Register For Senior Citizens Center’s 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off By Nov. 23
The deadline to register for the Senior Citizens Center’s 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off is quickly approaching. Although the event is still 2 weeks away, those planning to enter the contest are asked to register as soon as possible.
“I need to know how many would like to participate by Wednesday, Nov 23. They can fill out registration, or just call or email me and I will sign them up,” said Senior Citizen Center Coordinator Dawna M. Pryor.
To register simply submit your name, address, phone number and email to the Senior Citizens Center at 150 MLK in Sulphur Springs, by phone at 903-885-1661 or by email to [email protected].
The Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by Carriage House Manor and the Cottages, will be at noon Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at the Senior Citizens Center. All are invited to enter their best chili or just stop by to sample the entries and have fun fellowshipping.
Investigation Of Companies Denying Parents Access To Children’s Medical Records Expanded
AUSTIN – Attorney General Paxton has announced that he is expanding the scope of his investigation into hospitals and corporations that are denying parents the ability to access the medicals records of their children by issuing a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) to Epic Systems Corporation.
Paxton’s latest efforts began when he announced his investigation of Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System regarding the nature and purported legal basis of the hospital’s published policies that apparently prevent parents from accessing their children’s medical records once their child attains the age of 13.
Further investigation revealed that Epic Systems Corporation, a provider of electronic access to medical records, may have additional information regarding these concerns.
“Too many companies are taking marching orders from the radical left, especially when it comes to their all-out assault on family values and parental rights,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Texas law forbids any hospital or corporate entity from denying parents access to their children’s medical records and we’re going to ensure that the law is followed.”
To read the CID sent to Epic Systems Corporation, click here.
If you are a parent or guardian who has been denied access to your child’s medical records, please contact our Consumer Protection Division by filing a complaint online or calling our Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508.
Representative Slaton Files “Defend The Texas National Guard” Legislation
AUSTIN, TEXAS – This week, Representative Bryan Slaton, HD-2, filed House Bill 184, also known as “Defend the Guard” which, if approved, will protect the Texas National Guard from being deployed into active combat duty in unconstitutional wars. The bill requires that Congress follow Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution and actually declare war, before the Texas National Guard can be sent into harm’s way.
Representative Slaton said the following:
“This legislation is essential to honoring the men and women in the Texas National Guard, their families, and our Constitution. The Constitution clearly requires that Congress actually declare war before our fighting men and women are sent to fight for our country. Congress has failed in their duty in this regard for nearly eighty years. It is time to stand up for and protect our Texas National Guard, and the US Constitution.”
Rep. Slaton filed identical legislation in the 87th legislature, and similar legislation has been filed in over a dozen other States in recent years.
Rep. Slaton further commented, saying, “This is once again a platform item of the Republican party of Texas, but everyone would agree that this is not a Democrat versus Republican issue. This is about honoring the constitution, and protecting our brave Guardsman from being abused by Washington D.C.”
FDA Warns Firms for Selling Illegal E-Cigarettes That Look Like Toys, Food & Cartoon Characters
Companies Must Stop Marketing Unauthorized Products Or Risk Enforcement, According to FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters Nov. 16, 2022, to five firms for the unauthorized marketing of 15 different e-cigarette products. Each e-cigarette product is packaged to look like toys, food, or cartoon characters and is likely to promote use by youth. None of the manufacturers submitted a premarket application for any of the unauthorized products.
The unauthorized products described in the warning letters include e-cigarettes that:
- Are designed to look like toys and youth-appealing electronics like glow sticks, Nintendo Game Boy, and walkie-talkies;
- Feature youth-appealing characters from TV shows, movies, and video game characters, including “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” “Squid Game,” “Rick and Morty,” “Minions,” and “Baby Bus;” or
- Imitate foods like popsicles.
“The designs of these products are an utterly flagrant attempt to target kids,” said Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “It’s a hard sell to suggest that adults using e-cigarettes with the goal of quitting smoking need a cartoon character emblazoned across the front of the product in order to do so successfully.”
The FDA issued warning letters to:
- Wizman Limited doing business as Wizvapor
- Shenzhen Fumot Technology Co., Ltd. doing business as R and M Vapes
- Shenzhen Quawins Technology Co., Ltd.
- Ruthless Vapor
- Moti Global
The warning letters notify the recipients that e-cigarettes without a marketing authorization order are adulterated and misbranded, and that selling or distributing these products to consumers in the U.S. is prohibited under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. Failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as an injunction, seizure and/or civil money penalties. In addition, products that appear to be misbranded or adulterated that are offered for import into the U.S. are at risk of being detained or refused admission. Retailers and distributors should communicate with their suppliers to discuss possible options for the unauthorized products in their inventory.
“The FDA is committed to keeping tobacco products out of the hands of our nation’s youth,” said Dr. King. “The agency will continue to hold companies accountable for illegally selling e-cigarettes, particularly those that shamelessly target youth.”
Today’s warning letters mark another step in the FDA’s continued efforts to remove illegally marketed tobacco products from the market. Through Oct. 28, the FDA has issued more than 440 warning letters to firms marketing illegal e-cigarettes containing tobacco-derived nicotine, and more than 60 warning letters to firms marketing illegal products containing non-tobacco nicotine. On Oct. 18, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), on behalf of the FDA, filed complaints for permanent injunctions in federal district courts against six e-cigarette manufacturers who failed to submit premarket applications for their e-cigarette products and continued to illegally manufacture, sell, and distribute their products, despite previous warnings from the FDA that they were in violation of the law.
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
Student Registering at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
Elizabeth Joslin, a Student Success Coach and Financial Aid Advisor at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus, helps student Ty Self of Sulphur Springs register for classes at the 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.
CMF-SS Volunteer Auxiliary Honors Their Own
Sulphur Springs, Texas – An important part of the quality care offered at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs is the long-serving Volunteer Auxiliary. These men and women donate their time to greet, direct, and assist patients and visitors. They are easily identified by their striking purple jackets, usually over an all-white outfit.
In addition, they run the gift shop which offers snacks, gifts, and fresh flowers. Each volunteer has assigned duties and regular office hours. It is a job, just without the pay.
Due to the close-knit nature of the Auxiliary, they do the things that families do, such as holding a Thanksgiving lunch to celebrate the season. They also like to pay tribute to any members who have passed away during the year.
As a means of celebrating the lives of the five recently deceased Auxiliary members, they have donated $1,250 to the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation. A plaque featuring the names of the honored members will be erected in the Gardens at Memorial in their memory.
Those being memorialized are Nelda Head, Vera Skaggs, Gaylon Odell, Barbara Dunavin, and Kellene Dawson.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying to volunteer with the Auxiliary, please call Sherry Moore at 903-439-4062.
To donate or to learn more about the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, contact Kayla Price at 903-438-4799.
Texas DMV Announces Upcoming Deployment Of Redesigned Temporary Tags
Enhanced Security and Data Enhancements Would Further Reduce Fraudulent Tag Use
(AUSTIN, Texas – November 17, 2022) Texas temporary tags are getting a major design overhaul. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is introducing a new look for tags that are issued by licensed Texas motor vehicle dealers. This is the next step in ongoing efforts that have made a significant difference in curtailing and preventing the fraudulent production of, access to, and use of temporary tags.
Continued collaboration with law enforcement identified the opportunity to further reduce fraud related to counterfeit tags. Counterfeit tags are produced by criminals using various tools outside TxDMV systems. The department has spent the last several months redesigning the look and embedded security features of official temporary tags.
“With the support of our law enforcement partners, The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is setting a new standard for temporary tag security and design,” said TxDMV Executive Director Daniel Avitia.
Licensed dealers will begin issuing the redesigned temporary tags on December 9, 2022. The new tags are more complex and secure than existing tags and include additional data and security features to facilitate law enforcement identification of counterfeit tags and increase the safety of traffic stops.
Features of the New Tag Design
Note: For security purposes, not all features are included or fully described in this list.
- Texas flag watermark.
- Enhanced depiction of tag expiration date, vehicle year and make, and name of issuing dealer.
- Identification of the specific type of tag issued.
- Font selection and size that maximize readability of primary components.
- Active and passive security features identifiable by law enforcement.
- Numerous pieces of embedded data and text, linked to law enforcement databases, that can be created only by internal TxDMV computer systems.
Prior Changes to Temporary Tags
Since the end of the 87th Legislative Session, TxDMV has taken action to prevent the improper use of temporary tags. Implementation of House Bill 3927 allowed the department to place limits on the number of tags licensed Texas dealers can create. The bill also provided TxDMV authority to immediately deny access to the temporary tag system when fraudulent activity is identified.
The department complimented these statutory changes with numerous operational enhancements, including:
- Simplified coordination with law enforcement.
- Expanded access to data by law enforcement.
- Additional data validation prior to issuance of temporary tags and timed permits.
- Additional automatic checks on vehicle identification numbers.
- Enhanced licensing review standards.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background checks on dealer license applicants.
These actions have been highly effective in reducing fraudulent temporary tag activity. More information on these activities can be found on the department’s website at www.TxDMV.gov/temporarytags.
Yantis Masonic Lodge Turkey Shoot Planned This Weekend
Yantis Masonic Lodge # 382 will host a Turkey Shoot this Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, with chances for people to win a turkey. This is the Lodge’s main annual fundraiser, which helps support Lodge operations.
The Turkey Shoot begins at 9:30 a.m., with shooting beginning around 10 a.m. and continuing until people quit shooting — usually around 4 p.m. There will be three shooting events consisting of trap/skeet clay shotgun shooting, .22 rifle target shooting, and pistol target shooting. Best out of five shots wins or the vent goes until a tie is broken. The Lodge plans to start out with 45 turkeys to be won.
Rifle and shotgun shells will be furnished. Bring your own pistol and shells for it. A .22 LR rifle will be furnished, otherwise bring your own.
Concessions will be offered on site for purchase, so bring your pocketbook so you can partake of the food and refreshments.
The Yantis Masons will serve chili, hot dogs, soft drinks at the concession area.
To get there, just look for the Stephens Red Barn; in Yantis, take FM 2966 east for 1.3 miles; take a right on County Road 1840. Continue for about 0.6 of a mile. Event will be on the left.
8 Personnel Changes Approved For Sulphur Springs ISD
Eight personnel changes were approved for Sulphur Springs ISD by district trustees at the regular November school board meeting this week.
Four staff members, three teachers and an aide on three campuses submitted resignations. One replacement has been approved, and one hired to fill a new position. One aide also will be transferring to another campus.
Sulphur Springs High School lost health science teacher Lacie Stracener on Nov. 1 and Dec. 16 will be CTE teacher Heath Robinson’s last day with the district.
Glennis Shannon Welch was approved to fill Stracener’s position at high school beginning Dec. 7, 2022. A substitute will serve as the HST teacher until Welch begins her duties next month.
No replacement has been hired yet to fill Robinson’s position; a substitute will fill the role until someone is found and approved to fill the CTE position full-time, according to school officials.
Karla Burnett also resigned as a third grade English language arts and reading teacher at Johnson Primary, effective Nov. 1, 2022. Campus staff are currently covering that class. Johnson Primary will be gaining a special education aide; Sarah Pence is moving from SSHS to Johnson Primary, where she will continue to serve as a special education aide.
Bowie Primary is losing a Title 1 aide; Gabriela Lopez resigned effective on Nov. 18, 2022, to accept a new job. All other resignations were reported to be for personal reasons.
Leah Redding was approved to join the staff at Barbara Bush Primary, where she will serve as a special education aide, a new position at SSISD. Redding’s start date was not noted in school reports from the Nov. 14, 2022 meeting.
Other business
Also during the Nov. 14, 2022 SSISD Board of Trustees meeting:
- The results of the Nov. 8, 2022 special school board election were canvassed. Proposition A was voted down by voters by less than 100 votes — 3,901 SSISD residents voted against (50.6%) and 3,809 voted (49.4%) in favor of the bond proposal. Proposition A would have authorized trustees to take out up to $81.5 million in bond funding to construct a new elementary school and facilities improvements throughout the district, as well as several new buses to replace those in the aging SSISD fleet.
- Craig Toney reported on the Educational Performance of Bilingual/ESL Program for the 2021-2022 school year during Monday’s regular November SSISD Board meeting.
- And, trustees received copies of the October 2022 Head Start Director’s Report, Policy Council Minutes and Financial Report.
- The consent agenda, including the Tax Credits and Supplements, Delinquent Tax Collections; and Financial Statements and Bills Payable for October 2022 were approved.
Peppa Pig Adventure Ticket Contest
Peppa Pig Adventure is coming to Dallas on Monday December 26, 2022 6:00 PM. KSST has secured a few tickets to give away. Little piggies everywhere will love celebrating the season with this 60-minute live musical experience!
Here’s how you can enter to win.
- Download and a print an official Peppa Pig coloring sheet from nickelodeonparents.
- Color one sheet in your own style.
- Make sure your first name and age is on the front of the sheet.
- Have your parent or guardian put their name on the back. Also include an email so we can contact the winners.
- Drop your creation by the KSST Studios at 717 Shannon Rd East. Bring it inside or leave it in the mailbox on the front door.
- Entries will be accepted until 12:00 pm November 28th, 2022.
Here are the valid entries so far:
Rules and Information:
The passes must NOT be resold!
Unclaimed passes will be dispersed by KSST.
Employees of KSST/KRVA can’t win.
Winner’s names and picture will be posted on Facebook.
