who lists herself as unemployed, was arrested in 2021 in connection to the murder of Luis Martin Medina. Medina was beaten, stabbed to death and his body burned inside a vehicle. The motive for his murder is believed to be related to non-payment of rent. See that story here.
Wadley-Hodges avoided murder charges in that case and was only charged with one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Bond for Wadley-Hodges is set at $30,000. She is currently charged with:
1 481.112(C) MAN/DEL CS PG 1 >= 1G < 4G
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.
Ongoing Investigation Lands Pair In Jail
July 21, 2023 – Heather Ann Lisenby, aka Michelle Mae Masters, is in Hopkins County Jail facing several charges. Her partner, BERTRAM, SAMUEL AUSTIN of Hopkins County, faces similar charges. They were recently identified in surveillance video at a store in Greenville, TX.
Their arrests center around a stolen GMC, and the use of the victims credit cards and documents.
Both individuals were arrested at a precinct 4 address. Once arrested and read their rights, both allegedly confessed to the charges. Both list themselves as unemployed. Bond for Lisenby is set at $60,000.
They are both charged with:
1 481.115(C) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=1G<4G
1 31.07 UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE
1 31.07 UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE
1 32.51(C)(1) FRAUD USE/POSS IDENTIFYING INFO # OF ITEMS <5
1 31.03(E)(4)(A) THEFT PROP >=$2,500<$30K
This is not the first time Lisenby has been in jail. In 2022 she was arrested in Dallas County and charged with:
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE IAT ( Bond: 0.00 )
EVADING ARREST DET W/VEH ( Bond: 0.00 )
POSS MARIJ <2OZ ( Bond: 0.00 )
In 2010 she was convicted of Forgery. Lisenby was also convicted of possession of methamphetamines’ in 2008.
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.
Paris Junior College Students Get Hands on Training in Various Areas of Study
LAB WORK
Students Laney Hurst and Maicey Burkes work on patient care duties as part of their laboratory work during a recent certified nurse aide class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus.
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.
$2 Billion Dollar Theme Park To Open In Oklahoma
VINITA, Okla. -Today Oklahoma state and local officials joined American Heartland leadership to announce American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, a more than $2 billion entertainment destination development in northeast Oklahoma, just west of Grand Lake on Route 66. The development will be built in phases starting with a large-scale RV park with cabins scheduled to open phase one in spring 2025 and a world-class theme park and resort scheduled to open in 2026. The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will offer a unique visitor experience rivaling the world’s top resort destinations.
“We are thrilled to make Oklahoma the home of American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite said. “At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination. The state’s business-friendly approach and innovative partnership efforts have helped make this possible. We look forward to bringing unforgettable generational experiences to Oklahoma.”
American Heartland will be a 1,000-acre development with a 125-acre theme park, which is comparable to the size of Magic Kingdom® Theme Park and Disneyland® Park. The park will feature an Americana-themed environment with a variety of entertaining rides, live shows, family attractions, waterways as well as restaurant-quality food and beverage offerings.
“Oklahoma is excited to welcome American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” Oklahoma State Rep. Rusty Cornwell said. “Located on historic Route 66 just west of Grand Lake, the development will attract visitors from around the world to experience and celebrate the rich cultures and hometown values America has to offer.”
The adjacent 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, designed by Oklahoma architects ADG Blatt, will be the largest campground in the central U.S. with 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins plus amenities.
“There’s no better place to represent the heart of America than northeast Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom. “This $2 billion investment in our state will create more than 4,000 jobs and introduce a new category of entertainment to the region, and its long-term economic impact will be transformative. Tourism is already one of Oklahoma’s top industries and this project will elevate our state even further. Since tourism is a doorway to economic development, American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will draw new businesses not only to the surrounding area but also throughout the region and state.”
The developer is American Heartland whose leadership has deep Oklahoma roots. American Heartland is an affiliate of Mansion Entertainment Group, LLC, Branson’s leading performing arts, animation and studio brand.
Led by Executive Producer Steve Hedrick, the design team is made up of the world’s best theme park designers including 20+ former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers. Design firms include THG, FORREC and Cuningham, whose portfolios feature the world’s foremost theme park brands including Six Flags, Disney Parks and Universal Studios.
“We are pleased that American Heartland Theme Park and Resort has taken the first step and chosen Oklahoma to build a world-class entertainment destination,” said Hopper Smith, interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “We look forward to assisting with this project as it develops.”
American Heartland Theme Park and Resort is a family-friendly park promising timeless fun and boundless adventure. The 125-acre theme park will feature a collection of six distinctly American lands to welcome guests on a journey through the best of the American story. Families will find thrilling rides and heartwarming shows as they discover Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis.
“American Heartland will be a place families can come together to create lasting memories, experience joy, laughter, imagination and wonder,” American Heartland Founder and Chief Creative Officer Gene Bicknell said. “There is so much to celebrate about our country: its landscapes, its cultures and most importantly, its people. No matter where you’re from, you’ll feel right at home at American Heartland.”
The development will also include a top-tier 300-room hotel and modern indoor water park.
“American Heartland will be an anchor tourist destination on Route 66 set to attract more than two million out-of-state visitors to Oklahoma each year,” Kristy Adams, senior executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mansion Entertainment Group, American Heartland and Three Ponies, said. “The scale and quality of the development will be unlike anything else in the region, making Vinita, Oklahoma a can’t-miss destination for families around the world.”
Learn more at americanheartlandthemepark.com and threeponiesrvparkandcampground.com.
Almost 64,000 Texas Borrowers Will Have Their Federal Loans Forgiven
Almost 64,000 Texas borrowers will have their federal student loans forgiven after a U.S. Department of Education review concluded they qualified for the benefit.
The total amount to be forgiven will be just roughly $3.1 billion, average of $48,500 per borrower.
The move is unrelated to President Joe Biden’s now-defunct student debt forgiveness plan, which was blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court last month. This forgiveness plan only applies to borrowers with federal loans taken more than two decades ago.
The plan states It will affect borrowers whose debts should have been canceled but weren’t due to “past administrative failures,” according to the Department of Education.
Income-driven repayment plans calculate borrowers’ monthly payments based on their annual income to make sure repaying their loans doesn’t represent an undue burden on their finances. Borrowers make monthly payments for 20 to 25 years, depending on the type of loan. After that term, whatever balance remains pending on their loan is forgiven.
All of the borrowers identified in the review — including 63,730 in Texas, the state with the most borrowers benefiting from last week’s announcement — were notified that their debt would be automatically canceled in 30 days.
The department of education has stated that it will continue looking for those who qualify for the debt forgiveness until next year.
All borrowers who would’ve qualified for an income repayment plan and have reached 240 or 300 monthly payments — depending on the type of federal loan they have — will be eligible for forgiveness. To determine eligibility, the Department of Education will take into account every month in which loan payments were made, but also periods of time in which the borrower requested a pause in payments because of economic hardship or illness. Months in which the borrower defaulted on their loan will not be considered toward meeting the forgiveness threshold.
The Department of Education’s review is meant to fix a program that is supposed to benefit mainly low-income borrowers but has yielded few results. Since the first income-driven repayment plan was implemented in 1994, only 157 loans had been forgiven as of 2021, according to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
The Department of Education estimates that borrowers on average would see their total repayments fall by 40% under the SAVE plan. Lower-income borrowers would see a reduction of 83% and, on average, Black, Hispanic and Native American borrowers would have their total lifetime payments cut in half, according to the agency.
