2 Travis Faculty Members Recognized as Gomez & Gomez 2022 Dual Language Exemplary Teachers
Two members of the faculty at Travis Primary have been recognized as Gomez & Gomez 2022 Dual Language Exemplary Teachers, Sulphur Springs ISD ESL Director Craig Toney announced at the December school board meeting.
Both Lidia Mejia and Ana Karen Miranda received the distinguished honor after a recent evaluation of the program, which uses the research-based Gomez and Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model. The DLE program teaches students to become literate in Spanish and English through language arts and reading instruction of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum. Students are also taught science and social studies in Spanish and mathematics in English. Families must prepare for a minimum six-year commitment to the program.
The program was created by Richard Gomez, who along with an associate spends two days on the campus evaluating school’s implementation of the program at all schools using the Gomez and Gomez Model across 38 states. The evaluation included walk-throughs which test students’ proficiency, and the fidelity and strength of the program — how kids, staff and campuses are doing.
“He gives out Exemplary Teacher Awards for teachers that earn it, and it is very, very difficult to earn an Exemplary Teacher in a dual language program. He walks in with a clipboard with a checklist on this side and a checklist on that side,” Toney said. “You don’t get Exemplary Teacher unless everything is there — classroom components, writing samples that are done in every subject every days, their whole following hte lesson plans cycle — just hte fidelity of the program. So to get an honor to where you are recognized as an Exemplary Teacher when he comes to visit is a major accomplishment. This year as a dual language program we are so happy to have two teachers who hit it for the first time this year. That is definitely worth celebrating so we are very excited for these two ladies,” Toney explained.
Lidia Mejia and Ana Karen Miranda were recognized at the Dec. 12, 2022 SSISD Board meeting with certificates, presented by SSISD Board Of Trustees President Craig Roberts for attaining Exemplary Teacher honors from Gomez.
Students’ writing and teachers’ efforts helping them through the writing process was what captured the evaluators’ attention most, said Toney
Mejia is a kindergarten teacher who “does a fantastic job” setting students up for success, better enabling them to write 1/3-1/2 a page each, in both English and Spanish, according to Toney. The amazing writing by the students was cited in Mejia’s evaluation, Toney noted.
Karen Miranda has the challenge of teaching third grade, which includes preparing students for STAAR testing.
“She continues to not just help our kids perform academically — that’s the challenge of a dual language program is we’re not just trying to get these kids to be successfully academically, but they are also learning a second language throughout the whole process. For her to be able to do all of that and be an Exemplary Teacher in our Dual Language Program ,” Toney noted.
Toney said the ladies’ achievement would not be possible without their campus leadership, and recognized Principal Michelle Wallace. He also noted that Miranda was previously the student of one of the teachers present, making Miranda a Sulphur Springs graduate who is “representing Sulphur Springs very well.”
“These ladies are doing fantastic work,” Toney added. “Major accomplishments. I cannot emphasize that enough. These two ladies are amazing. They’ve done a great job.”
Blood Drive Rescheduled Due To Weather
Due to record low temperatures, the Carter BloodCare had to cancel the blood drive slated at the hospital Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. The bus was unable to maintain the correct temperature range needed to collect the blood donations to help bolster area blood supplies through the holidays.. The blood drive has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, December 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Carter BloodCare has been holding on strong to maintain a safe supply entering the holiday season. However, with high schools out and donors traveling, it will be difficult to maintain the supply if donors do not give blood over these next couple of weeks. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs asks those in Sulphur Springs on Dec. 28 who are able to please consider stopping by the Carter BloodCare bus to donate blood in the front hospital parking lot to ensure area medical facilities have the blood supplies needed.
To schedule an appointment, call 800-366-2834 or go to https://ww2.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/136519, or stop by during the drive.
Kansas Pair Jailed On Controlled Substance Charge
Campbell Man Arrested In Court On Controlled Substance Warrant
A Kansas pair was jailed this week on one controlled substance charge each, after deputies found approximately 12 grams of the substance in their vehicle during a traffic stop. That same day, a Campbell, Texas man was arrested in court on a controlled substance warrant.
South Broadway Street Traffic Stop
At 4:40 a.m. Dec. 20, 2022, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Drew Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward responded to a complaint of a reckless driver in the area of South Broadway Street at Industrial Drive. Fisher reported seeing a blue PT Cruiser speeding; it also matched the description of the vehicle reported as being driven recklessly. Fisher initiate at traffic stop in a parking lot just north of the South Broadway Street overpass.
As he approached the Chrysler to make contact with the driver, Fisher reported a strong marijuana odor emitted from the car. He had both the driver, identified in arrest reports as Zachary Lee Kirkland, and the passenger, Andria Maysen Bailey, exit the car so he could search it. The 29-year-old Garnett, Kansas man allegedly had a marijuana cigarette tucked inside his jacket sleeve.
During the vehicle search, Fisher reported finding an additional marijuana cigarette and a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. The glove box of the car was reported to be locked and deputies were unable to find a key, so they forced entry, Fisher noted in arrest reports. In the glove box, they found a a plastic sandwich bag with a crystal-like substance the deputies suspected was methamphetamine and another bag with a green, leafy substance they believed to be marijuana.
As a result, both Kirkland and the 19-year-old Garnett, Kansas woman were arrested at 5:07 a.m. Tuesday and transported to Hopkins County jail. There, they learned Kirkland had the key to the glovebox on him. The crystal-like substance field-tested [positive for methamphetamine and weighed 11.988 grams, Fisher and Steward alleged in arrest reports. Both Kirkland and Andria Maysen Bailey were booked into Hopkins County jail around 6:37 a.m. Dec. 20, 2020, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Both remained in the county jail Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, in lieu of $30,000 each on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Courthouse Arrest
HCSO Deputy Isaac Foley took Bobby Dwane Tice into custody at 4:32 p.m. Dec. 20, 2022, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom and escorted him to the county jail. Tice was booked in at 11:07 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. The offense is alleged to have occurred Friday, March 25, 2022, the deputies noted in arrest reports.
The 60-year-old Campbell man remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, on the charge. Bond amount was not specified in arrest reports.
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.
Zoning Board Considers Request To Subdivide A Carter Street Property, Which Requires A Variance
Sulphur Springs Zoning Board of Adjustments during the regular December meeting considered a Carter Street property subdivision variance request.
The applicant, Dave McIlrath of McIlrath Properties of Greenville asked for a variance for lot sizes for 407 Carter Street in Sulphur Springs. The developer plans to split the lot into two lots to build brick homes on the lots, which are more than 5,500 square feet in size. That’s roughly 496 square feet smaller than the 6,000-square foot requirement for single family development lots.
According to Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski, “the purpose of the lot size requirements are to establish aesthetic character in districts and to prevent the overcrowding of land. The applicant has indicated that it would not be an issue to meet the dimensional setbacks for the building envelope.”
The net square footage for lot would be 5,523 square feet and the other would be 5,504 square feet. The frontage for each lot, as proposed would be 51.72-feet, according to the proposal submitted by McIlrath. Three photos of new homes the developer has built in the surrounding areas were submitted with the request and information from McIlrath to city officials.
City staff mailed notices to nearby property owners of Tuesday evening’s ZBA meeting during which the variance request was considered. The city received only one response to those letters, an individual undecided regarding the proposal. The response indicated concern that a change in the city guidelines would affect property values around it. A desire was expressed for more information regarding exactly what the developer was proposing for the property, whether it would include duplexes or triplexes.
The lot is zoned multifamily, but as proposed would be developed as single family properties with single family homes on them.
Nicole Harrison, whose family has property in the area, expressed concern for the new homes being constructed in existing areas, homes valued considerably higher than those around it, which in turn are likely to raise those values, making it very difficult for senior citizens living nearby to pay their taxes. That in turn forces them to relocate to a nursing facility or with a family member, losing some of their independence and the invaluable stability, lessons and heritage they bring to the neighborhood. While she applauded the city in wanting to improve things, financial improvements can’t replace the value the residents no longer able to remain in their homes lend to the neighborhoods, bringing other negative issues. She said she does not feel it is right to force older residents out.
“I think it’s sad. Even though you say money is money, all money is not good money,” she said.
Neiwiadomski said city staff recommended granting approval for the property to be platted into two lots with equal frontage to best comply with the zoning ordinance for the two existing lots.
The Zoning Board of Adjustments member James Litzler made a motion to approve the request to subdivide the property requiring a variance to the lot size dimensions for property located at 407 Carter St.
Board member Kevin Mohl seconded the motion, which passed on a 4-1 vote, with Gary Clem casting the dissenting vote.
FDA Approves New HIV Drug For Adults With Limited Treatment Options
Today (Dec. 22, 2022), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Sunlenca (lenacapavir), a new type of antiretroviral medication for adult patients living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), whose HIV infections cannot be successfully treated with other available treatments due to resistance, intolerance, or safety considerations. After the starting dose is completed, Sunlenca is administered as subcutaneous (under the skin) injections once every six months, allowing convenient dosing for patients.
“Today’s approval ushers in a new class of antiretroviral drugs that may help patients with HIV who have run out of treatment options,” said Debra Birnkrant, M.D., director of the Division of Antivirals in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The availability of new classes of antiretroviral medications may possibly help these patients live longer, healthier lives.”
Sunlenca is the first of a new class of drugs called capsid inhibitors to be FDA-approved for treating HIV-1. Sunlenca works by blocking the HIV-1 virus’ protein shell (the capsid), thereby interfering with multiple essential steps of the viral lifecycle. Sunlenca’s starting dose is given as oral tablets and subcutaneous injections, followed by maintenance injections every six months; Sunlenca is given in combination with other antiretroviral(s).
The safety and efficacy of Sunlenca were established through a multicenter clinical trial with 72 patients whose HIV infections were resistant to multiple classes of HIV medications. These patients had to have high levels of virus in their blood despite being on antiretroviral drugs. Patients were enrolled into one of two study groups. One group was randomized to receive either Sunlenca or placebo in a double-blind fashion, and the other group received open-label Sunlenca. The primary measure of efficacy was the proportion of patients in the randomized study group who achieved a certain level of reduction in virus during the initial 14 days compared to baseline. In this group, 87.5% of patients who received Sunlenca achieved such a decrease in virus compared to 16.7% of patients who received a placebo. After 26 weeks of Sunlenca plus other antiretrovial drugs, 81% of participants in the first group achieved HIV RNA suppression, where levels of HIV were low enough to be considered undetectable. After 52 weeks, 83% of participants continued to have HIV RNA suppression.
The most common adverse reactions with Sunlenca were injection site reactions and nausea. Most injection site reactions were described as swelling, pain or redness. Sunlenca comes with certain warnings and precautions. Injection site reactions described as nodules or indurations may be persistent in some patients. Additional warnings and precautions include the risk of developing immune reconstitution syndrome, which is when the immune system overreacts after starting HIV treatment. Also, small (residual) amounts of Sunlenca can remain in the body for up to a year or longer; low levels of drug caused by missing doses of Sunlenca or failing to maintain a fully suppressive HIV treatment regimen after stopping Sunlenca could lead to an increased risk of developing viral resistance. Residual amounts of Sunlenca could also lead to potential drug interactions.
Patients should not receive Sunlenca if they also take certain drugs that cause reduced levels of Sunlenca. This may result in losing virologic response and developing viral resistance.
The FDA granted Sunlenca Priority Review, Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations for this indication.
The FDA granted the approval of Sunlenca to Gilead Sciences.
Related Information
Texas Electric Grid: Senator Bob Hall Files Legislation to Address Resiliency, Reliability Of The State Electric Grid
Today (Dec. 21, 2022), District 2 Senator Bob Hall filed Senate Bill 330 to address the resiliency and reliability of the Texas electric grid.
Senator Hall has advocated for strengthening the resiliency of the grid and implementing measures to harden the grid against both natural and man-made threats each session since he was first elected to office.
As seen during Winter Storm Uri, Texas’ electrical grid is vulnerable. The natural threat of the winter storm took the lives of over 200 people, had both direct and indirect economic impacts totaling more than $130 billion, and placed the state-wide grid to within four minutes of failure, which likely would have meant weeks or even months without electricity as the grid was “restarted.”
In addition to the natural threats of severe weather, earthquakes, hurricanes, and geomagnetic disturbances (GMD), the energy grid faces threats from cyber-attacks, terrorist attacks, and electromagnetic pulses (EMP).
“Electricity is the second most important thing to sustaining life in our modern society, behind only air. While some may say water is the second most important for human life, without electricity, our water supply would not work for most people,” says Senator Hall. “It is time that Texas take a serious look at these vulnerabilities and take steps to protect Texans from another widespread outage.”
“The bill we filed today will create the Texas Electric Grid Security Commission which will be charged with evaluating the vulnerabilities to the grid and critical infrastructure and developing standards that will mitigate these threats,” Hall continued. “This bill has wide bipartisan support, with fourteen senators signing on as co-authors.”
The standards the commission implements will need to address the risks of both natural and man-made threats to Texas’ grid and critical infrastructure.
“We must harden our infrastructure to ensure that we are protected against another widespread grid failure and that, in the inevitable event of another storm like Uri, our communities must not lose access to basic living necessities, safe drinking water, financial institutions, food, and transportation, and can return to normalcy as quickly as possible,” said Hall.
Given the increased focus on energy reliability and the more recent near-total grid collapse, Hall hopes this legislative session may be the one that this topic finally gets the attention needed to address it.
Bob Hall is a Citadel graduate, an electrical engineer, a military veteran, and is currently ranked the most conservative State Senator in Texas. Bob and his wife, Kay, live in Van Zandt County and are members of Lakeside Baptist Church. Senator Hall represents Texas Senate District 2, which currently encompasses Fannin, Delta, Hunt, Hopkins, Rains, Rockwall, Kaufman, Van Zandt, and part of Dallas County
Annona Woman Jailed On Federal Warrant
A 40-year-old Annona, Texas woman was jailed Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 20, 2022, on a federal warrant, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Lt. Mark Estes took Crystal McLin Lipe into custody at 2 p.m. Dec. 20, 2022, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom on a federal warrant for tampering with a consumer product.
According to arrest reports, the 40-year-old Annona, Texas (a town located southeast of Clarksville in Red River County) woman was investigated by the Federal Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation resulted in in federal warrant being issued for the tampering with a consumer product charge, Estes noted in arrest reports.
Texas Penal Code Title 5, Chapter 22, Section 22.09 defines tampering with consumer product as follows:
Lipe was taken into custody in district court and transported to the county jail, where she will be held until federal officials can transport her to a Sherman facility, according to arrest reports.
Trespassing Teen Accused Of Obstruction, Resisting Arrest
A trespassing teen was accused of obstruction and resisting arrest Tuesday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Robble Acosta reported contacting a 19-year-old at 4:41 p.m. Dec. 20, 2022, at a Texas Street address, a location the officer was aware the youth had previously been issued a criminal trespass warning, prohibiting him from being on the property.
After being placed under arrest and into handcuffs, Jordan Terrell Givens began using force against the officer in what Acosta believed to be an attempt to obstruct the arrest. He also allegedly threatened to commit an act of violence toward the officer, a public servant, the officer alleged in arrest reports.
As a result, Acosta transported Givens to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 7:24 p.m. Tuesday on obstruction or retaliation, resisting arrest and criminal trespass charges, according to arrest reports. The teen remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, in lieu of $105,000 bond — $75,000 on the third-degree felony obstruction/retaliation charge, $20,000 on the Class A misdemeanor resisting charge and $10,000 on the Class B misdemeanor trespassing charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
2022 In Review: 4-H Agricultural Plan — Hopkins County
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Hopkins County Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, [email protected]
RELEVANCE
4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources projects are an important component of the county 4-H program in Texas. Currently, 63% of Texas 4-H members are enrolled in a livestock project. These projects provide youth with subject matter education, as well as valuable learning experiences , character education and leadership skills critical for youth.
RESPONSE
Adult volunteer engagement is critical to administer the program and expand the outreach . As today youth are further removed from farming, many do not understand the importance of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives . This plan included a path to the plate program component as a stand alone educational event (1,231 attendees). The plan also included monthly veterinary science sessions using a directional specific curriculum intended to provide education to achieve Veterinary Assistant Certification. The objective of the plan was to provide 4-H members with excellent learning opportunities within the ANR project areas . This plan utilized a 4-H Livestock Project Coalition to provide direction and support for the programs and events conducted.
The following activities were implemented during 2021-2022:
- Livestock Clinics (beef, poultry, swine, goat/lamb) (October-January).
- 12 Veterinary Sessions (Monthly).
- Ag in the classroom (4 sessions, 1,231 participants).
- Livestock County Show (Feb, 2022).
- Dairy Livestock Show (June, 2022).
- Participation in all major livestock shows.
- Validation of steers, heifers, goats, lambs, swine and broilers.
- 42 home project visits.
- 25 Press release related to Livestock Youth Projects.
Evaluation Strategy
Retrospective post evaluation surveys were utilized to measure knowledge gain and adoptions of best practices for the evaluated
programs.
- 100% (76/76) responded to the evaluation instrument (Path to the Plate Expo).
RESULTS
2022 Ag in the Classroom
- 80% (61/76) indicated a better understanding of the path food production takes to get to our plate.
- 70% (53/76) Indicated a better understanding of the way farmers and ranchers produce the food that we eat.
- 78% (59/76) indicated a better understanding of the connection between agriculture and health.
- 82% (62/76) learned the value of agriculture in daily life.
- 83% (63/76) learned the importance of eating a healthy diet and a variety of food.
Extension programs of Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas.
Chamber Connection — Dec 21, 2022: Sock Drive, Breakfast With Santa On Tap; Holiday Ornaments Still Available
Nominations For Annual Chambers Awards, Submissions For Chamber Directory Are Currently Being Accepted
Butch, Amanda and Jaci at the Chamber of Commerce wish everyone a happy Christmas and a wonderful new year! Count your blessings during this season and embrace your loved ones.
Christmas Activities
- Doerksen Hospice is hosting a sock drive benefitting our area oncology clinics, dialysis centers, and nursing homes. They will accepting the socks through the month of December. Drop off locations will be their office at 1304 Church St. and the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Center on MLK.
- The Salvation Army will be hosting Breakfast with Santa on Thursday, December 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at The ROC Contact Dihn at 214-709-3523 with any questions.
Nominations
As 2022 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year — Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Hopkins County Ornaments
If you’re looking for a special gift, come see us at the Chamber for our annual Christmas tree ornament.
For the fifth year, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce has commissioned a Christmas ornament, and this year it celebrates Heritage Park!
The cost is $40. If you would like to purchase one, drop by our office at 110 Main St. by 4 p.m. Thursday. We will be closed Friday for Christmas.
Directories
Work has started on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
