Name The Robot: Community Asked To Vote On MAKO’s Name
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs invites the community to help them name their newest addition, the MAKO Robot.
“We invited all local students from Kindergarten through 5th grades to enter a coloring sheet and come up with a name for our new robot. Students worked with their teachers to enter their submissions,” said Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development for CHRISTUS® Mother Frances Hospitals in Sulphur Springs and Winnsboro.
The list has been narrowed to five finalist, with the grand winner to be decided by the community.
“The winner will get to meet the robot, have a pizza party, and we will post their photo with the robot and our Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Chris Meltsakos, who will be using the robotic assistant to work on patients’ knees,” Ragan said.
The top five finalist are:
- Bologknee
- Roby the Unicorn Robot
- EbaKNEEzer
- Kneemo
- SARA (synovial articulate robot arthroplasty)
All are welcome to join in helping to name the robot. Click there following link: https://bit.ly/30UrT2g. The survey may also be accessed on the Mother Frances Hospital Facebook page or simply by searching #MAKO on Facebook.
Multistate Complaint Filed Against Biden Administration Demands Reinstatement Of Keystone XL Permit
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today (March 17, 2021) announced that Texas and Montana are filing a multistate complaint against the Biden administration for revoking the 2019 Presidential Permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. The lawsuit states that President Biden does not have the unilateral authority to change energy policy that Congress has set. The power to regulate interstate and international commerce, including granting or rejecting permits for oil pipelines that cross an international border, resides with Congress—not the President, the suit contends.
“Since his first day in office, President Biden has made it his mission to undo all the progress of the previous administration, with complete disregard for the Constitutional limits on his power. His decision to revoke the pipeline permit is not only unlawful but will also devastate the livelihoods of thousands of workers, their families, and their communities,” Attorney General Paxton said. “This administration continues to tout imaginary green-energy jobs, without any recognition that their actions in the real world will make it impossible for hard-working Americans to put food on the table.”
“The power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce belongs to Congress — not the President. This is another example of Joe Biden overstepping his constitutional role to the detriment of Montanans,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “There is not even a perceived environmental benefit to his actions. His attempt to cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline is an empty virtue signal to his wealthy coastal elite donors. It shows Biden’s contempt for rural communities in Montana and other states along the pipeline’s path that would benefit from and support the project.”
The complaint was filed by Texas Attorney General Paxton and Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen in Texas federal district court. The suit is joined by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
To read the full letter, click here.
Senior Citizens Center Reopens April 5
On March 16, 2020, the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center the City of Sulphur Springs announced the facility would be closing its doors to all activities except Meal A Day food preparation and delivery pick up in an effort to better protect those high risk individuals who frequent the facility from COVID-19. Today, after a year, city staff announced the Senior Citizens Center will soon reopen for regular activities.
“We are finally going to open back up on Monday, April 5th,” said Karon Weatherman, Senior Citizens Center Program and Marketing Director. “I have missed everyone so much. I am looking forward to seeing everyone.”
While the center will be fully reopened, Weatherman does note there are a few precautions that most have implemented during the pandemic that visitors and event hosts should observe to help keep everyone well.
“I ask that if you are sick or coughing to not attend any of the activities until you are well,” Weatherman said. “I also ask that everyone be careful and wash your hands and use Hand Sanitizer when you come into the building that I will have on the table.”
Masks are not required. Senior adults are encouraged to do what feels appropriate to each personally regarding face masks.
“Nobody will look down on you if you still wear a mask. I will still be wearing my mask to just be safe,” Weatherman noted.
Center regulars who are well should be able to resume their normal routines at the center, as all regular activities will be offered, with one exception.
“We did lose our line dancing teacher because she moved out of the Country. I am in the process of looking for another one to teach the class. I will let you know when I find one,” Weatherman said.
Weekly Activities
Regular activities offered weekly at the Senior Citizens Center will include:
- Fit and Strong Class – 9:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30
- Bingo – 9:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays
- 42 Games – 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays
- Tai Ji Quan – 11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays
- Art and Painting Class – 10 a.m. Tuesdays
Regular Monthly Activities
Regular activities scheduled monthly at the Senior Citizens Center include:
- Acts of Love – 11 a.m. the first Monday
- Bright Star Writing Group – 1:30 p.m. second Monday
- Wreath-Making Class – 1:30 p.m. third Monday
- Shawls of Love – 10 a.m. fourth Monday
- Wahoo – 10:30 a.m. first and third Tuesdays
- Bridge Club – 12:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays and third Thursday
- Parkinson’s Support Group – 11:30 a.m. second Tuesday
- Bunco – 1 p.m. four Thursday
- Monthly Birthday Party – 10:45 a.m. fourth Friday
Annual Events
“I have been working on adding in the large events that we always have throughout the year,” Weatherman said of the annual favorites.
Included among those annual events senior adults can put on their schedules are:
- Tuesday, May 18 – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 55+ Health Fair at The ROC at First Baptist Church. A “Hot Dog Cook Out” is planned the same day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the ROC.
- Saturday, June 12 – 6 p.m. – 2021 Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic Pageant, Hopkins County Civic Center
- Tuesday, June 29 – 1 p.m. Annual Homemade Ice Cream Freeze Off at the Senior Citizens Center
- Saturday, July 17 – 10 a.m. Summer 42 Tournament
- Thursday, July 29, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Affiliated Driving Class
- Saturday, August 21 – 6 p.m. Senior Prom, Night of Super Heroes”
- Saturday, September 18 – 9 a.m. Clara Bridges 90+ Banquet at The ROC
- Tuesday, October 19 -10 a.m. Fall Festival Senior Olympics at The ROC
- Saturday, October 23, 1 p.m. Earl W. Martin 42 Tournament
Welding Instruction At PJC-Sulphur Springs
Welding classes are in high gear as PJC-Sulphur Springs is in the home stretch of their Spring Semester. Additional Welding classes are offered during the PJC Summer Extended Term which runs from May 17-August 17. You can find out more information by going to the PJC website.
ZBA Grants Mercury Properties’ Request For Sign Ordinance Variance
Sulphur Springs Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals Tuesday evening granted Mercury Properties LLC request for a sign ordinance variance, welcomed the newest board member and selected officers.
Jennifer Graham, Sulphur Springs Community Development Department administrative assistant, issued the oath of office to Twila Gill during the 5:30 p.m. meeting on March 16, conducted via Zoom. Gill thanked the board members and said she is excited for the opportunity to serve and ready to get started.
The ZBA members selected Brad Burgin to once again serve as chairman and Matt Johnson as vice-chairman of the group.
Mercury Properties LLC requested that the ZBA approve a 2-foot height variance to the 8 foot sign ordinance height limit to allow Mercury Properties to construct a 10-foot tall multi-business sign at the southwest corner of 301 Gilmer Street, part of the J&B Business Complex that connects to South Davis Street. The sign would advertise the businesses located at 312 South Davis St.
While an 8-foot sign would conform to the sign ordinance, the bottom half of the sign would not be visible to traffic on Davis Street due to vehicles parked in the lot at 312 South Davis and along the drive at 301 Gilmer Street, according to Kayla Price Mitchell for Mercury Properties. The listings for the two top tenants would be visible but those listed on the two lower parts of the sign would be obscured by SUVs or trucks parked on either side of it. Not only would this create a hardship for the businesses, it would create a safety hazard for customers searching for the businesses located at 312 South Davis as well as other drivers on the very busy, active stretch of roadway.
While the request is for a variance to the allowable height, the new sign would still be shorter than the sign across the street from 312 South Davis Street and shorter than other signs located a bit farther north on Davis Street, the applicant noted in the variance request.
Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski noted that city staff sent 14 certified letters to residents and businesses within 200 feet of the property notifying them of the request. The city received only two responses, both in favor of the sign.
connects to South Davis Street
Niewiadomski reported the sign would meet the other ordinance requirements. The ordinance allows multiple business signs to be 45-square feet in size, with a 5 foot setback from the right-of-way and an 8-foot height limitation. The goal of the ordinance is to ensure safety, communication efficacy, and environmental quality and preservation.
The sign would be backlit, so an electrical permit and a sign permit are required to install it, according to Niewiadomski. As far as the ordinance requirement that the sign conform to the environment, Price said the desire is to “get the nicest looking sign” possible that fits the area.
The community development director said city staff recommended approval of the sign, under a clause in the ordinance allowing “meritorious exceptions.”
“Based on the existing site layout and parking arrangement, a shorter sign would affect communications efficiency and potentially safety. Elevating the bottom of the sign a little higher will provide better automobile visibility along Davis Street entering and leaving the site. The request is reasonable with the context of the site and surrounding signage in the area. The request will not further impact or overload the public’s capacity to receive information by distracting and obstructing driver’s vision or interfering with the communications efficiency, thus protecting the intent of the ordinance,” Niewiadomski noted.
The ZBA approved the request, granting the variance for auto safety as well as visibility.
French Solar Company Plans Virtual Town Hall Presentation
Shortly after the Save Dike From Solar Group planned a meeting of their supporters, the French Solar Company, Engie, announced that they will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall Presentation on March 22nd at 6 pm. The online-only meeting will be a struggle for a lot of Dike residents as many do not have sufficient internet service to support the Zoom meeting. In their announcement, the local project known as Hopkins Energy, LLC, has said that the virtual meeting, “will be an opportunity for neighbors to ask questions and learn more about the project.” If this actually happens, some Dike residents say that it will be completely different than their previous experience with this solar company as well as the previous German company that was in charge of the project. Residents have felt neglected in getting information from either of these companies in the past, and have felt like decisions have been made without their consent or approval.
You can click on the following link to register to join the virtual meeting: Click Here
For those that cannot access the meeting, Engie is working with Hopkins County to provide the Hopkins County Civic Center as a location interested parties can go and access the meeting as well as ask questions during the Virtual Town Hall Presentation.
Saltillo Lady Lions Softball Falls to Detroit, 6-1
It was a tough season opener for Saltillo’s softball team.
The Saltillo Lady Lions softball team fell behind early and could not recover, losing at Detroit 6-1.
The Lady Lions fell behind 1-0 in the bottom of the first, then Detroit pushed their lead further by scoring three more runs in the bottom of the second to quickly take a 4-0 lead.
While Saltillo was able to chip in to district foe Detroit’s lead in the top of the third to make it a 4-1 game, the Eagles responded in kind scoring another run in the bottom of the third to make it a 5-1 lead. Detroit added another run in their last at bat in the bottom of the sixth en route to a 6-1 victory over the visiting Saltillo Lady Lions softball team.
Chandler Bain, a senior who was voted as co-MVP of District 24-1A in basketball, was the starting pitcher for Saltillo, pitching 4 innings, surrendering 2 walks and giving up 5 runs.
Paisley Kastner, another Lady Lion who fared very well in basketball and was named to the All-District First team, came in as a relief pitcher and pitched the final two innings, managing one strike out and giving up two walks against district foe Detroit.
In hitting, Chandler Bain was 0-2, was walked once, and managed to get a run. Paisley Kastner fared a bit better against Detroit, going 2-3 at the plate, recording 2 doubles and an RBI. Mckenza Morris was 1-3 and got a double in the loss.
With the loss, the Saltillo Lady Lions softball team falls to 0-1 for season (0-1 district).
Next up, the Saltillo Lady Lions will travel out to Fruitvale on Friday for what will be Saltillo’s second district game of the year. That game is scheduled to tee off at 6 P.M.
Purdue Pharma Files Bankruptcy Plan, Establishing Trust for Nationwide Opioid Abatement Efforts
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that Purdue Pharma filed its estimated $7 billion bankruptcy plan, which places the value of the company into a trust set up to allocate funds toward opioid abatement efforts across the nation. Texas is a leader on an instrumental committee in this bankruptcy, negotiating these abatement dollars which includes additional amounts in excess of a billion dollars from the Sackler family, which owned Purdue. This brings a total of $4.275 billion of family earnings into the bankruptcy estate and will end the Sackler family’s hold on the opioid industry.
“For years, my office has aggressively worked to hold Purdue Pharma accountable for its reckless contributions to the opioid crisis. Countless lives have been destroyed and derailed by the nationwide opioid crisis, but today’s bankruptcy plan is a sustainable, transparent solution with necessary accountability measures in place,” said Attorney General Paxton. “We hope that communities can begin turning Purdue dollars into new treatment facilities, educational programs, foster homes, and much more by the start of 2022. And while victims of the opioid crisis heal, I will continue pursuing other companies to hold them accountable and recover resources for Texans.”
Be Well, Live Well
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., FCH Extension Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension prides itself in providing quality, research-based, evidence-based programming. A relatively new program, targeted toward individuals ages 50 and over, covers topics that are relevant to that age group. Before I get to the details of the upcoming program, I want to share a little background information.
Nutrition professionals have identified several nutrients which are often not consumer in adequate amounts by adults over the age of 50. Some of these might surprise you:
- Protein – this is an important nutrient for optimal immune function, wound healing, fluid balance, and maintenance of muscle mass. Major sources are beef, poultry, milk, cheese, fish, eggs, pork, and ham. All of these sources contain saturated fat, so moderation and portion control are important. Select lean cuts of meat, low-fat/skim milk and eggs. Plant proteins include legumes, edamame, and soy milk-beverages.
- Omega-3 fats – These are obtained from fish, shellfish, soybean oil, canola oil, walnuts, and flaxseed. It is recommended that you consume two servings of fish per week.
- Calcium/Vitamin D and physical activity help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become brittle and break. The majority of dietary sources of calcium are milk, cheese, and calcium-fortified orange juice. Major sources of vitamin D are milk and breakfast cereals.
- Vitamin B-12 – This is vital for nerve function including cognitive performance and healthy blood cells. Natural dietary sources include beef, milk, and fish. However, the absorption of Vitamin B-12 diminishes with age. Therefore, it is recommended that adults over the age of 50 get their vitamin B-12 from fortified foods such as breakfast cereals or a vitamin supplement.
- Folate or folic acid – This is needed for growth and repair of all body tissues include healthy blood cells, and may help reduce the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. Look for folate in fortified grain products such as bread, rice, breakfast cereals, orange juice, dark green vegetables, and beans.
- Zinc – This is required for wound healing. Major sources of zinc are beef, some breakfast cereals, and whole grains.
- Potassium – may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, and decrease bone loss. Major dietary sources are fruits and vegetables.
- Fiber – improves digestive health and promotes fullness without additional caloric intake. Major dietary sources are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Water – the ‘forgotten nutrient.’ Water helps with temperature maintenance and transportation of oxygen, nutrients, and medications to every cell of the body. It is recommended that adults consume liquids throughout the day regardless of thirst. With age, the ability to detect thirst diminishes. Therefore, older adults are more susceptible to dehydration which can cause bladder infections, kidney stones, and confusion.
“Be Well, Live Well” is a 5-topic, 4 session series designed for the 50+ crowd. The series was cancelled in 2020 due to the Corona Virus, but we are back on track to hold the face-to-face series in 2021! I would love for you be part of the action! Below are the details:
- When: Mondays and Thursdays, April 12, 15, 19, 22
- Topics: Be Independent, Eat Well; Be Able, Read the Label; Be Safe, Eat Safe; Be Creative, Plan Meals/Be Fit, Move More
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Hopkins County Office
- Address: 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs
- To sign up: call 903-885-3443
- Limited to first 10 participants
There is no charge for the series. Each participant will receive a copy of the power points, recipes from each session, and a “graduation” gift.
Closing Thought
If Davy Crockett and James Bowie can survive 13 straight days of fighting at the Alamo, surely we can cut out some of the garbage in our diets. Let’s be Texas proud! – Mike Lopez
Chamber Connection: Safe-T Anniversary Celebration, Pacheco Spine Ribbon Cutting Scheduled Later This Month
By Lezley Brown, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
This weather is making us think about golf, and our annual tournament is getting close to full! If you are interested in playing, call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515 to reserve your spot. We will have morning and afternoon tee times available. The tourney is set for Friday, April 9. It’s going to be a great day!
SAFE-T Crisis Center to celebrate their 14th Anniversary
SAFE-T Crisis Center is celebrating their 14th Anniversary on Wednesday, March 24, in their new facility located at 1716 Posey Lane in Sulphur Springs. Mark your calendars!
Pacheco Spine & Sport has scheduled a ribbon cutting
Pacheco Spine & Sport has scheduled a ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, March 30, at noon. The celebration will be held at their chiropractic office located at 1067 Gilmer Street, Suite C, in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to attend!
Ribbon Cutting
McCullough Paint, located at 3913-B Wesley Street in Greenville, Texas, hosted their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, March 10 at noon. McCullough Paint offers Benjamin Moore painting solutions for your home and office, so give them a call for your next project.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for March 17, Janeen’s Country Cottage. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
