2 Opioid Settlement Agreements Announced This Week
A bipartisan group of attorneys general announced agreements in principle have been reached to address the opioid crisis, one with former opioid maker Allergan and another with opioid maker Teva. Once finalized, the combined Allergan and Teva settlements would provide as much as $6.6 billion nationwide. Both settlements remain contingent on resolution of key issues regarding the settlement structure. The parties are also negotiating terms requiring reformed business practices and increased transparency, the news release from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxon stated.
One agreement calls for Allergan to pay up to to $2.37 billion and for Teva to provide up to $4.25 billion to participating states and local governments. Hopkins County was among many who in years past collaborated to file lawsuits against opioid-producing companies. Hopkins County has, in the past, been designated to benefit from opioid settlements awarded to Texas. Funds awarded to state and local governments are to be used to address the opioid crisis, including prevention and treatment resources.
Teva
According to the 4 p.m. news release, critical details of the settlement are ongoing, Teva disclosed the key financial terms in its earnings announcement. Texas previously entered into a deal with Teva that included a provision that allows the state to benefit if those terms are more favorable.
“This settlement is a major win, and a step closer to helping people overcome opioid addiction,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Pharmaceutical companies like Teva must be held accountable for their role in this devastating epidemic. We expect this settlement to make a crucial difference in preventing fatal overdoses and treating opioid addiction disorder.”
Teva, an Israel-based drug manufacturer, makes Actiq and Fentora, which are branded as fentanyl products for cancer pain, and several generic opioids like oxycodone.
The states alleged that Teva promoted potent, rapid-onset fentanyl products for use by non-cancer patients, deceptively marketed opioids by overstating their benefits and downplaying the risk of addiction and failed to comply with suspicious order monitoring requirements.
The parties have agreed to the following financial terms, the release states:
- Teva will pay a maximum of $4.25 billion in cash over 13 years. This figure includes amounts Teva has already agreed to pay under settlements with individual States, funds for participating States and subdivisions, and the $240 million of cash in lieu of product described below;
- As part of the financial terms, Teva will provide up to $1.2 billion in generic naloxone over a 10-year period or $240 million of cash in lieu of product, as each State may elect. Naloxone is used to counteract overdoses; and
- The settlement will build on the existing framework that states and subdivisions have created through other recent opioid settlements.
A final settlement remains contingent on reaching agreement to change certain business practices and to meet transparency requirements going forward.
Allergan
Ireland-based Allergan formerly made Norco, Kadian-branded, and generic opioids. The company sold its generics portfolio to Teva in 2016. Earlier this week, Teva and the coalition of attorneys general announced an agreement in principle to a settlement valued at $4.25 billion.
The coalition of states alleged that Allergan:
- Deceptively marketed opioids by overstating their benefits and downplaying the risk of addiction, and by encouraging doctors to prescribe more opioids to treat patients showing signs of addiction; and
- Failed to maintain effective controls to prevent diversion of opioids.
“I am proud to announce a major win for Texas with our settlement with Allergan,” Paxton said. “I will continue to hold opioid manufacturers responsible for deceiving patients and the medical community, while ensuring that victims of this tragic epidemic receive the assistance they need.”
The $2.37 billion figure includes money that Allergan has already agreed to pay under settlements with individual States.
The negotiations are being led by Texas, California, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin. While New York was among the 13 States integral to negotiating this settlement, New York settled separately with Allergan in December 2021.
5 Booked Into County Jail On Violation Of Probation Warrants And 1 On A Parole Warrant
At leave five people were booked into Hopkins County jail July 25-28, 2022, on violation of probation warrants and a Longview man on a parole warrant, according to jail and arrest reports.
Violation Of Probation – Simulated Controlled Substance Charge
Evan Clay Chapin was booked into Hopkins County jail Wednesday, July 27, 2022, on a warrant for violation of probation which he was on for an unlawful delivery or manufacture with intent to present as a simulated controlled substance, according to jail reports.
The 30-year-old Commerce man was first arrested on the controlled substance charge on Aug. 31, 2020, after his attempt and that of another Commerce resident to sell pills for some quick cash ended up with the pair inadvertently contacting Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum. Tatum alerted his deputies about the men offering to sell hydrocodone pills for $5 each. Sheriff’s officers arranged to meet up with Chapin on State Highway 11 west at FM 275. When they spotted the described vehicle, the HCSO officers initiated a felony takedown. They found what appeared to be a bundle of not hydrocodone but over-the-counter ibuprofen pills. He allegedly admitted to trying to pass off the nonprescription pills as false narcotic, resulting in his arrest as well as that of the other man with him. Chapin was released later that day on a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
McCarty was returned to Hopkins County jail a second time on Jan. 13, 2022, for bond forfeiture on that charge, as well as two expired registration and one failure to maintain financial responsibility warrants. He was released Jan. 31, 2022, from jail on the new $10,000 bond set on the charge, according to jail reports.
The 30-year-old Commerce man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, July 29, 2022, on the probation warrant. His new bond on the charge was set at $50,000, according to jail reports.
Probation Violation – DWI
A 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed July 27, 2022, on a Leon County warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a second offense driving while intoxicated charge, according to jail records. He remained in Hopkins County jail until Friday, July 29, 2022, on the misdemeanor charge. His bond was set at $3,000, according to jail and sheriff’s office reports.
Probation Violation – Controlled Substance
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro reported stopping the driver of a Jeep Liberty 11:57 a.m. June 25, 2022, for committing a traffic violation on Helm Lane. A records check showed Dajia Sammyia Dellas Goodlow to be wanted in Titus County on a warrant for violation of probation, which she is reported to be on for violating probation on a possession of 1-4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
The 25-year-old Sulphur Springs woman, who is also known by Dajia Samya Williams, taken into custody on the warrant and jailed. She was released July 26, 2022, from Hopkins County jail. Her bond was set at $20,000 on the Titus County Charge, according to jail reports.
Probation Violation – Controlled Substance
Robert Charles Mathews was jailed July 27, 2022, on a violation of probation warrant. He was held in Hopkins County jail Friday, July 29, 2022.
Wednesday was the second time Mathews has been jailed for violating probation, which he was on for a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. He was also jailed March 6-May 28, 20219 for violation probation, according to jail records. Mathews was first arrested on May 15, 2017 on the controlled substance charge, as well as drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence charge, according to jail records. The 38-year-old Winnsboro man was released from the county jail later May 15, 2017 on a $10,000 bond on the tampering charge and a $5,000 bond on the paraphernalia charge, according to jai reports.
Probation Violation – Controlled Substance
(HCSO jail photo)
Margaret Leah Rodenbough was booked into Hopkins County jail July 27, 2022, on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. She was held in Hopkins County jail Friday, July 29, 2022, on the charge.
The 36-year-old Kaufman woman was originally arrested on April 21, 2016, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge; she was released on April 23, 2016, on a $5,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Parole Violation
David Glenn Self was booked into Hopkins County jail on July 27, 2022, on a warrant for violation of parole. He was held on in the county jail Friday, July 29, 2022, on the warrant, according to jail reports.
Wednesday was the second time the 41-year-old Longview man has been booked into Hopkins County jail for violating parole. Self also spent May 30, 2019 to July 27, 2020 in Hopkins County jail on an Austin parole warrant, as well as two controlled substance charges, according to jail records.
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.
Quinlan Woman, Commerce Man Jailed On Possession Charges
A Quinlan woman and a Commerce were jailed on possession charges overnight Thursday, according to arrest reports.
FM 499/FM 275 Traffic Stop
(HCSO jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward reported stopping the driver of a Ford F150 pickup who failed to stop at the designated stopping point at the intersection of FM 499 and FM 275 at 9:08 p.m. July 28, 2022. While talking to Steward, the 62-year-old Commerce man driving allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol. Steward had Thomas Christopher McCarty step out of the truck for further investigation, the deputy noted in arrest reports..
When asked if he had anything illegal in the pickup, McCarty allegedly claimed no, but did admit to having an open container in the truck. As he approached the passenger side of the car, Steward reported seeing an open can of beer in the floorboard. He advised that gave him probable cause to search the truck. McCarty then admitted to having meth inside the vehicle, Steward alleged in arrest reports.
Steward reported finding a small amount of drug paraphernalia and a clear glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. Steward then advised McCarty of his rights as HCSO Deputy Isaac Foley and Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley arrived to offer assistance. Further searching revealed a bag containing a crystal-like substance Steward in arrest reports stated he believed to be methamphetamine. McCarty was taken into custody and transported to jail.
The crystal-like substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 0.935 grams, resulting in McCarty being booked into Hopkins County jail at 12:09 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2022, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
The 62-year-old Commerce man was released from Hopkins County jail later Friday, July 29, 2022, on a $5,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
SH 19 south/CR 1165 Traffic Stop
A HCSO deputy also reported stopping the driver of a Ford Focus at 12:33 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2022, on State Highway 19 south at County Road 1165 because the license plate could not be read at a distance of 50 feet,
While talking to her, he noted the driver failed to maintain eye contact with him and was also deceptive about her criminal history. She did, however, give the deputy permission to search her vehicle, the deputy alleged in arrest reports. He reported finding in a clear container a crystal-like substance he believed was methamphetamine. When field-tested it did come back positive for meth, according to arrest reports.
The 47-year-old Quinlan woman was taken into custody at 1:02 a.m. July 29, 2022, on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge; the vehicle was impounded. She was jailed at 2:12 a.m. Friday, then released from Hopkins County jail later in the day on the Class C misdemeanor charge, according to jail records.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
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.
Meet the Teacher at Little Lambs Parent’s Day Out
The Little Lambs Parent’s Day Out program at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sulphur Springs is hosting a Meet The Teacher Event Friday July 29th, 2022. The events runs from 4:30 to 6:30.
You can leave your little lamb, ages birth to 5 years of age, with Sara and her staff on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
There is a waiting list for some age ranges, but openings are available. The 2022/2023 program starts officially on August 1st. As long as there are openings, little lambs can join anytime during the year.
Little Lambs director Mrs Sara encourages people to attend the Meet the Teacher event today. “Anyone interested should get on the waiting list.” says Sara, “If there is enough need, additional days and times may be opened.”
The program is available for the entire year, and is paid for on a monthly bases.
Membership in the Lutheran Church is not required for participation in this program.
SSHS Wildcat Band Preparing To Soar Into 2022-2023 Marching Season
The student athletes, athletic and administrative staff aren’t the ones hard at work on campus. The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band members and staff are hitting the practice field in the late July heat, hard at work on music that will allow the musicians to soar into the 2022-2023 season.
Percussionists began attending camp on July 18, with color guard camp following on July 19. Wildcat Band leadership began reporting on July 25. The entire band then reported for summer band camp on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Friday morning, July 29, instructors and drum majors were out working with small groups on stepping and pacing, sans instruments; the temperature had already risen to about 90 with humidity pushing the heat index even higher, in spite of the much welcome balmy breeze blowing across the practice field.
According to SSISD Director of Bands Spencer Emmert, this year’s half-time show and competition show is designed to combine the fun a DreamWorks production coupled with traditional smooth jazz and classical pieces in a way that leaves the audience feeling as if they are soaring along with the band.
The program is designed both to entertain the audience and promote the quality of performance that will garner high marks at band competitions this fall. The pieces will include John Powell’s flight music from “How To Train Your Dragon,” as well as the version of “Fly Me To the Moon” made popular by Frank Sinatra, as well as operettic pieces by Gioachino Rossini and others.
The fantastical program is designed in a way to allow a few exceptional students, including a drum major and oboist, to showcase their abilities by performing solos within the program. And, expect a surprise prop or two to appear before the program concludes. Overall, if the band steps it up they will soar to new heights of performance which leaves the audience feeling with a flighty feel as if they too are soaring through the night sky.
PJC Third Baseman Drafted by New York Yankees
Beau Brewer of McKinney, Texas, who has finished up a stellar sophomore year at Paris Junior College, was drafted in the 19th round by the New York Yankees. “I give a big shout-out to Paris Junior College. I owe my career and my life to ya’ll,” said Brewer. “It’s been a blessing to have this opportunity to play professional baseball. Coming out of high school I didn’t have much. Coach [Clay] Cox gave me the opportunity to play baseball for PJC; now I’m here playing for the Bananas and now I’m about to start my professional baseball career. You never know what life is going to hold for you – just keep on grinding.”
This year his post-season honors included NJCAA Region XIV East All Conference First Team Third Base and All-Region XIV First Team Infield, as well as the PJC Barney Bray Cup for Baseball MVP, Bobby Walters Cup for 4.0 GPA (5-way tie), and McLemore Cup for All Sport MVP. He was named 2021 All Region Outfielder. He was also named JBB All-American Honorable Mention for NJCAA Division I baseball (JBB is a nationally renowned community and junior college baseball media outlet).
“We are extremely excited for Beau and the opportunities that lie ahead for him in professional baseball,” said PJC Baseball Coach Clay Cox. “He’s earned every bit of this. He came in two years ago, bought in, put in the work and now he is being rewarded for that. He has a tireless work ethic and is one of the most selfless teammates and best leaders I’ve been around on a ball field. We can’t wait to see him in pinstripes.”
A 2020 graduate of McKinney Boyd High School in McKinney, Texas, Brewer was a standout in the classroom as well, including two years in Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society and named to the President’s Honor List for academic excellence three times. Brewer was a 2021 Paris Junior College Homecoming nominee and crowned 2022 Mr. PJC. He also won the Distinguished Service Award at the Spring 2022 graduation, the highest honor a PJC student may receive.
“Beau was a standout at PJC on campus, in the classroom and on the baseball field,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President. “He is an outstanding young man who will do well and we are excited for Beau today. We wish him the very best with the New York Yankees.”
Since graduation, Brewer has been playing with the Minor League Baseball team Savannah Bananas and was named the 2022 Coastal Plain League All-Star Hitter of the Game.
He had signed to play with Kansas State prior to being drafted by the Yankees.
Parents of Cumby High School Volleyball And Cross Country Team Members Asked Attend July 28 Meeting
CISD FFA Plans Back To School Bash, Class of 2023 Hold Pain Your Own parking Spot Fundraiser, Cheerleaders Offer Spirit Wear For Fans
With school only 2 weeks away, Cumby ISD students, staff and friends will want to make note of several upcoming activities and dates.
Parents of Cumby High School Volleyball and Cross Country teams are asked to meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2022, in the new gym in readiness for the season.
Two-a-days are salted to begin on Aug 1 for volleyball. Volleyball schedules are as follows: 8-11 a.m. Monday-Thursday, with scrimmages on Friday at a time as yet to be determined. Monday was designated ‘Merica Monday; Tuesday as Tie Dye Tuesday and Thursday as Neon Day. Wednesday was dubbed for Color Wars, with seniors instructed to wear white, juniors black, sophomores gray and freshmen maroon. Cross country practice starts at 6:30 a.m.; athletes should meet Coach Crumpton in front of the new gym. While water will be provided students are strongly encouraged to bring their own.
Cumby ISD teachers return to school next week, while students will return Aug. 10 for the 2022-2023 school year. New-to-the-district teachers will report for duty on Aug. 2. All Cumby ISD staff will report for staff development on Aug. 3-5 and Aug. 8-9. Students will begin classes Aug. 10, 2022.
Team Spirit wear is now available as well. Cumby Junior High Cheerleaders are selling caps, hats, tote bags, blankets, shorts, scarfs and shirts. Simply go online to download the form, select the desired items and either email the completed form to [email protected] or text the form to 903-742-2251 to order now. Order forms will also be available the first week of school from students. All orders are due Aug. 20, 2022.
The Class of 2023 is having a Paint Your Own Parking Spot fundraiser. For a fee of $25.00 (for Seniors) and $30.00 (for all other Cumby ISD Parking Permit holders) they will have the opportunity to paint their parking spot. All parking spot designs must be sent to Mrs. Megan Petty for approval. All details can be found by clicking this link.
School supply lists are available on the school website. Those who choose may purchase needed materials from Supply Kit, an online ordering company that packages the school supplies for participating school, then delivers them to the school before classes begin, provided they are ordered by the priority date. And a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the school’s PTO.
All students, parents or community members wishing to be part of Cumby FFA should plan to attend the Back to School Bash which begins at 6 p.m. Aug. 25, at The Ag Shop! The event will include burgers and hot dogs, important information pertinent to the 2022-2023 school years. This is open to all students in grades 3-12, their parents and community members interested in the Cumby FA program.. Students in grades 8-12 must be enrolled in an agriculture class to participate in Cumby FFA. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Megan Pruett at [email protected].
Como-Pickton Cheer Squads Earn Bid To Nationals, All American Nominations
Como-Pickton cheer squads earned honors at competition earlier this month, including All American nominations, and bids to nationals. Eagle Mascots also were recognized at the cheer event.
The CPHS Varsity Cheerleaders won an award for most improved squad, received a superior rating on their Band Chant, an excellent rating on their Game Day material, and a Spirit Stick. The squad also earned a bid to Nationals.
All American nominees included Lauren Lewellen, Katie Tifft, Brenna Patrick, Maddie Williams, Maci Glover, Sanay Diaz, Zoe Reed, Bella Romero and Valeria Gonzalez.
Big E also was named an All American Mascot, received a superior rating on the skit, Spirit Stick, and Most Improved Mascot recognition.
CP Junior High Cheerleaders also received a superior rating on their Chant and Band Chant, an excellent rating on their Cheer, A Stunt Award and Spirit Stick. The CPJHS squad too received a bid to Nationals.
All American nominees included Jaylin Gillis, Faith Gilbreath, Aubrei Gaspar, Channing Nation, Anika Fiock, Abby Williams and Brylee Moon, Pin it Forward Award. Ethel the Eagle was also nominated for All American and Ernie the Eagle made All American Mascot.
Sulphur Bluff ISD Begins Class Aug. 8, And, After 2 Weeks Will Have 4 Days of Classes Weekly
Sulphur Bluff ISD will begin classes on Aug. 8 this year, and after 2 weeks will be trying something new — classes will only be held 4 days a week after that. That’s right, students will not report for classes nor will buses run on Fridays after the second week of school.
School officials in the spring held an informational presentation for parents, then in March asked SBISD families to complete an online survey to share their thoughts on the potential for a four-day school week.
Some of the”pros” noted in favor of the four-day school week included:
- Making SBISD more competitive when it comes to teacher recruitment and retention
- Reduction of transportation costs for the district
- Reduction of energy costs for the district
- Increased attendance rates
- Flexibility for doctor and dental appointments for families
- Increased job opportunities for students. (They have a full extra day they can potentially be available for work!)
- Increased time for teacher planning
- More time with family
- Boost teacher morale
Some of the “cons” or potential negatives identified regarding the program included:
- A need for parents of younger students to find and afford additional childcare for younger students on Fridays while parents work.
- Lack of transportation to Friday athletic events
- Longer school days
- Lack of food sources for families in need on Fridays
Ultimately, after all surveys were in and comments from families considered SBISD has opted to go with a four-day school week, expanding the school hours from 7:55 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday. However, students will be required to attend full five-day class weeks for the first
This will give students time to become acclimated to the new semester, then will adjust so they can use Fridays to work from home or whatever is needed. This should save the district some utility, fuel and other funds, and allow students to have three days for other activities, including catching up on school work.
This will still allow graduation to be held May 26, 2023. Student holidays will be Sept. 5, Nov. 21-25, Dec. 21-Jan. 2, Jan. 16 and March 13-17. Teachers will have in-service and work days Aug. 1-5, Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct.7, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Nov. 21-22, Dec. 9, Jan. 6. Jan. 20. Feb. 3, Feb. 17, March 3, March 24, April 14, April 28, May 12 and May 26.
The district will use 9-week grading periods, with the first grading period Aug. 8-Oct. 6, the second Oct. 10-Dec. 20, the third Jan. 3-March 25, and the fourth March 20-25. That will give the district 153 school days.
Parents are reminded they will need to fill out the free and reduced -price meals form this year, in order for the district to meet USDA requirements for the program.
Parents can find school supply lists for their students in grades pre-kindergarten through high school on the Sulphur Bluff School Facebook page
Meet the Teacher will be held at SBISD from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4, 2022, a the school.
Senior Cap and Gown photos are scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 7. The annual Sulphur Bluff Scholarship Banquet will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29, in the SBISD Gym.
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Supports ESA’s New Common Names For Three Hornet Species
WASHINGTON – The Entomological Society of America (ESA) announced “northern giant hornet” as the common name for Vespa mandarinia (Asian giant hornet) in their list of “Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms” on July 25. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) supports ESA’s plans to adopt this new common name, as well as new common names for two additional hornet species.
V. mandarinia is the world’s largest hornet. It is native to tropical, subtropical, and temperate mountainous regions in Asia. This invasive pest was first reported in the Vancouver Island area of Canada in August 2019 and has since been detected in the far northwest corner of Washington State. V. mandarinia preys on many types of insects, including honey bees. They also consume carbohydrates such as sap and ripe fruit.
In conjunction with “northern giant hornet,” ESA has adopted “southern giant hornet” as the common name for Vespa soror and “yellow-legged hornet” for Vespa velutina. Neither of these hornets are currently found in the United States. V. soror is a closely related—and similarly large—species to V. mandarinia, and the descriptors “northern” and “southern” refer to the species’ native geographic ranges in Asia.
APHIS will follow the scientific community’s lead in adopting the new common names. In future communications—including its research journals, ID Tools, USDA blog, website, and social media—APHIS will adopt “northern giant hornet” in reference to V. mandarinia, “southern giant hornet” for V. soror, and “yellow-legged hornet” for V. velutina.
To learn more about the northern giant hornet, click here.
To learn more about ESA, click here.
To learn more about USDA, click here.
To learn more about APHIS, click here.
