SHELBY COUNTY, Texas — For seven consecutive days, the number of COVID-19  hospitalized patients in the East Texas region has exceeded 15% of the total capacity.

On Monday, December 21, 2020, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that the 19 counties that comprise the Piney Woods Trauma Service Area (TSA-G) are now in an “area with high hospitalization,” as defined by Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32.l

This means restaurants and businesses in all counties within the TSA-G area, must now operate at no more than 50% of the total listed occupancy. In addition, people may not visit bars in “areas with high hospitalization” unless bars are allowed to continue operating drive-thru, pickup and delivery activities.

“The number one way to safeguard against the increasing spread of the coronavirus and to protect the community from additional restrictions from the state is to regulate our own behavior in a responsible way,” said Judge Harbison. “We should, as individuals, make the choices to wear a mask, avoid large crowds, keep our distance, wash our hands often, and stay home if we feel sick. By doing this, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect our community, and regain additional freedoms and opportunities for ourselves and our businesses. Shelby County’s case numbers are some of the lowest in our 19 County Region, please do your part to keep our County safe and well.”

Counties may return to 75% capacity when "the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of total hospital capacity exceeds 15% or less.

Trauma Service Area G includes the following counties: Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Franklin, Freestone, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood.

                                                      COMMISSIONERS’ COURT                                                                                                            SPECIAL MEETING                                                              SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 6th day of January, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1.    Approve and pay weekly expenses.

2.    Approve current Payroll.

3.    Public comments on Agenda item.

4.    Review, discuss and possibly approve Invoice # 192023 withheld from payment on December 16, 2020.

5.    District Attorney, Karren Price to address the court regarding her budget and to request hiring an Assistant DA, clerical staff, and an investigator.

6.    Appoint members of the Shelby County Historical Commission for two year term.

7.    Adjourn.
 

Open December 31, 2020     
11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
 
Reopening January 4, 2021 with new hours!

New Restaurant Hours:

 
Sunday through Thursday 11a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Friday and Saturday 11a.m. to 9 p.m. 

 
San Augustine Main Street
P. O. Box 25

San Augustine, TX 75972

(936) 201-9798

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday

The mission of the San Augustine Main Street Program is to implement the National Main Street Model Four Point Approach of organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring to reach the objectives of preserving and promoting historic downtown San Augustine through economic, historic, and cultural revitalization.

The City of Center Public Water System, PWS #2100001, will be conducting water system maintenance beginning January 1, 2021, and lasting until January 31, 2021. The system will be switching to free chlorine as its main disinfection.

This maintenance which is not a requirement, but is the recommended course of action set by the TCEQ/EPA for the accumulation of disinfection byproducts.

This is a routine maintenance procedure performed to help reduce unstable water conditions in our system and insure the highest quality of water being delivered to our customers.

During this maintenance period you may notice an odor or slight discoloration, but the safety of the water will not be affected.  City maintenance crews and the Fire Department will also be aggressively flushing hydrants throughout the City’s distribution system.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our Public Works Department at 936-598-5241.

Bienville Parish – On December 29, 2020, shortly before 4:00 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 20 west of Arcadia. This crash killed 42-year-old Antonio Thornton of Shreveport. 

The initial investigation revealed a 2012 Peterbilt tractor-trailer, driven by Thornton, was traveling westbound on Interstate 20. For reasons still under investigation, Thornton’s vehicle drifted out of the travel lanes, struck a concrete bridge railing, and overturned. After overturning, the commercial motor vehicle became engulfed in flames. Thornton, whose restraint use is unknown, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in Louisiana. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving.

In 2020, Troop G has investigated 28 fatal crashes resulting in 34 deaths.

 PUBLIC MEETING 

SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS

Notice is hereby given that a Public meeting will be held on the 4^th day of January, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1. Swear in Newly Elected Officials.

2. Adjourn.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries will be closing at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 30th. 

They will hand out emergency food boxes from 10-12 that day.  Their programs will be closed the following Thursday and Friday in observance of the New Year Holiday.  

Have a safe and blessed holiday. 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced final rules for Unmanned Aircraft (UA), commonly known as drones. The new rules will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. These rules come at a time when drones represent the fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector – with currently over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots.

Remote ID will help mitigate risks associated with expanded drone operations, such as flights over people and at night, and both rules support technological and operational innovation and advancements.

“These final rules carefully address safety, security and privacy concerns while advancing opportunities for innovation and utilization of drone technology,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

Remote ID (PDF) is a major step toward the full integration of drones into the national airspace system. Remote ID provides identification of drones in flight as well as the location of their control stations, providing crucial information to our national security agencies and law enforcement partners, and other officials charged with ensuring public safety. Airspace awareness reduces the risk of drone interference with other aircraft and people and property on the ground.

Equipping drones with Remote ID technology builds on previous steps taken by the FAA and the drone industry to integrate operations safely into the national airspace system. Part 107 of the federal aviation regulations currently prohibits covered drone operations over people and at night unless the operator obtains a waiver from the FAA. The new FAA regulations jointly provide increased flexibility to conduct certain small UAS without obtaining waiver.

“The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.”

The Remote ID rule (PDF) applies to all operators of drones that require FAA registration. There are three ways to comply with the operational requirements:

1. Operate a standard Remote ID drone that broadcasts identification and location information of the drone and control station;

2. Operate a drone with a Remote ID broadcast module (may be a separate device attached to the drone), which broadcasts identification, location, and take-off information; or

3. Operate a drone without Remote ID but at specific FAA-recognized identification areas.

The Operations Over People and at Night rule (PDF) applies to Part 107 operators. The ability to fly over people and moving vehicles varies depending on the level of risk a small drone operation presents to people on the ground. Operations are permitted based on four categories, which can be found in the executive summary (PDF) accompanying the rule. Additionally, this rule allows for operations at night under certain conditions.

The final rule requires that small drone operators have their remote pilot certificate and identification in their physical possession when operating, ready to present to authorities if needed. This rule also expands the class of authorities who may request these forms from a remote pilot. The final rule replaces the requirement to complete a recurrent test every 24 calendar months with the requirement to complete updated recurrent training that includes operating at night in identified subject areas. 

Both rules will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The Remote ID rule includes two compliance dates. Drone manufacturers will have 18 months to begin producing drones with Remote ID, with operators having an additional year to start using drones with Remote ID.

Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation announcing Saturday, January 23, 2021, as the special election date to fill the Texas House of Representatives District 68 seat recently vacated by Senator-elect Drew Springer.

Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, January 4, 2021.

Early voting will begin on Monday, January 11, 2021.

Another New Year’s Day is upon us and, as Southerners, we will be eating the symbolic meal of Hoppin’ John to assure a happy and prosperous new year filled with good luck.  Most of you are familiar with the dish usually made with black-eyed peas (Texas Caviar), rice, chopped onion, and sliced bacon, all seasoned with a bit of salt.  This dish has an interesting history.

Tradition says that the peas are symbolic of pennies or other coins, and a coin is sometimes added to the pot, or left under the dinner bowls.  Collard greens or turnip greens served along with the Hoppin’ John are supposed to also add to the wealth since they are the color of American currency.  Another traditional food, cornbread, can also be served to represent wealth, being the color of gold.  On the day after New Years Day, leftover Hoppin’ John is called “Skippin’ Jenny”, and further demonstrates one’s frugality, bringing a hope for an even better chance of prosperity in the New Year.  How did this strange tradition begin?

Unnamed sources indicate that it all goes back to the Civil War and Union General William T. Sherman and his march to the sea in 1864.  His stated purpose was to destroy the South, burning what he could, while stealing crops and cows and food stuffs of all types, so that “a crow flying south across the land could not find a provenance”, as he put it.

All that is true, but the story continues  that the only thing left to the starving people of the South were the black-eyed peas still in the fields, since the less savvy Union troops did not realize they were edible.  Figuring that livestock was the only thing that would eat the peas (hence the alternate name of “cowpeas”), and since they had stolen all the livestock, there was no use for the peas.

Thus, since New Year’s day of 1866, the South has clung to the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on that day of the year.  You may not, however, be familiar with Limpin’ Susan.  Supposedly, Limpin’ Susan was Hoppin’ John’s wife, and this shrimp and rice dish was named for her.  The ingredients for this dish usually contain items such as green bell pepper, Vidalia onion, cooked shrimp, white or yellow rice, and sliced okra.  As one might suspect, this dish is most popular in Louisiana and other coastal southern states.

The truth of the situation is that the South was an agrarian nation, and its meals usually were made from what was in season at the time.  By the time Christmas and New Year’s Day arrived, their barns and springhouses were low, but they still might have storage apples, sweet potatoes as well as winter crops of greens, peanuts, and some grains, and black-eyed peas.

However these two dishes originated, one thing is certain – they existed prior to the infamous trip of General Sherman, and he really can’t take credit for the delicious dish that Southerners associate with New Year’s Day.  The black-eyed pea was also eaten as far back as the Babylonians, so as the Bible says, “there is nothing new under the sun.” (Eccl. 1:9)

Now – after you’ve eaten of this meal, get ready for a happy and prosperous new year.

“HOPPIN’ JOHN AND LIMPIN’ SUSAN”

BY: NEAL MURPHY

PO BOX 511
SAN AUGUSTINE, TEXAS 75972
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: sugarbear@netdot.com

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Tenaha- Tenaha Schools will join 1,024 school districts throughout Texas to celebrate January as School Board Recognition Month, Superintendent Scott Tyner announced December 28, 2020.

“Our school board members are volunteers who shoulder critical responsibilities and often make difficult choices for our district, all without pay. Their goal is always focused on the future success of the children in our district,” Mr. Tyner stated. “Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one way to say thanks for all they do.”

Serving as a link between the community and classroom, school board members are elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for public schools. Tenaha ISD board is responsible for an annual budget of $ 7,269,162 million, 496 students, and 83 employees.

Board members serving Tenaha ISD are: Aaron Roland-President, Eugene Bowden-Vice President, Vickie Jernigan-Secretary, Mike Ogden, Robert Barton, and Tracy Collins.

“It’s more important than ever before that communities support public education so that today’s students are prepared to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow. Please take a moment and tell school board members ‘thanks for caring about our children and giving so much to our community.’ Let them know we support them and that their dedicated service is recognized and truly appreciated,” Tyner states.

Please share and spread the word, you may be blessing someone with this post.  
Christmas Day Meal.

 
Do you know someone who won’t be getting a Christmas meal? Do you know someone who will be alone for Christmas? Are you hungry? 

Come grab a FREE plate on CHRISTMAS DAY! 

Location- Yardbirds BBQ (across from ACE Hardware in Center) 
Date/Time- December 25, 2020  11 am - 12 noon

Turkey leg
Mashed potatoes 
Meaty beans 
Mac n Cheese 
Roll
Dessert 
Drink

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 23, 2020) – President Trump signed The Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act into law on Tuesday, December 22nd. The legislation, initiated by members of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, will commemorate the diplomats sent to Washington, D.C. between 1836 and 1845 to represent the Republic of Texas. 

As an independent and sovereign nation for nearly ten years, the Republic of Texas sent eight diplomatic ministers to the U.S. during the history of the Republic. The Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act will commemorate this legacy with a historical memorial near one of the eight sites where the legation lived and carried out their diplomatic duties for the Republic of Texas in Washington, D.C. 

Similar plaques have already been mounted in Paris and London to commemorate the Texas Emissaries sent there to represent the Republic internationally. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas are very pleased that a similar memorial will now be established in the U.S. as well. 

“My fellow Daughters and I are thrilled that the legacy of the Texas Legation, and its importance to our nation, will now be remembered here on American soil, as it has been in France and England for many years already. We are very grateful to Congressman Doggett for introducing H.R. 3349 and to Senator Cruz for introducing a companion bill in the Senate. Commemorating our Republic reminds all of us of the proud heritage and rich history, not only of Texans, but of what it truly means to be an American;” said DRT President General, Carolyn Raney.

The Texas Film Commission and the Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI) today announced the launch of Wave to the Camera, the newest online exhibit from TAMI. Wave to the Camera features edited compilations of more than 100 home movies digitized via the Texas Film Round-Up, an award-winning program that discovers, preserves, and shares the stories of Texans by digitizing and providing access to their obsolete media. Wave to the Camera is TAMI's first exhibit for Google Arts & Culture, an immersive educational platform, and can be accessed online.

“We are so excited to be a part of this worldwide initiative that shares the contributions of Texans to our film history," said Texas Film Commission Director Stephanie Whallon. "As most of us have been ‘waving to the camera’ throughout 2020 in order to connect with others virtually, we can’t think of a better theme to highlight in this exhibit.”

Wave to the Camera examines the universal themes and occasions common throughout the decades of footage, like birthdays, vacations, and intimate family moments. In addition, the exhibit gathers home movies that feature and foreground Texas, be it the geography and meteorology of the state or Texas-specific events and customs like rodeos and border parades. In addition to the exhibit, more than 150 videos and stills from TAMI can now be viewed online on Google Arts & Culture due to a new partnership between Google and the archive. 

Additionally, a curated collection of more than 5,000 videos is available at texasarchive.org. This online video-sharing platform welcomes the public to watch, explore, and learn about Texas history and culture. It also includes free lesson plans to assist educators in using the videos as primary and secondary source materials for teaching Texas and U.S. history.

Don Wall's show today 12-24-2020 on KQBB 100.5 FM.

ON 12/20/2020, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Paxton public water system, 2100012 to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.   

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of 12/23/2020.   

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Stacy Cranford 903-692-4313. 

The Sabine County Beekeepers will meet for our monthly meeting on Monday, January 4th at 6:30 PM. We meet every 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 PM at the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce, on the square, downtown Hemphill. We welcome the public to come out and join us. We have no dues or officers. This is for anyone interested in becoming a new beekeeper or an already experienced beekeeper. For more info, call James at (409)625-4787.    

NACOGDOCHES, TX (December 22, 2020):  The Nacogdoches Police Department arrested a Chicago, IL resident this morning that was transporting twenty-eight pounds of powder cocaine.  Around 10:17 a.m. this morning a Nacogdoches Police K9 officer conducted a traffic stop on a gray Dodge Journey that was traveling in the 3700 block of NW Stallings Dr.  During a consensual search officers located numerous packages containing cocaine inside the vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle was identified as Carlos Del Pilar 33 years of age from Chicago, IL.  Del Pilar was arrested for Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, a Felony 1 offense, and is currently being held in the Nacogdoches County Jail. Child Protective Services was called out to assist officers with a juvenile family member that was traveling with the suspect.  Child Protective Services took custody of the juvenile until the child could be reunited with family.  

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 30th day of December 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

Approve and pay weekly expenses.

Approve Payroll for last week. 

Public comments on Agenda item.

Approve Bonds for upcoming elected officials.

Adjourn.

Shelby County Outreach Ministries will be closing at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, and will be closed on the following Thursday and Friday in observance of Christmas.  We will distribute emergency food boxes on Wednesday until we close.  Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!  

NACOGDOCHES,TX (December 21, 2020):  The Nacogdoches Police Department is currently conducting a homicide investigation in the 2000 block of Pruitt Hill Circle.  At around 2:10 a.m. officers that were on patrol heard gunfire coming from the area of Pruitt Hill Circle.  Officers immediately responded to the area attempting to locate the origins of the gunfire.  

Soon after dispatch received a call from a resident stating their adult son was laying on the floor inside the garage not moving.  Officers arrived at the scene and found an adult male victim with no pulse and not breathing, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  EMS arrived on scene and determined the victim was deceased.  The victim has been identified to be Melvin Rogers Jr. 40 years of age from Nacogdoches,Tx. Officers found multiple rounds were fired from outside of the residence into the house.  An autopsy was ordered by the Justice of the Peace.  

This is an active investigation and as further information becomes available it will be released. 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas ­¾ Students from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Mass Communication and Department of Management and Marketing recently took part in a virtual competition for the American Advertising Federation. 

SFA was one of 18 schools to take part in the competition. More than 70 students across Texas participated.

Due to social distancing restrictions, this year’s conference was held virtually. Students were divided into teams and utilized Zoom, email and social media to collaborate on advertising campaigns for Lone Star Market, a convenience store with dine-in facilities.

Meanwhile, professors had the opportunity to hear from industry professionals as they shared information about new and upcoming changes. Additionally, professors were able to connect with each other to discuss terms such as “zoomed out, gig employment,” and more, according to Dr. Marlene Kahla, SFA professor of marketing.

SFA students took home top honors, as the top three teams comprised multiple SFA students. In addition, three SFA mass communication students were named MVP of their teams: Lindsey Baumgartner of Kemp, Ashley Jeffery of Longview and Austin Kasik of Mansfield.

Janice Cho, assistant professor of mass communication, and Kahla worked together to guide and support the students throughout the competition. 

In addition to presenting their campaigns to the judges and receiving feedback on their work, the students also were given the opportunity to learn more about the upcoming National Student Advertising Competition and hear from a panel of successful professionals involved with the AAF in Houston. 

Joaquin ISD is providing notice that the remote learning platform will be
discontinued at the end of the semester. Remote learning will not be
provided as a daily method of instruction as of January 5, 2021. You will
have three options to choose from when we return:

1. Return to school for face-to face instruction
2. Enroll your student in another school district that offers remote
instruction
3. Enroll your student in a homeschool program

Joaquin ISD will still offer remote instruction for students that test positive
for Covid-19 or have been in close contact with someone that tested positive
for Covid-19. Students that test positive must quarantine for 10 days.

Students that are in close contact must quarantine for 10 days from their
last sign or symptom, or they can quarantine for 7 days and return with a
negative Covid-19 test.

If you have specific needs, questions or concerns, please contact a campus
administrator.

Sincerely,
Ryan Fuller
Superintendent

Many secular Christmas songs have been written over the years, some successful, but most never made it to the big time.  The second most popular song behind Bing Crosby’s White Christmas almost didn’t get recorded.  Had it not been for Gene Autry’s wife, Ina, the little song may have languished for lack of attention and faded away into the trash can of history.

In 1939 a little poem was written by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward’s annual holiday booklet giveaway.  It was a story of an outcast reindeer whose “differences” ultimately helped him save Santa’s threatened sleigh ride on Christmas Eve.  To everyone’s surprise the poem sold over one hundred thousand copies.  

May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, took the poem and composed a melody in 1947 and tried in vain to sell it to several popular singers, including Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Dinah Shore, who all rejected it.  By a stroke of luck, Gene Autry’s wife, Ina, heard Mark’s demo record and was enchanted by its “Ugly Duckling” theme. She strongly encouraged Gene to record it as a companion song to his Here Comes Santa Claus record.  But her husband hated the song and refused to record it.

It became widely acknowledged that if not for Ina, there would be no “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry. Carl Cotner, Gene’s musical director also tried to talk Gene into recording it.  Carl had told Gene he thought it would be a good song for him, and Carl did the arrangement.

At a recording session Gene said, “How about that little song that you are so crazy about?”  They placed it on the music stand and he recorded it in one take.  It was later admitted that Ina had talked Gene into doing it.  Five weeks later, on August 4th, Gene cut two more Christmas numbers, Santa, Santa, Santa and If It Doesn’t Snow On Christmas which had moderate success.

“Rudolph” became a favorite on The Hit Parade and soared to the top of the Billboard Country and Western, and Pop charts, a first for Gene Autry.  During its first year of release, “Rudolph” sold two million copies, selling an estimated twenty-five million more over the next forty years.  For decades it remained the best selling single of all time after Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.  The song also anticipated a new trend for Gene – recording songs specifically geared to the children’s market.  Over the years “Rudolph” would be recorded by more than five hundred artists, but Gene’s version always seemed to be everyone’s favorite.

“RUDOLPH the RED-NOSED REINDEER”

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen,
But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose,
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names,
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say,
Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?

Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
You’ll go down in history. *

Composer: Johnny Marks – 1949

“THE CHRISTMAS SONG THAT ALMOST WASN’T”

BY: NEAL MURPHY

107 HEMLOCK STREET
PO BOX 511
SAN AUGUSTINE, TX 75972
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: sugarbear@netdot.com

554 words
 

            MARSHALL, Texas – A 32-year-old Marshall, Texas man was sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.

              Ronald Charles Parker, a.k.a. “Big Ron,” pleaded guilty on Sep. 14, 2019, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison on Dec. 16, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap.               

              According to information presented in court, Parker was a member of a drug trafficking organization responsible for selling large quantities of methamphetamine in Marshall, Texas.  During the course of the investigation, Parker conducted seven separate drug transactions with a confidential informant, selling a total of 1.24 kilograms of methamphetamine.  Parker and eight others were indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 19, 2020, and charged with violations of federal law.  Co-Defendant Danny Brian Hernandez was recently sentenced to 17 years in prison for his drug trafficking conduct.

              This is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case and is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; and the Marshall Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.  OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country and its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task forces leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement.

December 18, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff:

Joaquin ISD is providing notice that the remote learning platform will be
discontinued at the end of the semester. Remote learning will not be
provided as a daily method of instruction as of January 5, 2021. You will
have three options to choose from when we return:

1. Return to school for face-to-face instruction
2. Enroll your student in another school district that offers remote
instruction
3. Enroll your student in a homeschool program

Joaquin ISD will still offer remote instruction for students that test positive
for Covid-19 or have been in close contact with someone that tested positive
for Covid-19. Students that test positive must quarantine for 10 days.
Students that are in close contact must quarantine for 10 days from their
last sign or symptom or they can quarantine for 7 days and return with a
negative Covid-19 test.

If you have specific needs, questions or concerns, please contact a campus
administrator.

Sincerely,

Ryan Fuller
Superintendent

Today, December 18th, Joaquin Varsity Boys will host Broaddus at 4:00 and the Lady Rams will host Shelbyville at 5:30. Come out and support our kids! Tickets will be sold at the gate.

Saturday, Dec 19th, Varsity boys will travel to Brook Hill. Game start time is set for 11:45. Tickets will be sold at the gate, and we are limited to 40 fans.

On Monday, Dec 21st, the Lady Rams will host Jacksonville. The JV girls will start at 11:00 with the Varsity Girls following.

The Varsity Boys game that had been scheduled for Dec. 21st has been canceled and games scheduled for December 22nd have also been canceled.

District 10-2A Div. I 
All-District Football Players
Shelbyville Dragons

Utility Player of the Year:  LD Coleman (Sr.)

First Team Offense:

QB:  Jakory Standley (Jr.)
WR:  Tre McGee (Soph)
OL: Trey Cartwright (Jr.)
OL:  Eli Taylor (Jr.)
First Team Defense:
DL:  Hagan Crumpton
CB:  Jarod Perez

Second Team Offense:

RB:  Adaybran Davis (Soph)
RB: AJ Cartwright (Sr.)
OL:  Tyler Merriman

Second Team Defense:

DL:  Dawson Windham (Sr.)
DL:  Grady Clay (Sr.)
LB:  Dylan Robbins (Jr.)

Honorable Mention Offense:

OL:  Dawson Jackson (JR.)
OL:  Ramiro Reyes (Jr.)

Honorable Mention Defense:

DB:  Franydric Buckley
LB: Caleb Ridgeway
DL:  Jorge Hernandez

Honorable Mention Place Kicker:  Ricardo Castillo
 

December 18, 2020

Away game- Riders vs Chapel Hill starts at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Away game- Lady Riders vs Timpson starts at 2pm. Varsity only. Tickets will be sold at the door.

December 19, 2020

Away game- Lady Riders vs Whitehouse starts at 1pm. Varsity only.

Use the following link to purchase tickets;  https://www.whitehousewildcats.com/httickets

December 21, 2020

Away game- Riders vs Marshall starts at 10am. Tickets will be sold at the door.

December 28, 2020

Away game- Lady Riders vs Hemphill starts at 1pm. Tickets will be sold at the door.

December 29, 2020

Away game- Riders vs Silsby starts at 12pm. Tickets will be sold at the door.

December 30, 2020

Home game- Riders vs West Orange Stark starts at 1pm.

Use the following link to purchase tickets;  https://schools.centerisd.org/page/chs.ticketing 

Ticket sales start on Dec. 29 at 8am.

December 31, 2020

Away game- Lady Riders vs Hallsville starts at 1pm. Tickets will be sold at the door.

January 2, 2021

Away game- Riders vs Jacksonville starts at 12pm. 

Use the following link to purchase tickets; https://www.jisd.org/

Home game- Lady Riders Soccer vs New Summerfield starts at 5pm. Free of charge

January 4, 2021

Home game- Riders vs Lufkin starts at 4:30pm.

Use the following link to purchase tickets; https://schools.centerisd.org/page/chs.ticketing    Ticket sales start on Jan. 3, 2021 at 8am.

Click here for the Shelbyville ISD Lunch Menu

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) helped farmers, livestock producers and foresters weather a tough 2020, marked with a pandemic and natural disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FSA continued to deliver farm programs to producers through phone and online tools, using social distancing guidelines. The agency also provided extra flexibilities to its programs, adjusting reporting dates and loan processing timelines, and continued to expand technology and streamline services to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. 

“Through this tough year, FSA continued to deliver crucial safety net, disaster assistance, farm loan and conservation programs to Texas farmers and livestock producers,” said Gary L. Six, FSA’s State Executive Director in Texas. “We partner with agricultural producers to grow and expand their operations as well as weather the unpredictable, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. We’ve also spent the past year working to optimize program delivery and find better and modern ways to serve our customers in Texas.” 
Key highlights from 2020 include:

Support amid COVID-19 Pandemic: FSA worked with economists and commodity specialist across USDA to quickly build and deliver two rounds of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides financial assistance to help producers absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply for almost all commodities was last week, and so far, the two rounds of funding have provided nearly $23 billion in relief, including $1.3 billion in Texas. Additionally, FSA has added flexibilities to its farm credit options, including loan servicing and enabling a disaster set-aside option to defer a loan payment.

Disaster Assistance: Natural disasters, including wildfires in the West, hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, the derecho in the Midwest and widespread severe drought, took a toll on U.S. agriculture in 2020. Through FSA’s suite of disaster assistance programs, producers received more than $212 million to help offset disaster-related losses in 2020. Additionally, FSA added drought and excess moisture as eligible causes of loss for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus program, which provided much-needed assistance to help producers impacted by 2018 and 2019 natural disasters. In total, the program provided $1.24 billion in relief.

Farm Credit: FSA helps farmers and ranchers get the financing they need to start, expand or maintain a family farm. This past year, FSA obligated more than $7.5 billion in direct and guaranteed farm ownership and operating loans, the highest in agency history. This includes more than $3.4 billion for beginning farmers, also an agency record. The 2018 Farm Bill raised the amount producers can borrow, and FSA has seen sharp demand for loans in the past year, especially direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans. Meanwhile, FSA provided low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade storage facilities and to purchase portable structures, equipment and storage and handling trucks through the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program. FSA obligated a record $340 million in fiscal year 2020. Finally, FSA provided producers with more than $600 million in interim financing in fiscal year 2020 through marketing assistance loans, which help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.    

Safety Net Programs: FSA held 2020 enrollment for the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, where producers signed more than 1.7 million contracts. Election and enrollment for 2021 ARC and PLC is underway, and those enrolled for the 2019 crop year received more than $5 billion in payments earlier this fall. Last week, FSA wrapped up the 2021 signup for the Dairy Margin Coverage program, where more than 17,000 dairy operations enrolled in the risk management program. This included 280 operations in Texas. Operations that enrolled for coverage in 2019 and 2020 have received more than $500 million. 

Conservation: FSA held its 54th general signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the first since 2016, and enrolled 3.4 million acres nationwide into the program, including 657,292 in Texas. Additionally, FSA rolled out two new CRP pilots, the Soil Health and Income Protection Program and CLEAR30, and is preparing for next year with the CRP general signup beginning Jan. 4, 2021 and the CRP Grasslands signup beginning March 15, 2021.

Critical Program Delivery: FSA worked closely with the FPAC Business Center OCE, OGC, and AMS to build and implement programs during the pandemic, including CFAP 1, CFAP 2, and the Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP). CFAP 2 was developed and deployed within six weeks. Through STRP, FSA helped U.S. fishermen who have been impacted by unfair retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. Signup is ongoing for STRP through Jan. 15, and so far, FSA has approved 6,300 applications for more than $154 million in relief payments. Additionally, because many applicants applying for CFAP and STRP had not worked with FSA previously, the agency stood up a call center to help producers ask questions about FSA programs and get a jump start on program applications. The call center has received over 25,000 calls, including over 800 in Spanish, since its inception in May. 

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will continue to work with our producers by phone, email and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.   
 

AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced it received the first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine for state hospitals in Austin, San Antonio, Terrell and Wichita Falls. State hospital staff were among the first health care providers in Texas to be administered the vaccine.

“Our staff have been on the front line of this fight for months, day and night, working to protect some of our most vulnerable Texans from this pandemic,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young. “Receiving this vaccine marks a major turning point in our fight against COVID-19.”

The Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, a group of independent experts working with the Department of State Health Services, chose the first health care facilities in Texas to receive the vaccine. Among them are four of HHSC’s state psychiatric hospitals located in Austin, San Antonio, Terrell, and Wichita Falls. The facilities were chosen based on their size and number of employees. Each hospital received 975 doses of Pfizer vaccine Thursday.

"Our staff have been on the front line since day one — and they've been heroes," said Tim Bray, HHS associate commissioner for state hospitals. "We're confident they will continue to do everything available to protect their patients and themselves."

All 3,300 employees at the four state hospitals will be offered the vaccine. In addition, staff will continue to use proper personal protective equipment at all times on campus. If staff choose not to get the vaccine, they will be required to undergo routine COVID-19 testing.

“The very day I heard we were being afforded a chance to protect ourselves and others, I emailed my program director and said, ‘I'm in!’ I hope the next time I see COVID with my name it says ‘immunity detected,’” said Willie Rodriguez, psychiatric nursing assistant at North Texas State Hospital-Wichita Falls who previously battled COVID-19 infection.

HHSC employs 6,956 staff at 10 state hospitals in Texas that provide inpatient psychiatric care to adults, children and adolescents. The Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel prioritized state hospital staff in the first tier of their distribution plan and health officials anticipate receiving additional shipments in the coming weeks. HHSC will work to vaccinate staff in the remaining hospitals as quickly as possible as more vaccine becomes available.

1 The Joaquin ISD School Board met in the Joaquin Boardroom with the following members present: Chrisco Bragg, Thomas Harvey, Brandon Neal, Jeff Hamilton, Jacob Kay, and Jeff Cater Board members absent: Ronnie Belrose Guest(s) Present: Newton Johnson Joaquin ISD Employee(s) Present: Ryan Fuller, Superintendent; Joel Bumback, Director of Finance; Sherry Scruggs, Elementary Principal; Terri Gray, Jr High/High School Principal; Mark Bonner Maintenance Director Chrisco Bragg, President, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2 The invocation was led by Chrisco Bragg, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America by Jeff Hamilton, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by Jeff Cater.
3 Audience Participation – None
4 Report and Information items:

4.1 Monthly Financial Report – Joel Bumback, Director of Finance
4.2 Quarterly Investment Report- Joel Bumback Director of Finance
4.3 Hand out Superintendent’s Evaluation Form
4.4 Employee Incentives Report
4.5 Update on Improvement Projects
4.6 Update on School Resource Officer
4.7 Update on Covid-19 Cases
4.8 Report on plan to end Remote Instruction

5 Agenda Items for discussion, consideration, and possible action:
5.1 It was moved by Thomas Harvey, and seconded by Brandon Neal, to approve the previous
meeting minutes. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried
unanimously.
5.2 It was moved by Thomas Harvey, and seconded by Jeff Hamilton, to approve the Board
Operating Procedures. Following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried
unanimously.
5.3 It was moved by Brandon Neal, and seconded by Jacob Kay, to approve the Proposal for
Stadium Press Box Improvements submitted by Cornerstone Construction. Following
discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously.

5.4 It was moved by Jacob Kay, and seconded by Brandon Neal, to approve the bids for
sale of used buses as presented (attached). Following discussion, a vote was taken on the
motion. It carried unanimously.
5.5 It was moved by Thomas Harvey, and seconded by Jacob Kay, to change current CDC
Guidelines in use to New CDC Guidelines for Quarantine of Close Contact. Following
discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. It carried unanimously.

6 Chrisco Bragg, Board President, asked for items to be placed on the next board agenda.
7 Designation of date and time of next meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin ISD.
January 18, 2021 - 6:00 p.m.
8 With no further business on the agenda the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

Past District Governor Roger Doyle was presented with a Lions Club International President's Certificate of Appreciation for serving as the 2019-2020 District Champion for the North American Membership Initiative. There were nine districts from the U.S. and Canada involved in the NAMI pilot program. District 2-S1, of which Center Noon Lions Club is a member, led the program in membership growth and retention. Presenting the award is Immediate Past District Governor Chris Gunstream of the Carthage Noon Lions Club.

The Center Noon Lions Club has recently donated a total of $8,000 to the Shelby Outreach Ministries.  Besides the recent storm damage to their building, there is an increased need for food and services for the local folks they serve.  Executive Director Sherry Harding was present at the club meeting to accept one of our checks.  

East Texas Communities Foundation is currently accepting applications from East Texas students for seventy-seven scholarships to be awarded for the 2021-2022 academic year. To assist applicants determine which scholarships they are most likely eligible for, ETCF has provided a time-saving matching tool. All scholarship hopefuls should use the General Matching Tool while students majoring in visual arts, art history, music, music education, theater, or dance should also use the Arts Matching Tool. Detailed eligibility criteria, deadlines for submission and links to the applications can be found on the ETCF website at http://etcf.org/scholarships/available-scholarships/.

Eight new scholarships have been established this year including:

Buck Florence and Thomas C. Turner Scholarship This scholarship was created by the families of Buck Florence and Thomas C. Turner and is awarded to graduating seniors from Hughes Springs High School in East Texas. Amount: $1,500.

Dalton and Betty Jones Scholarship: This scholarship will assist students graduating from a school in Rusk County, Texas, pursuing a bachelor’s degree track in college.  Amount: $5,000, renewable.

Dalton and Betty Jones Vo/Tech Scholarship: This scholarship will assist students graduating from a school in Rusk County, Texas, who wish to receive vocational training and get into the workforce as quickly as possible.  Amount: $2,500, renewable. 

Gertrude Windsor Garden Club Scholarship: This scholarship is for graduating seniors or college students in Smith County, Texas, majoring in a subject that will lead to a career in horticulture, landscape design, environmental science, soil and crop management, forestry, conservation, natural resource management, or other plant-centered agricultural fields.  Amount: $1,000. 

Joey Johnson Memorial Scholarship: Established to honor the memory of Mr. Johnson who was one of the victims of the Kentucky Fried Chicken murders in 1982, this scholarship supports students from Gladewater High School, Sabine High School, West Rusk High School or Overton High School.  Amount: $500, renewable. 

Nickolas-Truszkowska Scholarship: This scholarship supports students age 17-30 who have completed at least one year of sobriety and are currently pursuing an education or returning to school.  Amount: $5,000. 

Riley Foundation Scholarship: The Riley Family created this scholarship to give Tyler ISD students the opportunity to earn a business degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. Recipient must be a graduate of Tyler ISD and a current freshman in college.  Amount: $500. 

Winnie Frank Wolverton Scholarship: This scholarship is to be awarded to a male student graduating from Palestine High School in Anderson County, Texas.  Amount: $500.

For a complete list of scholarships, log on to our website at https://etcf.org/scholarships/available-scholarships/ or call ETCF Program Officer, Dana Durman, at 903.533.0208.

About East Texas Communities Foundation
East Texas East Texas Communities Foundation is a nonprofit corporation serving 32 counties in East Texas. The Foundation distributed $12 million in grants in 2019 and currently manages over $110 million in over 374 unique charitable funds which support non-profit organizations and student scholarships. The Foundation, which was formed in 1989, has awarded almost $100 million in grants and scholarships since its inception. Philanthropy builds community and changes lives. East Texas Communities Foundation supports philanthropy by offering simple ways for donors to achieve their charitable goals.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas ¾ Despite the challenges of 2020, many community members have stepped up through various acts of service to help their family, friends and neighbors. In order to help better meet the needs of individuals near and far, Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs is encouraging students to participate in its MLK Day of Service in Nacogdoches or virtually in their local communities.

“Due to social distancing regulations, we want to provide virtual students with a way to still participate in this important day,” said Star Jackson, OMA student ambassador. “Even though we can’t all be together, it is heartwarming to know Lumberjacks all over will be serving their community in a special way.”

Locally, OMA has partnered with 16 different agencies to complete projects, including SFA’s The Pantry and Appleby Community Farm, Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful, Nacogdoches Master Gardener’s Demonstration Garden and Millard’s Crossing Historic Village. Students also will complete projects for individual Nacogdoches residents.

The annual event will take place Jan. 18, 2021. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. Dr. Kofi Smith, president and CEO of Atlanta Airlines Terminal Company, will deliver the keynote speech at 9 a.m. Students who participate in the MLK Day of Service in Nacogdoches will receive a free lunch, and T-shirts will be provided to all volunteers who complete their assigned projects. 

Nacogdoches community members are encouraged to submit project proposals by Jan. 8. Past projects have included painting, landscaping and cleaning. Projects will be assigned to students on the day of the event.

The OMA also is inviting SFA faculty and staff and Nacogdoches community members to serve as site mentors who will work alongside students to complete projects. Site mentors are encouraged to share leadership advice and help educate students about the community. They can sign up to volunteer through Jan. 7 online at sfasu.edu/oma. 

MLK Day of Service was initiated to honor the acts of service by the late civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1994, MLK Day was designated as a national day of service and is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. 

“This day is not a day of selfishness, but of selflessness,” Jackson said. “There is truly an opportunity for every member of the community to be involved.”

For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at oma@sfasu.edu, or visit sfasu.edu/oma.

COVID-19 vaccinations are slowly becoming available, but the scams are already here. Here’s what to watch out for to avoid becoming a victim.

If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you the vaccine, do not respond. That’s a scam.

You can’t pay to get early access to a vaccine or to get on a vaccination list. And you can’t buy a COVID-19 vaccination through the mail, online, or in stores.

Don’t respond to text messages about COVID-19 from people you don’t know. Clicking on links in messages could download malware to your phone or let criminals know they’ve found a target.

No one from a vaccine distribution site or insurance company will call to ask for your Social Security number or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up for a vaccine.

Medicare will not call beneficiaries to offer COVID-19 related products, services, or benefit review.

Some scammers pretend to be COVID-19 contact tracers. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for your Medicare number, financial information, or try to set up a COVID-19 test for you and get payment information.

Beware of anyone offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus.

Always check with your doctor before paying for or getting any COVID-19-related treatment.

If you suspect fraud, report it to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508.

For information on when vaccinations will be available, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.

December 17, 2020-JH G/B vs San Augustine 5:30 There (Tickets at Gate)

December 18, 2020-Early Release 11:30 am; End 3rd Grading Period; JVB/VB in Jefferson 2:00 pm (Administration Office has 120 tickets @ $3.00; Tickets must be picked up No Later than 11:30 am); No tickets will be sold at gate); JVG/VG vs Martinsville (Home) 1:00 pm

December 19, 2020-JVB/VB vs MP Chapel Hill (Home) 2:00 pm

December 21, 2020-January 1, 2021 Christmas Break

December 21, 2020-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Martins Mill (There) 12:00 pm

December 22, 2020-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Hull Daisetta (Home) 1:00 pm

December 29, 2020- JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Gary (There) 1:00 pm (Passes must be picked up at High School Office No later than 11:30 am on December 18th)

January 2, 2021-JVG/VG/VG/JVB vs Timpson (Home) 1:00 pm

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the State of Texas will participate in the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, a federal program to vaccinate residents and staff of long-term care facilities against COVID-19. The program is free of charge to facilities and sends staff and Pfizer vaccines from partnering Walgreens and CVS locations to these facilities to vaccinate residents and staff who volunteer to participate. Over 1,200 skilled nursing facilities and over 2,000 other long-term care facilities have signed up for this program — totaling more than 225,000 certified beds. The first vaccines included in this program will be provided to pharmacies the week of December 21, 2020, and the program will begin December 28, 2020. 

"The Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program will help the State of Texas facilitate safe vaccinations among some of our most vulnerable populations, and it will help us protect residents and staff of long-term care facilities from COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "I thank the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for offering this program free of charge to these facilities and for working alongside us to keep our communities safe." 

Long-term care facilities that have not enrolled in the pharmacy program may choose to enroll with the Texas Department of State Health Services' (DSHS) Immunization Program to receive vaccines and vaccinate their own staff and residents or partner with a local pharmacy or other vaccine provider.

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center Independent School District will
be held Thursday, December 17, 2020, beginning at 12:00 PM in the Center
Independent School District Board Room, 107 Private Road 605, Center, Texas 75935.
The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be
taken are as listed below.  Items do not have to be taken in the order shown on this
meeting notice.

Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda
will be acted on at one time.

1. Call Meeting to Order and Establish a Quorum
2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance
3. Public Comments/Audience Participation
4. Consent Agenda
4.1. Minutes
4.2. Tax Office Report
4.3. Monthly Financial Statement
4.4. Payment Approval
4.5. Investment Report
4.6 Annual Investment Report
4.7 Overnight Student Activity Trips
4.8 Amendments to the Budget
4.9 Investment Policy (CDA Local)
5. Presentation of District's Facility Plan and Preventive Maintenance
Schedules (Safety/Operations Goal)
6. Review Bond Project and Budget
7. Consideration to Approve the 2021-2022 Master Calendar
8. Consideration to Approve Student Goals in Early Childhood Literacy and
Math and College, Career and Military Readiness

9. Superintendent's Report
10. Closed Session  
10.1. Resignation/Retirement of Personnel
10.2. Employment of Personnel
10.3. Extended Emergency Sick Leave
11. Open Session  
11.1. Resignation/Retirement of Personnel
11.2. Employment of Personnel
11.3. Extended Emergency Sick Leave
12. Adjournment

If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be
held in a closed meeting, the Board will conduct a closed meeting in accordance with
the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapters D and E
or Texas Government Code section 418.183(f). Before any closed meeting is convened,
the presiding officer will publicly identify the section or sections of the Act authorizing
the closed meeting. All final votes, actions, or decisions will be taken in open meeting.
[See BEC(LEGAL)]

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — A new certification program in the Stephen F. Austin State  University James I. Perkins College of Education will help prepare students to become board-certified behavior analysts who apply behavioral principles to solve social problems.

"ABA-certified individuals provide services critical to our community," said Dr. Luis Aguerrevere, interim chair of the Department of Human Services and Educational Leadership at SFA. "They teach children and adults specific behavioral skills, which include communication, self-help and social skills."

Authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in 2020 and the Association for Behavior Analysis International, the Applied Behavior Analysis Certification program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, personal and social responsibility, empirical and quantitative skills and teamwork.

"We are dedicated to producing ethical, responsible and competent scholars in behavior analysis," said Dr. Jaime Flowers, assistant professor of school psychology and coordinator for the certification program. "We will use a practitioner-scientist/scholar model of training in which practice, research and theory are considered integrated components."

Beginning in fall 2021, the program's classes will be taught face to face, either in person or via videoconferencing, during the evenings so individuals working full time can participate in the program.

"The classes will be offered in a cohort model to allow students to build relationships and progress through the program in a group," Flowers said.  

The program's 315-hour course sequence meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's eligibility requirements for students taking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst examination.

The certification is designed for individuals pursuing their master's degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, speech and language pathology, psychology, teaching and counseling, among others.

"There are additional requirements to becoming a BCBA, but the courses offered will fulfill the coursework portion of the certification," Flowers said. "This specific certification gives program graduates a specialty in behavior analysis that they can use in a variety of settings such as schools, mental health clinics, hospitals and business organizations."

The certification is required by most health care companies to provide applied behavior analysis therapy to individuals with developmental disabilities.  

To be eligible for the program, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. They also must have a master's degree or be enrolled in a master's program in psychology, education or a related field. In addition, applicants must meet minimum GPA requirements.

For more information on the certification program, email Flowers at jaime.flowers@sfasu.edu or visit sfasu.edu/abacertification.

The First United Methodist Church of Center invites the community to a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Thursday, December 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the downtown square in front of the historic Shelby County Courthouse.

The entire community is invited to come together for this festive family time of singing carols and celebrating the joy of Jesus’ birth. Everyone should bring their own candle. Hot cider will be provided before the event. The evening will conclude with everyone singing Silent Night by candlelight!

“First United Methodist Church Center is overjoyed to be able to provide this festive community candlelight gathering, especially during this time of social isolation,” said Pastor Malcolm Monroe. “Hopefully, many people will feel comfortable singing the old familiar Christmas carols while outside and respecting the social distancing suggestions to keep everyone healthy.”

In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled with no alternative service. (Santa Claus will not be with us because he will be on the other side of the world delivering toys to the children there).

For more information about the Christmas Eve Candlelight Gathering or First UMC, please contact Pastor Malcolm Monroe at the church office (936) 598-2707, visit the church website at www.fumccentertx.org or follow on Facebook at 

https://www.facebook.com/FUMCCenterTexas/

.

Tuesday, December 15th Update:

Tickets for Home games at gate limited to 500 fans.

Concession open.

JVG vs Lufkin (Home) 4:00 pm

JVB/VB vs LaPoynor (Home) 5:00 pm

VG vs Shelbyville (There) 7:00 pm-District Game

(Game prior to ours, do not get there early, they will clear the gym before allowing our fans in)

Tickets in Administration or Coach Davison

Governor Greg Abbott visited the White House where he attended a briefing on Operation Warp Speed with Vice President Mike Pence and other state and federal leaders. During the briefing, the leaders discussed the ongoing COVID-19 response and the vaccine distribution currently taking place across the country and in Texas. The first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Texas this morning. 19,500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were delivered today, and an additional 19 sites will receive 75,075 doses on Tuesday.

Prior to the briefing, the Governor met with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma to discuss healthcare topics related to the state of Texas.

"As Texas begins distributing COVID-19 vaccines across the state, I thank President Trump and the federal leaders who worked diligently to ensure the success of Operation Warp Speed," said Governor Abbott. "These vaccines will save lives and play a crucial role in our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and bring hospitalizations down in our communities."

December 15, 2020-JVB/VB vs LaPoynor (Home) 5:00 pm; JVG/VG vs Shelbyville (There) 5:00 pm-District Game

December 17, 2020-JH G/B vs San Augustine 5:30 There

December 18, 2020-Early Release 11:30 am; End 3^rd Grading Period; JVB/VB in Jefferson 2:00 pm (Administration Office has 120 tickets @ $3.00; No tickets will be sold at gate); JVG/VG vs Martinsville (Home) 5:00 pm

December 19, 2020-JVB/VB vs MP Chapel Hill (Home) 2:00 pm

December 21, 2020-January 1, 2021 Christmas Break

December 21, 2020-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Martins Mill (There) 12:00 pm

December 22, 2020-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Hull Daisetta (Home) 1:00 pm

December 29, 2020- JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Gary (There) 1:00 pm

January 1, 2021-New Year Holiday

January 2, 2021-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Timpson (Home) 1:00 pm

January 4, 2021-Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service

January 5, 2021-Begin 4^th Grading Period; JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs San Augustine (There) 4:30 pm

January 7, 2021- JH vs Gary (Home) 5:30 pm; Report Cards Go Home

January 9, 2021-JVG/VG vs Chireno (There) 2:00 pm

What an amazing experience for our students. Their performance was exceptional. They Ranked 4^th in Texas today in San Antonio. They had some tough competition and they left it all on the field. Congratulations to our students, Ms. Roy, Ms. Johnson, and Mr. Sours!!!!

Elementary sharing some fun next week as they spread some holiday cheer!!

Tuesday – Grinch Day!!  Wear green or anything Grinch

Wednesday – Wear a Santa hat and red

Thursday – Polar Express Day Wear your pj’s

Friday – Wear Christmas socks!!   Early release 11:30

Reminder: Tenaha Together Committee continues to support our community and needs the communities support as well.

A few of the things that have been done since the organization of the Tenaha Together Committee includes lights and tree for the square, banners around town,  and the beautiful brick signs entering the town.

Please, if you can make a donation to continue projects like these, send it to: Tenaha Together  c/o Scott Tyner - P. O. Box 318, Tenaha, Texas 75974

Check out our NEW products!

Tenaha ISD Sportswear Store.

Just hold the Ctrl down and click on the link. https://tenahatigers.itemorder.com

Adult and youth sizes available.

Something New: Businesses that would like to place their business card on the Tiger News may contact Brenda Lucas at lucasbrenda@tenahaisd.com or by calling 936-248-5000 ext 201 for details.

Effective December 3, 2020, approval from National VFW Headquarters was granted for San Augustine VFW Post 9313 to consolidate with VFW Post 8904, Center.   The name will remain as Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign War Post 8904 with a muster date of December 13, 1946.

(Photo L-R: Post 8904 Commander Gene Hutto, Department of Texas Commander Richard Shawver and Post 9313 Commander Paul Lester. Commander Shawver was on hand at the November 16 post-meeting of 8904 to finalize the consolidation). 

December 15, 2020-JVB/VB vs LaPoynor (Home) 5:00 pm; JVG/VG vs Shelbyville (There) 5:00 pm-District Game

December 17, 2020-JH G/B vs San Augustine 5:30 There

December 18, 2020-Early Release 11:30 am; End 3^rd Grading Period; JVB/VB in Jefferson 2:00 pm (Administration Office has 120 tickets @ $3.00; No tickets will be sold at gate); JVG/VG vs Martinsville (Home) 5:00 pm

December 19, 2020-JVB/VB vs MP Chapel Hill (Home) 2:00 pm

December 21, 2020-January 1, 2021 Christmas Break

December 21, 2020-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Martins Mill (There) 12:00 pm

December 22, 2020-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Hull Daisetta (Home) 1:00 pm

December 29, 2020- JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Gary (There) 1:00 pm

January 1, 2021-New Year Holiday

January 2, 2021-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Timpson (Home) 1:00 pm

January 4, 2021-Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service

January 5, 2021-Begin 4^th Grading Period; JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs San Augustine (There) 4:30 pm

January 7, 2021- JH vs Gary (Home) 5:30 pm; Report Cards Go Home

January 9, 2021-JVG/VG vs Chireno (There) 2:00 pm

What an amazing experience for our students. Their performance was exceptional. They Ranked 4^th in Texas today in San Antonio. They had some tough competition and they left it all on the field. Congratulations to our students, Ms. Roy, Ms. Johnson, and Mr. Sours!!!!

Elementary sharing some fun next week as they spread some holiday cheer!!

Tuesday – Grinch Day!!  Wear green or anything Grinch

Wednesday – Wear a Santa hat and red

Thursday – Polar Express Day Wear your pj’s

Friday – Wear Christmas socks!!   Early release 11:30

Reminder: Tenaha Together Committee continues to support our community and needs the communities support as well.

A few of the things that have been done since the organization of the Tenaha Together Committee includes lights and tree for the square, banners around town,  and the beautiful brick signs entering the town.

Please, if you can make a donation to continue projects like these, send it to: Tenaha Together  c/o Scott Tyner - P. O. Box 318, Tenaha, Texas 75974

Tomorrow is the deadline for the Letter From Santa fundraiser held by Shelby County Outreach Ministries!  If you would like your child to receive a letter from Santa this year, be sure to drop off your order forms and money at the Shelby County Outreach Ministries office located at 930 Shelbyville Street.  Forms need to be turned in by 2 pm.  For $10, your child will receive a letter from Santa and a small ornament to hang on the Christmas tree.  For more information, please give us a call at 936-598-4990.  Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas.  

Friday, December 18th-JVB/VB in Jefferson 2:00 pm. No tickets will be sold at the gate. Tenaha Administration has 120 tickets for $3.00.

Saturday, December 19th-JVB/VB vs MP Chapel Hill (Home) 2:00 pm

Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day of December 2020 the Board of Trustees of the Joaquin School District will hold a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., at the Administration building, Joaquin, Texas.

Click here for the agenda:

Typically, the University Interscholastic League only hosts one state marching contest, and the National Association of Military Marching Bands (NAMMB) puts on a state contest for military bands. On Wednesday, December 9 in Pirates Stadium (Pine Tree HS) was the first time UIL has sanctioned the event.

At 11:51am, the Timpson Bear Band performed at the Inaugural UIL State Military Marching Band Championships. Under the field direction of Junior Drum Major Carter Ramsey, the band’s performance included:  Honey Boys on Parade by Edward Cupero, Chicago World’s Fair Centennial Celebration 1933 March by Carl Mader, The Drum Major March by JS Taylor, Battle Hymn of the Republic arranged by Fred J. Allen, and God Bless America by Jay Bocook.

With the pandemic, bands were allotted a time reduction regarding the length of the drill; however, the Timpson Band worked hard to produce a performance that embodied their tradition of pride by playing challenging music and exceeding the minimum drill time requirement. The band earned 2^nd Place and each performing member received the UIL State Silver Medal.

In historic fashion, the band dawned their UIL medal during their encore performance at half-time of the Timpson Bears’ state semi-final game at Randell Reed Stadium (New Caney ISD). We are very proud of all the band has overcome and their endurance to produce an award-winning show!

Congratulations Timpson Bear Band!

2020 Bear Band Members

Flutes: KeAndra Earl, Kearstin Cruz, Kaitlyn Madrid, Chole Nix, Remington Newman, Angel Booker Clarinets: Alyssa Park, Ty’eshia Johnson, Isabella Galaviz, Bella Alford, Emmy Richardson, Giselle Manzano, Star McClure, Kiera Curtis, Megan Sepulvado, Priscilla Manzano Bass Clarinets:  Claire Johnson, Kallie Solomon, McKenley Wynn Alto Saxophones: D’Chelle Garner, Chelsey Franks, Breunna Gregory, Natalie Johnson, Chloe Hazelmyer, Mackenzie Smith, Koriana Eaden Tenor Saxophone: Iethan Bagwell Trumpets: Gracie Wagnon, Lana Parks, Milca De La Cruz, Landon Bowley, Christoper Booker, Kaitlyn Crockett, Christoper Crockett, Jordan Davis, Kenley Moore, Hannah Odom, Romy Madrid, Connor Crawford, Raul De Leon, Cameron LaVoie Trombones: Gus Galaviz, Nayelli De Leon, Isaiah White, Ke’Aisjia Randall, Matthew Mooney, Juan Galaviz Baritones: Julien Lawrence (featured soloist), Devon Morrow, Banner Warr (featured soloist), Amy Hernandez, Jermany Tipps, Cody Booker, David Lawhorn, Dorothea Robberson, Bethany Ghea Tubas: Jayden Windham (assistant drum major), Xander Stephens, Pedro Garcia, Mason Ramsey, Diego Garcia Percussion: James Williams, Joshua Wagstaff, Alexis Billingsley, Jarron Daniels, Sean Matts, Jarrmez Daniels, Brandon Vargas

A missing person that was reported to the Nacogdoches Police Department was found yesterday morning that appears to have tragically died in a car accident. Jacquelin Patricio-Vazquez 38 years of age was reported missing by family members to the Nacogdoches Police Department on 12-01-2020.

The Nacogdoches Police Department conducted a search using a drone at the Pine Creek Lodge after learning of the victims possible last whereabouts.  The search revealed what appeared to be a possible vehicle submerged in the pond a short distance from the bank.

The Nacogdoches Fire Department dive team along with investigators from the Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. After confirmation by divers that there was a vehicle in the pond, the vehicle was removed.

The victim was found inside the vehicle and was deceased. Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Judge Williams responded to the scene and an inquest was ordered.

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the accident that is believed to have occurred on the night of 11-30-2020. Investigators collected evidence at the scene showing where the vehicle ran off the private roadway and struck a pole before going into the pond.  The investigation is ongoing. 

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 16th day of December, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

Approve and pay weekly expenses.

Public comments on Agenda item.

Approve current Payroll.

Accept inkind donation of Holiday Decorations from White Cottage Mercantile.

Commissioner Pct. 4 to take bids on Kobelco Excavator .

County Treasurer and County Auditor to give update on Texas Department of Emergency Management – Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Approve Proclamation Declaring January “Human Trafficking Awareness” Month.

Approve Bonds for upcoming elected officials.

Discuss and possibly approve the Lease Purchase Agreement between First National Bank DBA First National Bank Leasing and Shelby County for the purchase of a motor grader for Precinct 2.  

Recognition for Commissioner Barr’s service.

Adjourn
 

The tradition of the Christmas Pickle has to be one of the strangest modern Christmas customs in the world.  It is no wonder that no one is quite sure why it exists at all.  In fact, there are two traditions that seem to indicate that the custom originated in Germany. However, some think that it originated right here in the good old United states in the late 19th century.

The tradition involves hiding a real pickle, or a glass pickle, somewhere in the Christmas tree. The first child to find the pickle on Christmas day would receive another gift from Santa, and was guaranteed good fortune for the coming year.

One suggested origin has been that the tradition came from Camp Sumter during the American Civil War.  A Bavarian born private, John C. Lower, enlisted in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry.  He was captured in April 1864 and taken to a prison camp in Andersonville, Georgia.  As the story is told, on Christmas Eve, he begged a guard for at least a pickle as he was very ill and starving.  The guard provided a pickle, which Lower later credited for saving his live.  After returning to his family, he began a tradition of hiding a pickle on their Christmas tree each year.

Another origin is linked to St. Nicholas.  It is a medieval tale of two Spanish boys traveling home from a boarding school for the Christmas holidays.  When they stopped at an inn for the night, the evil innkeeper killed the boys and put them in a pickle barrel.  That evening, St. Nicholas stopped at the same inn, found the boys in the barrel and miraculously bought them back to life.

It has been suggested that the origin of the Christmas pickle may have been developed for marketing purposes in the 1890s to coincide with the importation of glass Christmas tree decorations from Germany.  Woolworth was the first company to import these types of decorations into the United States in 1890.  Glass blown decorative vegetables were imported from France from 1892 onward.  It seems that pickles must have been among the selections.  So, it is possible that an ornament salesman, with a lot of spare pickles to sell, invented the legend of the Christmas pickle.

Today, Berrien Springs, Michigan calls itself the Christmas Pickle Capital of the World.  This town of around two thousand residents celebrates with a Christmas Pickle Festival held in early December each year.  The residents claim that the tradition of St. Nicholas reviving the two boys is the correct one, and they center their celebration on that fact.  The village is located in the area of Michigan known for cucumber production.

In some families, the Christmas pickle tradition is taken a step further by serving pickles at the holiday meal.  They make pickles with red food coloring and cinnamon sticks to add flavor and color.

As for me and my family, we love pickles but don’t plan to put one on the Christmas tree only to forget about it until the next Christmas.  This might be a fun thing to try with your children this year.  I understand one can purchase pickle ornaments readily now days.

“THE CHRISTMAS  PICKLE”

BY: NEAL MURPHY

PO BOX 511
107 HEMLOCK STREET
SAN AUGUSTINE, TX 75972
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: sugarbear@netdot.com

536 Words

Monroe, LA – Yesterday afternoon December 10, 2020, a Trooper with Louisiana State Police Troop F was taken into custody charged with one count each of Aggravated Second Degree Battery and Malfeasance in Office.  The arrest resulted from a detailed investigation by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations into a use of force incident occurring in May of 2019. The Trooper, identified as 30-year-old Jacob Brown, remains on administrative leave with all law enforcement property recovered pending the conclusion of the criminal and administrative investigation.

The investigation began in October of 2020 upon receiving a civil lawsuit alleging excessive force by an unnamed Trooper during an arrest on May 30, 2019. LSP Investigators began immediately working to identify the details of the incident and discovered Brown was involved as he assisted the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office with the arrest of a suspect.  Upon learning of Brown’s involvement, the department began an administrative investigation.  During the course of the Internal Affairs inquiry, information developed that led to the suspension of the administrative investigation and the initiation of a criminal investigation. As the investigation continued, detectives learned that Brown engaged in excessive and unjustifiable actions during the incident and failed to report the use of force to his supervisors.  LSP detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Brown and placed him into custody without incident this afternoon. 

 “Upon learning of the allegations, our department began an immediate investigation into the incident,” stated Colonel Lamar Davis, Louisiana State Police Superintendent.  “The public trust and responsibility bestowed upon us as law enforcement professionals is of the utmost importance.  We owe not only the public we serve, but also the dedicated men and women of our department a just and timely response.”

No further information is available at this time pending the ongoing criminal and civil proceedings and the pending administrative investigation.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The school psychology program at Stephen F. Austin State University has received a nearly $15,000 grant from the Texas Woman’s University Woodcock Institute to research why children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder lose focus specifically during searching activities like a game requiring them to spot missing objects.

“Thank you for allowing us to support your important line of research,” said Dr. David C. Miller, executive director of the research institute, in SFA’s notification letter.

SFA researchers want to determine if eye-tracking technology can differentiate between the reasons why children with ADHD demonstrate attentional deficits during aspects of stimulus processing, such as search, according Dr. Luis Aguerrevere, associate professor and director of the Human Neuroscience Laboratory in the Department of Human Services and Educational Leadership at SFA.

“Specifically, we will test the idea that greater deficits in eye regulation during a game called Spot the Missing Object will correlate with greater ADHD symptomatology,” Aguerrevere said.

Aguerrevere and Dr. Jaime Flowers, an assistant professor of school psychology at SFA, will conduct the research, which has wider implications for determining objective and valid assessments for children with ADHD.

“This research will help streamline the assessment process for ADHD in both schools and clinical settings, saving valuable resources,” Flowers said.

Aguerrevere and Flowers will begin collecting data in January. They hope to recruit 100 children ranging in age from 8 to 11 years old who are in the process of obtaining a comprehensive assessment for ADHD.

“While these children play Spot the Missing Object, we will measure time, accuracy and eye-tracking variables,” Flowers said. “Hopefully, this data will validate the hypothesis that children with ADHD perform differently during the game, which has the potential to become a reliable and valid screener for ADHD.”

The Woodcock Institute awards grants to institutions conducting research that aligns with its mission: the advancement of neurocognitive research and translation of neurocognitive research into practice.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Two graduating seniors in the health science program at Stephen F. Austin State University spent their fall internships helping university officials conduct contact tracing for COVID-19 cases reported on campus.

Wendy Chavez of Houston and Frankcheskia Pyrtle of Conroe gained real-world experience through their internships, which were established by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs to help SFA Health Services manage COVID-19 cases on campus.

Both Chavez and Pyrtle began their college careers at SFA knowing they wanted to help people and their communities, so they took nursing courses. But they were soon drawn to the health science and epidemiology fields. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they truly realized the impact of their new career path.

“When COVID broke out, I noticed a shortage of public health professionals,” Chavez said. “There are not that many people who choose to go into epidemiology or public health, but those workers are essential now more than ever before.”

Despite the need for more public health professionals, many internships in this field were canceled because of the pandemic. That was the case with Chavez’s internship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Pyrtle also was having difficulty finding an internship in a health care facility because of the pandemic, so when Dr. DawnElla Rust, professor of health science at SFA, presented Chavez and her with the opportunity to help SFA while gaining valuable experience, they took advantage of it.

“With all the problems these students faced securing internships during COVID-19, I really wanted to provide them with a meaningful experience,” Rust said. “Both Wendy and Frankcheskia expressed an interest in ‘doing epidemiology,’ and the pandemic provided them with a transformational opportunity to develop their skills while helping SFA.”

Contact tracing has long been practiced for infectious diseases, but the pandemic has pushed it into the limelight. SFA needed its own contract tracing team as students returned to in-person learning on campus in August. Dr. Adam Peck, assistant vice president for university affairs and dean of student affairs, turned to SFA’s health science program for help.

“I think this is a great model of an academic and student affairs partnership,” Peck said. “We really benefited from the expertise and training of these students, and I’m glad we could provide them an internship experience during a time that those were so hard to come by.”

Chavez and Pyrtle took a seven-hour training course from Johns Hopkins University and began their internships in August.

“This was the perfect opportunity, as someone who plans to go into the health care field, to be hands on and assist with an issue that affects everyone,” Pyrtle said.

SFA’s seven-member contact tracing team faced some challenges during the semester.

“Almost every week, something was changing,” Pyrtle said. “There was an update, or something needed to be added to our system or procedure forms. We had to be diligent about implementing these changes and informing the SFA community.”

Despite the hard work during an unprecedented time for health care workers, Chavez’s experience has solidified her love for epidemiology and her career choice.

“To succeed in this field, you must be attentive, compassionate, patient and understanding,” she said. “I have learned how to solve conflicts on my own and adapt to the constant change of procedures and protocols. I’ve also developed skills like time management and professionalism.”

Pyrtle said she’s gained insight she can use to help keep her friends, family and community safe.

“Safety, health and personal wellness have always been passions of mine,” she said. “If I am ever able to expand my knowledge and enlighten others on those subjects, I consider that a major success.”

Both Chavez and Pyrtle are pleased with the SFA community’s response to the pandemic.

“Overall, faculty and staff, as well as students, have been cooperating with us and handling this pandemic well,” Chavez said.

“I think the most important general improvement that could be made would be self-accountability on everyone’s part,” Pyrtle said. “We are restless, and we want to go back to a normal life as soon as possible, but we all need to come together during times like this and work toward a common goal of slowing the spread. We need to keep ourselves and others safe. We need to act as a collective to see real improvements.”

For more information on SFA’s health science program, contact Rust at drust@sfasu.edu.

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
Board of Trustees

Shelbyville Independent School District

December 14, 2020

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Shelbyville Independent School District will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020, beginning at 12:00 p.m., in the Board Room of the Shelbyville Independent School District at 5322St. Hwy 87 S, Shelbyville, Texas.

The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are listed below. Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice. Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time.

1. Call to order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3. Open forum

4. Consent agenda

• a. Minutes of the November 9, 2020 meeting of the board
• b. Monthly financial reports

5. Public Meeting on School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas)
6. Consider for approval

• a. Resolution for Continuation of Emergency Paid Sick Leave
• b. District Improvement Plan
• c. Resolution—Investment Policy Annual Review

d. Budget Amendments
7. Principal’s Reports

• a. Campus events
• b. Recognition of Staff and/or Students

8. Superintendent’s Reports

• a. Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR)
• b. Facilities and Technology Update
• c. Christmas Open House
• d. Board Appreciation Month (January)
• e. Articles of Interest
• f. General Updates

9. Executive Session

• a. Resignations/Employment
• b. Personnel

10. Adjournment

If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be held in a closed meeting, the board will conduct a closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapters D and E or Texas Government Code section 418.183(f).

Before any closed meeting is convened, the presiding
officer will publicly identify the section or sections of the Act authorizing the closed meeting. All final votes, actions, or decisions will be taken in open meeting. [See BEC(LEGAL)]

This notice was posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act on December 9, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
__________________________
Ray West, Superintendent

Joaquin Athletic Department

Address: 11109 Hwy 84 East

Joaquin, Texas 75954

Office: 936-269-3128 Ext. 438

Email: wlawson@joaquinisd.net

Wade Lawson, Boys Athletic Director

Steven McCann, Girls Athletic Director

JISD Basketball Athletes, Parents and Fans:

We will be selling District 23-AA, High School Season Basketball Tickets for the 2020-21 season. These season tickets will cover admittance into all District games to include home and away games. However, we will only be allowed to bring 100 visitors to all away district games.

By purchasing this season ticket it will ensure you have a ticket to the away games. Tickets will not be sold at the door for away games.  General Admission tickets will still be sold at the door for home games in the event that you do not purchase the season pass that covers all district games.  

There will be 100 Season Tickets available at $40 Per Season Pass/Per Person.

Tickets will be sold to JISD Athletes first beginning on 12/10 through 12/17.

Senior Players – 4 Ticket Maximum

Underclassmen – 2 Ticket Maximum

*Athletes will need to bring their money to Coach Lawson or Coach McCann to receive their Ticket.

After 12/17 the remainder will be sold to the General Public.

If you have any questions please contact:

Wade Lawson

Office Phone: 936-269-3128 Ext. 438

Steven McCann

Office Phone: 936-269-3128 Ext. 428

Thanks,

Wade Lawson, JISD Boys Athletic Director/Head Football Coach  

Steven McCann, JISD Girls Athletic Director/Head Softball Coach

December 11, 2020 VG/JVB/VB vs Grapeland 4:30 pm (Limited Passes must be picked up at Admin Office to purchase tickets at gate in Grapeland)

December 12, 2020 JVB/VB vs Tarkington in SEC 4:00 pm

December 14, 2020 JH Game moved to December 17, 2020-JH G/B vs San Augustine 5:30 (There).

THSCA Academic All-State
CENTER H S   Aidan Hagler  1st Team 
CENTER H S   Jake Liker       2nd Team 
CENTER H S   Garren Dubea Honorable Mention 
CENTER H S   Jase Bird         Honorable Mention  

CHS GIRLS Basketball Game Changes
The home lady riders basketball game scheduled on Friday 12/11/20 has been scheduled as an away game in Cushing. Only varsity team will be traveling, and the game will start at 6 pm.   
Lady Riders vs Douglas 12/15/20 has been cancelled
Lady Riders vs Timpson 12/18/20- Away game at 5 pm  

CHS BOYS Basketball
Riders vs Pineywoods- 12/11/20
Pineywoods will not be allowing fans to enter the games, they will live-stream the games. The link to be able to watch the game live-streamed are as follows; pcacharter.net then click on extracurricular, then click on athletics, and on that page, it'll show the link to click at game time (15 minutes before the game begins)

Riders vs Kilgore- 12/12/20
Kilgore will be selling tickets at the door.

THSCA Academic All-State
CENTER H S   Aidan Hagler  1st Team 
CENTER H S   Jake Liker       2nd Team 
CENTER H S   Garren Dubea Honorable Mention 
CENTER H S   Jase Bird         Honorable Mention  

CHS GIRLS Basketball Game Changes
The home lady riders basketball game scheduled on Friday 12/11/20 has been scheduled as an away game in Cushing. Only varsity team will be traveling, and the game will start at 6 pm.   
Lady Riders vs Douglas 12/15/20 has been cancelled
Lady Riders vs Timpson 12/18/20- Away game at 5 pm  

CHS BOYS Basketball
Riders vs Pineywoods- 12/11/20
Pineywoods will not be allowing fans to enter the games, they will live-stream the games. The link to be able to watch the game live-streamed are as follows; pcacharter.net then click on extracurricular, then click on athletics, and on that page, it'll show the link to click at game time (15 minutes before the game begins)

Riders vs Kilgore- 12/12/20
Kilgore will be selling tickets at the door.

THSCA Academic All-State
CENTER H S   Aidan Hagler  1st Team 
CENTER H S   Jake Liker       2nd Team 
CENTER H S   Garren Dubea Honorable Mention 
CENTER H S   Jase Bird         Honorable Mention  

CHS GIRLS Basketball Game Changes
The home lady riders basketball game scheduled on Friday 12/11/20 has been scheduled as an away game in Cushing. Only varsity team will be traveling, and the game will start at 6 pm.   
Lady Riders vs Douglas 12/15/20 has been cancelled
Lady Riders vs Timpson 12/18/20- Away game at 5 pm  

CHS BOYS Basketball
Riders vs Pineywoods- 12/11/20
Pineywoods will not be allowing fans to enter the games, they will live-stream the games. The link to be able to watch the game live-streamed are as follows; pcacharter.net then click on extracurricular, then click on athletics, and on that page, it'll show the link to click at game time (15 minutes before the game begins)

Riders vs Kilgore- 12/12/20
Kilgore will be selling tickets at the door.

Center, Texas – December 7, 2020 – The First United Methodist Church of Center invites the community to a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Thursday, December 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the downtown square in front of the historic Shelby County Courthouse. 

The entire community is invited to come together for this festive family time of singing carols and celebrating the joy of Jesus’ birth.  Everyone should bring their own candle.  Hot cider will be provided before the event. The evening will conclude with everyone singing Silent Night by candlelight!  

“First United Methodist Church Center is overjoyed to be able to provide this festive community candlelight gathering, especially during this time of social isolation,” said Pastor Malcolm Monroe. “Hopefully, many people will feel comfortable singing the old familiar Christmas carols while outside and respecting the social distancing suggestions to keep everyone healthy.” 

In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled with no alternative service. (Santa Claus will not be with us because he will be on the other side of the world delivering toys to the children there).

For more information about the Christmas Eve Candlelight Gathering or First UMC, please contact Pastor Malcolm Monroe at the church office (936) 598-2707, visit the church website at www.fumccentertx.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FUMCCenterTexas/.
 

December 7, 2020- JH G/B vs Joaquin (Home) 5:30 pm; JVG/VG vs White Oak (There) 5:00 pm

December 8, 2020-Board Workshop 3:30 pm in Tiger Den; Testing in Tiger Den

December 9, 2020-Testing in Tiger Den

December 10, 2020-Businessmens Banquet 6:00 pm; Testing in Tiger Den

December 11, 2020-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Grapeland (There) 4:00 pm; Conference in Tiger Den

December 12, 2020-JVB/VB vs Clarendon in Lipan TBA

December 13, 2020-Band leaves for San Antonio

December 14, 2020- Band compete in State Marching Contest; JH G/B vs San Augustine possibly moving game TBA

December 15, 2020-JVB/VB vs LaPoynor (Home) 5:00 pm; JVG/VG vs Shelbyville (There) 5:00 pm-District Game; Close Board                                           .                      Meeting in Tiger Den

December 17, 2020-

December 18, 2020-Early Release; End 3^rd Grading Period; JVB/VB in Jefferson 5:00 pm

December 19, 2020-JVB/VB vs MP Chapel Hill (Home) 5:00 pm

December 21, 2020-January 1, 2021 Christmas Break

Enrollment: 499

Tenaha vs Mart  in Athens Final Score: 23-54  Great season Tigers! We are very proud of you! 

Tenaha Roarin’Band from Tigerland

Area C 2A Open Class Champions (All of East Texas)! All five judges ranked us first! STATE BOUND! Alamodome here we come!   

Getting to be this time of year again:

Traditionally, to "light a candle for someone" indicates one's intention to say a prayer for another person, and the candle symbolizes that prayer. A memory bulb carries these same sentiments. Using a light bulb instead of a candle, they are a light-filled remembrance and tribute to a cherished existence and are often to commemorate a loved one who has passed.

Memory bulbs are a creative and expressive gift to show your love and send your thoughts to friends and family member that have gone on before us. The TENaha TOGETHER Committee is offering to our community an alternative to lighting a candle in honor of a loved one by offering the same warmth, sentiment, and prayer with their bright glow. The lighting of the Christmas Tree date is tentatively set for Saturday, December 19^th 4 pm (ish) and Santa is scheduled to be there for pictures; The TENaha TOGETHER Committee are again this year offering a “Memory Bulb” for your loved one for $1.00. A list containing your loved one’s name will be read upon the lighting of the Christmas Tree on the square.

For more information contact Julie Tatom at 936-248-3991 or Amanda Treat at Tenaha City Hall 936-248-3841.

Reminder: Tenaha Together Committee continues to support our community and needs the communities support as well.

A few of the things that have been done since the organization of the Tenaha Together Committee includes lights and tree for the square, banners around town,  and the beautiful brick signs entering the town.

Please, if you can make a donation to continue projects like these, send it to: Tenaha Together  c/o Scott Tyner - P. O. Box 318, Tenaha, Texas 75974

POLK COUNTY – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers responded
to a two-vehicle major crash yesterday morning 12-8-2020 on US 190, about five miles east
of Livingston.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 6:50 a.m., a 2009
Chevrolet SUV was traveling east on US 190. The driver of a 2013 Ford passenger
car was traveling westbound and reportedly attempted to pass another vehicle in a
no passing zone and struck the Chevrolet head-on.

The driver of the Chevrolet is identified as Michael Tobin, 55, from Onalaska.
The driver of the Ford is identified as Christopher Hinson, 37, from Livingston.
Both Tobin and Hinson were pronounced deceased at the scene by a Polk Co.
Justice of the Peace.

This crash remains under investigation. Additional information is not available at
this time.

Herbert Edward “Ed” Turk, aged 75 years, entered Heaven’s gates on December 7, 2020 in Livingston, Texas after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Ed was born on March 11, 1945 in Itasca, TX to Herbert Cooper Turk and Mary Faye (Cypert) Turk.  He spent his early years on a cotton farm in rural Hill County.  The family moved to Jal, NM when he was 5.   He loved telling his grandchildren stories about growing up in an early gas field town on the open range desert of southeastern New Mexico.

After graduating from Jal High School in 1963, Ed moved to Fort Worth to attend drafting school and began working at Tri County Electric Cooperative in Azle, TX.  While he only stayed at the coop for a few years, this began a career in rural electrification that spanned nearly 45 years.
Ed joined Cornelius-Pierce Consulting Engineers in 1975 and retired as a partner in 2007.  More than the work, Ed enjoyed the people that he worked with at C-PCE and the electric cooperatives of East Texas.  He made many lifelong friends at the cooperatives.

In February of 1968 Ed married the love of his life, Bobbie Jo (Harrison) Turk.  They made their home in Benbrook, TX until moving to Center, TX to be closer to their grandchildren.

Ed was active in Benbrook United Methodist Church before moving to Center. He enjoyed hunting, fishing trips to New Mexico and spending time with his grandchildren, who knew him as “Be-Be”.
An outdoor funeral service will be held graveside at Hillcrest Garden of Memory in Hillsboro, TX at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 12.  An outdoor viewing and visitation will begin at 1:00 PM at the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be:  Larry Warren, Michael Warren, Bart Bauer, Steve Waters, Jack Vickers and Mark Healer

Arrangements are under the direction of Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, TX.

Ed is preceded in death by his mother, father, and wife of 50 years.

In addition to a host of extended family, Ed is survived by:

Son:  Doug Turk and wife, Angie, of Livingston
Grandchildren:  Maggie Turk and Eddie Turk of Livingston
Sister:  Wanda Lou Cook of San Angelo
Brother-in-Law:  Dr. David Harrison and wife, Dr. Kelly Harrison, of Blacksburg, VA
Niece:  Prissy (Cook) McCollum and husband, Steve, of San Angelo 
Nephews:  John David Cook of San Angelo
Nathan Harrison and wife, Stephanie, of Christiansburg, VA
K.C. Harrison and fiancée, Catherine Heindel, of Blacksburg, VA
Great Nieces:    Lauren McCollum of San Antonio and Harper Harrison of Christiansburg
Great Nephews:  Liam Edward Harrison of Christiansburg

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Benbrook United Methodist Church in Benbrook, TX or First United Methodist Church of Center, TX.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — For top graduates from the Stephen F. Austin State University Rusche College of Business, the landing spot of Lufkin is increasingly becoming an option. And while the nightlife and the food scene might not compare to what a young professional would find in Houston or Dallas, the opportunity surely does.

Located on Lufkin’s west loop, one of Angelina County’s largest employers, Lockheed Martin, offers great pay, meaningful work, top-tier benefits, and the chance to be part of one of the largest companies in the world. The international aerospace, defense, arms, security, and advanced technologies company employs 110,000 people globally, and had nearly $60 billion in net sales last year.

The Lufkin facility recently expanded with a 30,000-square-foot building and plans to add more than 100 jobs during the next few years. While Lockheed has been a fixture at SFA career fairs since 2017 – it most recently participated in the Fall Career and Internship Expo in October – and while it’s been known as a destination for engineers, a handful of business alums have joined the company since 2018. It’s a new yet positive trend, one that Dr. Pam Rogers, a professor in the department of Management and Marketing, wants to nurture.

The college, Rogers said, can customize a degree plan with courses that dovetail nicely with a career in advanced manufacturing such as: Operations, Purchasing, Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, and other electives. For those who take that path, or something similar to it, employment at a place like Lockheed could be the reward.

“They are now looking to the Rusche College of Business for talent – not just engineering students, but business students,” Rogers said. “It’s obvious they’d want the engineering students, but the business students aren’t that obvious.”

Trevor Crittenden was one such student. He enrolled at SFA when he was 25 years old. He was behind with his degree, his career, and even his life. Or so he thought.

That was in fall 2017, after he’d convinced himself to break out of a dead-end job in Longview and reclaim his ambition with an all-in move to Nacogdoches. The goal was simple – take a lot of courses in a short amount of time and get himself back in the game.

He did just that. In two years – with the help of completed prerequisites and a 15-hour summer semester – Crittenden earned his degree in general business and landed a job as a manufacturing planner with Lockheed. In the parlance of operations management, his journey could be described as inputs, transformation, and outputs.

Nowadays, Crittenden, 28, doesn’t think of himself as being behind. And having met his fiancé, Brooke, at the Lufkin location, he considers himself right on time, or even a bit ahead of the pack.

“I needed to dedicate two years of my life for the rest of my life,” he said. “I looked at all the things I could possibly do, and in business there are no limits. The more I put in, the more I’ll get out.”

While Crittenden was in high school, he was in a serious motorcycle accident that left him with major back problems that ultimately derailed his first attempt at a degree in nursing. A series of surgeries, the last of which was successful, left him unable to finish the program, hence the associate degree and a job as a cardiac stress technician in Longview. But even if he had found his health, Crittenden knew there was something bigger out there. 

“There wasn’t any growth,” Crittenden said. “I couldn’t move up because I didn’t have a bachelor’s degree.”

And then came SFA and Rusche’s faculty and staff.

“I found my home,” he said. “They would do whatever was in their power to help me succeed.”

Crittenden wrapped up his two-year push through business school with a 3.9 GPA and went to work two days after he graduated in May 2019. For now, Lufkin is a good spot. But Lockheed has a headquarters in Grand Prairie for missiles and fire control, the division in which he currently works. Lockheed also has a facility in Fort Worth.  

“I think that’s my end goal,” Crittenden said, referencing a future move to the DFW metroplex.

Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the business college, sees a long-term, fruitful connection developing between business majors and the blue-chip company that’s employing them: Alums have a quality place to begin their careers while Lockheed can rely on them to do the job they’re hired to do.

“Graduates of the Rusche College of Business are prepared to have an immediate impact on business operations,” Bisping said. “This continuing relationship with Lockheed Martin serves as validation of this, and it represents an outstanding opportunity for both our graduates and the company.”

As Crittenden raced to make up for lost time, a younger classmate of his was busy executing the perfect plan.

Kelsey Bowers Massey knew going into college that she wanted a career in manufacturing, so a degree in business management was the only thing on her academic radar. As a Lufkin native, she was also aware of Lockheed and the opportunities it offered. Between existing Lufkin connections and those she knew she could make at the business college, a place like Lockheed looked like it was well within reach.

“I was one of those students who was anxious to get done and jump into the business world,” Massey said.

If that was her goal, she accomplished it. She was hired as a manufacturing planner four months prior to graduation, starting two days after college was over in December 2019.

But just because she was career-oriented from the beginning didn’t mean she blazed through college without enjoying the experience. She cherishes the hands-on, face-to-face time she had with professors, particularly Rogers and Dr. Matt Lindsey, her advisor.

During her senior year, Massey was also president of the SFA chapter of Delta Delta Delta, one of the largest and oldest sororities in the United States. With about 130 members at SFA, and not to mention the chapter’s finances and its 30-plus officers, Massey had her hands full.

“I learned how a business works,” she said. “It prepared me for a real job. You see everything.”

As a 23-year-old woman looking to make her way in the business world, Massey has a great role model right there at Lockheed. Marillyn A. Hewson, now the executive chairman of the company, was the chairman, president and CEO from January 2014 to June 2020. In 2018, Hewson, who has a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in economics, was considered by Forbes to be one of the most powerful women in the world.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how many women work at the Lufkin location,” Massey said. “Having a female CEO has changed the culture at Lockheed Martin.”

Massey is certainly ambitious. In the near future, she plans on returning to school for an MBA, which puts her on the long track for upper management. And since Lockheed has locations in every state and in countries across the world, Lufkin might not be her ultimate destination.

“I’ll never turn down an opportunity,” she said.

Even if she winds up in a major metro with a plumb position and a salary to match, the alma mater will never be far from her thoughts.

“I want to be part of the SFA community,” Massey said.

Cullen Freeman was awarded $100 for placing in the essay contest presented by the VFW "Voice of Democracy". His entry will go on to be presented at the district level contest. 

Shelby County Outreach Ministries is having our annual “Letters from Santa” Christmas fundraiser. Each letter costs $10 and comes with a personal letter to your child along with an ornament from Santa, himself!  All order forms and money must be turned in to the Shelby County Outreach Ministries office by Tuesday, December 15th.  

Remember, it is $10 per child.  Thank you and we hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!  For more information, please give us a call at 598-4990.

EAST TEXAS (December 8, 2020) – Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, St. Luke’s Health-Memorial San Augustine Hospital was named a Top Rural Hospital nationally by The Leapfrog Group. Announced today, the Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. The Top Hospital designation is bestowed by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers widely acknowledged as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality.  

“St. Luke’s Health-Memorial San Augustine is among the elite and I could not be more proud of our team,” said Monte Bostwick, Market President/CEO. “We are honored to be recognized nationally by The Leapfrog Group. Congratulations to our employees for their hard work and to our patients for trusting us with their care.”

Over 2,200 hospitals were considered for the award. Among those, St. Luke’s Health – Memorial San Augustine Hospital received a Top Rural distinction. A total of 105 hospitals were selected as Top Hospitals, including:

?    9 Top Children’s Hospitals 
?    29 Top General Hospitals
?    19 Top Rural Hospitals
?    48 Top Teaching Hospitals

“We are committed to serving our community and providing high-quality, safe care.  We know how important it is for our patients to feel confident in the care they receive especially during these challenging times,” Darlene Williams, VP of Operations, CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial San Augustine said.  “Our community can be proud of their local hospital.  This is our our third consecutive year to receive this distinction and it gets sweeter each time.  Our community leaders beam with pride and for weeks after its announced the Leapfrog Top Rural Hospital Award is still the talk of the town.  We do not take this responsibility lightly.”

The quality of patient care  across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication errors. The rigorous standards are defined in each year’s Top Hospital Methodology. 

“Being recognized as a Top Hospital is an extraordinary feat and we are honored to recognize St. Luke’s Health – Memorial San Augustine Hospital this year,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Despite the extraordinary pressure and strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Luke’s Health – Memorial San Augustine Hospital has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to patients and to the San Augustine community. We congratulate the board, staff and clinicians whose efforts made this honor possible.”

To qualify for the Top Hospitals distinction, hospitals must rank top among peers on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assesses hospital performance on the highest standards for quality and patient safety, and achieve top performance in its category. To see the full list of institutions honored as 2020 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.

About The Leapfrog Group 
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information, they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

About St. Luke’s Health – Texas Division
St. Luke’s Health is a fully-integrated network that provides care to the communities in Greater Houston,  Southeast Texas, and the Brazos Valley through 16 acute care hospitals and over 270 access points including numerous urgent care centers, freestanding emergency departments, and clinics conveniently located across the region. With a team of 11,000 employees and caregivers and more than 5,000 physicians, St. Luke’s Health is dedicated to a mission of enhancing community health through high-quality, cost-effective care. A joint venture with Baylor College of Medicine, St. Luke’s Health operates Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Texas Medical Center, a leading academic health center with quaternary care and advanced specialists. St. Luke’s Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. Learn more at StLukesHealth.org.

December 7, 2020- JH G/B vs Joaquin (Home) 5:30 pm; JVG/VG vs White Oak (There) 5:00 pm

December 8, 2020-Board Workshop 3:30 pm in Tiger Den; Testing in Tiger Den

December 9, 2020-Testing in Tiger Den

December 10, 2020-Businessmens Banquet 6:00 pm; Testing in Tiger Den

December 11, 2020-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Grapeland (There) 4:00 pm; Conference in Tiger Den

December 12, 2020-JVB/VB vs Clarendon in Lipan TBA

December 13, 2020-Band leaves for San Antonio

December 14, 2020- Band compete in State Marching Contest; JH G/B vs San Augustine possibly moving game TBA

December 15, 2020-JVB/VB vs LaPoynor (Home) 5:00 pm; JVG/VG vs Shelbyville (There) 5:00 pm-District Game; Close Board                                           .                      Meeting in Tiger Den

December 17, 2020-

December 18, 2020-Early Release; End 3^rd Grading Period; JVB/VB in Jefferson 5:00 pm

December 19, 2020-JVB/VB vs MP Chapel Hill (Home) 5:00 pm

December 21, 2020-January 1, 2021 Christmas Break

Enrollment: 499

Tenaha vs Mart  in Athens Final Score: 23-54  Great season Tigers! We are very proud of you! 

Tenaha Roarin’Band from Tigerland

Area C 2A Open Class Champions (All of East Texas)! All five judges ranked us first! STATE BOUND! Alamodome here we come!

Getting to be this time of year again:

Traditionally, to "light a candle for someone" indicates one's intention to say a prayer for another person, and the candle symbolizes that prayer. A memory bulb carries these same sentiments. Using a light bulb instead of a candle, they are a light-filled remembrance and tribute to a cherished existence and are often to commemorate a loved one who has passed.

Memory bulbs are a creative and expressive gift to show your love and send your thoughts to friends and family member that have gone on before us. The TENaha TOGETHER Committee is offering to our community an alternative to lighting a candle in honor of a loved one by offering the same warmth, sentiment, and prayer with their bright glow. The lighting of the Christmas Tree date is tentatively set for Saturday, December 19^th 4 pm (ish) and Santa is scheduled to be there for pictures; The TENaha TOGETHER Committee are again this year offering a “Memory Bulb” for your loved one for $1.00. A list containing your loved one’s name will be read upon the lighting of the Christmas Tree on the square.

For more information contact Julie Tatom at 936-248-3991 or Amanda Treat at Tenaha City Hall 936-248-3841.

Reminder: Tenaha Together Committee continues to support our community and needs the communities support as well.

A few of the things that have been done since the organization of the Tenaha Together Committee includes lights and tree for the square, banners around town,  and the beautiful brick signs entering the town.

Please, if you can make a donation to continue projects like these, send it to: Tenaha Together  c/o Scott Tyner - P. O. Box 318, Tenaha, Texas 75974

ALERT: A major crash has been reported on US 190 East at Hornets Nest Road in Polk County. Traffic is reduced to one lane in both directions. Motorists should prepare for delays, reduce speed and stay alert as emergency personnel clear the scene.

The 123rd Judicial District Court FELONY ARRAIGNMENT hearings scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020, are CANCELLED.  Defendants need not appear.  Please contact the 123rd District Court Manager, Erin Johnson, erin.johnson@co.panola.tx.us or 903.693.0315 for your rescheduled court date.  

LeAnn Kay Rafferty
Presiding Judge
123rd Judicial District Court

The first professional disc golf tournament held on the Timpson Disc Golf course in SoSo Park will be this Saturday. The tournament is "invitation only" and is designed to showcase our beautiful SoSo Park while giving professional disc golfers a challenging, enjoyable and competitive experience in Timpson, Texas. This event is on Saturday, December 12, 2020 beginning at 8am.

The tournament is hosted by Miles Seaborn and Casey Jillson, both members of PDGA. Some of the best disc golfers in the country will be participating in this tournament. Although,to play is  invitation only, we are inviting THE PUBLIC to join us as spectators. Social distancing and respect for the game will be required. Anyone disrupting or interfering will be asked to leave the park. No vehicles are allowed inside the park area during the tournament. Parking along the exterior of the park and downtown (a short walk from the park) is available. 

Timpson Disc Golf was introduced by Councilman Kyle Allen when he first was elected to the Timpson City Council. Kyle was interested in bringing something fun and affordable to Timpson that would benefit both citizens and businesses. Kyle visited with Paul Smith and together they got the Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce, Timpson Economic Development Corporation, City of Timpson and many sponsors to take the idea from paper to park. The 9 basket, 18 tee course was designed by Craig Lewis. 

We hope that you will join in the fun and become a disc golf enthusiastic. It’s good, clean, healthy fun and we have an amazing course right here in Timpson Texas.  

Thank you,

Paul Smith / Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce President

Tri-County Harvest for Homes  will have a produce drop on Wednesday December 9 @ 9:30am Ivan Smith parking lot near the Old Somberos Restaurant for more information call 936 649 3218

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Committee announces the winners of the 21st Annual Santa’s Christmas Parade, sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank, which was held on Saturday, December 5th.  The theme for the parade was “A Rustic Christmas”.

Winners by Category are:

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY:
$100 -- 1st Place – Erica Santana
$50 – 2nd Place – Samuel and Sara Parmer

SCHOOL CATEGORY:
$100 -- 1st Place – CHS Chaparrals
$50 -- 2nd Place – CMS Basketball and Cheerleaders
$25 - 3rd Place – CHS Marching Band
                  
CHURCH CATEGORY:
$100 -- 1st Place – St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church
$50 -- 2nd Place  – First United Methodist Church

CIVIC ORGANIZATION CATEGORY:
$100 -- 1st Place – East Texas Disciples/Christian Motorcyclists Association

BUSINESS CATEGORY:
$100 -- 1st Place – W3C Enterprise
$50 -- 2nd Place – Sigler’s Little Homestead & U Pick’em Flower Farm
$25 -- 3rd Place – Hopkins Wrecker Service

$250 -- Overall Best in Show – W3C Enterprise

Other supporters that helped make the Parade possible include City of Center, Farmers State Bank and Specter, Inc.  Thank you to the Center Police Department for assisting with traffic and to the Center Fire Department for the use of their trucks.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com.    
 

December 7, 2020- JH G/B vs Joaquin (Home) 5:30 pm; JVG/VG vs White Oak (There) 5:00 pm

December 8, 2020-Board Workshop 3:30 pm in Tiger Den; Testing in Tiger Den

December 9, 2020-Testing in Tiger Den

December 10, 2020-Businessmens Banquet 6:00 pm; Testing in Tiger Den

December 11, 2020-JVG/VG/JVB/VB vs Grapeland (There) 4:00 pm; Conference in Tiger Den

December 12, 2020-JVB/VB vs Clarendon in Lipan TBA

December 13, 2020-Band leaves for San Antonio

December 14, 2020- Band compete in State Marching Contest; JH G/B vs San Augustine possibly moving game TBA

December 15, 2020-JVB/VB vs LaPoynor (Home) 5:00 pm; JVG/VG vs Shelbyville (There) 5:00 pm-District Game; Close Board                                           .                      Meeting in Tiger Den

December 17, 2020-

December 18, 2020-Early Release; End 3^rd Grading Period; JVB/VB in Jefferson 5:00 pm

December 19, 2020-JVB/VB vs MP Chapel Hill (Home) 5:00 pm

December 21, 2020-January 1, 2021 Christmas Break

Enrollment: 499

Tenaha vs Mart  in Athens Final Score: 23-54  Great season Tigers! We are very proud of you! 

Tenaha Roarin’Band from Tigerland

Area C 2A Open Class Champions (All of East Texas)! All five judges ranked us first! STATE BOUND! Alamodome here we come!

Getting to be this time of year again:

Traditionally, to "light a candle for someone" indicates one's intention to say a prayer for another person, and the candle symbolizes that prayer. A memory bulb carries these same sentiments. Using a light bulb instead of a candle, they are a light-filled remembrance and tribute to a cherished existence and are often to commemorate a loved one who has passed.

Memory bulbs are a creative and expressive gift to show your love and send your thoughts to friends and family member that have gone on before us. The TENaha TOGETHER Committee is offering to our community an alternative to lighting a candle in honor of a loved one by offering the same warmth, sentiment, and prayer with their bright glow. The lighting of the Christmas Tree date is tentatively set for Saturday, December 19^th 4 pm (ish) and Santa is scheduled to be there for pictures; The TENaha TOGETHER Committee are again this year offering a “Memory Bulb” for your loved one for $1.00. A list containing your loved one’s name will be read upon the lighting of the Christmas Tree on the square.

For more information contact Julie Tatom at 936-248-3991 or Amanda Treat at Tenaha City Hall 936-248-3841.

Reminder: Tenaha Together Committee continues to support our community and needs the communities support as well.

A few of the things that have been done since the organization of the Tenaha Together Committee includes lights and tree for the square, banners around town,  and the beautiful brick signs entering the town.

Please, if you can make a donation to continue projects like these, send it to: Tenaha Together  c/o Scott Tyner - P. O. Box 318, Tenaha, Texas 75974

Notice is hereby given that a Regular meeting of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 9th day of December, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

Approve the minutes of the November 4, 2020 Special meeting, November 16, 2020 Special meeting, November 18, 2020 Regular meeting, November 25, 2020 Special meeting, of the Shelby County Commissioner’s Court.

Approve and pay weekly expenses.

Approve current Payroll.

Approve Officers Reports.

Public Comments on Agenda item.

Open sealed bids on 2005 Cadi CST for District Attorney’s Office.

Discuss and possibly approve the renewal of the Inter Local Agreement between Deep East Texas Self Insurance Fund and Shelby County regarding Workers Compensation.

Discuss and possibly take action on renewing the contract with Innovative Office Systems on copiers and printers.

Adjourn.

There will be a COVID-19 drive through testing sight conducted at the United Pentecostal Church located at 610 Hurst St. in Center, Tuesday December 8th from 8:00 am-4:00pm.
The method used for the testing will be a saliva test as opposed to a nasal swab.
The testing is free to all and no appointment is necessary.
 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University Police Department officers may not live at the North Pole or have long beards, but they are still able to help area children have a happy holiday season by participating in Shop with a Cop, an SFA and Nacogdoches County effort.

Shop with a Cop, scheduled for Dec. 10 at Walmart, is geared toward creating positive relationships with area law enforcement officers by providing a fun-filled shopping event for deserving children this holiday season.

“Through sponsorships and donations, area law enforcement officers spend time with chosen participants and grant their holiday gift list wishes,” said John Fields, chief of SFA’s University Police Department. “The officers volunteer their time and businesses and individuals sponsor the event. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

SFA faculty and staff members contributed $1,000 toward the effort, matching the $1,000 donation from Walmart. Fields said the support from the community will allow participants to have an extra special holiday season.

The department has identified 12 participants who will each receive $150 to shop with their parents and UPD officers at Walmart.

“Nacogdoches County’s poverty rate is 30.9%, according to the U.S. Census,” Fields said. “The national average is 13.1%. There are going to be many, many area children who are left out this holiday season. We want to decrease that number while also building good relationships among our fellow citizens. Shop with a Cop can help several area children’s Christmas be brighter.”

For more information about this event, contact Erika Colegio, SFA’s UPD administrative assistant, at (936) 468-2607 or email colegioe@sfasu.edu.

Important information regarding basketball ticket sales - High School Only

Tickets for the 2020-21 basketball season will be sold online. 

Players will be given an access code for each game, and ticket sales will be open for players and their families the day before the scheduled game. 

Ticket sales for the general public will go on sale the day of the game. Tickets sold on the day of the game will not require an access code. 

All tickets can be purchased using the following link:

https://schools.centerisd.org/page/chs.ticketing

There will be a COVID-19 drive through testing sight conducted at the United Pentecostal Church located at 610 Hurst St. in Center, Tuesday December 8th from 8:00 am-4:00pm.

The testing is free to all and no appointment is necessary.

Providence Missionary Baptist Church will be having their Christmas Program on Sunday, December 6th at 6 p.m.

Live radio remote today 12-4-2020 in downtown San Augustine from 2 to 4 p.m. on KXXE 92.5 FM.

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will provide approximately $204 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of December as the state continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The extension of these emergency SNAP benefits ensures that Texans can continue to provide nutritious food for their families during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Governor Abbott. "I thank the USDA for their ongoing partnership as we provide the support and resources that Texas families need during this time." 

"These expanded benefits will continue to help feed families during this ongoing pandemic," said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. "We also want to remind recipients to protect their health and safety by wearing masks and keeping socially distant when shopping."

The emergency December allotments are in addition to the almost $1.7 billion in benefits previously provided to Texans between April and November. HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size.

Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.7 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas.

Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

Home

Governor Abbott

Mistletoe makes its annual appearance each December as millions of Americans hang a sprig of it in their doorways during the holiday season.  According to custom, if a woman is caught standing under the mistletoe, a man may kiss her.  So what is it about this little plant that gives it power to make people pucker up?

For centuries, mistletoe has been considered a plant that increases life and fertility.  The history of mistletoe, which can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, is long, strange, and full of mythology.  Mistletoe is a relative of sandalwood.  It is parasitic in nature and attaches itself onto other trees to steal its host’s water and nutrients.  The mistletoe seeds are dispersed by berry-eating birds which allow the plant to grow on branches high above the shade, freeloading on other trees’ sunlight.  In addition, the mistletoe is toxic to humans.

Why, then do we kiss each other under bunches of the devious, toxic plant every Christmas?  The common explanation goes back in Greek mythology to the Norse god, Baldur – second son of Odin - god of truth and light.  He was so beloved by the other gods that they sought to protect him from all the dangers of the world.  His mother, the goddess Frigg, took an oath from fire and water, iron and all metals, stones and earth, from trees, sicknesses and poisons, and from all four-footed beasts, birds and creeping things, that they would not hurt Baldur.  And thus the beautiful god was deemed invincible.  What does all this have to do with mistletoe?  Bear with me…

At a large gathering soon after, stones, arrows, and flame were all flung at Baldur to test his might.  Nothing worked and he walked away unscathed.  Jealous of Baldur’s new powers, the mischievous Loki set out to find the one thing on Earth that might be able to hurt Baldur.  He discovered that the goddess Frigg forgot to ask mistletoe – tiny and forgotten – not to harm her beloved son.  In the end a dart fashioned from the little plant was used to murder Baldur in front of all the other gods who loved him so dearly.

Baldur’s mother, Frigg, was devastated and her tears became the berries of the plant, and it was decreed that “mistletoe would never again be used as a weapon, and that she would place a kiss on anyone who passed under it.”  And thus, we hang mistletoe underneath our doorway come the holidays, so that we never overlook it again.

Legend states that a couple who kisses underneath mistletoe will have good luck, but a couple neglecting to perform the ritual will have bad luck.  It is believed that a couple kissing under the mistletoe ensure themselves of marriage and a long, happy life, while an unmarried woman not kissed under the mistletoe would remain single for another year.

Many women placed a sprig of mistletoe under their pillow which allowed them to dream of their Prince Charming.  Legend further states that if a girl refused a kiss while standing under mistletoe, it was said that she would not receive any marriage proposals during the following year.  Worse, it seems that many people would avoid her since they believed she would probably end up an old maid.

Interestingly, there is a proper etiquette for kissing under the mistletoe.  First, the man can only kiss a woman or girl on the cheek, and second, when he does so, he removes one berry from the sprig.  After all berries are gone, the kissing must end, too.

While mistletoe is widely viewed as a symbol of love and fertility, it is also representative of peace.  Ancient tales tell of enemies who encounter each other underneath trees bearing mistletoe.   The enemies lay down their arms, embrace, and agree to a truce until the next day.  The act of goodwill is yet another possibility for why we kiss under mistletoe.

With all the kissing going on this season, may I leave you with some practical advice - never let a fool kiss you, and never let a kiss fool you.

“IT’S MISTLETOE SEASON – PUCKER UP”

BY: NEAL MURPHY

107 HEMLOCK STREET
PO BOX 511
SAN AUGUSTINE, TX 75972
936-275-9033
Cell: 936-275-6986
Email: sugarbear@netdot.com

694 words
 

Santa Claus is coming to town this Saturday, December 5th.

In keeping with the holiday tradition, the Grand Marshal will lead the parade at 6:00pm.  Allison Harbison, the 2020 Distinguished Service Award recipient is this year’s Grand Marshal. Over 20 floats will make their way through the heart of downtown to delight the young and old alike.

Floats will line up on Malone Drive.  The Parade will go down Tenaha Street and around the downtown square, driving around all four corners and three sides, exiting onto Cora Street where it will start to disperse.

COR Boutique, Mooney’s Emporium and Payne & Payne Home N’Suchlike will be hosting their Christmas Open Houses all day. 

Thank you to this year’s Presenting Sponsor, Shelby Savings Bank.  Also, thank you to the City of Center, our Float Competition Sponsor; Farmers State Bank and Specter, Inc. our Silver Sponsors. 

 Parade winners will be announced via media on Monday, December 7th. 

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made an initial allotment of over 1.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to the State of Texas for the month of December. These vaccines, which should begin arriving in Texas the week of December 14th, will be distributed to qualifying providers across the state who will administer these immunizations based on the Vaccine Distribution Principles developed by the state's Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. Additional allotments may be made later this month for December. Also, increased allotments are expected in January and the following months.

"The State of Texas is already prepared for the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine, and will swiftly distribute these vaccines to Texans who voluntarily choose to be immunized," said Governor Abbott. "As we await the first shipment of these vaccines, we will work with communities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19."

BEAUMONT, Texas – A 24-year-old Beaumont, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for violent crime violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox.

Tremaurice Arthur Randall pleaded guilty on Aug. 4, 2020, to carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced to 114 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone. 

A co-defendant, Thaddiaus Joseph Thomas, 34, of Beaumont, Texas, pleaded guilty to the same charges on Aug. 12, 2020 and is awaiting sentencing.

According to information presented in court, on Dec. 21, 2019, Thomas and Randall traveled to the Excellent Carwash located at 5010 Haden Road in Beaumont, Texas, wearing masks, where they approached a man who was sitting in the driver’s seat of his 2003 Dodge Ram pickup truck. Thomas pointed a pistol at the man and Randall ordered him to “give it up” before the two pulled the man out of his truck and threw him to the ground. Thomas then pistol whipped the man in the head and fired one shot toward his feet.  Randall and Thomas then entered the pickup truck and fled.  Thomas and Randall were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 4, 2020 and charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

This case is a part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce un violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.

English:
Just a friendly reminder as you make plans for Christmas break: 

If you are planning to travel internationally at Christmas (Mexico included) please refer to the most up to date CDC guidelines regarding international travel - please  be aware of quarantine requirements following reentry to the United States. 

Spanish:
Solo un recordatorio amistoso mientras hace planes para las vacaciones de Navidad:

Si planea viajar internacionalmente en Navidad (incluido México), consulte las pautas más actualizadas de los CDC con respecto a los viajes internacionales; tenga en cuenta los requisitos de cuarentena después del reingreso a los Estados Unidos.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html#travel-1

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-mexico

Chastiti N. Horne attended Panola College from 1989 to 1991. While attending Panola College, she participated in cheerleading, Green Jackets service organization, theatre, and was the treasurer for the Student Government Association.

“Some of my fondest memories were cheering and performing for the Ponies and Fillies games. We were also invited to perform at the Casque d’Or IX in France but when Operation Desert Shield was launched that August, we were not allowed to travel. We later performed at several events to honor our troops thanks to our great cheer coach, Brenda Allums,” said Chastiti.

“I have so many wonderful memories from my time at Panola College, such as being a member of the Green Jackets service organization sponsored by the late/great Karon Ashby O’ Neal and going to the Texas Junior College Student Government Association’s annual convention with sponsor, Coach Don Clinton. And who could forget having shaving cream fights between the girls’ and boys’ dorms.”

After graduating from Panola College, she attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1993 and then obtained her law degree from South Texas College of Law in 1998. Horne is currently a managing partner at Horne Rota Moos law firm in Houston, Texas.

Chastiti has been the recipient of several awards professionally including being named as one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2017. She was featured in 2008’s Time Magazine’s “Salute to Women in Leadership” and was awarded the 2012 Harris County Bench Bar Pro Bono Award for an Individual for her work with Child Advocates.  She also received the 2001 Harris County Adult Volunteer of the Year award and has been named to the Texas Super Lawyer list by Texas Monthly 2012 - 2019, as well as Texas Rising Star-Super Lawyer 2007 through 2011. Chastiti was named “Litigator of the Week” by Texas Lawyer Magazine in February 2014.  She was also named a 2014 Woman on the Move by Texas Executive Women and chosen as the 2016 South Texas College of Law Alumni Public Service award recipient. Chastiti was also named as a Top Lawyer by Houstonia Magazine in 2016 and 2017.

Chastiti is a Life Fellow with the Houston Bar Foundation, Past President of the Greater Houston Society for Healthcare Risk Management, member of the DRI, member of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys and member of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel (Nominating Committee 2009). She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Child Advocates, Inc., the Board of Trustees for St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the Alumni Board of Directors for Panola College (Secretary) and the South Texas College of Law Alumni Board of Directors.

Chastiti also enjoys spending time with her husband, Tony Houck, and her three children; Presley, Payne and Barrett.

“I met some of my best friends during my time at Panola College. We have been in each other’s weddings, celebrated babies, career changes, and promotions. For the past 30 years, we have been there for the best and the worst that life brings and everything in between. We have lost some of our Panola College family along the way and helped each other through those days,” said Chastiti. “I gained many sisters and brothers during my two years at Panola, and I wouldn’t trade those years for anything.”

Due to a major leak, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the
Denning Rural Public Water System PWS # 2030004 to notify ALL customers to boil their
water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands/ face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children,
seniors and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful
bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and
ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption
purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two
minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other
suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify
customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to
customer that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who
may not have received the notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes,
schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing
copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Denning Rural Water System at
220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489
or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.

It began when Japanese aircraft appeared in the air over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii just before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, December 7th, 1941.  When the attack ceased shortly before 10:00 a.m., less than two hours after it began, American forces had paid a fearful price.  Eighteen (18) ships were either damaged or sunk, 180 aircraft were destroyed and 2,403 were dead and thousands of others wounded.

In honor and remembrance of those who served and died at Pearl Harbor, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will hold a wreath laying at Veterans Memorial, 1885 Historic Courthouse at 10:00 a m, Monday, December 7th, 2020. 

As always, the public is cordially invited to attend.  More information contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume, 936-332-0349.  Social distancing and masks required.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) by Dec. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers facing market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

“With over 300 eligible commodities, from livestock and row crops to specialty crops and aquaculture, most farmers and ranchers are potentially eligible for CFAP 2,” said Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agency administrator. “FSA offers several options for farmers and ranchers to apply. Don’t wait to check out our online resources and connect with our employees who are ready to answer your questions and help you get started on your application.”

Producers have several options for applying for the CFAP 2 program by the Dec. 11 deadline. Producers can find eligible commodities, payment rates, calculations and options to apply on farmers.gov/cfap. 

Customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office. The call center can also provide service to non-English speaking customers. Customers will select 1 for English and 2 to speak with a Spanish speaking employee. For other languages, customers select 1 and indicate their language to the call center staff.

Additionally, farmers.gov offers a number of resources for producers interested in applying for CFAP 2, including: 

•           Eligible Commodities Finder
•           Videos, including “How to Apply for CFAP 2”
•           Blogs, including “Myth Debunked: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2” 
A correction to the CFAP 2 rule is pending. In case a producer is affected by this correction, FSA will provide additional time to apply or edit their application.

CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of CFAP, now referred to as CFAP 1. Participating in CFAP 1 is not a prerequisite for participating in CFAP 2. Additionally, producers who applied for CFAP 1 will not be automatically enrolled in CFAP 2 and must complete a new application to be eligible for assistance. 

Both CFAP 1 and CFAP 2 are self-certification programs, which means the applicant certifies the information submitted is correct. As part of the internal controls portion of CFAP 1, FSA is conducting spot checks of applications, asking producers to provide supporting documentation to verify the information on them. Producers are being selected using a statistically sound methodology. These CFAP 1 applicants will be contacted by FSA staff and asked to provide supporting documentation to verify the information certified by the producer on their CFAP 1 application.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will continue to work with our producers by phone, email and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.   

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

NACOGDOCHES, TX (December 1, 2020):  The Nacogdoches Police Department is launching a program where officers will check your house while you are gone on vacation.  The program is designed so that our residents will have the peace of mind knowing their police department will be checking on their homes, day and night, while they are away.  These requests will be entered like any other call for service and our communications will dispatch officers to the residence to check and make sure it is secure.   Request forms are going to be available on the City of Nacogdoches website at Nactx.us or in the front lobby of the PD.   All forms should be returned to NPD along with required address verification.

LUFKIN – A major construction project in Nacogdoches is progressing and work in coming days will require a road closure.

Work on the US 224/US 59 South upgrade in Nacogdoches currently has crews placing continuous reinforced concrete pavement in the new main lane location on the east side of US 59. Minimal impact to traffic is associated with this work, but motorists should stay alert for concrete trucks and equipment entering and exiting near SL 224 and US 59.

Motorists are currently experiencing slight shifts in the traffic patterns on the south end of the project near CR 523 and CR 524. Drivers should reduce speed through this area to the work zone speed limit of 60 mph. Local law enforcement is monitoring throughout the work zone.

On Dec. 21, weather permitting, crews are scheduled to temporarily close Old Lufkin Road on the north end of the project at SL 224 to connect a 16-inch water line. The closure will take up to two days to complete. Motorists should stay alert for detours and obey all signage. West Spradley Street or South Old Lufkin Road at US 59 will be open to local traffic as alternate routes.

Work is continuing south of East Spradley Street as embankment is hauled and vegetation is placed that should minimize any dust flares through the area. Crews are proactive in watering through this area to allow for greater driver visibility and to mitigate possible dust flares.

The $86.1 million project includes construction of new US 59 main lanes that will directly connect to SL 224 just south of SH 7 that is being built to interstate standards. The project also includes the construction of overpasses at Spradley Street, existing US 59 and Old Lufkin Road, and the construction of frontage roads for SL 224 between SH 7 and BU 59.

Motorists are urged to reduce speed and stay alert through the project area from SH 7 west on SL 224 to 1.2 miles south of Spradley Street on US 59. Longview Bridge and Road, Longview TX, is serving as contractor for the project that is on schedule to be completed in spring 2023.

The Tenaha cross country team ran at the State Championship in Round Rock on Tuesday, November 24th.  They qualified for the meet by winning the Regional Championship on november 10th in Huntsville. At last year's state meet the Tigers placed 14th overall, so the team set much higher expectations for the 2020 state race.  With senior leadership being the key, and adding 3 new runners to the team, the work began when all schools shut down in the spring and continued to work all throughout the summer.  

"Long runs to build the base is the most important part of distance running.  When they can run 6 to 7 miles everyday and it's easy for them. They will improve their 3 mile race time with speed workouts.  When school started this August, they already had the long miles in.  These boys are the most dedicated team running around our neighborhoods and dirt roads that our community has ever seen.  Their effort and commitment paid off, and the reward was well deserved," stated Coach Sisk.  The Tenaha cross country team medaled at the State Championship for a bronze 3rd place overall team finish.  Pictured left to right is Adrian Lopez, Alan Mosqueda, Irvin Barona, Oscar Flores, Eduardo Flores, Even Plata, Misael Hernandez, and Coach Lauri Sisk. 

Senior              Oscor Flores        16:59
Sophomore      Evan Plata            17:07
Senior              Irvin Barona         17:35
Freshman        Misael Hernandez   18:19
Senior              Eduardo Flores      18:29
Freshman        Adrian Lopez          18:40
Junior              Alan  Mosqueda      19:23

Crews will apply a brine mixture to elevated surfaces today 12-1-2020 in Nacogdoches and Shelby counties ahead of possible freezing temps and expected rain tonight. Motorists should reduce speed and allow crews to work through these areas. Motorists should stay alert for possible icy patches on rural roads and reduce speed or avoid driving in severe winter weather conditions. Visit drivetexas.org for a live look at statewide road conditions.

Please note the following requirements for Center High School home basketball games.
All guests will be required to wear a face covering while at the event. You will not be allowed
to enter without a face covering.

Executive Order GA-29, requiring face coverings, applies to all UIL activities effective
July 3, 2020. This includes the 2020-2021 school year. As the public health situation
changes, and/or if subsequent Executive Orders are issued by Governor Greg Abbott,
these guidelines may be further modified.

Exceptions to the wearing of face coverings or face shields include:

- Any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering
- While a person is consuming food or drink
- When a congregating group of adults maintains at least 6 feet of social distancing, or
- Any other reason or circumstance indicated under Executive Order GA-29.

Social distancing will be required in the bleachers. Blue tape is used to mark non-seating areas.
Please only sit in allowable areas.

Individuals who are confirmed to have, suspected of having, are experiencing symptoms of, or
have been in close contact with an individual who has been confirmed to have COVID-19 should
not enter the facility.

We will follow all UIL guidelines for game attendance including the 50% capacity requirement.
Tickets will be available for purchase in the following order:
- Participants will have first opportunity to purchase tickets online for family members
- General public will then have online access to purchase the remaining tickets

Thank you,
Dr. Byron Miller
Principal, Center High School