Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs

Latest KSST News

Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs

Handgun Complaint Resulted In Two Arrests

Posted by on 11:52 am in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sheriff's Department, Sulphur Springs News, Sulphur Springs Police Department | Comments Off on Handgun Complaint Resulted In Two Arrests

Handgun Complaint Resulted In Two Arrests

A handgun complaint resulted in two arrests at Century Lake Wednesday evening.

Officers responded to a complaint of a person in a red car “pulling a handgun” on another motorist near Hillcrest Drive and West Houston Street. The red car then allegedly turned onto County Road 4703, which leads to Century Lake. The person to whom the gun was shown reportedly followed the suspect vehicle onto CR 4703 at the lake, officials noted in arrest reports.

While talking to the alleged victim, a Hopkins County Sheriff‘s deputy reported hearing what sounded like guns being fired in the area. Sulphur Springs Police officers reportedly arrived and conducted felony takedown on the suspect vehicle. Occupants appeared to police to be attempting to leave, moving away toward the lake when they observed law enforcement at the location, police alleged in arrest reports.

The maroon Cadillac DTS had two 25-year-old Sulphur Springs men inside of it. Both were detained. One of the men claimed to have been shooting at snakes near the water, officers alleged in arrest reports.

A records check showed both men, one with an in-town address and the other with a rural Sulphur Springs address, had misdemeanor warrants for their arrest. The 25-year-old with a rural address had an outstanding warrant for charges on a failure to appear. The city resident had outstanding warrants for failure to maintain financial responsibility and expired registration. Consequently, both were arrested at 6:45 p.m. April 29 on the charges.

An inventory of their vehicle revealed two handguns and a useable amount of marijuana in the common area of the vehicle, according to arrest reports. Consequently, both Sulphur Springs men were also charged with possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Both 25-year-old Sulphur Springs men remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning. Bond for each was set at $2,000 on the Class A misdemeanor weapon charge, $1,000 on the Class A misdemeanor marijuana charge, according to jail reports. The county resident also owed a $379 fee on the FTA charge. The city resident owed a $819 fee on the misdemeanor city warrants, according to arrest reports.

Sulphur Springs Police Department and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles

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.

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.

Free COVID-19 Testing In Sulphur Springs Today – Slots Still Available

Posted by on 10:00 am in App, Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Medical News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Free COVID-19 Testing In Sulphur Springs Today – Slots Still Available

Free COVID-19 Testing In Sulphur Springs Today – Slots Still Available

Free mobile COVID-19 testing in Sulphur Springs is offered today (Thursday, April 30,) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston Street. You must first register and be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Appointments are still available.

This testing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. You will not be able to register until late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning.

For screening information and registration, go to www.txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400.

Free mobile COVID-19 testing in Sulphur Springs flyer

What To Expect When The Library Reopens May 1

Posted by on 11:50 pm in App, Featured, Headlines, Lifestyle, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on What To Expect When The Library Reopens May 1

What To Expect When The Library Reopens May 1

Readers will be thrilled to know Sulphur Springs Public Library will be one of the entities reopening for in-person visits beginning Friday. There will be a few changes, in accordance with state guidelines, for the safety of visitors and staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So that visitors know what to expect the library reopens, SSPL has shared the following information regarding reopening.

Sulphur Springs Public Library

The library will reopen for in-person visits in a limited capacity starting May 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Staff will sanitize and shelve items from 9-10 a.m. Monday-Friday only.

Magazines will not be available at this time. Visitors may check out up to 10 books per card or 20 books per family, with all books returned in the book drop on the side of the building. Computers will be available for one hour per person per day, with a limited number of work stations available at any given time; users are asked to check in at the front desk before using a computer.

Curbside service will be extended through May. Books can be placed on hold by going to SSPL’s online catalog. Use the library card number to sign in; the pin will be the last 4 numbers of the card. Then, reserving items. An email or text notification will be sent when the books are ready to be picked up. Drive to the library. Park in front of our main entrance. Call 903-885-4926. Give the Library Card # so that the books can be checked out. The books will be brought to the car.

Sulphur Springs Public Library

Anyone who feels sick, is sneezing or coughing is asked to please stay at home.

The library anticipates returning to regular hours (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and on Fridays) in June.

Questions may be directed to 903-885-4926.

SSPL flyer on what to expect when the library reopens Friday

TAMUC Department Produces Face Shields For Area Medical Centers

Posted by on 4:03 pm in App, Featured, Headlines, Medical News, News, School News | Comments Off on TAMUC Department Produces Face Shields For Area Medical Centers

TAMUC Department Produces Face Shields For Area Medical Centers

Commerce — The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Engineering and Technology used 3D printers to manufacture 200 face shields for Paris Regional Medical Center as part of an effort to equip healthcare workers with necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The face shields were delivered to the hospital on April 23.

The department delivered an additional 200 face shields to Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville on April 28.

Face shields are designed to offer protection from fluids that may contain the coronavirus. They are commonly worn by healthcare professionals in addition to masks, glasses and other protective gear.

The project started when an administrator at Paris Regional Medical Center reached out to Dr. Brent Donham, dean of the College of Science and Engineering, to request help producing at least 200 face shields for their healthcare workers.

According to Donham, the pandemic created a severe shortage of PPE across the country, and smaller hospitals, like Paris Regional, find it especially difficult to source critical gear to protect their staff.

Faculty from the Department of Engineering and Technology immediately began working to meet the need at Paris Regional. The college has four 3D printers, which they set up to manufacture the face shields. To meet the demand, they ordered ten additional Dremel 3D printers which went into production on April 20.

Dr. Perry Moler, assistant professor of engineering and technology, is leading the project with help from Patrick Carter, distinguished lecturer of electrical engineering, and two student workers. Together, the team is able to keep 12 printers in production almost 24 hours per day.

The initial goal is to produce about 1,000 face shields, but that number may increase depending on demand. According to Moler, each face shield takes about three hours to produce, and at full production, the team is able to produce about 100 masks in 24 hours.

The 3D printing process creates the face shields from a computer-aided design model. Moler explained that a spool of plastic is loaded into the machine and then extruded through a heating element at 230 degrees centigrade. The machine successively builds up layers of the plastic in a process called additive manufacturing.

Moler sourced the face shield design from the National Institutes of Health. The face shield consists of a visor with a top vent to prevent fogging and a large plastic shield that extends down over the face. The durable plastic shields can be reused after sanitization.

According to Donham, A&M-Commerce will continue to produce face shields for Paris Regional Medical Center and other local and regional healthcare organizations as the need arises.

Moler emphasized that his team can manufacture other types of personal protective equipment as well. “Rapid prototyping and 3D printing these devices allow us to be flexible and to adapt,” he said.


Fire Officials Offer Tips To Figure Occupancy Loads

Posted by on 3:11 pm in App, Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, Local Business News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Fire Officials Offer Tips To Figure Occupancy Loads

Fire Officials Offer Tips To Figure Occupancy Loads

As business and other establishments begin or prepare to reopen to the public, they will need determined “occupancy” loads. To help restaurants and retailers remain in compliance of the 50 percent maximum occupancy stipulation, Sulphur Springs Fire Rescue and Hopkins County Fire Department today offered tips to figure occupancy loads.

Governor Gregg Abbott April 27 in Executive Order 18 authorized approved Phase I reopenings to begin on May 1. Hopkins County Commissioners Court Tuesday morning issued an amended disaster declaration allowing permitted reopenings to begin at noon April 28. emain at no more than 50 percent occupancy.

Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County Fire administrators offer the following tips determining occupancy loads for restaurants and retailers who have or will be reopening this week.

A guide issued by Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County fire administrators to help restaurants and retailers figure occupancy load to remain in compliance with state and local guidelines.

For additional questions or help figuring occupancy loads, contact Sulphur Springs Fire Rescue may directed to 903-439-3760 or Hopkins County Fire Department at 903-439-6217.

Specific protocols outlined by the Governor’s Strike Force for retailers, restaurants, customers and others regarding the reopening of Texas following COVID-19 closures can be found in the Texans Helping Texans. Additional COVID-19 related information from the county emergency management team can be found online on the Hopkins County Emergency Management’s information page and Facebook page.


Sulphur Springs Man Allegedly Assaulted An Officer And A Woman

Posted by on 1:38 pm in Featured, Headlines, News, Sulphur Springs News, Sulphur Springs Police Department | Comments Off on Sulphur Springs Man Allegedly Assaulted An Officer And A Woman

Sulphur Springs Man Allegedly Assaulted An Officer And A Woman

A 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly assaulted an officer and his former girlfriend, and resisted arrest, according to arrest reports.

Lucas Matthew Smith

Sulphur Springs Police responded at 8:35 p.m. April 28 at an Industrial Drive apartment complex, where the went to check the wellbeing of a 31-year-old woman for whome someone had expressed concern.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly encountered Lucas Matthew Smith, the woman’s former boyfriend. Police noted the 27-year-old man appeared to be out of breath. Smith claimed he and the woman had been involved in a disturbance and she left, SSPD Officer Silas Whaley and Officer Cameron Robinson alleged in arrest reports.

The woman, for whom concern had been expressed and who was alleged by Smith to have been involved in the disturbance, was reportedly located. She had what appeared to be injuries, allegedly sustained by Smith assaulting her, police noted in arrest reports.

When officers took Smith into custody, he allegedly began physically resisting them. Police restrained him “using the necessary amount of force to repel aggression,” officers alleged in arrest reports. While Smith was resisting, an officer reportedly sustained a minor hand injury.

Police transported Smith to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury and resisting arrest charges, and on a third-degree felony assault on a public servant charge, according to arrest reports.

Smith remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, April 29. Bond was set at $20,000 on the felony assault charge and $2,000 each on the Class A misdemeanor charges, according to arrest reports.

The April 28 arrest marks the third time this year, and fourth time in the last six months that Smith has been booked into Hopkins County jail, according to jail reports.

Smith was also arrested Oct. 27, 2019 on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge; Jan. 5, 2020 on a warrant for not taking care of the drug paraphernalia charge; and Jan. 16, 2020, on a possession of marijuana charge, 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.

Heroin, Meth Located Following FM 1536 Traffic Stop

Posted by on 11:11 am in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sheriff's Department | Comments Off on Heroin, Meth Located Following FM 1536 Traffic Stop

Heroin, Meth Located Following FM 1536 Traffic Stop

Suspected black tar heroin and methamphetamine were located following a a FM 1536 traffic stop later Tuesday night. The passenger, a 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man, was arrested on possession charges and a misdemeanor warrant, according to arrest reports.

Robert Neil Brown

Hopkins County Sheriff Office deputies reported stopping a Saturn Aura at 10:31 p.m. April 28 on FM 1536 for having a defective brake light, one that was high center mounted. The driver steered the car onto a residential property before stopping, HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Justin Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports.

Deputies contacted the passenger, who communications operators reported had an outstanding warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a driving while intoxicated charge. Robert Neil Brown was asked to exit the car and taken into custody, according to arrest reports.

A search of the car reportedly revealed no contraband. Thus, the driver was given a verbal warning for the defective high mounted brake light, then released in the vehicle. Brown, however, was transported from the address of the FM 1536 traffic stop by deputies to the county jail in a patrol vehicle, according to arrest reports.

Upon arrival at the jail, deputies observed Brown moving around in the back seat. When asked if he had anything illegal on him, Brown allegedly admitted to having a hypodermic syringe in his boot. Deputies removed the syringe, which deputies allege had a small amount of liquid in it, then released Brown to jail staff, Steward and Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports.

While he was checking the back seat of the patrol vehicle, a jailer informed the deputy he found a small bag in Brown’s waistband, Steward and Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports. The bag allegedly contained one smaller bag with a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and another that field-tested positive for black tar heroin. The liquid in the syringe also allegedly field-tested positive for meth as well. The baggy of suspected meth weighed 1.84 grams and the bag of suspected heroin weighed 0.4 grams, deputies alleged in arrest reports.

Consequently, the 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into jail on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and less than 1 gram of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, as well as the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for DWI, according to arrest reports.

He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning. Bond was set at $10,000 on the third-degree felony controlled substance charge and at $5,000 on the two other charges, according to jail 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.

Como-Pickton FFA Chapter Recognizes Students At Virtual Banquet

Posted by on 9:13 am in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, School News | Comments Off on Como-Pickton FFA Chapter Recognizes Students At Virtual Banquet

Como-Pickton FFA Chapter Recognizes Students At Virtual Banquet

The Como-Pickton FFA Chapter may not have all been able to gather together in the same building Tuesday night, but that didn’t stop them from holding their annual FFA Banquet. The CP FFA Chapter, working remotely put together a “virtual” banquet members could view online Tuesday night, April 28, on the chapter Facebook page to recognize and honor outstanding students.

Among only 60 selected as Texas FFA Foundation Ambassadors for 2019 were Sydnee Neal, Kara Tifft, Presley Cummins and Summer Gilbreath. They worked behind the scenes last year with sponsors, dignitaries and special guests at the Texas FFA Convention.

Presley Cummins, representing Texas, also received a silver rating at the National Dairy Cattle Handler’s Competition. She shows registered Jersey cattle with the CP FFA Show team. She is a National Dairy Cattle Handler. Cummins also was elected to serve as Paris District FFA Officer.

Rhayne Thomas, an 8th grader actively involved in several aspects of the FFA program, was named Star Greenhand.

Junior Cindy Munoz, an active FFA member for the last 2 years, participating in several aspects of the FFA program, is this year’s Star Chapter Farmer.

Summer Gilbreath, active in several aspects of the program, was named Ag Science Student of the Year. In addition to serving as a Foundation Ambassador, she has her level floral certification and was the CP FFA Challenge Contest 2019 Grand Champion. She is always up for a challenge and willing to lend a hand.

Sydnee Neal earned Star Lonestar Farmer. Her Supervised Agriculture Experience includes various ag mechanics projects that she built in woodshop. She also spent the last 3 years participating in Prepared Public Speaking, Ag Communication CDE and Public Relations.

Neal also received the Dekalb Award for agricultural accomplishment. She is an active FFA member, involved in leadership roles, teams and contest. She plans to join the Air Force with a focus in firefighting.

Presley Cummings, Parker Cummings

Como-Pickton FFA has two candidates, Presley Cummings and Parker Cummings, for the highest honor FFA bestows, the American FFA Degree. Presley attends Texas A&M University-Commerce and Parker attends Texas Christian University; both are majoring in nursing. If these students receive the degree, it will be conferred this fall at the national convention.

The Ag Co-Op Student of the Year is Carol Nabors, a senior FFA member. She always had impeccable records and which she kept up to date. She plans to continue her education at Tyler Junior college in the fall.

Breanna Bowen is a National Finalist in Dairy Production Entrepreneurship. She progressed through district, area and state competition to advance to the national finals, where she interviewed as one of the top four in the nation. Bowen is currently attending Tarleton State University, where she is majoring in agricultural communication. Her Supervised Agricultural Experience consists of registered Jersey cattle.

To see these and additional honors and recognition announced during the virutal banquet, including NETLA Ag Mechanics and Junior Market Show winners and participants, the 11 Skills USA state qualifiers, LDE participant and breeding show team, check out the Como-Pickton FFA Chapter Banquet on Facebook.

Scholarships, Tractorcade

All senior FFA scholarships will be announced along with all other senior scholarships. The current FFA officer team will continue to serve until an FFA officer election can be conducted.

While Como-Pickton will be unable to host the annual Tractorcade at the school this year due to COVID-19 in-person school closure, Como-Pickton FFA plans to host a virtual Tractorcade on May 8. Students who have tractors at home can participate by showing themselves on their family tractors. As details are firmed up, they will be posted on the CP FFA Facebook page.

CHRISTUS Weekly Business Report for April 29, 2020

Posted by on 8:51 am in Community Events, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on CHRISTUS Weekly Business Report for April 29, 2020

CHRISTUS Weekly Business Report for April 29, 2020

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News

Sulphur Springs, Texas, April 29, 2020 CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ. 

HEROES work here!

For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests. 

  • (1) Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
  • (1) Visitor per patient
  • Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
  • All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
  • All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
  • Visiting hours are 7am to 7pm (subject to change)
  • ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.

Urgent Care

CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care at 1339 S. Broadway St. in Sulphur Springs, is temporarily closed.  Anyone needing to be seen by a physician may walk-in at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary Care at 105 Medical Plaza, or to schedule, please call 903.885.3181.  If you are showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, please call our COVID-19 Hotline at 800.458.4559, Option 9, to be screened, and instructed on how to proceed.  As always, if it is emergent, present to the Emergency Room or call 9-1-1.

We want to reassure our patients that CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital continue to be a safe place to receive your care, and we encourage you to follow up with your regular healthcare needs.  For any reason you cannot come into the clinic, or do not feel comfortable, virtual visits and telephone visits are available.  Please contact your provider to discuss all of the many options for accessing care.

Services

As a reminder, at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, we are performing scheduled surgeries and procedures.  Please contact your healthcare provider for more information.

Community Preparedness

COVID-19

We want to be perfectly clear:  CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not.  From physicians and nurses, quality and safety experts to those responsible for ordering supplies and keeping the hospital clean – all our Associates are involved in making sure we provide a safe environment for our patients.  Every single day.

To be connected to our CHRISTUS COVID Hotline, call 1.800.458.4559.

For more information on COVID-19 and preventive measures, please visit www.CDC.gov.

# # #

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler ContinueCARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org

Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler

Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler

Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville

Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs

Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro

Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital

Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler

Bed count – 51 – Tyler ContinueCARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital

Chamber Report, Nod to ‘Biz of the Week’ Heritage Christian Counseling

Posted by on 8:12 am in Community Events, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Chamber Report, Nod to ‘Biz of the Week’ Heritage Christian Counseling

Chamber Report, Nod to ‘Biz of the Week’ Heritage Christian Counseling

This is the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce weekly report for the final week of April, 2020, submitted by Chamber CEO Lezley Brown.

Some people hate change… they hate it. There are others that just drink it in, and I fall in that category. I just want to share that as we work to re-open Hopkins County, we should embrace a spirit of change with caution.
Things may look differently than they did before we headed into the COVID-19 fog. In all actuality, we don’t know what day to day life is going to look like for sure.
I’ve read about all the different “curves” the experts are discussing for the economy: v curves, w curves, u curves. Not even the experts agree with each other completely. But here is something I know… Hopkins County is going to do their very best to bounce back and keep on running. I encourage everyone to continue showing patience and grace, because we are all going to need it.
Let’s see what happens next in this chapter of a book we couldn’t have even imagined. Let’s continue to be there for each other every step of the way. Let’s carefully get to the other side of this and be wiser for it!
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week.
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for April 30, 2020, Heritage Christian Counseling.

Heritage Outreach Ministry and Christian Counseling Center at 211 Connally Street Pictured: Director Mary Leshe and Board Member Karen White