Pair Caught With Stolen Firearm Early Thursday Morning
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed On Forgery, Theft Warrants
Three people were arrested within a 12-hours period in Hopkins County on felony theft charges. A pair was allegedly caught with a stolen firearm early Thursday morning during a State Highway 11 traffic stop. A Sulphur Springs man was arrested Wednesday afternoon on theft and forgery warrants, according to arrest reports.
SH 11 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Bobby Osornio reported stopping a Chevrolet Malibu around 12:45 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022, on State Highway 11 East at County Road 2320 after noticing the car did not have license plate lights. Upon contact with the occupants, Osornio noted the driver showed signs of nervousness.
(HCSO jail photo)
When asked about his nervous behavior, driver Norman “JR” Baez-Baez claimed he was nervous because the could possibly be a traffic warrant issued for his arrest. Baez-Baez’s behavior made Osornio suspect further criminal activity taking place in the vehicle, so he asked the 32-year-old man permission to search the car, Osornio alleged in arrest reports.. When the Pickton man refused, Osornio requested the on-call police canine be brought to the location.
Deputy Drew Fisher and his partner, K-9 Axe, performed an olfactory air sniff around the car upon arrival at the location. Axe alerted on the car, so the deputies conducted a probable cause search of it. A Taurus .38 Special with serial numbers filed off, which is usually associated with a stole firearm, was located in the center console, within easy access of where Baez-Baez and passenger Brittany Nichole Duszynski of Webster, Florida, had been sitting when stopped.
Both were detained. Each denied ownership of the firearm. Deputy Justin Wilkerson arrived and transported the 33-year-old Florida woman to jail. After inventorying the car and releasing it to a towing service for impound, Osornio drove Baez-Baez to jail.
Osornio noted that Baez-Baez’s criminal history showed the Pickton man to be a convicted felon. Duszynski and Baez-Baez were both booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:48 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022, on a theft of a firearm charge. Baez-Baez also was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Both Baez-Baez and Duszynski, who jail reports is also known to use the name Brittany Clark, had been released from Hopkins County jail by Thursday afternoon. Bond on the theft of firearm charge was set at $5,000 each;, and Baez-Baez’s bond on the unlawful possession charge was $10,000.
Van Sickle Street Warrant Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Department Officer Francisco Castro was made aware of warrants for Charlie James Williams‘ arrest. Castro went to the Sulphur Springs man’s last known residence, a Van Sickle Street address, where he found the 35-year-old man in question just after 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
(HCSO jail photo)
Castro took Williams into custody on the confirmed warrants and transported him to jail, where he was booked in just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday on a Rains County warrant for forgery to defraud or harm elderly and a Sulphur Springs misdemeanor theft warrant.
Williams remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, March 17, 2022. The 35-yer-old Sulphur Springs man’s bond on the felony forgery charge was set at $75,000, according to Hopkins County jail reports. The fee owned on the Class C misdemeanor theft charge totaled $446.30.
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.
Special City Council Meeting Called For Equipment Purchase, FY 2021 Audit
A special meeting of Sulphur Springs City Council has been called for Tuesday for consideration of an large equipment purchase and an audit.
Equipment Purchase
The City Council will once again be asked to consider using a Sourcewell contract to purchase a backhoe from South Star JCB. The Council also considered but opted after discussion during the regular meeting on March 1, 2022, to follow City Manager Marc Maxwell’s recommendation to put the potential purchase for the capital improvement department on hold until more research could be done to see if a less costly new option is available.
City staff had proposed using $98,000 budgeted for the water distribution and wastewater collection department to buy a new backhoe. That was the amount quoted to the city during the budgeting process for the purchase. However, when the city sought Sourcewell bids in February, the cost had increased to more than $120,000. That was ruled out due to the overage. City staff then reached out to all manufacturers that have purchasing contracts with Sourcewell. The City of Sulphur Springs received three bids in response to the request sent the purchasing cooperative, as well as one for a 2019 used backhoe.
Utilities Director James Jordan after reviewing the options available recommended the City Council approve the backhoe purchase from South Star JCB for $106,953.50, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith told the city board earlier this month.
Maxwell noted that the city has had fewer breakdowns since they began buying Caterpillar equipment. Because of the extended life of the equipment, and the fact that JCB is a relatively unknown company, Maxwell asked the City Council to waiting to make a decision on the backhoe purchase until city staff can come back to them with a request to increase the budget to buy a Caterpillar backhoe. Maxwell said he’d talked to the department head, who said he is fine with that recommendation.
Smith pointed out that the one amount quoted for a new backhoe from was over $120,000, while the low bid quoted for a used 2019 Caterpillar backhoe was $105,000 and the new JCB backhoe was $106,000. One of the bids only includes a 36-month 1500-hour warranty which only covers the big stuff — powertrain and hydraulics, according to city staff.
Maxwell said it’s been the city’s experience with equipment other than Caterpillar that about 15 months after purchase, the equipment begins having problems. The city manager said he was not disparaging the company, because that might not be case with their products. However, every time the city has switched from “something else to Caterpillar, we’ve been pleased with it.” He said when it comes to such a big purchase, you want to get your month’s worth for the product.
Mayor John Sellers and Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins at the March 1 meeting asked about the urgency of need for the equipment, if there were projects that would be delayed if they waited a few more weeks or a month before making a decision on the purchase.
Jordan was unable to attend the March 1 meeting, but Smith said in prior conversation with him, he noted that the equipment the city currently has is starting to have some electrical issues, but there is a back up unit available if the failure escalates to total disrepair sooner than expected.
Availability of the backhoe once purchased was another factor to consider, Smith noted. JCB and Case had backhoes available on March 1, while New Holland’s projection for new equipment was 4-6 months.
“In October, Capital Construction purchased a backhoe. They got the last backhoe from Holt Cat that they had on the lot,” Smith noted.
When Maxwell said the city would be fine waiting to make the purchase, Smith said if it became necessary before the purchase can be made and is available, the department could potentially see if the capital construction is in a position to share theirs or the department could have to rent a backhoe to fill the gap.
The City Council at the end of the March 1 declined the bid proposals for purchase of the backhoe, pending further research.
During the 12 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, the purchase of a backhoe from South Star JCB via the Sourcewell purchasing co-op contract is one of two items slated for discussion and action.
2021 Audit
The other action item on agenda includes discussion and acceptance of fiscal year 2021 audit.
On March 1, Smith reported the general fund balance is currently positive and in pretty good shape, coming in fairly close to the amount budgeted. Property tax collections had also come in “about where they should be” through Jan. 31.
Sales taxes received through February were up 13.75%, a $280,000 increase over the same time last year.
Overall, department balances making up the general fund total were “right where they should be at this time.” A lot of times in the beginning of the fiscal year, expenses are top heavy at the start of the fiscal year. Any overages are mainly due to that, Smith reported. The only department that was slightly over budget was the street department, which performed some drainage work this year that they don’t normally do.
A budget amendment is expected to be presented at the next City Council meeting, allowing for two readings. This would also allow the city to catch up and include any additional items which cost more than projected due largely to inflation.
The City of Sulphur Springs at the end of February received $59,000 in American Rescue Act money last week for Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport. The funds will be reflected in the February financials, which the council should receive at the April meeting. She said when the funding reimbursement request was made, the amount requested was based on Airport salaries.
The audit the City Council is set to receive and consider accepting is for fiscal year 2021.
The special called meeting of Sulphur Springs City Council will begin at 12 p.m. March 22, 2022 in the Council Chambers inside Sulphur Springs Municipal Building (City Hall).
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Music Instructor Richard Shanks Talks
A MUSIC LESSON
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Music Instructor Richard Shanks talks to some of his music students during a recent class at the campus. The students, from left, are Andrew Simon, Ofelia Cabrera, Jesilyn Kelley and Briseyda Rodriquez.
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.
2022 Tanner Higgins Warrior Run Will Be 10th-Year Celebration Of Army Ranger’s Life, Final Run
The 2022 Tanner Higgins Warrior Run will be a 10th year celebration of Army Sgt. Tanner Stone Higgins’ life and the final Warrior run. The event honors the Army Ranger who paid the ultimate price in service to his country – his life.
Sgt. Higgins had was killed at age 23 by enemy forces during a heavy firefight while conducting combat operations in Logar Province, Afghanistan on April 14, 2012. Higgins was a team leader for 1/75th Ranger Regiment, Delta Company. The Warrior Run allows Higgins’ family, friends and military “brothers” to gather along with the community to remember and honor the Sulphur Springs High School graduate.
The Warrior Run also benefits the Sgt. Tanner Higgins Military Memorial Fund which awards scholarships to area seniors enlisting in the US Armed Forces, assists the transitioning soldier, and aids military and veteran families.
The year following Sgt. Higgins death, the fallen hero’s mom Patti Stone Sells set to work making sure her son and his sacrifices are never forgotten. Members of his high school graduating class became instrumental in her efforts to have a section of Texas State Highway 154 south of Sulphur Springs named the Tanner Higgins Memorial Highway.
His brother younger brother, Dillon Henegar followed Tanner into the Army Rangers, serving a tour of duty from 2012-2015. And in 2019, when his youngest brother Noah Sells graduated from Sulphur Springs High School, he too followed his brothers in serving his country, attending advanced infantry training in San Antonio with a goal of serving as a combat medic.
As a Gold Star mom proud of all of her boys service, Sells too noticed a few other things also. There are often needs among these brave men and women who give so selflessly of themselves, willing each on to die for our freedoms and helping to secure that of others around the globe. Often, the family of service personnel have needs also that are not met or have things they could use a little extra help obtaining. So she dedicated herself to helping other service personnel, veterans and their families.
Sells, aided by Higgins’ former classmates and family, also in 2013, established the annual Tanner Higgins Warrior Run in his memory, and which benefits the Sgt. Tanner Higgins Military Memorial Fund which awards scholarships to area seniors enlisting in the US Armed Forces, assists the transitioning soldier, and aids military and veteran families.
Each year, members of his Ranger unit who are able make the trip from wherever in the country they may be to join the Sulphur Springs-Yantis community in celebrating the vibrant life of their loved one and friend. Many, especially his service “brothers,” bring their children who are named in honor of Higgins to meet his biological family and other brothers’ namesake children. As of 2019, there were 18 “namesake babies’” among Higgins’ family of brothers all across the country to the delight of Higgins mom. Those who are unable to physically be in Sulphur Springs have often registered then made the 5K on their own wherever they are around the world, sometimes in small groups, in remembrance of Higgins.
This year, will be notable in many ways. Not only will it be the first full Warrior Run following the COVID-19 shutdowns and the 10th year since Higgins sacrificed his life for the unit he lead in Afghanistan, but it will also be the first one without Sells. The mom so determined to help those who are currently serving or have tirelessly served in the Armed Forces and their families, was just as doggedly battling an aggressive kind of cancer.
While the Sgt. Tanner Higgins Warrior Run couldn’t be held the last 2 years due to COVID, the Tanner Higgins Military Memorial Fund asked those who were able to participate in a “Walk-By” to show Sells her son’s memory is still going strong in so many ways and show support for her as she continued to battle the rare cancer. Had it been held in 2021, Sells would not have been able to attend. So, they asked people to show support by bringing the walk to her, making a block from the sacrifice wall (Veterans Memorial KIA end cap) to Davis Street, then winding past her home so she could see from her doorway April 17, 2021. Patti Sells passed away on May 28, 2021, at home.
The Tanner Higgins Military Memorial Fund board, after much consideration, announced the final Tanner Higgins Warrior Run will be held Saturday morning, April 9, beginning at Celebration Plaza in downtown Sulphur Springs.
The event committee invites all to join on the downtown square in Sulphur Springs for the opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. April 9, 2022, for a “beautiful start and finish at Celebration Plaza in the Downtown Square in the 5K or the Grunt mile.”
The cost to register is $20 each for both the 5K Warrior Run and Grunt Run (1-mile). Registration is being handled online in advance. Simply click this link or use the QR code at right. Or register at the race from 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. April 9, 2022.
Registered participants packet pick up will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 8 at Celebration Plaza. Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup begins at 7 a.m.
All participants registered in advance in the Higgins Warrior Run/Grunt will receive a race t-shirt and finisher bracelet, commemorating this event. Simply select your size during the registration process and pick it up at packet pickup. Those running on their own from out-of-state may select the “shipping” option to have their shirt mailed to them. A presentation ceremony will conclude the event around 11:30 a.m. Those unable to run are invited to stop by downtown Saturday morning, April 9, “celebrate the life and honor the memory of both Sgt. Tanner Stone Higgins and his mother, Patti Sells.
As has become tradition, the event will feature live music, vendors and awards downtown. As of March 17, 2022, a total of 86 participants had registered for the event, ranging from age 7 to age 75. In addition to local community, participants will include individuals driving in or participating from College Station, Hurst, Austin, Carthage, Euless, Dallas, Argyle, Midland; Fort Washington, Maryland; Eagle, Idaho; Kalispell, Montana; Fort Benning, Richmond Hill and Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Myers, Florida; Rochester, New York; Richfield, Ohio; Spokane, Washington; Apex, North Carolina.
Anyone who has a Tanner Stone Higgins namesake baby is asked to send their name and age to [email protected]. Event planners ask that people send their Higgins “tattoo photo,” as well as name of any four-legged friends named after Higgins and any memorials to that address, as they are “working on something special for the final Tanner Higgins Warrior Run.”
Donations are also welcome and may be made on the race registration website. A total of $312 had been donated by 13 people. Click here to donate.
Any additional questions about the race may be directed to the race director at [email protected].
6 Jailed In Hopkins County On Felony Warrants Over The Last Week
At least 6 people were jailed in Hopkins County on felony warrants over the past week (March 10-15, 2022), according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Drew Fisher and Isaac Foley, and Sgt. Tanner Steward were made aware of two warrants for John Scott Dunn’s arrest. They located the 59-year-old Sulphur Springs man at his residence and took him into custody at 6:48 p.m. March 14, 2022, and transported him to jail.
Dunn, who is also known to use the names John Clayton Dunn and Digger, was booked into Hopkins County jail on two warrants for violating probation on a manufacture or delivery of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge and manufacture or delivery of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance. He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday afternoon, March 16, 2022, according to jail reports.
Christi Michele Skaggs arrived at the sheriff’s office March 14, 2022, to turn herself in to authorities on a warrant. Communications operators notified Deputy Aaron Chaney, who escorted the 34-year-old Sulphur Springs woman into the jail at 3 p.m. and released her to corrections officers.
Skagges, who is also known by Christi Skaggsbower and Chrsiti Skaggsbrower, was held in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, March 16, 2022, on the Johnson County abandoning or endangering of a child-criminal negligence warrant. Bond was recommended at $30,000. The offense, Chaney noted in arrest reports, occurred on May 21, 2021.
Chadwick “Chad” Jaquane Anderson was arrested, then transported at 11:30 a.m. Friday by, Hunt County Sheriff’s deputies to Hopkins County jail. The 40-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into jail at 12:36 p.m. March 11, 2022, on a Hopkins County warrant for violation of probation on an April 21, 2018 possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Anderson was held in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, March 16, 2022, without bond. Friday was the third time Anderson has been jailed for violating his probation on the controlled substance charge. He also spent Feb. 22-May 12, 2020 and Aug. 13-Sept. 4, 2020 in Hopkins County jail for violating probation on the 2018 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Alvin Jordan notified Sgt. Tanner Steward Thursday afternoon that Delta County Sheriff’s deputies had Charles Dustin Brown in custody on FM 64 in Delta County on a Hopkins County residence. Steward traveled to the location and took custody of the 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man at 5:17 p.m. March 10, 2022.
Steward transported Brown to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 6 p.m. March 10 for violation of bond or a protective order two or more times in a 12-month period; bond on the charge was set at $75,000. Brown, who is noted in jail reports to also be known by Charlie Brown, had his bond revoked on a Dec. 19, 2021 assault of pregnant person charge, according to jail reports.
In addition to the assault on a pregnant person charge, Brown also was charged on Dec. 19, 2021 with interference with an emergency request for assistance and held until Feb. 25, 2022, on those charges as well as violation of parole, which he was on for bail jumping and bond forfeiture on a January 20215 possession of a controlled substance charge. Brown was booked into Hopkins County jail on Dec. 1, 2015 to serve as part of a 10-year prison sentence for each charge, according to jail reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
HCSO Deputy Frank Tiemann transported Jermaine Allen Johnson from Nacogdoches County jail at 10 a.m. to Hopkins County jail March 10, 2022.
Johnson was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:14 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for violation of probation on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. (He was originally arrested on two warrants for the controlled substance charges on Feb. 6, 2019 and remained in Hopkins County jail on both until June 3, 2019.)
The 41-year-old Nacogdoches man was held in the county jail Wednesday, March 16, 2022, on the felony charge, according to jail reports, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Chris Baumann was aware of a warrant for Justin Wade Overly’s arrest. After confirming the warrant to still be active, Baumann contacted Overly at Hopkins county Courthouse at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and took him into custody and to jail.
The 32-eyear-old Campbell man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 10:04 a.m. March 10, 2022, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance warrant. He was released from jail later Thursday on a $25,000 bond, according to jail records.
Girl Scout Troop 80 Delivers For Dinner Bell, Thanks To Community Donations
Junior Scout Kate Paulson and Daisy Scout Jemma Barnes, Girl Scouts with Troop 80 of Sulphur Springs, rolled into Dinner Bell Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in a decorated wagon filled with boxes of Girl Scout cookies.
The members of Girl Scout Troop 80 received 81 boxes of Girl Scout cookies donated by community members to benefit others. Paulson and Barnes had the pleasure of delivering the wagon-load of donated cookies Wednesday on behalf of Troop 80.
“These tasty treats will be next week’s dessert to accompany the regular Dinner Bell meal.” said Dinner Bell Director Judy Gilreath. “A BIG THANK YOU to the Girl Scouts, their leaders, and community cookie donations for gifting the meal recipients with a variety of their delicious cookies!”
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church, community members and corporate sponsors Dinner Bell has served over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening the kitchen to offer a Wednesday lunch meal in 2012.
The grab and go meals are available from Dinner Bell starting at 11 a.m. Wednesdays from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochère) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus.
Paris Man Caught In Hopkins County With Firearm Stolen From Bedford
A 25-year-old Paris, Texas man was allegedly caught in Hopkins County with a firearm stolen from Bedford, according to arrest reports.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper G. Rodriguez reported stopping an Oldsmobile Intrigue around 3:50 p.m. March 15, 2022, on State Highway 19 after noticing that the high center mounted stop light was defective and a license plate on it was improperly placed.
While talking with occupant Jaden Haskins, Rodriguez reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana emitting from inside the car. A probable cause search allegedly revealed a Taurus 9mm handgun under the driver’s seat. A records check by a Texarkana Communications operator showed the handgun had been reported to Bedford Police Department as stolen, Rodriguez alleged in arrest reports.
Haskins claimed the gun as in his possession and was taken into custody. The vehicle the 25-year-old Paris man was in was released at the scene at Haskins’ request to his brother. Haskins was transported to the county jail, where he was booked in at 5:30 p.m. on a theft of firearm charge. Haskins, who jail and arrest reports show to also be known by Jaden Dionte Haskins and Juice, was released from the county jail Wednesday, March 16, on a $5,000 bond on the felony firearm charge, according to jail reports.
VFW Post 8560 Helps Blue Santa Get A Jump On Christmas 2022
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8560 members presented a $250 donation for the Blue Santa program to Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County law enforcement officers.
The Blue Santa program is most visible between Thanksgiving and Christmas, accepting monetary and toy donations to help Hopkins County financially disadvantaged families provide Christmas gifts for their children. However, that does not mean that’s the only time donations may be made to Blue Santa.
Blue Santa continues to accept donations throughout the year. Funds raised will allow Blue Santa and his helpers in the law enforcement community to begin working, stocking up on toys for Christmas 2022. For instance, helpers can take advantage big toy sales at events and businesses in the spring, summer and fall, purchasing gifts so Blue Santa will be that much more ahead of the game to ensure there are plenty of gifts to adequately provide for all approved families.
Donations to Blue Santa may be made by using the Blue Santa Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County QR code on Blue Santa flyers on Facebook and shown below. Donate to Blue Santa Link
Alert: Medicare Phone Scam Attempted On Hopkins County Resident
A local resident reported a Medicare phone scam, and said while she did not fall prey to it, asked KSST to let others in the community know so no one will fall victim to it.
The woman received a phone call Wednesday from someone claiming to be from the Medicare, Part B office. The caller claimed to be contacting her to schedule an annual “genetic testing.” That ,she said, was a red flag to her, even though the individual seemed to know quite a bit about her, including certain identifies such as part of a Social Security number. The caller, the woman believes, was fishing for more personal information from the resident, likely a ploy to get the necessary account information for identity theft or fraud.
The woman said not only are genetics tests no performed annually, they are typically pretty expensive. She asked for their information so she could check them out and verify they are who they claimed to be. She made a phone call and confirmed from the medical personnel she consults with that the test was not ordered by their facility nor are genetic tests standard tests. People are recommended to get annual well health screening but not genetic tests. If a person needs genetic testing per a medical professional, that healthcare worker would notify the patient directly and contact the patients insurance provider regarding any prequalification or other related needs.
Local law enforcement frequently remind people to NEVER give their personal information, especial ID and bank account identifiers to anyone unsolicited, and especially not someone demanding information over the phone, no matter how legitimate they may seem. If they ask for personal information, ask for their name, work or other ID number and a number to call to verify they are who they claim to be.
Be Well, Live Well – An Informative and Practical Program Targeted At People Age 55 and Older
By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent/Family and Community Health Agent for Hopkins County, [email protected]
You probably know by now that Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Hopkins County offers many learning opportunities. Most recently, a basic spring break sewing workshop was held at no cost to participants, thanks to generous donations of sewing machines and fabrics from the community. Ten youth participated in the three-day workshop, assisted by volunteers. Interest has been shown for future sewing workshops, so stay tuned!
Another very informative and practical program is “Be Well, Live Well,” a 4-session series targeted toward the 55+ age group. It is well-documented that one’s attitudes toward aging may influence one’s future health and health behaviors. For example, if one expected depression to be a part of the aging process, he or she will be less inclined to seek medical help or change behavior to help reduce depression. It is worth noting that folks who are positive about aging tend to live 4 ½ years longer than those who believe negative stereotypes. Here are a few myths about aging:
- Myth: Older adults are alike. Fact: The older adult population is diverse and represents a range of races, religions, ethnic backgrounds, political preferences, educational levels and life experiences.
- Myth: With aging there is an inevitable mental decline, loss of memory, and inability to learn. Fact: If healthy, older adults remain at the same ability level until very late in life.
- Myth: Older people are senile. Fact: The vast majority of older adults are not senile.
- Myth: The elderly are difficult and rigid. Fact: Personality remains relatively constant throughout life.
- Myth: Physical decline and frequent illnesses come with aging, making old people frail. Fact: Over 75% of older adults are healthy enough to carry out normal activities without help.
- Myth: Old people live in the past. Fact: Older adults have a wider range of past experiences from which to respond and teach.
Despite negative stereotypes, retirement can have a positive effect on health including mental health. This may be due to a reduction ow work-related stress and strain. Also, on average, workers sleep less than 7 hours on weekdays while those who are retire sleep 4- minutes longer. Retirees often use their time doing more daily activities requiring physical activity and exercise more frequently than those who are employed outside the home. This could result in an increase in physical activity especially for those retiring from sedentary jobs.
“Be Well, Live Well” addresses nutrition and nutrients often missing in diets; understanding nutrition labels on food products; keeping food safe while shopping, transporting, storing, and preparing foods; meal planning using foods you already have to build a base; and being fit. There is no charge for the series, and we are currently accepting registration. Dates for the series are Mondays and Thursdays, April 11, 14, 18 and 21. Sessions are 10:00 a.m. and approximately 1 hour long and will include food sampling and some great incentive items. Call our office at 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador
Applications are now available for the Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador program. Youth who will be in grades 9-12 during the 2022/2023 school year are eligible to apply. Hopkins County currently has a youth who has represented us very well, and we would like to add to that number. Information was recently sent to all Hopkins County high school campuses. Youth do not have to be current 4-H members, but must register in 4-H if selected. Contact the Extension Office or your high school principal for more information.
Closing Thought
Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.
– Author Unknown
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, at P.O. Box 518 or 1200-B West Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; by phone at 903-885-3443 or by email at [email protected].
