Breanna Bowen Selected As Intern For COBA/Select Sires Communications/Marketing
COBA/Select Sires in a press release June 25 announced Breanna Bowen has been selected as the 2020 Communications/ Marketing Intern.
Bowen is the first out of state intern for the co-op. She will be working with the COBA/Select Sires team in creating of advertisements, promotions and customer letters. Bowen will also assist in customer relations and daily office duties, according to the press release.
“We are excited to have her join our team. She brings knowledge, skill and the willingness to learn. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes this summer,” Julie Zeigler, COBA/Select Sires Administrative Director, was quoted in the press release as stating.
Bowen in 2018 graduated from Como-Pickton High School, where she was very active in FFA, and is currently attending Tarleton State University, majoring in agricultural communication. On campus, Bowen is a member of Tarleton Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Leadership Council, and Tarleton Dairy Club. She competed on the 2019 Colligate Dairy Judging Team and currently serves as a College of Agricultural and Environmental Science Ambassador.
After graduation, her plans are to work in the communications department of an agriculture business while pursuing her master’s degree. She hopes to use her story to advocate for farmers and ranchers to bridge the gap between those who grow it and those who eat it.
“With this internship, I hope to enhance my graphic design skills through the hands on experience offered by the internship, to communicate more effectively, and to build relationships with my fellow co-workers and industry leaders.” Bowen.
She stays active in the dairy industry with the herd of registered Jersey cattle she co-owns with her sister.
One of her most recent accomplishments is receiving her American FFA Degree and being named a 2019 National FFA Proficiency Finalist- Dairy Production Entrepreneurship.
According to the press released “COBA/Select Sires, Inc., one of the founding members of Select Sires, Inc., has become widely respected for its clearly demonstrated ability to provide the finest service and bovine genetics available in the world. COBA/Select Sires, Inc., operates as a true cooperative by encouraging member input and allowing members to share in profits through patronage refunds.
July Fun at NE Texas Childrens Museum
Lots of fun is planned within the first few days of July for NE Texas children and their families. On Wednesday July 1, 2020, the Northeast Texas Childrens Museum will host a visit from Spirit the Horse and Barney the Goat from the Road Runner 3R Ranch. The animal pair, dressed in 4th of July costumes, will be accompanied by chickens and turkeys for the children to enjoy watching.
What was first planned as an Easter Egg Hunt before COVID-19 limits were imposed has now become a Fourth of July Egg Hunt at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum, sponsored by Brookshire’s. On Friday July 3, 2020, two egg hunt sessions are planned; 10am and 1:30pm. Bring your Easter basket if you have one, or Easter buckets will be provided. The number of participants and visitors to the museum will be limited for both events.
Reservations and payment may be made on-line or by calling the Children’s Museum at 903-886-6005.
The Children’s Museum will be closed on Saturday, July 4.
Science Thursdays will be offered each of the following weeks in July. Beginning on Thursday, July 9, presentations will be offered each week at 10:00 and 2:00 on topics to include Robotics, Sound, Water, and the Making of Ooze.
The Northeast Texas Childrens Museum is located in Commerce, Texas at 100 Maple Street. Find out more at netxcm.com.
Wood County Criminal DA’s Office Assists In Man’s Release From Jail On Conditional PR Bond
David Dial, a Quitman resident who had been in custody at Wood County jail since Nov. 6, 2019, was released from custody Thursday, June 25, 2020 on a personal recognizance bond. A press release issued late Thursday afternoon by the Office of the Wood County Criminal District Attorney Angela Albers cited “health issues” as the cause for her office’s assistance in securing the conditional PR bond for the release of David Dial from the jail in Wood County.
“Mr. Dial, while charged with a serious offense, suffers from health issues that necessitate this unique action on our part,” the press release from Albers’ office states.
According to Wood County court and jail records, David Earl Dial of Quitman has been booked into Wood County jail twice. Jail records show Dial was booked into Wood County jail on Aug. 15, 2019, on a manufacture of delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. He was released from Wood County jail on Aug. 26, 2019 on a $30,000 bond.
Wood County Jail records show Dial was again booked into the facility again on Nov. 6, 2019. This arrest was for a capias warrant on a charge of manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance- use/exhibit deadly weapon. He remained in Wood County jail on that charge until his release June 25, 2020, according to Wood County jail records.
The press release from Albers’ office further stated:
“While the Wood County Criminal District Attorney’s office is committed to bringing to justice anyone who commits a criminal offense in Wood County; it is also our duty to assist in ensuring the safety and well being of those being held in custody. In that regard, justice includes the safety of inmates while housed in the Wood County Jail, and prompt and proper medical treatment as needed. In this singular instance, it was apparent that a bond for Mr. Dial to accomplish those purposes, served the best interest of Mr. Dial’s health and the best interest of justice.”
County Clerk’s Office Issues Caution About Online Birth Certificate Forms
Hopkins County Clerk’s Office issued a caution Thursday afternoon, June 25, for people trying to obtain copies on their birth certificates online. Not all sites are official records sites. Below is the caution about online birth certificate and recommendation from the Clerk’s Office on obtaining a copy of birth certificates in Hopkins County:
“If you are needing a Birth Certificate, PLEASE DO NOT go online to get it. When you google Hopkins County Birth Certificate, there is a website that says you can order one online for $47. That IS NOT an actual website from Hopkins County.
You will need to come in to our office or you can have one mailed to you by completing a mail or email request with an application that can be printed from our website @ hopkinscountytx.org.
For any further questions, you call the office @ 903-438-4074
— Hopkins County Clerk’s Office
State Corrects Prior Report, Confirms No Hopkins County COVID-19 Deaths
Despite earlier reports from the state, state and local officials confirm there have been no Hopkins County COVID-19 deaths. Both deaths had been removed from their reporting system by 4 p.m. today.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team at 5 p.m. reported one new case and 10 additional recoveries. However, at that point, HCEMT was still waiting for official confirmation that the two state reported COVID-19 deaths were incorrect.
A short time after that press conference, state officials notified the county officials of the report confirming that there were no COVID-19 deaths for Hopkins County, according to Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley.
“We do still have 51 total cases, 30 of whom have recovered, but no deaths,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said Thursday evening.
One of the deaths reported by the state last weekend was confirmed earlier this week to be an accidental duplicate in reporting by the state. The duplicate had been removed from the state reports, leaving the one case in Texas Department of Health and Human Services’ data system as of the June 24 report.
The county officials, when the first death was reported by the state, said they would be contesting that case as it was not believed to have been a COVID-19 related death.
Newsom expressed appreciation to Dr. IL Balkcom IV, a doctor who also serves as the Local Health Authority for Hopkins and Delta counties. Balkcom was able to provide knowledge that the patient did not die of COVID-19. The state June 25 confirmed the death was other than COVID-19 to local officials after 4 p.m.
“So, we have zero deaths for Hopkins County at this time, that’s the important thing. We are very grateful,” Newsom said.
June 25th: Hopkins County COVID-19 Report: One New Positive Case, 10 Recoveries
The Hopkins County Emergency Management Team gave a quick update on the status of COVID-19 cases Thursday afternoon (June 25th). One new positive case was confirmed in Hopkins County and 10 new recoveries were reported at this time. This makes a total of 51 positive cases since the pandemic began, but a total of 30 of those are confrimed recovered. This leaves 21 active cases.
When asked about local hospital capacity, the Emergency Management Team confirmed that our local hospital was not anywhere near capacity and had plenty of room in all areas. Elective surgeries are still being performed at CHRISTUS-Sulphur Springs as four of the largest populated counties in the state have been told by Governor Abbott to halt all elective surgeries to save potential beds for COVID-19 patients.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom urged residents to continue to practice social distancing, but stated that the wearing of masks was up to each individual and not mandatory at this time.
SSHS Losing Two Assistant Coaches, School Board Hires One Assistant
The Sulphur Springs School Board, at a special meeting Monday evening (June 22), accepted the resignations of two SSHS assistant coaches and hired a new assistant. Assistant Lady Cats Soccer Coach Kristov Martinez and Assistant Lady Cats Basketball Coach Katelyn Webster have resigned. Both are math teachers. Wildcats Athletic Director Greg Owens is working to find their replacements. The board Monday also approved Jacob Sexton as a coach and Spanish Teacher at the high school. Sexton will be a Wildcats freshman basketball coach and freshman football coach. Coach Sexton is filling in for basketball assistant coach Joe Garcia, who is on military leave with the National Guard.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Tira News – June 25, 2020
By Jan Vaughn
John Martin has retired from his position as the Tira Volunteer Fire Department Chief. We want to express our appreciation for his years of service to our community.
Robert, Yvonne, and Wesley Weir met Dustin and Everly Weir at Juan Pablo’s on Friday, June 12. Dustin and Everly spent Friday night with them, and then Dustin and Robert went to the gun show at the Civic Center the next day. Yvonne said, “I got to keep Everly. She’s a doll!”
Yvonne added, “Everyone but Destri came to see Robert for Father’s Day. We visited out on the patio, because our lights went out. We ate ice cream that was melting for a snack and played Corn Hole and watched the kids play. We visited Destri in Sunnyvale last week.”
Landon and Laiken Joslin spent a few days camping and hiking at Mount Nebo, Petit Jean and Mount Magazine State Parks in Arkansas last week. Landon, also, enjoyed bike riding on the trails. Dixie, Rylan, Brailon and Slaiden stayed with Tiffany and Perry Gilbert and their aunt, Jaidyn (11), in Malvern. The kids enjoyed playing together and they got to swim at Lake
Catherine State Park a couple of times.
Tiffany and Jaidyn came in for Father’s Day weekend. Perry had to work all weekend and didn’t get to come with them. Jaidyn was with her dad, Malcolm Joslin, and his fiancée Melinda, in Princeton, from Saturday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. Malcolm and Melinda visited with us when they dropped Jaidyn off, and then they went to Landon and Laiken‘s house and spent some time with their family. Tiffany and Jaidyn returned to Malvern on Monday.
Our son, Delayne, is spending most of his time at home in Waco. He is able to work from home, so he doesn’t get out much.
Our grandson, Kenden Joslin, and his girlfriend, Emma Hall, had Father’s Day lunch with Emma’s family. They came by and visited with us, too.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected]
New Equipment, Vehicle Updates Approved For Hopkins County EMS
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors considered four capital expenditure requests and a contract renewal. New equipment purchases and vehicle updates were approved for Hopkins County EMS, along with a modified EMS contract with Franklin County.
Lucas Devices
HCHD COO/Hopkins County EMS Director Brent Smith asked the board to consider the purchase of three new Lucas devices. If purchased this month can be obtained at a discounted rate of $4,000 off the cost of each Lucas device.
The devices were factored into the current budget, but Smith had planned to ask for the chest compression devices in the 2020-21 budget which begins in October. However, the devices are only available through a special federal program due to COVID-19 through June 30 at that rate based on a subsidy. Thus, he asked the hospital district board to consider approving the device, at a $12,000 savings, before the end of the month.
HCHD Board of directors approved the purchase of 3 Lucas devices at a total cost of $39,099 for EMS.
LTV 1200 Ventilator
Smith also asked the board to consider the purchase of a LTV 1200 Ventilator for EMS.
This will allow more than one unit to have one of the highly specialized critical care ventilators, which health care professionals can “dial in the settings” from the hospital ICU in order to better prepare to care for individuals on which the device is needed.
It was noted these are the same types of devices used on medical helicopters.
Smit reported it is not uncommon to have a need for two ventilators on ambulances at the same time. For instance, one may be in use and another has to wait to be transferred from the hospital to other facilities, such as Tyler.
With the increase of COVID-19 patients across the state, having the additional unit could prove beneficial if the hospital and EMS receive more than 1 patient needing transport with a ventilator.
The HCHD Board approved the request for the $11,600 LTV 1200 ventilator.
Medic 4 Remount
HCHD Board also were asked to approve the remounting of Medic 4. The purchase had been included in the budget. However, after one ambulance was involved in a crash, the board in December agreed to delay the remount of one medic in favor of purchasing two demo medic units at a $60,000-$80,000 long-term savings instead of one unit that would have to be constructed and would take several months to put into services. Smith in December recommended applying $125,000 that’d been previously allocated for a remount project to be paired with the amount received from insurance on Medic 2 and applied to the purchase of the two demo trucks.
Smith asked for the remounting of the unit now due to the high mileage on the unit and a potential cost savings. The company had agreed to honor the quote provided last year for this model unit. Based on the current production schedule, the expense isn’t anticipated to be billed out until October or later. Waiting until later to put in the order would likely cost more, he explained.
HCHD Board of Directors approved the $124,000 remounting cost.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The HCHD Board was also asked to consider the purchase of a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe for $35,000, including decals. The current vehicle in use has 84,000 miles on it, which Smith said in the EMS service typically should be rates at double the mileage due to the type of use.
Smith said the old vehicle could be retired if a new one is put into service. However. he recommended keeping the 2015 model as a second available vehicle, particularly during this time in which his and others involvement with regional groups can mean deployment to other areas to assist with things like testing.
Smith reported that through some of those deployments and other participation in operations and services EMS is expected to receive a $120,000-$130,000 reimbursement in funding through June 20; that is saving HCHD $23,000 in payroll and benefits costs alone.
The older SUV could also be used by employees when they are required to travel to attend classes. If using the company vehicle, HCHD would not have to pay for mileage.
The hospital district board approved the purchase of a new Chevrolet Tahoe for $35,000.
Franklin County EMS Contract
Franklin County officials requested a modification of their contract with Hopkins County EMS to provide ambulance services in that county. Smith said Franklin County Judge Scott Lee had talked with other EMS services as well, but received good feedback from others regarding Hopkins County EMS’ service and cost.
Judge Lee asked if the contract could be modified so that Franklin County makes monthly payments instead of one large payment each year. Smith said HCEMS asked Franklin County to agree to a 5-year contact. The new contract would begin Jan. 1.
Franklin County would still provide housing for HCEMS. Franklin County is currently working on a new multi-use building largely funded through a grant that would house a clinic and physicians office and provide housing and two drive-through bays for the EMS, the HCEMS director reported.
The modified contract had already received approval of Franklin County Commissioners Court.
HCHD Board of Directors approved the modified EMS contract with Franklin County.
