Designated Emergency Infant Care Provider – Baby Moses Law
What is the “Baby Moses Law?”
The “Baby Moses Law” is the common name of a law authorizing a designated emergency infant care provider to take possession of a child appearing to be 60-days-old or younger from the child’s parent, if the parent does not express intent to return for the child. You can find this law in the Texas Family Code, Chapter 262, Subchapter D. Emergency Possession of Certain Abandoned Children.
This law encourages parents who abandon their children to do so with a designated emergency infant care provider rather than at a dangerous location. The law also protects parents from criminal prosecution when they deliver an unharmed child to a designated emergency infant care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the law work?
Any parent may voluntarily deliver a child 60 days old or younger to a designated emergency infant care provider when the parent does not express intent to return for the child.
What is a designated emergency infant care provider?
A child-placing agency licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission can be a designated emergency infant care provider if the CPA:
- Agrees to act as a designated emergency infant care provider; and
- Has on staff a person who is licensed as a registered nurse under Chapter 301, Occupations Code, or who provides emergency medical services under Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, and who will examine and provide emergency medical services to a child taken into possession by the agency.
What are the responsibilities of a designated CPA emergency infant care provider?
A designated CPA emergency infant care provider must:
- Post a notice in a prominent location that:
- The CPA is a designated emergency infant care provider; and
- It will accept children 60-days-old or younger who are voluntarily delivered by the child’s parent, if the parent does not express an intent to return for the child.
- Use prudent judgment to protect the physical health and safety of the child until DFPS takes possession of the child.
- Assess the child for injury or illness.
- Immediately contact your registered nurse or person who provides emergency medical services to evaluate the medical needs of the child.
- Follow through with recommendations for medical treatment.
- Notify DFPS of the possession of the child no later than the close of the first business day after the date the provider takes possession of the child.
- Provide the child’s medical history or any other pertinent information to DFPS.
What do the responsibilities of a designated CPA emergency infant care provider not include?
A designated CPA emergency infant care provider has no legal duty to:
- Detain or pursue the parent and may not do so unless the child appears to have been abused or neglected.
- Determine the parent’s identity. However, the provider may give the parent a form for voluntary disclosure of the child’s medical facts and history.
As the School Year Starts, CBP Intercepts More Fake IDs
August 15,2024 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have discovered counterfeit driver’s licenses inside inbound packages moving through the International Mail Facility at O’Hare International Airport. During routine examinations of packages, officers focused enforcement efforts on counterfeit documents produced outside the United States that were potentially going to be used to fake an identity of young adults that have not yet reached the age of 21.
Counterfeit documents are fake documents that have the appearance of legal documentation but are not issued by a legitimate organization or government agency and are not recognized in the United States as official travel or identification instruments. Counterfeit documents, such as these driver’s licenses, can be used as a means for college students who have not yet turned the age of 21, to enter a bar or business that sells and serves alcohol. Unfortunately, these students put themselves at great risk when purchasing these fake documents.
“Counterfeit driver’s licenses are used by young adults who have not yet reached the legal drinking age,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations, Chicago Field Office. “Not to mention the criminal consequences, CBP’s interception of these IDs significantly reduces the chances for alcohol to be purchased by underage individuals and hopefully reduces the consequences of their actions, including deadly accidents.”
Since the beginning of August, Chicago CBP officers have seized 40 shipments containing 1,020 counterfeit United States driver’s licenses from all over the U.S. Only two companies have authorization by the U.S. Department of State to print international driver’s licenses in the United States: The American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The IDs were deemed counterfeit based upon the lack of fine line detail, and exhibit features that are not consistent with the document type.
According to Sutton-Burke, the reasoning for buying fake IDs has evolved from teenagers trying to get into bars to more nefarious activity. “Some of the major concerns as they relate to fraudulent identity documents include identity theft, worksite enforcement, critical infrastructure protection, fraud linked to immigration-related crimes such as human smuggling and human trafficking, and these documents can be used by those individuals associated with terrorism to minimize their scrutiny undergoing travel screening measures.”
CBP officers coordinate identification findings with CBP’s Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and other federal partners to combat any illicit activity. Visit CBP’s YouTube channel to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.
CBP routinely conducts inspection operations on arriving and departing international flights and intercepts narcotics, weapons, currency, prohibited agriculture products, counterfeit goods, and other illicit items at our nation’s 328 international ports of entry.
Stewcomers Meeting This Thursday
August 14, 2024 – Fear not, Stewcomers! If this is your first year to sign up as a cook for the Hopkins County Stew Festival, we will have a meeting just for you this Thursday, August 15th, here at the Chamber at 5:30pm.
We will go over everything you need to know as a first time cook to ensure your experience is wonderful!
As for all you excited Stew Fest attendees, we’re pleased to announce ticket sales begin the same day!
See you soon, stew lovers…
Chamber address: 110 Main Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
The annual World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest will take place Saturday October 26, 2024 here in Sulphur Springs.
Texas Leads the Way Against Noncitizen Voting
August 14, 2024 – AUSTIN — Ahead of the November 2024 Election, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson reminds Texans of measures the state takes to stop noncitizen voting.
“The State of Texas uses safeguards and checks against noncitizen voting, which is illegal under state law” said Secretary Nelson.
State and federal laws prohibit noncitizens from registering and voting in any Texas election. When registering to vote, Texans must attest to being a U.S. citizen. Providing false information on a voter registration form subjects applicants to criminal penalties, including jail time and a fine. It is a second-degree felony for a noncitizen to vote in Texas, under House Bill 1243 which Governor Greg Abbott signed into law last year.
In 2021, Governor Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which created additional election integrity measures including ongoing citizenship checks of Texas voter rolls and ID requirements for mail-in ballots. The law also increased penalties for false statements on a voter registration application.
The Secretary of State’s Office regularly obtains data from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) on noncitizens and compares it to the statewide voter registration database. The Secretary’s Office also receives information from Texas courts about people who have been excused or disqualified from jury duty because of noncitizenship. The Secretary of State uses this data to identify potential noncitizens and sends these records to county voter registrars to investigate the voter’s eligibility. Those who are determined to be ineligible or who fail to respond within the allotted time are removed from the voter roll. In the last three years since SB 1 was signed into law, thousands of noncitizens have been removed from the voter roll.
County voter registrars are also required to review their voter registration records and send notices to any voter who the registrar reasonably believes is not eligible for registration, including due to noncitizenship. Any Texan can challenge a voter’s registration due to lack of U.S. citizenship by filing a sworn statement with the county registrar. A challenge results in a hearing and cancellation of the voter’s registration if the voter cannot produce adequate proof of citizenship. If a registrar determines that a person on the voter rolls, including a noncitizen, is ineligible to vote, they must report it to the Attorney General and the Secretary of State within 72 hours.
Governor Abbott also signed Senate Bill 1113 into law in 2021, which allows the Secretary to withhold funds from counties that fail to remove noncitizens from their voter rolls. Secretary Nelson said that her office “monitors each voter registrar’s list maintenance activity on an ongoing basis for compliance with their voter registration cancellation duties.”
In June, Secretary Nelson sent two advisories reminding county election officials about their obligation to update voter registration rolls, including acting on information related to noncitizen registration. “Voting is a sacred right that must be preserved for citizens who qualify under our elections laws,” said Secretary Nelson. “My responsibility is to ensure free and fair elections and that only qualified voters participate.”
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Offers Resources and Guidance on Tree Care During Drought by Mario Villarino
August 13, 2024 – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers extensive resources and guidance on tree care during drought, recognizing the vital role trees play in both urban and rural environments. Drought conditions can severely stress trees, making them more susceptible to disease, pests, and long-term damage. AgriLife Extension’s approach to tree care during drought is designed to help homeowners, landowners, and municipalities maintain the health of their trees through proper management and informed practices.
One of the foundational aspects of AgriLife Extension’s tree care recommendations is the selection of drought-tolerant species. For new plantings, they advise choosing native or well-adapted trees that require less water and are better suited to withstand Texas’s often harsh, dry conditions. These species include varieties like live oak, Texas red oak, and cedar elm, which are known for their resilience in low-water environments.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension emphasizes efficient and effective watering techniques as crucial for tree survival during drought. They recommend deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth, which helps trees access moisture in the soil over longer periods. This method contrasts with shallow, frequent watering, which can lead to weak, surface-level roots that are more vulnerable to drought stress.
AgriLife Extension advises applying water slowly and directly to the root zone, which is typically located under the tree’s canopy and extending just beyond the drip line. They also recommend watering early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation, ensuring that more water reaches the roots.
Mulching is another key strategy promoted by AgriLife Extension to conserve soil moisture and protect tree roots during drought. A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, spread around the base of the tree (but not touching the trunk) can significantly reduce water loss from the soil, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Mulching also helps improve soil structure over time as it breaks down, enhancing the soil’s ability to retain moisture. During drought, it’s essential to monitor trees closely for signs of stress. AgriLife Extension provides guidance on what to look for, including symptoms such as leaf wilting, browning, or premature leaf drop. They also advise checking for signs of pests or diseases, which trees are more prone to when under stress from drought. Early detection and treatment are critical to preventing further damage and ensuring tree survival.
AgriLife Extension recommends minimal pruning during drought, as pruning can increase stress on trees by removing foliage, which is essential for photosynthesis and energy production. However, removing dead or diseased branches can help reduce the risk of pest infestations and other issues. Proper pruning techniques, as taught by AgriLife Extension, are essential to avoid further weakening the tree. AgriLife Extension provides a wealth of educational materials, including workshops, fact sheets, and online resources, to help the public care for their trees during drought. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from basic tree care to advanced management practices for large properties and urban landscapes. The Extension also offers personalized support through local offices, where experts can provide specific advice based on regional conditions.
In summary, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s tree care strategies during drought focus on selecting the right species, implementing efficient watering and mulching practices, and monitoring tree health closely. By following these research-based guidelines, Texans can help their trees survive and thrive, even in the challenging conditions posed by drought. Through education, outreach, and practical advice, AgriLife Extension continues to support the preservation of Texas’s vital tree resources. For more information on this or any other agricultural or natural resources topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected]
Texas House Republicans Petition State Fair to Rescind Gun Ban
By Juan Salinas II, The Texas Tribune August. 12, 2024
Texas House Republicans are pressuring State Fair officials to rescind its recent decision to ban all firearms from the fairgrounds.
Fair officials and law enforcement announced the policy change last week, roughly a year after a gunman opened fire at the fair, injuring three people. The fair also announced it will have cameras at entrances for the security process and will not provide lockers or bag checks for larger bags.
The State Fair of Texas starts Sept. 27 in Dallas.
As of noon on Monday, 71 state lawmakers and Republican House nominees signed a petition saying the new policy makes the fair “less safe” because, “Gun free zones are magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil.”
“The State Fair of Texas claims to be a ‘celebration of all things Texas,’ yet this new policy is anything but a celebration of Texas,” the petition reads.
The letter also warned that if the gun ban at the State Fair goes into effect, they would consider taking legislative action.
“Your actions raise questions about the need for legislation next session to further protect these rights on lands managed by the public,” the lawmakers wrote.
Texas Gun Rights, a gun advocacy group, also released a statement encouraging the state fair to change its decision. “Gun Free Zones don’t work. This is another feel good attempt that accomplishes absolutely nothing for safety,” said Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, in the statement.
Law enforcement arrested 22-year-old Cameron Turner in connection with the shooting, who they said opened fire at the fair’s food court. He was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of unlawfully carrying a weapon in a prohibited place.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/08/12/texas-state-fair-gun-ban-legislature/.
CBP Officers Seize Over $6.5 million in Hard Narcotics at World Trade Bridge
Mon, 08/12/2024 LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the World Trade Bridge seized hard narcotics that totaled over $6,500,000 in street value.
“CBP prioritizes its border security mission on a daily basis,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP officers work diligently using all tools available to combat these narcotic trends.”
The seizure occurred on Friday, Aug. 9 at the World Trade Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2023 Freightliner hauling a utility refrigerated trailer manifesting a commercial shipment of flowers for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 712.54 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the commodity. The narcotics combined had a street value of $6,551,910. CBP seized the narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizure.
Governor Abbott Announces $3.3 Million In Grants For Rural Hospital Maternal Care Operations
August 12, 2024 – Governor Greg Abbott announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is awarding $3.3 million in grant funding to improve maternal care in rural hospitals currently not providing labor and delivery services. The HHSC Rural Hospital Maternal Care Operations Grant provides qualifying hospitals a one-time payment of $35,000 to purchase neonatal equipment, supplies, and training for emergency labor and delivery services.
“Texas continues working to ensure that new mothers and families have access to quality healthcare services in every corner of our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “Expanding access to rural healthcare remains a top priority. With this $3.3 million in grants, hospitals will receive much needed financial assistance to purchase equipment and train healthcare personnel for emergency labor and delivery services to help Texas mothers. I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their tireless efforts to provide quality healthcare through this grant opportunity to rural hospitals across Texas.”
“Having the right equipment and training can potentially save lives, especially in communities with few choices for emergency care,” said HHSC Chief Financial Officer Trey Wood. “These grants give hospitals an opportunity to address a critical gap in rural health care and serve our most vulnerable and newest Texans.”
The grant aims to improve maternal care operations related to neonatal preparation and readiness for emergency labor and deliveries.
Rural hospitals not currently providing inpatient labor and delivery services are encouraged to apply for the grant. Applications must be submitted through the HHSC Rural Hospital Program grants portal by 5 p.m. on September 13.
HHSC provides grant funding and administers programs for rural hospitals in alignment with the HHSC Rural Hospital Services Strategic Plan Progress Report, which sets goals to ensure rural Texans have access to hospital services.
For more information, visit the HHSC Rural Hospital Finance and Coordination webpage.
Hopkins County Records – July/August 2024
Daily Instrument Register For 7/18/24 Thru 7/19/24
- Amber Nicole Thomas and Kevis Scott Thomas to Sophie Alice Gonzales-Mata and Eugene Daniel Mata; Tract in the AC J Procello Survey
- Ramona Iris Fisk to Kevin Matthew Fisk; Tract in the Daniel Holbrook Survey
- LJ Martin Ranch LLC to Brian Joseph Drake and Jennifer Lynn McClintock; Tract in the AC F Marrs Survey
- Big Country Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Puja Giri; Tract in the Lot 73 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Big County Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Doug M Marshtalier and Ninie Mashtalier; Tract in the Lot 44 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Big Country Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Maria Narine Torres Cajiao; Tract in the Lot 52 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Big Country Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Amy Christine Dumar; Tract in the Lot 42 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Big Country LOand Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Aaron Jonathan Frazier and Natasha Marie Frazier; Tract in the Lot 25 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Janie Elaine Carpenter to Janet Clark and Justin Moon; Tract in the James Lee Survey
- Lo Ann Potter Also Known As Joann Potter to Sable Erdmier and Tristan Fairchild; Tract in the R B Craft Survey
- Jace Garrett Burchfield to Fatmir Cosic and Indira Cosic; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Harold G Dixon Also Known As Harold Glenn Dixon to Fatmir Cosic and Indira Cosic; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Herbert Chung Ng to Hesston Taylor and Keri Taylor; Tract in the AC J Hill Survey
- Juli Price to Caden Clay Price and Emily Nicole Price; Tract in the M C Mahaffey Survey
- Vincent J Knoll to Rachael E Knoll; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Jose Jesus Serrano to Nicole Brumit and Timothy Brumit; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Edith Frost to Billye Marie Lewis; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Jamie Foster Also Known As Jamie S Foster to Jaime S Foster Also Known As Jamie Foster and Jose Luna; Tract in the Jacob Webb Survey
- Jeanie Beth Beaty, Ronald Allen Burris, and Billy Joe Petrea to Tim McQueen; Tract in the AC Juan Palvadore Survey
- Lisa Y Wilson Also Known As Lisa Yvonne Willson to rista Michelle Evans, Amanda Kay Purkey, Stephanie Leanne Tharp, and Brian Douglas Wilson JR; Tract in the AC A B Koontz Survey
- Edgar Sanchez, Heriberto Sanchez, and Mariana Sanchez to Jose Sanchez and Mercedes Sanchez; Tract in the Levi Landers Survey
- Jose Sanchez and Mercedes Sanchez to Edgar Sanchez, Heriberto Sanchez, and Mariana Sanchez; Tract in the AC Levi Landers Survey
Daily Instrument Register For 7/22/24 Thru 7/24/24
- Kelli Geraci and Troy Geraci to Leslie Jo Van Winkle and Ronnie C Van Winkle; Tract in the AC J C Tabor Survey
- Janet Irvin Formely Known As Janet Irvin Higgins McCormack to Bar D Real Estate LLC Series A; Tract in the AC Daniel Fuller Survey
- Mivida Luz Rivera to Diosdado Properties LLC; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Christopher Sean Cross to Nathan Crouch, Liz Dawson, Alan Screws, and Kim Screws; Tract in the Lot 2 Blk 200 Forrester Addition Survey
- Penney Hemby, Scott Hemby, Dale McMahan, and Sherri McMahan to Randall Earl Lloyd; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Glenn Irvin to James McMahan and Karen McMahan; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Martin Munoz Jr to Ana Aguilar and Gerardo Aguilar; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Amy Neal Alsp Known As Amy Danyeill Neal, Shawn Neal Also Known As Shawn Houston Neal to Chelsea Layne Cockrum and Jordan Don Cockrum; Tract in the AC G Procello Survey
- Karen Egan Formely Known As William Egan, and Karen Joanna Gibert to Edgar Mondragon and Lucia Mondragon; Tract in the Helena Nelson Survey
- David Kaufman and Donna Kaufman to Colton Dewayne Lee and Lindsey Rae Lee; Tract in the AC Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Chris Dunlap and Diana S Dunlap to Emily Baker ande Michael Baker; Tract in the AC C Zanco Survey
- Nancy McCord Grantham to Sherri Crittendon and Dovie Wall; Tract in the Eli R Merrill Survey
- Jessica R Saul. and Gerald A Saul R to Osvaldo Pulido; Tract in the Elizabeth Melton Survey
- Jefferson J Paddock and Leona A Paddock to Jamie Bertoletti, Courtney Davee, and John Paddock; Tract in the Elizabeth Mitchell Survey
- Christopher Anthony Utah and Stephanie L Utah to Kaylie Fain and Stephen C Fain; Tract in the AC Josiah Pettyjohn Survey
- Arthur H Hamner and Janet Hamner to Elaine Cumings Mund; Tract in the Santos Coy Survey
- Jeff Orwosky, Tapp Funeral Home Inc to First Baptist Church Sulphur Sprigns; Tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin Survey
- Stanley Foster, Wesley United Methodist Church to Aundrea Loeffler and Morris Frank Loeffler III; Tract in the M A Vowlin Survey
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 8/6/24 Thru 8/12/24
- Grady Shawn Winchester and Kimberly Lunceford Wood
- Kerry Lyn Sanders and Courtney Lynne Hazel
- Aaron David Smith and Megan Marie Meaux
- Hadenn Blane Townsend and Brooklynn Page Williams
- Austin James Henslee and Makayla Dawn Bridges
- Gomez Juan Manuel Jimenez and Maria Fernanda Ramirez
Dinner Bell for August 14, 2024
The City National Bank, the oldest bank in continual service in Sulphur Springs, was chartered in 1889. It also has locations not only in Hopkins County but also in Wood, Rains, Van Zant, Gregg, Upshur, Cass, Morris, and services surrounding counties.
The original lot on the corner of the Sulphur Springs square and Connally Street was purchased for $3,350.00. The two story building, home of the bank until 1968, was built at a cost of $5,399.00. The original vault door is still in use today and is in perfect working order.
The South Town Branch was acquired through purchasing First National in 1998. A Mortgage Branch was opened on S. Broadway in 2000. Expansion continued with operations going to Wood County (Yantis and Quitman), Mineola, Mt. Vernon, Emory, Wills Point, Grand Saline, Canton, Naples, Queen City and Pittsburgh.
Having over $1Billion in assets as of March 31, 2021 enables this banking institution to offer many different financial products to and for its customers.
The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry has been blessed with a Partnership with City National Bank since June 8, 2016. For a number of years it has occured four times yearly with bank associates helping in the serving of the meals (both when inside the church and also when distributed outside). For this dedication and the realization of “helping feed those who need a meal,” The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry is extremely grateful.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
Rice
Oven Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Garden Salad
White Texas Sheet Cake
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE LURKING IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
